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Tag: Kerala

  • Gujarat bags National award for Ease of Doing business in cinema, UP and Kerala get special mentions

    Gujarat bags National award for Ease of Doing business in cinema, UP and Kerala get special mentions

    New Delhi: Gujarat was named the Most Film-Friendly State at the 63rd National Film Awards here today. This is the first time that the Information and Broadcasting Ministry has bestowed this award in order to promote film tourism in states.

    Film Festivals Director Senthil Rajan said: “We had 16 entries from different states, and this is a major step by the Indian government to promote film tourism in the states because this sort of an award will enthuse the states.”

    He added: “We chose Gujarat primarily because of the efforts in the direction of ease of doing business and facilitation of films and towards the promotion of Indian cinema.”

    A special mention was also given to Uttar Pradesh for its single window clearance efforts and incentives offered by the government, and to Kerala.

    The awards were selected by a separate jury constituted by the Directorate of Film Festivals.

     

     

  • Idea expands 4G service across 39 Karnataka towns

    Idea expands 4G service across 39 Karnataka towns

    MUMBAI: Idea Cellular has expanded its high speed 4G LTE services across 39 towns in Karnataka.

     

    What’s more, by March 2016, the company will extend its services to three more key markets namely, Maharashtra & Goa, North East and Orissa, and by June 2016, Idea’s 4G footprints will cover 750 cities across 10 telecom circles.

     

    Within a month, the company has expanded its 4G LTE service footprint to 24 districts, including major towns of Bangalore, Mysore, Madikeri, Karwar, Chikmagalur, Belgaum and Chitradurga; covering 20 per cent of the state’s total population.

     

    In addition to Bangalore metro, Idea has launched its 4G services in other towns of Channarayapatna, Udyavara (CT), Harihar, Kunigal, Mulbagal, and Toranagal. Additionally, Idea is planning to launch its 4G services in Mangalore, Udupi-Manipal, Bijapur, Bellary and 18 more towns by end of this financial year, taking the total tally to 61.

     

    It can be recalled that last year in December, Idea Cellular had launched 4G LTE services in all four telecom circles (five states) of South India, namely Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, and Karnataka. Earlier this month, the company launched services across three more circles (four Indian states) – Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana and Punjab, expanding its 4G LTE service footprint to 7 telecom service areas.

     

    Idea Cellular deputy managing director Ambrish Jain said, “Since last week of December 2015, Idea has rapidly rolled out its high-speed 4G LTE network to cover seven major markets in India.”

     

    Idea Cellular currently holds 1800 MHz 4G spectrum in these 10 telecom circles, which cover 50 per cent of telecom market but over 60 per cent of Idea’s gross revenue. Additionally, Idea has recently signed an agreement with Videocon Telecommunications for acquiring ‘Right to Use’ 1800 MHz spectrum under Spectrum Trading Agreement in two of its key telecom leadership markets of Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh (West). Post completion of this transaction, 4G services will be extended to 12 service areas, covering 75 per cent of Idea’s revenue base in the country.

     

    Idea Cellular chief marketing officer Sashi Shankar added, “Idea customers with 4G devices in these 183 towns can now start experiencing super fast speeds by simply upgrading their existing SIM cards to new 4G SIM cards. The company is also offering attractive subscription plans to digital content including a wide range of the latest music, movies and games. Idea has also partnered with leading handset manufacturers and e-commerce retailers for special data bundling offers on new 4G smartphones.”

     
    Idea’s 4G Prepaid & Postpaid tariff plans are priced at par with existing 3G plans. The company is also offering ‘4G Packs’ starting as low as Rs 21.

     

    Digital Content for 4G consumers 

     

    Idea, marking its first foray in the digital space, is launching an assortment of digital content in partnership with content aggregators.

     

    For music, it has tied-up with Hungama Digital, wherein it will offer content at a monthly subscription price of Rs 99 for all its consumers. For movies and videos, Idea has partnered with Eros International, wherein content will be offered at a monthly subscription price of Rs 49 for all its consumers. Idea will also be launching ‘Idea Games Club’ powered by Opera for all its consumers from 1 February, 2016, at a monthly subscription price of Rs 150. However, as an incentive for new 4G customers, a special offer for subscription at just Rs 29 per month till 31 March, 2016 is available for these packs.

     

    Idea will also unveil ‘Ultimate Plans,’ which provide a Bundleof 4G Data, Unlimited Voice calls and Content subscription, which is powered by Hungama.

     

    Wide Portfolio of 4G Smartphones & Devices

    Currently, 2.7 million 4G devices across these seven circles are registered on Idea’s network and growing at an exponential rate. To facilitate 4G device upgrade, Idea has launched branded 4G devices namely Idea 4G Dongles, 4G Mi-Fi (connects 10 users) and Home Wi-Fi (connects 32 users), which are now available at Rs 2,599 onwards with 4G Data offers.

     

    Idea has partnered with Samsung for special offers on its 4G Smartphones, wherein the two companies will launch a variety of programmes to offer differentiated and significant value to customers.

     

    The TSP has also tied up with smartphone manufacturers including Intex Technologies, Lava, Lenovo and Xolo to offer bundled 4G data plans on smartphones.

     

    A tie up is also in place with e-commerce retailer Snapdeal for providing bundled data offers on 4G devices.

     

    Launch of 4G website

    The company has also launched its responsive 4G website -www.ideacellular.com/4G, wherein consumers can log on to get more information about 4G services, tariff plans and recharges, locate the nearest Idea stores offering 4G SIMs and much more. Idea is also rolling out a smartphone e-store on its website. Consumers can now buy 4G smartphone brands, Mi-Fi and Dongles. 

     

    The company has also rolled out its FDD platform enabled 4G LTE services on the 1800 MHz frequency band, which is the most preferred spectrum band for deployment of 4G services globally, and is supported by the majority of 4G handsets available in the market.

     

    Idea Cellular’s 4G LTE Network will be equipped with the enhanced ‘Fast Return’ feature enabling seamless and quick toggle for consumers across Idea’s 4G, 3G and 2G networks, offering superior experience for both mobile data and voice services. While the company possesses the capability to introduce VoLTE feature, existing customers’ current 4G devices do not support this feature. Accordingly, the deployment of VoLTE will be evaluated at a later stage.

     

    Idea is deploying state-of-the-art, ‘Single RAN’ equipment, which supports multiple technologies in a given frequency band. For every 4G site on 1800 MHz, this equipment also provides additional 2G voice capacity on GSM spectrum.

     

    For FY16, Idea Cellular’s capex guidance is Rs 6,500 crore, significantly higher than earlier years’ annual capex spends. In this fiscal year, Idea plans to add 40,000 – 45,000 sites on 2G, 3G and 4G technology platforms, complete a cumulative roll out of 111,000 kms of Fibre, and add an incremental 175-200 million population to the mobile broadband (3G & 4G) population coverage. The 4G launch in Southern India is part of the capex guidance by Idea.

     

    The roll out of Idea’s 4G services will be financed through internal accruals. The company recorded an EBITDA of Rs 5,739 crore in H1-FY16, a growth of 27.6 per cent  over H1-FY15 and cash profits of Rs 5,085 crore, a robust growth of 32.5 per cent over H1FY15.

  • Idea expands 4G service across 39 Karnataka towns

    Idea expands 4G service across 39 Karnataka towns

    MUMBAI: Idea Cellular has expanded its high speed 4G LTE services across 39 towns in Karnataka.

     

    What’s more, by March 2016, the company will extend its services to three more key markets namely, Maharashtra & Goa, North East and Orissa, and by June 2016, Idea’s 4G footprints will cover 750 cities across 10 telecom circles.

     

    Within a month, the company has expanded its 4G LTE service footprint to 24 districts, including major towns of Bangalore, Mysore, Madikeri, Karwar, Chikmagalur, Belgaum and Chitradurga; covering 20 per cent of the state’s total population.

     

    In addition to Bangalore metro, Idea has launched its 4G services in other towns of Channarayapatna, Udyavara (CT), Harihar, Kunigal, Mulbagal, and Toranagal. Additionally, Idea is planning to launch its 4G services in Mangalore, Udupi-Manipal, Bijapur, Bellary and 18 more towns by end of this financial year, taking the total tally to 61.

     

    It can be recalled that last year in December, Idea Cellular had launched 4G LTE services in all four telecom circles (five states) of South India, namely Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, and Karnataka. Earlier this month, the company launched services across three more circles (four Indian states) – Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana and Punjab, expanding its 4G LTE service footprint to 7 telecom service areas.

     

    Idea Cellular deputy managing director Ambrish Jain said, “Since last week of December 2015, Idea has rapidly rolled out its high-speed 4G LTE network to cover seven major markets in India.”

     

    Idea Cellular currently holds 1800 MHz 4G spectrum in these 10 telecom circles, which cover 50 per cent of telecom market but over 60 per cent of Idea’s gross revenue. Additionally, Idea has recently signed an agreement with Videocon Telecommunications for acquiring ‘Right to Use’ 1800 MHz spectrum under Spectrum Trading Agreement in two of its key telecom leadership markets of Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh (West). Post completion of this transaction, 4G services will be extended to 12 service areas, covering 75 per cent of Idea’s revenue base in the country.

     

    Idea Cellular chief marketing officer Sashi Shankar added, “Idea customers with 4G devices in these 183 towns can now start experiencing super fast speeds by simply upgrading their existing SIM cards to new 4G SIM cards. The company is also offering attractive subscription plans to digital content including a wide range of the latest music, movies and games. Idea has also partnered with leading handset manufacturers and e-commerce retailers for special data bundling offers on new 4G smartphones.”

     
    Idea’s 4G Prepaid & Postpaid tariff plans are priced at par with existing 3G plans. The company is also offering ‘4G Packs’ starting as low as Rs 21.

     

    Digital Content for 4G consumers 

     

    Idea, marking its first foray in the digital space, is launching an assortment of digital content in partnership with content aggregators.

     

    For music, it has tied-up with Hungama Digital, wherein it will offer content at a monthly subscription price of Rs 99 for all its consumers. For movies and videos, Idea has partnered with Eros International, wherein content will be offered at a monthly subscription price of Rs 49 for all its consumers. Idea will also be launching ‘Idea Games Club’ powered by Opera for all its consumers from 1 February, 2016, at a monthly subscription price of Rs 150. However, as an incentive for new 4G customers, a special offer for subscription at just Rs 29 per month till 31 March, 2016 is available for these packs.

     

    Idea will also unveil ‘Ultimate Plans,’ which provide a Bundleof 4G Data, Unlimited Voice calls and Content subscription, which is powered by Hungama.

     

    Wide Portfolio of 4G Smartphones & Devices

    Currently, 2.7 million 4G devices across these seven circles are registered on Idea’s network and growing at an exponential rate. To facilitate 4G device upgrade, Idea has launched branded 4G devices namely Idea 4G Dongles, 4G Mi-Fi (connects 10 users) and Home Wi-Fi (connects 32 users), which are now available at Rs 2,599 onwards with 4G Data offers.

     

    Idea has partnered with Samsung for special offers on its 4G Smartphones, wherein the two companies will launch a variety of programmes to offer differentiated and significant value to customers.

     

    The TSP has also tied up with smartphone manufacturers including Intex Technologies, Lava, Lenovo and Xolo to offer bundled 4G data plans on smartphones.

     

    A tie up is also in place with e-commerce retailer Snapdeal for providing bundled data offers on 4G devices.

     

    Launch of 4G website

    The company has also launched its responsive 4G website -www.ideacellular.com/4G, wherein consumers can log on to get more information about 4G services, tariff plans and recharges, locate the nearest Idea stores offering 4G SIMs and much more. Idea is also rolling out a smartphone e-store on its website. Consumers can now buy 4G smartphone brands, Mi-Fi and Dongles. 

     

    The company has also rolled out its FDD platform enabled 4G LTE services on the 1800 MHz frequency band, which is the most preferred spectrum band for deployment of 4G services globally, and is supported by the majority of 4G handsets available in the market.

     

    Idea Cellular’s 4G LTE Network will be equipped with the enhanced ‘Fast Return’ feature enabling seamless and quick toggle for consumers across Idea’s 4G, 3G and 2G networks, offering superior experience for both mobile data and voice services. While the company possesses the capability to introduce VoLTE feature, existing customers’ current 4G devices do not support this feature. Accordingly, the deployment of VoLTE will be evaluated at a later stage.

     

    Idea is deploying state-of-the-art, ‘Single RAN’ equipment, which supports multiple technologies in a given frequency band. For every 4G site on 1800 MHz, this equipment also provides additional 2G voice capacity on GSM spectrum.

     

    For FY16, Idea Cellular’s capex guidance is Rs 6,500 crore, significantly higher than earlier years’ annual capex spends. In this fiscal year, Idea plans to add 40,000 – 45,000 sites on 2G, 3G and 4G technology platforms, complete a cumulative roll out of 111,000 kms of Fibre, and add an incremental 175-200 million population to the mobile broadband (3G & 4G) population coverage. The 4G launch in Southern India is part of the capex guidance by Idea.

     

    The roll out of Idea’s 4G services will be financed through internal accruals. The company recorded an EBITDA of Rs 5,739 crore in H1-FY16, a growth of 27.6 per cent  over H1-FY15 and cash profits of Rs 5,085 crore, a robust growth of 32.5 per cent over H1FY15.

  • BARC India’s watermarked channels crosses 400 mark

    BARC India’s watermarked channels crosses 400 mark

    MUMBAI: Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India has achieved another significant milestone within the very first year of its operations: the subscriber base of TV channels, which have signed up for its Watermarking Technology, has crossed the 400 mark. 

     

    The number now stands at 429 to be precise. If one takes into account the various language feeds of channels, that number actually climbs to 457, as BARC India is watermarking 28 language feeds separately.

     

    BARC India started rolling out viewership data in end-April with 277 channels signing up for its Watermarking Technology: and in the short span of last eight months, it has witnessed a rapid acceleration of broadcasters adopting the technology, which is the starting point for BARC India’s future-proof audience measurement system. 

     

    The technology has been adopted by not just broadcasters with an all-India market, but also by regional broadcasters across the spectrum. Of the 429 channels that have adopted the watermarking technology, 195 are ‘All India’ channels and HSM (Hindi Speaking Market) channels.

     

    A hundred and thirty one channels are from the South comprising markets of Tamil Nadu & Puducherry (42), Andhra Pradesh & Telangana (39), Karnataka (27) and Kerala (23).

     

    Of the other key TV markets in India, 18 channels are of West Bengal and 17 of Maharashtra & Goa.

     

    BARC India contracted Kantar Media’s team (previously part of Civolution) to supply the watermarking technology that underpins the world’s largest audience measurement system.

     

    “We are happy to have partnered with BARC India to deploy our watermarking technology. With so many new ways of distributing and consuming TV and video content, Kantar Media’s solutions enable BARC India to detect content wherever and whenever it’s consumed,” said Kantar Media Watermarking Solutions global director Jean Michel Masson.

     

    “We have been able to cross the 400 channel mark in a short span since our launch. This is an achievement and the team at BARC India has done a great job to achieve this target. I am thankful to Civolution and Cineom for their support and technology,” added BARC India CEO Partho Dasgupta.

  • Vodafone to launch 4G services in Kerala by December 2015

    Vodafone to launch 4G services in Kerala by December 2015

    MUMBAI: The Indian telecom sector is gearing up for the  4G wave. After Reliance Jio and Airtel’s plans to launch the same, now Vodafone India is all set to  launch its 4G services in Kerala by end of December 2015.

     

    Important centres including Kochi, Trivandrum and Kozhikode will be part of the first wave of the 4G roll-out, which will be launched across the circle in a phased manner.

     

    Testing of 4G services has commenced successfully. With some of the latest technological developments on the anvil, Vodafone is building robust and resilient network architecture with a strong backup to support the volumes and need for speed from customers.

     

    In addition, to offer its 3G customers a faster, smarter and better experience, Vodafone has taken several measures over the last few months. This includes making significant investments and upgrading its own network plus modernising the radio network and switching systems to deliver a new enhanced 3G experience.

     

    In addition, charging platforms have also been upgraded to facilitate a wider bouquet of products and services.

     

    Further, Vodafone is investing heavily into high capacity Fibre to significantly increase the internet connectivity to the rest of the world, which will benefit all its data subscribers. Kerala is a significant and key focus market for Vodafone India.

     

    With around 15 per cent of data revenues, it is one of the top data markets for Vodafone in India and is growing at over 80 per cent YoY, exceeding the pace of growth of the previous year. 

     

    Vodafone India business head Kerala Abhijit Kishore said, “This is an important phase for Vodafone in Kerala and our customers have a lot to look forward to. We are excited to launch our new 4G services in the superior 1800 MHz band and also provide a faster and enhanced 3G experience for our customers.”

     

    He added, “Having launched 4G services in several countries, Vodafone has the requisite expertise and experience to ensure that its service in Kerala will be best in class. We will continue to pursue our customer centric strategy of continuing to meet their evolving needs for better and smarter connectivity for both voice and data.”

     

    In the first six months of the current financial year, Vodafone has already invested more than Rs 350 crores in Kerala towards its network upgradation.

  • Who Will Bihar Vote For?

    Who Will Bihar Vote For?

    MUMBAI:  CNN-IBN and IBN7’s programming on the upcoming Bihar Elections is focused on bringing the actual picture from the Ground Zero. In continuation of this, the channels will bring a special pre-poll survey to comprehend the overall scenario, likely seat wise outcome and key issues which will matter in these elections. The findings of the survey are set to telecast on 8th October, 2015 on both the channels.

     

    Given the high decibel campaigns and presence of star campaigners, Bihar elections will be a crucial event in the political firmament of the country. Both the BJP and the Grand Alliance are pulling out all stops in an attempt to win in the state. The results of this election could also set the tone for several key state elections that are to happen over the next 2 years including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

     

    Conducted by Axis MyIndia across 38 districts of Bihar, covering all 243 constituencies with a sample size of over 24,000 respondents, the survey intends to delve deep into what the electorate in Bihar in thinking. The survey comprises of a comprehensive set of questions to assess various factors, which could play an important role in influencing the choice of the voters.

     

    To know the findings of this study, tune into CNN-IBN’s ‘Battle for Bihar: The Pre-Poll Survey’ and IBN7’s ‘Mahasangram Ka Mahasurvey’ on 8th October 2015, from 7pm to 10pm.

  • Kerala gets its first animation VFX & 3D conversion studio

    Kerala gets its first animation VFX & 3D conversion studio

    NEW DELHI: The Aries Group, a consortium of different independent firms spearheaded by Sohan Roy, has launched its state-of-the-art animation, VFX & 3D studio Aries Epica Studios in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

     

    The studio set across 16000 sq.ft space will cater to deliver high quality 2D/3D animation, visual effects and stereoscopic 3D content conversion. This is the 30th company setting shop in Technopark Phase III. The studio complex also houses a preview theatre.

     

    The new space will also house Epica Academy – the first of its kind 3D Stereoscopic Film Academy. Streaked with state-of-the-art hi-tech facilities along with motion capturing devices, the Academy has a vision of providing quality education in 3D stereoscopy, 2D & 3D animation, editing & DI, audio engineering and VFX.

     

    “The animation and VFX market worldwide is booming and there is a lot of work they are outsourcing from India. With the Epica Studio and Academy we aim to tap the talent from India and make them experts in Animatronics to meet the global expectations. We want Epica at Technopark to be a gateway for Indian talent to the world film industry and also future of international content creation,” said Aries Group of Companies and Epica Studio CEO and founder Sohan Roy.

     

    It was in 2014 that Epica Studio along with their technology partner Dimenco launched a revolutionary project – the Glasses-free 3D TV at Gitex Dubai. This new auto stereoscopic 3D TV allows viewers to enjoy 3D content without wearing glasses, he added.

     

    “After ensuring our unique presence in post-production with Aries Vismayas Max and in the world of Cinema Screens with Aries SL Plex, now Epica is going to be another jewel in the crown of Aries and a Pride for Trivandrum,” said Roy.

     

    “Epica will be an international hub for entertainment industry serving visual effects, 2D/3D animation and stereoscopic. We have dedicated professionals working from this studio and providing services to our clients in USA, Canada, Europe and Middle East,” said Epica Studio managing director Jeemon Pullely.

     

    Based in India, the company has set up marketing hubs in the US, Finland, China, Italy and UAE. At present, the company employs 264 professionals and is aiming to touch 3000 employees mark in its second phase of expansion, said Pullely.

     

    Aries Group is a consortium of different independent firms from across the globe spread across countries like Singapore, India, China, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Azerbaijan and USA. Established by business tycoon Sohanroy, the company is certified with ISO 9001-2008 and has its headquarters in Sharjah. In turn, BIZTV Network, a part of Aries Group, operates in the world of Entertainment. In here, BIZTV Networks is the productions house exclusively for film production with prestigious projects like Dam999 (India’s First movie to be converted from 2D to 3D), Saint Dracula 3D and Kamasutra 3D. Together, about 18 Oscar nominations can be credited.

     

    Recently, Aries Group took over Vismayamax, one of South India’s biggest post-production Studios with Atmos sound system in India. It has also extended its arm into the stereoscopic universe by taking over Epic Studios, a pioneer in stereoscopic studios in India, renaming it as Epica Studio.

  • Dish TV adds 9 Malayalam channels for Kerala market

    Dish TV adds 9 Malayalam channels for Kerala market

    MUMBAI: In yet another move to diversify its presence in the market, direct-to-home (DTH) operator Dish TV has added nine new Malayalam channels in its bouquet for viewers in Kerala.

    Dish TV now offers the maximum regional entertainment amongst all DTH players with a total of 27 channels and services on its platform in the state. The DTH player also has the widest overall content basket with a bouquet of 500+ channels and services.

    The latest addition of the channels include: Kaumudy, Reporter, TV New, People, Jeevan, Safari, Kochu, Kappa and Goodness. Dish TV offers various Malayalam channels across different subscription packs in all genres like movies, news, devotional and general entertainment for the Malayali speaking audience.

    Dish TV India chief operating officer Salil Kapoor said, “Being a pioneer and market leader Dish TV has always stood up to its promise of providing maximum width and depth of content with an overall of 500+ channels and services. Dish TV has always taken the lead in enhancing the value proposition and believes in providing the maximum and the best in entertainment to its subscribers. Our endeavor is to increase affinity with our audiences by providing them the choice of content they would like to watch. And now by adding nine exceedingly popular Malayalam news and entertainment channels in our channel bouquet, we take pride to offer maximum Malayalam content to our customers in Kerala and we will continue to expand our offerings with further additions.”

    The list channels as follows:

  • Dish TV launches Zing in Kerala with 27 Malayalam channels

    Dish TV launches Zing in Kerala with 27 Malayalam channels

    MUMBAI: A decade after serving the nation with direct to home (DTH) services media mogul Dr Shubash Chandra owned Dish TV has now launched its regional DTH brand Zing in the Kerala market targeting Malayalam viewers.

     

    It may be recalled that in an exclusive interview with Indiantelevision.com recently, Dish TV CEO RC Venkateish had said that after being present in the Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra market, Zing would expand into the Kerala market.

     

    Special conceptualisation and customization has been done keeping the Malayalam viewers in the state of Kerala, who are rapidly moving over to the digital platform. 

     

    The bouquet of services are derived from a consumer survey revealing the most watched channels in this region. As an attempt to give the best services to the consumers at a reasonable price, Zing will offer 27 Malayalam channels and services along with 150+ channels at an exclusive price of Rs 99 per month.

     

    Venkateish said, “Our consumer demographic study has indicated that large segment of TV viewers from medium and small town prefer content from their own region. Zing will address this need and provide maximum available regional content (27 Malayalam Channels and Services) to viewers through exciting packs as compared to other DTH brands.”

     

    He added, “Zing is our unique initiative where a complete new brand is being launched to address this need for regional content. Now not only will packages cater to specific audiences across states, but even communication will be in the customer’s language of choice.”

  • DD to introduce new infrastructure for 35th National Games

    DD to introduce new infrastructure for 35th National Games

    MUMBAI: Indian pubcaster Doordarshan is planning an expansive coverage of the 35th National Games through its main sports and numerous regional channels. This will include live telecasts, highlights and news based programs of the Games.

     

    Doordarshan will start telecasting special programs on Games from 31 January to 14 February, 2015. This includes the opening and closing ceremonies of the National Games.

     

    DD sports, DD National and all other regional language channels including DD Malayalam will telecast the opening and closing ceremony of the Games, live. These channels will also air special programs during the National Games.

     

    From 1 February, Doordarshan will telecast the events live on most of its regional channels. Round the clock coverage of the Games including highlights, news based programs and interviews are also on the cards.

     

    Most of the popular games like athletes, aquatics, football, basketball, kabaddi, tennis, gymnastics, handball, badminton and boxing will be telecast live on Doordarshan. Other events will find space as highlights.

     

    To make the Games a visual treat, Doordarshan is planning to bring in its entire resources and high-tech equipments including HD OB vans, under water cameras, high – tech graphic technologies etc.

     

    High Definition camera used in international events like Commonwealth Games will be used for the first time in the forthcoming National Games.

     

    The 35th edition of the National Games will see more than a total of 9515 participants, among them 7464 are athletes and 2051 of them are non-playing participants such as coaches, team managers and other supporting officials.

     

    Run Kerala Run, the curtain-raiser to the Games, turned out to be a huge success on as people of all walks of life thronged the streets to make it a phenomenal event. It was an occasion for the people of the State to join hands and pledge support to the Games being hosted by Kerala for the second time since 1987. From Parassala in the South to Manjeswaram in the North the simultaneous Run, at all its 21 mega points, 226 mini mega points, and over 10,000 ordinary points, attracted extraordinary crowds.

     

    Sachin Tendulkar held centre stage in the capital, while the other district headquarters had its own star attractions, notably Malayalam film heroes Mohanlal in Kochi and Dileep in Kottayam.