Tag: MoU

  • Turkey and Pakistan strengthen media and communication ties

    Turkey and Pakistan strengthen media and communication ties

    MUMBAI:  Turkey and Pakistan have reinforced their strategic partnership with the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing cooperation in media, communication, and public relations. The agreements were signed in Islamabad during the visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his delegation for the seventh Turkey-Pakistan High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting last week.

    Turkish presidency  head of communications Fahrettin Altun and Pakistan minister of information and broadcasting Attaullah Tarar formalised the agreements to deepen collaboration between the two nations in the fields of media, public diplomacy, and broadcasting.

    The “memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of media and communication” seeks to advance bilateral efforts in media and communication, fostering the exchange of expertise and best practices. 

    The second agreement, the “Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Public Relations and Communication,” aims to enhance strategic communication and public relations between Turkey and Pakistan.

    Under the terms of these agreements, both countries will promote cooperation based on reciprocity and mutual benefit while adhering to their respective national laws and regulations. 

    The MoUs outline provisions for information exchange, joint initiatives, and collaboration on projects of shared interest. They also include training programmes, workshops, and leveraging technology to streamline citizen engagement.

    Effective immediately, the agreements will remain in force for three years, marking a new chapter in Turkey-Pakistan cooperation in the media and communication sectors.

  • Maruti Suzuki collaborates with Saraswat Co-operative Bank for retail car financing

    Maruti Suzuki collaborates with Saraswat Co-operative Bank for retail car financing

    MUMBAI: Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL), announced the signing of a MoU (memorandum of understanding) with Saraswat Co-operative Bank Ltd (Saraswat Bank). Under this collaboration, the latter  will provide customised auto retail financing solutions for customers. With this tie-up, MSIL aims to help dealer partners offer comprehensive retail financing solutions to its customers.  

    The MoU was signed in the presence of Allied Business senior executive officer of marketing & sales Partho Banerjee, executive officer of marketing & sales Bhuvan Dheer, vice president Kamal Mahtta and Maruti Suzuki Finance & Driving School from Maruti Suzuki general manager Vishal Sharma and Saraswat Bank chairman  Gautam E Thakur, chief business officer Priyam Alok, MD & CEO Arti Patil, director Laxman Samant and director  Kiran Umrootkar and other senior officials from both organisations.

    MSIL senior executive officer of marketing & sales Partho Banerjee said, “At Maruti Suzuki, customers remain at the heart of everything we do. Our partnership with Saraswat Bank is a step forward in providing our customers with easy, flexible, and personalized financing options that cater to their needs. By leveraging the collaboration with Saraswat Bank, we will ensure that customers can access tailored financing solutions, making the process of owning a Maruti Suzuki vehicle all the more convenient. This initiative also reaffirms our commitment to constantly widen our gamut of offerings to our customers, aligning perfectly with our vision of spreading the joy of mobility for all.”

    Saraswat co-operative Bank chairman Gautam E Thakur said, “We are glad to have Maruti Suzuki as our partner for offering car financing solutions. This association will ensure that customers have very competitive terms and best possible services, which shall benefit them immensely.”

  • Agoda and Goa Tourism join forces

    Agoda and Goa Tourism join forces

    Mumbai: In a bid to showcase the myriad wonders of Goa to travellers worldwide, digital travel platform Agoda has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Goa Tourism. This collaboration aims to shine a spotlight on the rich tapestry of experiences that Goa has to offer, catering particularly to the preferences of travellers from Asian markets.

    Under the terms of the freshly minted MoU, Agoda is poised to unveil Goa’s diverse holiday offerings and attractions to its global network of travellers. Through this partnership, Agoda commits to working closely with Goa Tourism to harness the power of digitization in enhancing travellers’ experiences while also rolling out digital promotional campaigns.

    Speaking on the occasion, GTDC IAS, director of tourism & managing director Suneel Anchipaka expressed enthusiasm, “This partnership with Agoda marks a significant milestone for Goa Tourism, as it underscores our dedication to embracing digital advancements in the tourism sector. Our partnership with Agoda underscores our dedication to embracing digital advancements in the tourism sector, allowing us to showcase Goa’s beauty to a global audience and cater to the evolving preferences of modern travellers.”

    Echoing similar sentiments, Damien Pfirsch, Chief Commercial Officer at Agoda, commented, “Teaming up with Goa Tourism presents an exciting opportunity for Agoda to leverage our technological expertise and insights in promoting Goa’s unique offerings. Through strategic outreach efforts and digital enhancements, we are confident in our ability to inspire travellers to explore the enchanting allure of Goa.”

    To bolster tourism in Goa, Agoda will roll out tailored landing pages and travel guides, providing travellers with comprehensive insights into the region’s hidden gems. Additionally, Agoda will harness the power of various social media platforms to position Goa as a must-visit destination, thereby attracting a greater influx of tourists. With its ever-evolving digital platform, Agoda continues to expand its global network of accommodations, flights, and activities, facilitating affordable explorations of breathtaking destinations like Goa.

  • Cabinet approves MoU cooperation between Prasar Bharati and Radio Television Malaysia

    Cabinet approves MoU cooperation between Prasar Bharati and Radio Television Malaysia

    Mumbai: The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi was apprised of the MoU/Agreement signed on 7 November, 2023 which has an immense potential to strengthen the cooperation in the field of broadcasting, exchange of news, and audio-visual programmes as well as significantly augment India’s friendly relations with the country. With this, the total number of MoUs signed by Prasar Bharati with different countries has increased to 46.

    Prasar Bharati plays a crucial role in nation building and lays continuous focus on providing meaningful and accurate content to one and all, both within the country and abroad. These MoUs are going to be crucial in distribution of content in other countries, in developing partnerships with international broadcasters and exploring new strategies to address the demands of new technologies.

    The major benefit arising out of signing of MoUs are exchange of programmes in the areas of Culture, Education, Science, Technology, Sports, News and other fields on gratis/non-gratis basis.

    India’s Public Service Broadcaster, Prasar Bharati has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Radio Televisyen Malaysia, the Public Service Broadcaster of Malaysia in order to promote cooperation in public broadcasting in the field of radio and television.

  • NxtDigital launches its broadband-over-satellite solution ‘NxtSkyFi’

    NxtDigital launches its broadband-over-satellite solution ‘NxtSkyFi’

    Mumbai : Media and communications company, NxtdDigital Ltd, has introduced “NxtSkyFi,” a broadband-over-satellite (BOS) service. Over Diwali, the BOS service in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland was officially launched in the picturesque town of Tawang. The BOS service will gradually be made available to the rest of India.

    Speaking at a function that was attended by leading dignitaries including in-charge DC of Tawang Rinchin Leta, BJP National Party Minority Morcha leader Tsetan Chombey; DRDA Tawang project director  Tenzin Jambey, and other senior civil servants; 

    DIPRO of Tawang Nawang Chita, lauded NxtDigital for its launch of its BOS service and pointed out, “This launch coincides with a historic day for Arunachal Pradesh. We are proud to have the service inaugurated here. We urge NxtDigital to provide such services that augment the lives of citizens by providing education and so many other digital services – across all of Arunachal Pradesh and the north-east of India quickly.”

    The NxtSkyFi BOS offering is unique in that it is a bundled offering that gives clients access to services like interactive learning, digital movie on demand, over-the-top (OTT) TV, and other online solutions, rather than merely a “passive Internet pipe.” In addition to signing on with top OTT platforms, it has already onboarded two major partners, Tata Studi and Jadooz, to bring infotainment content to the last mile.

    Tata ClassEdge chief business officer at Sachin Torne said, “Tata Studi is an award-winning interactive learning solution founded on the science of learning – giving students access to a highly effective learning method, recommended by learning scientists.”

    Jadooz, a company founded by Padmashree Shobana and veteran media executive Rahul Nehra is focused on interactive big-screen education and entertainment, with a focus on rural and emerging markets. Jadooz has already launched 20 centres in India where NxtSkyFi will partner for its BOS solution.

    NxtDigital chief business officer Sameer Kanse said, “NxtSkyFi is an innovative solution. For retail users it goes beyond uninterrupted internet connectivity to offer real solutions to enrich the lives of customers, through our partnerships. For OTT providers, it leverages our connectivity together with over 1,500 locations-based Edge content delivery network (CDN) solutions to address low latency requirements – enhancing the user experience, facilitating higher subscriber addition and retention. For enterprises, we have a myriad of solutions including bundling BOS with fiber connectivity for optimal reach and cost-efficiency.”

    NxtDigital’s strategy is to use its vast network of over 10,000 digital service partners and presence in over 4,500 pin codes across India to deliver a variety of solutions ranging from education and healthcare to information and entertainment. The BOS solution will be an important component of the company’s national “NXTmesh” network project, which aims to integrate connectivity across India via its own fibre and the vast national fibre network of its partners. The emphasis will continue to be on providing innovative business models and dependable connectivity solutions to its retail and enterprise customers.

    NxtDigital managing director and CEO Vynsley Fernandes pointed out, “The launch of NxtSkyFi is in line with our vision to build out a pan-India network of digital infrastructure to fulfill our government’s objective of a digital and truly ‘connected’ India. This launch fits in with our expanding portfolio of digital TV via fiber and HITS and our terrestrial broadband connectivity which has expanded significantly over the last couple of years.” 

    He added, “The recent launch of our OneDigital product will also ride on the back of our BOS initiative bringing television, broadband, OTT, VoIP, WIFI and CCTV solutions to markets where reliable connectivity is a challenge. The launch of our broadband over satellite service also triggers off the first phase of our relationship with Thaicom – as we look to work together to bring emerging solutions to India.”

    According to the binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) between NxtDigital and Thaicom, the plan is to develop and offer a portfolio of global emerging digital solutions that are critical to the mission of a digital India. Thaicom has already developed and deployed satellite artificial intelligence solutions in other parts of the world, including space-based data technologies for agriculture, disaster relief, and natural resource management, as well as public WIFI systems and drones to supplement rural digital solutions.

    Given India’s heavy reliance on agriculture and the current difficulties in crop management, satellite-based AI will be helpful in providing readily accessible mission-critical data. Additionally, both businesses have decided to establish a Center for Excellence to use artificial intelligence and analytics to develop new satellite and associated digital-based technologies, utilising their respective reputations for deep-tech research and development.

  • ABP Network & IIM Indore enter into MoU to combat fake news

    ABP Network & IIM Indore enter into MoU to combat fake news

    Mumbai: ABP Network has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore to focus on analysing and recommending policy-level interventions combating fake news ecosystems.

    The agreement aims for both parties to collectively investigate the social-psychological underpinnings of fake news and design preventative mechanisms to address this issue.

    Both parties will work towards the development of an informed and open society through a mutual academic-practice collaboration framework.

    ABP Network and IIM Indore will cooperate and collaborate to carry out joint research for developing tools & processes needed for creating an informed society & open society. They will further develop awareness models on digital literacy for the citizens of India. There will also be a provision for short-term training/research opportunities for personnel of ABP Network and IIM Indore. Further, both the parties will also hold joint seminars of mutual interest.

    “With this collaboration, we look forward to a constructive professional relationship with IIM Indore in the years to come,” said ABP Network CEO Avinash Pandey. “ABP Network has always stayed true to its commitment to increasing the scope of an informed and open society. By entering into this agreement, we aim to develop preventive strategies to address the challenges of fake news, its genesis & impact, and develop awareness modules for the general public. We are confident that this partnership will play a pivotal role in the research and development of the dynamic media space and will allow an exchange of a plethora of ideas and strategies.”

    “We are delighted that IIM Indore and ABP Network are signing a MOU. Social consciousness is at the fore in the mission statement of IIM Indore,” said IIM Indore director professor Himanshu Rai. “Through this agreement, we can lay the foundation for building a conscious nation by combining the ground reach of the ABP Network and the intellectual excellence of IIM Indore. This will be done primarily by trying to solve the problem of fake news. According to us, the effect of fake news is not only on individual sensitivity but can also affect social unity and national security. Our journey starts here.”

  • Nxtdigital, Thaicom ink strategic partnership to deploy satellite broadband services in India

    Nxtdigital, Thaicom ink strategic partnership to deploy satellite broadband services in India

    Mumbai: Nxtdigital and Thaicom have signed a deal to form a strategic partnership to enter broadband-over-satellite (BoS) market and related services in India.

    The two companies have signed a binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

    The partnership includes deployment of BoS systems on India-focused capacity, which could be enhanced to provide future additional capacity on a state-of-art software define high throughput satellite; augmenting the existing IPSTAR-1 which is the first broadband satellite in the world and operational over India for several years.

    Thaicom and Nxtdigital will look to provide BoS services immediately in IPSTAR-1 focusing mainly on the rural footprint in India, comprising 60 per cent of Nxtdigital customers through the only HITS (headend-in-the-sky) platform in India.

    “The BoS service will focus on providing cost-effective and quality broadband and will give a tremendous boost to delivering education, information, entertainment, health and other services to these markets,” said the statement.

    The details of partnership elements are being discussed and will be documented in definitive agreements between Thaicom and Nxtdigital.

    “We are delighted to ink this MoU with Nxtdigital, which is easily one of the best digital platforms groups in India,” said Thaicom Public Company chief executive officer Patompob Suwansiri. “With our global satellite experience spanning nearly three decades and Nxtdigital’s distribution expertise, vast footprint and broadband penetration – we believe that together, we are best suited to delivering broadband over satellite and related services to India, not just at a high level of quality of service, but also cost-effectively. Our engagement and investments reflect our commitment to India, where we have had a presence since 2002, offering broadband over satellite since then.”

    “We have always taken our commitment to the government’s digital India mission very seriously,” said Nxtdigital managing director and CEO Vynsley Fernandes. “With HITS, we now cover over 4,500 pin codes across India with a significant presence in not just rural India but also areas where terrain poses challenges to connectivity. Through this engagement with Thaicom, a global leader in satellite technology, we will look to facilitate digital inclusion across education, healthcare, information & entertainment – by extending satellite-based broadband connectivity and services to our customers there and also to the underserved and other poorly connected markets.”

    The two companies will also develop and offer digital solutions for the government that Thaicom has already developed and deployed elsewhere in the world including satellite artificial intelligence solutions comprising space-based data technologies for agriculture, disaster relief & natural resource management public WIFI systems and drones for augmenting rural digital solutions.

    “With India’s significant dependence on agriculture and the incumbent challenges of crop management – the satellite-based AI will help by providing mission-critical data on tap,” said the statement.

    Both companies will also set up a Centre for Excellence to develop new satellite and related digital-based technologies through artificial intelligence and analytics – leveraging deep-tech research and development.

  • DD’s news content to be available in Australia under MoU with SBS

    DD’s news content to be available in Australia under MoU with SBS

    Mumbai: In a significant move, Indian pubcaster Prasar Bharati on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Australia’s public service broadcaster Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) to boost co-operation in the field of broadcasting. This alliance will expand the reach of DD News, DD India, and multiple language services of DD News amongst the Indian diaspora in Australia. 

    “Through this MoU, the two broadcasters will explore opportunities in co-production and joint broadcasting of programmes spanning across multiple genres. They will also exchange programmes (radio and television content) in the fields of culture, education, science, entertainment, sports, news, travel, music and arts,” said the media statement issued by the ministry.

    “It would allow for the exchange of programmes, expertise in this sector and would facilitate daily slots on TV channels in Australia for DD India, DD News and DD Sahyadri,” commented India’s foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla.

    Both public broadcasters will also exchange professionals and organise their training to share knowledge on technical know-how and programme production, etc. They will provide facilities and general assistance, including supply of information and other organisational and technical assistance, to each other, said the statement.

  • Amazon India inks MoU with Silk Mark Organisation of India

    Amazon India inks MoU with Silk Mark Organisation of India

    NEW DELHI: Amazon India has signed an MoU with the Silk Mark Organization of India (SMOI). As part of the MoU, Amazon will launch an exclusive Silk Mark store with Silk Mark labelled products through multiple sellers associated with the organization. Through this collaboration, Amazon.in will have a significant impact on the lives of numerous weavers and craftsmen associated with more than 4,200 Silk Mark authorised users across the country. The launch will help showcase over 3000 products initially and customers will get access to silk mark assured genuine 100 per cent pure silk products like sarees, dress materials, salwar kameez sets, scarves, stoles, jackets, shirts, ties, etc.

    Silk Mark authorised users and numerous weavers and craftsmen associated with them will be part of Amazon Karigar, a program that enables weavers, artisans and micro-entrepreneurs to come online and access a wider market base through Amazon. Sellers’ part of Silk Mark Organization of India (SMOI) will be able to avail additional benefits by selling their products on the Amazon India marketplace including discounted referral fees, support with shipping and delivery of products, imaging and marketing support, technical training and business and sales support. This association will also enable an expansion of the customer base for these weavers and sellers, bringing in greater recognition for their work and providing more employment opportunities.

    Amazon India head- MSME empowerment and seller experience Pranav Bhasin said: “Artisans and weavers are a key part of our community and are in need of support to reach customers. At Amazon, our vision is to empower and encourage the growth of artisans and weavers in our mission to bring all forms of Indian crafts online and expand the selection for customers. We are focused on enabling small and medium sellers to embrace online selling and expand their business. The launch of Silk Mark labelled products through our association will enable thousands of weavers across India to sell online and reach millions of Amazon customers.”

    Silk Mark certification is an initiative of the Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. Silk Mark certified products come with the Silk Mark Label. These are affixed only on pure silk products by the Authorised Users of Silk Mark. Each label has a hologram and a unique number printed on it which helps the consumer trace the product back to the Authorised User. The launch of Silk Mark certified products ahead of the ensuing wedding season on Amazon.in will help thousands of weavers reach millions of Amazon customers with Silk Mark certified products.

    "Silk Mark Organisation of India, Central Silk Board is delighted to associate with Amazon India as the online market place for Silk Mark Labeled 100 per cent pure silk products from our Authorised Users. The exclusive Silk Mark Store on Amazon Karigar and Amazon India bazaar is in line with the Go Digital mandate of the government and will help over 4200 Silk Mark Authorised Users spread across India reach millions of Amazon customers. Silk Mark Label is the only assurance of purity of silk and the Silk Mark Store will have a wide range of 100% assured pure silk products. Through this association, the Silk Mark Authorised Users can expand their trade and provide direct and indirect employment to many silk farmers, weavers and craftsmen working for them. In addition to this, it will also help ensure access to 100% pure Silk Mark Labeled products to millions of customers across the country” said Silk Mark Organisation of India VC and central silk board, ministry of textiles, government of India CEO and member secretary Rajit Ranjan Okhandiar.

  • Al-Futtaim, PVR sign MoU to explore opportunities in MENA region

    Al-Futtaim, PVR sign MoU to explore opportunities in MENA region

    MUMBAI: Multiplex operator PVR signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dubai’s Al-Futtaim to explore opportunities to jointly develop cinema business in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

    The joint venture will introduce a collection of unique experiential cinema formats to the region including PVR’s Director’s Cut, a format that blends the best in high-end hospitality and entertainment.

    “We see great potential in the cinema business in the region, and particularly in Saudi Arabia, following the government’s decision to reopen the cinema industry,” said Al-Futtaim Group director corporate development Marwan Shehadeh.

    “PVR is the perfect partner for Al-Futtaim, given its 20 years’ proven track record of operating and creating experiential cinema formats, catering to customers looking for best in class experiences. To begin with, we have already identified locations in Al-Futtaim real estate developments such as Dubai Festival City and Festival Plaza in Dubai and are in discussion with landlords to secure other locations in Dubai and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” he added.

    PVR in a regulatory filing said both parties will work together over the next few months to undertake a feasibility study and convert the MoU into a formal joint venture arrangement.

    In December last year, PVR had said it was scouting overseas destinations for expansion and planned to open its first project in Sri Lanka in next two years.

    Commenting on the partnership, PVR Ltd chairman and managing director Ajay Bijli said “We see a great opportunity in taking the PVR brand to the MENA region, particularly expansion in UAE and entry into the Saudi Arabian market which has recently decided to open up the cinema industry. We are delighted to partner with Al-Futtaim, which is one of the most diversified and progressive privately held businesses in the region.”

    At present, PVR operates over 600 screens in 52 cities in India.