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Tag: New Delhi

  • TRAI dials up a united front as regulators join forces to fight digital spam

    TRAI dials up a united front as regulators join forces to fight digital spam

    MUMBAI: If spam calls and scam messages are the villains of our digital age, India’s top regulators are teaming up like superheroes. On 25 April 2025, TRAI hosted a meeting of the Joint Committee of Regulators (JCoR) at its New Delhi headquarters, bringing together heavyweights from RBI, IRDAI, PFRDA, SEBI, MoCA, MeitY, and special invitees from DoT and MHA to chart a stronger, cross-sector response to unsolicited commercial communication (UCC) and fraudulent activities.

    Opening the session, TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti stressed the urgent need for a collaborative approach. Highlighting the mounting threat to citizens, particularly senior citizens, Lahoti praised the JCoR’s progress but warned that “the challenges ahead demand even greater synergy and vigilance.”

    Key issues topping the agenda included the nationwide rollout of 1600 series numbers for transactional and service calls from government and financial entities. Members agreed to push for swift onboarding within their respective sectors and monitor progress closely. The Council of Administered Telecommunications (CoAT) also presented a solution offering a unified 1600-series CLI for seamless call identification across networks.

    Another major move discussed was the onboarding of commercial communication senders onto the Digital Consent Acquisition (DCA) platform. Regulators pledged to work with principal entities to ensure compliance, aiming to empower consumers with more control over who contacts them.

    Fraudulent communications and the rise of “digital arrest” scams were a serious point of concern. I4C proposed measures including deletion of unused SMS headers, swift action on fraudulent SMS identifiers, and blocking of mobile numbers and IMEIs used for scam messages. Members pledged to develop clear modalities for rapid action.

    Emerging threats from OTT and Rich Communication Services (RCS) platforms also grabbed attention. Recognising that spammers are shifting to newer communication channels, the committee decided that MeitY would engage with stakeholders to roll out spam mitigation strategies mirroring those in traditional telecom.

    The session closed on a determined note, with JCoR members agreeing to intensify collaboration across sectors. The goal? A safer, more secure digital communication ecosystem for India’s consumers, one where fraudsters find it harder to hide and trust travels faster than spam.

  • India gears up for Esports Conclave 2025 to shape gaming future

    India gears up for Esports Conclave 2025 to shape gaming future

    MUMBAI: India is levelling up in the esports arena, with the Esports Conclave 2025 set to take centre stage on 1 April in New Delhi. Organised by the Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI) in partnership with Krafton India and supported by Invest India as the knowledge partner, the conclave is poised to redefine the future of competitive gaming in the country.

    Bringing together senior government officials, policymakers, industry leaders, and esports professionals, the event will tackle crucial topics like international tournament readiness, investment opportunities, job creation, and esports infrastructure development. The discussions will also contribute to an Esports framework recommendation for the government, charting a course for esports regulation and industry recognition.

    With the theme “Forging the Path to Global Leadership”, the conclave will explore ways to integrate esports into Aatmanirbhar Bharat, positioning India as a powerhouse in the global gaming ecosystem.

    The need for a structured regulatory framework has become more pressing as esports gains momentum. With its inclusion in major sporting events like the Asian Games and the upcoming Olympic Esports Games 2027, the industry is no longer just a niche digital phenomenon, it’s a legitimate competitive sport with global stakes.

    PEFI secretary Piyush Jain said, “The upcoming Esports Conclave 2025 will mark a historic milestone in establishing India as a global powerhouse in the world of esports. Esports has evolved into a dynamic and competitive sporting industry with immense potential of growth. This conclave will serve as a catalyst, bringing together industry leaders, gamers, and policymakers to shape the future of esports in India. It will facilitate crucial discussions on policy frameworks, infrastructure, and opportunities for Indian talent on the global stage. PEFI is dedicated to making India a frontrunner in this digital sports revolution and is fully prepared to embrace this new era of competitive gaming.”

    Krafton India CEO Sean Hyunil Sohn said, “Esports is the future of competitive entertainment. With its official recognition in premier sporting events such as the Asian Games and the upcoming Olympic Esports Games 2027, Indian athletes now have the opportunity to compete on the world’s biggest stages. At Krafton India, we are committed to fostering a structured, sustainable, and internationally competitive esports ecosystem that empowers players and drives industry growth. Esports Conclave 2025 is a defining moment in this journey, bringing together policymakers, industry pioneers, and esports professionals to shape a long-term vision for India’s Esports industry.”

    Nodwin Gaming co-founder & managing director Akshat Rathee said, “With esports now finding a place in major international sporting events, India has a real shot at becoming a global contender. Esports Conclave 2025 is an important step in that direction – it’s where the right conversations can happen between the industry, government, and other key players. Whether it’s building grassroots programs, improving tournament ecosystems, or integrating esports into initiatives like Khelo India, this platform gives us a chance to align on what the future should look like. The goal is simple: create the structure and support needed for Indian esports talent to thrive on the world stage.”

    The Indian gaming industry is projected to hit 7.5 billion dollars by FY28, growing at a staggering CAGR of 20 per cent. As one of the fastest-growing esports markets in the world, India is not just playing the game, it’s setting new rules.

    By bringing together visionaries from policy and industry, Esports Conclave 2025 is more than just a conference; it’s a game-changing moment for India’s digital economy. With strategic vision, investment, and collaboration, India is gearing up to not only participate in the global esports arena but to dominate it.

  • Nasreen Shaikh wins BBC Sportswoman Award as kho kho’s star rises

    Nasreen Shaikh wins BBC Sportswoman Award as kho kho’s star rises

    MUMBAI: In a game of inches and intense competition, Nasreen Shaikh has secured the ultimate victory not just on the field, but off it as well. The former captain of the Indian women’s kho-kho team and Arjuna Awardee has clinched the coveted BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year – Changemaker Award. The award, which took centre stage at the Taj Palace, New Delhi on 17 February 2025, recognises her monumental role in elevating kho kho both nationally and internationally.

    This recognition follows the resounding success of the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup, held in Delhi, where India dominated by winning both the men’s and women’s World Cups. Shaikh’s rise mirrors the sport’s own trajectory, transforming kho kho from a regional pastime to a global contender.

    Shaikh’s reaction? “Kho Kho is more than a sport; it’s a passion that has shaped my life,” she said, reflecting on the award. “This honour acknowledges not just my journey but the efforts of every athlete striving to make a mark in Indian sports. I am grateful for this recognition and eager to take Kho Kho to even bigger stages.”

    International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF) and the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) president Sudhanshu Mittal presented the award, praising Shaikh’s contributions. He remarked, “Her dedication has not only brought glory to Indian sports but has also brought Kho Kho into the spotlight. Nasreen is an inspiration, and we are confident she will continue to lead the sport to new heights.”

    This prestigious recognition places kho kho in the spotlight, revealing its growing global appeal and the potential it holds as an exciting, high-intensity sport. As Shaikh continues to make waves, it’s clear that kho kho’s future is looking more competitive and commercially viable than ever.

  • IDCA awarded the BRICS-CCI annual recognition awards 2024 for community excellence

    IDCA awarded the BRICS-CCI annual recognition awards 2024 for community excellence

    Mumbai: The BRICs Chamber of Commerce hosted the BRICS-CCI annual Awards 2024 in New Delhi. The awards presented were for excellence, innovation, responsible business practices, community service & commitment to a sustainable future.

    IDCA was conferred the BRICS CCI Community Excellence Award in this glittering ceremony. The award was received by Patron, Reena Jain Malhotra, CEO, Roma Balwani, Committee Member, Jyoti Jain, Secretary, Ajay Kumar, and Indian Deaf Cricket Association.

    IDCA CEO Roma Balwani said, “It was an honour for IDCA to be given the prestigious B.A.R.A. award for Community Excellence. It underscores the importance of mainstreaming disability sport and IDCA’s endeavour is to provide a platform for talented hearing-impaired Indian cricketers, both men & women to showcase their prowess in the game of cricket. We recently concluded a successful maiden women’s T 10 tournament which was held in early January 2024 which celebrated & signalled the focus on diversity & inclusion.  ”

    Patron, Reena Jain Malhotra commented, “We are privileged to receive this maiden BRICs BARA award which recognised the effort and hard work of teams across India of young hearing-impaired students who have a passion for cricket. Today, I am delighted to receive this award in recognition of our hearing-impaired President, Sumit Jain & his team’s immense contribution to encourage, transform the lives of many of these specially abled Indian cricketers and give them the opportunity to play in national & international matches and be proud of their achievements.”

    Executive director, co-founder of BRICS-CCI and concept founder B.A.R.A, Dr. Sushi Singh emphasised B.A.R.A’s alignment with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World is One), embodying a commitment to unleash the power of the expanding BRICS bloc. Under the theme “Invest in our Planet,” the awards presented during the event recognised outstanding achievements in Academia, Business, Community, Media, and policymaking from various BRICS nations.

    KJ Alphons, former union minister of state for tourism and Guest of honour, gave away the awards in the august presence of chief guest, Maharaja Dr. Karan Singh, former member of Rajya Sabha.

  • Nasscom Foundation presents TechForGood India Conclave 2024

    Nasscom Foundation presents TechForGood India Conclave 2024

    Mumbai: Aligned with the UN’s 2030 SDG Agenda, nasscom foundation presents the TechForGood India Conclave 2024. Themed “Accelerating the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through Technology,” this event is set to take place on Thursday, 18 January 2024, at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The initiative stands as a pivotal platform uniting various stakeholders, including government entities, organisations, civil society, last-mile enablers, social innovators, and the social investment community to facilitate impactful discussions and offer a collective perspective on leveraging digital innovation and data-driven solutions to drive SDG advancements.

    The SDGs pose significant challenges while presenting unparalleled opportunities for businesses, governments, and communities in India and across the globe. It’s imperative to recognise that the deceleration of SDG progress isn’t restricted to specific regions; it’s a global concern requiring collective action. Addressing these challenges necessitates leveraging the power of technology as a force multiplier, promising progress. And as the next 7 years become crucial, the realisation that technology is the key is becoming irrefutable.

    Speaking about the conclave Nasscom foundation CEO Nidhi Bhasin said, “The TechForGood India Conclave 2024 aims at uniting changemakers to accelerate India’s progress towards the SDGs, sparking bold action on critical issues like sustainability, digital equity and social innovation. We are positive that the conclave will enable the participants to co-create actionable solutions and harness the power of technology to unlock accelerated and more inclusive development”.

    With curated master classes, flash panel sessions, visionary talks and fireside chats, over 10 hours of actionable insights, and the opportunity to connect with social innovators and thought leaders within the tech community, the event will dive deep into critical issues like championing sustainable dwellings, adoption of sustainable supply chains, climate change, green building, healthcare, education, and women entrepreneurship through the lens of technology and SDGs. Some notable speakers and delegates include Abhishek Singh, additional secretary, ministry of electronics and information technology; Sundari Nanda, special secretary ministry of home affairs; Urvashi Prasad, Director, NITI Aayog; Sindhu Gangadharan, SVP & MD at SAP Labs India; Amitabh Nag, CEO, Bhashini; Anjali Bansal, founding partner, Avaana Climate and Sustainability Fund; Srividya Nataraj, vice president, corporate service, CGI; Dhimant Parekh, founder & CEO, The Better India.

    With designed framework, the event highlights include:

    ·  Ask Me Anything @TechBaithak:  A platform for NGOs to access communities that can help with digital empowerment such as open source, digital marketing amongst others

    ·  TechForGood innovation showcase: A platform for social innovators to showcase their innovations and demonstrate the impact on SDGs

    ·  Access to theme based networks: Demarcated zones for theme based networking, to promote cross market linkages and collaboration.

    Agenda Link: https://techforgood.nasscomfoundation.org/agenda.php

    Registration Link: https://techforgood.nasscomfoundation.org/register.php

  • redRail from redBus gets platform naming & brand promotional rights of New Delhi Railway Station

    redRail from redBus gets platform naming & brand promotional rights of New Delhi Railway Station

    Mumbai: redRail, the authorised IRCTC partner and rail ticketing app from redBus, is one of the few brands that have obtained platform naming rights, including other brand promotional rights, at platforms no. 8 and 9 of New Delhi Railway Station.

    The pilot programme launched by the railways is the first of its kind, allowing brands to utilise the vast stretch within platforms of the New Delhi railway station to promote themselves in innovative ways, such as naming a platform after the brand and putting up extensive displays with promotional content, among others.

    The unique engagement approach that offers a high-end experiential connection between brands and customers is poised to garner over 20 million eyeballs monthly, captive for a minimum of 30-45 minutes. This is achieved through the sheer volume of footfalls at New Delhi Railway Station, one of the busiest in the country, elevating brand connection a few notches.

    redRail has obtained the rights to various elements on platforms 8 and 9 at New Delhi Railway Station.

    Brand name on platform signage, platform colour scheme, wrapping or painting on seating benches, branding on the fence of the potted plants, branding on the 3D gantry – exit/entry of foot over bridges or escalators on the platform – and branding on pink cubicles for women seating on each platform and product display are among the key offerings.

    This initiative also comes against the backdrop of redRail successfully completing its first year of operations. To celebrate the anniversary with all rail travellers, the enterprise is rolling out special offers and a contest to make it memorable. The three main offers are free tickets, a coupon for 50 per cent off up to Rs 100 and a flat Rs 50 off for all customers. These offers can be availed of by participating in an exciting “Spin the Wheel” contest, where users spin a wheel on the redRail app between 3 to 17 November.

    Speaking on the new initiative from the Railways and redRail’s participation, redBus senior vice president & head of brand marketing Pallavi Chopra said, “New Delhi Railway Station caters to more than 400+ trains every day, with about five lakh passengers using the facility on a daily basis, allowing us to engage with an audience that matters. We are confident that with extensive brand visibility at the station, we will receive 30 minutes of confirmed attention from travellers. We greatly appreciate this novel approach from the Ministry of Railways, which would allow brands to engage with their audiences in powerful ways and is a win-win for both. We are also celebrating the first anniversary of redRail and are delighted to announce exciting offers on tickets for our travellers.”

  • NT Summit & Awards: Experts discuss the importance and relevance of authentic news coverage

    NT Summit & Awards: Experts discuss the importance and relevance of authentic news coverage

    Mumbai: Is television new coverage balanced or has news journalism become a business? Should news broadcasters present the facts clearly while programming it? Do you think that the coverage of TV news is becoming more communal veering away from national issues such as inflation, rising liquid petroleum gas (LPG) prices and unemployment? Experts & opinion leaders in the news broadcast industry deliberated their views and talked about these tough questions head-on at the recently held News Television (NT) Summit in New Delhi.

    The powerful session was joined by Indian National Congress national spokesperson Dr Shama Mohamed; Times Now editorial director & editor-in-chief Rahul Shivshankar; Zee Media Corporation editor Rajnish Ahuja; Samajwadi Party national secretary & spokesman Rajeev Rai; BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla; CNN-News18 managing director Zakka Jacob and moderated by media professional & former editor of Star News Ravina Raj Kohli.

    Mohamed highlighted some data and mentioned that in May, 65 percent of primetime news was dedicated to communal issues and only one percent to LPG price rise. In April, 23 percent of primetime airtime was given to communal issues and seven per cent to the petrol price rise. The coverage of the film ‘The Kashmir Files’ accounted for 20 per cent of primetime news and eight per cent was allotted for fuel hike coverage. In December 2021, 22 percent of primetime coverage was on communal issues.

    She pointed out that there are well-known examples of both historical and modern media’s role in amplifying hate and leading to atrocities such as genocides such as ‘Radio Rwanda’ and the role of ‘Facebook in the massacre of Rohingyas’.

    Mohamed also stated that the role of the media is to ask difficult questions from the established government. “In the US, when a CNN reporter was struck out of a press conference by ex-president Donald Trump, he took the matter to the Supreme Court of the United States. Even right-wing news channels such as Fox News stood by the reporter. The media stood its ground and that’s why Trump is out,” she added further.

    Times Now’s Editor-in-chief Rahul Shivshankar noted that every government is worried about the influence of unregulated media. There are troves of misinformation sent via WhatsApp but by the time someone points it out, the fake news has made the damage.

    BJP’s Shehzad Poonawalla remarked that in the past journalists always had an incestuous relationship with politics and power. “Every media house has to cater to certain compulsions whether it be commercial or political,” he said. “Today, we are in an era of democratisation thanks to prime minister Modi and digital India. Everyone has access to a cheap data connection and fast data. I don’t think the media needs lectures from anybody, especially the opposition or the people in power. They do a fine job.”

    CNN-News18’s managing director Zakka Jacob was of the view that the agenda on TV was not dictated so much by politics and commercial factors as much by what made a great picture. He said, “The best pictures are those that make it to TV. All the news channels were covering the Rajya Sabha elections but due to a picture story, everyone’s agenda had changed in an hour or two. We tend to confuse news with top bands and ticker bands but at the end of the day it is about great pictures.”

    “It is easy to belittle news channels but at the end of the day, it is the easiest medium to switch off from or change the channel. If viewers are not watching opinion shows on TV, then we’ll be the first ones to cut it from the programming. We are answerable to what the viewer wants to know about,” he further added.

    The event was supported by Dalet who was ‘co-powered by’ partner as well as industry support partners GTPL Hathway, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, JW Player and Live U.

  • TV Today Network wins NT Awards’22 in various categories

    TV Today Network wins NT Awards’22 in various categories

    Mumbai: TV Today Network has won a total of 37 awards at the recently held News Television (NT) Awards in a glittering ceremony, which took place in Delhi on 10 June.

    The media group’s flagship news channels Aaj Tak and India Today TV won across the most coveted categories. Good News Today, the newest channel from India Today Group also bagged awards under the categories of ‘Best Animated Show by a News Channel’ and the ‘Daily News Bulletin’. The group’s digital properties namely aajtak.in and indiatoday.in also won big accolades at the NT Awards.

    The detailed list for this year’s NT awards 2022 won by TV Today Network is as follows:

  • iTV network launches news broadcast media institute

    iTV network launches news broadcast media institute

    Mumbai: iTV network has announced the launch of ITV Media Institute (ITVMI) in New Delhi.

    The institute offers media aspirants the opportunity to register for a one-year full time diploma course in television and digital journalism. This will give entry-level journalists the professional and technical expertise to work across media platforms. The course will impart knowledge of various aspects of television and digital journalism viz. script and content writing, reporting, PTC, walk-through, anchoring, voice-over, video-editing, graphic designing, camera, lighting, news production, working of PCR and MCR, mobile journalism, live streaming and nitty-gritty of digital media like news writing for news portals and social media.

    The media aspirants may also choose from a variety of short-term certificate courses (four months) at the institute in reporting, anchoring, video-editing, script and creative writing.

    “The programmes will give students access to national network and professional resources laying a strong foundation for a future in media,” said the statement. “The courses will help students learn all aspects of journalism including editorial and technical. And, they get an opportunity to work in a news channel to put theory into practice.”

    “There’s immense competition out there and as a credible media network, it’s our responsibility to not get lost in the confusion and deliver news with clarity and integrity,” said iTV Network founder Kartikeya Sharma. “We take pride to warm-heartedly welcome media aspirants to the best academic institute in Delhi.”

    “With the new concept: ‘Newsroom as classroom’ assisted with highly experienced and professional faculty, the courses at ITVMI will not teach students from books, but from real scenes as the action unfolds,” he further said.

    The institute offers features such as an interactive teaching approach, emphasis on practical training, well-equipped infrastructure with state-of-art studios, live to track, student friendly focused learning environment, covid protection in total capacity, training under well-equipped newsroom with high-end cameras, editing machines, graphic machines, live broadcast graphics like Vizrt and Wasp-3d, online editing, 3D animation on Maya software et al, guaranteed placement based on performance assessment of students and access to live production and outdoor shoots with an expert production team, said the statement.

     

  • L&K Saatchi & Saatchi ropes in Kanishka Vashisht as executive creative director

    New Delhi: L&K Saatchi & Saatchi strengthened its creative team on Monday with the appointment of Kanishka Vashisht as the executive creative director. Vashisht will be based out of New Delhi and will manage all brands for the region. He will report to L&K Saatchi & Saatchi, Joint national creative director, Rohit Malkani.

    Vashisht joins the agency from Lowe Lintas, Delhi where he was group creative director. His joining will strengthen the agency’s creative output and help create a unique culture – one that will thrive on creating superlative content & meaningful conversations for brands in the region, said the agency in a statement on Monday.

    Commenting on the appointment, Malkani said: “Finding the perfect person to head our New Delhi office wasn’t easy. It had to be someone who shared our obsession for spawning a unique culture, who shared our ambition for creating conversations and superlative content and finally, someone with a proven track record. In Kanishka, I saw all three. He is a unique creative person with his heart in the right place! It’s going to be a heck of a ride with him on board.” 

    Vashisht began his advertising journey as a suit in Triton Advertising, Delhi. But the creative spirit in him led him to switch over and join Ogilvy Delhi in 2004. After a five-year stint at the agency where he worked on brands like Motorola, KFC, LG, Eno, and others, he left to join Leo Burnett. As Uninor was born, he was then summoned to McCann Delhi to build relationships with Perfetti, Chevrolet, Coke, Aircel, Metlife, Greenlam, and others.

    After a five-year stint, Lowe Lintas Delhi came calling and got him to help conceive much more than just ideas for brands like Google, Micromax, Foodpanda, and Hindustan Times. He briefly took a sabbatical to explore his liking for a serene setting and left for the fields of southern France.

    Sharing his views on the opportunity that this role presents, he said, “I believe L&K Saatchi & Saatchi is an extremely fertile land for some very interesting brand work. My job is to sow the seeds of possibility, gather and nurture talent, and of course, reap the fruits of our combined efforts.”