ITV

Tag: Paris

  • TCS and CEA join forces to give robotics a ‘physical AI’ makeover

    TCS and CEA join forces to give robotics a ‘physical AI’ makeover

    MUMBAI: When brains meet brawn, the robots of tomorrow are born. Tata consultancy services (TCS) and french research giant CEA have struck a partnership to fast-track the rise of physical AI, a field that blends artificial intelligence with robotics to create machines that can see, sense, and interact with the real world.

    Announced on 9 September in Paris and Mumbai, the alliance promises to take AI out of the cloud and into the factory floor, warehouses, and even social spaces. From versatile robots that adapt to new tasks, to human-friendly cobots for safer shop floors, and assistive bots that provide personal support, the collaboration is setting out to make robots less science fiction and more industrial reality.

    “By connecting cutting-edge research with business needs, we can invent the intelligent systems of tomorrow,” said CEA-list, director, Alexandre Bounouh pointing to how physical AI could transform production chains and boost European competitiveness.

    The deal will see TCS bring its global scale and deep sector expertise together with CEA’s research muscle, including breakthroughs ranging from brain-controlled exoskeletons to AI for self-driving cars. Together, they plan to offer proof-of-concepts, training, and real-world deployments, with support anchored in the TCS pace port Paris innovation hub.

    TCS France, managing director, Rammohan Gourneni called the partnership a “key step” in helping industries embrace physical AI. “It combines the power of AI with the intelligence of physical systems, supporting our clients’ industrial transformation,” he said.

    For TCS, which has been in France since 1992 and works with 18 cac40 companies, the partnership underscores its long-term commitment to the French tech ecosystem. For CEA, it marks another leap in its leadership role on Europe’s robotics roadmap.

  • Publicis Groupe smashes expectations with blistering 5.9 per cent organic growth

    Publicis Groupe smashes expectations with blistering 5.9 per cent organic growth

    PARIS: Publicis Groupe delivered a scorching second quarter that left competitors in the dust, posting 5.9 per cent organic growth that significantly outpaced expectations and cemented its position as the industry’s standout performer.

    The French advertising behemoth’s net revenue hit €3.6bn in Q2, up 4.6 per cent on a reported basis, whilst organic growth accelerated to 5.9 per cent – well ahead of the company’s five-year compound annual growth rate of 4.9 per cent for the quarter.

    Chairman & chief executive Arthur Sadoun didn’t mince words about the performance: “In a tough macroeconomic environment, Publicis had a very strong Q2 ahead of expectations,” he said, highlighting an “outperformance versus competition once again, of 800 basis points.”

    The stellar quarter was underpinned by what Sadoun called an “unprecedented new business run” of over a dozen material wins in the first six months of 2025, prompting the company to raise its full-year organic growth guidance to close to five per cent, up from the previous four to five  per cent range.

    Every major region delivered solid growth in Q2, with north America posting 5.8 per cent organic growth (5.3 per cent in the US), Europe climbing 4.6 per cent, and Asia Pacific surging 5.7 per cent. Latin America was the standout with a blistering 19.8 per cent organic growth.

    The company’s integrated model proved its worth in North America, where connected media and intelligent creativity drove “very solid growth,” whilst technology posted slight positive organic growth despite delayed capex spending across the IT consulting industry.

    Perhaps most impressively, Publicis managed to expand its operating margin to a record 17.4 per cent in the first half whilst sustaining significant investments in artificial intelligence, talent acquisition, and new business development.

    First-half net revenue reached €7.2bn, up 6.9 per cent, with organic growth of 5.4 per cent. Headline diluted earnings per share rose 3.8 per cent to €3.51, whilst free cash flow before working capital changes jumped 11.3 per cent to €828m.

    The company has been on a targeted acquisition tear, snapping up seven companies in the first half including Lotame’s identity solutions, Captiv8’s influencer technology platform, and Australia’s Atomic 212º media agency. These deals are designed to bolster Publicis’s AI-led capabilities and strengthen its “category of one” positioning.

    Despite ongoing global economic uncertainty, Publicis maintained its industry-high financial targets for 2025, expecting operating margins slightly above 18 per cent and free cash flow of around €1.9bn.

    “We are uniquely positioned to continue to win market share by bringing clients the immediate business solutions they need to grow in an uncertain global context,” Sadoun declared, signalling the company’s confidence in its ability to outmaneuver rivals in a disrupted industry.

    The results underscore Publicis’s transformation from traditional advertising agency to an integrated marketing technology powerhouse, with its data-driven approach and AI capabilities proving increasingly attractive to clients navigating digital disruption.

    With 108,000 professionals across over 100 countries, Publicis appears well-positioned to maintain its momentum through the remainder of 2025, despite anticipated client spending reductions in the second half.

  • Across Continents and Cultures: ‘Women’s Day Special’on Sony BBC Earth

    Across Continents and Cultures: ‘Women’s Day Special’on Sony BBC Earth

    This March, Sony BBC Earth will present ‘Women’s Day Special’, a contentline-up that will dive into a day of inspiring travel and exploration. Viewers will embark on adventures as celebrated female presenters Sue Perkins and Joanna Lumley guide them through diverse landscapes and cultures. Perkins will navigate the Ganges, explore Japan’s blend of tradition and modernity, and brave treacherous terrains. Lumley will trace the Silk Road, reveal hidden sides of European cities, and uncover the origins of beloved spices.

    ‘Women’s Day Special’ will commence with ‘Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road’, an expansive exploration across continents and cultures. From Venice, Lumley’s eastbound journey will allow viewers to witness the dramatic landscapes of Cappadocia, the architectural wonders of Uzbekistan, and the serene Kyrgyzstan. In ‘The Ganges With Sue Perkins’, Perkins will explore the Ganges, from its sacred Himalayan origin to its vast expanse, revealing modern India. She will meet the people who define the river, including holy men, climate refugees, and pilgrims, showcasing the river’s significance.  

    Following this, ‘Joanna Lumley’s Great Cities Of The World’ will unveil the secret sides of Europe’s major cities. Lumley will explore Paris, Rome, and Berlin, meeting locals and experiencing the cities’ rich and varied cultures. In ‘Japan With Sue Perkins’, Japan’s unique blend of ancient tradition and cutting-edge technology, from Tokyo’s neon streets to remote artisan villages, will reveal a nation balancing its past and future.  

    For adventure enthusiasts, ‘World’s Most Dangerous Roads’ will showcase Sue Perkins taking on extreme challenges, from Alaska’s icy Dalton Highway to the historically perilous Ho Chi Minh Trail. The journey will conclude with ‘Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure’, where Lumley will explore the spice trade, uncovering its historical and cultural significance.

    Viewers can tune in to Sony BBC Earth on March 8, 2025, from 09:00 AM onwards, to experience a journey of cultural exploration and adventure with ‘Women’s Day Special’.
     

  • Narendra Modi logs into AI future at Paris summit with Macron

    Narendra Modi logs into AI future at Paris summit with Macron

    MUMBAI: India’s tech diplomacy got a high-tech twist as prime minister Narendra Modi landed in Paris to co-chair the artificial intelligence (AI) Summit alongside French president Emmanuel Macron. The summit, a hotspot for world leaders, tech moguls, and policy architects, is tackling the biggest brain-busting questions around AI and how to harness its potential while keeping the digital genie from wreaking havoc.

    With AI rapidly reshaping industries from healthcare to defence, Modi’s presence at the summit signals India’s growing role in global tech governance. The discussions are expected to focus on ethical AI development, regulatory frameworks, and ensuring the technology doesn’t widen economic and social gaps. Amid growing concerns over deepfakes, job disruptions, and data privacy, the summit aims to establish a blueprint for responsible AI innovation.

    Beyond the tech talk, Modi and Macron are set to discuss India-France collaborations across aerospace, defence, and energy sectors. With joint ventures already in the works from Rafale jets to nuclear reactors the visit is expected to reinforce the strategic ties between the two nations.

    As AI continues to reshape the world at breakneck speed, the Paris summit is more than just a meeting of minds; it’s a race to ensure that intelligence, artificial or otherwise, serves humanity rather than outpaces it.

  • Warc revises ad revenue growth estimates upwards for 2024

    Warc revises ad revenue growth estimates upwards for 2024

    MUMBAI: Bullish is the mood at marketing effectiveness specialist Warc. The  firm had forecast in August 2024 that global advertising spend is on course to grow 10.5 per cent this year to a total of $1.07 trillion. Now, it has revised that growth upwards by 0.2 percentage points; its latest projection is that ad spends globally will grow by 10.7 per cent to touch  $1.08 trillion – the strongest growth rate in six years and the largest absolute rise on record if the post-Covid recovery of 2021 (+27.9 per cent year-on-year) is disregarded. 

    Warc’s latest global projections are based on data aggregated from 100 markets worldwide. Online media is on course to drive the growth,  a good year for TV has also made a notable contribution. The good news is that spends on linear TV are rising and are expected to end the year higher by 1.9 per cent, at $153.6 billion, following two years of slippage. Political TV adverts (especially in the US), the Paris Olympics and Euro football in Q3 have buoyed the spends on TV. However, before you start apart applauding please note that  linear TV’s hold today stands at just 14.3 per cent of global advertising spend, much, much lower than the heady days of a 41.3 per cent share in 2013. 

    We have all heard it before: Alphabet, Amazon and Meta are Pacmen increasingly swallowing up ad dollars in large chunks of billions every year. Warc data supports that. It stated that pure play online internet businesses like that of the three big tech firms, will see ad revenue growths of 14.1 per cent reaching $741.4 billion – accounting for a total of 68.8 per cent of all spends. Gadzillions!

    Social media ad spends are expected to leap upwards by 19.3 per cent reaching $252.7 billion -equalling 23.5 per cent of the total ad market. This is mostly because the sales folks at Facebook, Instagram and TikTok have been selling hard leading to better than expected results at the three firms during the first nine months of this year. 

    Overall ad spend growth is also expected to be buoyant next year at 7.6 per cent in 2025, and seven per cent in 2026 taking the global ad market to $1.24 trillion. For all those who have been doomsayers predicting the slamming of brakes on advertising here’s some facts: global ad investments have more than doubled over  the past 10 years and have grown 2.8 times faster than global economic output since 2014.

    Warc director of data, intelligence and forecasting and author of the research James McDonald said: “Our latest forecast anticipates $104bn in incremental advertising spend worldwide this year, the largest rise in history if the post-pandemic recovery year of 2021 were discounted. Whether this boom will sustain remains unclear, however, as 2025 presents a sliding doors moment due to heightened regulatory pressures on Google and TikTok – together a quarter of the ad market outside of China. This, alongside an increasingly challenging geopolitical climate, may spell uncertain times ahead for the businesses that rely on advertising trade.”

    (The image for this report was created using OpenArt AI. No copyright infringement is intended)
     

  • ShemarooMe partners with Indian embassy in Paris

    ShemarooMe partners with Indian embassy in Paris

    MUMBAI: As the world adapts to the new normal of social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ShemarooMe, the video streaming platform of Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd, has collaborated with the Indian embassy in Paris to connect with Indian nationals and people of Indian origin in France with a view to reinforce their eternal bond and love for Bollywood.

    Following a campaign similar to that in the US launched in association with the consulate general of India in New York, ShemarooMe – #SociallyDistantVirtuallyConnected, the OTT platform partnered with the embassy of India in Paris to organise a watch party on 5 April 2020, of the iconic comedy film, Chupke Chupke. It, thereafter, offered two weeks’ of free subscription of ShemarooMe, particularly to ensure that interested audiences could keep themselves entertained when they are locked down within the confines of their residences practising social distancing and quarantine amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The initiative of live streaming of the film received an overwhelming response with well over 26,000 Bollywood enthusiasts glued to the event. For the embassy of India in Paris and ShemarooMe, this was a perfect way to celebrate and unite people through their love for Bollywood during these unprecedented challenging times. One expects that this initiative will gain further popularity in the coming few days and more and more enthusiasts will avail themselves of the opportunity to see Bollywood and other regional film classics over the upcoming fortnight. 

    Embassy of India in Paris charge d’affairs Ankan Banerjee  commented, “As we stand together to combat the spread and negative impact of the novel Coronavirus, I am pleased to see the love and solidarity that individuals are expressing across the globe. While we religiously follow social distancing, at the same time, we should also make efforts to unite to strengthen the human bonds through a virtual connection. This notable initiative by ShemarooMe to bring people together as one big family and watch its content with a two-week free subscription will further bind the Indian families closer together. We greatly admire SheemarooMe’s unique offer and look forward to watching the iconic movie Chupke Chupke through this newly created virtual connect to our favourite Bollywood.”

    Embassy of India in Paris minister (consular) Shrila Datta Kumar noted, “With tough times ahead for all of us, we need to find newer incentives to keep the morale high and keep ourselves motivated and happy. I appreciate ShemarooMe’s unique initiative to connect us virtually to Bollywood and other Indian regional movies. As we practice social distancing, two weeks of free subscription of the App, along with hosting a watch party for Bollywood lovers, the all-time favourite classic movie Chupke Chupke, will surely connect across all age groups. It is a laudable effort by Shemaroo to bring the people together through this campaign #SociallyDistantVirtuallyConnected, in these difficult times.”

  • Wide sales picks worldwide rights to panorama title Garbage

    Wide sales picks worldwide rights to panorama title Garbage

    MUMBAI:  Paris-based sales company Wide has picked up worldwide rights to Panorama title Garbage, directed by Q, which is the only Indian feature in Berlinale official selection this year. A political drama that reflects the times we are living in, Garbage, Q’s new directorial venture Produced by Oddjoint Films and Karma Karma Entertainment & Media LLP, stars Tanmay Dhanania (Brahman Naman), Trimala Adhikari and Satarupa Das. The story of the film revolves around a woman who takes a taxi driver hostage when he starts stalking her and discovers he has a shocking secret at home.

    The film marks Q’s return to Panorama seven years after his rap musical Gandu in 2011. His last film, comedy Brahman Naman (2016), was acquired by Netflix and premiered at Sundance.

    Q said: “We were looking at a sales agent who could understand the sensitive nature of Garbage and the need for non-conventional methods of getting the film out there. I have been following Wide for a while and am looking forward to working with them for the first time on a film as bold as Garbage.”

    Wide president Loïc Magneron added: “Even though the film is set in India, there is obviously something universal about this strong statement made on violence against women, especially in this day and age.”

    Oddjoint is Q’s own production company, while Karma Entertainment & Media LLP was founded by Shaailesh R Singh and director Hansal Mehta

  • BBC World News unveils plans to help global audiences

    BBC World News unveils plans to help global audiences

    MUMBAI: As the United Kingdom looks towards the EU Referendum, the BBC has today unveiled its plans to help global audiences make sense of the vote.

    From documentaries and debates to live streaming on social media, BBC World News and BBC.com/news will provide a multiplatform offer, which means people around the world can keep up with the latest on the campaign wherever they are.

    The BBC’s international news service will be mobilising its team of experienced correspondents and presenters with live broadcasts from across Europe to explain key moments in the campaign and help people understand what the result could mean where they are, while also offering a wealth of content online at bbc.com/eureferendum (www.bbc.com/news/politics/eu_referendum)
    Sharing content and analysis via Facebook, Snapchat, and Twitter will be at the heart of the coverage as Outside Source presenter Ros Atkins takes his innovative daily news show on the road. He will be presenting his TV programme from Paris, Manchester and Edinburgh as well as live steaming on the BBC News Facebook page. He will also be covering the BBC’s live, televised EU membership debate at London’s SSE Arena, Wembley on Tuesday June 21st. Ros will use social media to bring viewers key points as senior politicians and other key figures explore both sides of the argument, while BBC World News will broadcast the debate live.

    On results day Ros will be joined by World News presenter and former BBC political correspondent Philippa Thomas in London’s Westminster as they cover the reaction to the referendum’s outcome in a special day of live broadcasts. Presenters David Eades and Karin Giannone will be bringing the view from Brussels, and Kasia Madera will be in Poland. BBC World News America anchor Katty Kay will be keeping American audiences up to speed, with a special London edition of her show while business correspondents Karishma Vaswani and Michelle Fleury will gauge the reaction of the financial markets and business communities around the world.

    Alongside the service’s news reporting BBC World News will also be broadcasting special documentaries. These include an Our World special with Gabriel Gatehouse considering what has become of the European dream and an hour long film ‘The Truth About EU Migration’ (title TBC) presented by Mishal Husain taking an impartial look at the effects of migration from other European Union countries to the UK.

    Unveiling the wealth of content, BBC World News digital and editorial director Richard Porter said, “This is a historic referendum for the British people, which we know is being watched closely around the world. It’s our responsibility to ensure audiences get the clearest explanation of the issues, with coverage they can trust. Audiences can expect the same quality of coverage whether they come to us on TV, on our website, our app or on social media – and we’ll reflect back what they’re saying to us, as well as what the politicians are saying to them. We’ll draw upon all the knowledge and experience of our expert correspondents to ensure audiences get the whole story.”

    Key Content

    • Our World: The European Dreamwith Gabriel Gatehouse-It’s more than 65 years since Europe set out on a journey that’s led to today’s complex union of 28 states. As the European Union struggles to stay united in the face of 21st century crises, for Our World Gabriel Gatehouse asks what’s happened to the European dream. Tx Friday June 10th 0930 GMT

    • The Truth about EU Migration – Mishal Husain takes an impartial look at the effects of migration from other European Union countries to the UK. From the economy and jobs market, through education, housing, and the NHS, to security and national identity, this documentary explores the true impact of EU immigration on Britain.Tx date tbc

    • EU Referendum: The Great Debate -As the campaign reaches its climax, BBC presenters David Dimbleby (Question Time) will be joined by Mishal Husain (Radio4 Today) and Emily Maitlis (This Week’s World), live at SSE Arena, Wembley in London for the BBC’s biggest ever campaign event as thousands of voters are invited to question representatives from the ‘leave’ and ‘remain’ camps
    – TxJune 21st.

    • Outside Source Specials / BBC World News live broadcasts

    o Paris – June 9 and 10

    o Belgium – June 14

    o Manchester & The Netherlands – June 16

    o Scotland – June 20

    • Results Day – rolling coverage from Westminster and Brussels with in-depth analysis as the result becomes clear – June 24

  • BBC World News unveils plans to help global audiences

    BBC World News unveils plans to help global audiences

    MUMBAI: As the United Kingdom looks towards the EU Referendum, the BBC has today unveiled its plans to help global audiences make sense of the vote.

    From documentaries and debates to live streaming on social media, BBC World News and BBC.com/news will provide a multiplatform offer, which means people around the world can keep up with the latest on the campaign wherever they are.

    The BBC’s international news service will be mobilising its team of experienced correspondents and presenters with live broadcasts from across Europe to explain key moments in the campaign and help people understand what the result could mean where they are, while also offering a wealth of content online at bbc.com/eureferendum (www.bbc.com/news/politics/eu_referendum)
    Sharing content and analysis via Facebook, Snapchat, and Twitter will be at the heart of the coverage as Outside Source presenter Ros Atkins takes his innovative daily news show on the road. He will be presenting his TV programme from Paris, Manchester and Edinburgh as well as live steaming on the BBC News Facebook page. He will also be covering the BBC’s live, televised EU membership debate at London’s SSE Arena, Wembley on Tuesday June 21st. Ros will use social media to bring viewers key points as senior politicians and other key figures explore both sides of the argument, while BBC World News will broadcast the debate live.

    On results day Ros will be joined by World News presenter and former BBC political correspondent Philippa Thomas in London’s Westminster as they cover the reaction to the referendum’s outcome in a special day of live broadcasts. Presenters David Eades and Karin Giannone will be bringing the view from Brussels, and Kasia Madera will be in Poland. BBC World News America anchor Katty Kay will be keeping American audiences up to speed, with a special London edition of her show while business correspondents Karishma Vaswani and Michelle Fleury will gauge the reaction of the financial markets and business communities around the world.

    Alongside the service’s news reporting BBC World News will also be broadcasting special documentaries. These include an Our World special with Gabriel Gatehouse considering what has become of the European dream and an hour long film ‘The Truth About EU Migration’ (title TBC) presented by Mishal Husain taking an impartial look at the effects of migration from other European Union countries to the UK.

    Unveiling the wealth of content, BBC World News digital and editorial director Richard Porter said, “This is a historic referendum for the British people, which we know is being watched closely around the world. It’s our responsibility to ensure audiences get the clearest explanation of the issues, with coverage they can trust. Audiences can expect the same quality of coverage whether they come to us on TV, on our website, our app or on social media – and we’ll reflect back what they’re saying to us, as well as what the politicians are saying to them. We’ll draw upon all the knowledge and experience of our expert correspondents to ensure audiences get the whole story.”

    Key Content

    • Our World: The European Dreamwith Gabriel Gatehouse-It’s more than 65 years since Europe set out on a journey that’s led to today’s complex union of 28 states. As the European Union struggles to stay united in the face of 21st century crises, for Our World Gabriel Gatehouse asks what’s happened to the European dream. Tx Friday June 10th 0930 GMT

    • The Truth about EU Migration – Mishal Husain takes an impartial look at the effects of migration from other European Union countries to the UK. From the economy and jobs market, through education, housing, and the NHS, to security and national identity, this documentary explores the true impact of EU immigration on Britain.Tx date tbc

    • EU Referendum: The Great Debate -As the campaign reaches its climax, BBC presenters David Dimbleby (Question Time) will be joined by Mishal Husain (Radio4 Today) and Emily Maitlis (This Week’s World), live at SSE Arena, Wembley in London for the BBC’s biggest ever campaign event as thousands of voters are invited to question representatives from the ‘leave’ and ‘remain’ camps
    – TxJune 21st.

    • Outside Source Specials / BBC World News live broadcasts

    o Paris – June 9 and 10

    o Belgium – June 14

    o Manchester & The Netherlands – June 16

    o Scotland – June 20

    • Results Day – rolling coverage from Westminster and Brussels with in-depth analysis as the result becomes clear – June 24

  • Dentsu to acquire Netherlands based creative agency Achtung

    Dentsu to acquire Netherlands based creative agency Achtung

    MUMBAI: Dentsu Aegis Network is planning to acquire the Amsterdam based creative agency Achtung BV.

    Founded in 2005, Achtung provides services in both the traditional mass media and digital advertising domains to a variety of companies in the information, communication, automotive and consumer electronics industries, among others. Achtung has been named “Interactive Agency of the Year” three times and won a number of Cannes Lions awards.

    Post-acquisition, Achtung will become part of creative agency mcgarrybowen, one of the Dentsu Group’s nine global network brands. This move will further strengthen and expand the mcgarrybowen network in Europe, making it the third creative hub after London and Paris, and enhance the brand’s presence in the region.

    In its September 2015 worldwide advertising expenditure forecasts, the Dentsu Group’s media communications agency Carat announced that advertising expenditures in the Netherlands grew 2.2 per cent in 2014. Further growth of 1.2 per cent is expected for both 2015 and 2016.