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Tag: Pune

  • Media depends on PR agencies for quality inputs: MSLGroup report

    Media depends on PR agencies for quality inputs: MSLGroup report

    MUMBAI: We have heard stories about people struggling to make a mark in their chosen fields. Somehow, the number of such stories seems to be reducing. Thanks to the public relation work!

     

    The PR professionals work behind the scenes to bring their clients to the forefront, also making reaching out to concerned people easier and accessible.

     

    The “communication” industry has changed over the years and has become an integral part of today’s business. Be it brands or individuals, everyone needs that additional push to make it all work. But even the wand of the PR fairies would work only when one comes with a fat wallet! Considering the economic slowdown that has impacted almost all the sectors, even the PR sector must have been affected. Let’s see how…

     

    As per the report by MSLGroup on ‘Public Relations in India: The impact of the economic downturn and the 2014 outlook’ highlights the tough time, the paradigm shift and the new possibilities.

     

    With moderate growth and economic situation buffeting the currency, corporations have started working on the mantra: work leaner, battle for every square inch of the market and reduce budgets.

     

    Till two years ago, the Indian PR industry was different from what it is today. It was battling with numerous questions – how to come together to find solutions to the talent crisis? How to ensure fees are commensurate with value delivered? What can be done to underscore the sector’s strategic value and change its image from that of a media manager to brand builder?

     

    To keep a tab on how things have changed and how the industry is being perceived, not only from outside but within itself, the group put a pulse on the finger of the industry by commissioning a national survey of PR professionals. The focus was on the business environment, the challenges a slowdown presents and ways to negotiate it.

     

    Numerous questions were posed to the participants (67) across cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmadabad, Pune and Mumbai). For instance when asked about which part of the marketing ecosystem has been most affected by the downtown, the respondents thought that the PR industry was second after the advertising agencies.

     

    The report also quotes Eureka Forbes Marzin Shroff saying, “While it is true that businesses are facing turbulent times, the first thing most do is significantly reduce their marketing budget. We, however, are against this practice…. There are low-cost and even no-cost ways to market your product in order to keep your business on track even during difficult times. In view of this, our marketing budgets have not been significantly affected.”

     

    The report also talks about the way forward – the industry needs to keep the focus on issues like adapting to new modes of communication, innovative thinking, talent, targeting the right industry, product mix and building relationship with clients.

     

    The main learning from the responses stated in the report are:

     

    1.There is an increase in the media’s dependence on PR consultants for coverage

    2.Media is looking increasingly to PR agencies for quality inputs and content

    3.Competition between media houses has made it tougher for PR consultants

     

    The report goes on to focus on how there is a rise in the number of cheap smartphones and what it means for communications.

     

    Since consumers are using smartphones to communicate in multiple ways, marketers need to take note of how smartphones are helping consumers in their purchase decisions. Considering that smartphones sales saw a record 167 per cent annual growth, the market was projected to hit $1 billion by the 1013 end as per industry estimates.

     

    Click here for the full report…

  • Discovery channel enters one of the finest institutions of the world -national defence academy

    Discovery channel enters one of the finest institutions of the world -national defence academy

    MUMBAI: One of the most reputed training academies globally, the National Defence Academy, popularly known as the NDA, holds the distinction of being the first tri-services academy in the world. The cadets of all three defence services – army, air force and navy are trained together before proceeding further to their individual training academies. For the first time ever, Discovery Channel’s REVEALED: NATIONAL DEFENCE ACADEMY takes viewers on an exploratory journey through one of the country’s finest institutions, the National Defence Academy.

    Watch the special REVEALED: NATIONAL DEFENCE ACADEMY on Sunday, January 26 at 9 PM, only on Discovery Channel.

    Discovery Channel takes viewers inside this fascinating and enigmatic institution, to understand what makes the NDA so exceptional. Steeped in tradition and lore, the one-hour long film delves into the academy’s focus of instilling the qualities of a soldier into a young cadet who in the future will go onto serving his nation with courage and pride and covers the three-year journey of cadets as they make their way through the course.

    Rahul Johri, senior vice president and general manager – South Asia and Head of Revenue, Pan-Regional Ad Sales and Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific said, “We are delighted to present REVEALED: NATIONAL DEFENCE ACADEMY which goes behind the scene to understand what makes it such a unique institution. The film charts out the history of the institution as the cradle of military leadership and the qualities the academy instills into a young cadet who in future goes onto serving the nation with courage and pride. It’s another first from Discovery Channel.”

    Though the idea for a Joint Services Military Academy had taken root at the conclusion of the Second World War and a Joint Services Wing was first established in Dehradun in 1949, the National Defence Academy was established in 1955.  Besides a brief history of the NDA and the fact that the Academy, located in Khadakwasla, near Pune, is spread over 8000 acres with the Sinhgad Fort in its backdrop.

    This unique institution today is the pride of not only this country but also for the various other countries which send their cadets there for training.After graduating from NDA, the cadets either join the Indian Military Academy, the Air Force Academy or the Indian Naval Academy. These young men become Guardians, Protectors and Defenders of the Republic of India.

     

  • Triumph Motorcycles India ties up with HDFC Bank

    Triumph Motorcycles India ties up with HDFC Bank

    MUMBAI: The British iconic motorcycle brand, Triumph Motorcycles recently announced their foray into India. To ensure potential buyers have the perfect finance option, Triumph Motorcycles has tied up with one of the leading Indian bank, HDFC Bank for providing a number of attractive finance schemes.

     

    HDFC will offer exclusive finance options to Triumph customers for up to 80% of the loan value, attracting a 12.9% rate of interest and flexible repayment options that will range from 24-60 months. In addition, prospective customers can expect accelerated loan processing and personalized doorstep service by the bank staff.

     

    Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vimal Sumbly, Managing Director, Triumph Motorcycles India Pvt. Ltd. said, “We are extremely pleased to have tied-up with a reputed financial institution like HDFC. We are committed to provide a complete experience from financing to after sales to all our customers and this tie-up is a further indication of the work that has gone on behind the scenes. The financing options will certainly help our patrons to realize their dream of owning a Triumph Motorcycle.”

     

    Mr. Deepak Shinde, Sr. Vice President, Business Manager TW & Superbike Loans, HDFC Bank, said, “It gives us great pride to be associated with a legendary brand like Triumph Motorcycles. Both HDFC and Triumph Motorcycles as brands lay utmost importance to customer satisfaction and hence, we feel it is a perfect alliance. Our quick and tailor-made financing options will provide consumers a hassle free and convenient buying experience. We are looking forward to having a long standing and mutually rewarding relationship with both, the consumers and the brand”.

     

    Also present at the occasion of the tie up was Mr. Tarun Sachdev, Director-Finance, Triumph Motorcycles India Pvt. Ltd., “HDFC’s commitment towards customer service and their large nationwide network is what led to this partnership. The finance options are quick, easy and convenient, aimed to provide our customers with a hassle free and comfortable buying experience.”

     

    Triumph Motorcycles launched 10 motorcycles for the Indian market in November last year. The much sought after line-up includes the classic Bonneville and Bonneville T100, the legendary Speed Triple, the largest production motorcycle the Rocket III Roadster, the class leading Street Triple, the cool café racer the Thruxton, the go anywhere Tiger 800 XC and Tiger Explorer, the stripped back and black Thunderbird Storm and the king of super sports bikes, the Daytona 675R.

     

    Triumph’s exclusive dealerships will be operational from mid-January 2014 in Bangalore and Hyderabad. Thereafter, there will be more dealerships that will open up across India in key cities like Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Cochin and Delhi, ensuring that customers from various parts of the country are able to enjoy the Triumph experience. From genuine parts and seamless after-sales services, to authentic merchandise and accessories; Triumph will ensure that a complete biking experience will soon be available to Indian riders.

  • Deutsche Bank and PVR Nest once again bring in the festive cheer to 5000 kids from NGOs across cinemas in five cities

    Deutsche Bank and PVR Nest once again bring in the festive cheer to 5000 kids from NGOs across cinemas in five cities

    MUMBAI: After the joyful success last year, ‘5000 Popcorns’ returned to kick start the festive cheer in New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Pune and Bengaluru, which  witnessed packed cinema auditoriums with 5000 children sitting transfixed to watch the heart-warming ‘Stanley ka Dabba’, an Amole Gupte film.

    Amole Gupte himself joined the children at PVR Goregaon, Mumbai and interacted with them amongst cheers and applause.

    In its second year ‘5000 Popcorns’, which is a joint initiative of Deutsche Bank in India and PVR Nest, a registered foundation of India’s leading multiplex chain PVR Limited, brought together 5000 children from not for profit and community schools in one of the largest simultaneous movie screenings across cities. The children enjoyed the film that takes you through the wonder years of childhood while skilfully weaving in messages for providing education to all children and opposing child labour.

    Speaking on the occasion, Shrinath Bolloju, Chief Operating Officer, for Deutsche Bank in India said “After the stirring and warm response we got from the kids last year, we at Deutsche Bank are pleased to once again bring in the Christmas and New Year’s cheer to the children through the magic of cinema, even while sharing a beautiful and inspiring social message. We are delighted with the enthusiastic response we have received from the children and NGOs.”

    Ms. Deepa Menon, Vice President- Corporate Social Responsibility at PVR Limited said “We are extremely happy to partner with Deutsche Bank through ‘5000 Popcorns’ and being able to bring entertainment to such a large number of children. Such platforms enable children to explore their talents on a broader canvas. It is not just about entertainment, PVR Nest, through its creative education programs has aimed at nourishing children’s creativity and building their capacities on film making and publishing of over 1,00,000 children  from 100 city schools each year.”

  • Music Venue blueFROG comes to Pune

    Music Venue blueFROG comes to Pune

    MUMBAI: Music Goliath blueFROG is all set to launch in Pune, India. While blueFROG as a venue is slated to open at the end of the year, it will launch an open-air annexure, The Amphitheatre on November 21st with electronica giants Above and Beyond, followed by other exciting acts, the schedule of which will be announced soon.

    The Amphitheatre can accommodate up to 2000 people and is fully equipped with a stage, lights and a sound system. It is housed in the Ishaniya Mall, in Kalyani Nagar opposite the Poona Club Golf Course and will lead off from the blueFROG Club.

    In the lead up to blueFROG opening, we will see the “Amphibian Series” taking place in the amphitheatre, kicking off with Above and Beyond on November 21st, followed by Fatoumata Diawara, Erik Truffaz and DJ Miss Nine among others. The gigs that form a part of the Amphibian series will demonstrate the diversity of programming that blueFROG will be bringing to the table and reflect the quality and broad spectrum of artists that blueFROG has been known to be program and will continue to program in Pune.

    DICE Hospitality in partnership with blueFROG is bringing the brand into Pune. Partners Ishan Bhale and Govind Thakker who head DICE Hospitality have strong roots in the Pune community and a desire to stand out in the hospitality and entertainment sectors. It is their collective vision to bring a brand to Pune that has cemented itself into people’s musical consciousness across India and, with the people of Pune, grow this into a revolution that supports all genres of music and the arts.

    Indian and international live concerts, electronica superstars, orchestras, dance performances, folk and classical music and theater will all be a part of the programming. The idea is to create an experience and a community and invite Punekars to become a part of this movement and indeed take ownership of it.

    blueFROG in Pune, like its Mumbai and Delhi counterparts will enable access to genres of music from around the world and India and bring an exquisite F&B offering to the table.

    Says Govind Thakker, DICE Hospitality, “We are very excited to be partnering with BlueFROG, knowing that they have successfully revolutionized the way music is consumed by audiences and the variety they have been able to provide and create a venue that has accentuated the artists. We believe that Pune as a city has always been rich in its music and art culture. The audiences in Pune have always been very open to various genres of music. From the days of the Peshwa’s music has been an integral part of “Puneri” culture with many regional and local bands performing on a regular basis.”

    “We have always been inclined towards promoting music, and are connoisseurs of the arts. This partnership with BlueFROG, we believe, is the perfect synergy between like-minded people who are creative and focused to give the city of Pune a new vibrant, trendsetting and fun music venue,” Ishan Bhale, DICE Hospitality added.

    Says Simran Mulchandani, Managing Director blueFROG, “Pune has always had an ear for music and has resonated with performances of the biggest names in music. In Dice Hospitality, we have found the ideal partners to bring blueFROG to Pune. Ishan Bhale and Govind Thakker are ideal co-conspirators, who understand the real estate and F&B markets in Pune very well. We will be bringing the best aspects of blueFROG to Pune, all our partnerships, our mobile and web platforms, our content creation expertise, that will make the Pune blueFROG thrive and become the center of music activity. We are also in the process of networking with such partners in other key metros including Bangalore, so that through the synergy of our collective competencies we can create landmark destinations offering the most sought-after mix of music, F&B and culture.”

  • Seven boys and girls will ride for respect on MTV Hero Roadies X1

    Seven boys and girls will ride for respect on MTV Hero Roadies X1

    MUMBAI: MTV Hero Roadies is back with a new ripping format in its ‘X-series’. ‘No vote outs, only performance can get you to win’. This is the mantra for MTV Hero Roadies X1.

     

    It dons a brand new avatar that salutes those who believe the only thing its worth fighting for is respect. And, this season seven boys and seven girls fight it out on equal grounds in an ultimate ride to win respect.

     

    This year, Roadies is auditioning for equal number of boys and girls who would rough it up on even grounds to be the last Roadie standing. This season champions the youth sentiment that being brave and standing against odds is better than being the bully.

     

    The format will reward performance over petty politics. This year, there will be no vote outs, no shortcuts and no alliances. The winner will be decided purely on basis of merit in performance on tasks. This twist in the format reflects the state of mind of young India. Confident, ambitious and street smart.

     

    Starting 17 November, the hunt for the Roadie of the year will kick off through a grueling four-city audition. The epitome of sportsman spirit – Rannvijay, and the mentor of the format- Raghu, will handpick seven boys and seven girls across the four cities. The show will give an equal chance to both the genders to prove their merit and win the title of Roadies. The first stop for the auditions will be Delhi, followed by Chandigarh, Pune and Ahmedabad.

     

    Speaking about the new season, Rannvijay the host of the show and first ever winner of MTV Hero Roadies says: “In the past 10 years, I have seen numerous contestants come to the show with a game plan in mind. Many a times, contestants have gone far on the show on the basis of their mind games and strategy, rather than performance. But now, all that is a thing of the past. For the first time on Roadies, a winner will be selected only on their performance in every task. It definitely is going to be one exciting journey.”

     

    MTV Hero Roadies the returning judge and mentor Raghu Ram says: “The past 10 years has seen Roadies enjoy the top position when it comes to youth based reality shows. With the onset of season XI of Roadies we want to turn the concept around. This time the battle is solely for respect. The eliminations will also be purely performance based while there will be no place for politics. Like they say- let the best man win!”
    MTV India EVP and business head Aditya Swamy explains: “India’s longest running reality show is back with a format that reflects the mood of young India. On one hand, there is the demand for equal rights, on the other the ambition to succeed but only by playing fair. The theme of this season – ‘Ride for Respect’ gives the participants an equal chance. And no vote outs. All that matters is performance.”

  • Maharashtra’s LMOs to blackout TV on 2 Oct

    Maharashtra’s LMOs to blackout TV on 2 Oct

    MUMBAI: A mid- week holiday is always welcome and is a good time to catch up with friends and family as well as your favourite TV shows and channels. However, this Gandhi Jayanti will see a different type of revolt on television in the west Indian state as the Maharashtra Cable Operators Federation (MCOF) has decided to put their foot down on the alleged “harassment” that they have been facing from the MSOs.

     

    From 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm tomorrow, 2 October, about 3,000 cable operators under the MCOF have decided to blackout their screens opposing the ‘high-handed’ behavior that MSOs have adopted towards LMOs (Last Mile Operators), as MCOF president Arvind Prabhoo puts it. This includes the areas of Mumbai, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Nasik and Indore in MP where DAS I and II have been implemented. Approximately 15-20 lakh customers in Maharashtra alone will not get to see their favourite shows during prime time. LMOs in Gujarat have also been approached and a response is awaited from them.
    Arvind Prabhoo feels that it is time to start treating LMOs as equals and respect their demands

     

    The federation says that its intention is not to harass customers but just demonstrate that cable operators are united and it is high time MSOs give them their due credit in the cable TV chain. Communications to customers have already started in the form of SMSes and emails as well as leading papers – both English and Marathi – are being used to inform people about the flash blackout.

     

    “If the MSOs and broadcasters sit and talk with us there is no need to do this but no one is listening to us,” stresses Prabhoo. He does not even feel that the two will reach out to the LMOs before evening of tomorrow. Initially the plan was to shut it down for a whole day but due to legal regulations, it was reduced  to three hours.

     

    This isn’t the end as well. If nothing comes out of this then more such days will see blackouts with increased hours especially during festive times.

     

    There is a possibility that MSOs may take legal action against MCOF for this move but it is ready to fight the biggies. “This is exactly what we are opposing. When an MSO switches off channels on its own, no one questions its decision but the local guy is questioned. No legal action is taken but we have to bear all the brunt from both the MSOs as well as the customers,” adds Prabhoo. Recently, InCable had decided to switch off signals to all sports channels, right before the Champions Trophy T20, a way to bully the LMOs to cough up more cash, claims the federation.

     

    The issues that LMOs have been grappling with are many. Prabhoo points out that last minute decisions taken by MSOs lead to chaos which has to be resolved by local operators. This happened during DAS Phase I when STBs (Set Top Boxes) were being installed in homes. Unending trips to customers to fill forms is a burden on them as well, discloses Prabhoo. MSOs have the power to switch off signals to channels arbitrarily as well as make channels unavailable on a-la-carte rates so that only packages exist. “They should talk business, not superiority or inferiority,” adds Prabhoo.

     

    For now, the impending blackout is on the cards for tomorrow. Unless discussions take place soon, cable TV viewers in Maharashtra could well be in for more evenings of just looking at a blank TV set or one with a flickering static-riddled picture.

  • KTM hosted successful version of Orange Day in Delhi

    KTM hosted successful version of Orange Day in Delhi

    KTM, the European Racing Legend, conducted the third successful version of “Orange day” for customers in Delhi. The “Orange day” is conceptualized to make the customer experience the racing genes of the KTM 200 Duke. It gives the KTM owner an experience of performance of 200 Duke and also an opportunity to interact with the fellow KTM 200 Duke owners on a race track.

     

    With more than 230 world championship titles in the various categories, including the consecutive 12 prestigious Dakar rally titles, racing is integral part of brand KTM. The racing philosophy is demonstrated in the way the bikes are designed. By using light but high strength alloy components, KTM bikes have one of the best power to weight ratio in its class.

     

    The “Orange Day” was organized at Parking Area, Near ATC Tower, Cargo Stand Indira Gandhi International Airport, Terminal 2 Road, New Delhi. The Orange Day started at 06:00PM with the riders registering themselves for the racing. A classroom session was organized by a racing expert on the basics of racing and how to extract the most out of the KTM 200 Duke. This was followed up by a demonstration on the track and then the final race. Podium finishers were awarded and the event ended with a breath taking “stunt show” on KTM 200 Duke.

     

    All the KTM owners and Non-KTM motorcycle enthusiasts in the city were invited to participate in the Orange Day. Besides all the action on the track there was service-camps, stalls for KTM Powerwear and Powerparts, refreshments, music and a general ambience of fun and camaraderie.

     

    Another highlight of the show was the showcase of Superbike 1190RC8-R, 350 SX-f and recently Launched 390 Duke. Also the keys were handed over to the first few customers of KTM 390 Duke.

     

    Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Ishwinder Singh Khurana, DGM- Probiking, Bajaj Auto Ltd. said “The KTM brand has its roots in racing and we want KTM owners to experience the thrills that a KTM bike can provide on a race track.  Orange days are being conducted in every major city and will keep on growing in scale in the next few months. KTM is a an exclusive premium brand and we are keen to ensure we provide KTM customers an experience that is uniquely KTM”

     

    Till now KTM has organized “Orange Day” at Pune, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Noida, Chennai, Vadodara, Jaipur, Kochi and now in Delhi .More KTM “Orange Days” would be organized in other Metro towns of India.

  • Radio City Super Singer returns with Season V

    Radio City Super Singer returns with Season V

    MUMBAI: FM Bole Toh Radio City is back with Season 5 of Radio City Super Singer across India. Taking off from the super success last year, this time Radio City Super Singer assumes a scale larger than ever before.The winner gets felicitated with a prize money of Rs. 1 Lakh and a break with popular music directors across India. The mega talent hunt rolled out carpets on the 8th of September, across India.

    Radio City Super Singer is one of the biggest celebrations of music on an FM radio platform. For the first time, Radio City introduces a WAP site, where participants can upload their audio clips through a simple log-in (http://myradiocity.in) from any mobile phone. Other than this, interested contestants can avail of any of the traditional avenues of auditioning. They can either come and audition at our studios or upload / record voice clips on the Super Singer Tab on our Facebook page. The other options include the on-ground auditions (malls & colleges) & IVRS.

    The auditions are followed by short listing a few contestants who have an edge over the others. Rough edges will be polished off, as the shortlisted few get trained by musical geniuses. The final five across each city will fight it out for the title of ‘Radio City Super Singer’.

    Speaking about Radio City Super Singer, Ms. Apurva Purohit, CEO, Radio City 91.1 FM, says, “Radio City Super Singer started as an experiment & was the first ever talent hunt by a radio station. Through the years it has grown in stature & size to carve a niche & become one of the most awaited engagement activities. Last year we had over 80000 enthusiastic singers across the country registering & auditioning with us. The aim has always been to discover the amazing singing talent from across the country and provide a platform that befits the talent. By the sheer number of touch points we create, we reach out to people like no other property does. Moreover, this is the only singing talent hunt show in India that runs in 5 languages (Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada & Marathi) at the same time. The overwhelming success of the previous years not only justifies our aim but also makes us want to scale newer heights.”

    Radio City Super Singer has emerged as an incubator of talent through the years, bringing India’s latent talent to the limelight. This year, our winners get a head-start in the music industry, with the opportunity to work with eminent music directors across India. Additionally, they get featured on ‘Freedom Hour’ – an hour dedicated to unplugged music on Radio City. Radio City Super Singer wraps up on the last week of September.

    Radio City Super Singer pits singers of contemporary music across a cross-section of genres, to compete against each other.. Through the years, the talent hunt has carved out a fan-base of its own. This time, it just gets bigger and better.

    Stay tuned to Radio City 91.1 FM to get more updates on Radio city Super Singer, This year the hunt for the best voice takes place across Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Pune, Jaipur, Baroda, Surat, Ahmednagar, Nagpur, Vizag, Coimbatore. Also log on to www.facebook.com/radiocityindia.

  • India’s leading communication consultancyMavcomm forays into Odisha

    India’s leading communication consultancyMavcomm forays into Odisha

    New Delhi , August 29, 2013- India’s leading integrated communicationsconsultancy, Mavcomm Consulting, with its head office in New Delhi and a pan India presence today marked its entry into the state of Odisha. The company has opened its branch in the state capital of Bhubaneswar.
    To support its expansion in the eastern market the company is kicking-off a hiring drive to identify and secure strong & dedicated individuals from diverse backgrounds with the capability to coordinate and implement PR campaigns in the state.
    “The company is always in pursuit of adding new dimensions to its services and offerings based on market trends and changing dynamics. Opening of our new office in Odisha is a step in this directionSince the last decade Odisha has witnessed phenomenal growth with many companies entering the market. The state is attracting an unprecedented amount of investment in aluminum, coal-based power plants, petrochemicals, and information technology. We realized that though the major companies are present in the state, they are not getting the required visibility. We aim to support these organizations and individuals identify, strategize and achieve their communication goals,” said Siddhartha Upadhayay, Founder Director of Mavcomm Consulting pvt. Ltd.
    With its headquarter in Delhi, Mavcomm has branch offices in Mumbai, Bangalore and now Odisha which are the most important cities for communications consulting business. Apart from these cities, the company has created a network of affiliates located in strategically important locations such as Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Chennai, Bangalore, Pune, Kochi and Lucknow.
    Mavcomm Consulting has set benchmarks in conceptualizing and executing some of the best Public Relations Campaigns for national and multi-national corporations and brands across industry sectors.