MxMIndia

Category: NEWS

  • Live on TV & OTT platform ZEE5

    Zee to broadcast DP World ILT20 Season 3

    Zee Entertainment is getting set to broadcast DP World ILT20 Season 3. Season 3 of the DP World International League T20 that is scheduled to begin from Saturday, January 11, 2025.

    The 34-match event will be played at the three UAE cricket venues – Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah – starting from January 11, 2025 to February 9, 2025. It will be aired on Zee TV channels and on Zee5.

    The franchise-style tournament will see six teams playing 34 matches. The league’s six franchise teams include Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (Kolkata Knight Riders), Desert Vipers (Lancer Capital), Dubai Capitals (GMR), Gulf Giants (Adani Sportsline), MI Emirates (Reliance Industries), and Sharjah Warriors (Capri Global).

    Said Ashish Sehgal, Chief Growth Officer – Ad Sales, ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL): “Zee is delighted to present DP World ILT20 third season and promises an electrifying experience to cricket fans in India and around the world. With the world’s finest players, iconic stadiums, and infrastructure and six leading sporting franchises, our goal is to build upon the previous year’s success, further solidifying the league’s stature as one of the most-widely followed cricket events in the world. In our pursuit to grow the market, we are continuously exploring innovative ways to enhance the fan experience, making it more interactive, immersive, and engaging. We are collaborating with cutting-edge technologies and creating new avenues for cricket enthusiasts to connect with the sport. As we embark on this exciting new season, our goal is to ensure that this truly-global league becomes more accessible to viewers worldwide.”

    Added CEO DP World ILT20 David White: “We are delighted to confirm the window for DP World International League T20 Season 3. The window has been finalised after discussions with our stakeholders. We have begun our preparations for Season 3 with an aim of making the league even bigger and better.”

  • To leverage its vast expanse of fibre and direct broadband customers

    OneOtt Intertainment & Triple Play Broadband enter partnership

    OneOTT Intertainment Ltd (OIL), a private Internet Service Provider (ISP) and Triple Play Broadband, a Class A regional ISP with a strong presence in Delhi and the national capital region have announced a strategic alliance. OIL, a part of NxtDigital Media Group and a subsidiary of Hinduja Global Solutions Ltd. (HGS), will work with Triple Play to leverage its vast expanse of fibre and direct broadband customers across the predominantly commercial regions of the national capital region, especially Gurugram. The alliance comes close on the heels of entering into an agreement with leading Mumbai-base ISP Seven Star – for acquiring a majority stake.

    Said Vynsley Fernandes, Whole-time Director at HGS and MD and CEO of OIL: “Triple Play is an exceptional ISP in terms of market reach and quality of service and we’re delighted to welcome them into the Hinduja fold. We’re committed to working together to deliver value to our customers; a commitment which is also solidly reflected in us acquiring a majority stake in Seven Star’s broadband business, with whom we entered into an alliance earlier this year.”

    Added Triple Play Broadband Chairman and Managing Director, Navneet Sethi: “We have established a very strong business in Triple Play across Delhi and the NCR, built on significant investments in infrastructure. We believe it is the right time to align with what is easily one of India’s most agile ISPs, viz. OIL – where together we will not only expand the customer base but also offer a wider portfolio of solutions”.

  • The Abby Awards powered by One Show will be held on May 29, 30 and 31

    Praful Akali, Ashish Khazanchi Jury Chairs for Abby 2024

    Praful Akali, Managing Director and Founder, Medulla and Ashish Khazanchi, Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Enormous, have joined as Jury Chairs for Health category and Still Print category respectively, at The Abby Awards 2024.

    The Abby Awards powered by One Show will be held on May 29, 30 and 31 as part of Goafest 2024 which is being held in Mumbai this year.

  • To elevate digital and virtual inventory sponsorship sales in India

    ECB partners with Rise Worldwide

    England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Rise Worldwide have announced their partnership for exclusive digital and virtual inventory sponsorship sales in India for select upcoming marquee series to be played in England.

    Speaking about the partnership Tony Singh, ECB’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “The market in India presents huge opportunities and we are excited to explore unique digital and virtual sponsorship sales in the country with Rise. By combining our expertise, we are looking forward to unlocking innovative opportunities for brands to interact with India’s passionate cricketing fan base.”

    Added Nikhil Bardia, Head of Rise Worldwide, added: “Given our expertise in enabling strong brand properties through impactful interventions, the growth of digital and virtual inventory is the next step to build more value. We are committed to identifying customized avenues tailored to ECB’s brand partners to engage with their target demographics in India. The association also enables us to push the boundaries of possibility, and deliver unparalleled value to fans and sponsors alike.”

  • For the wedding season

    Nykaa unveils wedding extravaganza in latest campaign

    Nykaa has unveiled its latest campaign, “Nykaa Waali Shaadi” setting the stage for its wedding offerings.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hty4EGYweiI&t=5s

    Commenting on the new campaign, a Nykaa spokesperson said: “Nykaa Wali Shaadi isn’t just a campaign; it’s a celebration of love, beauty, and the joy of weddings! We were thrilled to bring this vision to life, offering brides and baratis across the country a one-of-a-kind experience filled with glam, style, and expert guidance. From our comprehensive beauty and style guides to the top makeup artists and brands, Nykaa Waali Shaadi was there to make every wedding dream come true.”

    Added Karen Thompson, Brand Director – Mac Cosmetics India: “We at Mac Cosmetics were thrilled to partner with Nykaa for the “Nykaa Wali Shaadi” campaign, leveraging our shared values of diversity, inclusivity, and innovation. The bridal season in India is when beauty and fashion merge, and Nykaa’s unique insights allowed us to tap into this key shopping moment. Our artistry expertise shone through as we created bespoke looks that not only enhanced customer experiences but also highlighted our commitment to innovation in makeup direction. Together, we reached a wider audience and delivered unforgettable beauty experiences tailored to the season. Our collaboration was a success, and we look forward to future partnerships that inspire and elevate our customers’ beauty journeys.”

    Said Zeenia Shroff Bastani, General Manager, Maybelline New York & Nyx, L’Oréal India: “We’re thrilled to partner with Nykaa for this wedding season with Nykaa Wali Shaadi. Maybelline New York, known for leading innovation, longwear makeup and setting makeup trends, has been a favorite for glam wedding makeup by brides and their bride-tribes. This collaboration celebrates the union of two giants in the beauty industry – Maybelline NY, the world’s #1 makeup brand, and Nykaa, the preferred beauty retailer giving our consumers the best of makeup & looks for the most special day in their lives!”

  • Ogilvy South creates the TVC

    Alia Bhatt stars in Titan Raga campaign

    Titan Raga timepieces has announced the launch of its latest campaign, ‘Beautiful Together’.

    Said Aparna Ravi, Marketing Head, Titan Watches: “Raga as a brand has consistently been driving deep and meaningful narratives about women. ‘Beautiful Together’ is our conscious effort to recognize a bond that’s often overlooked – the incredible strength and support women find in each other. We are thrilled to have Alia Bhatt on board, who perfectly epitomizes the spirit of sisterhood. We believe this campaign will resonate with our audience and inspire them to celebrate the amazing women in their lives.”

    Added Tithi Ghosh, President and Head of Office, Ogilvy South: “Titan Raga has always fronted conversations that genuinely speak to women. Raga watches are designed to evoke beauty and femininity and these are pillars of all our Raga campaigns. Today femininity is evolving from being about individual choices to a collective hurrah. Women feel fulfilment and joy in celebrating each other not just for the big wins but also for the little things that earlier would not be noticed. This beautiful spirit of sisterhood is captured in our new campaign in which we see how the tiniest of moments can also become uplifting when women simply come together.  We have deliberately chosen instances that are highly relatable like lending a helping hand in making wardrobe choices to paying a compliment to another woman in a trial room. The brand platform Beautiful Together resonated with our brand ambassador Alia Bhatt, known for her tightly knit circle of girlfriends and the infectious positivity they collectively generate. The essence of sisterhood she herself embodies made her the ideal candidate to advocate this heartwarming message.”

  • For ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign

    Kartik Aaryan becomes the face of Disney+ Hotstar

    Disney+ Hotstar has collaborated onceagain with Kartik Aaryan for the latest campaign ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The ad film for the campaign emphasises on Disney+ Hotstar’s ‘Free on mobile’ offering for the tournament enabling all the cricket fans across the country to never miss any cricketing action.

    Said a Disney+ Hotstar spokesperson: “Cricket holds a special place in the heart of every Indian, and our mission is to ensure its accessibility to all. Through this campaign, we aim to extend the reach of the sport to every corner of the nation, ensuring that our users can experience every thrilling moment of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup for free on their mobile devices. We’re thrilled to collaborate with Kartik Aaryan once again; his passion for cricket and entertainment perfectly aligns with the spirit of this campaign.”

  • Technology, Oh my GAAD!

    Technology, Oh my GAAD!

    Shruti PushkarnaToday marks the 13th edition of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, commonly known as GAAD. A movement initiated in 2012 by Joe Devon and Jennison Asuncion with the intention of taking accessibility knowhow to mainstream developers. And much has transformed thanks to this global drive.

     

    Technology, more specifically AI and Generative AI are the hot topics at every forum. Whether it’s the fear of losing our jobs to chatbots or driving business efficiencies with machine learning and artificial intelligence, tech innovations are rapidly altering the work culture.

     

    Accessibility is no longer an alien concept to average social media users, who stumble upon several tips to omit barriers in physical and digital spaces, using simple tech solutions. As an inclusion advocate, I believe technology enables and empowers everyone, including the most vulnerable.

     

    But do product developers, service providers, and industry experts understand how technology can mainstream marginalized communities like Persons with Disabilities?

     

    I’m not so sure.

     

    Last week, I was in the city of Nizams, or should I say the emerging IT capital of India, Hyderabad. I was attending an annual industry event focused on driving conversations in the space of HR Tech. A swanky summit showcasing workplace innovations empowering organisations to drive outcomes and human engagements. Sounds fancy and intriguing, right?

     

    Honestly, I was quite enthusiastic looking at the speaker line-up, exhibits and masterclass agenda. Every panelist propagated the new mantra, AI + HI = ROI (Artificial Intelligence plus Human Intelligence equals Return on Investment), laying special emphasis on empathy in this growing robotic era.

     

    Innovation. Technology. Empathy. Human Centric Approach. Almost music to my ears. Except it wasn’t. The scope of discussions was limited to present day work roles and current employee base. The futuristic innovations didn’t explore the possibilities of an accessible and conducive work environment for all.

     

    The two-day extravaganza could have been a perfect setting to introduce a new equation to CXOs, CHROs and CEOs,

    Innovation Quotient (IQ)+ Empathy Quotient (EQ) = Inclusion Equity Quotient (IEQ).

     

    Let’s rewind to the beginning of this month, where I had an altogether crippling experience with technology. Contrary to efficient and easy access, the processes at Max Hospital, a leading brand in healthcare hit rock bottom when it came to IP (In-Patient) Care. The computerised functioning and omission of paperwork had me thinking of myriad job roles that could be executed by persons with different disabilities in this setup.

     

    But my bubble was busted immediately as the colossal cracks in the system unravelled within hours of checking in to the ritzy facility. Health workers and care providers failed to administer timely treatment as the tech-powered processes held them hostage. It was a long chain of communication passing through layers of systemic approvals from doctors to assistants, to administration, to nursing, to pharmacy, back to nursing, and finally to the patient. And unlike AI, this was hardly intuitive or quick, it took hours to execute.

     

    By the way, speaking of AI, Chat GPT 4o was launched recently. Hardly a geek myself, I was browsing videos to understand what’s unique about the latest offering. That’s when I encountered a post by Open AI on X without captions or subtitles. Ironic, eh? Something that could easily be generated using that very AI!

     

    Say hello to GPT-4o, our new flagship model which can reason across audio, vision, and text in real time: https://t.co/MYHZB79UqN

    Text and image input rolling out today in API and ChatGPT with voice and video in the coming weeks. pic.twitter.com/uuthKZyzYx

    — OpenAI (@OpenAI) May 13, 2024

     

    But it’s May 16 and GAAD, so I won’t end on a depressing note. Technology is a gamechanger for 1 billion people with disabilities across the world. People who would otherwise lose out on opportunities of engaging with the mainstream society, for work, education, entertainment and more.

     

    Sarah Moin, a girl from Lucknow, scored 95 percent in her ICSE Class X exams. She is blind, deaf and speech-impaired. How did she managed to study and score well? The answer is technology paired with grit and determination. Sarah uses an Orbit reader which is a 3-in-1 device that works as a book-reader, note-taker and a refreshable braille display. It connects to computer or mobile using USB or Bluetooth. This tech marvel enabled her to write her exams digitally.

     

    Ruhin Bhattasali is a 100 percent visually impaired girl from Hyderabad. She scored 491/500 in her CBSE Class XII exams. Belying the common stereotypes that blind students can’t pursue STEM subjects, Ruhin studied Maths, Physics and Chemistry. She wanted to pursue astrophysics but due to accessibility challenges, she has opted for Computer Science and is preparing for IIT JEE.

     

    Here’s more good news.

     

    Following a complaint against a leading app-based taxi service by a visually impaired consumer, the Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) issued a directive that will enforce disability-inclusive behaviour by cab aggregators. Corporate lawyer and Accessibility professional Amar Jain faced difficulty using the Ola app which didn’t adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). The order from CCPD seeks appointment of an Accessibility Auditor and a Grievance Redressal Officer to ensure all existing and new features comply with accessibility standards as per law.

     

    Is it time for industries to drop inherent biases, explore out-of-the-box ideas, and widen their consumer base to include underrepresented groups?

     

    Wondering why MxMIndia publishes a disability advocacy column? Well, we strongly feel that the media can dramatically transform the world for persons with disabilities. This series attempts to help bring forth issues that the media must champion to create a truly inclusive and accessible India. Writing  this column is Shruti Pushkarna, a former journalist and now a disability inclusion advocate based in New Delhi. Her views here are personal. To access the archives of her 90-plus columns, please visit: https://www.mxmindia.com/category/ columns/shruti-pushkarna/

     

    If you have a view on the issues raise or would like to align with MxMIndia on this cause, write to us at editor [at] mxmindia.com.

  • To celebrate "Loktantra ka Tyohar"

    Inventech unveils illustrated animated content

    Inventech, the tech and content vertical of Laqshya Media Group, is presenting an animated content piece designed to commemorate ‘Loktantra ka Tyohar’ (The Festival of Democracy). Specifically tailored for Gen Z and first-time voters, this creation aims to infuse the youth with the spirit of democratic participation and celebration.

    Said Sommnath Sengupta, CEO of Inventech: “The concept behind this animated content is to celebrate the essence of democracy and voting, especially for the younger generation who are experiencing this festival for the first time.”

  • This is 8th Annual 3×3 Basketball Challenge

    Glocal Slam Dunk bags PR mandate for basketball event

    The eighth edition of the North East 3×3 Basketball Challenge has announced its partnership with Glocal Slam Dunk Communications as the official Public Relations agency for the upcoming tournament, scheduled for March 1 and 2, 2024. Organised by Touchline Basketball, in collaboration with the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society, the sporting event is endorsed by FIBA 3X3, the world body of 3×3 Basketball and the Meghalaya Basketball Association.

    Talking about the same Akilesh Subramanian, CEO of Glocal Slam Dunk Communications said: “We are honoured to be entrusted with the role of official PR partners for the 8th edition of the North East 3×3 Basketball Challenge. This event is a beacon for basketball enthusiasts in the region, and we are committed to leveraging our expertise to elevate its prominence. Apart from growing the sport, what attracted us towards the project was the organizers were using the power of sport to drive positive change in the community.”

    Added Andrew Suting of Touchline Basketball: “We believe that Glocal Slam Dunk Communications expertise in producing compelling content will play a vital role in our mission to reach a wider audience.”

  • An analysis of 6.5 Billion Consumer Datapoints

    Kantar introduces blueprint for brand growth

    Kantar, the marketing data and analytics company, has introduced the Blueprint for Brand Growth, an analysis of more than 6.5 billion global attitudinal and shopper data points from the past decade. The year-long exploration reveals empirically the key drivers of brand growth, and provides a decision-making framework for marketers to better control the levers of growth that shape their brand future.

    The blueprint is the result of collaboration between Kantar’s experts, industry leaders and advanced analytics work combining Kantar’s unique BrandZ and Worldpanel data assets. All focused on one question ‘How can marketers better drive growth?’. It proves that brands grow through being meaningfully different to more people. Brands that are meaningfully different to more people command 5X market penetration today, and have a real advantage in penetration growth over the next two years. *

    To achieve meaningful difference, the three Growth Accelerators and decision-making frameworks Kantar recommends marketers activate are:

    Predispose More People: Creativity, advertising and experience builds meaningful difference as well as mental availability for your brand. When optimally executed, this drives 9X higher volume share, 2X higher average selling price, and a 4X likelihood of growing share in the future.

    Be More Present: Optimising distribution, customer journey, range, pack, pricing and promotions wins 7X more buyers vs those present in only half of buying occasions.

    Find New Space: Innovation focused on identifying incremental spaces (motivations, occasions, tangential categories and services) doubles a brand’s chance of growth. Increasing the number of usage occasions by 10% results in revenue growth of +17%.

    The Blueprint builds upon and enhances existing industry research on how brands grow. It importantly proves that while market penetration growth is crucial, solely focusing on this is insufficient to holistically drive sustainable brand, revenue and margin growth. Kantar’s analysis underscores the role of differentiation – not just distinctiveness – in forging strong mental connections between consumers and brands as well as defending pricing power.

    On introducing Blueprint for Brand Growth, Jane Ostler, Kantar’s EVP of Thought Leadership and Blueprint project lead, commented:  “Our Blueprint for Brand Growth sets a new standard for strategic marketing understanding and excellence. Every marketing leader can use this framework to evaluate their brand’s own competitive positioning and then shape their strategic response and marketing investment priorities. For the first time anywhere, we have combined a decade of attitudinal brand research with actual shopper behaviour to more holistically understand the tangible impact marketing has on growth. Among other elements, we see that emotional connections in advertising are crucial. When optimised, they build differentiation and predispose consumers toward a brand, boosting sales and loyalty. Our newly revealed Growth Accelerators will, instinctively, feel familiar to CMOs. They are now, though, underpinned with new quantifiable evidence of their impact on brand and revenue growth. These are universal truths that every brand can use to focus their strategy and secure the budget for their highest impact activities. “

  • In association with India Signing Hands (ISH)

    Disney Star announces Indian Sign Language feed for T20 WC

    On the occasion of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (May 16), Disney Star in association with India Signing Hands (ISH), announces the availability of an Indian Sign Language (ISL) feed for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, starting June 2.

    This will be applicable for 10 matches including the India matches, semi-finals and finals. The company will also support an audio descriptive feed, along with the ISL feed on Disney+ Hotstar and Star Sports Network.

    Said Sajith Sivanandan, Head, Disney+ Hotstar India: “We are thrilled to embrace accessibility features making the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup available to more fans of the sport. This underscores our commitment to promote inclusivity and serve all users. With these enhancements, we aim to ensure that the excitement of cricket knows no bounds.”

    Added Sanjog Gupta, Head – Sports, Disney Star: “The descriptive and Indian sign language feeds on Star Sports during Tata IPL 2024 were met with an overwhelming response. Disney Star is extending this endeavour to make cricket fandom and experiences more inclusive by introducing, for the first time ever, these feeds on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Our mission of serving sports fans is powered by such pioneering initiatives which seek to remove barriers of access and engagement for fans from all walks of life. The initiative also serves to present a more inclusive picture of India’s favourite sport and is of immense pride for the sporting fraternity.”

    Said Alok Kejriwal, Founder and CEO, India Signing Hands (ISH News): “This feed has fostered the love of cricket into so many differently abled individuals during IPL. With Disney Star continuing this initiative for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 at a larger scale with both Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar supporting this feed, I am confident that it will open doors to the exciting world of cricket to many more people from the Deaf and Visually Impaired communities. This collaboration is really close to my heart since it makes the sport truly accessible and inclusive.”