MxMIndia

Tag: Covid-19

  • Campaign publicly available for any organisation to use

    Tata Trusts launches nationwide health drive on Covid-19

    By A Correspondent

     

    Tata Trusts has begun a pan-India community outreach to induce adoption of health practices, as promoted by the Government of India, in rural areas to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Beginning March 31, the exercise is expected to have already reached about 12 million people in 21 states.

     

    The campaign ‘5 Kadam, Corona Mukt Jeevan’, ranges from video messages in the country’s languages, even dialects, short animation videos and infographics to audio messages, and SMS based messaging.

     

    Notes a communique: “For wider deployment by any interested organisation, the Trusts have made publicly available through social media about 300 such videos and audio messages, in different languages, and dialects like Dongri, Kumaoni, Ladakhi, Garhwali, Santhali, Mundari, Kutchi (Gujarat) and Koborok (Tripura).”

     

     

  • As a trend, Malaria and Dengue spikes up during May running upto August

    Godrej Group urges people to take measures against malaria

    By A Correspondent

     

    On World Malaria Day (April 25), Godrej Group urged people to take precautionary measures against vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. As a trend, malaria and dengue spike up during May running upto August.

     

    Speaking about the need for preventive measures, Sunil Kataria CEO – India & SAARC, Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), said: “Covid-19 has caused high levels of panic. While we do our best to deal with this pandemic, we should not forget the looming threat of malaria and dengue. Indian households primarily depend on mosquito repellents, vapourisers, coils to safeguard themselves. These household insecticides should be included in the items that fall under the essentials category.”

     

    Said Jayant Deshpande, Secretary & Director, Home Insect Control Association (HICA), an industry body of household insecticides sector, on how the industry can support the malaria prevention efforts of the government: “As an industry, we are committed in appreciating and supporting the government’s or local bodies initiative in tackling the malaria and COVID-19. Some of the local bodies have commenced work on monsoon and is acting on preventive solutions which may not be foolproof for vector-borne diseases. Listing household insecticides goods such as mosquito repellents, mats, coils, liquid vaporiser as essentials goods like groceries items of everyday use and their availability during COVID-19 through kirana stores, medicals-chemists and e-commerce platforms should help consumers in protection. Needless to say that smooth supply- chain, manufacturing and raw materials from trade partners will help industry in proper delivery of goods on time. Request from HICA in this respect is pending with government for consideration”, commented.

     

     

  • The videos have been prepared by of Hansa Events as their contribution to the industry

    IAA profiles unique Covid Communicators

    By A Correspondent

     

    The India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA) is chronicling unique pro bono communication prepared by industry pros during the period of the Covid Lockdown. The videos have been prepared by of Hansa Events as its contribution to the industry.

     

    Said Punit Goenka President IAA India Chapter: “Amidst the challenging times, it is heartening to note the voluntary initiatives taken up by industry leaders to come forward and share their perspectives. The association encourages more and more leaders to come forward and participate in this initiative to share ones knowledge, learnings and thoughts. On behalf of IAA, I would like to thank Bhupal, Tista and Rajeev for their valuable contribution”.

     

    Notes a communique: “The videos are about veteran design specialist Bhupal Ramnathkar who has organised probably the biggest crowd-sourced, design-based communication programme, Tista Sen, senior creative specialist and her positive film about the Memories of Mumbai and the moments of relaxation set to music by well-known creative and music specialist Rajeev Raja.”

  • The video- led campaign aims to thank and appreciate all the essential service sectors and workers

    Adani Group salutes heroes against Covid-19 war

    By A Correspondent

     

    Adani Group has unveiled a campaign titled #GoodnessNeverStops to salute the workforce and the frontline warriors for their unwavering support so that others do not have to with #GoodnessNeverStops.

     

    Notes a communique: “The campaign further seeks support from people to stay home and maintain social distancing. The Adani Group conducted a video-led campaign on social media platforms for people to discover and empower the remote corners of the country to stand in solidarity and unity. The campaign aims to shed light on the novel thought of appreciating the real taskmasters and raise awareness amongst everyone who might forget the unsung warriors. It highlights the importance of making them feel loved and needed in the recently halted lives. The campaign also appreciates the dedication of Adani Group employees for the seamless effort of delivery so that there is no uninterrupted supply of essentials, gas and electricity which are basics need during the lockdown period.”

     

     

  • Firework to tackle issues of mental health with global outreach program that includes US, India, Latin America, Europe, Japan and South East Asia

    Firework looks to address mental issues with #sparkthejoy

    By A Correspondent

     

    Silicon Valley-based short video platform, Firework, announced the launch of #sparkthejoy, a social impact campaign that has been designed to address issues of mental health related to Covid-19. The campaign is a strategic outreach program designed to encourage acts of kindness, spread the message of love and doing good that will spark positivity among people.

     

    #Sparkthejoy is a Firework global campaign that will be implemented across India, Latin America, North America and Japan that will unite the Firework user’s community across the web and apps that carry the Firework content. Globally and in India, Firework works with various publishers, brands, creators who will partner in this campaign to help create awareness around the nuances related to mental health with Covid-19 pandemic.

     

    Said Sunil Nair, CEO, Firework India: “While extended lockdowns are essential to flatten the Covid-19 curve, most of us are not used to such social distancing and therefore don’t understand how to react. All of this is alien to our lifestyle and that creates stress and anxiety. The global firework team have therefore built this campaign to spread the message of #sparkthejoy that is very essential to community living-help one another and to show that one act of kindness. Firework is blessed with an army of creators, publishers and partners who will participate in this campaign globally with the hope to make a small difference and bring that much needed feeling of joy in the time of this pandemic. We hope to extend the activation long after we overcome the current crisis. We believe that paying forward kindness is always needed by everyone in this world.”

     

     

  • Campaign spreads hope, faith and love in its musical initiative against a coronavirus

    Khimji Jewels unveils digital music campaign

    By A Correspondent

     

    Khimji Jewels has launched a global musical retreat during the ongoing pandemic. Khimji Jewels and Digital Dogs collaborated with musicians from across the world to spread a message of hope and love.

     

    The show has been put together by PressPlay Collective, a Chennai and Los Angeles-based production house.

     

    Talking about the campaign, Nishit Nanda, Director, Khimji Jewels said: “We as a brand have always stood for a lasting promise. A promise to always partner our audiences through thick and thin. In these challenging times, it was obvious that the brand needed to send out a message. An authentic message of optimism and the power of the human will that defeats all adversities eventually. The Covid-19 situation is not just a state or country crisis. It is a global crisis. And we wanted to send out a message to everyone globally that we are in this together. And we will emerge victorious together as well.”

     

    Speaking on coming up with this idea, Ambarish Ray, Co-Founder and CEO, Digital Dogswraps added: “The human spirit is a teflon dog. You can’t kill it easily. And it is exactly this message that we wanted to broadcast to the whole world. The unifying power and healing potential of music is limitless. As a venture, our blood is poured into what we do. And what we do has to be authentic. Bleeding raw, if need be. But 100 per cent authentic. And we are hoping that this music album, this labour of collaborative hope and love called #DiscoverYourLove – that has brought together jewellers, marketers, musicians, tech nerds and social creators, will be able to bring more people from across the world together.”

     

     

  • Through this collaboration FCB India and Networkbay will work with brands and retailers to quickly adapt to this new scenario

    FCB & Networkbay to offer brands contactless retail exp

    By A Correspondent

     

    FCB India in collaboration with Networkbay announced the launch of ‘Retail: Day 1’ a special initiative to work with brands and retailers to manage, redefine and transform their retail experiences in the post-Covid era.

     

    Through this collaboration, FCB India and Networkbay will work with brands and retailers to quickly adapt to this new scenario. By leveraging digital tools and spatial design innovation, ‘Retail: Day 1’ is aimed at creating enhanced new retail virtual experiences which are engaging and at the same time fulfilling business requirements of conversion and sales for brands.

     

    Speaking on current challenges, Rohit Ohri, Group Chairman and CEO, FCB India said: “This lockdown period will change our world forever. When we emerge on the other side of this crisis, retail experiences will be redefined. Our research shows that shopper behaviour will dramatically change. Even though retail stores may be open, customers who shop there will not engage with the stores as they used to. Retail needs to urgently reinvent itself for the post-Covid world. We’re hoping that our Retail Day 1 initiative, we are able to help our clients rapidly build back their business.”

     

    Added Hozefa Attari, Co-Founder, Networkbay: “Our platform combines the strengths of some of the leading retail design, technology and service brands to develop every retailer’s Store of the Future. Project ‘Retail: Day 1’ will allow us to work closely with FCB, taking advantage of their deep expertise in brand and customer behaviour, to develop radical customer journeys, be it contactless automotive dealerships, virtual stores or even connected packaging and Augmented Reality.”

     

     

  • India sees surge in readership of local news and government related news during the Corona Virus pandemic

    Taboola report highlights readership gains made by media firms

    By A Correspondent

     

    Taboola, the discovery platform has released findings of its ‘Moments of Next’ research series with Nielsen. The findings reveal the shift in online news readership and content consumption pattern of consumers as it relates to Covid-19.

     

    Larger online audiences on publisher news sites:

    Since the WHO declared coronavirus a pandemic, Taboola readership data shows that news publishers have seen an uptick in traffic and engagement with content across the board, including an 8 per cent increase in unique readers, 14 per cent increase in page views and 25 per cent increase in time on page.

     

    News readership spikes in different categories:

    Globally, when looking at news readership over the past two weeks compared to the previous 10 weeks, we found large increases in the amount of time spent reading in Local news (63 per cent), Government and politics (62 per cent), Business (59 per cent), Technology (46 per cent), Lifestyle (31 per cent), Entertainment (18 per cent), Gaming (11 per cent)

     

    Consumers open to ads, as long as ads appear on trusted sources:

    In a new survey of 1,000 people about what they trust more in times of coronavirus, 4x more people trust advertisements on news sites compared to ads on social media websites.

     

    Consumers are more open to ads in certain mindsets:

    In general, the top moments where people admit to being open to information, including advertisements (their ‘Moment of Next’) are:

    Before going to sleep (31 per cent)

    Taking a break from work (17.5 per cent)

    In the bathroom (16 per cent)

     

     

  • Tonic Worldwide’s HI+AI insights division ‘Gipsi’ shares insights and implications for marketers which will help decode the Covid lockdown

    Gipsi study decodes consumer preferences during Covid-19

    By A Correspondent

     

    Gipsi, the HI+AI insights division of Tonic Worldwide, has published insights and implications which attempts to decode consumer behaviour amidst the Covid-19 lockdown. The data sources are multiple – from Gipsi’s panel across metros, digital conversations, interests and searches have been analysed with unique perspectives giving actionable insights.

     

    According to the report:

    1. India has leapfrogged into online life during the Covid-19 lockdown, right from online grocery shopping (32 per cent increase in interest compared to pre-lockdown), working online (313 per cent increase in interest), WhatsApping (40 per cent increase), banking (4 per cent increase in interest, paying bills to even praying online (73 per cent increase in searches)!

    2. Consumers are not living in the present. Past and future escapes are how the consumers are dealing with the lockdown. There is 60 times higher viewership for DD during lockdown due to #oldshows which are indulging the consumers in nostalgia. And looking for motivational content for hopeful future

    3. HQ (Hygiene quotient) is top of mind with 108,579 conversations around it and 643 per cent increase in ‘how to wash hands’ searches. Post covid all brands will have to pass HQ test

    4. India is introduced to WFH and it is here to stay. WFH memes searches increased to 27 per cent.

    5. There is cooking debut happening in each household. A new TG with respect to cooking is ready to be addressed post ‘covid lockdown’.

    6. How will you differentiate video content post covid- with its ‘greeting gesture!’ Indians are taking pride in ‘Namaste’ going global

    7. Learning is big on the agenda. 22per cent increase in searches for free online courses, 108 per cent increase in online training platforms. New skills and knowledge upgradation is here to stay as WFH becomes part of the work culture

     

    Commenting on the report, Unmisha Bhatt, Chief Strategy Officer and Director – India & MENA region, Tonic Worldwide, said: “In such sensitive times every move of a marketer will go through scrutiny from consumers. Data science should be looked at as a big boon in times like these. Just tracking weekly numbers will be a mere waste of the data. Brands will have to go beyond using data just for performance metrics and seeing digital as just an extension medium. They will have to consciously invest in ‘actionable insights’ not just ‘data’.”

     

    Added Anjali Malthankar, National Strategy Director at Tonic: “Brands in the time of Covid need to prepare for the ‘Post Covid lockdown World’ and not just worry about how to engage topically. Lockdown has forced Indian consumers to leapfrog and embrace digital, brands need to be ready for this. Digital is a very measured medium, any marketer’s dream come true. The most important step to taking your brand digital is to first, take your consumer understanding digital!”

     

     

  • Earlier in April, Hiver rolled out a special plan to support businesses at the forefront of this fight

    Hiver launches digital campaign to encourage social distancing

    By A Correspondent

     

    Hiver, a SaaS-based email collaboration platform ha,s launched a social media campaign encouraging people to practise social distancing to fight Covid-19. Using its brand mascot – a bee, Hiver is conveying best practices such as greeting with an ‘Indian Namaste’ instead of a handshake, washing hands and wearing masks.

     

    Notes a communique: “Earlier in April, Hiver rolled out a special plan to support businesses at the forefront of this fight. It rolled out a two-months free plan for any organisation offering essential services or helping control the spread of the virus at this critical time. Since Hiver helps teams collaborate over emails, the objective is to help these organizations work faster and more efficiently.”

     

     

  • Meanwhile, Jio Platforms, Reliance Retail Limited and WhatsApp have also entered into a commercial partnership agreement to accelerate Reliance Retail’s new commerce business on the JioMart platform using WhatsApp and to support small businesses on WhatsApp

    Facebook takes 9.9% of Jio Platforms (Reliance Jio’s holding co) at Rs 43,574cr

    By A Correspondent

     

    It’s been in the works for a while, and then there have been rumours to the effect that this is set to happen. And then the Covid-19 scare happened, and one didn’t know when it would actually happen. If at all.

    But in the wee hours of today (and April 21 in the United States), a statement came in from Facebook and Reliance Industries.

    First the Facebook note by David Fischer, Chief Revenue Officer, and Ajit Mohan, VP and Managing Director, India: “Today we are announcing a $5.7 billion, or INR 43,574 crore, investment in Jio Platforms Limited, part of Reliance Industries Limited, making Facebook its largest minority shareholder.

    “This investment underscores our commitment to India, and our excitement for the dramatic transformation that Jio has spurred in the country. In less than four years, Jio has brought more than 388 million people online, fueling the creation of innovative new enterprises and connecting people in new ways. We are committed to connecting more people in India together with Jio.

    “India is in the midst of one of the most dynamic social and economic transformations the world has ever seen, driven by the rapid adoption of digital technologies. In just the past five years, more than 560 million people in India have gained access to the internet.

    “Our goal is to enable new opportunities for businesses of all sizes, but especially for the more than 60 million small businesses across India. They account for the majority of jobs in the country, and form the heart and soul of rural and urban communities alike. In the face of the coronavirus, it is important that we both combat this global pandemic now, and lay the groundwork to help people and businesses in the years to come.

    “One focus of our collaboration with Jio will be creating new ways for people and businesses to operate more effectively in the growing digital economy. For instance, by bringing together JioMart, Jio’s small business initiative, with the power of WhatsApp, we can enable people to connect with businesses, shop and ultimately purchase products in a seamless mobile experience.

    “India is a special country for us. Over the years, Facebook has invested in India to connect people and help businesses launch and grow. WhatsApp is so ingrained in Indian life that it has become a commonly used verb across many Indian languages and dialects. Facebook brings together friends and families, but moreover, it’s one of the country’s biggest enablers of growth for small businesses. And Instagram has grown dramatically in India in recent years as the place where people follow their interests and passions.

    “We are excited about furthering our investment in India’s vibrant digital economy. Our efforts with Jio will be focused on opening new doors and fueling India’s economic growth and the prosperity of its people. We look forward to working with Jio, and to future collaborations in India to advance this vision.”

     

    And here goes the communique from Reliance:

    “Reliance Industries Limited (“Reliance Industries”), Jio Platforms Limited (“Jio Platforms”) and Facebook, Inc. (“Facebook”) today announced the signing of binding agreements for an investment of ₹ 43,574 crore by Facebook into Jio Platforms. This investment by Facebook values Jio Platforms at ₹ 4.62 lakh crore pre-money enterprise value ($65.95 billion, assuming a conversion rate of ₹ 70 to a US Dollar). Facebook’s investment will translate into a 9.99% equity stake in Jio Platforms on a fully diluted basis.

    “Jio Platforms, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited, is a next-generation technology company building a Digital Society for India by bringing together Jio’s leading digital apps, digital ecosystems and India’s #1 high speed connectivity platform under one umbrella. Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited, which provides connectivity platform to over 388 million subscribers, will continue to be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Jio Platforms.

    “Jio’s vision is to enable a Digital India for 1.3 billion Indians and Indian businesses, especially small merchants, micro-businesses and farmers. Jio has brought transformational changes in the Indian digital services space and propelled India on the path towards becoming a global technology leader and among the leading digital economies in the world.

    “Jio has built a world-class digital platform powered by leading technologies such as Broadband connectivity, Smart Devices, Cloud and Edge Computing, Big Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Augmented and Mixed Reality and Blockchain.

    “Jio has created an ecosystem comprising network, devices, applications, content, service experiences and affordable tariffs for every Indian to experience the Jio Digital Life. During the current Covid-19 crisis, Jio’s platforms have been a dependable and inclusive Digital Lifeline for our Nation.

    “As one of the largest countries in the world, India is home to some of Facebook’s most thriving communities on WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram. Over the years, Facebook has invested in India based on a strong belief in India’s entrepreneurial talent and opportunity, to help create meaningful impact for Indians and Indian businesses using their multiple platforms.

    “The partnership between Facebook and Jio is unprecedented in many ways. This is the largest investment for a minority stake by a technology company anywhere in the world and the largest FDI in the technology sector in India. The investment values Jio Platforms amongst the top 5 listed companies in India by market capitalization, within just three and a half years of launch of commercial services, validating Reliance Industries’ capability in incubating and building disruptive next-generation businesses, while delivering market defining shareholder value.

    “Our goal with this investment is to enable new opportunities for businesses of all sizes, but especially for small businesses across India and create new and exciting digital ecosystems that will empower, enrich and uplift the lives of all 1.3 billion Indians.

    “This partnership will accelerate India’s all-round development, fulfilling the needs of Indian people and the Indian economy. Our focus will be India’s 60 million micro, small and medium businesses, 120 million farmers, 30 million small merchants and millions of small and medium enterprises in the informal sector, in addition to empowering people seeking various digital services.

    “The partnership assumes special significance for India in the wake of the severe disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic in the Indian — and the global — economy. In the post- Covid era, comprehensive digitalisation will be an absolute necessity for revitalisation of the Indian economy. It is our common belief and commitment that no Indian should be deprived of the tremendous new opportunities, including opportunities for new employment and new businesses, in the process of India’s 360-degree digital transformation.

    “Concurrent with the investment, Jio Platforms, Reliance Retail Limited (“Reliance Retail”) and WhatsApp have also entered into a commercial partnership agreement to further accelerate Reliance Retail’s New Commerce business on the JioMart platform using WhatsApp and to support small businesses on WhatsApp. WhatsApp already plays an important role in helping people and businesses connect in India. Reliance Retail’s New Commerce platform, JioMart, is being built in partnership with millions of small merchants and kirana shops to empower them to better serve the needs of Indian consumers. The companies will work closely to ensure that consumers are able to access the nearest kiranas who can provide products and services to their homes by transacting seamlessly with JioMart using WhatsApp.

    “Commenting on the partnership with Facebook, Mr Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director, Reliance Industries Ltd, said, “When Reliance launched Jio in 2016, we were driven by the dream of India’s Digital Sarvodaya– India’s Inclusive Digital Rise to improve the quality of life of every single Indian and to propel India as the world’s leading Digital Society. All of us at Reliance are therefore humbled by the opportunity to welcome Facebook as our long-term partner in continuing to grow and transform the digital ecosystem of India for the benefit of all Indians. The synergy between Jio and Facebook will help realise Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s ‘Digital India’ Mission with its two ambitious goals — ‘Ease of Living’ and ‘Ease of Doing Business’ – for every single category of Indian people without exception. In the post-Corona era, I am confident of India’s economic recovery and resurgence in the shortest period of time. The partnership will surely make an important contribution to this transformation.”

     

     

  • Radio City’s ‘Concert From Home’ enthrals listeners across the nation

    Radio City hosts ‘Concert From Home’

    By A Correspondent

     

    In the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak, Radio City has launched ‘Concert From Home’ to entertain its listeners across the nation. The initiative has been witnessing more than 100 plus artists, including famous singers and music composers, perform from their homes to engage Radio City’s audience spread across 39 stations in 12 states for 30 days.

     

    Sharing his thoughts about the initiative, Kartik Kalla, Chief Creative Officer, Radio City said: “Due to the pandemic, the world has come to a standstill and everyone is doing their bit by staying at home to flatten the curve. Radio City has always been at the forefront in executing initiatives that keep our listeners entertained and engaged. Radio City was the first FM broadcaster to initiate the Concert From Home concept way back in 2017, which we continue to do every year. This year, however, we started it early to entertain our listeners amidst the lockdown. With this initiative, we have been bringing together 100 national and regional artists over a period of 30 days, to entertain our listeners across 39 cities. We advise everybody to stay indoors, stay safe, and tune in to Radio City to enjoy the concert by their favourite singers and performers, from the comfort of their homes!”