India – November 27, 2024 – Publicis India, part of Publicis Groupe, has unveiled a new captivating TVC in celebration of World TV Day for ZEE TV, a leading Hindi General Entertainment Channel (GEC) from the Zee Network. The distinctive campaign, titled “Thank You TV”, celebrates television’s remarkable 65-year journey.
As a source of entertainment, television has been a constant companion, evolving alongside society, culture, and technology, and witnessing everything from historic moments and shifting family dynamics to significant societal progress. Through it all, television has remained a powerful medium that unites and connects people.
The TVC tells a unique story from the perspective of a sofa, illustrating how television not only brings joy and smiles to the family but also offers a sense of fulfillment in itself. The ad highlights television’s enduring importance in our lives and shows how storytelling, along with generational connections, has evolved—set to a catchy and memorable song.
Oindrila Roy, Managing Director, Publicis India, said, “With the ‘Thank You TV’ campaign, we aim to celebrate television not only as a source of entertainment but as a medium that has profoundly shaped how families connect and share moments together. At Publicis India, we are proud to collaborate with ZEE TV to bring this heartfelt narrative to life. Through compelling storytelling and innovative ideas, we continue to support ZEE TV in strengthening its bond with audiences, ensuring television remains a cherished and integral part of millions of lives.”
Sharing insights on the campaign, Aman Mannan, National Creative Director, Publicis India stated, “TV is still one of the best modes of entertainment for getting families and friends together. It makes us laugh, cry, think, and reflect. It even makes us jump in fear and joy. So, we wanted to pay our respects to this incredible box of wholesome entertainment with an out-of-box idea. ‘Thank you, TV’ campaign is Sofa’s ode to TV.”
Kartik Mahadev, Chief Marketing Officer, Zee Network further added, “As 10 crore homes watch TV together every minute, we are reminded of its unparalleled ability to spark joy, ignite conversations, and shape the collective aspiration of a nation. On World TV Day, we wanted to celebrate this unique bond, and our partners at Publicis India brought it to life with a playful twist — seeing TV through the eyes of the sofa, the constant companion to countless shared moments. This idea beautifully captures TV’s role as the heart of togetherness in Indian homes. This film is a tribute to TV’s role as a timeless storyteller that evolves with us while keeping the spirit of togetherness alive.”
This is a comprehensive digital and out-of-home (OOH) campaign designed to effectively reach and engage viewers.
Team Credit
CEO: Paritosh Srivastava
Group Chief Strategy Officer: Snehasis Bose
Managing Director: Oindrila Roy
Jt National Creative Directors: Aman Mannan & Shitu Patil
Senior Vice President: Lokesh Sah
Associate Vice President: Mandar Sawant
Senior Brand Associate: Nibedita Mondal
Creative Director – Copy: Raj Joshi & Pankaj Sinha
Associate Creative Director- Art: Sandesh Parab
Senior Art Director: Saurabh Gaikwad
Creative Supervisor- Art: Zahoor Ahmed
Associate Vice President Brand Strategy: Maulik Kalmathekar
Senior Brand Strategy Associate: Udayan Mehra
Executive Producer (Agency): Rahebar Sonawalla
Production House: Content Factory
Director: Rishabh Dubey
Producer: Meesam Raza/Siddharth Singh
About Publicis India:
Publicis India is part of the Publicis Groupe network in India. The agency has produced memorable integrated campaigns for some of the most coveted clients across categories. Publicis India is no stranger to awards, having proved its chops across leading Indian and international award shows – Cannes Lions, Clio, One Show, D&AD, Spikes Asia, Effies and Abbys, among others. In India, the agency works with an impressive array of clients that include – Zee, Times Television Network, HDFC Mutual Fund, Axis Bank, Pramerica, Godrej Capital, Enamor, Ferrero, Kalpataru, and Adani Realty among others.
As digital advertising increasingly relies on user data, balancing personalized insights with privacy safeguards has become essential. Swati Sinha explores the application of differential privacy in this field, presenting a solution that allows advertisers to achieve effective targeting while maintaining robust privacy protections. Her work emphasizes implementing privacy mechanisms that enable audience analytics without compromising individual privacy.
The Need for Privacy in Audience Analytics As digital advertising evolves, audience analytics remains vital for effective strategy, traditionally achieved through tracking pixels and cookies that enable detailed user profiling. However, rising privacy concerns and stringent regulations like GDPR and CCPA increasingly restrict these methods, challenging the industry to innovate. Advertisers now seek privacy-conscious approaches that balance tailored marketing efforts with stronger protections for user privacy rights.
Introducing Differential Privacy Differential privacy provides a mathematical framework to protect user data by adding controlled noise to datasets, ensuring individual data points have minimal impact on analysis. Mechanisms like Laplace, Gaussian, and Exponential offer privacy benefits tailored to various data types.
Mechanisms for Privacy-Preserving Data Analysis To enable privacy-preserving data analysis, various differential privacy mechanisms provide ways to shield individual user information. Here’s a brief look at the core mechanisms:
Laplace Mechanism: By introducing noise from a Laplace distribution, this mechanism is ideal for numeric data. For instance, it can be applied to measure aggregate audience sizes without pinpointing individual identities.
Exponential Mechanism: Tailored for non-numeric data, this mechanism selects outputs based on quality scores, making it suitable for identifying trending categories among audiences.
Gaussian Mechanism: Widely compatible with machine learning, the Gaussian mechanism applies noise from a Gaussian distribution, which is beneficial for complex analytics, supporting advertisers in drawing broader statistical insights while securing user anonymity.
Privacy vs. Insight Granularity: A Trade-Off Differential privacy introduces trade-offs between privacy and data precision. The privacy budget, epsilon (ε), measures privacy strength; lower ε values increase privacy but add noise, reducing data utility. Advertisers must balance insightful analysis with privacy, finding an optimal ε level.
Strategies for Implementing Differential Privacy To implement differential privacy in advertising, integration into current analytics pipelines is essential without disrupting workflows. Adjustments in data collection, noise application, and query handling help make privacy-preserved data useful, requiring a strategic shift as traditional metrics may not apply directly.
Advertising Metrics Under Privacy Constraints Differential privacy impacts advertising metrics, as click-through (CTR) and conversion rates may decrease slightly. However, this trade-off is worthwhile for long-term gains in user trust, as consumers increasingly favor brands that respect privacy, boosting brand perception and customer loyalty. This stronger trust foundation can enhance customer lifetime value, balancing any initial reduction in targeting precision.
Ethical and Regulatory Implications Amid rising digital privacy concerns, differential privacy offers an ethical pathway for advertisers to respect user rights and establish responsible data practices beyond regulatory requirements. To transform digital advertising, industry-wide standards are essential, along with transparency and responsible data handling to build user trust in information security.
Future Prospects for Differential Privacy in Advertising The future of differential privacy in advertising hinges on the development of optimized algorithms that balance privacy with functionality. Adaptive privacy budgets that adjust based on data sensitivity and audience engagement levels may further refine this balance. Integrating differential privacy with technologies like federated learning could enhance data security, supporting advertisers in developing even more robust privacy-preserving models.
In conclusion, Swati Sinha’s work highlights that differential privacy offers a valuable path for the digital advertising industry. By adopting these privacy-preserving techniques, advertisers can utilize data insights while upholding user privacy and meeting regulatory standards, fostering a more ethical, trust-focused approach that aligns with modern privacy expectations.
Cyber scams in India are growing at an alarming rate, targeting people of all age groups, particularly the middle-aged and elderly. Scammers employ increasingly sophisticated tricks to exploit people’s trust and naivety. To protect yourself and your loved ones, it’s essential to recognize these scams and understand how they operate. Below is an expanded guide on ten common cyber scams in India, including actionable steps to stay vigilant and safe.
Types of Cyber Scams in India
1. TRAI Phone Scam
The Scam: Fraudsters impersonate officials from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), alleging that your mobile number is linked to illegal activities and will be suspended unless immediate action is taken.
The Reality: TRAI does not directly suspend telecom services. This responsibility lies with telecom providers, who always follow proper procedures.
How to Protect Yourself:
Avoid sharing any personal details during unsolicited calls.
Disconnect the call and verify the information with your telecom operator.
Report the scam to relevant authorities if you receive such a call.
2. Parcel Stuck at Customs
The Scam: A scammer informs you about a parcel intercepted at customs containing contraband or suspicious items. They demand immediate payment of fines or customs duties to resolve the issue.
The Reality: Government departments such as customs never demand payments over the phone. Legitimate customs procedures are handled officially.
What You Should Do:
End the call immediately.
Contact customs directly if you’re expecting a parcel.
Report such incidents through the cybercrime portal or helpline.
3. Digital Arrest Threats
The Scam: Another most common cyber scams in India is – Posing as police officers, scammers claim that you’re under investigation and threaten “digital arrest” or online interrogation unless you comply with their demands.
The Reality: Law enforcement agencies in India do not conduct digital arrests or interrogations over the internet.
Tips to Stay Safe:
Avoid engaging with these callers.
Verify claims by contacting your local police station.
Never transfer money under threat or intimidation.
4. Family Member in Trouble
The Scam: Fraudsters claim that a relative has been arrested or is in trouble, demanding urgent payment for their release.
The Reality: Scammers rely on panic and emotional manipulation to extract money.
How to Respond:
Stay calm and contact your family members directly.
Avoid making any payments without verifying the authenticity of the claims.
5. Get-Rich-Quick Trading Schemes
The Scam: Social media ads promise extraordinary returns on investments in stock markets, cryptocurrency, or trading platforms.
The Reality: High-return investment schemes are almost always scams. Reputable investments require careful research and offer realistic returns.
How to Protect Your Finances:
Avoid schemes that promise guaranteed profits or unrealistic returns.
Only invest through verified financial advisors and platforms.
6. Easy Tasks for Big Rewards
The Scam: Fraudsters advertise simple tasks, like liking social media posts, in exchange for high payments. They then demand upfront fees or deposits for “verification” purposes.
The Reality: These offers are fraudulent, and victims often lose money without receiving any rewards.
Stay Safe:
Research any job offers or task-based income opportunities thoroughly.
Avoid paying upfront fees for supposed work-from-home opportunities.
7. Credit Card Fraud Alert
The Scam: A scammer impersonates a bank executive, claiming that a credit card in your name has been used for a large transaction. They ask you to confirm details to stop the transaction.
The Reality: Banks do not request sensitive information like PINs or OTPs over the phone.
How to Respond:
End the call immediately.
Contact your bank directly using official helpline numbers.
8. Mistaken Money Transfer Scam
The Scam: Scammers pretend to have accidentally transferred money to your account and request you refund the amount.
The Reality: Often, no such transfer has occurred, and they seek to exploit your trust.
Steps to Avoid Falling Victim:
Always verify your account transactions through your bank.
Never initiate refunds without confirmation.
9. KYC Update Fraud
The Scam: Fraudsters claim your Know Your Customer (KYC) details are outdated and ask you to update them through a link or provide details over the phone.
The Reality: Banks and financial institutions require KYC updates in person or through secure, verified portals.
Precautions to Take:
Avoid clicking on suspicious links sent via SMS or email.
Visit your bank directly to update KYC details.
10. Generous Tax Refund Scams
The Scam: Scammers impersonate tax officials and offer large tax refunds in exchange for your bank account details or a processing fee.
The Reality: The Income Tax Department already has your bank details for processing refunds and never solicits such information.
How to Handle:
Verify any tax-related communication through the official income tax website or helpline.
Do not share sensitive information over unsolicited calls or emails.
General Tips to Stay Safe from Cyber Scams in India
1. Verify Information Before Acting
Never trust unsolicited calls, emails, or messages. Cross-check information with official sources.
2. Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links
Malicious links can lead to phishing attacks, stealing your sensitive data.
3. Keep Communication Official
Reach out to banks, tax authorities, or telecom providers directly through their official helplines.
Call the National Consumer Helpline at 1800-11-4000.
5. Stay Informed About New Scams
Cyber scams evolve constantly. Stay updated on emerging threats through news, government advisories, and trusted sources.
Conclusion: Staying Vigilant from Cyber Scams in India in the Digital Age
Cyber scams in India are becoming more sophisticated and prevalent. By understanding their tactics, verifying claims, and using official channels for assistance, you can protect yourself and others from falling victim. Staying informed, cautious, and proactive is your best defense against these scams.
Remember: If something sounds too good to be true or causes panic, it’s likely a scam. Protect yourself and spread awareness to safeguard your community.
Mumbai, India—November 13, 2024— Prime Video has revealed that the Indian Original spy series Citadel: Honey Bunny, born from the world of Citadel, was the most watched series on Prime Video worldwide in its launch weekend. sThe Indian series directed by Raj & DK (Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK) and starring Varun Dhawan and Samantha, has drawn in huge global audiences, streamed in 200 countries worldwide. The series was in the Top 10 in almost 150 countries, including US, UK, France, Italy, Australia, Canada, Brazil, and UAE, proving the trend that consumers are continuing to enjoy non-English language content. It was also Number 1 in the Prime Video charts in India and in over 30 countries worldwide on launch day.
Prime Video Citadel
“The success of Citadel: Honey Bunny shows that our non-English language International Originals continue to find fans globally through Prime Video’s huge worldwide audience,” said James Farrell, VP International Originals, Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios.
“Citadel: Honey Bunny’s success is another example of Indian content increasingly being appreciated by audiences worldwide,” said Nikhil Madhok, Head of Originals, Prime Video India. “It shows that local narratives can have universal appeal and engage customers across borders. The series has received an extremely positive response in India and we are thrilled that this action spy thriller is also the most watched series on Prime Video worldwide in its launch weekend.”
“It has been a very enriching experience on a challenging project that gave us the unique opportunity to collaborate with some of the biggest names in global entertainment and build on a larger connected world of spies which goes beyond the conventional storytelling formats,” said Raj & DK. “We have enjoyed weaving in easter eggs and nostalgic throwbacks to 90s’ cinema into the world of Honey Bunny. And we are thrilled at the amazing response both from our home turf and from around the world!”
“We continue to be immensely proud of our global partners on Citadel and the success of each installment in the series. DK and Raj’s Citadel: Honey Bunny is a truly fun, propulsive, and subversive spy show. Writer Sita Menon has crafted outstanding scripts that our talented leads, Samantha and Varun Dhawan, bring to life through shining performances, saidAngela Russo-Otstot, Executive Producer and Chief Creative Officer, AGBO. “AGBO is honored to collaborate with such exceptional creatives, alongside Amazon and David Weil, in bringing this distinctive global series to audiences worldwide.”
Prime Video Citadel web series
Citadel: Honey Bunny is directed by Raj & DK (Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK) and written by Sita R. Menon, along with Raj & DK. The series is produced by D2R Films, Amazon MGM Studios, and executive produced by the Russo Brothers’ AGBO. Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Angela Russo-Otstot, and Scott Nemes from AGBO, alongside David Weil (Hunters), executive produce Citadel: Honey Bunny and all series within the world of Citadel. Midnight Radio is also an executive producer.
The first season of Citadel, starring Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas alongside Stanley Tucci and Lesley Manville, premiered to global success in 2023, becoming Prime Video’s second most-watched new original series outside the US, and fourth most-watched worldwide, after 24 days. Executive produced by the Russo Brothers’ AGBO, Citadel and its subsequent action-espionage Original Series traverse the globe, evolving the story of spy agency Citadel and its powerful enemy syndicate, Manticore. Each series born from the world of Citadel stars top local talent and is created, produced and filmed in region—bringing about stylistically unique shows with strong cultural identities rooted in their respective country of origin. The Italian Original, Citadel: Diana, which launched on October 10, was the second series to debut from the world of Citadel and is followed by India’s series, Citadel: Honey Bunny, which launched on November 7. Since the launch of both series, customers continue to watch season 1 of Citadel, drawing in more audiences globally. Season Two of Citadel, starring Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas alongside Stanley Tucci and Lesley Manville, is in production, with Joe Russo serving as director.
Citadel: Honey Bunny joins Prime Video’s slate of International Originals debuting to record-breaking global success, including recent international hits; My Fault (‘Culpa Mía’), Maxton Hall – The World Between Us, and Like A Dragon: Yakuza, as well as upcoming launches, including Your Fault (‘Culpa Tuya’), The Sticky, and Look Back. The Indian Original series adds to Prime Video’s breadth of Indian-produced hits, such as Mirzapur, Farzi, The Family Man, and upcoming Season 2 of Paatal Lok, Season 4 of Panchayat and Matka King. As well as global Amazon MGM Studios-produced series and movies, such as The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Fallout, The Summer I Turned Pretty, Road House, Saltburn, and The Idea of You. This is all available with a Prime membership. Prime subscribers can enjoy savings, convenience, and entertainment, all in a single membership.
The spy thriller is set against the vibrant tapestry of the 90’s, featuring explosive action, high-octane stunts, and edge-of-your-seat excitement, all perfectly complemented by exceptional performances and a grand visual scale. When stuntman Bunny (Varun Dhawan) recruits struggling actress Honey (Samantha) for a side gig, they are hurled into a high-stakes world of action, espionage, and betrayal. Years later, as their dangerous past catches up, the estranged Honey and Bunny must reunite and fight to protect their young daughter Nadia.
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*Based on launch weekend (11/7-11/10) global viewing figures
About D2R Films
Founded by the trailblazing writer-director-producer duo Raj & DK, D2R Films is known for producing uniquely original content. Its rich portfolio includes the seminal global blockbuster series The Family Man, the most watched series, Farzi, and the cult Guns & Gulaabs. Popular for their quirky, new-age filmmaking, they have also created cult hit films like Go Goa Gone, Shor In The City, 99, and the blockbuster film, Stree. D2R Films strives to constantly elevate, enhance, and innovate distinct storytelling with universal appeal.
About AGBO
Established in 2017, AGBO’s mission is to propel the next era of storytelling by developing and producing universe-driven intellectual properties that span film, TV, and interactive media. As a powerhouse independent studio founded and operated by a collective of artists with decades of experience, AGBO has consistently set new standards in global entertainment with its record-shattering content. Since 2018, AGBO has had 11 of its films and series debut at Number One or break box office or platform records, building on earlier successes such as Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, Marvel’s highest-grossing film of all time. AGBO produced Everything Everywhere All at Once which won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture in 2023. The Russo Brothers-directed The Gray Man sits in the top six of Netflix’s “most viewed of all time” list, and the Chris Hemsworth-starrer Extraction has become Netflix’s most successful franchise to date. Additionally, the first season of Citadel, released in April 2023, became Amazon Prime Video’s second-most-watched new original series outside the U.S.
AGBO has recently completed principal photography on the Amazon MGM film The Bluff, directed by Frank E. Flowers, and has commenced production on Citadel Season 2 in London, with Joe Russo directing. Netflix and AGBO are eagerly anticipating the 2025 release of the Russo Brothers-directed The Electric State, a retro-future adventure headlined by Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, and Stanley Tucci. And recently announced at San Diego Comic Con, AGBO will be producing, alongside Marvel, the upcoming Russo Brothers-directed Avengers: Doomsday (May 2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (May 2027), marking the Russos’ return to the Avengers franchise.
About Prime Video
Prime Video is a one-stop entertainment destination offering customers a vast collection of premium programming in one application available across thousands of devices. On Prime Video, customers can find their favorite movies, series, documentaries, and live sports – including Amazon MGM Studios-produced series and movies Road House, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Fallout, Reacher, The Boys, and The Idea of You; licensed fan favorites American Fiction and The Boys in the Boat; Prime member exclusive access to coverage of live sports including Thursday Night Football, WNBA, and NWSL, and acclaimed sports documentaries including Bye Bye Barry and Federer; and programming from Prime Video add-on subscriptions such as Max, Crunchyroll and MGM+, as well as more than 500 free ad-supported (FAST) Channels. Prime members in the U.S. can share a variety of benefits, including Prime Video, by using Amazon Household. Prime Video is one benefit among many that provides savings, convenience, and entertainment as part of the Prime membership. All customers, regardless of whether they have a Prime membership or not, can rent or buy titles, including blockbusters such as Challengers and The Fall Guy,via the Prime Video Store, and can enjoy content such as Jury Duty and Bosch: Legacy free with ads on Freevee. Customers can also go behind the scenes of their favorite movies and series with exclusive X-Ray access.
From the world premiere of the unscripted Telugu Original series The Rana Daggubati Show and the Asia premiere of the internationally-acclaimed Original movie The Mehta Boys, to a scintillating performance by the team of the much-loved Original series Bandish BanditsSeason 2, along with participation in the Knowledge Series, and more, Prime Video’s line-up combines the best of entertainment with business and creative insights
Mumbai—November 19, 2024—Prime Video, India’s most loved entertainment destination, returns to the prestigious International Film Festival of India (IFFI) for its 55th edition, with an exciting line-up of exclusive premieres, performances and more. Demonstrating its continued commitment to promoting excellence in cinematic arts and appreciation for diverse storytelling, Prime Video’s presence at the iconic IFFI will be marked with several high-octane events. These include:
World Premiere of Unscripted Telugu Original Series—The Rana Daggubati Show: November 21
Showcasing the first episode of the highly anticipated unscripted Telugu Original series—The Rana Daggubati Show at the festival, Prime Video will treat the attendees with a glimpse into the world of Rana Daggubati and his guests as they indulge in entertaining conversations and engaging activities that bring out a never-seen-before side of his guests. The premiere will be attended by none other than Rana Daggubati himself, along with Sonal Kabi, Director & Head – Marketing, Prime Video, India. Following the special screening, Rana will spill the beans on his exciting line-up of guests in the upcoming series and will engage in a tete-e-tete with the audience. Created and hosted by Rana Daggubati and executive produced by him under the banner of Spirit Media, the eight-episode series will feature a dazzling line-up of guests, including Dulquer Salmaan, Naga Chaitanya Akkineni, Nani, Rishab Shetty, Siddhu Jonnalagadda with Sreeleela, S.S. Rajamouli with Ram Gopal Varma, and many more prominent celebrities. Brimming with unfiltered conversations and unexplored facets of celebrities, The Rana Daggubati Show presentsa refreshing take on the celebrity talk show format, as Rana and his guests unmask their fun side and reveal insights into their personal lives that are unknown to their fans and unheard of by the world while partaking in exciting activities and passionate hobbies that go beyond the silver screen. The Rana Daggubati Show will premiere exclusively on Prime Video starting November 23 in India and across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide, with new episodes dropping every Saturday.
Asia Premiere of Internationally Acclaimed Original Movie The Mehta Boys: November 25
The highly-acclaimed Original movie The Mehta Boys will make its Asia debut at IFFI on November 25. This poignant and emotionally charged drama will take the audience on a heartfelt exploration of the complex and often turbulent bond between a father and son, who are compelled to spend 48 hours together under challenging circumstances. The Mehta Boysstole the spotlight at the 15th Chicago South Asian Film Festival (CSAFF) with the exclusive world premiere on the Opening Night on September 20th. The movie was honoured with the prestigious Best Feature Film award. The Mehta Boys marks Boman Irani’s directorial debut, has received this accolade for its compelling storytelling and heartfelt performances, resonating deeply with audiences and critics alike. The premiere will be attended by the film’s cast, including actor, writer, director, and producer Boman Irani, along with writer Alexander Dinelaris Jr., actors Avinash Tiwary, Shreya Chaudhry and Puja Sarup and producer Danesh Irani.
IFFI screenings
Musical Performance by Bandish Bandits Season 2 Team at the Closing Ceremony: November 28
Known for celebrating India’s cultural diversity through powerful storytelling, Prime Video will present at IFFI’s closing ceremony, a vibrant Jugalbandi performance featuring the highly talented team of its upcoming musical drama Bandish Bandits Season 2. Audiences will enjoy both soulful and energetic compositions performed live by musicians Nikita Gandhi, Digvijay Singh Pariyar and Mame Khan. The event will also be attended by the lead cast Ritwik Bhowmik and Shreya Chaudhary, Producer Amritpal Singh Bindra, Director Anand Tiwari, and Nikhil Madhok, Head of Originals, Prime Video, India. The live music performance will be followed by an exciting show reveal.
In addition to the above, Prime Video will also participate in the Knowledge Series at NFDC’s Film Bazaar at IFFI:
IFFI Program
Panel Discussion on Greenlighting Your Project: Strategies for Film & Series Creators: November 22
Manish Menghani, Director – Content Licensing, Prime Video, India will participate in this highly insightful panel session that will also feature industry leaders including Jyoti Deshpande, CEO of Viacom18, filmmaker Nikhil Advani, and Shobha Sant, CEO of Creativeland Studios, with filmmaker Richie Mehta moderating the discussion. Together, they will guide creators through the process of getting their projects greenlit, and offer expert insights into content development.
Besides this, Shilangi Mukherji, Director & Head – SVOD, Prime Video, India will address the audience at a special event at IFFI.
Prime Video’s ongoing participation at IFFI over the past few years, through insightful masterclasses, series and movie screenings, interactive panels, and special showcases underscores its commitment to India’s creative economy.
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ABOUT PRIME VIDEO
Prime Video is a one-stop entertainment destination offering customers a vast collection of premium programming in one application available across several devices. On Prime Video, customers can find their favourite Indian and international original series, movies, TV shows, and more, across multiple languages – including Indian-produced Original series like Citadel: Honey Bunny, Mirzapur, Farzi, Panchayat, The Family Man, Dhootha, Jubilee, Dahaad, Made in Heaven, Suzhal – The Vortex, Inspector Rishi, Poacher, Indian Police Force, Paatal Lok, Rainbow Rishta, Wedding.con; Original movies like Maja Ma, Ammu, Mast Mein Rehne Ka; popular global Originals like Citadel, The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power, Citadel: Diana, Fallout, Reacher, The Boys, The Wheel of Time, Road House, The Idea of You; some of the biggest post-theatrical films; direct-to-service films such as Shershaah, Soorarai Pottru, Sardar Udham, Bawaal, Gehraiyaan, Jai Bhim, Jalsa, Sherni, Narappa, Sarpatta Parambarai, Kuruthi, Joji, Malik, Pippa, #HOME, Sharmajee Ki Beti, and many more of such titles. Additionally, Prime Video’s video entertainment marketplace, offers customers programming from partners such as Lionsgate Play, Discovery+ Crunchyroll, BBC Player, Sony Pictures – Stream, MGM+, FanCode, Chaupal, Manorama Max, Eros Now, Hoichoi, Anime Times, to name a few, via Prime Video add-on-subscriptions, as well as the option to rent movies, regardless of whether customers have a Prime membership or not. Customers can also go behind the scenes of their favourite movies and series with exclusive X-Ray access. Prime Video is one benefit among many that provides savings, convenience, and entertainment as part of the Prime membership. For more info visit www.amazon.com/primevideo.
18th November 2024, Chennai, India – Garuda Aerospace, a pioneer in drone technology, has achieved a significant milestone. With its fleet of over 2,000 Agri-drones, Garuda Aerospace has recorded 10 lakh hours of flying time in the past year an average rate of one drone every two minutes. This achievement reflects Garuda’s commitment to revolutionising agriculture through drone technology and highlights the increasing impact of drones in India.
Agri-drones
This consistent deployment has enabled the company to support farmers across the country, boosting productivity and sustainability. Garuda Aerospace’s Agri Kisan Drone continues transforming Indian agriculture through advanced technology and application. These high-tech drones, equipped with advanced sensors and GPS guidance, are empowering farmers to:
Precision Agriculture: Deliver targeted treatments of pesticides, fertilisers, and nutrients, optimising resource utilisation and minimising environmental impact
Reduced Environmental Impact and Improve Safety: Sustainable farming practices minimize waste, protect the environment, and create safer working conditions for farmers.
Real-Time Monitoring: Monitor crop health in real-time and enable early detection of pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies
Data-Driven Decisions: Leverage data analytics to make informed decisions on planting cycles, harvesting, and resource allocation
Rithika Mohan, Co-founder of Garuda Aerospace, said, “Our Agri Kisan Drone represents a new era for Indian agriculture. By bringing affordable, accessible, and powerful technology to every farmer, we’re transforming the traditional farming model and helping make Indian agriculture sustainable and resilient.”
Garuda Aerospace is committed to providing farmers with the knowledge, skills, and resources to effectively utilise drone technology. Through comprehensive training programs, including the ‘Train the Trainer’ model including this garuda have 6 DGCA approvals. the company is building a network of skilled operators who can independently manage and maintain drones. Garuda Aerospace is collaborating with financial institutions to offer affordable financing options, making drone technology accessible to a wider range of farmers. Aligned with government initiatives like:
Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)
NAMO Drone Didi Program
Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace, highlighted the company’s broader vision: “Our achievement of 10 lakh hours of agricultural drone operations is a testament to our dedication to revolutionising Indian agriculture. We are deeply committed to providing innovative, accessible solutions for every farmer, and this milestone reflects the progress we’re making in transforming India’s agricultural landscape for a sustainable future. Garuda’s vision is to make drone technology as ubiquitous as tractors, revolutionising Indian agriculture and positioning India as a global leader in sustainable farming practices.”
Garuda Aerospace is dedicated to transforming agriculture through innovative drone technology. Continuing its alignment with government initiatives, forging strategic partnerships, and expanding its global footprint into Asia and Australia. Garuda aims to empower more farmers. To achieve this, Garuda will invest in comprehensive training programs, continuously innovate, offer subsidized solutions, collaborate with government agencies, and diversify its product range.
About Garuda Aerospace & Agri-Drones
Garuda Aerospace is India’s leading Drone tech start-up focused on disrupting two major multi-billion-dollar sectors, Precision Agri Tech and Industry 4.0 upgradation. Garuda Aerospace is asset-light, recession-proof, and agnostic, and focuses on eliminating labourers in the agricultural field with drones focusing on designing, building, and customization of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Founded in 2015 with a team of 5, Garuda has scaled to a 200+ member team having the largest drone fleet in India with over 400 drones and 500 pilots operating in 84 cities. Garuda Aerospace manufactures 30 types of drones and offers 50 types of services. Having served over 750 clients including TATA, Godrej, Adani, Reliance, Swiggy, Flipkart, Delhivery, L&T, Survey of India, SAIL, NTPC, IOCL, Smart cities, Intel, Amazon, Wipro, IISC, MIT Boston, NHAI for various projects, the company recently partnered with global giants such as Lockheed Martin, Cognizant and Elbit Systems. Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji launched the drone yatra where 100 drones were flagged off simultaneously across 100 villages in India. Garuda Aerospace is the first drone company to get DGCA approvals for Type Certification and Remote Pilot Training Organisation. Garuda is on a mission to impact 1 billion lives positively using affordable precision Drone Technology. Mahendra Singh Dhoni has invested in the company and is the Brand Ambassador.
~ 9 industry experts, including a surprise speaker to debate on the theme – ‘D:CODE THE NOW: How AI is Revolutionizing Creative, Media, and the User Landscape in India’ ~
~ D:CODE will commence at 5:30 pm at Google India HQ in Gurgaon on November 28 ~
14th November, 2024; Mumbai, India: Following the phenomenal success of the first three editions of Annual Digital Review D:CODE, The Advertising Club now announces the 2024 edition of D:CODE, Presented by Google. Scheduled to take place on November 28 in Gurgaon at Google’s India HQ, the fourth edition of D:CODE will witness industry stalwarts debate and deliberate on the theme – ‘D:CODE THE NOW: How AI is Revolutionizing Creative, Media, and the User Landscape in India’.
The global marketing and advertising industry has continued to evolve in an accelerated manner since the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Harnessing the power of AI has become increasingly important for brands and agencies in the digital world. D:CODE 2024 will bring together 9 industry experts, including a surprise speaker who will discuss how AI is impacting the marketing and user landscape. D:CODE 2024 will witness participation from tech giants, marketing wizards, market research agencies and advertisers and brands.
D:CODE SCHEDULE
The following 8 leaders in addition to a surprise speaker will get 10 minutes each to share insights, present their case, showcase their work and their industry inspirations at D:CODE 2024:
Varun Mayya, CEO and Founder at AEOS
Jaspreet Bindra, Founder at AI&Beyond and Tech Whisperer Ltd
Manish Gupta, Director at Google DeepMind India
Kavita Nair, Strategic Advisor at Skewb Analytics
Soumya Mohanty, Managing Director and Chief Client Officer at Kantar
Siddharth Srinivasan, Head of India at ElevenLabs
Shubhranshu Singh, Chief Marketing Officer, CVBU at Tata Motors
Azeez Gupta, Founder at Rocket Learning
Speaking on bringing D:CODE back for its fourth edition, Rana Barua, President of The Advertising Club, said, “The Advertising Club’s D:CODE was launched as an engaging knowledge platform that aims to inspire and inform the industry. As per market reports, over three quarter of CMOs are already using generative AI and over the next 3 years the adoption is inevitable. Therefore, it is imperative for us to plan for an AI ready marketing eco-system which is what D:Code aims to address in this chapter. We have curated the best minds who will be driving this narrative along with The Advertising Club for an AI positive future.”
Mansha Tandon, Chairperson, D:CODE said, “AI is driving innovation, increasing efficiency and helping brands and agencies to explore new ways of consumer engagement and communication. With AI as the central theme, D:CODE’s 2024 edition will turn the spotlight on how our industry is leveraging the power of AI, thus helping brands to shine and create clutter-breaking narratives. Collaboratively our 9 distinguished speakers will cover a wide spectrum of all things AI. We look forward to an evening filled with learning and knowledge sharing at D:CODE 2024.”
Presented by Google, the fourth edition of D:CODE is scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 28 at Google’s India HQ in Gurgaon, 5:30 pm onwards.
The entry to this prestigious event is strictly by Invitation only.
ABOUT THE ADVERTISING CLUB:
The Advertising Club, incorporated in the year 1954, is arguably the biggest Advertising Club of its kind in the world. And according to many, also the busiest. It has over 1600 members drawn from media organizations, marketing companies, advertising agencies and allied professional bodies. The Club organizes seminars, quizzes, award ceremonies and training workshops, publishes a Club magazine and hosts a comprehensive website.
The endeavour of the Advertising Club is to help raise the professional standards of the Indian Advertising Industry”, and the Club attempts to do this through awards, seminars, meetings and more.
Over the years, Ad Club has become a catalyst in developing the industry. It has become a dynamic platform for professionals from different fields to interact and gain from each other’s expertise.
Some of the major awards of Advertising Club include Creative & Media Abby at Goafest, EMVIEs, EFFIEs, MARQUEES and Young Achievers Awards besides having other popular programmes such as D:CODE – Digital Review, Social Projects, Ad Review, Media Review, M.Ad Quiz, Vice & Versa on its annual roller coaster. The Ad Club has over the years performed the role of a nodal body for the International event AdAsia and helped in mobilizing big delegations.
It has also started a Leadership Development Programme in association with MICA. The Ad Club has forged a special deal with IPA – The Institute of Practitioners in Advertising with the purpose of raising the bar for the talent in our industry.
On the occasion of Children’s Day, HSBC Mutual fund has unveiled “Naye Nazariye Ki Udaan”, an interesting digital film that aims to raise awareness about the significance of early financial planning and the role of mutual funds in securing a brighter future for children.
Conceptualised and Produced by TheSmallBigIdea, the film is an initiative to educate young parents about systematic investment plans (SIPs) in Mutual Funds. It highlights the importance of starting early and staying invested to achieve long-term financial goals. The film emphasizes how mutual funds can be a powerful tool to build a strong financial foundation for children, thereby enabling them to pursue their dreams and aspirations.
This ad film captures a whimsical father-child duo as they challenge Sherlock Holmes to find misplaced keys. Through dynamic visuals and witty dialogue, it showcases children’s creativity and problem-solving skills. The narrative effortlessly links playful imagination to the importance of securing the future, paralleling the role of mutual funds. The voiceover reinforces this connection, fostering an emotional bond with families and highlighting the value of nurturing imagination.
Speaking on the campaign, Kailash Kulkarni, CEO HSBC Mutual Fund said, “With thoughtful planning, parents can create a strong financial foundation to help secure their child’s aspirations and future. Through the quirky narrative in our Naye Nazariye Ki Udaan film, we wish to reinforce the importance of early investments through an SIP and urge young parents to take this critical step forward to make their child’s dreams into reality.”
Speaking on the ad film, Manish Solanki, COO & Co-Founder, TheSmallBigIdea, said, “Children, with their unfiltered imagination, see the world through a lens of endless possibilities. Our goal was to capture this unique perspective and weave it into a narrative that resonates with parents and highlights the transformative power of early investment. By emphasizing the long-term benefits of SIPs, the film will inspire people to take charge of their financial future and secure a brighter tomorrow for their loved ones.”
The film will run across all digital and social media platforms. HSBC Mutual fund will engage with investors via display ads, social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube., etc.
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About TheSmallBigIdea:
TheSmallBigIdea is a full-service digital agency, with offices in Mumbai, Bengaluru & Dubai serving client requirements in India, US, UK & Middle East. They believe in combining the ability of technology to integrate & the power of human minds to visualize, to deliver results for their clients. Their services include Social Media Management, Video Content Production, Digital Media Planning & Buying, Social Listening & ORM services & Augmented & Virtual Reality amongst other ancillary marketing services. Their propriety creative-tech tool ACE has enabled brands to arrive at campaign messaging by integrating insights from social sentiments & enterprise data. Over the past 10 years, they have established a robust clientele in Media & Entertainment, Tourism, Sports, Real Estate, BFSI & E-Commerce.
About HSBC Asset Management:
HSBC Asset Management should be referred to either in full or as HSBC AM to avoid confusion with any other financial services firms.
HSBC Asset Management, the investment management business of the HSBC Group, invests on behalf of HSBC’s worldwide customer base of retail and private clients, intermediaries, corporates and institutions through both segregated accounts and pooled funds. HSBC Asset Management connects HSBC’s clients with investment opportunities around the world through an international network of offices in 22 countries and territories, delivering global capabilities with local market insight. As at 30 September 2024, HSBC Asset Management managed assets totalling US$765bn on behalf of its clients.
HSBC Asset Management is the brand name for the asset management businesses of HSBC Holdings plc.
HSBC Bank India
The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited in India offers a full range of banking and financial services through 26 branches across 14 cities.
HSBC is one of India’s leading financial services groups, with around 42,000 employees in its banking, investment banking and capital markets, asset management, insurance, software development and global resourcing operations in the country. It is a leading custodian in India. The Bank is at the forefront in arranging deals for Indian companies investing overseas and foreign investments into the country.
HSBC Holdings plc
HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of HSBC, is headquartered in London. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 60 countries and territories. With assets of US$3,099bn at 30 September 2024, HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations.
An Investor Education & Awareness Initiative by HSBC Mutual Fund
Streaming November 14 on JioCinema Premium — Trailer out now!
~ Directed by Birsa Dasgupta, the heartwarming slice-of-life tale features Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya, Jaaved Jaaferi, Namit Das, and Parmeet Sethi ~
November 7, 2024 – Building on the excitement since the date announcement, JioCinema Premium today unveiled the trailer for The Magic of Shiri, a heartwarming slice-of-life drama that beautifully portrays the journey of a woman pursuing her dreams in the enchanting world of magic. With an exceptional cast featuring Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya, Jaaved Jaaferi, Namit Das, and Parmeet Sethi, the ten-episodic series captures life’s small joys, challenges, and the magic found in everyday resilience, and will be available to stream on JJioCinema Premium to Stream HBO Original Drama Series DUNE: PROPHECY from November 18thioCinema Premium starting November 14.
Presented by Jio Studios, produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Tanveer Bookwala (Ding Infinity), Shiri is adamant to realize her dream of emerging as the world’s best magician and create a legacy in an industry dominated by stereotypes and gender biases. Shiri struggles to find her rightful place in the world of magic but refuses to let that inner spark of desire and determination flicker or flinch, irrespective of the challenges thrown at her. The trailer also introduces Jaaved Jaaferi as a powerful magician, and features Namit Das in a pivotal role.
Commenting on the series, actor Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya said, “Shiri is a story of every woman, finding her way in a world that doesn’t always make space for her. Playing her has been a rewarding experience because it reminded me of the everyday battles, we all face to keep moving forward, no matter the odds. Her journey is so relatable — it’s about holding onto a dream and pushing through, even when it feels impossible. She is every woman who has ever dared to dream beyond society’s boundaries, refusing to be held back by the challenges life throws at her.”
Further adding, Jaaved Jaaferi said, “This is a tale for anyone who has at some point in their life been told that their dreams are too big or that their goals are out of reach. Shiri’s inspiring journey beautifully captures the magic of resilience, passion and determination. My character adds a certain intensity and depth to the story and plays a pivotal role as friend, philosopher and guide in Shiri’s journey through the world of magic.”
JioCinemas The magic of shiri
With its enchanting storyline and relatable characters, Shiri taps into the universal themes of passion and resilience, resonating with anyone who has ever faced obstacles on the path to their dreams. The series offers a refreshing take on women breaking barriers, set against the magical backdrop of an enchanting and competitive world.
Watch The Magic of Shiri on JioCinema Premium from November 14, and immerse yourself in her magical journey of dreams, challenges, and resilience.
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About Viacom18 Media Pvt Ltd:
Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd. is one of India’s fastest growing entertainment networks and a house of iconic brands that offers multi-platform, multi-generational and multicultural brand experiences. Viacom18 defines entertainment in India by touching the lives of people through its properties on air, online, on ground, in cinemas and merchandise. Its portfolio of 38 channels across general entertainment, movies, sports, youth, music and kid’s genres delights the consumers across the country with its eclectic mix of programming. JioCinema, Viacom18’s OTT platform, is one of India’s leading streaming services and most popular destination for live sports. Viacom18 Studios has successfully produced and distributed iconic Hindi films and clutter-breaking regional films for over 15 years in India.
In a strategic partnership set to transform the global agriculture landscape, Garuda Aerospace , one of India’s leading drone manufacturers and CYOL (Pvt) Ltd., a leading provider of advanced agricultural technology solutions in Sri Lanka signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at No. 61, Kynsey Road, Colombo 08, Sri Lanka. This agreement marks a major milestone in both companies’ growth as they expand their operations into Australia, Africa, and Asia.
The MOU was signed by Mr. Chamitha Ranneththi, Chairman and Director of CYOL, alongside Sanjeewa Dissanayake, Director, S. Mahendran, Director, and Vincent Renold, Director of Garuda Aerospace Ceylon Pvt. Ltd.
Garuda Aerospace Collaboration to Revolutionize Global Agriculture
As part of this partnership, Garuda Aerospace has officially launched its operations in Sri Lanka, further solidifying its presence in South Asia. The Indian-based drone company, recognized for its cutting-edge solutions in agriculture, surveillance, mapping, thermography, videography, and defence anti-drone systems, will collaborate with CYOL to deliver a revolutionary approach to farming and technology integration.
Mr. Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder CEO, Garuda Aerospace said, “This collaboration with CYOL cements our commitment is a significant step toward advancing precision farming and technological innovation in agriculture across these key regions. By combining our drone expertise with CYOL’s robust software solutions, we are confident that this partnership will create significant value for farmers and stakeholders.”
Garuda Aerospace Collaboration with CYOL Global Agriculture
This MOU brings together Garuda Aerospace’s renowned drone technology with CYOL’s advanced agricultural software, creating an integrated platform for precision farming, surveillance, and data-driven analytics. Together, the two companies aim to revolutionize agriculture across Australia, Africa, and Asia, providing farmers with real- time insights, optimized resource management, and enhanced crop monitoring capabilities.
Mr. Chamitha Ranneththi, Chairman and Director of CYOL, emphasized the importance of the partnership: “This collaboration between CYOL and Garuda Aerospace is a game-changer for the agricultural industry. By merging drone technology with advanced software solutions, we are poised to deliver high-value solutions that enhance productivity, sustainability, and decision-making for farmers across multiple regions.”
The partnership is expected to offer mutual benefits by combining Garuda’s aerial expertise with CYOL’s technological advancements in data analytics, crop monitoring, and farm management systems. Together, both companies will provide a comprehensive suite of services, offering farmers holistic tools for optimizing their operations and adopting sustainable agricultural practices.
Mr. S. Mahendran, Director of Garuda Aerospace Ceylon Pvt. Ltd., shared his vision: “The potential for integrating drones with smart farming solutions is immense, and this partnership will enable us to bring the latest innovations to regions where agriculture is crucial for economic growth. We are excited about the impact this collaboration will have on farmers globally.”
Garuda Aerospace & CYOL Mutual Benefits and Global Expansion
By working together, CYOL and Garuda Aerospace will drive agricultural innovation and expand into new markets, providing holistic, technology-driven solutions tailored to both small-scale farmers and large commercial operations. The partnership will foster the adoption of sustainable practices and establish a smart farming revolution that leverages drones, software, and real-time data analytics to meet the evolving challenges of modern agriculture.
As Garuda Aerospace expands its footprint into Sri Lanka, and CYOL enhances its presence across Asia, Africa, and Australia, the two companies are committed to reshaping the future of agriculture by providing farmers with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven world.
About Garuda Aerospace
Garuda Aerospace is India’s leading Drone tech start-up focused on disrupting two major multi-billion-dollar sectors, Precision Agri Tech and Industry 4.0 upgradation. Garuda Aerospace is asset-light, recession-proof, and agnostic, and focuses on eliminating labourers in the agricultural field with drones focusing on designing, building, and customization of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Founded in 2015 with a team of 5, Garuda has scaled to a 200+ member team having the largest drone fleet in India with over 400 drones and 500 pilots operating in 84 cities. Garuda Aerospace manufactures 30 types of drones and offers 50 types of services. Having served over 750 clients including TATA, Godrej, Adani, Reliance, Swiggy, Flipkart, Delhivery, L&T, Survey of India, SAIL, NTPC, IOCL, Smart cities, Intel, Amazon, Wipro, IISC, MIT Boston, NHAI for various projects, the company recently partnered with global giants such as Lockheed Martin, Cognizant and Elbit Systems. Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji launched the drone yatra where 100 drones were flagged off simultaneously across 100 villages in India. Garuda Aerospace is the first drone company to get DGCA approvals for Type Certification and Remote Pilot Training Organisation. Garuda is on a mission to impact 1 billion lives positively using affordable precision Drone Technology. Mahendra Singh Dhoni has invested in the company and is the Brand Ambassador.
CYOL (Pvt) Ltd. specializes in developing cutting-edge technological solutions designed to transform farming practices. With a focus on integrating IoT, AI, and data analytics, CYOL enhances yield and productivity while promoting sustainable agriculture. Its unified platform offers solutions for water management, soil health, crop monitoring, and more, allowing farmers to optimize operations and reduce environmental impact. As a pioneer in agricultural technology, CYOL empowers farmers with real-time insights and data-driven decision-making, ensuring increased productivity and sustainability across diverse regions. Through this collaboration with Garuda Aerospace, CYOL’s software expertise will be integrated with drone technology to deliver comprehensive solutions for precision farming across Australia, Africa, and Asia
