IPRS to Host a Webinar on ‘The Future of Paid Online Concerts’ in Association with Music Plus

These are unprecedented times across the world and we all know that businesses are going to be adversely impacted. None more so than the live music business which has been the prime revenue generator for artists, musicians and event companies alike. Additionally, with the shutting down of establishments that play music during lockdowns, the composers, authors and publishers also stand to suffer substantially. Rakesh Nigam, CEO of IPRS in conversation with Brian Tellis, Director of Fountainhead Entertainment, Atul Churamani, MD of Turnkey Music & Publishing and renowned performer Manasi Scott.

However, will adversity bring opportunity? Will necessity again become the mother of invention?

The Indian Performing Right Society Ltd (“IPRS”) in association with Music Plus will be hosting an engaging panel discussion on ‘The Future of Paid online concerts in India’ on Thursday, 14th May 2020 at 4:00 pm. The session will be LIVE on Music Plus and IPRS social media handles. The forum will discuss the changing dynamics of concerts worldwide and whether the world will now see the rise of paid online concerts.

The panelists of the session include industry stalwarts Rakesh Nigam, CEO of The Indian Performing Right Society Ltd (IPRS) and Brian Tellis, Director of Fountainhead Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. along with the popular performer Manasi Scott, singer, songwriter and actress and will be moderated by Atul Churamani, MD of Turnkey Music & Publishing. The panelists will talk about the future of the Indian music industry, the options of alternate revenue streams, the financial and technical requirements and opportunities of virtual concerts and the critical role a society like IPRS would play in this changed world.

Rakesh Nigam, CEO, IPRS said, “After receiving a positive response to the previous session, we are glad to partner with Music Plus once again to host this webinar on “The Future of Online Paid Concerts”. We strive to help our music fraternity in all possible ways and this webinar is a step towards that. We are hoping that this session will help us emphasize the importance of people paying for concerts to encourage creativity among artists and simultaneously support them in these challenging times.”

Brian Tellis, Director of Fountainhead Entertainment commented, “There will be a change around the live entertainment industry. If virtual concerts go the paid route, this may fulfill the needs of musicians, but the sustainability of technicians then comes into question. We will delve into the issue and address factors that will be determining the industry’s future course of action.”

Ms. Manasi Scott, singer, songwriter and actress said, “My heart breaks when I think of not being able to experience an open-air concert in the near future! The world as we knew it is rotating into a new world order. Concerts are sheer magic, when 1000s come together to be united by music. Yet there’s excitement in this new way forward. Where thousands were physically present in one place, now millions can connect and watch from across the world in real time. The west always had the concept of massive ticket sales and have converted that into paid virtual concerts beautifully. I have faith in the Indian audiences too. My job is to create quality, online content and present my virtual shows with the same larger-than-life way I do onstage and I’m sure audiences here will support me and other artistes and pay for this pleasure!”

Mr. Atul Churamani, MD of Turnkey Music & Publishing mentioned, “The challenges this pandemic has thrown up are horrific. Yet I believe that our passion for music will drive innovation and India will be able to use technology to bring about significant change to the economics of music watching. I’m honoured to be part of this discussion which promises to be an eye opener for everyone.”

Toshiba is Committed to Support India During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Since Toshiba's establishment in 1875, the company is ‘Committed to People, Committed to the Future’. These words express Toshiba Group's mission and convey the values that the company shares, and emphasize on value creation and contributions to society.

As per Mr. Tomohiko Okada, Managing Director, Toshiba India Pvt. Ltd. “Toshiba Group is responding to the global corona virus pandemic with measures that prioritize the safety of our employees and their families, and of our customers and business partners. We continue to monitor the situation in India and to follow Indian Government guidance and instructions, while doing all we can to ensure business continuity. Pursuant to our basic commitment “Committed to People. Committed to the Future”, Toshiba group companies in India have donated approximately INR 1.95 crores during the current crisis, towards the fight against the pandemic as well as other CSR activities approved by Government of India”.

Toshiba’s relationship with India dates back close to 60 years. Toshiba has identified India as a hub for its manufacturing operations and export base with an aim to ‘Make-in-India’ and ‘Export-from-India’. Toshiba group companies in India are committed to adhere to the Government of India’s policies during the ongoing pandemic and to honour our commitments towards all our stakeholders.

As a responsible corporate entity, Toshiba group in India is contributing to disaster relief funds of state governments to support these governments towards the fight against the pandemic as well as other CSR activities approved by Government of India, to help Indian society at large during this time of unprecedented crisis. A total of approximately INR 1.95 crore have been donated as per below during this period, the contributions include voluntary salary contribution by Toshiba employees as well as contribution from Toshiba group companies namely Toshiba India Pvt. Ltd. (TIPL), Toshiba JSW Power Systems Pvt. Ltd. (TJPS), Toshiba Transmission & Distribution India Pvt. Ltd. (TTDI), Toshiba Software India Pvt. Ltd. (TSIP), Toshiba Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (TWS) and Toshiba Johnson Elevators (India) Pvt. Ltd. (TJEI) in India.

Toshiba Group is responding to the global corona virus pandemic with measures that prioritize the safety of our employees and their families, and of our customers and business partners. We continue to monitor the situation and to follow government guidance and instructions, while doing all we can to ensure business continuity.

·        Toshiba India Pvt. Ltd. (TIPL)

TIPL is making a donation of a total of INR 24,69,619 in following ways:

o    Donation of INR 18,00,000 to Akshay Patra Foundation for the mid-day meal of 1000 school children in the locations around Mohan Cooperative in Delhi for a period of one year starting from 15th March 2020 to 14th March 2021.

o    Donations of INR 6,69,619 to Prime Minister National Relief Fund

o    In addition, TIPL employees will make further donation by way of voluntary salary deduction from their May 2020 salary.

·        Toshiba JSW Power Systems Pvt. Ltd. (TJPS)

TJPS is making a donation of total of INR 25,00,000 in the following ways:

o    Donation of INR 5,00,000 to each five Chief Minister’s Fund of the states where TJPS Operations/ Project construction sites are located:

Ÿ   Gurugram Office (Haryana State)

Ÿ   Chennai Factory (Tamil Nadu State)

Ÿ   Harduaganj/Meja Project (Uttar Pradesh State)

Ÿ   Kudgi Project (Karnataka State)

Ÿ   Darlipali Project (Odisha State)

o    Total INR 25,00,000 donation from TJPS includes contribution of INR 9,17,496 from its employees

·        Toshiba Transmission & Distribution India Pvt. Ltd. (TTDI)

TTDI is making a donation of total of INR 25,00,000 in the following ways:

o    Donation of INR 22,00,000 planned to Foundations including Chief Minister’s Fund

o   In addition, TTDI employees will make further donation by way of voluntary salary deduction from their May 2020 salary.

·        Toshiba Software India Pvt. Ltd. (TSIP)

TSIP has made a donation of a total of INR 1,13,00,254 in following ways:

o    Donation of INR 33,00,000 to Akshaya Patra Foundation in Support of ‘Mid-day Meal sponsorship of 3,000 children in Bellary, Karnataka.

o    Donation of INR 10,00,000 to Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIMB) with the main objective to provide management education of high quality and to promote allied areas of knowledge as well as interdisciplinary studies.

o    Balance INR 70,00,254 to the Prime Ministers National Relief Fund.

·         Toshiba Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (TWS)

TWS has made a donation of a total of INR 4,67,498 by way of contribution from TWS employee’s salary.

·        Toshiba Johnson Elevators(India) Pvt. Ltd. (TJEI)

TJEI is making a donation of total of INR 5,00,000 in the following ways:

o    Donation of INR 5,00,000 planned to Chief Minister’s Fund
o    In addition, TJEI employees will make further donation by way of voluntary salary deduction

Acer partners with Indian Principals’ Network (IPN) for Smart Teaching Initiative

Details

* With exclusive discounts for teachers and students, special affordability programs and extended warranty teachers and students can now buy and use laptops and tablets to enable them to teach better and learn smarter
* Indian Principals’ Network (IPN) extensive reach and partnerships with over 4,500+ schools in India will help to drive this program

Acer, one of the largest technology brands in the world today announces the partnership with India’s leading Knowledge Network for School Leaders- IPN (Indian Principals' Network) to expand the accessibility of educational resources and help teachers teach better and smarter during the ongoing lockdown. Acer and IPN believe that unless teachers are equipped with the right set of tools to teach from home students cannot get the right educational experience. Acer brings out a comprehensive range of laptops and tablets solution for smart teaching from home backed by easy to own and easy to maintain offers for complete peace of mind.

The pandemic has ushered an era of e-learning to maintain social distancing this lockdown. With online learning rising exponentially it is important that teachers equip themselves to work in the new reality. India Principal Network India’s foremost platform of knowledge sharing for the enhancement of quality of education, resulting in wholesome development of education ecosystem plays a critical role to ensure schools and teachers are equipped to teach in the new normal

The program will commence from May 14th, 2020 with exclusive prices, offers like additional instant discount for teachers using special coupon code, 2 years extended warranty, 1 year of Accidental Damage Protection and more on a range of Acer laptops and tablets so teachers can choose the best device for the purpose and budget.

Chandrahas Panigrahi, CMO and Consumer Business Head, Acer India on this announcement said, “We are excited to partner with IPN India which are the leading Knowledge Network in EdTech segment. During the nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19 situation, it’s extremely significant to design news ways to help students and teachers to continue with learning and educating. At Acer, we believe that in this unprecedented time, technology is everyday changing our lives and hence must make a mark in new paradigm shift towards education sector as well. This partnership will bring great opportunity for students and teachers to lead better performance with the availability of better educational resources.”

Speaking at the partnership, Mr. Gourava Yadav, Founder & Moderator, IPN India said, “We welcome our partnership with Acer India at the right moment. IPN stands committed towards ensuring it members are equipped with best tools and techniques in order to enable Indian Schooling system to be the best one and truly becoming a contributory in the growth of our country’s talent pool. With lockdown there is a sudden rise in e-learning setup, and to match up to the quality of education and our vision to deliver best learning and knowledge practices, PC solutions from Acer India will go an extra mile.”

Mrs. Seetha Murty, Director Education, Silver Oaks Group of Schools, India & President, Heads Association of IB World Schools, India “Schools are working hard to shift classes online for students and teachers in an urge to provide a well-adjusted education system. Along with that, we are ensuring a lot of preparation and demo classes with teachers in order to enhance the e-learning management system. Thus, we are delighted to see with Acer and IPN offering these great set of laptops and tablets which helps in progressive way of online learning”

Mrs. Tina Olyai, Director, LAHS Group of Schools, Gwalior (M.P) said, “We believe that we must find innovative ways for our teachers and students alike to connect virtually.  While this pandemic has created disruption amongst the entire education fraternity around the globe we cannot afford to let it hold back our gen next that is responsible to shape the future of the planet.  Therefore, we welcome the partnership between Acer and IPN on the e-learning front.”

“We believe that we must find inspiring and new ways for teachers and students to connect from a distance while this pandemic has created disruption among many around the world. We cannot afford to let it hold back the generation that will shape our future. This will also train and assist teachers to be ready for the New Normal which is definitely going to be a blend of offline and online teaching. Therefore, we welcome the partnership between Acer and IPN on e-learning front.” Amrita Burman, Deputy Director of the Sunbeam Group of Educational institutions, Varanasi (U.P).

Acer is Helping Each Parent to Equip their Child to Have a Laptop So the Learning Continues from Home

Information

* Customers can buy selected Acer laptops at Zero down payment and Easy EMI starting at INR 1,666
* Customers can also get free 1 year free platinum subscription content from EduThrill where gamified learning helps the student get higher marks
* Users will be entitled to a 6 months Entertainment package,
* 1 year standard warranty + 2 years of additional warranty makes it 3 years of complete peace of mind
* In addition users will be entitled to get a free PUBG + Gamer Sensei bundle worth INR 4,500 on purchase of select gaming laptops

Acer India, one of the largest technology brand in the world today announced its ‘Back to School’ campaign for 2020, primarily aimed at helping students and their parents to easily procure a new Acer laptop and to ensure that learning never stops.  In the newly launched scheme, Acer has partnered with EduThrill that uses gamification to deliver tests and assessment tools and unleashing more fun in learning and helps students score better marks compared to traditional way of learning.

Buying a new Acer laptop has never been this easier with zero down payment and EMI starting as low as Rs 1666/- per month along with peace of mind offer of 2 years additional warranty plus one-year Accidental Damage Protection absolutely free. And when the learning takes a break customers can make use of Amazon Prime, Zee5 and Gaana subscription to kick back and enjoy some entertainment.

In addition to these, Acer is also providing its consumers purchasing 9th Gen Intel i5 processor and above, a free PUBG game worth Rs 4500 plus Gamer Sensei coaching bundle.

The offer will run all the way from May 11th till June 30th 2020 and is applicable on Acer’s wide range of laptops so parents and students can get the best fit for purpose and budget.

Chandrahas Panigrahi, CMO and Consumer Business Head, Acer India, on this announcement said, “In this unprecedented situation, there are multiple opportunities explored with the right technology, particularly helping the students expand their potential to grow and succeed. We believe technology is changing the way millennials learn. With class rooms moving to the living rooms the best investment any parent can make for their child is a laptop so their learning never stops. Our offers are designed in a way which will help buying, owning and enjoying the PC a great experience.”

The offer can be availed across the country from Acer’s authorized outlets and Acer’s E-store.

JK Tyre Develops and Produces Total Control Hand Sanitizer to Fight the Indian Pandemic

Indian tyre industry major and the pioneer of radial tyre technology in the country, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd., has taken yet another step towards its commitment to the nation by producing the hand sanitizers under the brand – ‘Total Control Hand Sanitizers’.

Dr. Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd said, “The JK Tyre Total Control Hand Sanitizer is our latest contribution towards ongoing relief measures of the government in countering the pandemic. This Sanitizer has been developed and produced strictly in accordance with the standards. We will continue with our efforts to fight this pandemic.”

JK Tyre developed this sanitizer  at its ‘Global Tech Centre’ , “The Raghupati Singhania Centre of Excellence”,Mysuru  as per the guidelines issued by the World Health Organisation, and acquired all the necessary approvals and licenses within a record time period of eight days. The Company has undertaken the production of the Sanitizer at Jay Kay Gram, Kankroli Plant, Rajasthan.

In addition to contributing to the relief efforts of the Company through distribution in local communities, the sanitizer is also being made available to the entire ecosystem, such as the dealer network and channel partners to ensure right hygiene.

Animal Planet’s New Documentary ‘The Zoo: COVID-19 and Animals’ Looks at the Effects of Coronavirus on Animals

When the Bronx Zoo announced their four-year-old Malayan tiger tested positive for COVID-19 the world was shocked to learn that animals can be victims of this pandemic, and many questions were raised. Dave Salmoni, Animal Planet’s big cat expert, dives deep to answer these questions in the special THE ZOO: COVID-19 AND ANIMALS on May 17 at 1 pm and 8 pm on Animal Planet, Animal Planet HD and on recently launched Discovery Plus app. Salmoni speaks with a wide spectrum of experts from the World Health Organization to wildlife biologists to veterinarians to uncover how the virus affects animals and how pet owners can keep their pets and family safe.

The special will feature Bronx Zoo Chief Veterinarian with an update on the big cats and their treatment; Dr. Peter Embarek from the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Task Force, who works particularly on all aspects of the virus related to animals; EXTINCT OR ALIVE’s wildlife biologist, Forrest Galante providing insight on COVID-19 and how it relates to wildlife; and Dr. Jeff of DR. JEFF: ROCKY MOUNTAIN VET how the virus affects pets. Audiences will also hear from Dr. Blue, Dr. Ross, and Dr. Lavigne of THE VET LIFE and EVAN GOES WILD’s Dr. Evan Antin on how to care for pets during this time.

“When news about Nadia the tiger came out the questions immediately began; what about my pets? How do I keep my animals and family safe? We’re going to answer these questions and more through this documentary. We're speaking to a wide range of experts from the World Health Organization, to wildlife biologists, to veterinarians. We are at war with this disease and so we get down to the nitty gritty, and discuss practical questions about daily lives with our pets. We know animals do play a role in this pandemic, and when it comes to our pets, we have to take care of them like any other member of our family.” says Animal Planet’s big cat expert, Dave Salmoni.

Sai Abishek, Director–Content, Factual & Lifestyle Entertainment – South Asia, Discovery, said, “We have been the forefront of busting myths around novel Corona virus with international documentaries. With this latest film, we take a hard look at how animals are being treated during such a crisis and the safety measures that can be taken to keep both, the people and their pets healthy.“

THE ZOO: COVID-19 AND ANIMALS premieres on 17th May at 1 PM and at 8 PM, only on Animal Planet, Animal Planet HD and on recently launched Discovery Plus app.

Del Monte Introduces First Ever Clinically Proven Juice To Reduce Cholesterol And “Del Monte A-C-E To Boost Immunity”

Features

*Del Monte's Heart Smart with Reducol is a 100 per cent mixed fruit juice that helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL); Priced at INR 70 and available in 240ml can format
* Del Monte also announced the launch of Del Monte A-C-E, 100 per cent mixed fruit juice with added Vitamins A,C & E that helps boost immunity; Priced at Rs. 70 and available in 240 ml can format

Del Monte, the premium food brand, has forayed into the health and wellness space with the launch of India’s first cholesterol reducing fruit juice with Reducol. Del Monte's Heart Smart -- a 100% mixed fruit juice with Reducol, is a natural plant-based ingredient that is clinically proven to reduce cholesterol in 8 weeks (when taken as a part of a balanced diet).

Del Monte also announced the launch of Del Monte’s ACE -- a 100% mixed fruit juice fortified with Vitamins A-C-E and rich in anti-oxidants that help in boosting immunity.  Del Monte’s Heart Smart and ACE will be available in 240 ml packaging and priced at INR 70. Initially, the juices will be available online on Amazon exclusively starting 11th May 2020. Subsequently, they will be available across all leading supermarkets on E-commerce portals across top cities including Delhi-NCR, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Both the products have a shelf life of 12 months.

“We have always given the highest priority to quality and healthy options while bringing new products to the market. We hope to create new benchmarks in this segment as our beverage with Reducol will be India’s first Juice that helps lower cholesterol. India has a sizeable number of people suffering from cholesterol and heart ailments. We are focused on helping consumers improve their health through our products,” says Mr Yogesh Bellani, CEO FieldFresh Foods Pvt. Ltd (that manages the Del Monte brand in India). Reducol, the trademark ingredient of Del Monte’s Heart Smart is a unique plant-based sterol blend, derived from coniferous trees that blocks the absorption of bad cholesterol into the digestive system and naturally flushes it out from the body without affecting the good cholesterol level.

The second product Del Monte ACE is loaded with the goodness of antioxidants. While Vitamin A enables normal functioning of the immune system, Vitamin C boost immunity and protects the body from infections and Vitamin E helps white blood cells to function effectively. Both the products have No Added sugar and preservatives which makes it an apt fit for today’s health conscious consumers.

“Del Monte ACE, which has been in under development for a while, is another relevant offering for consumers today given the heightened concerns around immunity stemming from the COVID19 pandemic. Our endeavour will be to expand this range of 100% fruit juice offerings keeping evolving consumer needs in mind” Bellani added.

The new products are the result of Del Monte’s detailed research and its aim to bring healthy and quality products to the Indian market. Indian consumers are becoming more health conscious. The company’s research showed that 48% of consumers aspire to lead a healthy lifestyle while 51% feel there should be healthier snack options available to consumers. According to the study, 46% of consumers look for ‘added nutrition’ while choosing a snack, and 51 per cent of buyers look for ‘made with natural ingredients’. India’s packaged fruit juices category is valued at INR 5,000+ crores and is growing steadily, especially the cold-pressed segment, as consumers are ready to pay a premium for quality products.