Disney Star Delivers The Biggest ICC Men's World Cup Ever

* Over 30 Crore fans tune in to the live broadcast on TV of the final between India and Australia, making it the highest viewed match ever

* Peak concurrency on TV for the final match at 13 crore

* Peak concurrency on Disney+ Hotstar at 5.9 Crore for the finals, creating a global record for any live sport

* 52 Crore viewers tuned in to TV for the marquee tournament, consumption reaches 422 billion minutes making it the biggest World Cup ever

In a historic triumph for sports broadcasting, Disney Star, the official broadcaster of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, has set new benchmarks for viewership, redefining the cricketing landscape. The highly anticipated final clash between cricket powerhouses India and Australia has not only etched itself into the chronicles of sporting history but has also become the most-watched event ever on both linear TV and digital streaming. With an astounding reach of 30 Crore for the live broadcast on TV, Star Sports Network ensured that cricket enthusiasts across India were glued to their television screens, making it the most watched Television event ever. The magnitude of the final was further highlighted by a peak concurrency of 13 Crore viewers on TV and 5.9 crore peak concurrency on Disney+ Hotstar (Digital).

As per BARC, the tournament crossed a viewership of half a billion viewers for the first time as 518 million (51.8 Crore) TV viewers tuned in for the live broadcast of the marquee tournament being played in India after 12 years. The live TV broadcast for the tournament garnered 422 billion minutes of TV watch time making it the most watched ICC Men’s World Cup in the history of the event. The final between India Vs Australia delivered a peak concurrency of 13 crore which surpassed the previous highest peak concurrency in the tournament with India Vs Pakistan at 7.5 crore and India Vs New Zealand at 8 crore. Disney Star left no stone unturned in bringing the grandeur of the World Cup to fans in India and across the globe, showcasing its unwavering dedication to delivering unparalleled sporting content.

The streaming arm of Disney Star broke its own record five times through the tournament to witness a peak concurrency of 5.9 crores for the final, solidifying its position as the go-to destination for cricket enthusiasts seeking a seamless and immersive viewing experience. The platform surpassed global streaming records across all formats of cricket at the beginning of the tournament with the peak concurrency of 3.5 crore viewers during the India Vs Pakistan match. This was followed by a streak of record-breaking numbers - 4.3 crore peak concurrent viewers during the India Vs New Zealand match, 4.4 crore peak concurrent viewers during the India Vs South Africa match and most recently, 5.3 crore peak concurrent viewers during the thrilling semifinals between India and New Zealand match. 

Speaking about the recent success of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, K Madhavan, Country Manager & President, Disney Star, “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), for their invaluable support, making this tournament an overwhelming success. We would also like to thank the fans, who showered their support throughout the tournament and with their unwavering passion making this historic achievement possible. Disney Star is dedicated to paving the road for sports broadcast in India and it has been extremely encouraging to see growth across both, the linear and digital mediums, thereby increasing the fan base of cricket. This is testament to the uniqueness of the India market where linear and digital continue to grow alongside each other. This successful tournament has set the stage for a promising future in our association with the ICC."

Disney Star, in its pioneering approach to sports broadcasting, redefined and reimagined how fans consume cricket. In a groundbreaking collaboration with the International Cricket Council (ICC), Disney+ Hotstar introduced MaxView—a technological innovation that allowed cricket enthusiasts to experience the game in vertical mode (9X14 portrait view) for the first time in the history of streaming cricket.

Disney Star also provided an extensive 11 feeds for ICC Men’s CWC 2023, including coverage in 9 different languages (English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, & Malayalam), ensuring that cricket enthusiasts across diverse linguistic landscapes could savor the thrilling moments of this historic World Cup.

As the curtain falls on this historic event, Disney Star takes pride in having orchestrated a cricketing spectacle that captivated the hearts and minds of millions, reaffirming its commitment to pushing the boundaries of sports entertainment.

All BARC Data for 2+U+R (including DD).

Tata Chemicals Recognised for Innovation, Secures CII Industrial Intellectual Property Award 2023

Tata Chemicals Limited was recognised in the Large Manufacturing - Trademarks category at the CII Industrial Intellectual Property Award 2023 during the 9th International Conference on IPR held in New Delhi. The award was presented by Dr. R A Mashelkar, Padma Vibhushan, and Former Director-General of CSIR, along with Hon'ble Justice Prathiba M. Singh, a sitting judge of the Delhi High Court.

The CII Industrial Intellectual Property Award aims to celebrate enterprises fostering a culture of intellectual property generation and protection for business and economic growth. It highlights achievements in the public domain, establishes links with academic institutions, and informs the government about IP-driven enterprises, engaging them in policy-making exercises. Tata Chemicals and its subsidiaries cumulatively have filed 204 patent applications.

Commenting on this recognition Dr Richard Lobo, Head Innovation, R&D, Business Excellence and Chief Ethics Counsellor, Tata Chemicals Limited said, “Our mission has always been to serve society through science. Our robust R&D facilities and a team of dedicated scientists have cultivated a culture of innovation. We are constantly working towards strengthening synergies between all R&D centres and improving our infrastructure. Recognition from esteemed bodies like CII for our efforts is indeed a source of encouragement.”

About Tata Chemicals Ltd. 

A part of the US$ 150 billion Tata Group, Tata Chemicals Limited, is a leading supplier of choice to Glass, Detergent, industrial and chemical sectors. The company has a strong position in the crop protection business through its subsidiary company Rallis India Ltd. Tata Chemicals has world-class R&D facilities in Pune and Bangalore.

Axis Bank Launches SPLASH, A Pan-India Competition To Engage Young Minds Through Art, Craft And Literature

Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, announced the launch of SPLASH, an annual Pan-India competition on Art, Craft, and Literature for children in the age group of 7-14 years. This year, Splash will focus on the theme ‘Kindness’ to instil the thought of kindness and foster a sense of goodwill amongst the new generation. The participants can register and submit their entries on www.axisbanksplash.in, till 31st December 2023. Through this initiative, the Bank aims to reach out to over 6 lakh participants by conducting the competition phygitally (both physically and digitally), ensuring that every child has an opportunity to showcase their talent.

The competition will be divided into two age groups: 7-10 years and 11-14 years. The participants will need to express their thoughts and ideas through two themes 'Helping One Another' and 'Making the World a Kinder Place'. They can unleash their creativity through drawing, craft, or essay writing. The participants will be evaluated by an esteemed jury panel comprising Vikrant Shitole, a revered artist from Art Society of India; Disha Katharani, Co-Founder of Imagimake; Savio Mascarenhas, Group Art Director at Amar Chitra Katha; and Rajiv Chilaka, CEO of Green Gold Animation.

Speaking on the initiative, Anoop Manohar, Chief Marketing Officer, Axis Bank, said, ''We are delighted to announce the 11th edition of Splash. This year’s theme of ‘Kindness’ stems from our brand philosophy ‘Open’- which aims to engage with communities beyond banking and business. Through Splash, we are providing a vibrant canvas for these young minds to explore, express and embrace the value of kindness in order to create a better tomorrow."

Scaling new heights, this year Axis Bank will reach out to over 2000+ schools, 50% more than the previous year. In addition to the competition, the Bank will organise engaging sessions and other fun-filled activities.  It has roped in children’s beloved character ‘Chota Bheem’ to impart valuable life lessons on earning, saving, investing, and giving through the art of storytelling. 

The winners will be conferred scholarships of Rs. 1 lakh, exciting hampers, and electronic gadgets from partners such as Hamleys, Faber Castle and BoAt. They will also be given an opportunity to visit the National Institute of Design (NID) and participate in exciting workshops conducted by the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP). The runners-up will be awarded Rs.50 thousand each.

Atos And WWF Partner Up To Leverage Technology To Support Biodiversity Conservation

Atos and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) today announce a 3-year strategic partnership to leverage technology to support biodiversity conservation and to encourage businesses to decarbonize. This comprehensive partnership has been designed to tackle three key priorities – business transformation, financing and influence – which are essential to effectively tackle the current biodiversity crisis.

As part of the partnership, four main initiatives are being rolled out, leveraging the expertise of Atos and WWF teams from all over the world.

sAtos to develop responsible IT solutions for WWF and its partners

Atos and WWF have defined the following projects by which conservation organizations and other stakeholders could benefit from Atos’ technological expertise.

Automating biodiversity surveillance - The first project aims to bring automation to the monitoring of important ecosystems. Atos experts are working to combine the use of artificial intelligence to analyze satellite imagery with the development of algorithms which identify patterns over a given time period in order to identify irregular trends which might indicate a negative biodiversity impact. In the future, organizations will not only be able to identify the areas of greatest concern, but also benefit from predictive solutions for nature conservation. The first pilot, currently being developed, will analyze grasslands and savannahs in East Africa.

Predicting & preventing epidemic risk - The second project focuses on predicting hotspots of emergence for zoonoses – diseases that jump between species, including humans. Atos teams are developing machine learning algorithms to analyze demographic, environmental, animal health and pathogen data, in order to identify patterns and predict the risk of new diseases. These solutions will complement existing surveillance systems by providing predictive data, to help governments and organizations anticipate and take preventive actions before the threat of an epidemic becomes a reality. A pilot is being developed to analyze data available in the Mekong basin.

Improving tech tools - The third project aims at improving an existing solution known as SMART - a Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool – which is already used by 50,000 agents in 80 countries to support wildlife and ecosystem conservation. Atos experts are developing a streamlined, more efficient process with SMART’s IT team, to enhance its usability in the field. In addition, they are developing improved dashboards and visualization options to give users greater and more granular insight into their data. They are also enhancing SMART with a tool to support users working to shift ‘conflict to coexistence’, that is, holistically manage conflicts between humans and wildlife to create mutual benefits of coexistence.

Atos and WWF to help advance decarbonization initiatives for industries

Atos and WWF have envisioned to analyze every year, an industry which has a significant carbon footprint, to identify its main decarbonization levers and provide recommendations to accelerate their decarbonization efforts. The first report focuses on shipping, which accounted for around 80% of global trade by volume in 2022, and is responsible for around 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions*.

Since the publication of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee's new greenhouse gas (GHG) strategy in July 2023, Atos and WWF teams have compiled the literature devoted to the decarbonization of shipping into a comprehensive report. They found that most research focuses on new fuels and ship design, initiatives that could take a long time to have an impact on greenhouse gas emissions. In order to provide sustainability leaders with a clear and more achievable mid-term roadmap, the research focuses on energy efficiency, operational levers and concrete use cases where digital technology can help the shipping industry decarbonize its operations.

Atos to support on-site WWF France biodiversity projects

As part of the partnership, Atos supports two carbon capture and restoration projects managed by WWF France:

the Posidonia project, which aims to protect the meadows of Posidonia, a plant noticeable by its extensive capacity to stock carbon, in the Mediterranean region,

the Nature Impact project for the conservation or restoration of forest biodiversity in France, using the approach developed by WWF based on Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES).

Atos and WWF to encourage employee involvement in sustainability projects driven by WWF

Many of Atos employees are already regularly involved in volunteer work and environmental preservation. Atos and WWF aim to facilitate and encourage their commitment with a dedicated program that will integrate onsite and digital volunteering opportunities in one platform compliant with CSR reporting frameworks. The first engagement programs for Atos employees will be launched in pilot countries in 2024.

About Atos

Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with 107,000 employees and annual revenue of c. € 11 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 69 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space

MAGGI Empowers The Next Wave Of Home Cooks With MAGGI Apna Food Business

MAGGI is excited to introduce the latest edition of its unique initiative, 'MAGGI Apna Food Business.' This edition signifies a new chapter as MAGGI prepares to support budding home cooks across the country. MAGGI aims to empower aspiring content creators with the skills and knowledge they need to become successful culinary content creators. The winners will also have the opportunity to win INR 5 lakhs in seed capital to kickstart their own online food channel.

MAGGI has been a trusted companion over the last four decades in India, igniting the culinary curiosity of budding chefs. With the MAGGI portfolio, millions of homemakers and foodpreneurs are delighting people with extraordinary dishes each day. In line with the commitment towards fostering culinary talent and innovation, MAGGI Apna Food Business is offering individuals the perfect platform to embark on their journey as food content creators. Further to this, every registrant also gets a thoughtfully crafted starter kit. This kit comprises all the essential tools and guidance required to foray into the realm of food content creation.

Commenting on this initiative Rajat Jain, Director, Foods business, Nestlé India said, “Over the years MAGGI has evolved into a symbol of empowerment, innovation, and a celebration of the culinary arts. ‘MAGGI Apna Food Business’ is another testament of our unwavering commitment towards celebrating the chefs and being their ally. We would like to thank our partners: India Food Network and some of the most prominent food influencers in India, Kabita Singh (KabitasKitchen), Madhura Bachal (MadhurasRecipe), Teja Paruchuri (Vismai Foods), and Tanhisikha Mukherjee (Tanhir Paakshala), who have joined hands with us in this endeavour.

In our country, numerous individuals who possess remarkable culinary skills, aspire to venture into content creation. However, they require the essential direction, expertise, and resources to initiate their own online food channel. MAGGI Apna Food Business is designed to provide them with the initial support they need to turn their dreams into reality.”

Registration for ‘MAGGI Apna Food Business’ is now open, inviting all aspiring food content creators to seize this remarkable opportunity and be part of something that's not just bigger and bolder but better in every way. To ensure the ease of accessibility for all, a missed call to 9289722997 is all it takes to register for MAGGI Apna Food Business initiative. The participants can even choose the language in which they would like to register and receive content in English, Hindi, Marathi, Kannada and Telugu. Like its debut edition, this edition also aims at being a step-by-step guide for culinary enthusiasts to explore their passions, create mouth-watering content, and connect with audiences across the nation.

PURE EV Launches Eco Dryft 350: Electric Motorcycle Packed With 171 KM Range & Performance

PURE EV proudly announces the launch of its new motorcycle variant, ecoDryft 350 with a range of 171 KM. ecoDryft 350 is positioned as the longest-range e-Motorcycle in the Commuter segment (~110 CC), that boasts an array of features tailored to enhance rider experience for Indian roads.

With a remarkable 171 KM on a single charge, ecoDryft 350 is best suited for consumers who travel extensively on a daily basis and, at the same time, looking for monthly savings to the tune of INR 7000 & above. This electric motorcycle is powered by a 3.5 kWh Li-Ion battery, 3 KW Powertrain integrated with 6 MCUs providing processing power more than a smart phone. It boasts a top speed of 75 KMPH with 40 NM torque and in three different modes, aligning with the needs of motorcycle riders.

ecoDryft 350 stands out with features designed to enhance the overall rider experience. From Reverse Mode, Coasting Regen, and Hill-Start Assist to Down-Hill Assist and Parking Assist, which help to distinguish itself from an average 2W ICE vehicle. The vehicle's Smart AI takes center stage in ensuring battery longevity as per the State of Charge (SoC) and State of Health (SoH).

The ecoDryft 350 is not merely any other electric motorcycle; it's a strategic step towards reshaping e-Motorcycle market, acting as a direct competition to motorcycles like Hero Splendor, Honda Shine, Bajaj Platina in the 110 CC segment.

The ecoDryft 350 comes to market at a convenient price of RS 1,29,999 and with easy EMI options starting from INR 4,000 per month and making it a compelling choice for those seeking value for money and environment friendly transport option. The ecoDryft 350 is available for purchase at over 100 exclusive PURE dealerships, offering appealing financing alternatives with the most competitive rates through partnerships with HeroFincorp, L&T Financial Services, ICICI etc.

Highlighting the launch of ecoDryft 350, Mr. Rohit Vadera, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, said, "At PURE EV, we are committed to provide pragmatic and sustainable mobility solutions to the masses in India. The ecoDryft 350 is a testament to our dedication to providing value products to our loyal consumer base. We believe it will redefine the way India commutes in the near future, offering a reliable and eco-friendly alternative in the 110 CC segment. We look forward to the positive impact it will have on the electric vehicle landscape. The launch aligns with PURE's broader vision to bring long range vehicles with fully integrated new-age features''.

Unlike conventional product launches, PURE has already deployed ecoDryft 350 to major outlets and consumers can start taking test drives and bookings across Pan India outlets.

Emirates World’s First Airline To Operate A380 Demonstration Flight With 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Dubai’s flag carrier, Emirates, has completed an Airbus A380 demonstration flight using 100 per cent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), making it the first airline in the world to do so.

Emirates test flight EK2641 took off from Dubai International Airport (DXB) after 11.36 am with one of four Airbus A380’s powered by SAF. It returned to DXB at 12.12 pm, after circling the Dubai coastline.

The 100% drop-in SAF used on today’s flight includes renewable aromatics and closely mimics the characteristics of conventional jet fuel. This is the first time that drop-in SAF has been used on an A380 aircraft, with the expectation of full compatibility across the aircraft’s existing systems.

The flight carried four tonnes of SAF, comprised of HEFA-SPK provided by Neste (hydro processed esters and fatty acids synthetic paraffinic kerosene) and HDO-SAK from Virent (hydro deoxygenated synthetic aromatic kerosene).

ENOC helped to secure the neat SAF comprised of HEFA-SPK, and blended it with Sustainable Aviation Kerosene (SAK) at its facility in Dubai International Airport ahead of the demonstration, and also carried out into-plane services.

Tanker arrive to fill sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Emirates Airbus A380 test flight EK2641 which took off from Dubai International Airport with one of A380 jumbo jet's engines to be powered by SAF.

According to Adel Al Redha, Chief Operating Officer of Emirates Airline, the test flight conducted today paves the way for future standardisation, qualification and adoption for 100 per cent SAF flying.

He said, “Emirates is the first passenger airline in the world to operate an A380 with 100 per cent drop-in SAF (sustainable fuel blended with conventional fuel) powering one of four Engine Alliance GP7200 engines.” The PW980 auxiliary power unit (APU) from Pratt and Whitney Canada also ran on 100 per cent SAF.

Al Redha said the test also marks a significant step in validating the use of SAF in one of the engines of the A380, a wide-body aircraft with four engines.

This is the first time drop-in SAF (sustainable fuel blended with conventional fuel) has been used on an A380 aircraft, with the expectation of full compatibility across the aircraft’s existing systems.

SAF needed on a large-scale

Al Redha said, “Now that we have completed this test, the next step would be to ensure the availability of the fuel in various airports. We rely on fuel suppliers to start manufacturing and producing such fuel in the required volume, and that will be the challenge.” He added, “We’re just in the beginning of it and that’s why we’re not seeing the quantity we need but I expect in the next five to seven years we will see a major step-change in this direction.”

The growing global demand for lower-emission jet fuel alternatives is there, said Al Redha. “However, there’s work (cut out) for producers and suppliers to commercialise SAF and make it available will be critical in the coming years,” he explained.