February 2024 – Page 32

Pocket FM launches Pocket Novel; to invest US$40 mn

The platform has witnessed its writers' community flourished to over 150,000 writers with the top-performing writers earning impressive incomes, with some exceeding US$2500 every month. (Image source: Moneycontrol)

The online novel reading platform market in India is yet to be explored at its potential, with the global market projected to exceed US$6.5 billion by 2028

EU to investigate TikTok over its measures to protect minors on the platform

The EU is concerned that TikTok was not taking necessary measures or was not doing enough to address its negative impacts on the youth. (Image source: Unsplash)

The EU’s concerns are with regards to TikTok’s age verification tools, which may not be reasonable, proportionate or effective.

FM Nirmal Sitharaman, RBI deputy governor and top officials to meet fintech heads

This meeting is in the wake of RBI’s regulatory action against Paytm’s banking arm Paytm Payments Bank. On the government’s agenda, fintech and innovation in fintech stand as the topmost priority. This is followed by digital payments being a mainstay of its social sector programmes, stated a media report.

The meeting, which is scheduled for February 26, is to reassure the fintech industry that the sector would be a priority for the government.

Data security, a top priority for MIB: Anurag Thakur

Thakur said, “4 lakh crore sale happened of local items. This happened after PM appealed for ‘Vocal for Local’ and he asked people to buy local products. This shows how much people consider PM.” (Image source: official website - anuragthakur.in)

As Storyboard18 first reported on February 15, MIB Minister Anurag Thakur addressed various topics at the International Conference and Exhibition on Broadcast and Technology, including regional content, sustainable broadcasting, and data security.

Havas India’s transformation chief Jaibeer Ahmad on his way out

Jaibeer Ahmad started his career at Lowe Lintas and Partners as account executive, and went on to work across Ogilvy & Mather, Draft FCB Ulka, Rediffusion Y&R, Samsung Electronics, Saatchi & Saatchi, J. Walter Thompson and Cheil Worldwide.

Jaibeer Ahmad was reporting to Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas India, South East Asia & North Asia (Japan & South Korea).

As the public broadcaster we have to balance revenue and content diversity: Gaurav Dwivedi

OTT services, digital cable and DTH operators are presently competing to occupy more space in the broadcasting industry for distribution of content. Dwivedi said that these platforms have their own USPs. (Image via Prasar Bharati website)

In 2023, Prasar Bharati’s revenue from auction of MPEG-2 slots saw a 66 percent boost, touching Rs Rs1071 crore. This bounce-back followed a 12 percent decline the previous year.

Dentsu Creative bags the creative mandate of Motorola

The agency won the mandate following a multi-agency pitch and will service the brand from its Delhi office. (Image source: Moneycontrol)

As per the mandate, Dentsu Creative will spearhead a wide spectrum of services across digital and mainline platforms.

DD Free Dish e-auction heats up: Day 2 sees its first slot sold for Rs 20.85 crore

DD Free Dish, India's free-to-air direct-to-home service has a reach of about 43-45 million households(Representative Image: Jonas Leupe via Unsplash)

Prasar Bharati’s revenue from MPEG-2 slots increased significantly by 66 percent to reach Rs1071 crore in 2023.

Byju’s downsizes office space in Bengaluru; vacates 400,000 sq ft property

The edtech is dealing with the twin crises of a cash crunch and some of its investors seeking to oust the leadership to reconstitute the board. (Image source: Moneycontrol)(Image source: Moneycontrol)(Image source: Moneycontrol)

Byju’s was paying a rental of about Rs 4 crore per month for the office space and had signed the rental agreement about 3.5 years ago with the Prestige Group.

How did Indian Express Group’s Viveck Goenka come to own Saddam Hussein’s car?

Viveck Goenka has also established one of India’s best classic cars restoration workshops. His collection also has vintage Land Rovers and Rolls Royce. It includes a Range Rover bought from the Delhi State Trading Company, his first ever car from the British marque. At the Cartier Concours 2019, Viveck and Zita Goenka’s 1951 Standard-Vanguard Phase 1 won the Mark Shand Adventurer Trophy, which honours the memory of the late British travel writer and conservationist known for his love for elephants and his backing for the Indian concours.

Find out how Viveck Goenka acquired the car once owned by Iraq’s Saddam Hussein.