Reliance-Disney: A mega merger aims to reshape India’s entertainment landscape

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If a movie streaming acquisition is approved, Indians might be on the verge of enjoying watching The Bear, Succession, Deadpool, and the real series Bigg Boss all on one system.

The deal, which brings together the media assets of India’s largest conglomerate Reliance Industries and entertainment giant Walt Disney, has sparked both excitement and concerns over potential monopolistic dominance in the Indian entertainment and advertising industries.

The$ 8.5bn ( £6.5bn ) merger aims to create India’s largest entertainment company, potentially capturing 40 % of the TV market, reaching 750 million viewers across 120 channels, and dominating the advertising sector.

This strengthens Disney’s position in the difficult American industry while aiding Reliance’s expansion efforts. Additionally, it pits the new leisure behemoth against well-known rivals like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Sony, and 50 different streaming services.

Consider the approach of this innovative entertainment big: Disney’s Star India operates more than 70 TV stations in eight language, while Reliance’s Viacom18 runs 38 programmes in eight language. Both have access to big streaming services, including Hotstar and Jio Cinema, as well as video productions.

Owning the rights to broadcast a sizable amount of India’s athletics events, including the wildly acclaimed Indian Premier League baseball event, amplifies their influence even more.

In a cricket-obsessed society, this is a primary business location. According to Elara Capital, a world purchase and consulting firm, the merged entity is reportedly in charge of 75 to 80 % of the American sports streaming market, across both straight TV and online platforms.

Reliance and Disney will have a significant share of the overall advertising business due to their dominance in this industry, particularly cricket. It showcases” solid growth in an industry where activities is a key driver of viewers on both TV and online programs”, says Karan Taurani, an scientist at Elara Capital, who calls it a “large internet juggernaut”.

Although the acquisition promises to offer customers a variety of information, critics wonder if it places too little power in the hands of just one person.

Any competition firm would sit up and take notice of the development of a large in the market, according to KK Sharma, who previously led the merger manage division of the Competition Commission of India (CCI).

According to analysts, India’s competition watchdog reviewed the agreement before approving it with a proviso that reads” content to the conformity of deliberate modifications.”

Although the two companies have not yet made these “voluntary modifications” people, it is reported that they have committed to not exceptionally raising advertising rates while streaming bowling games.

The agreement depends on these assurances, adds Mr. Sharma, because the CCI “retains its power to actually break the business- if the strong enterprise becomes a threat to competition in the market.”

Both Disney and Reliance have a lot to gain from the deal, which gives them a chance to consolidate their pole position in an increasingly competitive but expanding Indian streaming market.

However, experts warn that it could also result in a potential decline in the business profits of smaller players.

” The Indian market values bundling and is price-sensitive. ]Subscribing to ] this combined entity can offer a comprehensive package including]access to ] web series, movies, sports, original content, and a global catalogue”, says Mr Taurani.

And he cautions that other streaming companies may struggle to raise prices if the combined company can also make use of Reliance Jio’s large telecom subscriber base, he adds.

The Reliance Group has a tried-and-true business model that has allowed it to succeed in India’s price-sensitive market: it launched Jio in 2016 with cheap mobile data, and its JioCinema streaming subscription is only 29 rupees ( 0.35 ) per month.

Reliance chairman Mukesh Ambani has also promised “unparalleled content at affordable prices” as a result of this agreement.

The cost of programming and content will cause concern for other streaming services. Will they be forced to drop prices”? says media and entertainment industry specialist Vanita Kohli-Khandekar. She claims that Reliance’s practice of selling goods for” trash” usually “destroys value” for its rivals.

Although streaming competitors may be simpler to deal with, the new company will also face significant opposition from rivals with large budgets, such as Google, Meta, and Amazon, who have been attempting to expand in India.

According to a report from research firm Media Partners Asia, these global tech giants “have played a crucial role in expanding India’s video market, which is currently estimated to be worth$ 8.8 billion in revenue for content owners.” In 2022-23, Google’s YouTube alone had an 88 % share in India’s premium video-on-demand (VOD ) market.

The new Reliance-Disney behemoth hopes to monopolize not just sports, news, and movies, but also transfer these large corporations ‘ digital advertising revenues to its own pockets.

” Now, it’s an even fight”, says Ms Kohli-Khandekar. You must have scale in order to compete with some of the large global corporations that are active in India, according to the statement” about 80 % of digital revenues go to Google and Meta.”

However, she warns that the new company will need to deliver quality with quantity, even though it may have scale and heft. For instance, if the streaming industry becomes more reliant on views over subscriptions, “programming quality will only be good on one or two apps,” she says.

” That is something I would be on the lookout for.”

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CNA Explains: That’s not what I ordered – what can you do when a purchase goes sour?

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What types of harsh business methods are being discussed?

In the Sterra case, CCCS discovered that the business made false and inconsequential assertions about the manufacture of air and water filters in Singapore, the quality of its tap water, and about discounted pricing.

Unfair trade practices that are covered by the Consumer Protection ( Fair Trading ) Act are listed in the Second Schedule of the law.

It’s not an exhaustive list, but these practices include&nbsp, representing a product to have sponsorship, approval, characteristics, components, qualities, uses or benefits- that it does n’t actually have.

It is also cruel to mislead the user that a solution is required. So is it necessary or desirable to make it seem like a maintenance or replacement is necessary or desired?

What exactly are CASE and CCCS capable of?

CASE is informally warn the violating merchant or enter an agreement where the retailer agrees to end the cruel practice and pay the enraged customer.

However, there are limitations because CASE may force businesses to participate, according to lawyers who have previously told CNA.

CASE will negotiate on their behalf, but affected users also have to pay membership and operational costs.

That’s unless they belong to a union or company that’s now a State part.

On the other hand, CCCS gathers data on unfair trade practices, requests courtroom orders to require suppliers to quit them, and ensures stores follow those directions.

It does not, however, have the authority on its own to great the store.

However, if the store disobeys the court’s ruling, it may be held accountable for contempt of court. This is a criminal offense that can result in a fine or prison name.

If a merchant refuses to provide information, damages or falsifies information, lies, or otherwise impedes CCCS’ investigation into unfair practices, it may be guilty of an offence as well.

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Commentary: Think healthy foods holistically when it comes to Nutri-Grade

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Protein IS OTHERWISE MORE THAN LABELS

If customers were to spiritually adhere to the Nutri-Grade labeling, they would be more likely to avoid consuming very little sugar or saturated fat. The names are intended to make it simpler to make wise choices, especially when shopping at once.

Nevertheless, we must understand that protein is a far more sophisticated and multi-faceted area, and the linear features of “healthy” and “unhealthy” start to lose their significance. The nutrient-nutrient conversation in food is a frequently overlooked aspect.

For instance, a soup with high sodium content does get a small Nutri-Grade score. The negative effects on health might be less severe if it has a proportional amount of calcium, which helps remove calcium from the system and lower blood pressure.

Also, a food item high in saturated fat may get given a lower score. However, the exact amount of fat that the body absorbs may be considerably reduced if it is made up of a significant amount of dietary fiber.

The authorities might look into adding more nutrients, such as dietary fiber or strength content, to the Nutri-Grade system over time to give a more holistic view of its nutritional value. However, it must strike a balance between offering a more in-depth watch and making it understandable.

Making food selections based on a single mineral, such as sugar, calcium, or saturated fat, may be beneficial for those who frequently overconsume these or who are at risk for serious illnesses. However, combining this with other activities does not produce a healthy diet.

A study conducted by Duke-NUS Medical School discovered that Nutri-Grade glucose levels were effective in boosting users ‘ purchases of drinks with ratings A or B. Despite being perceived as being healthier, the participants ‘ eating quality was not significantly impacted.

We may walk away from thinking of “healthy” and “unhealthy” meals based on a single nutrition. It is impossible to ignore a food product’s total dietary impact.

We can reevaluate what a balanced diet, which includes each dietary separately, actually entails. Consider potato chips for instance, eating the entire bag and nothing else, is bad, but eating a handful alongside a healthy meal is not as bad.

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Singapore, India elevate ties to comprehensive strategic partnership as Indian PM Modi concludes visit

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They discussed potential collaborations in fields like cross-border electricity trade and green ammonia supply chains, a joint flagship initiative for skills training, improving cross-border data flows through Gujarat International Finance and Tec-City ( GIFT City ), and cooperation in creating industrial parks in India. They also witnessed four exchanges ofContinue Reading

Sidhu Moose Wala: Steel Banglez trying to keep legacy alive

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Jeff Rogers A man sitting in a car, looking outside with a serious expression. he is wearing a black jacket.Jeff Rogers

Sidhu Moose Wala’s rapid passing shocked many people all over the world.

For those who knew him, it hit yet harder.

Steel Banglez, a close colleague, claims it took him “months” to get back to music.

His latest record, Attach, is a gift to Moose Walla, who Steel Banglez funds with inspiring him to render his “best audio ever”.

The movie for the music, which includes the writer’s last-ever looks, has been viewed millions of times.

According to Steel Banglez, who has collaborated with artists like Burna Boy, J Pol, Rudimental, and Dave, he wants to keep Sidhu Moose Wala’s audio “legacy going.”

” Knowing our marriage, knowing what he was like, knowing what we spoke on.

” I know he would want me to accomplish my point,” the 37-year-old tells BBC Asian Network.

” So with that popularity… it’s really put me in a place to go and obtain more.”

When Moose Wala was killed in 2022, he gained worldwide recognition and a lasting musical tradition, making his name a household name in his home country while still being viewed by some as a controversial and questionable number.

Metal Banglez describes the pair as “like best friends” and claims that he feels compelled to do something in his title.

” Whether it’s creating productions in India in his hometown]of Punjab], or actually directing a movie.

” I have to keep that legacy going, and ca n’t let that die”, he says.

Getty Images A man wearing a black jacket, performing on stage singing into a black microphone, wearing a light blue turban (religious head covering for Sikh's).Getty Images

Attach has received over 18 million YouTube views and two million Spotify flows thus far.

The music, which was a result of an experiment using various sound like drilling and Afrobeats, was made in April 2021, according to Steel Banglez.

” I thought Sidhu would be awesome to climb on it,” I said.

The music was intended to appear on his song, The Playlist, which he released last year.

He claims,” But I held the music again because Sidhu has evidently passed ahead.”

” One of them was something that I held dearly in my brain. But I kept the history and intended to make it available when it was appropriate, perhaps later than when I spoke to the family.”

The music videos, which he also directed, came on very swiftly, he says, and the end picture capabilities a voicenote from Moose Wala.

” My final truly significant interaction with him. Editing it was a little personal.

” It’s definitely heavy to be honest. I do n’t even know what to think.”

Jeff Rogers A man resting his head on his right hand, a black and white printed jacket. Behind him on the left is a green plant.Jeff Rogers

He claims that the track’s release has not yet made any sense.

” It’s been on my computer for thus much. Sometimes it’ll hit me in a couple of weeks.”

He adds that despite some being optimistic about the song, he has tried to ignore responses.

” ]Because ] I know I’ve done my job and I know the track’s a banger.

No one has seen Sidhu since he passed away, and that picture, which I simply have with him, was fun to watch.

The use of AI has been a prominent issue in the industry recently, with debate around copyright, artist rights and voice cloning.

Tools have been used which can mimic artists, including with music involving Sidhu Moose Wala since his death.

Steel Banglez says he is a lover “if it’s used appropriately” and that it can be useful when he uses it for tests and production.

” But ripping people off and using women’s singers and trying to make enthusiasm for yourself… that’s no true ingenuity to me.

” And at the end of the day. AI is gaining traction in our daily life.

” And you gotta get it,” you say. And if you do n’t get with it. You’re going to get left behind”, he says.

Steel Banglez has been a part of that development and wants to continue working with younger designers.

He claims to be “in a phase” in the 1990s and that he wants to promote other artists and the sound of South Asian artists” that fans do n’t hear from the UK.”

Because I believe we are very melodically similar in our elegance, I want to acquire expertise and put them on songs with Afrobeat artists.

” I solidified myself as one of the officials.

” I believe I’m much past the need to grow my company and let people know.

I feel like a complete new technology has been shown what it is possible and viewed my journey thus far, he says.

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Woman who went on theft spree at Changi Airport during transit gets fine

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SINGAPORE: While in transit at Singapore’s Changi Airport waiting for a trip to Bali, a lady went on a robbery binge over an hour and forty hours, filching makeup, neck pillows and other products worth more than S$ 600 from various shops.

Tanya Bridget Hughes, 36, was fined S$ 5, 000 ( US$ 3, 840 ) by a court on Thursday ( Sep 5 ) for her crimes.

She pleaded guilty to three works of fraud, with another five costs taken into consideration.

The jury heard that Hughes, a British national, was at Changi Airport’s Terminal 4 on May 31 awaiting a 4.10pm trip to Bali.

Around 1 p.m., she visited the Shilla Cosmetics and Perfumes Outlet at Terminal 4 Departure Transit Central and perused the Estee Lauder items.

She threw away a package of eye cream items worth more than S$ 158 in her purse. She therefore purchased two more items from another part and paid for them at the cashier, but she left without getting the eye cream.

Hughes next went to Charles &amp, Keith, where she stole a dark head bag and its attached pocket, for over S$ 82.

The Daily Stoic and Atomic Habits, both of which were taken into account, were later stolen from the WHSmith text business, totaling nearly S$ 37.

She even stole&nbsp, two throat pillows for about S$ 50 each and two boxes of chocolates for about S$ 46 in full at 7-Eleven, &nbsp, four tubes of La Roche Posay sun block and moisturiser worth a total of approximately S$ 154, and&nbsp, a S$ 59.90 water tumbler from The Coffee Bean &amp, Tea Leaf

Hughes ‘ drug use was ended when she was apprehended and arrested for it.

SENTENCING Claims

The attorney sought a great of at least S$ 5, 000 for her. He said the army was asking for a good that was about S$ 2, 000 less, but stressed that S$ 5, 000 was “already very liberal”.

He claimed that Hughes was initially charged with eight fraud counts under Section 380 and was facing a mandatory jail term, which may make things worse because she had to” she stole so many things,” and the crimes were difficult to identify.

However, the fees “are now reduced” and the trial is seeking a good.

” That in itself is leniency”, said the attorney. ” S$ 5, 000 is lenient because it’s not going to be crushing on the accused. The accused has sustained herself in Singapore on rental income and, along the way, managed to find esteemed legal guidance.

He urged that the great been at least S$ 5,000.

Hughes ‘ solicitor, Mr Jeremy Mark Pereira from Withers KhattarWong, apologised to the judge for his client being delayed, as” two of the Grab vehicles she booked cancelled on her”.

” At the outset, my client is greatly ashamed and guilty for her conduct. She has never been in trouble with the law anywhere in the world, according to Mr. Pereira.

He said Hughes “has problems” she requires drugs for, without specifying what they were.

” She knows what she’s done is bad. One of the first things she did was go to a lawyer’s office to get help, adding that his customer is committed to “never offending once.”

He acknowledged the prosecution’s apology and reduction of the costs in written form.

Ong Chin Rhu, the assistant director district judge, told Hughes that she had taken into account the circumstances surrounding the offenses she had committed, but that she also needed to consider” the level of your crime in the way you conducted yourself that day.”

She said the good proposed by the trial was “reasonable” and imposed it.

Hughes paid the entire good.

For each matter of robbery, she could have been jailed for up to three years, fined, or both.

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Former transport minister S Iswaran’s trial moved back 2 weeks to Sep 24

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SINGAPORE: The criminal trial of former transport minister S Iswaran, originally set for Sep 10, has been moved to Sep 24, a spokesperson for the Attorney-General’s Chambers ( AGC ) said on Thursday ( Sep 5 ).

The prosecution and defense both reported that the judge had requested an adjournment of the hearing’s start.

” Because it was a mutual request, the judge acceded to it”, added the AGC director.

The Court of Appeal on Tuesday rejected Iswaran’s second request that the trial make available all of its planned witnesses ‘ claims.

The 62-year-old Singaporean faces a total of 35 costs, comprising 32 works of obtaining goods as a common slave, two counts of bribery and one of obstructing justice.

These involve his relations with Singapore Exchange-listed Lum Chang Holdings managing director Ong Beng Seng and Mr. Lum Kok Seng, a estate tycoon.

In a previous application, he had been successful in getting the charges heard in a mutual trial rather than a separate trial.

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Athletes with disabilities to have dedicated training facilities at Team Singapore’s upcoming Kallang premises

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Boccia, which means to plate in Roman, is a specific game sport played by players in chairs. Since it was developed for those who are deaf or have reduced vision, Golfball relies almost entirely on audio.

SDSC has not yet been involved in the design of the space, but it has recently shared a primary set of rules for equitable sport facilities with Sport Singapore ( SportSG) for its evaluation. &nbsp,

According to Ms. Fan, some things should be taken into account, including whether the para-sports facilities would be on ground level or raise levels, and whether there are enough available changing rooms and restrooms for various wheelchair users. &nbsp, Flooring may especially be non-carpeted and degree, to promote motion of chair users, she added. &nbsp,

She told CNA on Thursday that “in addition to enhancing our athletes ‘ performance, developing activities research and sports medicine knowledge and expertise in disability activities would also be beneficial.”

” Most practitioners base their training on non-disabled sports but when it comes to para-athletes, it becomes a more optimistic and experimental strategy”.

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Singapore to play bigger role in improving Southeast Asia’s ability to detect haze

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Singapore does play a bigger role in boosting the region’s ability to detect transnational haze, enabling nations to work more quickly to stop it from happening.

This is in response to the World Meteorological Organization ( WMO ) choosing the country to host a specialized center, the first of its kind in Asia and one of two others worldwide, to provide timely and high-quality vegetation fire and smoke pollution forecasts, observations, and information.

The Specialized Meteorological Centre for Vegetation Fire and Smoke Pollution’s primary goal will be to predict weather value and determine the spreadability of cloud using modeling models.

” The centre aims to provide information to support decision-making in emergency response, environmental protection, public health management, fire management and law enforcement”, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said on Wednesday ( Sep 4).

” We hope that these climate information will help our local partners come up with and modify their individual climate adaptation plans.”

She addressed a local community hosted by the ASMC and WMO, which is hosted by the ASMC.

The Meteorological Service Singapore ( MSS) is the organization that runs the new facility, which went into operation this month. &nbsp,

The other heart is in Canada, a country susceptible to fire. During the 78th WMO executive council conference in Geneva in June, both Singapore and Canada were given hosting positions.

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