The India Today Group has announced the launch of India Today in the UK market from May 31.

This is a follow-up to the launch of the Group's Hindi news channel, Aaj Tak, in the UK market. Previously operating as a hybrid channel, Aaj Tak and India Today served UK audiences with unique content. 

With the launch of India Today, the English news channel will now be available as a free-to-air service, broadcasting in standard definition (SD) and accessible on Sky Channel No. 523.  This will position it alongside other prominent English news channels, including Sky News, BBC News, GB News and Talk TV. 

Meanwhile, Aaj Tak will continue to be available on Sky Channel number 710, providing uninterrupted access to Hindi content for viewers. The India Today Group, renowned for its comprehensive news coverage and commitment to delivering high-quality content, is thrilled to bring its linear presence to the UK audience. 

With its launch in the UK, India Today aims to captivate audiences with its insightful reporting, engaging programmes, and unwavering commitment to journalistic excellence. The channel's introduction is a testament to the India Today Group's dedication to delivering informative and relevant content to viewers worldwide. 

The BBC News channel has confirmed details of new programmes, which began to air this week.

The reactive and fast-paced BBC News Now with Lucy Hockings (1630 IST/1200 BST to 1930 IST/1500 BST) will cover several stories throughout the programme, using Lucy’s versatile and accessible style in an immersive format designed to move seamlessly from stories to story.

The best of the BBC’s forensic analysis and journalism will be at the heart of Verified Live with Matthew Amroliwala (1930 IST/1500 BST to 2230 IST/ 1800 BST). Verified Live will delve into the key stories behind the headlines and work closely with BBC Verify, the BBC’s new verification hub and brand, which will use advanced editorial tools and techniques to investigate, source and verify information, video, and images.

The Daily Global with Yalda Hakim (2230 IST/1800 BST to 0030 IST/ 2000 BST) will be a deep-dive into some of the significant stories of the day, using Yalda’s trademark in-depth, news-making interviews combined with a unique global perspective.

The new programmes will join The Context with Christian Fraser (0030 IST/2000 BST to 0230 IST/ 2200BST) which relaunched with a new format last month. The programme is known for its conversational style, regular panellists and thorough analysis, discussion and debate.

Fellow chief presenter Maryam Moshiri will move across all programmes.

Paul Royall, Interim Executive Editor, BBC News channel says: “This is an exciting moment for the channel as we continue to shape our schedules. These new programmes will provide viewers with the trusted, impartial journalism they expect from us, but with new, innovative formats which will deliver the best viewing experience.”

Experts explain the malware mechanism

While WhatsApp calls might seem one of the most convenient options for many, receiving voice/ video calls or messages from unknown international numbers might land one in trouble.

There has been a massive increase in the number of fraudulent calls/ messages received via WhatsApp. People started complaining on Twitter that they are getting calls from countries like Ethiopia (+251), Malaysia (+60), Indonesia (+62), Kenya (+254), Vietnam (+84). Observing the sudden increase in cybercrime, the Zee Business team decided to release an informative video to help citizens avoid falling into the trap of fraudulent WhatsApp calls or messages.

With an aim to let WhatsApp users in India understand the mechanism of fraudulent WhatsApp calls/ messages? Deepika Singh, Social Media Expert & CEO of, DeepCytes presented facts mentioning that specific data sets are sold to hackers. She also mentioned interesting facts on how automation using Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) becomes a convenient option for hackers as compared to cellular numbers. There is a high possibility that these WhatsApp calls have been automated for mass calling.

Sachin Dedhia, Ethical Hackers also stated that there are also high chances that hackers might try to hack your phone through missed call on an experimental basis.

As this issue was responsibly raised by Zee Business, WhatsApp further carried out certain measures to block calls from international numbers.

The rise of online scams has prompted tech companies to invest heavily in developing innovative solutions that can identify and prevent fraudulent activities in real time. DoT asked the company to take action, by making SIM card mandatory. WhatsApp will soon make SIM cards mandatory to use the app on the phone. WhatsApp has also started intensifying its efforts toward deploying Artificial Intelligence to combat this menace.

Ashwini Vaishnaw, Telecom Minister, further stated, “The government has discussed the issue of fraudulent calls/messages with WhatsApp. In response to the same, WhatsApp has assured continuous commitment to user safety in India.” The Telecom Minister also launched the Sanchar Sathi portal on the occasion of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day This portal aims at helping users track their lost and stolen phones as well.

Highlighting the relevance of timely reportage on Cyber Crime, Anil Singhvi, Managing Editor, Zee Business said, “Zee Business has been consistent in reporting issues that can heavily impact the daily lives of citizens. We hope the informative videos and regular news updates on the ongoing fraudulent calls / messages have been an eye-opener for WhatsApp users to not answer / reply to calls or messages and report it immediately to the concerned authorities.”

Zee Media Corporation Ltd, one of India's leading media companies, has a strong presence in the news and regional genres, with 13 news channels in seven different languages, reaching more than 528+ million viewers through its linear and digital properties.

Ogilvy Group Thailand is APAC Agency of the Year In The One Show 2023 Global Creative Rankings

Rankings unveiled globally and by country and region for companies, individuals, and work.

Based on point totals for wins in The One Show 2023 announced last week during Creative Week in New York, Ogilvy Group Thailand Bangkok is Asia-Pacific Agency of the Year and #7 worldwide in The One Show 2023 Global Creative Rankings.

The top-10 agencies in the region are as follows :

The One Show 2023 Asia Pacific Agency Rankings

1. Ogilvy Group Thailand Bangkok

2. Leo Burnett India Mumbai

3. The Monkeys Sydney

4. Dentsu Tokyo

5. TBWA\Juice Beijing

6. Serviceplan Korea Seoul

7. Thinkerbell Sydney

8. DDB Mudra Group Mumbai (tie)

8. Special Auckland (tie)

10. Dentsu Creative Hong Kong

In addition, Gumpon Laksanajinda, CCO, and Nopadol Srikieatikajohn, chairman, both at Ogilvy Group Thailand Bangkok, were tied for The One Show 2023 APAC Creative of the Year.

Globally, BBDO Canada Toronto is the world’s top-ranked agency this year, winning two Best of Disciplines (in Experiential & Immersive and Radio & Audio), and taking home nine Gold Pencils, two Silver, three Bronze and two Merits. All of the wins, working with TA2 Sound + Music Toronto, were for “Missing Matoaka” on behalf of Muskrat Magazine.

Apple comes out of The One Show 2023 as the highest-ranked brand and brand-side agency. Driving the strong performance was Apple London with Apple Cupertino winning The One Show 2023 Best of Show and Best of Discipline in Brand-Side/In-House for “The Greatest”.

Highlights of The One Show 2023 Global Creative Rankings are as follows

The One Show 2023 Agency Rankings

1. BBDO Canada Toronto

2. FCB New York

3. TBWA\Media Arts Lab Los Angeles

4. Area 23 New York

5. BETC Paris

6. Wieden+Kennedy Portland

7. Ogilvy Group Thailand Bangkok

8. Virtue Copenhagen

9. Ogilvy Honduras Tegucigalpa

10. Ogilvy UK London

The One Show 2023 Independent Agency Rankings

1. Wieden+Kennedy Portland

2. Rethink Toronto/Montréal/Vancouver

3. We Believers New York

The One Show 2023 Brand-Side Agency Rankings

1. Apple Cupertino

2. Apple London (tie)

2. Squarespace New York (tie)

The One Show 2023 Brand Rankings

1. Apple

2. Muskrat Magazine

3. Burger King

The One Show 2023 Non-Profit Client Rankings

1. Grupo Estratégico PAE

2. Women in Games

3. Canadian Down Syndrome Society

The One Show 2023 Brand Parent Company Rankings

1. AB InBev

2. Unilever

3. RBI

The One Show 2023 Production Company Rankings

1. Smuggler New York

2. 14 al Centro LATAM Tegucigalpa

3. Factory01 Bangkok

The One Show 2023 Music & Sound Company Rankings

1. TA2 Sound + Music Toronto

2. JSM Music New York

3. Pickle Music New York

The One Show 2023 Agency Network Rankings

1. Ogilvy Group

2. FCB

3. DDB Worldwide

The One Show 2023 Independent Agency Network Rankings

1. Wieden+Kennedy

2. Rethink

3. Serviceplan Group

The One Show 2023 Agency Holding Company Rankings

1. Omnicom Group

2. WPP

3. Interpublic Group

The One Show 2023 Highest Ranked Work

1. “Missing Matoaka” by BBDO Canada Toronto with TA2 Sound + Music for Muskrat Magazine

2. “The Greatest” by Apple London with Apple Cupertino for Apple

3. “McEnroe vs McEnroe” by FCN New York for AB InBev/Michelob ULTRA

The One Show 2023 Country Rankings

1. United States

2. Canada

3. United Kingdom

The One Show 2023 Region Rankings

1. North America

2. Europe

3. Asia Pacific

Using dropdown menus, the rankings can be viewed by Agency, Independent Agency, Brand-Side Agency, Brand, Non-Profit Client, Brand Parent Company, Production Company, Music & Sound Company, Agency Network, Agency Holding Company, Highest Ranked Work, Country, Region, and Creatives. Rankings can also be viewed globally, and by region and country.

The One Show 2023 Global Creative Rankings methodology

Rankings in each category are calculated by the company that garners the most points overall for winning entries based on One Show Pencils, Merits and Special Awards, allocated as follows: Gold Pencil 45 points, Silver 21, Bronze 9, Merit 3, Fusion, SDG and Green Pencil 90 each, Penta Pencil 150, Best of Discipline 90 and Best of Show 135.

If the same entry wins multiple awards within a discipline, the points for the highest award in that discipline is counted towards “of the Year” awards. Points are only awarded to agencies listed as Primary and Secondary on entries. If several agencies are listed under Primary and Secondary, the points are divided among them.

All One Show 2023 Gold, Silver, Bronze Pencil and Merit winners were announced last week during Creative Week in New York. A total of 20,166 pieces from 69 countries and regions were entered in The One Show 2023. Agencies, studios, brands, production companies and designers in 54 countries and regions were awarded 210 Gold Pencils, 200 Silver, 238 Bronze, and 1,172 Merits.

Awards shows produced by The One Club for Creativity each have their distinct focus. The One Show judges focus on creativity of ideas and quality of execution, while ADC Annual Awards juries maintain the show’s long-running concentration as the champion for craft, design and innovation.

The One Club for Creativity, producer of The One Show, ADC Annual Awards, ONE Asia Creative Awards, Type Directors Club competition, TDC Ascenders, Young Guns, and more, is the world’s foremost non-profit organization whose mission is to support and celebrate the global creative community. Revenue generated from entries to its global awards shows goes back into the industry to fund programming under the organization’s four pillars: Education, Inclusion & Diversity, Gender Equality, and Creative Development.

Inauguration Sets the Tone for an Unforgettable Festival

Celebrates 16 years of Goafest

Publisher & Media ABBYs awarded to outstanding performers on Day 1

Goafest 2023, South Asia’s most definitive advertising, media, and marketing festival makes a grand return to celebrate excellence and discuss the future of creativity. Co-hosted by The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club (TAC), in the presence of internationally acclaimed speakers and industry stalwarts, the festival kick-started with a dynamic musical performance by Kanika Kapoor, leaving the crowd clamouring for more. Subsequently, the ceremonial lamp was lit by the members of the organising committee. Prasanth Kumar, President, Advertising Agencies Association of India and CEO, South Asia, GroupM addressed everyone, marking the festival’s 16th edition. The festival also signifies the second year of association of The ABBY Awards with The One Show. With an underlying theme of ‘The Future of Creativity is Here’, delegates at Goafest 2023 were welcomed with a champagne launch!

The sessions, thereafter, commenced with News18 Network presenting, ‘Future of Creativity’ moderated by Rohit Ohri Chairman & CEO - FCB Ulka with panellists, including Anusha Shetty - Chairperson & Group CEO - Grey Group India, Josy Paul - Chairman & Group CCO - BBDO, T Gangadhar, Co-Founder and Group CEO Quotient Ventures, and Dheeraj Sinha - CEO & Chairman - Leo Burnett & BBH. Firstly, the session focused on the future of creativity, which lies in the seamless integration of technology, empowering individuals to explore new horizons and redefine traditional boundaries, ultimately revolutionising the way we express, communicate, and experience. Gangadhar made a very interesting note about technology and our place wherein creativity is involved, “It’s not man v/s machine, it is man with machine. You need technology to run your data but you need a human mind to add value to it.” Dheeraj on the other hand stated, “We believe that this is the best time to be in the business. Today, you have such a huge palette to play around with v/s images and copy that could be played around with back in the day. Creativity is the power to solve problems, which we have done, but now, imagine adding data and technology to it! The possibility is limitless!”

Secondly, the panel also discussed the importance of hiring capable talent that will only raise the bar of creation. To this end, Dheeraj rightly mentioned, “There is no future for business if there is no future for this talent.” More importantly, Anusha highlighted an opportunity, stating “With every change we witness, finding talent to embrace new changes, is getting more complex.” Josy made a statement regarding talents and searching for the right fit for an agency, saying, “A talent should be a combination of a visionary, missionary, and an artist!”

Finally, Rohit also probed questions on the structure that organisations need to put in place to enable creativity. The panels gave informative insights regarding structure requirements of an organisation and the need to rework the idea of hierarchy.

After this insightful knowledge session, we were introduced to yet another interesting one, titled ‘Brand Love Suffering At The Altar Of Short Term Sale’ presented under Industry Conclave powered by ABP News & Zee TV. The moderator of this session was none other than Anuradha SenGupta, Independent Journalist, and the panellists included Hemant Malik - Divisional Chief Executive - ITC's Foods Business & Member of Corporate Management Committee of ITC Ltd, Rohit Kapoor - Chief Executive Officer - Swiggy, Prabha Narasimhan - MD & CEO - Colgate-Palmolive India Ltd. The session emphasised the importance of brand love as it creates strong emotional bonds with the audiences, driving customer loyalty, advocacy, and higher engagement, resulting in sustained business growth and a competitive edge in the market. The panellists also discussed the technological advances that have taken place over the last few years and the cyclical impact it has on the audience and in turn, the brand and love for it. Having said that, there was an agreement that the fundamentals of brand love largely stay the same.

Hemant, in answer to Anuradha, said, “It's a great time for marketers, today! We are all enabled because we are able to make decisions with utmost clarity. However, while data helps you, it also makes you vulnerable.” Rohit, with regards to synergy between teams and departments at the brand’s end, said, “CEO and creatives have too much distance between them. This needs to be corrected.”

The session ended on with Anuradha asking each panellist about their expectations from agencies. Each one unanimously agreed that they need to keep learning from and being challenged by the agencies.

Converting the learnings into dividends, from the first year of the association, with The One Show, The Advertising Club has once again collaborated with the global partner, taking the ABBY Awards to global standards of excellence and recognition. A total of 3,301 entries received this year from 181 creative companies and 63 media agencies, as well as jury chairs have shown immense enthusiasm towards the awards.

Partha Sinha, President of the Times of India Group and President of The Advertising Club, shared that the festival is witnessing the democratisation of creativity this year. He said, “Creativity is no longer in the hands of a select few; we are seeing the celebration of that sentiment with this edition of Goafest. So, you will hear a lot about the future of creativity overall. Since creativity is the reason we are in this business, we are celebrating it with full gusto. Overall, we are extremely happy with the response we have received with the number of entries this year; a whopping 3,301.”

Prasanth Kumar, President, of the Advertising Agencies Association of India and CEO, South Asia, GroupM, said that the constant at the festival is to make it more interesting and progressive. He stated, “The future of creativity is here. We need to realise that this industry is a large ecosystem, which is why we also need that kind of representation. With Goafest, this year, we have done exactly that in terms of categories and an industry-wise representation, including entertainment and tech. We have more than 50 sponsors for Goafest, this year; we are deeply grateful towards their unflinching support and belief in us.”

Jaideep Gandhi, Chairman, Goafest 2023 Organising Committee, stated that there are more than 60 speakers and 11 masterclasses this year. “You must also note that all the masterclasses are absolutely packed! We’ve also had to request a couple of speakers to retake a class on Day 3. We are working on building a festival that is a central event for the entire industry, which is why we’re beginning with Advertising Rocks, an Industry Musical Contest on Day 3 of Goafest.”

Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas Group India & Chairman, The ABBYs Award Governing Council, said about the awards this year, “This time, and in future, we are committed to working our way to match and surpass our game in accordance with ABBY One Show. We are extremely proud that this is our second year of association with One Show. You all will witness our hard work and commitment towards ensuring the quality of awards and the diverse jury that adorn Goafest this year.”