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Prime Video Introduces Channel K: A New Hub for Korean Entertainment in India!

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Prime Video Introduces Channel K: A New Hub for Korean Entertainment in India!

Prime Video has expanded its offerings in India with the launch of Channel K, a premium Korean entertainment channel available as an add-on subscription. This new channel promises a rich array of Korean series, movies, K-pop concerts, and reality shows, catering to the growing appetite for Hallyu (Korean Wave) content in the country.

What Channel K Offers

Subscribers to Channel K can access a variety of content, including acclaimed series like Summer Strike and Personal Taste, blockbuster films such as Joint Security Area and The Battle: Roar to Victory, and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of BTS, including the highly anticipated 2024 BTS FESTA: Message from Jin.

Content Highlights

  • Popular Dramas: Notable titles include Summer Strike, Personal Taste, and classic dramas that have garnered significant attention.
  • Blockbuster Films: Access to acclaimed films like Joint Security Area (JSA) and Our Season.
  • K-Pop Specials: Concerts and events such as NCT Nation and Made in Korea: The K-Pop Experience.
  • Exclusive BTS Content: Special features including concert footage and documentaries about the global icons.

Channel K is priced affordably at ₹79 per month, with a limited-time introductory offer of just ₹1 for the first month, making premium Korean entertainment accessible to a wider audience.

Seamless Integration for Prime Members

The new channel integrates seamlessly with existing Prime Video memberships. Subscribers won’t need additional logins or separate billing; the content is housed within the Prime Video app. This integration offers personalized recommendations, features like X-Ray, watch lists, offline downloads, and data management options for a hassle-free viewing experience.

Benefits of Integration

  • Unified Access: All content can be accessed through a single login, simplifying user experience.
  • Personalized Recommendations: Enhanced content discovery tailored to user preferences.
  • Advanced Features: Enjoy features like X-Ray for additional context on shows and movies, consolidated watchlists, and offline viewing capabilities.

Riding the Korean Wave in India

Speaking about the launch, Gaurav Bhasin, Head of Marketplace for Add-on Subscriptions and Movie Rentals at Prime Video, noted the growing popularity of Korean entertainment in India:

“Since its launch in India, add-on subscriptions on Prime Video have been instrumental in introducing international streaming services to Indian audiences. Over the years, we’ve seen tremendous love for Korean content, including series like Marry My Husband, No Gain No Love, and Jinny’s Kitchen. With Channel K, we aim to expand the selection for our Prime members and deepen their engagement with Korean storytelling.”

A Global Collaboration

Channel K is a result of a collaboration between Prime Video and IMX, an international media company. Sohn Il-Hyung, CEO of IMX, expressed excitement about bringing the channel to India:

“Our mission with Channel K is to deliver premium Korean entertainment to a global audience. Following our success in Japan, we are thrilled to partner with Prime Video to introduce Channel K in India. This initiative not only enhances accessibility to top-tier Korean content but also strengthens cultural connections between Korea and Indian audiences.”

Conclusion

With the launch of Channel K, Prime Video continues to strengthen its position as a leading platform for international content in India. By offering a dedicated hub for Korean entertainment, Prime Video caters to the increasing demand for diverse programming while fostering cultural exchange. As Indian audiences embrace the Hallyu wave, Channel K stands poised to become an essential destination for fans of Korean culture and entertainment.

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Infosys Invests in 4baseCare to Boost Healthcare Tech Offerings!

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Infosys Invests in 4baseCare to Boost Healthcare Tech Offerings!

Infosys, a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, has announced a strategic investment of INR 8.3 crore (approximately $1 million) in 4baseCare, a promising healthcare deep-tech firm specializing in precision oncology solutions. This investment underscores Infosys’ commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to address critical healthcare challenges.

About 4baseCare

Founded in 2018 by Hitesh Goswami and Kshitij Rishi, 4baseCare focuses on utilizing advanced genomics and clinical data to personalize cancer treatment. The firm employs AI and analytics to improve cancer diagnosis, treatment, and drug discovery. Their unique approach includes the development of comprehensive genomic panels that enable oncologists to select optimal targeted therapies for patients.

Precision Oncology Solutions

4baseCare’s precision oncology solutions are designed to:

  • Enhance Cancer Diagnosis: By integrating diverse genomic data, the platform allows for more accurate identification of cancer types and stages.
  • Personalize Treatment Plans: Utilizing AI-driven insights, the startup aims to tailor treatment strategies based on individual patient profiles.
  • Accelerate Drug Discovery: The data-driven approach helps streamline the development of new cancer therapies.

Strategic Alignment with Infosys

Infosys’ investment in 4baseCare aligns with its broader strategy to foster innovation and drive digital transformation within the healthcare industry. By partnering with 4baseCare, Infosys aims to enhance its offerings and provide advanced solutions to its clients in the healthcare and life sciences sectors.

Expected Benefits of the Investment

The investment will enable Infosys to tap into 4baseCare’s expertise in precision oncology, allowing it to:

  • Develop innovative healthcare solutions that can improve patient outcomes.
  • Leverage advanced analytics to reduce healthcare costs through more effective treatments.
  • Enhance its portfolio of services aimed at healthcare providers and institutions.

Future Prospects

This strategic move comes at a time when the Indian healthtech startup ecosystem is gaining momentum. Despite facing challenges in fundraising—having raised only $7 billion across 886 deals from 2014 to mid-2024—the sector is witnessing increased interest from investors seeking innovative solutions to pressing healthcare issues.

In recent months, 4baseCare has also made headlines by raising $6 million in its Series A funding round led by Yali Capital, demonstrating strong investor confidence in its potential.

Conclusion

Infosys’ investment in 4baseCare represents a significant step toward enhancing its capabilities in the healthcare sector, particularly in precision oncology. By combining Infosys’ technological prowess with 4baseCare’s innovative solutions, this partnership is poised to make a meaningful impact on cancer treatment and patient care. As both companies work together to advance healthcare technology, they are likely to contribute significantly to improving health outcomes and driving efficiencies within the industry.

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‘Chai and Samosas’: US Hotels Cater to Indian Tourist Surge to Revive Revenue!

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'Chai and Samosas': US Hotels Cater to Indian Tourist Surge to Revive Revenue!

The US tourism industry is experiencing a welcome boost thanks to a surge in Indian visitors. This increase comes at a time when domestic leisure spending is dipping and travel demand from East Asia remains sluggish, highlighting the significance of Indian tourists in revitalizing the sector.

Numbers Speak for Themselves

Nearly 1.9 million Indian tourists visited the US in the first ten months of 2024, marking a nearly 48% increase compared to 2019. This upswing is fueled by a 50% jump in visas issued for business travel and a 43.5% rise for leisure trips, according to the US National Trade and Tourism Office (NTTO). Notably, India has emerged as the second-largest source of foreign visitors to the United States, surpassing Germany and trailing only behind the UK.

Factors Driving the Boom

Several factors are contributing to this surge in Indian travel:

  • Growing Middle Class: India’s burgeoning middle class is increasingly able to afford international travel, leading to higher travel budgets.
  • Increased Flight Options: The availability of more direct flights between India and the US has made travel more accessible.
  • Changing Travel Preferences: While wealthy travelers from East Asian countries have opted for shorter trips within Asia, Indian tourists are exploring long-haul destinations like the US.

In stark contrast, visitor volumes from East Asian countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea have significantly decreased compared to pre-pandemic levels, with declines of 44.5%, 50.8%, and 23.9%, respectively.

Filling the Void

While European tourists are gradually returning to the US, overall visitor numbers from major European countries like the UK, Germany, and France have not yet reached 2019 levels. This has left a gap in the US tourism industry that Indian travelers are now helping to fill.

Laura Lee Blake, CEO of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, stated, “Indian travelers are playing a crucial role in reviving the industry. Their interest in exploring beyond major cities is spreading economic benefits across more destinations.” Budget and mid-scale hotels are particularly popular with Indian tourists, with some properties offering amenities that cater specifically to their preferences—such as chai and samosas in the lobby and Indian TV channels in guest rooms.

A Trend on the Rise

Travel booking platform Tripadvisor’s Viator brand reports a surge in US bookings by Indian travelers, jumping over 50% in 2024 and tripling compared to pre-pandemic levels. Airbnb’s Chief Business Officer, Dave Stephenson, confirmed this trend: “We’ve seen nights booked by Indians traveling to the US increase by over 45% in the past three years.”

The scheduled flight capacity between India and the US has also risen significantly—up 42.3% in 2024 compared to 2019—further facilitating this growth.

Looking Ahead

The outlook for the US tourism industry appears promising as it adapts to changing global travel dynamics. Grzegorz Kowalski, CEO of hotel booking platform Tripoffice.com, anticipates “growth in occupancy rates and revenue driven by a younger, experience-driven audience from India” in 2025. As hotels and travel companies continue to cater to Indian preferences and expand their offerings, they are well-positioned to capitalize on this influx of visitors.

Conclusion

The surge of Indian tourists is not only filling gaps left by declining visitor numbers from other regions but also revitalizing the US tourism industry as a whole. With increased flight capacities and tailored experiences for Indian travelers, this trend is likely to continue shaping the landscape of international tourism in the United States for years to come. As both countries strengthen their ties through increased travel opportunities, Indian visitors will play an increasingly vital role in supporting economic growth across various sectors within the US.

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HCLTech Appoints Arjun A. Sethi as Chief Growth Officer for Strategic Segments!

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HCLTech Appoints Arjun A. Sethi as Chief Growth Officer for Strategic Segments!

HCLTech, a leading global technology company, has announced the appointment of Arjun A. Sethi as its Chief Growth Officer for Strategic Segments, with a specific focus on government and global private equity. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing the company’s growth trajectory in these high-potential areas.

Background of Arjun A. Sethi

Sethi is a seasoned industry veteran with over 25 years of experience in consulting and digital transformation. Prior to joining HCLTech, he served as Senior Partner and Vice Chair of Digital Transformation at Kearney, where he played a pivotal role in shaping digital strategies for various sectors, including government, private equity, and financial services. His extensive international experience spans the Americas, Middle East, and APAC, equipping him with a comprehensive understanding of diverse markets.

 

Sethi holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology in India and a post-graduate diploma in management from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Calcutta. His academic background complements his professional expertise, positioning him well to lead HCLTech’s strategic initiatives.

Responsibilities and Goals

In his new role, Sethi will be responsible for driving growth and innovation within HCLTech’s strategic segments. He will report directly to C Vijayakumar, CEO & Managing Director of HCLTech. Sethi’s key responsibilities will include:

  • Expanding HCLTech’s Engineering-Led Technology Portfolio: Leveraging his expertise to enhance the company’s offerings in engineering-driven technology solutions.
  • Enhancing Digital Services: Focusing on the development and delivery of advanced digital services tailored to meet the needs of government and private equity clients.
  • Promoting Differentiated GenAI Solutions: Driving initiatives that incorporate generative AI technologies into HCLTech’s service offerings.

Strategic Importance

The appointment comes at a crucial time as HCLTech seeks to strengthen its presence in high-growth sectors. C Vijayakumar expressed enthusiasm about Sethi’s joining, stating, “We are excited to welcome Arjun to the HCLTech family. His deep industry knowledge and proven track record in digital transformation will be invaluable as we continue to expand our presence in these high-growth segments.”

 

Sethi’s experience in digital transformation is particularly relevant as organizations increasingly look to modernize their operations and adopt innovative technologies. His leadership is expected to unlock new opportunities for HCLTech, especially in navigating complex government contracts and engaging with private equity firms seeking technological advancements.

Conclusion

Arjun A. Sethi’s appointment as Chief Growth Officer for Strategic Segments at HCLTech marks a significant step forward for the company as it aims to capitalize on growth opportunities within government and private equity sectors. With his extensive background and strategic vision, Sethi is poised to play a crucial role in driving HCLTech’s initiatives forward, ensuring that the company remains competitive in an ever-evolving technological landscape.

As HCLTech continues to expand its capabilities and services, Sethi’s leadership will be instrumental in fostering innovation and achieving sustainable growth in these vital areas.

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