June 29, 2013, New Delhi: The Indian Badminton League is set to host its first and much anticipated Players Auction on July 19 in New Delhi featuring top international players from 17 nations including Indonesia, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, China and Malaysia.

Contrary to speculation in a section of the media published here today, the IBL has already received confirmation from top shuttlers from Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and China in addition to 12 other leading badminton nations across continents.

The IBL Auction will feature almost all the world top-50 players in both men?s and women?s categories and the current pool of 150 players for the auction is likely to increase as the last date for entry is July 5. The complete list of the players for the IBL Auction will be announced a week before the auction after the list is first shared with the franchisee as per the IBL?s agreement with its Franchisee partners.

Ashish Chadha, CEO Sporty Solutionz, the ?Commercial Partner? to the IBL said on Saturday, ?We would like to keep the facts straight. A lot of effort has gone in to build the IBL and we are confident of putting up a great show as promised. For the record, seven men players in the top-10 world ranking and six players in the women?s top-10 rankings have confirmed with a total of 112 foreign players having signed up for IBL till now.?

The IBL Players Auction is set to dazzle the bidders with a star-lineup from these countries. World No.7 and the winner of the recent Singapore Open, Indonesian?s Tommy Sugiarto leads the Indonesian parade, along with Sony Kuncoro and Lindaweni Fanetri, who are respectively the men?s world No. 10 and women?s world No.11. Hong Kong?s Hu Hyun, the men?s world No.6, Japan?s Kenichi Tago, the men?s world No.5 and women?s world No.10 Minatsu Mitani, and South Korea?s bronze medalist in the 2012 London Olympics, Lee Yong-Dae are the other top names who will figure in the bidding process.

As expected, men?s world No.1 from Malaysia, ?Datuk? Lee Chong Wei is set to go under the hammer at the IBL Players Auction. The other top-10 men player who have confirmed are ? world No.4 Boonsak Ponsana from Thailand and Vietnam?s Tien Minh Nguyen.

Dr Akhilesh Das Gupta, Badminton Association of India President and MP said, ?We have got a very positive response from both the sport bodies as well as the players from all the nations that we have approached. As was anticipated when we announced the League, it will witness world champions fighting it out for the title.?

The $1-million Indian Badminton League is set to launch on August 14, 2013, with some high-voltage action expected between Hyderabad Hotshots and Karnataka Kings. The 2013 IBL will feature six franchises and will run for 18 days. Each franchise will host a two-day leg and the League will showcase a grand total of 90 matches, providing broadcasters and in-stadia spectators with more than 100 hours of LIVE ?family entertainment? which will also be viewed by a significant international audience. The matches will be held during late afternoon and evening to coincide with prime time television and providing a convenient time for the stadium audience. The LIVE IN-stadia entertainment, combined with high-octane on-court action is expected to further hook viewers onto this new adrenalin packed LIVE family entertainment format attracting a much younger fan base, which also includes women and children.

The top four franchisee in the League will clash in the semifinals and the winners will meet in the grand final on August 31, which will be played out in Mumbai, for the richest prize money tournament in badminton till now.

• 130 campaign entries received for competition from across 15 countries, the latest being New Zealand and South Korea. Other countries include Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
• APPIES 2013 attracts highest number of judges on the assessing panel as 35 of the region?s top marketing heads come on board.
• 35 agencies will showcase their latest and best integrated campaigns for 65 leading brands such as Caltex, Intel, Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Google, Gillette, Cocoa-Cola, Tiger Beer, Malaysian Airlines, SingTel, Diageo, Pernod Picard, Wrigleys and MARS, among others.
• More than 70 presenters will pitch their marketing campaigns live with aim to win the APPIES Gold.
• APPIES 2013 to be held on 15 & 16 August at the National University of Singapore Society.
• Organised by the Institute of Advertising Singapore (IAS), APPIES 2013 is supported by The Advertising Club, SingTel, MediaCorp, Asia Pacific Breweries (APB), MEC and Singapore Press Holdings (SPH).

QUOTE: "Record numbers aside, we are more delighted to have some sterling brands and marketers on board as presenters and judges. You can look forward to two very inspiring days indeed." - Ms Goh Shu Fen, Chairperson of the APPIES and Co-Founder & Principal of R3.

Singapore, 26 June 2013: Learning, sharing and networking - the DNA of the annual APPIES agenda - is once again on the cards at APPIES 2013 which has seen a record number of 130 entries being submitted by over 35 agencies in 15 countries. This year?s competitive showcase will once again integrate a visual showcase of 100 of the latest and best integrated marketing campaigns with stimulating live presentations by their brand marketers/campaign creators.

The 100 shortlisted integrated marketing campaigns will cover a broad range of six product/service categories that include Consumer Durables, Consumer Services, Food & Beverage, Non-Food FMCG, Business Services and Government, Cultural, Social & Environmental campaigns. For last year?s winners, visit www.appies.asia.

Around 70 presenters (brand marketers or campaign creators) will pitch their work individually to the assessing panel comprising leading industry peers, and 5 will win the Best Presenter Awards. The USP of the APPIES LIVE 4-6-10 campaign presentation format continues to be a big draw for participants and audience members. Each presentation begins with a 4-minute showreel video summarising the campaign, followed by a live 6-minute exposition of the campaign?s key highlights by the brand?s marketers/campaign creators. Then comes the interactive 10-minute session where each campaign is cross-examined by the judges and audience.

This year?s record participation of presenters and judges in one venue over two days will once again provide a convenient and stimulating platform for attendees to learn from leading industry peers, share innovative, award-worthy work and network for future business and professional opportunities.

28 June 2013: New Delhi, India - Singapore?s largest homegrown public relations agency, Mileage Communications, today extends its footprint into Myanmar by forming a joint venture in Yangon, Myanmar?s largest city and centre of commerce.

Known as Mileage Communications MCG Co., Ltd., the joint venture is formed with MCG, a specialized marketing communications agency servicing the entire Myanmar territory. MCG is currently servicing the accounts of top South Korean companies such as LG Electronics.

Mr. Yap Boh Tiong, Chairman of the Mileage Communications Group, said: "Myanmar?s recent return to the global market arena spells opportunities for companies to venture into its largely untapped market. While the market is in its early stages of development, we believe that it has tremendous room for growth. Already, trade between Singapore and Myanmar has seen a 39 per cent jump in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the previous quarter. The entry of top international consumer brands like Coca-cola and Pepsi, as well as Singaporean companies like Singtel and Yoma Strategic Holdings is further testament to the international community?s confidence in Myanmar?s future growth."

The agency is headed by Mr. John Jun, a professional marketing communications consultant with more than 25 years of experience with top international and Myanmar companies such as Dentsu, Young & Rubicam, Leo Burnett, BBDO and NA Communication Myanmar.

Mr. John Jun, Managing Director of Mileage Communications MCG Co., Ltd., said: "We are delighted to partner with the Mileage Communications Group because we can draw on its expertise in financial public relations, crisis management as well as international network and affiliates to better serve our Myanmar clients. Myanmar?s recent success at hosting high-profile international events like the World Economic Forum and the upcoming 27th SEA Games has cast the international community?s spotlight on this rising emergent market. As Myanmar?s consumer market grows in sophistication, it will see an increasing need for a wide range of marketing communications activities. Thus, a joint venture with an established regional player such as Mileage Communications Group will help MCG to better position itself as an agency offering seamless marketing communications services to our clients."

The joint venture company is well positioned to assist multinational and Indian companies that want to enter the Myanmar market. Similarly, this joint venture can also provide marketing communications services to companies and organizations in Myanmar that wish to break into the region and the world through the Group?s 13 offices in Asia as well as extensive global network of affiliates respectively.

Mr Sunil Puri, Managing Director of Mileage Communications (India) Pvt. Ltd, added: "India ranks No.13th in terms of foreign investment in Myanmar. With the opening of an office in Myanmar, we are delighted to play a role as part of the Mileage Communications Group to create awareness and publicity for the Indian companies entering Myanmar. Being a close neighbour of Myanmar, Indian companies will be seizing the opportunity to enter a market that is opening up rapidly."

With the joint venture in Myanmar, the Mileage Communications Group now operates in 13 offices across eight countries in Asia. The Group is headquartered in Singapore and also operates in China (Shanghai), India (New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru and Kolkata), Indonesia (Jakarta), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), Thailand (Bangkok) and Vietnam (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City).

From left: Mr. John Jun, Managing Director, Mileage Communications MCG Co., Ltd., Mr. Yap Boh Tiong, Chairman Mileage Communications Group, Mr. Mark Lee, SVP Mileage Communications MCG Co., Ltd.

New Delhi June 28th 2013: OYE! 104.8 FM, India?s sabsefilmi radio Station awarded its listeners with a golden opportunity to meet the stars of the upcoming bollywood film - Ghanchakkar. The meet and greet event with VidyaBalan and EmraanHashmi was organized at a hotel in Gurgaon. The event was organized after an exciting contest "DillikechakkarbanayeGhanchakkar" running on the radio station and its winners were rewarded with a chance to meet the star cast.

Following the legacy of its innovative & fun contests, this time too OYE! FM came up with an exciting 16 days contest where listeners were given clues to solve various puzzle related to various roads & landmarks of Delhi. VidyaBalan was giving these clues to the listeners to help them identify the correct answers. As an interesting move, the roads in the puzzles were named after the winners on air.

The contest witnessed heavy participation & enthusiasm from the radio station?s listeners. Not only the contest was entertaining but was also educative as it raised awareness about Delhi?s historical places and roads which at times get very confusing to remember.

Sharing his enthusiasm, Mr. Vivek Malhotra, VP marketing, TV Today Network said -"OYE! FM has always believed in innovation and quality. At the same time we work towards connecting with our listeners at all levels and keep them delighted with entertainment. Our partnership with Ghanchakkar led us to evolve this unique contest with vivacious Delhi as its premise. We are happy to make the dreams of our winners come true today with this meet and greet event. "

The winners got a rare opportunity to interact with the stars and their favorite radio jockeys. It was a fun interactive session where Vidya charmed the listeners with her witty replies and Emraan got the bells ringing among the female audience. Directed by Rajkumar gupta, Ghanchakkar is a comical romance unveiling in cinemas this Friday, 28th June. This is the second time that VidyaBalan and EmraanHashmi have come together for a film.

National, June 26th 2013: Comedy Central, India?s only 24x7 laughter destination notches up the humour quotient for its fans with two back-to-back show?s all set to head the primetime line-up. As the rains dampen your mood this month, Comedy Central brings cheer with two brand new shows ? ?Threesome? and ?Guys with Kids?, premiering on 1st July, Monday ? Wednesday at 10pm and 10.30pm respectively, exclusively on Comedy Central.

Commenting on the launch of the two new shows, Ferzad Palia, Senior VP and GM - English Entertainment, Viacom 18 Media Pvt Ltd says, ?At Comedy Central, our focus is to treat viewers with the best comedy shows available across the globe. Keeping that in mind, we are bringing two very popular comedy shows to the Indian audiences. The shows have done well globally and we are sure our viewers would love to watch them in India.?

Here?s a peek into the new shows from Comedy Central India!

Threesome: One girl, two boys, three possibilities ? the show is a hilarious sitcom of three inseparable friends on the verge of turning 30. Alice lives with her boyfriend Mitch & their gay best friend Richie. Together they form the tremendous trio, living, laughing and loving together. After a big night out, they end up having an unplanned threesome which results in an unplanned pregnancy. Laughs ensue as they decide it?s time to ditch the party lifestyle and have the baby and raise it as a threesome. Together they form three points of an unlikely triangle, living, laughing and loving!

The series won the Best Sitcom at the Montreux Comedy Festival and the main lead Alice played by Amy Huberman was also nominated for the ?Best Actress Award? at the ?TV Irish Film and Television Awards 2013?. Starting July 1, 2013, the show airs Monday ? Wednesday at 10pm.

Guys with Kids: A refreshing American sitcom, the series chronicles the lives of three friends ? Gary, Chris and Nick and their respective partners. It is a show on how they raise their children in a modern environment. These 30-something dads struggle as parents because they are still children at heart.

A hilarious sitcom guaranteed to tickle your funny bone, the show has been nominated for the favorite new Comedy TV series by the ?People?s Choice Award 2013 as well as the Image Award 2013 for the outstanding actor in Comedy series ? Anthony Anderson. The show begins from July 1, 2013 and will air Monday - Wednesday at 10.30pm.

So lace up your comedy boots and keep yourself entertained with some of the best in the laughter. Tune in to Comedy Central, the one stop destination for your daily dose of laughter!

New Delhi, June 28, 2013 : In its pursuit of simplifying income tax filing further, TaxSpanner ? India?s leading tax filing portal, today introduced tailor-made solutions for investors and traders.

Taxpayers who have invested in mutual funds or stocks/shares can now ensure minimal tax outgo by taking advantage of automatic computation of capital gains and set-off the losses in their ITR. Derivative traders, on the other hand, will be able to get their Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss statement auto-prepared from brokerage statements. Not just this, they can also get assistance from a Chartered Accountant at TaxSpanner for the preparation of books of accounts, tax audit and bank account reconciliation.

Says Sumit Grover, COO, TaxSpanner.com, ?These segments have been online and looking for a cloud-based solution to their hassles of self-computation, identification of relevant transactions to be reported, the format of this reporting, and the ITR applicable to them. No other e-return intermediary or tax return preparation software is providing this product. TaxSpanner has also established alliances with Axis Direct and HDFC Securities. This will make the life of investors and traders easy as they often don?t know what information to fetch from brokerages.?

Sudhir Kaushik, the tax expert and CFO at TaxSpanner, stated ?The biggest pain point for taxpayers, at this time, is a notice from the Income Tax Department. Our subject matter experts identified that taxpayers can reduce the chances of a scrutiny notice by preventing any mismatch in the data filled in ITR and the data I-T Department may receive from their brokerage houses. Based on this, our technology team built a solution for automatic computation of capital gains and business income.?

Auto - reconciliation of brokerage statement cannot be underestimated, given every brokerage house provides it in a different format. At times, taxpayers or their chartered accountants (CAs) have to go through the hassles of creating FIFO for individual scripts. Some tax preparers take a shortcut, summing up all Sales/Purchases to report the net gain/loss. This is not the correct way of computation and reporting.

Hence, what TaxSpanner is bringing to the table is not only a more affordable solution as compared to hiring a tax consultant, but also a guarantee of consistency and accuracy in the preparation of income tax returns.