GECs
Business chambers welcome hike in FDI in telecom
NEW DELHI: The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Indo – American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) has welcomed the decision of the government to increase the foreign direct investment in the telecom sector to 100 per cent.
According to a decision on FDI taken in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, it had been decided to allow up to 49 per cent FDI by the automatic route for basic and cellular services etc., and from 49 per cent to 100 per cent through the Foreign Investments Promotion Board.
According to FICCI, the decision on enhancement of FDI limit in the Indian telecom sector from 74 per cent to 100 per cent is a positive sign and showcases government’s commitment towards improving the current investment sentiment in the sector and aiding the telecom industry to recuperate from its debt issues. “Along with the National Telecom Policy 2012 and other necessary reforms, this pro-industry announcement will benefit the Indian economy and consumers in the long term,” said FICCI president Naina Lal Kidwai.
Welcoming the proactive steps taken by the government to ease the foreign direct investment (FDI) norms in the country, primarily to stem the deteriorating current account deficit, Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) national president Shourya Mandal said, “These measures are inevitable against the backdrop of steep fall in the cross-country capital flows and subsequent heightened competition among the nations to attract the limited capital.”
In a statement Mandal said, “Undoubtedly, we have to put in place a set of checks and balances to uphold our sovereignty and interest of the domestic industry, while attracting FDI. Our rules and regulations are framed taking cognizance of that factor. Unwarranted polemics on that count should be avoided to chase our goal of transforming ourselves into a developed country from an emerging economy.”
GECs
Samsung TV Plus launches Kings of Comedy channel
New free FAST channel brings iconic Hindi comedy shows to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners.
MUMBAI: Samsung TV Plus has just turned up the laughter volume and it’s completely free. The leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service in India has launched Kings of Comedy, a premium comedy channel featuring some of the country’s most beloved primetime shows. Available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, the channel delivers back-to-back hits including Comedy Nights with Kapil, Khatra Khatra Khatra, and Comedy Nights Bachao, with no login or subscription required.
The launch marks a milestone for free streaming in India, offering audiences a dedicated comedy destination directly from their Samsung TV home screen. It arrives as Samsung TV Plus India celebrates its 5th anniversary, during which the service has grown its monthly active users by 42 per cent and more than doubled its total viewing hours. The platform now offers over 180 free channels across 14 languages.
Samsung TV Plus India general manager and head of business development Kunal Mehta said, “Comedy is the heartbeat of Hindi entertainment, and Kings of Comedy brings together the shows Indians already love, completely free on their Samsung TV. Our focus remains the same take the content people know and make it effortless to access.”
Globally, Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 million monthly active users across more than 4,500 channels, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading free streaming services.
Kings of Comedy is now available on all compatible Samsung Smart TVs. For viewers seeking non-stop laughter without any cost, this new channel delivers a royal treat proving that sometimes the best entertainment really does come with no strings (or subscriptions) attached.
