As the calendar turns to 2025, its a time of fresh beginnings, resolutions, and celebrations that reflect the spirit of the new year. For many, its about setting aspirations and indulging in traditions--whether its a grand party, a quiet night in, or embarking on a journey to fulfil new promises. This sense of renewal and individuality has inspired brands to craft creatives that resonate with the diverse ways people welcome the new year. This year, brands have leaned into themes of reflection, j

In a recent strategy meeting, Google CEO Sundar Pichai reportedly, told employees that 2025 will be a 'critical' year for the company. Speaking to staff on December 18, Pichai highlighted the urgency of the moment, urging the company to accelerate its pace. The stakes are high, he said, stressing the importance of moving faster. The remarks come as tech companies, including Google, continue to make significant investments in artificial intelligence (AI). Despite the progress, Pichai acknowledged

After calling out Ola's mass manufacturing defect affecting its electric scooters, Kunal Kamra has now shifted his focus to Blinkit, questioning CEO Albinder Dhindsa over the pay and working conditions of the platforms delivery partners. Kamras remarks come after Dhindsa shared updates on Blinkits busiest New Years Eve, which sparked a debate on the fairness of wages for gig workers. On New Years Eve, as Blinkit celebrated its busiest day ever, Dhindsa shared a post highlighting the record numbe

A federal judge on Tuesday evening blocked a challenge by tech lobbying group NetChoice to California's recently enacted law, SB 976, which prohibits companies from serving 'addictive feeds' to minors. Effective immediately, the ruling means that from Wednesday, companies will be banned from serving addictive feeds to California-based users known to be minors, unless they obtain explicit parental consent. SB 976 defines an addictive feed as an algorithm that selects and recommends content for us

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) is in the process of developing rules to regulate online advertisements, including influencer marketing, as part of its expanded mandate under the amended 'Allocation of Business Rules' of July 2023. The changes bring online advertisements, content from digital news publishers, and OTT platforms under MIB's jurisdiction, ensuring greater oversight and responsibility in the digital advertising space. In response to the Parliamentary Standing Comm

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is reviewing a complaint of anti-competitive practices against quick commerce companies, including allegations of predatory pricing. The complaint was filed by the All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF) with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. According to reports , CCI Chairperson Ravneet Kaur confirmed that the complaint, forwarded by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), is under preliminary revi

Viacom18 Media has officially become a direct subsidiary of Reliance Industries, following the conversion of over 24.61 crore compulsorily convertible preference shares (CCPS) into an equivalent number of equity shares. Previously, Viacom18 was a material subsidiary of Network18 Media & Investments Ltd, which is itself a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL). On December 30, 2024, Reliance Industries, led by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, completed the conversion of 24,61,33,682 CCPS into equi

Walter Saldanha, co-founder of Chaitra Advertising (now Leo Burnett India) and a pioneer in the Indian advertising industry, passed away on December 28 2024 at the age of 93. His passing marks the end of an era for Indian advertising and leaves a legacy that will inspire generations to come. Born October 31 1931, Saldanha began his professional journey as a typist in 1947. By 1951, he had joined J. Walter Thompson (JWT) India, embarking on a career that saw him rise through the ranks and even es

By 2025, AI is expected to handle more than 80% of customer interactionsfrom recommending products youll be attracted to offering real-time support when you need it most. If you still think AI and automation are just trendy terms, its time to think again. These technologies arent just shaking up the way we personalise experiences; theyre completely redefining how brands connect with customers on a deeper, more meaningful level. AI The heart of personalised marketing! Imagine your favorite cloth

As 2024 unfolded, LinkedIn introduced features and updates to enhance user experience, facilitate deeper engagement, and enable brands to achieve their marketing goals. LinkedIn delivered a range of updates that reshaped the way users interact, organisations build credibility, and brands connect with their audience. These updates range from AI-assisted communication tools to features like in-feed video carousels and verification badges. Let's revisit these key updates month by month, exploring t

In 2024, global advertising showcased a remarkable evolution, combining innovation and storytelling to deliver campaigns that connected with audiences. This year, brands moved beyond traditional marketing to present narratives that often approached cinematic quality. Bodyforms Never Just a Period by AMV BBDO stood out for its unfiltered portrayal of menstruation. The campaign addressed societal taboos around womens health with a raw and impactful narrative, prompting essential conversations and

Snapchats 2024 was marked by steady updates and developments aimed at enhancing user experience, improving safety measures, and refining advertising tools. From introducing AI-driven features for creators to rolling out new safety controls for teens, the platform saw a range of changes throughout the year. Heres a month-by-month overview of the key updates that defined Snapchats journey this year. January Snapchat introduced new parental controls to restrict teenagers usage of My AI, ensuring a

Once known as Facebook, Meta has shifted its focus towards emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), mixed reality (MR), and the Metaverse. In 2024, Meta introduced several initiatives and products aimed at enhancing user experiences while addressing broader societal challenges. The company rolled out AI-driven tools, including Meta AI and the Segment Anything Model, alongside mixed-reality projects that integrate advanced technology into daily life. Meta also opened its AI eco

Picture this: a world where a spelling bee teaches us to pronounce a luxury fashion brand, a hockey legend gets immortalised on a tribute wall, and a museum featuring sculptures of breasts mesmerises with its audio-visual splendour. Welcome to 2024, a year where advertising didnt just sell productsit tried to outdo the creative precedence. From the poignant to the playful, brands embraced bold storytelling, clever insights, and fresh perspectives to leave a lasting mark on our minds and hearts.

With cinematic saturation, marketing strategies for films have evolved from basic posters and trailers to intricate campaigns that span digital, on-ground, and collaborative efforts. The upcoming action thriller Baby John directed by Kalees and starring Varun Dhawan, Keerthy Suresh, and Jackie Shroffprovides a compelling case study in creating a multifaceted promotional campaign. Released on December 25, 2024, the films marketing efforts reflect a calculated strategy to generate widespread inter

Reddit has carved a space for itself in the social media landscape, cultivating a loyal user base despite having fewer followers compared to some of its larger counterparts. The platform's success lies in its focus on community-driven content and anonymity, which allows users to engage in open discussions across a wide array of niche topics. Over the years, Reddit has fostered an environment where users feel a sense of belonging and shared interest, making it a go-to destination for real-time co

For a few years now, brands have been actively trying to communicate with Gen Zthe cohort thats redefining what it means to connect with an audience. But in 2024, this demographic officially cemented its place as the ultimate consumer power players. Aged 18-24, theyre rewriting the rules of consumer behaviour. According to recent reports , by 2030, this generation will comprise 36% of India's workforce, driving a staggering $730 billion in direct spending. Even more compelling, theyre set to inf

As 2024 comes to a close, WhatsApp has rolled out a range of new features designed to improve the functionality and user experience of its messaging platform. These updates focus on enhancing communication tools, personalisation, and cross-device integration, while maintaining the platform's emphasis on privacy and ease of use. The new additions aim to make interactions more dynamic and organised for users. Organisation and customisation for easier navigation WhatsApp has made it easier to manag

Dhruv Talwar has been elevated to the position of Associate Vice President (AVP) - Corporate Brand and Communication at Godrej Industries Group. He took to LinkedIn to announce the development and said, Excited to embark on a new chapter within the Godrej Industries Group as AVP - Corporate Brand and Communication. Grateful for the opportunity to collaborate closely with Sujit Patil, ABC and Tanya Dubash , whose leadership and vision continue to inspire. Heres to learning, growth, and crafting

A sophisticated phishing scheme leveraging Google Ads has been identified, targeting Web3 users, particularly cryptocurrency enthusiasts. The scam, initially aimed at users of Pudgy Penguins NFTs, highlights vulnerabilities in trusted ad networks and the broader risks to the cryptocurrency community. The scheme was uncovered when ScamSniffer, a security research platform, responded to a user report about being redirected to a fraudulent Pudgy Penguins website via an advertisement on a Singaporea

The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella organisation of farmers unions that led the 2021 protests, has written to President Droupadi Murmu seeking an appointment to discuss their demands. SKM intends to brief her on the current situation and request her intervention to urge the central government to engage in talks with the farmers. The development comes amid the ongoing farmers protests and an indefinite hunger strike by farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, which has entered its 31st day. S

Contractors tasked with improving Googles Gemini AI are reportedly comparing its responses against those generated by Anthropics competitor model, Claude. Google has not confirmed whether it obtained permission from Anthropic to use Claude in these evaluations. As technology companies race to develop advanced AI models, performance is often assessed through industry benchmarks rather than direct comparisons by contractors. However, contractors working on Gemini are reportedly required to evaluat

In a nation where dreams are nurtured across every corner, from the busy cities to peaceful corners of villages, many face the challenge of turning their aspirations into reality due to limited access to technology. While much of the focus today is on advanced innovations like AI, many in India are still searching for simple tools to overcome daily challenges and chase their passions. Understanding this divide, Reliance Digital has introduced its Happiness Project, an initiative designed to help

Google Ads has updated its 'Abusing the Ad Network' policy to disapprove ads that link to pages violating Google Web Searchs spam policies. This change applies to ad destinations removed from Google Search via a manual action, effective December 2024. The updated policy states, Advertisers should not violate Google Search's Spam Policies. Ads pointing to destinations removed from Google Search through a manual action will be disapproved. Site owners are notified through Google Search Console abo

The TAM AdEx report for January to September 2024 reveals notable developments in radio advertising, with an overall growth of 2% in ad volumes compared to the same period in 2023. This analysis delves into the key sectors, categories, advertisers, and time bands that shaped radio advertising trends in this timeframe. Key highlights Ad volume growth on radio advertising observed a 2% increase per station compared to January to September 2023. Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) retained it

In September 2021, Squid Game emerged as a cultural juggernaut, transcending language barriers and geographical boundaries to become Netflix's most-watched series ever. The dystopian thriller captivated audiences worldwide with its gripping narrative, stark commentary on social inequality, and striking visuals. The series signature games, unforgettable characters, and haunting motifs quickly embedded themselves into the global zeitgeist, sparking countless memes, discussions, and debates. View t

Manish Kalra , Chief Business Officer for India and Global at ZEE5, has announced his decision to step down from the position. Kalra, who oversaw ZEE5s India and global markets, has worked on expanding the platforms reach during his tenure. With over two decades of experience, Kalra has held leadership positions in several organisations. Before joining ZEE5, he was Chief Executive Officer at HomeShop18 and Chief Business Officer at Craftsvilla. At Amazon, he served as Director of Marketing, and

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued notices to 13 companies, including alcohol, tobacco, and paan masala manufacturers, for allegedly engaging in surrogate advertising, a practice used to circumvent bans on direct promotion of certain products. Surrogate advertising involves promoting banned products by advertising other items under the same brand name. Union Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi reportedly confirmed on Tuesday that the CCPA is drafting comprehensive gu

With over 229 million users in India alone, Instagram remains a key platform for conversations around music, movies, trends, and brand interactions. As the platform continues to grow globally, 2024 has seen Instagram introduce significant updates to enhance user experience and engagement, reinforcing its place in the competitive social media landscape. This year, Instagram focused on refining its core features, such as carousels, which now allow users to tag collaborators and creators directly.

Building a home is a once-in-a-lifetime endeavor for 90% of Indians, requiring critical decisions that can often feel overwhelming due to a lack of reliable guidance. Recognising this sentiment, UltraTech Cement has introduced UltraTech Se Poocho, combining AI Vision, Augmented Reality with Generative AI to empower Indians with expert home-building guidance. As part of this initiative, users can undertake the following steps: Users can scan the UTCL QR code Save portal on their devices Finall

In 2024, Threads, Metas microblogging platform, focused on building its presence and improving user experience through a series of updates and features. From rolling out trending topics and enhanced community tools to seamless Instagram integration and user-friendly analytics, Threads worked steadily to stand out in the crowded social media space. With a growing user base and consistent feature updates, Threads gained momentum, reaching 300 million monthly active users by the end of the year. Th

Weddings in India have always been grand occasions, full of rituals, opulence, and the joy of two families coming together. For years, wedding ads reflected this scale, focusing on tradition and the big picture, with a lot of attention on family dynamics and ceremonial moments. But things are changing. As rituals change, brands are also moving away from these large, traditional narratives to tell more personal stories. The spotlight has shifted to the bride and groom as individuals and the small

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a penalty of 2 lakh on Shubhra Ranjan IAS Study for misleading advertisements related to the results of the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2023. The institutes claims of '13 students in Top 100,' '28 students in Top 200,' and '39 students in Top 300' were found to lack transparency regarding the courses taken by the successful candidates. The CCPA, headed by Chief Commissioner Nidhi Khare and Commissioner Anupam Mishra, ordered

Shoot, Fire Or Kill. To Go Viral. Animal had released the previous day. Ranbirs action credentials had been announced. Next morning, the internet was abuzz with him appearing as a cop, collaborating with Rohit Shetty for Singham Again. And if a picture says a thousand words, there was a pic of Ranbir, in cop uniform, moustache, standing along with Rohit Shetty. The news started from the viral filmi publications and within minutes was caught by the mainline dailies and released on their internet

Starbucks, the American coffee maker, was initially a household name in the US in the early 2000s. Inspired by its success, the brand sought to extend its reach internationally, with the Indian market being one of its key targets. However, its first attempt to enter India in 2007 faltered. Undeterred, Starbucks re-entered the market in 2012 with a more strategic approach, forming a 50:50 joint venture with Tata Consumer Products, aptly named Tata Starbucks. Ratan Tata inaugurates Indias first St

In a world where social media scrolls are filled with wanderlust-inducing content, Gen Z and Millennials are constantly inspired to pack their bags and set off on new adventures. Travel trends are thriving, with a recent report highlighting how certain destinations like Mussoorie, Vietnam, Thailand, and occasionally offbeat destinations have captured the imagination of the younger generation. Travel trends show a 35% rise in bookings for unique destinations, with over 60% of travellers preferrin

OpenAI has launched a new feature allowing users to call ChatGPT for up to 15 minutes for free via the phone number 1-800-CHATGPT. The service, which also supports messaging via WhatsApp globally at 1-800-242-8478, was introduced just weeks ago, according to OpenAI's Chief Product Officer, Kevin Weil. The 15-minute limit applies per phone number each month, but users can work around this by using multiple numbers, such as Google Voice. The service uses OpenAIs Realtime API for phone calls and th

Integral Ad Science a media measurement and optimisation platform, announced first-to-market content-level brand safety and suitability measurement for advertisers on Kwai for Business, the commercial platform of Kwai, one of the social media video apps in Brazil. In addition, the platformis launching its AI-driven Total Media Quality (TMQ) for Kwai product suite to provide advertisers with viewability and Invalid Traffic (IVT) Measurement. This partnership supports the platforms' international

Journalism organisation RSF has urged Apple to remove its new generative AI feature following a misleading headline about a high-profile murder case in the United States. The BBC has also lodged a complaint with the tech giant after its AI-powered summary tool, Apple Intelligence, falsely claimed that Luigi Mangione, a suspect in the alleged murder of healthcare insurance CEO Brian Thompson in New York, had shot himself. The headline, which was generated by the AI, made it appear that the BBC ha

Meta is pushing forward with plans to integrate artificial intelligence into the social media experience, with Instagram set to introduce AI-powered video editing features. Instagram chief Adam Mosseri has provided a preview of these upcoming tools, which promise to transform how users create and share content on the platform. Sharing the reel, Mosseri said, Im super excited about Movie Gen, our early AI research model that will let you change nearly any aspect of your videos with a simple text

Rapido, an Indian ride-hailing platform, has addressed a security vulnerability that exposed sensitive personal information of its users and drivers. According to reports , The flaw, discovered by security researcher Renganathan P, was linked to a feedback collection form used by Rapido for its auto-rickshaw services. The form had inadvertently exposed full names, email addresses, and phone numbers of individuals, according to details provided by the researcher and verified by the report. The re

The second test between Australia and India, got over in a mere three days last Sunday. In fact, much of the third day lay bare. Quite akin to offices on Monday morning in the last week of December. Then, the third test, had rain visiting, like a pesky relative ringing the doorbell, just when youre going to start something interesting. It ended in a disappointment soaked draw this week. While many stories unfolded cricketing wise, in terms of strategies used and such, what test cricket watching

Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has stated that the regulation of over-the-top (OTT) platforms falls under the jurisdiction of the Information & Broadcasting Ministry, as the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) examines concerns raised by telecom operators. These operators have called for OTT platforms to contribute to infrastructure costs. The reported statement follows a recent discussion hosted by the Ministry, where OTT platforms such as Netflix and Amazon, alongside content

The holidays are a time of joy and celebration, but they can also be riddled with stress and guilt. Between forgotten gifts and last-minute party contributions, DoorDash has stepped in to alleviate these holiday pain points with its latest campaign, No One Has to Know. Created by Suprette, DoorDash's in-house creative studio, and directed by Win Bates of Tool, the relatable and humorous campaign is aimed at consumers who rely on DoorDash for holiday gifts. The first ad film opens in a cosy livi

OpenAI has introduced its advanced reasoning model, o1, to a select group of developers via its API, aiming to enhance AI's problem-solving capabilities. This model is designed to perform complex tasks in fields like physics, chemistry, and biology by emulating human-like cognitive processes. The o1 model uses a 'chain of thought' methodology, allowing it to deliberate on problems before providing responses. This results in more comprehensive outputs, particularly useful for applications that re

Disney is once again inviting audiences to journey to the breathtaking African savanna with Mufasa: The Lion King , the anticipated prequel that delves into the untold story of one of the franchises most beloved characters. Released in theatres today, the film sets out to explore the origins of Mufasa, a lion who rose from humble beginnings to become the legendary ruler of Pride Rock. With stunning visuals, an emotionally resonant narrative, and a fresh perspective on themes of family, destiny,

The Delhi High Court on Thursday observed that the popular restaurant chain Wow! Momo cannot claim a monopoly over the use of the word 'Wow' in the restaurant sector. The court was hearing a plea by Wow! Momo to prevent Hong Kong-based Wow Burger from operating in India. Justice Amit Bansal reportedly, noted that the word 'Wow' is commonly used in the restaurant industry and may be too generic to be monopolised. He also expressed concerns about restricting a global chain from using its trade nam

Asian Paints Ltd. has announced the resignation of two senior executives, Shyam Swamy and Vishu Goel , due to personal reasons. Swamy, who served as Vice President of Home Improvement, Dcor, Services, and Retailing, and Goel, Associate Vice President of Retail Sales, Commercial, and Marketing, stepped down amid projections of slower growth for the company. Image- NSE filings Image: NSE filings In response to these departures, Asian Paints has appointed Ashish Rae as Associate Vice President of R

India is still mourning the loss of Ustad Zakir Hussain , the tabla virtuoso whose mastery of rhythm and melody captivated audiences worldwide. Hussain, celebrated for his magnanimous contributions to Indian classical music, became a household name through his association with the iconic Taj Mahal Tea advertisement in the late 1980s. To honour his legacy, Taj Mahal Tea has released a full-page advertisement in the Times of India, paying tribute to the maestro. The ad harks back to the timeless

Nestl has appointed Neha Gulati as the head of marketing for its dairy category.Gulati announced the move in a LinkedIn post , reflecting on her five-year tenure at Coca-Cola. After incredible 5 years with Coca-Cola, filled with challenging projects, rewarding experiences, and the privilege of working alongside some truly inspiring leaders and colleagues, Im excited to share that Ive joined Nestl as Marketing Head Dairy, she wrote. Gulati expressed gratitude to her mentors and colleagues at Co