Women hold only 17% of board seats in Indian BFSI sector: Venator Search Partners report

Mumbai: New research by Venator Search Partners , released ahead of International Women’s Day , highlights persistent gender disparity in India’s banking sector, with women holding only 17% of board positions across private sector and small finance banks.The report, titled “Women on Indian Bank Boards: Visibility, Power and Pathways,” analysed 278 board members across 27 private sector and small finance banks . While regulatory mandates have ensured the presence of at least one woman dir

7 Mar 2026 11:29 am
All-women international group travel surges 36% YoY: Cleartrip PeekABoo insights

Mumbai: Cleartrip has released new travel insights from its PeekABoo travel trends tracker, highlighting how Indian women are increasingly travelling with greater independence, confidence and control over their journeys.Shared ahead of International Women’s Day, the data points to a notable shift in travel behaviour, with women planning trips earlier, adopting digital-first payment methods, customising itineraries and exploring destinations beyond traditional comfort zones.According to PeekABo

7 Mar 2026 11:06 am
62% of Indian women plan to invest in crypto in the next year: CoinSwitch survey

Mumbai: CoinSwitch, a crypto trading and investing platform, has released findings from a nationwide survey of its women users, offering fresh insights into how Indian women are approaching cryptocurrency investments.Released ahead of International Women’s Day, the survey highlights a growing awareness and engagement among women with digital assets, signalling a shift in participation within the crypto ecosystem.According to the findings, 62% of women respondents say they are very likely to in

7 Mar 2026 11:01 am
Women entrepreneurs often combine sharp business acumen with deep consumer empathy and that balance is powerful: Arthi Ramalingam, Eternz

Arthi Ramalingam has been serving as Founder & CEO at Eternz. It is a new-age jewellery marketplace reshaping how India shops for, experiences, and connects with jewellery.Jewellery has always been central to Indian culture, and today, it’s being reimagined for a new generation of women.When she set out to buy jewellery for herself, she noticed a clear gap: India lacked a single, credible, curated platform that brought together design, technology, and transparency. So she built Eternz, now Ind

7 Mar 2026 10:47 am
Ember launches ‘Everyday Cast Iron’ campaign to highlight real indian kitchen stories

Mumbai: Premium kitchenware brand Ember Cookware has launched its new campaign, Everyday Cast Iron, a visual storytelling initiative that places real cooking experiences from Indian homes at the centre of the narrative while repositioning cast iron cookware as a practical choice for modern lifestyles.The campaign moves away from idealised kitchen settings and instead explores cooking as it naturally unfolds in everyday life. Shot entirely in real kitchens, the audio-visual series captures how co

7 Mar 2026 10:37 am
Brands use Women’s Day campaigns to highlight empowerment, health and equality

As brands mark International Women’s Day, this year’s campaigns are moving beyond celebratory messaging to spotlight deeper social conversations around equality, representation and empowerment. From challenging stereotypes and amplifying women’s voices to encouraging financial independence and wellbeing, companies across sectors are using storytelling, community initiatives and digital engagement to highlight the realities women navigate every day. Campaigns by top brands explore themes ra

7 Mar 2026 10:29 am
Selected unveils spring summer 2026 campaign ‘The Art of Choosing Well’ Featuring Arjun Rampal

Mumbai: Premium menswear brand Selected Homme has announced actor Arjun Rampal as the face of its Spring Summer 2026 campaign, titled “The Art of Choosing Well.” The campaign brings together the brand’s focus on contemporary design and craftsmanship with a personal approach to style that emphasises timelessness and simplicity.Rooted in Scandinavian design principles, Selected Homme continues to position itself around clean aesthetics, minimalism, and quality-driven craftsmanship. The Sprin

7 Mar 2026 10:22 am
Royal Stag launches #RSCode campaign blending cricket, data and AI to help fans decode success

Mumbai: Royal Stag Packaged Drinking Water from Pernod Ricard India has unveiled the Royal Stag Code of Large (#RSCode), a first-of-its-kind data-backed campaign featuring brand ambassador and former Rohit Sharma along with renowned mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton.Conceptualised by FCB Neo, the campaign aims to move beyond celebrating success to decoding it, transforming the brand’s iconic ‘Live It Large’ philosophy into a personalised and relatable experience for cricket fans.The in

7 Mar 2026 10:11 am
Kenya launches ‘Experience Wonder’ global tourism campaign to drive international visitor growth

Mumbai: Kenya has unveiled a new global tourism campaign aimed at strengthening the country’s top-of-mind recall among international travellers while reinforcing its global positioning as a leading travel destination.The campaign, titled “Experience Wonder,” highlights Kenya’s diverse tourism offerings and is designed to attract a global audience by showcasing the country’s unique blend of wildlife, adventure, cultural heritage, beaches and emerging tourism experiences.Anchored under t

7 Mar 2026 10:09 am
Business Today Golf 2025–26 Wraps Up in Mumbai, Reinforcing Its Legacy as India’s Premier Corporate Golf Tournament

Mumbai: Business Today Golf, India’s premier corporate golfing platform, concluded its landmark 26th edition with a grand finale tee-off in Mumbai on 6th March 2026. The finale witnessed an impressive line-up of champions, business leaders and distinguished guests including Praveen Singh Pardeshi, Chief Economic Advisor to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, who graced the occasion as Chief Guest. The evening celebrated competition, camaraderie and leadership on the fairway.Business T

7 Mar 2026 9:53 am
MRSI hosts 7th Golden Key Awards, honouring excellence in market research and insights

Mumbai: Market Research Society of India (MRSI) celebrated excellence in the market research and insights industry at the 7th edition of the Golden Key Awards, recognising outstanding professionals, organisations, and innovations shaping the sector. The event brought together researchers, industry leaders, brand custodians and young professionals, with 14 awards presented across categories along with a Lifetime Achievement Award.[caption id=attachment_2494438 align=alignleft width=133] Anne-Soph

7 Mar 2026 9:49 am
MIB Pauses News Channel Ratings, Cites Sensational Coverage of Israel–Iran Conflict

New Delhi: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has directed the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) to immediately suspend the reporting of television rating points (TRPs) for news television channels for a period of four weeks, citing concerns over sensational coverage related to the ongoing Israel–Iran conflict. According to the ministry’s order, the suspension will remain in effect for four weeks or until further directions are issued, whichever is earlier. During th

7 Mar 2026 9:44 am
Super Chennai unveils ‘Super Chennai Manifesto 2026’ to build a global, resilient and future-ready city

Mumbai: Super Chennai, a citizen-led city branding and civic engagement movement, has unveiled the Super Chennai Manifesto 2026, a comprehensive blueprint titled “Super Chennai Compact: For a Global, Resilient City.” The manifesto presents a structured and data-driven roadmap aimed at positioning Chennai among the world’s most competitive, sustainable and culturally confident urban centres.The initiative marks the evolution of Super Chennai from a city dialogue platform into a structured c

6 Mar 2026 6:44 pm
Prime Video announces March 13 global premiere for Tamil Original comedy-drama ‘Local Times’

Mumbai: Prime Video has announced March 13 as the global premiere date for its upcoming Tamil Original comedy-drama series Local Times, unveiling a rib-tickling trailer for the seven-episode show set against the backdrop of a struggling local newspaper navigating the challenges of a rapidly evolving digital news landscape.Developed by Anekdotes, the series is directed by Naveen George Thomas and produced by Jithin Thorai under the banner of Fanboy Production. The show features an ensemble cast i

6 Mar 2026 5:58 pm
DRA Homes launches Chennai’s first multi-lingual Virtual Sales AI Assistant at CREDAI Fairpr

Mumbai: DRA Homes has introduced Chennai’s first multi-lingual Virtual Sales AI Assistant at the recently concluded CREDAI Chennai Fairpro, marking a significant step toward technology-driven transformation in the city’s real estate sector. The AI-powered innovation aims to enhance customer engagement by enabling prospective homebuyers to access detailed property information instantly while exploring projects at exhibitions and other public spaces.Designed as a digital sales assistant, the t

6 Mar 2026 5:38 pm
inDrive Ride XL’s campaign highlights a simple truth that mobility should adapt to people’s real lives

MUMBAI: inDrive’s newly introduced inDrive Ride XL service saw a wedding-season campaign done that blends humour, culture, and mobility insight. Executed by Anagram Media Labs, the video centred around a dramatic Punjabi wedding vidai moment has already crossed six million+ views, turning into one of the city’s most talked-about meme-led brand moments.The video begins like a typical Punjabi wedding scene: emotional relatives, festive celebrations, and the traditional vidai moment. But the na

6 Mar 2026 5:19 pm
Online promotional tie-ups help ‘Do Deewane Seher Mein’ surpass Ormax Cinematix opening day forecasts

Mumbai: This edition of the monthly blog summarises Ormax Cinematix's box office forecasts (FBO) for all major February 2026 releases vis- -vis their actual box-office openings.'Do Deewane Seher Mein' over-delivered compared to its FBO due to online promotional tie-ups, whichboosted its first-day collections.'O'Romeo', the only major Hindi release of the month, opened at ₹7.4 Crore nett, just a notch (5%) above the forecast of Rs. 7 Crore nett.There were four prominent South releases last mont

6 Mar 2026 4:39 pm
VinFast appoints Anurag Saxena as Deputy CEO for India

Mumbai: VinFast has appointed Anurag Saxena as Deputy Chief Executive Officer for India, strengthening its leadership team as the company expands its presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing automotive markets. Saxena shared the development through a LinkedIn post.Announcing his new role, Saxena expressed enthusiasm about joining the Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer’s India operations. He said he looks forward to contributing to innovation, operational excellence, and sustainab

6 Mar 2026 4:36 pm
Ogilvy India launches humour-led campaign for PhonePe Mutual Funds to encourage confident investing

Mumbai: Ogilvy India has unveiled a new humorous campaign for PhonePe’s Mutual Funds business, aimed at simplifying investing and encouraging millions of Indians to begin their investment journey with confidence. The campaign blends cultural storytelling with humour to highlight how PhonePe supports investors with expert guidance and data-driven recommendations.As digital-first consumers increasingly look for intuitive financial solutions, PhonePe is positioning its Mutual Funds offering as an

6 Mar 2026 3:57 pm
Gulf Oil extends partnership with Chennai Super Kings as Official Lubricants Partner

Mumbai: Gulf Oil Lubricants India Limited has announced the extension of its long-standing partnership with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), continuing its association as the Official Lubricants Partner of the franchise for the next four years. With the renewal, the collaboration between the two brands enters its next phase after 13 successful seasons, marking one of the most enduring brand partnerships in the history of India’s premier T20 cricket competition.Gulf’s association with CSK has been

6 Mar 2026 3:48 pm
ET NOW and ET NOW Swadesh Spotlight Women Driving India’s Next Economic Shift with ‘She Leads The Future’

Mumbai: ET NOW, India’s leading English business news channel and ET NOW Swadesh announce a special Women’s Day programming initiative — ‘She Leads The Future.’ The comprehensive line-up goes beyond representation narratives to examine where real economic power is shifting and the women driving transformation across finance, technology, policy, entrepreneurship and national security.As capital flows evolve, artificial intelligence reshapes industries and boardrooms recalibrate leadersh

6 Mar 2026 3:46 pm
Wipro appoints Laura Marie Miller to Board of Directors

Mumbai: Wipro Limited has announced the appointment of Laura Marie Miller to its Board of Directors for a five-year term, effective April 1, 2026, subject to shareholder approval.Miller brings over two decades of global leadership experience, having guided large organisations through transformation, modernization, and sustained performance improvement. She is known for helping enterprises navigate technology and AI-driven change while aligning digital and data capabilities with broader business

6 Mar 2026 3:35 pm
48% of customers say lack of empathy in service interactions is their biggest frustration: ServiceNow’s Third CX Report

Mumbai: ServiceNow has released its Third Customer Experience (CX) Report, revealing that service inefficiencies and fragmented platforms are significantly impacting customer loyalty in India. The report highlights that Indians spend an average of 10.8 hours annually resolving service-related issues, while 44% of consumers are willing to switch brands after a single poor service experience.Based on insights from over 5,000 Indian consumers and 425 customer service professionals, the study indica

6 Mar 2026 3:28 pm
Sony YAY! Celebrates Women’s Day with 5 Female Anime Characters Who Redefine Power

Mumbai: Sony YAY! celebrates Women’s Day by spotlighting fierce female anime characters who prove that strength comes in many forms. From fearless ninjas to brilliant scientists, these women command respect and motivate viewers to believe in their own potential.Their journeys resonate with fans, showing that real power is not just about physical strength, but also courage, confidence, and the determination to stand strong through every challenge. 1. Nobara Kugisaki, Jujutsu Kaisen In the world

6 Mar 2026 2:12 pm
Zee Kannada to premiere new fiction drama ‘Krishna Rukku’ on March 9

Bengaluru: Zee Kannada has announced the launch of its new fiction drama Krishna Rukku, which will premiere on March 9 at 6:30 PM on the channel and on ZEE5 Kannada. The show blends themes of love, revenge and destiny with family values and emotional storytelling.Positioned as an engaging family drama, Krishna Rukku revolves around the life of Rukku, who takes on the responsibility of her entire family after the untimely demise of her elder brother. The narrative explores the complex journey of

6 Mar 2026 2:09 pm
Havas bolsters Havas Play Network with acquisition of cultural agency Styleheads

Mumbai: Havas has announced the acquisition of Berlin-based cultural marketing agency Styleheads, further strengthening its experiential marketing arm Havas Play in Germany. The move is aimed at expanding Havas’ capabilities in cultural marketing, creator relations and live activations, while enhancing the global Play network’s ability to connect brands with audiences through passion points such as music, sport, gaming, fashion and lifestyle.Recognized for its expertise in cultural marketing

6 Mar 2026 1:56 pm
Ashok Leyland partners with Chennai Super Kings as Official Sponsor

Chennai: Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and one of India’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, has announced a strategic partnership with five-time Indian Premier League champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as its Official Sponsor.As part of the association, the Ashok Leyland logo will feature prominently on the front right chest of CSK’s iconic yellow jersey for the upcoming season. The partnership further strengthens the longstanding association between CSK an

6 Mar 2026 1:33 pm
Meta simplifies Ad measurement framework to align social-first advertising with clearer attribution

Mumbai: As digital advertising increasingly shifts toward social platforms, Meta has announced a series of updates aimed at simplifying ad measurement and attribution to help advertisers better understand the impact of their campaigns.The changes come at a time when social media advertising has surpassed search as the leading global channel for ad spending, according to insights from the World Advertising Research Center (WARC). As consumer engagement on social platforms expands beyond tradition

6 Mar 2026 12:43 pm
Vi partners with Chennai Super Kings as Official Communications Partner for the next three seasons

Mumbai: Vodafone Idea, popularly known as Vi, has announced a three-season partnership with the Chennai Super Kings, becoming the official communications partner of the franchise. The association aims to strengthen Vi’s cultural connection with cricket fans while delivering enhanced fan experiences powered by robust connectivity.As part of the partnership, the Vi logo will feature on the leading leg of the CSK uniform. The collaboration marks a strategic brand move for Vi to engage with millio

6 Mar 2026 12:34 pm
Women’s entrepreneurial aspirations in India rise to 64%: ACCA Survey

Mumbai: Women’s ambitions to become entrepreneurs are on the rise in India, according to early findings from a forthcoming report by Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).The survey data reveals that 64% of women working in finance and accountancy in India now aspire to become entrepreneurs, up from 56% last year. The insights are drawn from early findings of ACCA’s Global Talent Trends 2026 survey, which gathered responses from more than 11,000 finance professionals across 1

6 Mar 2026 12:14 pm
The Future of Creative Agencies: Hybrid Models That Combine Tech, Strategy & Production

The current creative agency structure is undergoing a structural reset and now is changing. For decades, the operating model was linear, like where the strategy teams developed the thinking, creative teams translated it into campaigns, production executed the assets and media distributed the output. Each function operated within its own lane, connected by handoffs that often slowed momentum.In today’s market, that separation is proving costly. Speed has become a competitive advantage and atten

6 Mar 2026 12:05 pm
Former Ola Executive Ashish Bajaj launches 10on10 Foods to reinvent India’s atta market

Mumbai: Ashish Bajaj, former executive at Ola, has turned entrepreneur with the launch of fresh staples venture 10on10 Foods, aimed at reshaping India’s atta market through a focus on freshness, traditional processing, and faster delivery. The Bengaluru-based startup has raised ₹2 crore in pre-seed funding from a group of angel investors.The venture has been founded by Bajaj along with his former Ola colleagues Avinash Jain and Mohsin Ali. The startup seeks to rebuild India’s staples ecosy

6 Mar 2026 11:58 am
India’s World Cup opener sees 90% rise in match engagements: CREX Data

New Delhi: Digital engagement during the ICC Men's World Cup 2026 has seen a significant uptick compared to the previous edition, according to data released by cricket-focused digital platform CREX.The platform reported that total time spent during the India vs USA match — India’s opening fixture of the 2026 tournament — reached 186.3 million minutes. In comparison, India’s opening match in the ICC Men's World Cup 2024, played against Ireland, had recorded 68.3 million minutes of total t

6 Mar 2026 11:53 am
QNET India Region launches #BehindEverySuccess campaign to celebrate women entrepreneurs

Hyderabad: QNET India Region has unveiled its 2026 digital campaign #BehindEverySuccess to mark International Women’s Day, celebrating women direct sellers whose belief, resilience, and leadership continue to inspire transformation across communities.The campaign highlights the journeys of women entrepreneurs within QNET’s network, recognising their roles as mentors, uplines, mothers, and teammates who drive growth and support others in achieving their goals. Positioned as a tribute to women

6 Mar 2026 11:53 am
thyssenkrupp Materials Services appoints Prana Natarajan as Senior Principal – AI & Growth Strategy

Mumbai: thyssenkrupp Materials Services has appointed Prana Natarajan as Senior Principal – AI & Growth Strategy, as the company continues to strengthen its strategic and technology-driven growth initiatives across sustainable supply chain solutions.In his new role, Natarajan will focus on driving AI-enabled growth strategy, supporting investment and market expansion initiatives, and advancing strategic capabilities to accelerate the company’s transformation in the evolving industrial and su

6 Mar 2026 11:48 am
NDTV names Siddharth Narula as Revenue Head – NDTV 24×7 & Profit Brand Studio

Mumbai: NDTV has announced the appointment of Siddharth Narula as Revenue Head – NDTV 24x7 & Profit Brand Studio, strengthening the network’s commercial leadership as it continues to expand its English news and business offerings.With over 25 years of experience in media and digital revenue leadership, Narula brings deep expertise in cross-platform monetisation, brand solutions, OTT ecosystems, and data-led growth models. Over the course of his career, he has built and scaled revenue framewo

6 Mar 2026 11:33 am
Mirae Asset Mutual Fund sets record with financial literacy campaign reaching nearly 40,000 female students

Mumbai: Mirae Asset Mutual Fund has been recognised by the India Book of Records for conducting the largest investment-focused financial literacy campaign for female participants, reaching nearly 40,000 girl students across India through a nationwide awareness initiative.The campaign, conducted between January 12 and January 26, 2026, engaged 39,833 girl students through 571 structured financial literacy programmes held across 45 cities and 320 colleges within a span of 15 days. The initiative w

6 Mar 2026 11:28 am
Thums Up partners with Travel Food Services to celebrate the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

MUMBAI: As cricket fever grips the nation, Travel Food Services Limited (TFS) has partnered with Thums Up, India’s iconic beverage brand from The Coca-Cola Company, to deliver a high-energy, fan-first campaign across some of the country’s busiest airports during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.Running till 8 March 2026, the collaboration transforms airport dining into a celebration of sport, excitement, and bold flavour, bringing the spirit of the tournament directly into lounges, bars, a

6 Mar 2026 10:50 am
Senco Gold & Diamonds launches the Shape of You AI Application to celebrate Women’s Day

Mumbai: In a world where words often take centre stage, Senco Gold & Diamonds a pan-India jewellery retailer, with a legacy spanning over eighty-five years of trust - launches the Shape of You AI Application in celebration of Women’s Day. Built on refined karigari, design integrity, and a deep understanding of Indian aesthetics, Senco’s legacy now enters a new era where design intelligence meets personal insight. Shape of You marks Senco’s first expert-led styling initiative, redefining ho

6 Mar 2026 10:44 am
NP Digital India prioritises removing sructural barriers that slow women’s career progression: Rubeena Singh

Rubeena Singh has been serving as Managing Director at NP Digital India. She has over two decades of experience across digital, print and broadcast media. Singh started her professional journey at Star TV and spent a large part of her career at Nework18 where she spearheaded the launch of CNBC Awaaz, Forbes India and Moneycontrol.As COO of Moneycontrol, she led operations and P&L. She later became CEO of iProspect India before becoming Country Manager of Josh, VerSe Innovation's short video app.

6 Mar 2026 10:42 am
Luma introduces AI Agents that execute end-to-end creative work across text, image, video and audio

Mumbai: Luma today announced the launch of Luma Agents, a new class of AI collaborators capable of executing end-to-end creative work across text, image, video, and audio. Designed for agencies, marketing teams, studios, and enterprise organizations who aspire to scale creative output without sacrificing quality, Luma Agents maintain full context from initial brief to final delivery – coordinating tools, models, and iterations within one unified system.[caption id=attachment_2494285 align=alig

6 Mar 2026 10:11 am
Audiences no longer want one-size-fits-all content: Danish Devgn, Lens Vault Studios & Prismix Studios

Lens Vault Studios (LVS) - the newly launched, tech-driven entertainment company – recently announced its debut production, 'Bal Tanhaji'. The show represents the studio’s first original IP and sets the tone for its ambition to build expansive story worlds through next-generation technology.Arriving six years after 'Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior', 'Bal Tanhaji' takes audiences deeper into the universe, exploring uncharted territory and expanding the narrative canvas beyond conventional Bollywo

6 Mar 2026 9:57 am
Hindi ZEE5 Expands Non-Fiction Slate with Dating Reality Series ‘Andha Pyaar 2.0’

Mumbai: Hindi ZEE5 today unveiled the official trailer of its upcoming non-fiction reality dating series, Andha Pyaar 2.0, further expanding its Hindi Originals slate in the non-fiction space. The high-energy trailer bursts with sharp wit, raw conversations, and surprising turns, signalling a season that is playful yet honest, and unapologetically unfiltered crafted and designed for Gen Z audience.Conceptualised by Vivek Samtani and Kaustubh Agarwal, Andha Pyaar 2.0 brings singles into an unconv

5 Mar 2026 6:57 pm
Digital ad impressions surge 5X since 2021; Instagram dominates with 65% share in 2025: TAM AdEx

Mumbai: Digital advertising in India witnessed unprecedented growth in 2025, with ad impressions rising more than five times compared to 2021, according to the latest report, “A Pixelated View into Digital Advertising Trends for Y 2025” by TAM AdEx, a division of TAM Media Research.Indexing 2021 as the base year (100), digital ad impressions climbed to 545 in 2025, underscoring a sharp acceleration in momentum. On a year-on-year basis, impressions in 2025 expanded by over 2.5 times compared

5 Mar 2026 6:57 pm
Multiply.co secures multi-agency mandate with NoA following successful pilot with NoA |Åkestam Holst

Mumbai: Collaborative AI platform Multiply.co has announced a multi-agency partnership with the NoA Group following a successful pilot with NoA | kestam Holst. The partnership will see several agencies within the NoA network adopt Multiply’s collaborative AI tools across their workflows throughout the Nordic region.Under the agreement, agencies within the NoA network—including NoA | &Co. in Denmark, NoA | Bob the Robot in Finland, and NoA | Anorak in Norway—will integrate Multiply’s plat

5 Mar 2026 6:50 pm
Blenders Pride Packaged Drinking Water launches ‘The One And Only’ campaign

Mumbai: Blenders Pride Packaged Drinking Water has unveiled its latest campaign, ‘The One And Only’, presenting a renewed narrative around success defined by distinction, aura and individuality. Positioned as a cultural icon that has shaped aspirational success for generations, the brand’s new communication reinforces the idea that in a crowded world, true success lies in standing unmistakably apart.The campaign film brings this philosophy to life through three protagonists — Avanti Nagr

5 Mar 2026 6:27 pm
Cheerio AI Raises ₹8 Crore Seed Round Led by Artha Venture Fund II to Accelerate AI-Powered Enterprise Automation

Bangalore: Cheerio AI, an AI-powered, all-in-one customer engagement platform focused on optimizing the CAC-to-LTV equation, today announced that it has raised ₹8 crores in a Seed funding round, led by Artha Venture Fund II (AVF II), alongside participation from Hyderabad Angels, TiE Angels, LetsVenture, VCMint, Invention Engine and notable angel investors including Arjun Vaidya, Anand Shahni (WedMeGood), Vivek Mathur (ex-Elevation Capital), Ajeet Khurana, as well as Cheerio AI’s early custo

5 Mar 2026 6:08 pm
Royal Stag Packaged Drinking Water unveils Pan-India ‘Live It Large’ campaign featuring top celebrities

New Delhi: Seagram’s Royal Stag Packaged Drinking Water has unveiled its new ‘Live It Large’ brand campaign, bringing together a diverse mix of cultural icons including Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Badshah, Sidharth Malhotra, Naga Chaitanya, and gaming creator Payal Dhare. The campaign celebrates ambition, individuality and the fearless spirit of what the brand calls Generation Large.Marking a significant evolution in the brand’s journey, the campaign reflects the expressive and confide

5 Mar 2026 5:55 pm
Flamingo Transworld joins MakeMyTrip Fold in strategic majority stake acquisition

Chennai: MakeMyTrip has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Flamingo Transworld, one of India’s leading regional tour operators. The transaction is subject to the fulfilment of certain closing conditions.With over 30 years of operations, Flamingo has built strong brand affinity across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh through its group tour offerings. The company is known for its curated holiday experiences, including Indian meals pre

5 Mar 2026 5:45 pm
Kolkata Knight Riders onboard Disha Eye Hospitals as Official Vision Partner for IPL 2026

Kolkata: Three-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have announced a partnership with Disha Eye Hospitals, naming the leading ophthalmology chain as the Official Vision Partner for the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).Headquartered in Kolkata, Disha Eye Hospitals operates a network of 20 branches across India and is widely regarded as one of East India’s premier eye care providers. The organisation is driven by a mission to deliver world-class, quality-driven and afford

5 Mar 2026 5:40 pm
India gains global traction ahead of D&AD New Blood Awards 2026 deadline

Mumbai: With less than two weeks remaining before entries close for the 2026 D&AD New Blood Awards, India has emerged as one of the most engaged markets globally. The country currently ranks sixth worldwide for downloads of entry materials among 84 participating nations, signalling strong early momentum from India’s creative education community.The surge in participation follows consecutive national wins in 2024 and 2025, reinforcing India’s growing presence on the international New Blood st

5 Mar 2026 5:37 pm
Saurabh Wason joins DangleAds Technologies as AVP – Business Development

Mumbai: DangleAds Technologies has announced the appointment of Saurabh Wason as Assistant Vice President – Business Development. He joins the company from Huella Services, where he served as Head of Revenue.In his new role, Wason will partner with brands and agencies to drive premium digital visibility through DangleAds, a high-attention, persistent ad format designed to outperform traditional display advertising. The platform combines strategic placement, creative execution and real-time opt

5 Mar 2026 5:33 pm
Snapchat launches ‘Cricket in a Snap’ to help brands tap India’s second-screen cricket craze

Mumbai: Snapchat has unveiled ‘Cricket in a Snap’, a comprehensive cricket-season advertising solution designed to help brands engage fans during one of India’s biggest cultural moments. With 85% of Gen Z in India following the IPL, the platform is positioning itself as the digital stadium for a generation that already drives $860 billion in collective consumer spending. As this cohort’s economic influence expands, the offering aims to enable brands to move beyond traditional broadcast a

5 Mar 2026 5:32 pm
Crompton partners with Dinesh Karthik to spotlight ‘Every Space Bright & Right’ during ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

Mumbai: As the ICC Men's T20 World Cup unfolds and households across India turn into match-viewing arenas, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. (CGCEL) has strengthened its ‘Every Space Bright & Right with Crompton Lights’ campaign through a strategic collaboration with former India cricketer, World Cup champion and leading commentator Dinesh Karthik.Timed with cricket’s biggest global tournament, the association is being brought alive through a digital film and a contextual Instagra

5 Mar 2026 5:10 pm
Inega and The Artists Project unite to form integrated creative talent management platform

Mumbai: Inega and The Artists Project (TAP) have announced a strategic merger to form a unified creative artist management alliance spanning fashion, entertainment, advertising and digital culture. The partnership brings together two organisations that have played a formative role in shaping structured artist representation in India, with a shared vision of building a long-term, institutionally robust management ecosystem.Founded in the 1990s, Inega began as a performance artists’ management c

5 Mar 2026 4:44 pm
Amazon dethrones six-year leader Dell to become India’s Most Trusted Brand: TRA’s Brand Trust Report 2026

Mumbai: TRA Research has released the 15th edition of its annual Brand Trust Report (BTR) 2026, ranking India’s 1000 Most Trusted Brands. In a significant reshuffle at the top, Amazon has emerged as India’s Most Trusted Brand for 2026, surging 11 ranks from 12th position last year to claim the No.1 spot.In doing so, Amazon dethroned Dell, which had held the top position for six consecutive years and now ranks second. Honda (Motorcycle Manufacturer) climbed two places to secure third position

5 Mar 2026 4:30 pm
Amazon dethrones six-year leader Dell to become India’s Most Trusted Brand: TRA’s Brand Trust Report 2026

Mumbai: TRA Research has released the 15th edition of its annual Brand Trust Report (BTR) 2026, ranking India’s 1000 Most Trusted Brands. In a significant reshuffle at the top, Amazon has emerged as India’s Most Trusted Brand for 2026, surging 11 ranks from 12th position last year to claim the No.1 spot.In doing so, Amazon dethroned Dell, which had held the top position for six consecutive years and now ranks second. Honda (Motorcycle Manufacturer) climbed two places to secure third position

5 Mar 2026 4:30 pm
Ajay Kakar to Chair Jury for second edition of ad:tech HONOURS Awards 2026

Mumbai: The second edition of the ad:tech HONOURS Awards 2026 is set to return with renewed momentum, announcing Ajay Kakar, Head – Corporate Branding at Adani Group, as Jury Chair. The announcement follows an overwhelmingly positive response to nominations, underscoring growing industry enthusiasm for technology-led innovation in advertising and marketing.Organised in partnership with the International Advertising Association (India Chapter), the ad:tech HONOURS Awards aim to recognise and ce

5 Mar 2026 4:23 pm
Cricket crosses 32 million pageviews ahead of IPL 2026 as early engagement intensifies: Taboola Newsroom Report

Mumbai: In India, cricket continues to dominate digital conversations well ahead of the upcoming IPL season, with cricket-related content generating over 32 million pageviews in the last 90 days — a 28% increase compared to the previous 45-day window. As the country moves closer to Indian Premier League 2026, audience engagement is no longer limited to match days, but is building earlier and sustaining longer across the cricket calendar.The insights come from Taboola Newsroom, the company’s

5 Mar 2026 4:23 pm
Retail hiring sees 1 in 6 employment failures and rising education discrepancies in H1 FY26: AuthBridge report

New Delhi: India’s retail sector continues to grapple with systemic hiring risks across frontline and managerial roles, according to insights from the Workforce Fraud Files 2026 (H1 FY25-26) released by AuthBridge. The report highlights persistent discrepancies across employment, address, and education verification checks within retail hiring.The most significant concern remains employment verification. The findings reveal that 1 in 6 retail employees failed employment checks in H1 FY26. The p

5 Mar 2026 4:09 pm
Greaves Electric Mobility names Pranesh Urs as Head of Marketing

Mumbai: Greaves Electric Mobility has announced the appointment of Pranesh Urs as Head of Marketing. With approximately thirteen years of experience in marketing and branding, Pranesh has worked across sectors including automobiles and consumer electronics, bringing a diverse and well-rounded perspective to the role.In his new position, Pranesh will report to Vikas Singh, Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer, and will lead the marketing function at GEML. He will be responsible for stren

5 Mar 2026 4:06 pm
SocialTAG rebrands to build deeper media partnerships with tech and AI brands

Mumbai: SocialTAG, founded by entrepreneur Anushree Jain, has announced a strategic rebrand, repositioning itself as a new-age media company focused on partnering with tech, AI and design-first brands seeking deeper storytelling, cultural relevance and long-term brand influence.The rebrand reflects SocialTAG’s expanded and more focused approach to working with emerging technology, AI and design-led brands. With this shift, the company aims to move away from volume-driven influencer campaigns t

5 Mar 2026 4:01 pm
New Relic appoints Michael Frendo as Chief Technology Officer

Bengaluru: New Relic, the Intelligent Observability company, has announced the appointment of Michael Frendo as its Chief Technology Officer (CTO). In his new role, Frendo will be responsible for aligning product vision with technical execution to deliver enhanced value to the company’s base of more than 85,000 customers globally.Frendo brings over 25 years of experience as both a technical and business leader, having led global teams across software and hardware development with expertise spa

5 Mar 2026 3:56 pm
Deepak Halder named CEO of Sarvottam India

Mumbai: Sarvottam India has announced the appointment of Deepak Halder as its Chief Executive Officer. With over 23 years of diverse industry experience — including nearly two decades in the real estate sector — Halder brings deep strategic expertise and seasoned leadership to the organization.Halder began his professional journey in 2007 within the real estate industry and has since held senior leadership roles with reputed developers such as Bestech Group, Paras Buildtech, Hero Realty, ATS

5 Mar 2026 3:49 pm
‘Z’ dominates Top 10 fiction charts across six languages, commands 48% share

Mumbai: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (‘Z’) has emerged as a dominant force in the general entertainment category, topping fiction charts across six key languages and capturing an average of five spots in the Top 10 rankings.According to BARC data (15+; respective urban markets; Weeks 4–7, 2026), the Company secured a 48% share in fiction content rankings across Hindi (Pay), Marathi, Bangla, Odia, Kannada and Telugu GECs. The strong performance underscores fiction as a key growth driv

5 Mar 2026 3:36 pm
Aadi Sai Kumar starrer Shambhala is all set to premiere on Sunday at 6 pm, only on Zee Telugu

Hyderabad: Get ready for a spine-chilling experience as the gripping supernatural horror thriller Shambhala, starring Aadi Sai Kumar, makes its grand World Television Premiere on Zee Telugu! After captivating audiences in theatres last December, this mystical tale blending science, superstition, and ancient horrors is now set to enthral Telugu households. Directed by Ugandhar Muni and featuring a talented ensemble cast, the film promises edge-of-the-seat thrills, powerful performances, and atmos

5 Mar 2026 3:32 pm
PregaNews launches Women’s Day film highlighting postpartum depression among 1 in 5 Indian mothers

Mumbai: PregaNews, a pregnancy detection brand from Mankind Pharma, has launched a new digital film ahead of International Women’s Day to encourage open conversations around postpartum experiences—an often overlooked phase despite being one of the most emotionally and physically demanding periods in a woman’s life.According to the brand, nearly one in five mothers in India experience postpartum depression, yet many continue to struggle in silence due to fear of judgment or misunderstanding

5 Mar 2026 2:01 pm
Chinese Wok launches Schezwan Fries, expands into high-frequency snacking category

Mumbai: Chinese Wok, India’s home-grown Desi Chinese quick service restaurant (QSR) chain, has announced its entry into the French fries category with the launch of a new fries range, led by its hero product Schezwan Fries. The expansion marks a strategic move by the brand to strengthen its presence in the high-frequency snacking segment.Operated by Lenexis Foodworks, Chinese Wok currently operates more than 250 outlets across over 50 cities in India. The newly introduced fries portfolio inclu

5 Mar 2026 1:26 pm
Birla Opus Paints celebrates Eid with heartfelt digital film ‘Dil Aise Eid Manaye’

Mumbai: Birla Opus Paints, the decorative paints brand from the Aditya Birla Group and housed under Grasim Industries, has unveiled a new digital campaign ahead of Eid titled ‘Dil Aise Eid Manaye’, celebrating the warmth of family bonds and festive togetherness.Launched as part of the brand’s ‘Duniya Ko Rang Do’ philosophy, the campaign captures how homes transform into vibrant spaces filled with colour, joy and relationships during festive celebrations.The film narrates the touching s

5 Mar 2026 1:23 pm
Amit Adarkar joins i-Genie.ai as CEO, India

Mumbai: Amit Adarkar has joined i-Genie.ai as CEO, India, marking a significant leadership addition as the AI-driven insights platform accelerates its global growth ambitions. Adarkar most recently served as CEO, India at Ipsos, where he had been associated with the organisation since 2014.In his new role, Adarkar will be responsible for driving i-Genie.ai’s expansion across India, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region. The company is focused on transforming the insights landscape throug

5 Mar 2026 1:22 pm
Generali Central Insurance launches ‘Happy Women’s Pay’ campaign, puts equal pay at heart of Women’s Day conversation

Mumbai: Generali Central Insurance, a joint venture between Assicurazioni Generali and Central Bank of India, has announced the launch of its new campaign titled ‘Happy Women’s Pay’, aimed at reclaiming the original spirit of International Women’s Day by placing equal pay at the centre of the conversation.Through the campaign, the company positions itself as an equal-pay employer, reinforcing its belief that genuine celebration lies not in symbolic gestures but in structural fairness. Th

5 Mar 2026 12:59 pm
NDTV Launches Datafy – Putting Data at the Heart of Storytelling

Mumbai: At a time when public discourse is increasingly defined by sharp ideological divides and opinion-led narratives, NDTV has launched Datafy - a platform dedicated to data-driven journalism and data-driven storytelling. Its new leadership has envisioned a technology-powered engine to deepen and strengthen its commitment to viewer-first journalism.Across democracies, political lines have hardened, and public debate has grown louder and more fragmented. Studio debates often generate more nois

5 Mar 2026 12:57 pm
Equirus Capital appoints Mitu Samarnath Jha and Alok Misra as Independent Directors

Mumbai: Equirus Capital, a leading Indian financial services group, has strengthened its board by appointing Mitu Samarnath Jha and Alok Misra as Independent Directors on the board. The move bolsters Equirus’ governance and strategic prowess, reinforcing the group’s focus on transparency and strong governance practices.Jha is the CEO of Eminence Strategy Consulting (Eminence). She brings over two decades of experience in strategic communication, thought leadership positioning and reputation

5 Mar 2026 12:11 pm
Polo Elevators targets true Pan-India footprint by 2030 with stronger accessibility and reliable service nationwide: Gaurav Bansal

Polo Elevators, which offers dvanced, design-led, and customised elevator solutions, this year appointed global wrestling icon The Great Khali as its new brand ambassador. Through this association, the brand is set to amplify its campaign with the tagline “No Jhatke, Only Hatke,” reinforcing its strength, reliability, and safety.Polo Elevators has built its reputation on robust engineering, precision manufacturing, and a strong focus on customer-centric innovation. The company designs, manuf

5 Mar 2026 11:36 am
Verve Media bags Digital Marketing Mandate for Proticons

Mumbai: Verve Media has secured the digital marketing mandate for Proticons, a brand focused on protein-rich and functional nutrition products.Under the mandate, Verve Media will manage Proticons’ social media marketing, search engine optimisation (SEO), and Google Ads. As part of the collaboration, the agency has also redesigned the brand’s website to enhance user experience, strengthen brand positioning, and support Proticons’ long-term growth objectives.The partnership aims to build a s

5 Mar 2026 11:34 am
Remembering V. R. Muthu, the leader who transformed Idhayam into a South Indian FMCG icon

Chennai: V. R. Muthu, Chairman of V.V.V. & Sons Edible Oils Limited and the business leader behind the iconic Idhayam edible oils brand, passed away on 4 March 2026 at the age of 72, following a period of ill health.Muthu was widely regarded as the driving force behind transforming Idhayam into one of South India’s most trusted edible oil brands, particularly in the sesame oil category. His leadership helped shape a regional family business into a household name across Tamil Nadu and other sou

5 Mar 2026 11:15 am
Goafest 2026 to return to Goa from May 20 to 22

Mumbai: Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club (TAC) have announced that the 19th edition of Goafest will be held in Goa from May 20 to May 22, 2026.Launched in 2006, Goafest has evolved into one of the most prominent gatherings for the advertising, media and marketing community in South Asia, celebrating creativity, innovation and industry excellence. The festival will also host the prestigious ABBY Awards Powered by One Show 2026, widely regarded as one of th

5 Mar 2026 10:52 am
VCCP crosses $1 billion in new business billings for the first time

London: VCCP, the independent global challenger network, has topped the global rankings of creative agencies, ending 2025 with more than $1 billion in new client media billings for the first time in its history.In a year marked by consolidation and disruption across major holding companies, VCCP recorded its strongest performance to date, securing more than $1.027 billion in new client media billings. The milestone was driven by the agency’s growing presence in the United States, including its

5 Mar 2026 10:43 am
Pocket FM collaborates with OpenAI to power AI-native content creation for 300,000 creators

Mumbai: Pocket FM, the audio series platform, has announced a collaboration with OpenAI to deploy advanced AI tools across its content creation ecosystem, marking a significant step in the company’s journey to build an intelligent, creator-empowering storytelling platform with global reach.As part of the collaboration, Pocket FM will integrate OpenAI’s APIs into multiple workstreams to accelerate its content creation and production infrastructure that powers more than 300,000 creators global

5 Mar 2026 10:41 am
Publicis Groupe Asia-Pacific Appoints Naomi Michael as Chief Communications Officer

Mumbai: Publicis Groupe Asia-Pacific has named Naomi Michael as its Chief Communications Officer (CCO) for the region, a newly created leadership role aimed at strengthening the Groupe’s communications strategy across one of its most diverse and high-growth markets.Based in Singapore, Michael will lead the regional communications agenda across markets and capabilities, working closely with the APAC leadership team to enhance brand positioning and stakeholder engagement across the network. She

5 Mar 2026 10:20 am
In a World of Deepfakes and Cloned Voices, Listening Late Is a Brand Risk

Deepfakes, cloned voices and synthetic content are no longer experimental curiosities confined to research labs, they have now become mainstream realities shaping the way information circulates online. Their most dangerous quality is speed. Synthetic content is designed to spread instantly, while verified information requires time to be checked, contextualised and responsibly shared. This imbalance leaves brands, leaders and communicators perpetually on the defence, reacting after narratives hav

5 Mar 2026 10:13 am
Magali Huot Joins Netflix as Director of Games Marketing, Mainstream Games

Mumbai: Streaming giant Netflix has appointed Magali Huot as Director of Games Marketing, Mainstream Games, further strengthening its push into the interactive entertainment and gaming ecosystem.Huot announced the development in a LinkedIn post, expressing enthusiasm about joining the company at a time when entertainment is increasingly becoming participatory and interactive.Sharing her excitement, Huot said that entertainment today “isn’t passive anymore.” She noted that it now exists acr

5 Mar 2026 10:09 am
2026 will be the year where PR stops being reactive and becomes predictive: Nupur Maheshwari, The Media Manifest

The Media Manifest is a new age communication consultancy with its niche in BFSI, new economy and emerging space, it offers tailored public relation and digital solutions in the rapidly-shifting ecosystem thus driving the brand narrative to achieve maximum impact.Founded in October 2021, The Media Manifest is headquartered in Mumbai and provides solutions like Reputation Management, crisis communication, strategic consultation and Influencer Marketing. Its practices are centered around BFSI, wea

5 Mar 2026 9:59 am