Category: MAM

  • HoABL soars high with dazzling Nagpur sebut

    HoABL soars high with dazzling Nagpur sebut

    MUMBAI: The House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL), India’s largest branded plotted land developer, announced its grand arrival in Nagpur with a show-stopping aerial display over the city’s iconic Futala Lake.

    On 4 November 2025, three paramotor pilots painted the skies with massive banners, heralding HoABL’s foray into the Orange City and teasing its upcoming project, Nagpur Marina. Inspired by waterfront living, the development promises over 40 world-class amenities designed to bring together leisure, wellness, and celebration, a first-of-its-kind lifestyle for Nagpur.

    “Nagpur is fast becoming a powerhouse in Maharashtra’s growth story,” said HoABL CEO Samujjwal Ghosh. “Our entry here marks not just a new project, but a new chapter in how land is experienced, as a legacy built on trust, transparency and enduring value.”

    With its central location and growing connectivity through the Samruddhi Mahamarg and Smart City initiatives, Nagpur’s rise as a hub for premium living perfectly mirrors HoABL’s philosophy of creating spaces that breathe and evolve.

    Adding to the creative flair, chief marketing officer Saurabh Jain said the lake display reflected HoABL’s approach to “turn land into lifestyle” through immersive brand experiences.

    As the skies over Futala shimmered with banners and buzz, HoABL’s message was crystal clear, Nagpur’s real estate story just took flight.

  • SIDBI, MonetaGo team up to secure MSME lending

    SIDBI, MonetaGo team up to secure MSME lending

    MUMBAI: When it comes to lending, trust is the best collateral. In a major move to fortify India’s MSME financing ecosystem, SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India) has teamed up with MonetaGo to roll out a cutting-edge fraud prevention and digital infrastructure solution.

    The partnership aims to make credit safer and smarter for India’s small businesses, ensuring they get the funds they deserve without the risk of duplicate or fraudulent financing. This marks the first time a development financial institution has adopted MonetaGo’s technology, setting a new benchmark for secure and transparent MSME lending.

    SIDBI chief general manager Y. M. Kumari said the collaboration would strengthen trust in MSME credit systems, especially in initiatives like GST-Sahay invoice-based financing. “By adding transparency and resilience, we aim to boost confidence in the lending ecosystem and help unlock the sector’s full potential,” she noted.

    SIDBI deputy managing director Sudatta Mandal highlighted that de-risking credit flows is key to expanding MSME access and competitiveness.

    For MonetaGo, the partnership is another milestone in its mission to secure digital finance. “SIDBI’s adoption of our Secure Financing system is a turning point for fraud prevention in MSME lending,” said MonetaGo India managing director Kalyan Basu.

    Since 2018, MonetaGo’s technology has underpinned India’s digital trade finance framework. Backed by the Reserve Bank of India, it has already helped MSME financing grow by over 216 per cent since 2023, proving that when finance gets smarter, small businesses grow stronger.

  • HDFC MF boards the Jagriti Yatra for Bharat’s future

    HDFC MF boards the Jagriti Yatra for Bharat’s future

    MUMBAI: The 18th edition of Jagriti Yatra, India’s iconic journey of enterprise and inspiration, set off from Mumbai on 7 November, powered this year by HDFC Mutual Fund through its investor education and awareness initiative.

    The 15-day, 8,000-kilometre expedition brings together 500 spirited “Yatris” from across India and beyond, chosen from over 68,000 applicants. Their shared destination, an Atmanirbhar Bharat built through ideas, innovation and enterprise.

    Speaking at the flag-off in Mumbai’s Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir, HDFC Asset Management Company MD and CEO Navneet Munot, connected India’s entrepreneurial pulse with the nation’s long-term vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He said empowerment begins with awareness of one’s potential and financial choices. Through its education initiatives, HDFC Mutual Fund aims to help young Indians make informed investment decisions and take confident steps toward financial independence.

    Jagriti Yatra founder and MP Shashank Mani reminded participants that the movement’s spirit lies in responsibility and resilience, while CEO Ashutosh Kumar called it a “living classroom” for self-reliance born from local innovation.

    The evening featured a stirring keynote by Mann Deshi foundation founder  Chetna Gala Sinha, who urged the Yatris to channel resilience into enterprise. Performances by ANKH Ensemble and Folk Masti added rhythm to reflection, celebrating India’s creative energy and unity in diversity.

    Over the years, Jagriti Yatra has become one of the world’s largest entrepreneurial journeys on wheels, touching more than 8,000 participants. This year’s train, aptly dubbed the Jagriti Express, will travel across Ahmedabad, Kochi, Hubli and beyond, with mentors such as Ashwin Naik, Sameer K. Mody, and Vishal Dhale guiding the travellers.

    As the train leaves Mumbai, it carries more than people, it carries purpose. Each Yatri, and each partner like HDFC Mutual Fund, is helping steer India toward a future powered by awareness, enterprise and self-belief.
     

  • Return-to-Invoice, Engine Protect, RSA: The Add-on Stack Smart Drivers Use for Peace of Mind

    Return-to-Invoice, Engine Protect, RSA: The Add-on Stack Smart Drivers Use for Peace of Mind

    Car ownership brings independence, comfort, and, quite often, a sense of pride. Yet, behind the wheel lies a world full of unpredictability. One unexpected flood, a minor accident, or even a random breakdown can turn that pride into stress.

    In recent years, many Indian motorists have begun exploring car insurance online to look beyond basic cover, finding smarter ways to protect both their cars and wallets.

    This article highlights advanced car insurance features that enhance protection, reduce risks, and ensure a safer, worry-free driving experience.

    Return to Invoice Add-on

    A return to invoice add-on works like a safety net when misfortune strikes. If a car is stolen or declared a total loss, the insurer usually pays only the depreciated market value. This add-on changes that.

    It bridges the difference between the insured declared value and the actual invoice price you paid, often including taxes and registration costs. Many owners of new cars find this addition worthwhile because depreciation bites hardest during the first few years of ownership.

    Engine Protect

    The engine protect cover focuses on a part that’s both vital and expensive. Indian cities often see heavy rain and waterlogging; when water seeps into the engine, repairs can run into thousands. A standard policy won’t always help, but this add-on covers such damage.

    Anyone browsing car insurance online soon realises that this feature is particularly handy for urban and coastal drivers who deal with unpredictable weather or poor drainage conditions.

    Roadside Assistance Cover (RSA)

    A roadside assistance cover is that quiet assurance every driver appreciates. Picture being stuck on a highway late at night with a punctured tyre or a dead battery-help arriving through a quick call makes all the difference.

    This cover offers towing, jump-starts, or even basic repairs where you are. For families, solo drivers, or anyone clocking long distances, RSA is less of an extra and more of a necessity.

    Why Smart Drivers Choose these Add-ons

    Each add-on answers a specific need, and together they provide holistic protection.

    ●    Return to invoice add-on protects against the financial pinch of depreciation.
    ●    Engine protect saves you from hefty repair bills for mechanical or water damage.
    ●    Roadside assistance cover keeps your journeys from turning into roadside waits.

    These layers of cover don’t just add convenience; they provide peace of mind when circumstances turn unpredictable.

    The Role of Comprehensive and Third-Party Insurance

    Every vehicle owner in India must hold third-party insurance, a legal necessity that covers damages to others. But third party insurance doesn’t cover your own vehicle’s damage or loss.

    That’s why most drivers prefer a comprehensive policy. It includes third-party liability and opens the door to valuable add-ons like engine protect and return to invoice add-on.

    When you explore car insurance online, comparing these policy types helps you see how the right combination can give broader and more practical protection.

    Balancing Cost With Value

    There’s always a question: are add-ons worth the extra premium? Usually, yes, if you choose wisely. Small increases in cost can prevent large expenses later.

    Another good move is fitting certified anti-theft devices, which can qualify your car for an anti-theft discount car insurance benefit. This not only improves security but slightly reduces premiums, too.

    Buying car insurance online allows you to compare quotes easily, see what’s included, and choose a plan that offers value instead of just the lowest price tag.

    Key Factors Before Selecting Add-ons

    When selecting additional covers, a few aspects deserve attention:

    ●    Vehicle’s Age: The return to invoice suits newer cars best.
    ●    Driving Conditions: In flood-prone or traffic-heavy regions, engine protection can be vital.
    ●    Usage Habits: Long-distance or late-night drivers often rely on roadside assistance coverage.
    ●    Insurer’s Reach: A strong service network ensures quick help when you need it most.

    A thoughtful mix of these considerations helps shape a plan that’s realistic and relevant to how you drive every day.

    Anti-Theft and Preventive Measures

    Car theft is still a worry in many cities. Taking precautions not only improves security but can bring financial benefits too. Installing approved anti-theft systems may earn an anti-theft discount car insurance.

    It’s a simple step that enhances safety and saves money, proving that prevention and smart planning can go hand in hand.

    The Convenience of Car Insurance

    One major advantage today is accessibility. With digital platforms, comparing car insurance online is quick, transparent, and free from middlemen.

    Drivers can check the cost of add-ons like engine protect, roadside assistance cover, or return to invoice add-on and understand how each fits their daily routine. It’s this clarity that helps people build protection based on genuine needs rather than assumptions.

    Conclusion

    A car might represent comfort and freedom, but it’s also a valuable asset that deserves solid protection. Add-ons such as the return to invoice, engine protect, and roadside assistance cover make that protection stronger and more meaningful.

    Whether your policy includes just third-party insurance or full comprehensive cover, comparing car insurance online helps find the mix that offers reliability and calm in equal measure.

    At the end of the day, peace of mind is priceless-and for most drivers, these smart add-ons are the surest route to getting it.

  • All aboard the big win as Abhibus rolls out its Grand Winter Bus Sale

    All aboard the big win as Abhibus rolls out its Grand Winter Bus Sale

    MUMBAI: Pack your bags and your luck because AbhiBus just turned routine travel into a road trip to riches. The ixigo-owned online bus platform has flagged off The Grand Winter Bus Sale, its biggest travel bonanza of the year, giving passengers not just discounts but the chance to drive away with a Mahindra Scorpio, iPhones, PlayStations, and even gold coins.

    The nationwide sale, live from 3 November to 31 December 2025, promises up to 50 per cent off on bus tickets and a steady stream of daily, weekly, and monthly prizes. Whether you’re booking a quick weekend getaway or a cross-country ride, each ticket comes with the potential to turn your journey into a jackpot.

    The Grand Winter Bus Sale is AbhiBus’s way of turning India’s favourite travel mode into a festival on wheels. Travellers can claim discounts by using promo code Grandsale, while the code Grandwin unlocks the shot at prizes including:

    . 1 Mahindra Scorpio as the grand prize

    . 1 iPhone 17 Pro every month

    1 PlayStation 5 and gold coins every week

    . ixigo flight and hotel vouchers worth Rs 5,000 every day

    That’s not all. Every booking guarantees travel perks like 15 per cent off hotels and flights on Ixigo, Zomato Gold access, Lenskart memberships, and more ensuring that even if you don’t win the car, your next trip will still feel first class.

    “With the Grand Winter Bus Sale, we wanted to make travel irresistible,” said Abhibus COO Rohit Sharma. “Customers can save big and win bigger. It’s not just about discounts, it’s about joy, excitement, and rewards for every traveller. This is our way of thanking millions who’ve trusted us for safe, comfortable journeys all year long.”

    Since its founding, Abhibus has grown into one of India’s most trusted names in intercity travel, connecting millions of passengers across thousands of routes. Its integration with ixigo has further strengthened its technology stack, enabling seamless booking, real-time tracking, and affordability at scale.

    In an industry where discounts are routine, Abhibus is betting on delight. The Grand Winter Bus Sale is less about slashing fares and more about sparking smiles. For two months, every ticket booked on the Abhibus app or website doubles as a chance to win something bigger be it a dream gadget or an entire car.

    And with India’s festive spirit spilling into the new year, AbhiBus’s timing couldn’t be better. For once, missing a flight might just be the best thing that happens to you because the real action’s happening on the road.

    So, fasten your seatbelts and keep your fingers crossed. With The Grand Winter Bus Sale, the next stop might just be a win.
     

  • Cumulus sees big win with ‘Undekha Eye Test’ at London International Awards

    Cumulus sees big win with ‘Undekha Eye Test’ at London International Awards

    MUMBAI: In a win that’s hard to miss, Cumulus, the integrated communications consultancy from Gurugram, has been crowned Best Regional PR Agency of the Year – Asia at the London International Awards (LIA) 2025 for its eye-opening campaign, The Undekha Eye Test.

    The recognition cements Cumulus’s position as one of Asia’s most creative and purpose-driven PR agencies, one that doesn’t just tell stories but makes people stop, stare and see.

    Founded on the belief that communication can create real change, Cumulus has built an enviable track record since its Cannes Lions Gold win in 2019, consistently picking up trophies at global platforms including CLIO, Spikes Asia, SABRE, and now LIA 2025. But this year’s accolade stands apart because it’s not just about creativity, it’s about vision, quite literally.

    The winning campaign, created in collaboration with Eyebetes Foundation and Godrej Creative Labs, took place during the Maha Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest spiritual congregation. With over 150 million Indians at risk of vision loss from Diabetic Retinopathy, the initiative reimagined one of India’s most sacred gatherings as a giant, living canvas for sight-saving awareness.

    At its centre were the Naga Sadhus, the ascetics who became unlikely ambassadors of eye health. In a stroke of cultural and creative brilliance, these sadhus had eye test charts inscribed on their backs, transforming every curious gaze into an opportunity for awareness. Devotees who looked on were invited to take free on-site eye tests, turning faith into an act of public health intervention, one glance at a time.

    The campaign was as unconventional as it was impactful: spiritual symbolism met medical science, and storytelling became a literal vision check.

    “The Undekha Eye Test was more than a campaign; it was a call to see what’s often unseen,” said Cumulus founder partner Sumita Kaul, reacting to the win. “This recognition reaffirms our belief that purpose-driven communication has the power to create lasting change. We’re immensely proud to have turned awareness into action on such a powerful scale.”

    Cumulus CEO Reena Sharma added, “Being named Best Regional PR Agency of the Year – Asia at LIA is both an honour and a motivation. It celebrates our team’s relentless creativity and cultural insight proof that meaningful ideas can cross borders and touch hearts.”

    Established in 1986, the London International Awards remains one of the most respected global benchmarks for creative excellence across advertising, design, digital media, production, and craft. With onsite judging by top international creatives, LIA has become a platform where originality and impact define global storytelling.

    For Cumulus, this recognition is more than a trophy, it’s a validation of India’s rising voice in world communications. Over the years, the agency has redefined what “Indian PR” means on the global stage moving from press releases to purpose, from campaigns to cultural conversations.

    With its win for The Undekha Eye Test, Cumulus has shown that sometimes, the most powerful communication isn’t just about what you say, it’s about what you help the world to see.

    And this time, the world clearly took notice.

  • 404 Innovation Studio taps Arthur Lobão as CD

    404 Innovation Studio taps Arthur Lobão as CD

    MUMBAI: Creativity just got a new code at 404 Innovation Studio. The Galeria Holding company has appointed Arthur Lobão as its new creative director, joining forces with Thayssa Szymanskyj and creative duo Carlos Yanke and Michelle Gorodski, collectively known as Carchelle.

    Lobão’s arrival marks a new creative era for the studio, following the integration of part of EST.31, the independent creative outfit he founded in 2024. Known for its equity-based business model built for startups, EST.31 earned international acclaim for rethinking how creativity fuels entrepreneurship, even bagging the title of New Studio of the Year at the Latin American Design Awards 2025.

    A self-described hands-on creative, Lobão brings over a decade of experience leading teams across Latin America, including Mexico. He helped build and scale creative hubs at Nubank, NotCo, and Stone, taking them across 12 countries. His portfolio also spans global giants such as Netflix, Google, Amazon Prime, and Diageo, reflecting a blend of tech fluency and artistic finesse that few can match.

    “Arthur represents the future of creative leadership,” said 404 Innovation Studio co-founder and chief creative officer Rafael Caldeira. “He doesn’t just craft great ideas, he understands how creativity drives business value at every stage. His mix of entrepreneurial mindset, global experience, and creative sharpness makes him the perfect fit to lead our next phase of growth.”

    Lobão shared his excitement for the new role, saying, “Great creative work only happens when you’re fully invested in every layer of a brand, from story to business. That’s why I’m thrilled to join 404 Innovation Studio, a place built to push boundaries and work side by side with brands at their core.”

    In his new role, Lobão will oversee creative output across brand strategy, campaigns, and experiences, working closely with clients to craft ideas that spark both cultural impact and business growth. His appointment signals 404 Innovation Studio’s continued commitment to blending strategic innovation with creative excellence, a combination that’s fast becoming the studio’s signature.

  • Gold glitters less as base metals shine brighter

    Gold glitters less as base metals shine brighter

    MUMBAI: Gold bulls blinked in October as the yellow metal slipped 0.5 per cent in rupee terms after touching record highs near Rs 1.21 lakh, while silver sparkled briefly before easing 1 per cent. After months of glitter, profit-booking and a stronger dollar dimmed the bullion buzz.

    Silver still outshone gold over the year, up 68.3 per cent versus gold’s 57.2 per cent. A supply squeeze and soaring ETF premiums kept silver in the spotlight, even as China curbed retail gold access and cut VAT exemptions from 13 per cent to 6 per cent.

    Base metals stole the show. Copper broke above Rs 1,000, riding renewed trade optimism and mine disruptions that trimmed global inventories by nearly half. LME copper stocks fell 50 per cent, while refined production rose only 4 per cent against a 6 per cent surge in demand.

    Zinc surged 4.5% as smelter shutdowns in Japan, Italy, and the US shrank supply. LME zinc stocks plunged to a two-year low of 38,000 tonnes, pushing the market into tight backwardation unseen since 1980.

    Aluminium climbed 5 per cent, buoyed by easing US-China tensions and shrinking warehouse stocks, which are down 14 per cent this year. With global demand expected to soar nearly 40 per cent by 2030, supply strains are set to linger.

    Energy markets flickered between hope and hesitation. Crude oil slipped 2.6 per cent on weaker demand despite geopolitical flare-ups, while natural gas gained 3.1 per cent as winter loomed and AI-driven power demand lifted consumption forecasts.

    Central banks held steady, with the RBI keeping rates at 5.5 per cent and trimming inflation forecasts to 3.1 per cent. The Fed paused its balance-sheet runoff after two rate cuts this year, as the US shutdown stretched past 30 days.

    From bullion dips to base metal breaks, the month painted a picture of cooling glitters and glowing grit, proof that in commodities, it’s never all gold that glitters.
     

  • BigCity goes Down Under to play the loyalty game in Australia

    BigCity goes Down Under to play the loyalty game in Australia

    MUMBAI: When it comes to loyalty, BigCity just levelled up this time, all the way Down Under. BigCity Promotions, one of India’s most awarded sales promotion and loyalty agencies, has announced its entry into Australia with the launch of a new office in Sydney, marking its first international expansion in nearly two decades. The move signals the company’s ambition to replicate its India success across the Australia–New Zealand (ANZ) region, a market ripe for disruption in the loyalty and engagement space.

    Founded in 2006, BigCity has become something of a legend in India’s reward ecosystem known for turning mundane promotions into high-voltage brand experiences. With 8,000 plus programs executed for over 500 global brands, including Pepsico, Unilever, Mondelez, Coca-cola, Samsung, and Amazon, the agency has earned a reputation for blending creativity, technology, and measurable impact.

    From B2C reward programs to B2B loyalty solutions and gamification-led engagement, BigCity has redefined how brands connect with consumers and trade partners alike. Its proprietary plug-and-play platform lets brands launch campaigns within days offering faster time-to-market, reduced costs, and full creative flexibility. Built on an in-house technology and analytics stack, it also enables deep insight into consumer engagement, redemptions, and ROI, giving marketers the holy grail of modern marketing measurable loyalty.

    The Sydney office will serve as BigCity’s regional hub for Australia and New Zealand, extending its full-service suite to local and global brands in the region. The operations will be spearheaded by Gunjan Kumar country director, who brings over 27 years of global experience across telecom, banking, retail, and FMCG. Having driven client engagement and loyalty strategies across continents, Kumar is tasked with building the BigCity playbook for the ANZ market, one that blends local insight with the brand’s signature executional agility.

    “Australia is a market ripe for transformation, and our goal is to bring the same scale, creativity, and speed that have powered some of India’s biggest campaigns to brands here,” said BigCity Promotions co-founder Vikas Shah. “For nearly two decades, BigCity has redefined how brands engage through innovation, technology, and storytelling this expansion is a natural next step in that journey.”

    BigCity’s forte lies in its ability to gamify engagement, transforming passive audiences into active participants. Its campaigns often feature instant-win mechanics, leaderboards, challenges, and digital contests, all designed to boost brand love and repeat purchase intent. This gamified approach has proven especially potent in cluttered categories like FMCG and telecom, where attention spans are short but loyalty can be won with the right mix of fun and function.

    The expansion also comes at a time when the ANZ market is seeing brands look beyond conventional loyalty cards and cashback models. With digital-first consumers demanding more personalised, experiential rewards, BigCity’s data-driven, experience-centric approach may find fertile ground.

    In India, the company has long been the behind-the-scenes architect of some of the country’s most memorable campaigns, the kind that combine large-scale activation, complex fulfilment, and regulatory precision without ever losing the element of play. It’s this operational mastery that BigCity now hopes to bring to Sydney’s brandscape.

    As the company steps onto foreign shores, the move underscores how homegrown Indian marketing innovation is beginning to travel the world not as an imitator, but as an industry leader exporting expertise. For BigCity, the next game has just begun. And this time, it’s on a whole new continent.

     

  • Digitally Inspired wins Om System integrated mandate

    Digitally Inspired wins Om System integrated mandate

    MUMBAI: Talk about a picture-perfect partnership! Digitally Inspired Media has bagged the integrated communications mandate for Om System (formerly Olympus Cameras) after a keenly contested multi-agency pitch, capturing a major win in India’s imaging industry.

    The agency, celebrated for its strategic storytelling and culturally sharp campaigns, will spearhead Om System’s national rebranding journey in India. The move marks a significant milestone for the legendary 85-year-old brand as it reintroduces itself to a new generation of creators, explorers, and photography enthusiasts.

    From digital media planning and buying to influencer collaborations and PR, Digitally Inspired is crafting a holistic campaign that blends heritage with innovation. The aim is to build trust, reinforce the brand’s legacy, and position Om System as a creative powerhouse in the Indian market.

    Om Digital Solutions Corporation vice-president and head of APAC, managing director – Australia and Hong Kong Vivek Handoo said, “After a rigorous pitch process, Digitally Inspired emerged as the clear choice. Their deep understanding of Indian consumers, creative strength, and passion for storytelling align perfectly with our rebranding vision.”

    Echoing the excitement, Digitally Inspired Media co-founder and CEO Manish Kishore shared, “This partnership is more than just a campaign; it’s about reintroducing a legendary brand to a new generation. We’ve translated Om System’s global vision into a language that truly resonates with Indian audiences.”

    With this win, Digitally Inspired Media continues to sharpen its edge in the world of integrated marketing, proving that when creativity and strategy come into focus, the results are always picture-perfect.