Category: MAM

  • Cocoon Hospital tackles menopause’s hidden danger

    Cocoon Hospital tackles menopause’s hidden danger

    MUMBAI: Pulse check, please. Cocoon Hospital has turned up the volume on a condition too often left in whispers, launching its ‘Silent shift’ campaign to spotlight the link between menopause and women’s heart health.

    Timed ahead of World heart day, the nationwide initiative calls on women over 40 to recognise that menopause is more than a reproductive milestone. It is also, as doctors warn, a cardiovascular transition that can quietly raise the risk of hypertension, stroke and heart disease.

    “Menopause is not just about hot flushes and hormonal shifts, it is about the heart too,” said Jaipur, unit head at Cocoon Hospital, Dilshad Khan. “With ‘Silent shift’ our mission is to break this silence, empower women with knowledge and encourage proactive steps for long-term health.”

    The campaign mixes scientific expertise with everyday advice, encouraging screenings, lifestyle changes and preventive care rather than waiting for emergencies. Cocoon Hospital hopes the movement will spark conversations not just in clinics but in living rooms, creating ripple effects through families and communities.

    RJ Corp Healthcare, gm– brand strategy & communication, Shikha Girgla added “Our goal is to move critical health conversations into the mainstream and put women at the heart of preventive care.”

    With cardiovascular disease still one of the top threats to women, ‘Silent shift’ makes one thing clear: silence is not golden when it comes to the heart.

  • Festive fever goes phygital as Affle decodes India’s shopping pulse 2025

    Festive fever goes phygital as Affle decodes India’s shopping pulse 2025

    MUMBAI: Deck the carts, it’s shopping season and India’s consumers are already in festive overdrive. Affle 3i Ltd, in collaboration with audience intelligence platform Vtion, has unwrapped its India Festive Pulse 2025 report, just as the country gears up for the shopping blitz from Navratri and Durga Puja to Diwali. The study, based on a nationwide survey of 1,850 respondents across metros and smaller towns, offers a panoramic view of how Indians are discovering, deciding, and ultimately buying in the most lucrative window of the retail calendar.

    This year’s festive mood looks upbeat, with 47 per cent of consumers reporting higher purchase intent. The triggers? Bonus-linked wallets, the emotional pull of gifting, and blockbuster e-commerce sales promising deep discounts. But while spending remains robust, the journey from discovery to conversion has become anything but linear.

    The report reveals that 68 per cent of shoppers first spot festive deals via in-app ads, while social media continues to be a discovery driver. But there’s a rising dark horse Connected TV (CTV) now emerging as a favourite screen for browsing products during ad breaks and binge sessions.

    Yet, the buyer’s path is far from one-screen simple. While 58 per cent complete purchases on the same device where they spotted the product, a chunky 32 per cent switch devices and 38 per cent head offline to finalise the transaction. The takeaway? India’s festive shopping is now a phygital juggle across devices and stores.

    Planning doesn’t wait till Dhanteras. Nearly 49 per cent of shoppers start planning at least 15 days in advance, though half of purchases actually peak within 3–7 days of ad exposure. That means ads need to land early to build intent but stay visible close to purchase dates to close the deal.

    Language, too, is proving to be a sales catalyst. A staggering 79 per cent of consumers engage better with ads in their local tongue, making multilingual storytelling a non-negotiable for brands. Reflecting this, 70 per cent of marketers are now investing in state-specific campaigns, with 41 per cent focusing on Tier 1–2 cities this festive season.

    “Discovery and purchase are no longer linear or tied to a single screen,” said Affle COO for India & emerging markets Vipul Kedia. “Consumers move fluidly across platforms, and ads on mobile and CTV not only trigger action but also build recall. The rise of vernacular content means resonance matters as much as reach.”

    For Vtion COO Shailesh Varudkar the festive season remains India’s commercial pulse, but its rhythm has changed. “Shoppers are mobile-first, discovery-driven, and effortlessly omnichannel—switching between social feeds, CTV, and apps before making a purchase. Marketers must recalibrate campaigns for this new consumer journey, where timing, personalisation, and context define festive success,” he said.

    . Survey base: 1,850 respondents (67 per cent male, 33 per cent female)

    Age groups: 18 to 35 plus years, spanning NCCS A–E

    Discovery: 68 per cent via in-app ads, rising traction on CTV

     Timing: 49 per cent plan 15 days ahead, 50 per cent convert within a week of seeing ads

     Regional impact: 79 per cent prefer local language ads; 70 per cent marketers doubling down on state-level campaigns

    As festive lights twinkle and offers flood feeds, India’s shoppers are no longer just swiping or strolling, they’re toggling. For marketers, the challenge is not only to be present across these touchpoints but to stitch them together into one connected, measurable, and memorable experience. 

  • AI gets a brand new story as marketers debate data, trust and creativity

    AI gets a brand new story as marketers debate data, trust and creativity

    MUMBAI: When machines meet marketing, sparks and questions fly. That was the mood at the 3rd India Brand Summit 2025 during a lively session titled AI Powered Branding: Reimagining Storytelling and Personalisation.

    Moderated by Publicis Groupe India CEO for digital technology business Amaresh Godbole the panel brought together industry voices grappling with the fine line between automation, personalisation, and authenticity.

    Tata Cliq CTO and Tata digital,VP for synergy tech Suman Guha opened with a reality check: while AI unlocks precision, data overload is a growing challenge. “Brands need to strike the right balance, AI can suggest, but it cannot substitute judgement. The winning formula lies in combining AI-driven insights with human empathy,” he said.

    Adding a regulatory lens ASCI CEO & secretary general Manisha Kapoor stressed the urgency of maintaining consumer trust. “When personalisation borders on intrusion, the line between relevance and manipulation blurs. Ethical guardrails are essential if AI-led branding is to build, not break, relationships,” she warned.

    Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals head of digital transformation Akhil Duggal noted that AI is most effective when it complements not dictates brand building. “We’re using AI to decode consumer intent, but the human narrative must lead. Consumers don’t remember algorithms; they remember stories.”

    From the BFSI perspective Fino Payments Bank head of marketing Prashant Choudhari pointed out the stakes are higher in financial services. “Trust is currency. AI can personalise offers, but one misstep erodes credibility. The challenge is scaling innovation while keeping the customer relationship sacred.”

    Mediasmart chief growth officer Nikhil Kumar highlighted how AI is revolutionising programmatic advertising. “Real-time personalisation is not the future, it’s already here. But effectiveness depends on transparency. If users feel misled, personalisation backfires into alienation.”

    Bringing in the social tech angle Explurger vice president Jwala Kumar underlined AI’s role in experiential storytelling. “Travel and lifestyle brands are leveraging AI to make every interaction feel personal. But authenticity is non-negotiable, people will spot the difference between engineered intimacy and genuine connection.”

    As the discussion unfolded, a common thread emerged: AI can supercharge scale, speed, and segmentation, but the secret sauce remains human creativity. Technology may tailor the message, but culture, trust, and empathy define whether it lands.

    By the end, Godbole summed it up neatly: “AI isn’t replacing storytellers, it’s arming them with sharper tools. The brands that thrive will be those that wield AI with responsibility, respect, and imagination.”

    The session closed with consensus that 2025 is not about AI versus humans, but AI with humans, a collaboration where algorithms analyse and humans empathise, together shaping the next chapter of branding.

  • Choosing the Right Indian Virtual Number for Your Needs

    Choosing the Right Indian Virtual Number for Your Needs

    The need for a local Indian phone number is a common challenge for global businesses, travelers, and privacy-conscious individuals in 2025. The decision to buy an indian number for OTP is the first step, but understanding your options ensures you get a service that perfectly matches your requirements. Not all virtual numbers are created equal; some are designed for all-purpose communication, while others are specialized for tasks like receiving SMS.

    Choosing the right type of number is the key to a successful and cost-effective experience. This article will break down the different kinds of virtual numbers available for India, helping you select the perfect tool for your specific task, whether it’s a one-time verification or long-term business communication.

    The Foundation: Why You Need an Indian Phone Number for OTP

    Before we dive into the different types of numbers, it’s important to understand the core requirement of India’s digital landscape: the OTP (One-Time Password). Nearly every reputable app, e-commerce site, and online service in India uses SMS-based OTPs to verify user identity. This is a fundamental security measure, and without a number capable of receiving these texts, you are effectively locked out. Therefore, any virtual number you consider must, at a minimum, be able to reliably receive an SMS. All indian phone numbers for otp are built on this basic but critical capability.

    Option 1: The All-Purpose Virtual Mobile Number India

    This is the most common and versatile option. A virtual mobile number is a real Indian mobile number (with a +91 prefix) that can handle both voice calls and SMS messages, just like a regular number from a physical SIM card.

    This type of number is the ideal choice for users who need maximum flexibility. It is best suited for:

    General-Purpose Verification: It is universally compatible with any service that sends an indian phone number otp, making it the safest and most reliable bet for any kind of registration.

    Two-Way Business Communication: If you are a business that needs to not only verify accounts but also receive calls from Indian customers or make outbound calls that appear to be from a local number, this is the only option that will work.

    Enhanced Platform Compatibility: Some services have advanced systems that check if a number is a mobile line. Using a virtual mobile number ensures you pass these checks without issue.

    When you need this all-purpose functionality, the quality of the provider is key. Getting a virtual number in india from a specialized provider like HotTelecom https://hottelecom.biz/ ensures that the number is a high-quality, clean mobile line. They focus on providing reliable routes for both voice and SMS, so when you use their virtual indian phone number for sms, you know the critical verification codes will arrive, and if you need to make a call, the quality will be clear. This reliability makes a professional mobile number a wise investment.

    Option 2: The SMS-Only Indian Number for Pure Verification

    For users with a more specific and limited need, an SMS-only number can be an excellent and cost-effective choice. As the name implies, this type of number is configured exclusively to receive SMS messages. It cannot make or receive voice calls.

    This specialized tool is best for:

    1. Budget-Conscious Users: Since the service doesn’t include the more complex infrastructure for voice calls, these numbers are often slightly more affordable.

    2. High-Volume, Automated Verifications: Businesses or developers who need to verify a large number of accounts programmatically and have no intention of making calls from them.

    3. Maximum Privacy and No Interruptions: For individuals who want a number for verification only and want to guarantee that they will never receive spam or unwanted voice calls on that line.

    Option 3: The Online Indian Number for Temporary or Disposable Use

    This option is less about the technology and more about the subscription plan. A disposable or temporary number is typically a mobile or SMS-only number that you rent for a very short period—a day, a week, or a month.

    This approach is perfect for:

    One-Time Sign-Ups: If you need to get an indian virtual number for otp just once for a service you will likely never use again, a short-term rental is the most economical choice.

    Protecting Your Primary Number: It’s the classic “burner number” scenario. Use it for online marketplaces, forums, or any situation where you don’t want to leave a permanent link to your real identity.

    However, there is a crucial consideration with this approach. If you use a disposable number to sign up for an important service and then let the number expire, you will be permanently locked out of that account if you are ever asked to re-verify your identity via SMS.

    Choosing the Right Tool for the Job

    Ultimately, the best indian virtual phone number is the one that aligns with your specific goals. By understanding the difference between an all-purpose mobile number, a focused SMS-only line, and a short-term disposable plan, you can move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. Take a moment to assess your needs, and you can confidently buy an indian virtual number that serves as the perfect tool to connect you with India’s vibrant digital world.

  • Khele Sanand season three kicks off with bigger goals and stronger community spirit

    Khele Sanand season three kicks off with bigger goals and stronger community spirit

    MUMBAI: Game, set, match! Sanand is playing for keeps. Khele Sanand, Gujarat’s buzzing grassroots sports movement, is back for season 3, and it’s bigger, bolder, and brimming with community pride.

    Launched with fanfare at Sanskardham campus, the Vijayi Bharat foundation’s flagship league was inaugurated by international kho kho stars Pratik Waikar and Nirmala Bhati. What began in 2023 with just 2,500 students has now surged into a powerhouse involving over 7,000 young athletes from more than 120 schools.

    The numbers tell the story of its rise: a 400 per cent jump in girls’ participation in kho kho, a 39 per cent spike in team registrations, and the involvement of 150 volunteers handling everything from refereeing to hospitality. Backing from 20 village sarpanchs and local businesses has stitched together a genuine community effort, making Khele Sanand much more than a sports league, it’s a movement.

    “This is not just a league, it’s a platform that instils teamwork, discipline and resilience,” said Bhati, calling the initiative a bridge between raw talent and bigger opportunities. Waikar agreed and added, “Khele Sanand nurtures ambition and builds belief. It’s giving rural and urban youth alike a chance to compete in a structured, professional environment.”

    Season 3 raises the stakes with new venues, expanded formats and enhanced coaching, running through to April 2026. The finale promises not only medals and trophies, but also a celebration of resilience, teamwork and the spirit of participation.

    With each season, Khele Sanand proves that sport isn’t just about winning games, it’s about winning communities.

  • How Expats Can Get True Copy Attestation for UAE Visa Applications

    How Expats Can Get True Copy Attestation for UAE Visa Applications

    Applying for a UAE visa entails more than simply forms and documentation. True copy attestation is an important step that many expats tend to overlook. Without it, applications may be delayed or even rejected. This article describes what true copy attestation is, why it’s important for visa applications, and how to complete the process efficiently and accurately.

    What Is True Copy Attestation in Dubai?

    True copy attestation refers to an attestation method by which a skilled lawyer verifies that a photocopy of an original document is authentic and identical to the original. In Dubai, only licensed lawyers typically offer this service.

    Unlike other photocopies, a certified true copy attestation in Dubai carries legal weight and confirms that the original document has been verified against the true copy.

    Why Expats Need True Copy Attestation for Visa Applications

    Expats often need to present certified copies of documents to prove their identity, education, or proof of residence. As a result of this, UAE visa authorities commonly request attested copies of: 

    • Passports 

    • Address proof that can be obtained through utility bills or tenancy contracts 

    • Employment or experience letters 

    • Educational certificates  

    So what happens if you submit an uncertified copy? Your document approval could be delayed or rejected. With true copy attestation, expats demonstrate that their documents are genuine and officially verified.

    Certified True Copy Attestation in Dubai vs. Notarization 

    It is important to distinguish between attestation and notarization.  

    Certified true copy attestation in Dubai: A licensed lawyer certifies that a photocopy matches the original document.  
       
     Notarization: A notary public verifies but does not typically certify photocopies of passports or bills.  

    For UAE visa applications, immigration departments and free zones usually require certified true copies and not notarized documents.

    Step-by-Step Guide to True Copy Attestation in Dubai 

    1. Check Requirements

    The first step is to confirm with the visa authority or employer which documents need certified true copies.

    2. Prepare Photocopies

    Ensure all copies are clear, complete and free from distortions. Poor quality or blurred copies do not get approved.

    3. Bring Originals to a Lawyer

    Lawyers must inspect the original document before certifying the copy. Originals are essential for verification.

    4. Certification by Lawyer

    Following document inspection, the lawyer signs and stamps the copy, adding a statement that it is a true copy of the original, along with the date.

    5. Use in Visa Applications

    You can then submit the certified true copies instead of the originals to immigration or other authorities.

    6. Additional Legalization if Needed

    Documents issued overseas, such as marriage certificates or university degrees may require additional embassy legalization or Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) attestation, following the true copy certification.

    Why Use Professional True Copy Attestation Services in Dubai? 

    While expats can approach lawyers directly, many prefer professional services that simplify the whole process for convenience. These professional services connect applicants with licensed lawyers. Many of these service providers also handle scheduling and ensure documents meet the legal requirements. This is particularly helpful when several documents from different countries need to be attested for a single visa application.

    For expats, true copy attestation Dubai is not just a formality but a vital requirement in the visa process. It confirms the authenticity of essential documents and reassures authorities of their validity. By understanding the difference between notarization and certified true copy attestation, preparing documents properly and using professional services when needed, expats can ensure their visa applications proceed smoothly and without unnecessary delays.

  • Maheima Kapur takes charge as Kayura’s chief marketer

    Maheima Kapur takes charge as Kayura’s chief marketer

    BENGALURU:  Maheima Kapur has joined Kayura as chief marketing officer, adding heavyweight experience to the digital-first lifestyle brand’s leadership bench.

    Kapur is a marketing and product specialist with nearly 20 years in consumer goods and start-ups. She founded culinary-tourism platform Talking Street, scaled interior-design player Design Cafe as vice-president of marketing and customer experience, and has advised a clutch of health-tech and B2B firms on go-to-market strategy, product design and digital communication.

    Earlier, she drove innovation at Tata Global Beverages, relaunched Lifebuoy Hand Wash at Unilever with a 250 per cent growth spurt, and shaped Britannia’s dairy portfolio. Recent projects include Manam, a mental-wellness programme for Manipal Academy of Higher Education students, and digital-transformation mandates for Nutriwiz, Vectura Fertin Pharma and The Media Ant.

    At Kayura, Kapur will steer brand strategy, product marketing and growth, sharpening the company’s push to become a pan-India lifestyle name.

  • TCS opens NYC design studio to reimagine digital experiences with AI

    TCS opens NYC design studio to reimagine digital experiences with AI

    MUMBAI: Big apple, bigger ideas. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has unwrapped its flagship ‘Interactive design studio’ in the heart of New York city, bringing a fresh wave of innovation to midtown Manhattan.

    Spread across 4,000 square feet, the state-of-the-art studio will help clients design seamless, human-like digital experiences by harnessing advanced multimodal AI, digital twin technology, and next-generation design practices.

    “This marks the advent of a new era for design,” said TCS Interactive, president, Kamal Bhadada. “The studio will be a hub for co-creation, giving our designers and clients the tools to create iconic, enduring experiences.”

    The space will also showcase TCS’ cutting-edge work, including its ‘Future athlete project,’ which uses digital twins to monitor health and optimise performance.

    TCS north America, president, Amit Bajaj added “Technology is redefining the art of the possible in customer experience. By expanding in New York, one of the world’s most creative capitals, we aim to help clients reinvent how consumers interact with brands in this new AI-driven world.”

    TCS Interactive has a track record of delivering award-winning digital solutions, from mobile apps for major sporting events to reimagined omnichannel journeys for global brands. The new Manhattan hub builds on this expertise while reinforcing New York’s reputation as a tech and creative powerhouse.

    With over 46,000 associates already in north America and more than 50 years of presence in the region, TCS’ latest investment is both a nod to the city’s commercial resurgence and a commitment to shaping the future of digital experiences.

    Because when it comes to design, TCS is proving that the city that never sleeps just got a studio that never stops creating.

  • Toy story triumph: Funskool wins top honour for export excellence

    Toy story triumph: Funskool wins top honour for export excellence

    MUMBAI: Playtime just turned into prize time. Funskool India, the country’s biggest toymaker, has clinched the coveted platinum award from the Sports goods & toys export promotion council (SGEPC) for outstanding export performance in 2024–25.

    The award, highest in its category, was presented to, Funskool India Ltd., CEO, K A Shabir at a ceremony in New Delhi attended by union minister of youth affairs and sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya.

    Celebrating the win, Shabir said, “We are truly honoured to receive this recognition. It reflects our team’s relentless focus on quality, innovation, and excellence. At Funskool, we have always believed in showcasing India’s toy-making capabilities to the world, and this award reaffirms our mission to make India a global hub for toy manufacturing.”

    Founded in 1987 and backed by the MRF Group, Funskool has been a pioneer in introducing safe, high-quality toys to Indian households, while also exporting a vast range of products worldwide. With state-of-the-art facilities in Goa and Ranipet, the company continues to raise the bar for India’s toy industry.

    For parents and children alike, Funskool’s success means more than just play, it’s proof that Indian toys are winning hearts and markets across the globe. After all, when it comes to fun, this homegrown brand knows how to play to win.

  • Ad green: IAS and Good-Loop take carbon out of the digital equation

    Ad green: IAS and Good-Loop take carbon out of the digital equation

    MUMBAI: Less hot air, more clean air. That’s the promise as Integral Ad Science (IAS) teams up with Good-Loop to help advertisers track and shrink their digital carbon footprint, without the added cost.

    Fresh from the launch of the ‘Global media sustainability framework’ at Cannes, IAS has now rolled out advanced emissions measurement across every ad impression on the open internet. The move means advertisers can monitor, manage, and meaningfully reduce the environmental impact of their digital campaigns, all while still ticking the usual boxes for viewability, fraud prevention, and brand safety.

    Good-Loop, a B corp on a mission to make advertising climate-friendly, has already been powering IAS’s emissions measurement for three years. The collaboration now goes mainstream, offering advertisers across the globe a chance to see exactly how green, or not, their media buying really is.

    Good-Loop’s Founder & CEO, Amy Williams put it plainly “We now know, in no uncertain terms, the environmental impact that media buying has, and it’s time to take this information into the mainstream, to change our industry for the better.”

    IAS, CEO, Lisa Utzschneider added: “Sustainability in advertising requires more than promises, it needs accountability. Every impression we measure will now come with data on its carbon impact.”

    With new carbon legislation around the corner and sustainability pledges stacking up, the move sets a precedent: carbon counts as much as clicks. And as the industry warms to greener metrics, IAS and Good-Loop’s initiative could help cool things down for the planet.