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Category: MAM

  • MRSI puts the power of ‘and’ at centre of 33rd annual seminar

    MRSI puts the power of ‘and’ at centre of 33rd annual seminar

    MUMBAI: The Market Research Society of India (MRSI) is set to bring fresh energy to Gurugram this month, with its 33rd annual market research seminar promising a heady mix of data, ideas and debate under the banner “The Power of And”.

    Dr Saurabh Garg, secretary at the ministry of statistics and programme implementation, will deliver the opening keynote on “Driving impact through data insights: harnessing public-private synergies for a Viksit Bharat at 2047”. His address will anchor two days of panels, papers and provocations at The Leela Ambience on 11–12 September.

    The line-up features Karthik Nagarajan of Hogarth, Aradhana Lal of Lemon Tree Hotels and Aditya Kasyap of Unilever, alongside sessions on navigating “many Indias” and a panel on the “joys and dilemmas of insight in the age of technology” with senior voices from HUL, Nestlé, Airtel, Kantar, Smytten and more.

    This year drew over 100 research paper submissions, with 22 shortlisted across four themes: bending and breaking methodologies, innovating at the edges, technology as an intersection, and the human mosaic of future leaders.

    “The seminar has long been the cornerstone of India’s research and insights industry,” said Rituparna Dasgupta, chairperson of the 33rd edition and EVP at Zee entertainment. “This year’s theme captures how our world is being shaped.”

    With Smytten Pulse AI as lead partner and heavyweights such as Kantar, Nestlé, ITC and Hindustan Unilever backing sessions, MRSI is positioning its flagship gathering as more than a talking shop.
     

  • Sunfeast’s ‘Missing Wife’ campaign puts equality back on the nameplate

    Sunfeast’s ‘Missing Wife’ campaign puts equality back on the nameplate

    MUMBAI: When Bengaluru saw posters declaring “Nikhil’s wife is missing…”, passers-by were left puzzled, worried, and curious in equal measure. But the mystery wasn’t a crime scene, it was ITC’s Sunfeast Marie Light turning everyday nameplates into a powerful statement on equality.

    The campaign, fittingly titled ‘Missing Wife’, is the latest chapter in the brand’s ongoing push for shared identity in households. Last year, Sunfeast Marie Light launched the Strong Team Nameplate Campaign, spotlighting how many Indian homes still display just one partner’s name at the door. This year, the OOH teasers across Bengaluru bus shelters and hoardings dialled up the intrigue with one-liners like “Nikhil’s wife is missing…” before revealing the emotional message: the absence of a woman’s name on a nameplate may not make headlines, but it quietly reinforces imbalance at home.

    Taking the message beyond hoardings, Sunfeast Marie Light partnered with Mygate to extend the initiative into 40 plus residential societies. The campaign struck a chord by contrasting the immediate concern when a loved one goes missing with the near invisibility of a missing name. By putting equality, respect, and shared identity back on the doorstep, the brand once again underlined its belief that a home isn’t complete without both partners standing side by side.

  • Scapia launches Leap Year to fund year-long global trip for two Indians

    Scapia launches Leap Year to fund year-long global trip for two Indians

    MUMBAI: Who says you can’t buy time? Scapia, India’s travel fintech disruptor, is offering two lucky Indians the chance to trade in deadlines for departure gates with The Leap Year, a fully funded, 12-month adventure spanning four continents. Think flights, stays, visas, a daily stipend, curated experiences, and even mentorship all covered.

    The initiative reimagines the old-school “gap year” as a bold, purposeful leap into self-discovery. Open to all Indians aged 23 and above, including existing and future Scapia users, the contest requires applicants to upload a short video at scapia.cards/leapyear explaining what travel means to them and why they’re ready to take the plunge. The deadline is 31 August, with the two winners set to be revealed in September 2025.

    To ensure authenticity, Scapia has roped in a diverse jury: celebrity chef Sarah Todd, solo traveller Aakanksha Monga, and storyteller Gaurav Sharma (Wanderda), alongside its own team. Their task? To select two individuals whose stories capture travel’s power to transform lives. The prize isn’t just sightseeing, winners will co-design their itineraries with Scapia, ensuring each journey reflects their passions and personal goals.

    The campaign launches with a digital film reminding young Indians that “there’s never a perfect time to take the leap,” a message backed by a high-impact social push and teaser content designed to spark wanderlust. With over 7,500 plus pincodes already in its user base and a growing suite of credit and travel-first features from rewards to visa services Scapia isn’t just funding trips, it’s reframing travel as an investment in self. For the chosen pair, 2025 won’t just be another calendar year, it’ll be the leap of a lifetime.

  • Simple Interest calculator: fastest way to calculate loan interest

    Simple Interest calculator: fastest way to calculate loan interest

    When you plan to take a personal loan, one of the first questions that comes to mind is – how much extra will I end up paying? This is where a simple interest calculator comes to your rescue. Instead of manually crunching numbers, this tool gives you quick results, helping you understand the total repayment amount in just seconds.

    Whether you are planning a small loan for emergency expenses or a big-ticket purchase, knowing the interest beforehand helps you make smarter decisions. A calculator not only saves time but also ensures you stay financially prepared.

    What is Simple Interest?

    Simple interest is the easiest way to calculate the cost of borrowing money. It is based on three components:

    ●    Principal amount – the actual loan you borrow

    ●    Rate of interest – the percentage charged by the lender

    ●    Time period – the duration for which the loan is taken

    The formula is straightforward:

    Simple Interest = (Principal × Rate × Time) ÷ 100

    For example, if you borrow Rs. 1,00,000 at an interest rate of 10% for 2 years, the simple interest would be:

    (1,00,000 × 10 × 2) ÷ 100 = Rs. 20,000.

    This means you will repay Rs. 1,20,000 in total.

    Why use a Simple Interest calculator?

    While the formula is easy, doing it repeatedly for different loan amounts and durations can be tiring. A simple interest calculator eliminates errors and gives instant results. Here’s why it’s helpful:

    ●    Time-saving – no manual calculations required

    ●    Accurate results – prevents mistakes in large numbers

    ●    Quick comparisons – helps you compare different loan offers

    ●    Financial clarity – know the total repayment amount in advance

    This clarity is especially useful when you are choosing between multiple lenders or loan tenures.

    Example: Rs. 50,000 personal loans

    Imagine you need quick funds for a medical emergency or urgent travel. Rs. 50,000 personal loans are often the go-to solution. Before borrowing, you’ll want to know exactly how much interest you will be paying.

    Let’s say you borrow Rs. 50,000 at 12% interest for one year.

    Using the formula: (50,000 × 12 × 1) ÷ 100 = Rs. 6,000.

    So, your total repayment will be Rs. 56,000.

    This simple example shows how a calculator can help you instantly understand the cost of borrowing.

    Benefits of knowing your loan interest

    When you are aware of your total repayment, it becomes easier to plan your monthly budget. You can:

    ●    Decide whether the loan fits into your financial plan

    ●    Avoid surprises during repayment

    ●    Compare offers and pick the most affordable option

    ●    Choose a suitable tenure based on affordability

    This financial foresight ensures that your loan becomes a helpful tool rather than a burden.

    How to use a Simple Interest calculator

    Most calculators available online are user-friendly. All you need to do is:

    1.    Enter the loan amount

    2.    Add the rate of interest

    3.    Select the loan tenure

    With just one click, you’ll see the exact interest payable and the total repayment amount.

    Final thoughts

    A simple interest calculator is the fastest way to estimate your loan cost. It allows you to make informed decisions, especially when exploring different personal loan options. Whether it’s a short-term borrowing like Rs. 50,000 personal loans or a higher amount, knowing the interest in advance ensures you stay in control of your finances.

    Before applying, always compare rates, check your repayment capacity, and use a calculator to keep your loan journey stress-free. 
     

  • Ad volumes tune up as TV, radio and print steal the show in H1 2025

    Ad volumes tune up as TV, radio and print steal the show in H1 2025

    MUMBAI: Lights, camera, action, India’s advertising pie in 2025 is anything but half-baked. The first half of the year has seen TV, radio, and print rise with renewed swagger, even as digital took a cautious breather, according to a trends report by Excellent Publicity in partnership with TAM Adex and RCS India.

    Television strutted confidently, clocking a 27 per cent surge in ad volumes and a 64 per cent jump in spends over 2023. Unsurprisingly, Star India ruled the charts, while Jio Hotstar topped brand visibility. Together, Sports and GECs claimed 84 per cent of ad time, proving that prime time still makes advertisers shine. Entertainment, e-commerce, and social media alone accounted for 25.6 per cent of volumes.

    Radio kept its local beat alive, growing 10 per cent in revenues over 2023. Real estate and cars dominated the airwaves, with Maruti Suzuki India the top advertiser and Jeena Sikho the loudest brand. The real showstopper? Commercial vehicles, which roared with a 24x spike in ad spends, underscoring radio’s rural and tier-2 pull.

    Print, once counted out, flipped back into relevance with 26 per cent growth YoY. Cars led the page with 8.9 per cent of spends, while Retail Departmental Stores made a debut in the top 10. Allen Career Institute continued to hold the spotlight, and two-wheelers raced ahead with a 31 per cent surge in spends, showing print’s enduring power in suburban and semi-urban India.

    Digital, meanwhile, had a paradoxical season. Though overall spends dipped 8 per cent YoY, the platform saw its highest number of advertisers in three years. Online shopping led the charge with 11.2 per cent of total spends, Amazon India as the top advertiser and Amazon the most visible brand. Quirky shifts included washing powders and liquids exploding by 21x and perfumes/deodorants by 6x, while programmatic accounted for 88.3 per cent of spends, cementing automation’s dominance.

    As Excellent Publicity co-founder Vaishal Dalal put it: “TV still captures attention, radio keeps it local, print earns back trust, and digital is sharper than ever. The winners are those who embrace each medium’s strengths while staying innovative.”

    India’s ad world, it seems, is learning to juggle tradition with tech – and in 2025, every medium is fighting for its close-up.

  • Reppro schools the field with NTU India comms mandate

    Reppro schools the field with NTU India comms mandate

    MUMBAI: Talk about a class act Nottingham Trent University (NTU) has picked The Reppro as its communications partner in India, giving the agency a fresh addition to its growing education portfolio. The remit covers Public Relations, Social Media, and Digital Marketing, all aimed at making NTU a go-to choice for Indian students and institutions.

    India has emerged as a hotbed for global universities, with the number of Indian students heading to the UK skyrocketing by nearly 274 per cent since 2019. NTU, one of Britain’s top-ranked institutions, brings plenty to the table: teaching excellence, strong industry links, and an employability-first approach. With students from over 160 countries and ties with 300-plus universities worldwide, it blends academic prestige with real-world career outcomes.

    The Reppro will craft an integrated communications strategy to boost NTU’s visibility in India, highlighting its global reputation and practical support for students from visas and funding to employability guidance. NTU senior regional manager Anna Audhali said: “India continues to be pivotal for Nottingham Trent University’s global outlook. Through this partnership, we hope to share NTU’s values and opportunities more widely, and strengthen connections with Indian students, families, and academic partners.”

    For The Reppro, it’s a chance to put the spotlight on NTU’s strengths. The Reppro founder Amit Gupta noted: “As more Indian students seek world-class education with real-world relevance, our focus is to further raise NTU’s visibility in India and highlight the opportunities it offers.”

    NTU has the credentials to back it up: its research has twice been honoured with the Queen’s Anniversary Prize (2015, 2021), with 83 per cent of its research rated world-leading or internationally excellent in REF 2021. Add to that being crowned ‘University of the Year’ five times in six years, and the message is clear NTU isn’t just teaching, it’s thriving.

  • RED FM & Bengaluru police helm road safety with Ganesha

    RED FM & Bengaluru police helm road safety with Ganesha

    MUMBAI: Lord Ganesha may have been blessed with a second head, but Bengaluru’s riders won’t be as lucky. That’s the message 93.5 Red FM and the Bengaluru Traffic Police hammered home this Ganesh Chaturthi with their cheeky yet sobering campaign, ‘Second chance nahi milega’.

    Running from 18–29 August, the initiative took a mythological twist on road safety, reminding riders that while Ganesha was revived after his beheading, mortals don’t get divine do-overs. The only shield between life and tragedy? A helmet.

    And Red FM made sure that message wasn’t just lip service. Rjs hit the city’s busiest junctions such as Indiranagar, Silk Board, MG Road, Rajajinagar, Koramangala, and more, alongside the traffic police, stopping bare-headed bikers in their tracks. Instead of just a fine or lecture, riders got a free, ISI-marked helmet and a much-needed reality check.

    The campaign went beyond the roads, too. On-air banter, live bytes, and social media snippets carried commuters’ stories and witty safety reminders to thousands more, weaving road sense into festive celebrations.

    “Through ‘Second Chance Nahi Milega’, we transformed festive celebration into civic action,” said Red FM, general manager – Karnataka, Suresh Ganesan. “By linking mythology with modern road safety, we gave people a reason they could never forget.”

    Bengaluru’s traffic police were just as upbeat. “A helmet is not for the fear of law, it is for your own safety,” stressed joint commissioner of police, traffic, Karthik Reddy. “We are happy Red FM took up this initiative and gave free helmets to riders.”

     

  • Lauritz Knudsen flips the switch with cricket stars for nonstop India

    Lauritz Knudsen flips the switch with cricket stars for nonstop India

    MUMBAI: When the lights stay on and the game never stops, you know someone’s powering the innings behind the scenes. Lauritz Knudsen Electrical and Automation, a leader in India’s electrical and automation space, has rolled out its latest campaign Powering a Non-Stop India with the star power of Mumbai Indians’ trio, captain Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav.

    As the Principal Partner of Mumbai Indians, the brand isn’t just about logo placement on jerseys. The campaign spotlights how Lauritz Knudsen keeps India moving from hospitals running 24/7 and factories working round the clock, to homes that never miss a beat. The film runs seamlessly through these everyday scenarios, reflecting the company’s promise of reliability and resilience.

    Backed by creative muscle from Saatchi & Saatchi India, the campaign goes beyond advertising bravado. “Empowering bold and future-ready operations is at the heart of what we do,” said Schneider Electric vice president of marketing for Greater India Rajat Abbi emphasising Lauritz Knudsen’s role in driving a relentless India forward. Saatchi’s Chief Creative Officer Rohit Malkani added, “When you have three cricketing giants and a brand that never stops, the film itself had to move nonstop.”

    With India’s love for cricket as its amplifier and a message rooted in everyday resilience, the campaign blends entertainment with utility. Live across multiple platforms, it plugs Lauritz Knudsen’s story straight into households, reminding viewers that while the stars may play on the field, it’s reliable power that keeps the country’s innings going.

    Would you like me to also suggest a crisper alternate headline option without the cricket pun, in case you want to emphasise the “non-stop India” theme more strongly?

  • Tax Benefits of ULIP Plans vs. Term Life Insurance: 2025 Update

    Tax Benefits of ULIP Plans vs. Term Life Insurance: 2025 Update

    In India, the world of finance is always changing, especially when you look at life insurance and ways to save on taxes. ULIP plans and term life insurance are popular for those wanting to protect their family and get the most out of tax breaks. If you’re planning to in invest in 2025, it’s good to know the tax differences between these options.

    What are ULIP plans

    ULIP stands for Unit Linked Insurance Plan. These plans mix investment and insurance together. A portion of what you pay goes to life insurance, and what’s left is invested in stocks, bonds, or a mix of both. How well those investments do decides how much your ULIP is worth later on. That’s why ULIPs can be a good pick if you want both insurance and a chance to earn some money from the market.

    What is term life insurance

    Term life insurance is a simple kind of insurance. It gives you risk protection for a set time. If you pass away during this time, your beneficiary gets a payment. It doesn’t have any investment or maturity payouts. People like it because it gives you a lot of coverage for a low price.

    Key tax benefits of ULIP plans and term life insurance

    Tax deductions under Section 80C

    Both ULIP plans and term life insurance premiums qualify for deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961. You can claim a maximum deduction of up to Rs. 1.5 lakh per financial year.

    ULIP plans: Premiums paid for self, spouse, or children are eligible.  
    Term life insurance: Premiums paid for self, spouse, or children also qualify.

    The premium should not exceed 10% of the sum assured, else the deduction will be restricted. This rule is applicable for policies purchased after 1 April 2012.

    Maturity and death benefits under Section 10(10D)

    Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act offers exemptions on maturity proceeds for both ULIP plans and term life insurance, under specific conditions.

    For ULIPs: The maturity benefit, including bonus and top-up premiums, is exempt from tax if the premium amount does not exceed 10% of the actual sum assured. For policies issued after 1 February 2021, if the aggregate premium paid in any year for ULIP policies exceeds Rs. 2.5 lakh, the maturity proceeds will be taxable as capital gains.

    For term life insurance: Since these policies do not have any maturity benefit, the provision is relevant for the death benefit, which is always tax-free for the nominee.

    Death benefit exemptions

    In both products, the death benefit paid to the nominee is fully exempt from tax in the hands of the recipient, regardless of the premium amount paid.

    Taxation of surrender value

    ULIPs: If surrendered before completing five years, the surrender value is taxable as per your income tax slab. After five years, surrender value and gains are tax-free unless the annual premium exceeds Rs. 2.5 lakh for policies issued after 1 February 2021.

    Term life insurance: As there is no surrender or maturity value, this aspect is not applicable.

    Recent changes and 2025 updates

    High value ULIPs and taxability

    The Union Budget, 2021 introduced a rule that greatly impacts ULIP plans. If the annual premium paid on ULIP policies issued on or after 1 February 2021 exceeds Rs. 2.5 lakh, the maturity amount will no longer remain entirely tax-free. Gains above this limit are taxed as capital gains under Section 112A, which currently stands at 10% without indexation benefits for amounts over Rs. 1 lakh. In 2025, this rule remains unchanged. It is crucial for high net-worth individuals to evaluate the implications before purchasing multiple ULIP policies to maximise tax-free returns.

    2025 updates for Section 80C

    Section 80C is still the main way to get tax deductions on premiums you pay for ULIP plans and term life insurance. But, the total limit for each person is still Rs. 1.5 lakh. This includes all the investments that qualify, not just insurance premiums. New options like the National Pension System give you extra chances to save on taxes under Section 80CCD(1B).

    Comparing tax benefits of ULIP plans and term life insurance

    ULIP plans and term life insurance both provide tax benefits, but the nature and scope of these benefits vary. While both allow deductions under Section 80C, ULIPs offer additional advantages like tax-free maturity under certain conditions. However, ULIPs also involve complexities such as potential capital gains tax and taxable surrender value if exited early. The table below summarises the key differences:

    Practical examples for Indian policyholders

    Let us consider two investors, Rahul and Priya.

    Rahul buys a term life insurance policy with a sum assured of Rs. 1 crore and pays a premium of Rs. 12,000 per year. He claims this amount under Section 80C, and his nominee will receive a Rs. 1 crore death benefit, completely tax-free under Section 10(10D).

    Priya invests Rs. 2 lakh annually in a ULIP plan. She claims the premium under Section 80C. Upon maturity, since the aggregate annual premium does not exceed Rs. 2.5 lakh, her maturity proceeds will be tax-exempt under Section 10(10D).

    If Priya’s annual premium was Rs. 3 lakh, only the death benefit component would be tax-free. The maturity proceeds would be taxable as capital gains.

    Important considerations for choosing between ULIP plans and term life insurance

    Assess your financial goals

    ULIP plans suit those seeking long-term wealth creation with life cover. The market-linked nature presents both opportunity for growth and exposure to risk. Term life insurance remains best for those wanting to protect their family with a large sum assured and low cost.

    Evaluate premium limits

    To maintain tax exemption on maturity, ULIP investors should restrict annual premiums to Rs. 2.5 lakh across all policies purchased post-February 2021. Term life insurance premiums tend to be much lower for high coverage.

    Investment flexibility

    ULIP plans offer switching benefits between funds, catering to investors with changing risk profiles. This flexibility is not available with term life insurance.

    Conclusion

    For Indian investors in 2025, both ULIP plans and term life insurance are still key parts of a tax-smart financial plan. Term life insurance is simple, cheap, and covers a lot of risk, so it’s great if you just want protection. ULIP plans give you both life cover and a chance to grow your money with the market, plus good tax breaks if you follow the premium rules. Recent tax changes mean it’s really important to pick the right kind of policy and premium amounts.

    If you understand the tax perks, rules around Sections 80C and 10(10D), and how high-value ULIPs are taxed now, you can invest wisely. Always think about what insurance you need and how much you can save on taxes, and make sure your family’s financial safety comes first, not just quick gains. If you’re not sure what works best for you, talk to a financial advisor.  
     

  • Vidya Balan and Welspun spin a ghostly yarn to show quality makes a difference

    Vidya Balan and Welspun spin a ghostly yarn to show quality makes a difference

    MUMBAI: When towels turn terrifying and bedsheets get a supernatural twist, you know Vidya Balan is up to something spooky but stylish. Welspun Living Limited (WLL), the global home textile giant, has roped in the National Award-winning actor for its new campaign Kyunki Farq Padta Hai, proving that when it comes to linen, quality really can be a matter of life and afterlife.

    Conceptualised by Atom network, the campaign rolls out with two witty short films, one showcasing Welspun’s Quikdry Towels, the other its Purekot Bedsheets. Both films play with horror-comedy tropes, where ghostly nudges push clueless characters towards smarter choices. Think jump-scares, but with punchlines, as the campaign flips the familiar “kya farq padta hai” on its head to remind us, yes, it does matter.

    Welspun Living MD & CEO Dipali Goenka summed it up: “Every homemaker knows that what we bring into our homes is about trust, care, and durability. Kyunki Farq Padta Hai is our way of showing how small differences in quality can transform everyday life.” Balan, meanwhile, brings her signature blend of gravitas and humour, saying: “There’s a difference between ordinary and better, random and reliable and that’s the story we’re telling with drama, comedy, and truth.”

    Rolling out across TV, digital, print, outdoor and social platforms, the campaign is targeting millions of urban and semi-urban households. With cultural quirks, a dash of nostalgia, and Vidya’s star power, Welspun’s latest isn’t just another product push, it’s a playful reminder that in home linen, the right fabric doesn’t just cover you, it comforts you.