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Category: MAM

  • Ad Club Bangalore snaps up Gen Z insights at Inspiration Room

    Ad Club Bangalore snaps up Gen Z insights at Inspiration Room

    MUMBAI: When it comes to decoding Gen Z, even advertising veterans know they can’t just swipe left on change. The Advertising Club Bangalore’s 15th Inspiration Room lit up last Wednesday with over 100 participants, all keen to grasp how the next generation is reshaping consumption and culture.

    The evening kicked off with Gauri Kumar, who dived straight into the world of Augmented Reality (AR). From Bitmojis to AR lenses, she showed how brands like Myntra and Swiggy are already harnessing Snapchat’s creative toolkit to create scroll-stopping campaigns. “The challenge for brands is no longer access to AR, it’s how creatively you use it,” she quipped, adding that Snapchat has democratised AR production. A live demo on building AR experiences gave attendees a tangible taste of the future of branded engagement.

    Next up Snap Inc. India head of growth Chirag Kohli unpacked how Gen Z, who already command 43 per cent of consumer spend (a figure tipped to hit 50 per cent in the next decade), are redefining commerce. For them, shopping is not just transactional, it’s “shopcialising”, where trends, visuals, and community matter more than price tags. Kohli revealed that 63 per cent of Snapchat users have made purchases on the platform, proving its dual role as both a connection hub and a commerce driver.

    With creators becoming the new search engines and Snapchat pushing India-first features with a camera-first design, the session painted a vivid picture of how phygital is no longer a buzzword but a behaviour. “Attention is scarce, impressions are abundant,” Kohli warned, urging brands to deliver joy and community to cut through the noise.

    Closing the evening Ad Club Bangalore president Laeeq Ali announced that the Club itself is making its Snapchat debut. “This edition has set the bar high for what’s to come,” he said, noting how AR’s blend of code, 3D graphics, and storytelling is redefining advertising playbooks.

    For a series built on sparking inspiration, this edition proved why the Inspiration Room remains the place where marketers, creators, and technologists come together to catch the next big wave before it even trends.

  • The Rise of Online Astrology Consultations And How They’re Changing Lives

    The Rise of Online Astrology Consultations And How They’re Changing Lives

    Astrology has always been part of daily life in many cultures, and today, its online presence continues the traditional values with emerging technology. This shift helps to bring more clarity on relationships, career and personal growth. Astrology is a guide to know our destiny and the possible outcome of our actions. In this context, here is a simple guide to understand why this traditional culture is taking a modern shift.

    Why are Online Astrology Services Increasing?

    Digital astrology gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, when all business meetings and education were shifting to the online mode. Meanwhile, the most influential factors for the rise of online astrology have become its convenience, privacy and accessibility. After you register on such platforms, you can talk to an astrologer for free, anytime and anywhere, for the first time.

    What are the Main Services Available on Online Astrology Platforms?

    Online astrology platforms are expanding to offer more services apart from the simple daily horoscope creation, comparison, and checks. Each service has its own significance, and it ensures that every person gets targeted insights as per their life circumstances. Here are some of them:

    1. Convenient Online Consultations

    Online astrology services allow you to instantly connect with an astrologer via chat and calls. This communication strategy increases accessibility to professional advice at your convenience.

    2. Personalised Horoscope Reading

    You can access customised horoscope predictions just by providing your birth details like time, date and place to the astrologers. These readings allow you to get insights about your strengths, challenges you may face and life opportunities.

    3. Comprehensive Kundali Matching

    This calculator allows you to compare the Gunas of the bride and groom to highlight potential strengths and challenges in their relationship. The higher scores on the Kundali represent the strengths and weaknesses of their bond. However, those getting lower scores need not worry, as these astrologers also offer suggested remedies and solutions.

    4. Daily Panchang Information

    Panchang has Tithi, Yang, Nagstar, and Karan information. They also give insights about he time of sunset, sunrise, moonset, and moonrise. These aspects are used in determining auspicious moments for carrying out different events and rituals.

    5. Detailed Kundali Reading

    Kundali is used as the cosmic blueprint to indicate different aspects of life, including health, career, love, etc. All you have to do is provide information such as your name, date of birth, gender, place and time of birth to receive your kundali through online astrology services.

    6. 24/7 Expert Availability

    Online astrology services are always available to answer your queries. Many of them offer free talk to astrologers for kundali or horoscope reading. You can get in touch with these experts anytime, depending on your convenience. Since the conversation is discreet, you can discuss anything without worrying about the information getting leaked.

    How Technology is Shaping Astrology?

    Technology is enhancing online consultations with expert astrologers. You can connect with experts through the following methods:

    ●   Chat: You can instantly chat with astrologers to bring clarity about kundali reading, panchang information and many more.

    ●   Call: Calling allows you to express your needs clearly and describe in detail what you are looking for.

    Why You Should Prefer Online Consultation?

    Online astrology consultation brings privacy and convenience in one place. With platforms like Astrochat.com, you will get free talk to astrologers to discuss issues related to your relationships, marriage compatibility, career growth, health and many more. So, register and get comprehensive guidance about life!   
     

  • Johor to host ASEAN’s biggest digital content summit in 2025

    Johor to host ASEAN’s biggest digital content summit in 2025

    JOHOR BAHRU: Game, set… animation! Johor Bahru gears up to host the ASEAN Digital Content Summit (ADCS 2025) from 2–4 September.

    Organised by the Ministry of Digital through the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), in collaboration with the Johor State Government, the summit is set to transform the Persada Johor International Convention Centre into the beating heart of ASEAN’s creative economy.

    Timed with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025, ADCS will bring together more than 50 global thought leaders, over 100 exhibitors, and country pavilions from more than 10 nations, all under one roof. Policymakers, studios, start-ups, investors and creators will unite to script the next chapter in animation, gaming and immersive technology.
    The summit opens with the ASEAN Roundtable on 2 September, a high-level dialogue designed to spark regional collaboration in animation, games, and creative technology. Fans of Japanese anime will also find a treat: Koji Morimoto, co-founder of Studio 4°C and one of the creative minds behind Akira, will headline the speaker sessions.

    Meanwhile, the Kre8tif! Business Xchange will act as a matchmaking arena for creators, connecting them with broadcasters, distributors, and investors. The exhibition hall promises a visual feast, from new game solutions to immersive interactive content, showcasing the latest from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and beyond.

    In a nod to talent and research, ADCS 2025 will also feature 50 global technical papers and 60 plus university projects, giving students and young creators a launchpad to shine. The initiative is supported by KL ACM SIGGRAPH and DICE 3.0, ensuring academia meets industry in the most creative of ways.

    MDEC CEO Anuar Fariz Fadzil called the summit a “game-changer” adding, “ADCS 2025 marks Johor’s bold leap toward becoming the beating heart of ASEAN’s digital content revolution. By bringing together innovators, storytellers, and tech leaders, Johor is stepping into the spotlight as the epicentre of gaming, animation, and immersive content.”

    And it’s not all about business. The summit has a festival flavour, too. Public visitors can look forward to e-sports tournaments, outdoor movie screenings, exclusive giveaways, and family fun at B5 Johor Street Market. The celebrations culminate with the Malaysia Animation Film Festival on 4 September, followed by nationwide screenings at GSC cinemas from 16 October.

  • AI on reel duty as Studio Blo crafts Emirates NBD ads with human touch

    AI on reel duty as Studio Blo crafts Emirates NBD ads with human touch

    MUMBAI: When the camera says “AI-ction,” you don’t expect it to tug at your heartstrings. Yet Studio Blo’s latest campaign for Emirates NBD proves that artificial intelligence can roll out films that feel anything but artificial. The next-gen content studio has unveiled three fully AI-generated ads for the MENAT banking giant, each scripted by Liwa.Content Driven and realised entirely within Studio Blo’s proprietary AI pipeline. But instead of flashy montages, the films weave cinematic narratives with human warmth.

    One of the campaign’s centrepieces is a business banking story about entrepreneurs finding strength in personalised support and remote convenience. The other two are hard-hitting anti-fraud PSAs that use a domino-effect metaphor reminding viewers that ignoring scams doesn’t stop them, it only leaves the next person vulnerable.

    Behind the tech sheen is an insistence on old-school craft. “Making a bad film was always easy. So is it with AI,” quipped Studio Blo co-founder and CEO Dipankar Mukherjee. “If you don’t invest in the human craft, the machine will end up making something mediocre.” He credited the production designers, cinematographers, and directors who elevated the campaign.

    Liwa.Content Driven director Sagar Rege added that the aim was not to dazzle but to move: “Most AI films today are montages. With these ads, we wanted to push the technology to tell a story.”

    Studio Blo itself is built on a marriage of filmmaking veterans alumni of DNeg and MPC and AI-first workflows. Its client list already boasts Warner Music, YRF Films, Dentsu, and Nykaa. With Emirates NBD, the studio signals a future where AI isn’t replacing creativity but collaborating with it helping brands tell smarter, faster, and infinitely ambitious stories.

  • “India will probably be one of the largest franchise networks outside the US” -Dave & Buster’s Antonio Bautista

    “India will probably be one of the largest franchise networks outside the US” -Dave & Buster’s Antonio Bautista

    MUMBAI: Antonio Bautista has made a career out of taking American leisure and dining concepts to the world. From launching Hard Rock outlets in frontier markets to fine-tuning global operations at Fogo de Chão, the trilingual executive has opened more than 100 venues across six continents and overseen P&Ls north of $500m. Now, as chief international development officer at Dave & Buster’s, he is steering the arcade-and-dining chain’s most ambitious push yet, a 37-site global pipeline with flagship projects in India, Australia, Mexico and beyond.

    But Bautista is not merely a dealmaker. A strategist with a builder’s mindset, he has spent as much time creating franchise support systems and operational blueprints as signing expansion contracts. He thrives in fast-paced, cross-cultural environments, bringing clarity and structure to sprawling growth plans. Increasingly, he sees AI as a quiet force shaping the industry, a tool to simplify operations, boost productivity and give franchise partners the confidence to scale.

    In conversation with Indiantelevision.com’s Omkar Walunj, Bautista reflects on Dave & Buster’s launch of its latest arcade in Infinity Mall in Mumbai’s Andheri suburb, his partnership with the Malpani group, from where he sees the company’s growth urge coming, and the lessons of blending brand consistency with local flavour. Excerpts from the interview.

    On why India was chosen as the next big international market.

    I think the answer is what is there that is not attractive about India for any international investor? You are the fourth largest economy in the world with an incredibly rapid growing middle class where all the research indicates that disposable income allocated to entertainment continues to increase. So, from our perspective, it was not a matter of if but a matter of ‘when.’ And ‘when’ was defined by having found the perfect partner and we have found the perfect partner in the Malpani Group.

    On the US brand elements that were retained and what was adapted for Indian tastes.

    Thank you. Well, I mean the four pillars are always there. Eat, drink, play, watch. What we’ve done with the eat, for instance, around 33 per cent of our menu is local. We’ve also adjusted our cocktails to the local consumer. The games have been designed to attract young adults and families alike. We have introduced bowling that is almost not seen in India. Nitro light bowling. And our viewing takes into account that the audience likes other sports. For instance, one of the most successful viewing days was the cricket match between your Mumbai team and your Bangalore team. We televised it in our store in Bangalore and we were absolutely packed. So, there it is, we would probably be not be showing cricket at that level in the United States, but here of course we do. So, we’ve customised the brand to what we think resonates with the local consumer, but we’ve maintained its integrity and the authenticity.

    On the role that India will play in the brand’s global growth strategy over the next five years.

    I think India will probably be one of the largest franchise networks outside the US. That would be the logical conclusion given the size of the country and the ambition of our partners in terms of accelerated growth and pipeline ahead of us. And are there any plans to integrate Indian origin games or esports events or Indian cinema into the experience that we offer? In terms of the watch experience? Absolutely! In terms of the music? Absolutely. Yes, that would be part of the plans for sure.

    On the marketing channels digital, experiential, influencer-driven that are resonating most in India.

    So far, yes. I think precisely Malpani Group and specifically Shreya Malpaniand her marketing team have an uncanny understanding of the social media channels. And I think when we look at the activity we have through Instagram, through LinkedIn, the way they handle SEO, I think digital is very strong and the response in terms of all the KPIs around social media are very good so far and we are just starting.

    On the expansion plans and which cities could see Dave & Buster’s next.

    What I have seen is a continuous progression. The country has gotten more modernised, the infrastructures have improved, the younger generations are more and more curious.

    You have to think from our perspective, India has always been an incredibly good example of entrepreneurialism. I think most people in the industry, whether it is hospitality, whether it is technology, have demonstrated day in day out that this is a country where business flourishes.It’s a country where people are interested in growth. It’s been phenomenal for me to be part of the Indian business community for the past 20 years.

    As I said in my speech, I have learned a lot and I owe a lot of my background in business to my colleagues in India.

  • Top Retirement Plans for Salaried and Self-Employed Professionals in 2025

    Top Retirement Plans for Salaried and Self-Employed Professionals in 2025

    Retirement planning supports a structured financial approach for salaried and self-employed individuals. It allows individuals to prepare for future income needs after their active working years end. Planning early may help individuals set up regular income options. Various pension and annuity plans are available in 2025 for individuals with different financial goals. Also, many plans offer options such as immediate payouts or deferred income structures. This article explains the top retirement plans for salaried and self-employed professionals in 2025. 

    Retirement Plans for Salaried and Self-Employed Professionals 

    The retirement plan for salaried and self-employed professionals in 2025 is as follows: 

    National Pension System (NPS)  

    The National Pension System is a voluntary scheme managed by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). It is available to salaried employees, government staff, and self-employed persons. Individuals contribute to their pension account regularly during their working years. At retirement, some part of the accumulated fund can be withdrawn as a lump sum, and the remaining portion may be used to buy an annuity plan. Contributions made under NPS are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80CCD. 

    Public Provident Fund (PPF)  

    The Public Provident Fund is a long-term savings scheme supported by the Government of India. It is available to both salaried and self-employed individuals. The scheme has a 15-year lock-in period, and contributions earn interest at a rate decided by the Ministry of Finance every quarter. The interest earned and the maturity amount are exempt from income tax. Individuals can contribute a fixed amount every year, and partial withdrawals are allowed after 6 years of opening the PPF account. 

    Annuity Plans  

    Annuity plans are available through life insurance companies and can be suitable for those nearing retirement. Individuals invest a lump sum amount, and the insurer provides regular payouts for life or a fixed duration. Annuity options include immediate annuity, deferred annuity, and joint life annuity. These plans do not allow the withdrawal of the principal amount but offer fixed income during the post-retirement period. An annuity plan can be helpful for self-employed individuals who want a predictable payout pattern. 

    Senior Citizens’ Savings Scheme (SCSS)  

    The Senior Citizens’ Savings Scheme is designed for individuals aged 60 years and above. It is available through banks and post offices. The scheme allows a one-time investment, and interest is paid quarterly. The interest rate is reviewed every quarter by the Ministry of Finance. SCSS has a tenure of five years and may be extended by three more years. The SCSS can be suitable for retirees who seek regular interest income in their retirement years. 

    Life Insurance Retirement Plans  

    Many life insurance providers offer pension or retirement-focused insurance policies. This plan combines savings with life coverage, and both salaried and self-employed individuals can buy life insurance retirement plans. This plan usually involves regular premiums or a one-time payment. On maturity, a part of the amount can be paid to the policyholder as a lump sum, while the rest is used to offer periodic income. Many life insurance retirement plans offer deferred annuity or immediate annuity options, based on the policyholder’s age and preference. 

    Atal Pension Yojana (APY)  

    Atal Pension Yojana is a government-backed pension scheme mainly aimed at unorganised sector workers. However, any Indian citizen between 18 and 40 years of age may join. People who enrol for this yojana can receive monthly pension benefits after reaching the age of 60. The contribution amount depends on the chosen monthly pension and the age of entry. 

    Voluntary Provident Fund (VPF)  

    The Voluntary Provident Fund is an extension of the Employees’ Provident Fund. It allows salaried employees to contribute a higher percentage of their salary beyond the mandatory EPF amount. The interest rate is usually similar to EPF. Additionally, it offers tax benefits under Section 80C, and the maturity amount is tax-exempt if certain conditions are met. VPF may suit those who want to increase long-term savings through payroll deductions. 

    Retirement-Linked Mutual Funds 

    Retirement-linked mutual funds are designed to support long-term retirement planning objectives. These funds typically follow equity or hybrid investment strategies and are suited for long-term goals. They may include lock-in periods and step-down strategies that gradually reduce equity exposure as the investor nears retirement. These funds are available to both salaried and self-employed individuals. Retirement-linked mutual funds provide flexibility in contribution amounts and allow investment through systematic investment plans (SIPs). 

    Conclusion 

    Retirement planning is an important part of long-term financial preparation. Choosing a plan with suitable annuity features may support future income after regular employment ends. Retirement products vary in structure and may include options for single life or joint life annuity, immediate or deferred income. Understanding how these options work helps individuals select plans that match their financial goals. It is important to review the terms of each policy carefully before making a decision. All information should be read directly from the official website of the provider for an accurate understanding. 

    Disclaimer: The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional or legal advice. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) is not responsible for any decisions made based on the information. 

  • KBC S17 onboards Godrej’s Locks & Architectural Solutions as official safety partner

    KBC S17 onboards Godrej’s Locks & Architectural Solutions as official safety partner

    MUMBAI: Locks & Architectural Solutions, a Godrej Enterprises Group company, has once again teamed up with Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) as the show’s Official Safety Partner for Season 17. This marks the brand’s second consecutive association with the nation’s most-watched quiz show, hosted by none other than Amitabh Bachchan.

    Locks and Architectural Solutions, a part of the Godrej Enterprises Group, has consistently set industry standards in the field of locks through continuous innovation, introducing products such as India’s first ‘Made in India’ digital lock, cutting-edge postmodern biometric and connected digital locks and even a lock with the 1st patented dual motion technology in the world.

    The collaboration goes beyond on-screen visibility. Each episode’s winner will take home not just prize money, but also a sleek digital lock, presented by Bachchan himself.

    “Kaun Banega Crorepati is a show that embodies trust and empowerment, values that align perfectly with our mission,” said Shyam Motwani, Business Head, Locks & Architectural Solutions on the partnership. “Through this partnership, we aim to inspire

    Indian families second time to embrace modern safety solutions that combine Godrej’s legacy of trust with the power of technology showcased through our iconic new product range, GSL D1 integration.”

    With features like biometric access, RFID, and app-enabled control, the brand’s new range, including the GSL D1 integration, aims to redefine what “safe” means in the digital age.

    “Viewers are invited to engage with the brand across social media platforms and explore its innovative product range at stores nationwide. Whether upgrading home security or learning more about digital safety, this partnership encourages every Indian to take a step toward a smarter, safer future,” added Motwani.

    This association marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of home safety in India, where tradition meets technology, and trust meets transformation.

     

  • DS Group and WPP decode digital chaos with India’s first marketing playbook

    DS Group and WPP decode digital chaos with India’s first marketing playbook

    MUMBAI: In India’s ever-buzzing ad world, there’s finally a playbook to crack the digital code. FMCG giant DS Group, in partnership with WPP Media, has launched Dcode – The Guide to Digital Marketing, a first-of-its-kind manual designed to streamline and elevate the country’s digital marketing practices.

    Unveiled at a high-profile event featuring panel discussions and keynote sessions, Dcode blends academic rigour with agency know-how to deliver practical templates, systems and best practices across the entire digital spectrum from paid media and SEO to influencer marketing and online reputation management. And here’s the kicker: it’s open access, free to download for anyone from CMOs to curious students.

    The initiative couldn’t be timelier. India’s media and advertising industry is projected to grow 7 per cent in 2025 to Rs 1,64,137 crore, with digital leading the charge at an 11.5 per cent growth rate, cornering 60 per cent of the market share and contributing Rs 10,225 crore of incremental ad spend. But this rapid expansion has been dogged by fragmentation, inconsistent methodologies and inefficiencies. Dcode aims to cut through the clutter by providing a regularly updated, evolving resource.

    “Digital isn’t just an option anymore; it’s a strategic imperative,” said DS Group vice chairman Rajiv Kumar calling Dcode a “legacy resource” for marketers, agencies and enthusiasts navigating today’s complex ecosystem.

    Echoing the sentiment WPP Media South Asia CEO Prasanth Kumar described Dcode as a “significant leap” that redefines industry standards, empowering businesses and professionals alike to thrive in a digital-first world.

    Positioned as a living guidebook, Dcode will be refreshed with the latest practices to ensure it remains relevant in a space where algorithms change as quickly as consumer behaviour. For India’s marketers, it might just be the cheat sheet they’ve been waiting for.
     

  • Birla Opus paints the town festive with Ganesh Chaturthi digital film

    Birla Opus paints the town festive with Ganesh Chaturthi digital film

    MUMBAI :  When Bappa arrives, even the walls want to dress up. This Ganesh Chaturthi, Birla Opus Paints part of Aditya Birla Group’s Grasim Industries has unveiled a heartwarming digital film under its Duniya Ko Rang Do philosophy, capturing the spirit of devotion, colour, and community.

    The film, conceptualised by Leo India, tells the simple yet stirring story of a young boy yearning to welcome Lord Ganesha into his home for the first time. Initially hesitant about the extra effort, his family eventually gives in to his determination, deciding to host Bappa and repaint their home, a reminder that festive joy often begins with fresh walls and fresher spirits.

    Ganesh Chaturthi, one of India’s most vibrant festivals, is portrayed not just as a ritual but as an emotion that unites families, neighbours, and entire communities. The film highlights how a fresh coat of paint isn’t merely cosmetic, it’s symbolic of opening doors to divinity and joy.

    Birla Opus Paints head of marketing Inderpreet Singh explained: “Ganesh Chaturthi is a time of celebration, bringing homes and neighbourhoods alive. With this film, we wanted to tell the story through the eyes of a child welcoming Bappa home for the first time. Paints play a unique role on such occasions, transforming spaces and adding colour to the memories that will be cherished for years.”

    Leo South Asia chief creative officer Sachin Kamble echoed the sentiment: “Birla Opus has always celebrated the transformational power of colours in our lives. This film shows how they go beyond beautifying walls to help turn houses into spaces of celebration and love.”

    Streaming across Youtube, Instagram, Facebook, and Linkedin, the campaign is designed to spread festive cheer and inspire families to brighten both homes and hearts this season. Ending with the line “Rangon Ko Khushiyan Phailane Do, Duniya Ko Rang Do,” the film reminds viewers that colour isn’t just what we see on our walls, it’s what we feel in our celebrations.

  • Flam turns up the volume with 80dB for its mixed reality storytelling

    Flam turns up the volume with 80dB for its mixed reality storytelling

    MUMBAI: When reality isn’t enough, Flam makes it mixed and now, it has found the perfect partner to shout it out loud. 80dB Communications, an integrated reputation management advisory, has bagged the communications mandate for Flam, the AI-powered mixed reality publishing platform that lets brands deliver immersive, app-free 3D experiences. The tie-up will see 80dB craft and drive Flam’s communications strategy, amplifying visibility, shaping corporate reputation, and championing its category-defining innovation in immersive advertising.

    “Mixed reality is rewriting the rules of brand engagement, and with 80dB on board, we’ll ensure our story resonates globally,” said Flam CMO Karthik K Raman noting the platform’s ambition to scale its immersive storytelling to more global brands. Flam head of marketing Nidhi Kohli Nandode added that the collaboration comes at a time when brands are increasingly seeking meaningful audience connections through new-age formats.

    From virtual product launches to interactive campaigns, Flam’s AI Twins–powered experiences are already reimagining how audiences interact with brands. Now, with 80dB’s expertise in startup storytelling and tech communications, the company aims to take these innovations mainstream.

    80dB co-founder & joint MD Kiran Ray Chaudhury summed it up: “Flam is democratising mixed reality for brands at scale. Our goal is to elevate their visibility, shape the conversation, and accelerate adoption of this powerful medium.”

    With immersive ads moving from buzzword to business, Flam and 80dB seem ready to turn up the heat and the decibels in brand storytelling.