Category: MAM

  • Difference Between Term Insurance And Life Insurance

    Difference Between Term Insurance And Life Insurance

    Insurance is an important tool to secure your loved ones’ future. Among the most common types are term insurance and life insurance. While both offer financial protection to your family, they work in different ways. Before you finalise what kind of coverage you want, it is important to understand the distinction between the two. Let’s explore what term and life insurance mean and the main differences between them.

    What is Term Insurance?

    Term insurance is a pure protection plan. It provides life cover for a specific period, i.e., around 10, 20, or 30 years. If the policyholder passes away during this term, the nominee receives the death benefit (sum assured). However, if the policyholder survives the term, there is no maturity or return benefit. Some plans may come with a return of premium feature, where you get the premiums refunded if you outlive the end of the term.

    The main aim of a term plan is to offer high coverage at a low cost. It is considered the most affordable and straightforward type of insurance. You can use a term insurance premium calculator to check how much premium you need to pay based on your age, income, and sum assured. If you are looking for the best term insurance plan, opt for one that offers flexible tenure, claim settlement ease, and rider options.

    What is Life Insurance?

    Life insurance is a broader term that includes products offering a life cover, which may come with savings or investment components. These plans not only offer a death benefit to the nominee in case of the policyholder’s demise but also provide a maturity benefit if the policyholder survives the policy term (endowment plans or ULIPs) or payouts during the plan (money-back policies). 

    Examples of life insurance include endowment plans, whole life insurance, money-back plans, and Unit-linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs). These policies are suitable for individuals looking to save (or invest) over the long term while staying insured. Though the premiums are higher compared to term plans, they offer the advantage of building a financial corpus over time.

    Key Points of Difference Between Term Insurance and Life Insurance

    Are you wondering which to choose – the best term insurance plan or the best life insurance in the market? The following points of difference will help you choose between the two: 

    Parameters  Term Insurance  Life Insurance 
    Purpose  It is purely for financial protection. It combines protection with savings or investment.
    Payouts Only pays the death benefit if the policyholder passes away during the term. Pays the death benefit and also offers maturity benefits if the policyholder survives.
    Premium Cost  Affordable and offers higher coverage for lower premiums.  Comes with higher premiums due to the savings component. 
    Policy Term Covers a specific period. Can offer coverage for a fixed term or even lifetime coverage (whole life).
    Returns Offers no returns unless you opt for return-of-premium variants. Offers returns through bonuses, savings accumulation, or market-linked gains. 
    Ideal For Those who want life insurance coverage at an affordable rate. Those looking to build savings with insurance over a longer period. 

    The right choice between term insurance and life insurance will depend on your financial goals and current life stage. Term insurance is best for those looking for affordable protection while life insurance is ideal for those looking to combine security and long-term savings. Use tools like a term insurance premium calculator to compare and choose the best term insurance plan for your family’s future. Whatever you choose, ensuring financial safety for your loved ones is always a wise decision.

  • CloudTV flips the switch on connected TV ads

    CloudTV flips the switch on connected TV ads

    MUMBAI: CloudTV has kicked off its entry into the adtech game with the launch of a new Connected TV (CTV) advertising platform — and it’s not going solo. The company has partnered with Magnite, the world’s largest independent sell-side ad platform, to unlock access to its 12 million+ screen footprint across India.

    With OTT consumption booming and linear TV losing steam, CloudTV’s move is perfectly timed. The platform promises brands direct access to high-value, lean-in audiences via a suite of features powered by Magnite’s SpringServe — from Programmatic Guaranteed (PG) deals to Private Marketplaces (PMPs) and dynamic Real-Time Bidding (RTB).

    The new ad platform also comes with a sleek microsite for media buyers, offering a front-row seat to inventory, insights, and integration opportunities. It’s a pitch for advertisers chasing the holy grail of reach, relevance, and ROI in a fragmenting screen economy.

    CloudTV’s play is clear: get advertisers thinking beyond traditional TV buys and lean into the power of smart screens — one programmatic ping at a time.

  • Perfect Earbuds for Remote Work and On-the-Go Professionals

    Perfect Earbuds for Remote Work and On-the-Go Professionals

    In the ever-changing world of remote work, hybrid schedules, Teams meetings, and back-to-back calls on the move, one thing is non-negotiable: a solid pair of earbuds. Whether you’re working from a bustling café, hopping between airports, or simply taking meetings from your living room, clear audio, comfort, and battery life make all the difference.

    You don’t want to be that person asking, “Can you hear me now?” during an important client call. Or worse, scrambling for a charging cable midway through a presentation. And with background noise now a constant part of the remote work lifestyle (hello, honking cars and chatty co-workers), Active Noise Cancellation or ANC earbuds are more necessity than a luxury.

    That’s where boAt steps in with its impressive range of wireless earbuds, specifically crafted for people who live life online and on the go. Models like the Airdopes 141 Elite ANC and Nirvana Ion ANC Pro aren’t just trendy, they’re practical tools for productivity. Let’s explore what makes earbuds perfect for modern professionals and which boAt earbuds are leading the way.

    Features to Look for in Earbuds for Remote & On-the-Go Work

    1. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

    Whether you’re attending a webinar or editing a video, ANC earbuds filter out distractions, letting you focus on what really matters. For remote work, ANC is especially crucial when you’re not in control of your environment. Look for earbuds with at least 30 dB ANC to ensure peace of mind (and ear).

    2. Long Battery Life

    Let’s face it, nobody wants to charge their earbuds every few hours. If your day involves long meetings, calls, or commutes, battery life becomes your best friend. Models offering 40+ hours of total playback time are ideal for uninterrupted workdays.

    3. Crystal-Clear Mic Quality

    Professionals need to be heard clearly. So, multiple mics and ENx (Environmental Noise Cancellation) are crucial. These ensure that your voice comes through without background static or interference, even in noisy places.

    4. Multi-Device Compatibility

    From your phone to your laptop and maybe even a tablet, your earbuds need to switch between devices effortlessly. Bluetooth earbuds with a 5.3 or higher version ensure faster pairing and greater range for multitaskers.

    5. Comfort and Fit

    When you’re wearing earbuds all day, ergonomic design and lightweight build are game changers. They prevent ear fatigue and stay in place whether you’re at your desk or walking between meetings.

    6. Bonus Features (That Actually Matter)

    Think LED battery indicators, spatial audio for immersive sound, or dual (even quad) drivers for hi-res audio. These may not be dealbreakers, but they sure do sweeten the deal, especially when you’re wearing these for both work and entertainment.

    Best boAt Airdopes for Remote Work & On-the-Go Life

    1. Airdopes Prime 701 ANC – For the Executive Who Wants It All  
    ₹2,199 | 46 dB Hybrid ANC | Spatial Audio | 50 Hrs Battery

    The Airdopes Prime 701 ANC are for the serious professional who demands maximum focus and superior audio. With 46 dB hybrid ANC, it blocks out even aggressive street noise or café chatter. Add to that spatial audio for immersive virtual meetings, and a 50-hour battery, and you’ve got a beast that’s built for both boardroom calls and Netflix marathons.

    Best for: Frequent flyers, busy executives, and anyone who wants premium features at a great value.

    2. Airdopes Ultra Pro – Because Battery Anxiety is So Last Season  
    ₹1,999 | Spatial Audio | 100 Hrs Battery | 4 Mic AI ENX

    Yes, you read that right–100 hours of battery life. This is the go-to option for anyone who hates carrying chargers. With 4 mic AI ENX, your voice cuts through like a pro even on busy streets. And the spatial audio ensures your music, calls, and podcasts sound rich and lively.

    Best for: Work nomads, long-hour workers, and podcast junkies who need staying power.

    3. Nirvana Ion ANC Pro – For the Audiophile at Work  
    ₹2,799 | 32 dB ANC | Hi-Res Audio with LDAC | 4 Mic AI ENx

    If you’re someone who cares about crystal-clear sound and wants studio-like quality even on calls, the Nirvana Ion ANC Pro is your match. The Hi-Res Audio with LDAC is engineered for deep, nuanced audio, perfect for sound editors, music lovers, and content creators. The 4 mics with AI ENX don’t disappoint either.

    Best for: Creatives, audiophiles, and professionals who need top-tier sound clarity.

    4. Airdopes Supreme – Budget-Friendly, Feature-Heavy  
    ₹1,499 | Cinematic Spatial Audio | 50 Hrs Battery | AI ENx

    On a budget but still want pro-level features? Airdopes Supreme is your go-to. With a 50-hour battery, you can work for days without hunting for a charger. The AI-ENx with wind noise reduction silences everything from background chatter to traffic noises, allowing you to take calls even on the go.

    Best for: Students, freelancers, and budget-conscious professionals.

    5. Airdopes 141 Elite ANC – The Perfect Balance of Price & Power  
    ₹1,499 | 32 dB ANC | 42 Hrs Battery | 4 Mics ENx

    The Airdopes 141 Elite Anc With 32 dB ANC, this pair handles everything from loud typing to barking dogs with ease. 42 hours of battery life and 4 ENx mics mean you’ll always sound your best. A reliable all-rounder, it offers an ideal mix of performance, price, and comfort.

    Best for: Everyday professionals who want quality without going over budget.

    Wrapping Up  
    If your work takes you places (even if it’s just from the couch to the coffee shop), having the right earbuds is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. And with boAt’s line-up of Bluetooth earbuds, there’s something for every kind of professional, from the remote-working writer to the cross-country consultant.

    Whether you’re after long battery life, active noise cancellation, clear call quality, or immersive sound, the boAt family has a model that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. So go ahead, pick the one that speaks to your needs and let your ears thank you later.  
     

  • Shamsuddin, Desai Jasani and Menon blur the lines with launch of AI-native marketing outfit, Theblurr

    Shamsuddin, Desai Jasani and Menon blur the lines with launch of AI-native marketing outfit, Theblurr

    MUMBAI: Three heavy-hitters from India’s advertising hall of fame—Shamsuddin Jasani, Aatsi Desai Jasani and Gopa Kumar Menon—have teamed up to launch Theblurr, a full-service, AI-native marketing company that promises not just smart outputs, but smarter outcomes.

    At a time when brands are swimming in data but gasping for insight, Theblurr aims to rewire marketing for the machine age without losing its human touch. Its calling card? A proprietary ‘HumAIne’ approach that blends machine intelligence with gut instinct—and doesn’t treat AI like the office intern.

    “Marketing today is no longer just about reach or impressions. It’s about real, measurable outcomes—growth, impact, and resonance,” said Shamsuddin Jasani, who serves as Co-founder & CEO of Theblurr. “We have built Theblurr to be a true growth partner, combining full-funnel capabilities with AI-first thinking to create work that truly delivers. We wanted to create something truly aligned with what modern marketing needs. Theblurr is that vision realized—a full-service, AI-native partner built to deliver brilliant outputs and smarter outcomes. We’re here to help brands move faster, think sharper, and achieve results that matter” he added.

    Theblurr is built around what the founders call full-funnel firepower—creative ideas that are media-aware from day one, and media strategies driven by experience, not guesswork. Silo-smashing is not a side project—it’s the operating model.

    Gopa Kumar Menon further added, “At Theblurr, we’re building an agency with passionate people that merges human creativity with AI intelligence. Our HumAIne process, breaks down silos between creative and media teams, it’s the operational backbone that seamlessly integrates our creative and media solutions —every creative idea is media-aware from day one, and every media investment is experience-driven. We’re excited to combine the craft we love with AI that makes it more powerful driven by people who are passionate about making it all work.”

    “At the heart of every great brand story is a deep understanding of people—our clients and their customers. At Theblurr, we don’t just chase KPIs; we champion our clients’ ambitions. Every solution we craft is rooted in empathy, creativity, and the drive to create something truly meaningful together” concluded Aatsi Desai Jasani.

    Together, the trio brings over 60 years of experience and a track record for building agencies that don’t just pitch—they perform. Theblurr’s culture is underpinned by values that spell out its name: Boldness, Learning, Unity, Responsibility and Resonance. (Yes, that’s not a coincidence.)

    As marketers everywhere look for speed, precision and measurable impact, Theblurr promises to be more than just another digital shop—it wants to be the growth partner of choice in a world of vanishing attention spans and rising expectations.

    And if their launch is any clue, the future of marketing just got a little blurrier—and a lot sharper.

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)

  • Deltin bets big on Bangalore Turf Club with a galloping show of luxury and leisure

    Deltin bets big on Bangalore Turf Club with a galloping show of luxury and leisure

    MUMBAI: In a race where elegance met adrenaline, Deltin, the luxury gaming and hospitality powerhouse from Delta Corp, trotted into the limelight at the Bangalore Turf Club (BTC) as the “Fortune Partner” for the high-octane Deltin Juvenile Sprinters’ Million (Grade III) — a sprint showdown for the country’s fastest three-year-old colts and fillies.

    But this wasn’t just about thoroughbreds crossing the finish line. Deltin brought its A-game off the track too, curating an immersive, ultra-premium brand experience that included an exclusive experiential lounge, swanky photo ops, and celebratory moments shared with BTC members and guests. Strategic branding galloped across the venue, reinforcing Deltin’s association with elite sport and high-stakes glamour.

    Over 4,000 guests flocked to the club, soaking in an atmosphere thick with tradition, thrill, and panache — a vibe perfectly in sync with Deltin’s own ethos of sophistication and high living.

    Commenting on the association, Delta Corp COO Manoj Jain said, “Horse racing is a sport steeped in heritage, precision, and prestige – qualities that strongly reflect Deltin’s own brand ethos. Our partnership with the Bangalore Turf Club provided the perfect platform to create a premium experience that resonates with an audience that shares similar demographics and appreciates sophistication, thrill, and exclusivity.”

    With this partnership, Deltin isn’t just playing its cards right in gaming and hospitality — it’s making all the right moves in lifestyle storytelling too. The brand’s ongoing strategy to align with legacy-rich sports like horse racing signals a larger ambition: to own the space where adrenaline meets affluence.

  • Marriott ties up with Oswal Group to bring wellness luxury to Punjab

    Marriott ties up with Oswal Group to bring wellness luxury to Punjab

    MUMBAI: In a move that signals the rise of Ludhiana as a luxury hospitality hotspot, Marriott International and Vardhman Amrante, an Oswal Group venture, have signed a deal to bring the globally celebrated Westin Hotels & Resorts brand to Punjab.

    The 200-key property, to be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 260 crore, will be Ludhiana’s first Westin, a brand known for its wellness-first, rejuvenation-focused philosophy. The signing ceremony took place in Delhi, with senior representatives from both sides sealing the partnership.

    Ranju Alex, regional vice president – South Asia, Marriott International, said the Westin Ludhiana would “redefine excellence in guest service” while giving travellers a place to “be the best version of themselves, even on the move.”

    Adish Oswal, chairman, Oswal Group, called the project the “crown jewel” in their hospitality vision, aiming to make Ludhiana a luxury destination for both business and leisure travellers.

    Situated just 20 minutes from Ludhiana Railway Station, 1.5 hours from Chandigarh International Airport, and within striking distance of the upcoming Halwara Airport, the property is designed for maximum accessibility and upscale indulgence.

    Expected features include Westin’s signature Heavenly Spa, WestinWorkout Fitness Studio, a swimming pool, and multiple dining venues, along with a lavish executive club lounge. The hotel will also boast expansive banqueting facilities and a lush outdoor lawn for events.

    With Ludhiana’s growing clout in trade, logistics and manufacturing and increasing appetite for elevated experiences, this Westin opening underscores Marriott’s bullish stance on India’s tier-2 growth markets.

    Wellness, it seems, is boarding the Shatabdi and heading north.

  • Hybe sets up India subsidiary, aims to localise K-pop in subcontinent

    Hybe sets up India subsidiary, aims to localise K-pop in subcontinent

    MUMBAI: Hybe Corp, the entertainment powerhouse behind global K-pop acts including BTS, Seventeen and Txt, has announced the formation of Hybe India, a whollyowned subsidiary set to begin operations later this year.

    The company announced on 30 June that this initiative is part of chairman Bang Si-hyuk’s“multi-home, multi-genre” strategy, aiming to export Hybe’s artist development blueprint to non-Korean markets. HybeIndia is expected to launch between September and October,following market research and corporate set-up.

    With a population of 1.4 billion, a median age of around 28 years, and one of the world’s fastest growing entertainment markets (estimated to grow at 8.3 per cent annually to Rs 3.45 trillion by 2028), India presents a significant opportunity for Hybe global ambitions. The plan is to replicate the K-pop model—training, storytelling, fan engagement—in local contexts. This mirrors earlier expansions in Latin America and the US, where Hybe America’s Katseye entered the Billboard Hot 100 within a year of debut.

    Hybe has great ambitions for India’s young populace. It says that it will get into:

    Localised music production: Hybe India will blend Indian languages and aesthetics with the K-pop system.

    ● Talent discovery and development: Audition-based programmes, mentorships and training camps are expected, possibly in partnership with Indian broadcasters.

    ● Live events and fan engagement: The expansion may lead to concerts by acts such as BTS and Seventeen in India.

    ● Cultural adaptation: Hybe’s production model must adapt to India’s musical landscape—from Bollywood to indie. Bang Si-hyuk previously said K-pop should be seen as a methodology, not merely a genre.

    ● Market infrastructure: India’s growing event infrastructure, seen in shows like Coldplay Live positions it well for large-scale performances.

    Hybe’s India entry follows its expansion into Latin America and China, adding to earlier success in Japan and the United States. The company tailors its approach—from talent sourcing to IP management—based on local needs.

    With Hybe India set to launch in September or October, the road ahead could feature BTS/Seventeen concerts, homegrown idol groups and Indian-language K-pop acts. While details are still emerging, Hybe’s focus on immersive fan experiences and localisation may transform India’s music scene.

    In essence, this is more than corporate expansion. It’s a step toward co-creating a next- generation Indian pop identity, rooted in the precision of K-pop and coloured with local culture.
     

  • Top marketer Somasree Bose Awasthi steps down from Marico amid shifting FMCG landscape

    Top marketer Somasree Bose Awasthi steps down from Marico amid shifting FMCG landscape

    MUMBAI: Somasree Bose Awasthi has stepped down as chief marketing officer at Marico Ltd, ending a nearly three-year stint at the helm of the company’s marketing function. The news was confirmed today by individuals familiar with the development.

    Somasree joined Marico in late 2022 after a distinguished 15-year career at Godrej Consumer Products, where she rose through the ranks and contributed significantly to brands such as Godrej Aer, HIT, Cinthol and Godrej No.1. At Marico, she focused on strengthening marketing capabilities, mentoring teams, and championing innovation across a wide portfolio.

    During her tenure, she was credited with bringing sharper consumer insight to the table and driving impactful brand work that resonated in an increasingly competitive FMCG landscape. Her approach combined strategic vision with deep empathy for the consumer—qualities that earned her recognition across the industry.

    Her departure comes at a time when Marico, like much of the sector, is navigating a complex retail environment shaped by evolving customer preferences and the convergence of digital and offline channels. The next marketing leader will inherit a strong brand foundation—and the challenge of building on it in a dynamic market.

    Somasree’s next move has not yet been announced, but industry observers and executive search firms will be watching closely.

  • India’s monuments get a colourful glow-up with Birla Opus campaign

    India’s monuments get a colourful glow-up with Birla Opus campaign

    MUMBAI: What do you get when a curious little boy meets an unclickable monument? A splash of imagination, a burst of colour and a nation reminded of its timeless beauty. Birla Opus Paints, under Grasim Industries of the Aditya Birla Group, has launched the next chapter of its “Duniya Ko Rang Do” story with a stunning new campaign titled Celebrating Colours of India.

    This time, the animated Opus Boy returns to brighten not just walls but history itself, beginning with the Gateway of India. In the film, a disheartened street photographer struggles to draw attention to the monument. That’s when our pint-sized hero steps in with a colourful transformation giving the colonial arch a vibrant makeover that captivates onlookers and rekindles national pride.

    The campaign showcases the power of paint to transform not only spaces but also perspectives. It builds on the emotional tone and animation style of the earlier brand launch, but dials it up to a national scale turning iconic monuments into canvases of creativity.

    “The film reinforces the influence of colours and our commitment to beautify spaces while contributing to the national spirit and pride,” said Birla Opus Paints CEO Rakshit Hargave.

    Taking the message a step further, Birla Opus Paints head of marketing Inderpreet Singh added, “By showcasing the potential of our paints with places of heritage and deep cultural significance, we aim to create a powerful story of hope reminding every Indian of the beauty around them.”

    Crafted by Leo India and brought to visual life by Brazil’s Zombie Studios, the film uses rich 3D animation to set an immersive mood. “The grandeur and timelessness of the Gateway make it a perfect canvas,” said Leo India chief creative officer Sachin Kamble. “It’s about inspiring viewers to see the familiar through a transformative lens.”

    The campaign is now live across TV, digital, print, radio, and OOH. And yes, the Gateway of India may be made of stone, but Opus shows us how it can still make hearts bloom.

  • Ipsos buys into behavioural brilliance with The BVA Family acquisition

    Ipsos buys into behavioural brilliance with The BVA Family acquisition

    MUMBAI : Ipsos has officially acquired The BVA Family, ticking off all regulatory boxes and marking a major move to bulk up its capabilities in customer experience, behavioural science, and public sector research. The deal, finalised after consultations with employee reps in France and competition greenlights, adds muscle not just at home, but also in the UK and Italy.

    With this acquisition, Ipsos gains a sharp edge in point-of-sale behaviour analysis and government services research — areas where BVA has carved a name for itself. Of particular note is BVA’s behavioural science-led approach and its globally respected packaging research arm, Prs in Vivo.

    Ipsos CEO Ben Page stated, “We are delighted to welcome The BVA Family teams to Ipsos. They now benefit from our global infrastructure, and the opportunities our scale brings them, while our clients will have access to new, innovative solutions. With our strong cultural fit and complementary set of services, we are poised to deliver even greater value to the businesses and organizations we serve.”

    The BVA Family chairmen Gerard Lopez and Pascal Gaudin added, “We are pleased to join forces with Ipsos, one of the world leaders in market research. This partnership allows us to leverage its international presence and solid competencies, significantly enhancing our capabilities to provide cutting-edge analysis and understanding of society and markets to our clients.” Ipsos France will now operate under the name Ipsos Bva, while the teams in Italy will use the name Ipsos Doxa. In the UK, BDRC will operate under the Ipsos brand.

    The acquisition allows Ipsos to scale up BVA’s methodologies and deploy them across its wider international footprint, signalling a serious intent to lead in the evolving landscape of human-centric research.

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)