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Category: Marketing

  • Ray-Ban Meta AI smart glasses land in India: Titan Eye+ brings smart style into focus

    Ray-Ban Meta AI smart glasses land in India: Titan Eye+ brings smart style into focus

    MUMBAI: Titan Eye+ has dialled up the smart quotient with the launch of Ray-Ban Meta AI smart glasses, now available at 50+ select stores across India. This slick new eyewear, merging Meta’s artificial intelligence with Ray-Ban’s iconic style, puts hands-free functionality right in your frame.

    For those who love to stay connected without missing a beat, the Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses pack a punch—voice-activated Meta AI assistance, hands-free photo and video capture with a 12MP camera, open-ear speakers for immersive audio, and instant connectivity for calls, messages, music, and even live streaming. Style has officially gone high-tech.

    Titan Co Ltd eyecare division CEO NS Raghavan called the launch a game-changer. “We are thrilled to bring the Ray-Ban Meta AI smart glasses to India. As pioneers in smart eyewear, we aim to offer globally acclaimed brands that marry technology with fashion.”

    This launch bolsters Titan Eye+’s already-robust smart eyewear portfolio, which includes the feature-packed Titan EyeX and the trendy Fastrack Vibes. Available in-store and online at www.titaneyeplus.com, the Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses can also be snagged at a discount using Tata Neu reward points. Prices begin at Rs 29,900-odd for the basic model, and go up to Rs 35,700 for the transition AI glasses. 

    With India’s appetite for smart wearables on the rise, Titan Eye+ is putting the future of connected fashion right before your eyes.

  • Infosys breaks into BrandZ top 100 again, surges 34 per cent in value and earns U.S. trust badge

    Infosys breaks into BrandZ top 100 again, surges 34 per cent in value and earns U.S. trust badge

    MUMBAI: In a market that doesn’t blink twice before dethroning legacy players, Infosys has quietly secured its place at the high table. The Bengaluru-based IT giant has once again featured in Kantar’s BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands list for 2025, clocking a 34 per cent surge in brand value and securing the #73 spot globally.

    This marks Infosys’ fourth consecutive year on the list and its firm footing among the top five per cent of most trusted brands in the United States. The recognition, based on Kantar’s extensive marketing analytics, reinforces Infosys’ growing brand equity amidst a global tech shake-up led by AI, cloud and digital reinvention.

    “Our efforts are relentlessly focused on building Infosys into one of the most respected IT services brands in the world, differentiated by our expertise and innovation in helping our clients navigate an AI-first world. Even as we evolve to remain relevant to the changing needs of our stakeholders, our brand remains unchanging in its commitment to live our purpose – amplifying human potential and creating the next opportunity for all”, said Infosys GCMO Sumit Virmani.

    The company’s AI-driven growth narrative is spearheaded by its sub-brands: Infosys Topaz for enterprise AI, Infosys Cobalt for cloud services, and the newly introduced Infosys Aster for AI-fuelled marketing solutions. Earlier this year, Brand Finance ranked Infosys among the top three IT services brands globally and declared it the fastest-growing brand in the sector over a five-year period.

    “By drawing on the depth of BrandZ’s database over the last quarter of a century, our insights show that with the right level of investment and strategic focus, brands have huge potential to drive growth for their owners”, said Kantar BrandZ head Martin Guerrieria. “The growing demand for AI technologies puts Infosys in a prime position to capitalise on its brand value and the trust it has earned with its growing customer base”.

    Beyond balance sheets, Infosys has maintained its image as a responsible corporate citizen. Through Infosys Foundation, the company supports healthcare, education, sustainability and women empowerment. Its Springboard initiative has offered free digital learning to over 12 million people globally. Infosys continues to remain carbon neutral and was once again recognised in 2025 by Ethisphere as one of the world’s most ethical companies.

  • Mrityunjay Kumar’s Mashrise to monetise Railyatri and Intrcity Smartbus platforms across digital and physical touchpoints

    Mrityunjay Kumar’s Mashrise to monetise Railyatri and Intrcity Smartbus platforms across digital and physical touchpoints

    MUMBAI: Railyatri and Intrcity Smartbus, under Stelling Technologies, have onboarded digital marketing agency Mashrise as their official monetisation partner. The deal will see Mashrise spearhead integrated revenue strategies across the brands’ extensive digital and offline ecosystems, tapping into the fast-evolving intercity mobility segment.

    With this mandate, Mashrise will design and execute brand campaigns across mobile apps, in-app integrations, branded content, and transit media on Railyatri and Intrcity buses. Offline activations will include smart screens, on-ground events, and experiential zones inside premium buses operating across major Indian corridors.

    “We are excited to partner with Intrcity & Railyatri, who have modernised the Indian travel experience. With this mandate, our goal is to create innovative, high-impact monetisation solutions that not only unlock new revenue channels but also enhance the commuter experience for millions of users”, said Mashrise co-founder Mrityunjay Kumar.

    Railyatri and Intrcity have emerged as leading players in long-distance mobility, with Intrcity Smartbus offering features like onboard washrooms, AI-led fleet tracking, and real-time customer support. The partnership aims to blend these technology-led services with tailored brand experiences.

    “We take pride in deeply integrating with brands and providing them solutions that are both digital and on-ground. Our partnership with Mashrise, given their strong foothold in the media and advertising world, will elevate the brand solutions we offer”, said Railyatri & IntrCity founding member Dinesh Rathi.

    With Railyatri servicing millions of train travellers and Intrcity operating on key interstate routes, this tie-up is poised to generate high-ROI brand integrations, giving advertisers access to a highly engaged and mobile-first audience.

    The partnership signals Railyatri’s next growth leap as it sharpens its commercial focus and enhances its position as a key media asset in India’s travel-tech sector.

  • Fasten your card belts Niyo delivers travel banking at jet speed

    Fasten your card belts Niyo delivers travel banking at jet speed

    MUMBAI: Passport? Check. Luggage? Check. Forex card… still stuck in the mail? Not anymore. India’s travel fintech disruptor Niyo has just rolled out Niyo Express, a 24-hour doorstep delivery service for its international debit card and it’s aimed squarely at last-minute jet-setters. For those who treat travel plans like pop quizzes, this might just be the perfect lifeline.

    Available across Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru, Niyo Express promises to swoop in and save the day getting a Niyo DCB Debit Card into travellers’ hands within 24 hours, complete with doorstep KYC, account setup, and card activation. And for now, it’s completely free.

    This rapid-response rollout isn’t random. Niyo dug deep into shifting travel behaviours and found that 48 per cent of flight bookings in 2024 were made just 0–7 days before departure, with over 41 per cent of international travellers leaning toward visa-free destinations to accommodate spontaneous trips. So, in a world of impulsive getaways, delayed cards and sky-high forex rates were becoming all-too-familiar travel tantrums.

    Leisure getaways account for nearly 40 per cent of last-minute trips, while work travel and family emergencies make up a significant chunk too, according to Niyo’s pre-launch survey. The result? Travellers often end up paying steep forex rates or relying on patchy currency fixes from local agents or WhatsApp groups.

    Niyo Co-founder and CEO Vinay Bagri said, “As international travel continues to rise, particularly among first-time travellers, and with the growing accessibility of visa-free destinations, impromptu travel plans have become more common than ever. Coupled with India’s thriving quick-commerce culture, it’s clear that the needs of today’s travellers are evolving rapidly. With Niyo Express, we are redefining travel banking by offering fast, seamless solutions that cater to these changing demands, ensuring our customers have access to the financial tools they need, when they need them.”

    By merging fintech agility with the urgency of travel, Niyo Express is giving travellers one less thing to panic about now you can pack late and swipe early. The brand plans to expand the service beyond its current metros, meaning last-minute might just become the new first-class.
     

  • Glance Digital exec Manish Gupta joins L&T Finance as digital transformation czar

    Glance Digital exec Manish Gupta joins L&T Finance as digital transformation czar

    MUMBAI: L&T Finance has roped in Manish Kumar Gupta as chief executive – urban unsecured assets, payments & digital partnerships as it gears up for a new phase of digital transformation. A fintech veteran, Manish has over 23 years of experience across top financial and technology giants.

    Manish’s impressive CV reads like a masterclass in leadership – from launching India’s first mobile-only digital bank, digibank by DBS, to driving innovation at TransUnion CIBIL as chief product officer, where he developed the latest CIBIL score. He has led digital and business transformations at heavyweight names including ICICI Bank, Deutsche Bank, HSBC, DBS Bank, and TransUnion CIBIL.

    His latest stint was at InMobi Group’s Glance Digital, where he served as senior vice president and general manager, scaling the business globally with AI-powered content and commerce solutions on smart devices.

    Said Manish on Linkedin:  “Last week I completed a wonderful and enriching chapter of my life with InMobi and Glance ! The emotions of leaving Glance were overwhelming! I will miss the culture, my team, my friends that have supported me for the last five plus  years! As I embark on a new journey, I will cherish every moment I spent at Glance!  Once an InMobian always an InMobian!

    With a robust track record in both traditional and digital-first financial ecosystems, Manish is known for turning ambitious ideas into business wins. A certified financial planner and CertICM holder, he is an alumnus of IIT Delhi and holds an MBA from ISB, Hyderabad.

    Having worked in India, Hong Kong, and Singapore, Manish’s global experience makes him a strategic addition to L&T Finance’s leadership team.

  • Why are more Indian households focusing on BLDC fans for cooling?

    Why are more Indian households focusing on BLDC fans for cooling?

    With temperatures rising and power bills high, Indian households are rethinking how they can stay cool. While the traditional fan remains a familiar fixture in homes, the BLDC fan quickly emerges as the smarter alternative. Designed for energy efficiency, durability, and modern convenience, BLDC fans are becoming the preferred choice for daily cooling, especially among families who want to reduce their electricity usage without compromising comfort.

    Affordability

    The biggest driver of this shift is energy savings. A standard ceiling fan typically consumes around 75–80 watts of power. Meanwhile, a BLDC fan consumes only about 28–35 watts, cutting energy usage up to 60%. Over the course of a year, especially in homes where fans run for long hours daily, this difference translates into noticeable savings on electricity bills.

    The cumulative benefit for households with multiple fans becomes more significant, making BLDC fans a wise investment rather than just a trendy upgrade.

    Stable comfort and fluctuating voltage

    Many Indian homes experience voltage fluctuations, especially in smaller towns and tier-2 cities. Traditional fans lose speed or performance under such conditions. BLDC fans come with motor control technology that keeps the fan running at a consistent speed, even when the voltage drops. This ensures uninterrupted comfort and better control over cooling day and night.

    Silent, smooth, and hassle-free operations

    Another reason families are making the switch is the quieter performance of BLDC fans. With no brushes inside the motor, these fans make far less noise than conventional ones. This makes them ideal for bedrooms, study areas, or even baby rooms, spaces where silence enhances comfort.

    Additionally, BLDC fans often include a remote control, eliminating the need to get up to adjust speed or switch it off. Some models even have timers and sleep modes, offering added convenience today.

    Built to last longer

    Since they have a brushless design, BLDC motors experience minimal wear and tear. This means lower maintenance, less frequent repairs, and a longer product life, which is massive for Indian consumers who value appliance durability. Many quality-focused brands now offer BLDC models with extended warranties, further reassuring customers about their long-term value.

    Stylish designs matching modern homes

    Aesthetics also matters in performance. Today’s homeowners seek appliances that look good and blend with modern interiors. Fans are available in various sleek designs, from minimalist matte finishes to wooden or metallic textures. Whether you are designing a new home or upgrading a room, there is a fan to match your style.

    Affordable modern technology

    While the initial cost of a BLDC fan may be slightly higher than a regular fan, the long-term benefits easily outweigh the price difference. Reduced electricity bills, fewer service issues, and enhanced comfort make them a smart and future-ready choice for everyday use.

    Conclusion

    As energy costs rise and smart living becomes the norm, the traditional fan is getting a much-needed upgrade. The BLDC fan offers Indian households a combination of savings, style, and sustainability. For families seeking smarter cooling solutions, making the switch is no longer a question but a necessity. 
     

  • Game changers take the stage at Stairs National Games and Ebel Awards

    Game changers take the stage at Stairs National Games and Ebel Awards

    MUMBAI: It’s not just medals that will be won, minds, movements and milestones are in the making. On Monday, 19 May, New Delhi’s Talkatora Indoor Stadium will host a sports spectacle with a purpose as the Stairs National Games 2025 and Ebel Awards 2025 roll out the red carpet for grassroots glory and transformative youth leadership.

    Organised by the Stairs Foundation (Society for Transformation, Inclusion, and Recognition through Sports), the event is no ordinary gathering. It’s a dynamic convergence of young athletes, changemakers, policymakers, and performers from across the country and beyond, coming together to prove that sport is more than just play, it’s a powerful language for unity and impact.

    With participation from over 20 states, the Stairs National Games champions inclusivity by levelling the playing field where talent, not privilege, determines victory. At the same time, the Stairs National Sports Excellence Awards will spotlight those who’ve quietly coached, mentored, and built India’s sports ecosystem from the ground up.

    The evening will crescendo with the Ebel (Ek Bharat Ek Lakshya) Awards 2025, recognising individuals and institutions creating ripples in education, wellness, inclusion, and innovation. The awards have become one of India’s most aspirational honours in youth transformation saluting local heroes and global allies redefining empowerment from the grassroots.

    Chief guest Pankaj Kumar Singh, Minister for Health, Family Welfare, Transport, and IT, will headline the proceedings, joined by H.E. Patrick John Rata, High Commissioner of New Zealand to India, and several dignitaries from governance, diplomacy, and public service. Special guests also include Sheeshpal Rajput, Vikram K. Porwal (IPS), and Ajit Sharan, bringing a blend of policy and purpose to the celebration.

    Taking centre stage alongside these stalwarts are Stairs Brand Ambassadors international boxer Gaurav Bidhuri, actor and youth advocate Amit Sadh, and para-athlete Rohtash Chaudhary, who embody the campaign’s core belief: that India’s future leaders will rise from its playgrounds.

    Stairs Foundation founder & President Siddhartha Upadhyay states, “We are building a scalable and sustainable model of youth empowerment. By combining sports, education, equity, and ethical leadership, we’re nurturing not just athletes but visionary citizens. The Stairs platform is about democratising opportunity, amplifying grassroots voices, and preparing India’s youth to lead, inspire, and transform. India’s future will rise from its playgrounds.”

    Expect more than applause, the event will feature taekwondo, yoga, jump rope acts, and a stirring audiovisual tribute to Stairs’ journey. With the Stairs platform aligned to the United Nations sustainable development goals, and partnerships spanning embassies, federations, and NGOs, the evening promises to be a launchpad for larger conversations and collaborations.

    And just like that, the whistle  will blow for a movement that’s raising much more than games. It’s raising a nation.

  • Sole to soul wins as McCann India walks away with One Show Honours

    Sole to soul wins as McCann India walks away with One Show Honours

    MUMBAI: When purpose meets powerful storytelling, awards follow and McCann Worldgroup India’s recent haul at the One Show Awards 2025 proves just that. The agency took home seven accolades, including a Silver, a Bronze and five Merits, for campaigns that turned everyday struggles into stories of strength.

    Leading the charge (and the applause) was ‘Fit My Feet’ for Buckaroo Footwear, a campaign that reimagined mobility for children born with clubfoot, a condition that affects tens of thousands across India annually. The initiative didn’t just earn a Silver in IP & Product Design and a Bronze in Health & Wellness, it also stepped up with four Merit awards.

    Designed as a simple but significant intervention, the campaign introduced affordable corrective footwear distributed through a hyperlocal network of over 4,500 cobblers, resulting in 228,000 plus pairs making their way to children who needed them most.

    Not far behind was another grassroots gem ‘Dabba Savings Account’ for ESAF Small Finance Bank. A clever rework of the humble steel kitchen container into a discreet piggy bank, the campaign helped promote financial literacy among rural women. The result? Over 120,000 new bank accounts opened without a single rupee spent on traditional media and a Merit Award in Direct Marketing to show for it.

    McCann Worldgroup Chairman and McCann Worldgroup India Asia Pacific and CEO & CCO Prasoon Joshi said, “It’s deeply fulfilling to work on ideas grounded in empathy and everyday realities that resonate on a global stage. These campaigns are a reminder that creativity, when driven by purpose, can become a genuine force for change whether it’s improving mobility for those with clubfoot or enabling rural women through financial empowerment. I’m grateful to the jury for this recognition, which I accept on behalf of my entire team committed to making ideas matter.”

    With trophies in hand and purpose in their stride, McCann Worldgroup India has shown that in advertising, walking the talk sometimes begins with simply helping someone walk.

  • Shaadi Smart Not Shaadi Spent as Citykart Plays the Budget Band

    Shaadi Smart Not Shaadi Spent as Citykart Plays the Budget Band

    MUMBAI: Why should baraatis have all the fun? This wedding season, Citykart is bringing the dhol and discounts straight to the streets with its “Band Baja Budget” campaign, a festive fusion of joy and judicious spending designed for families juggling big dreams and tight wallets.

    Setting the tone quite literally, bus shelters across UP and Bihar have been transformed into mini wedding mandaps complete with traditional trimmings and all the shaadi sparkle. It’s a head-turning twist that’s got passersby stopping for selfies and shoppers stepping into stores with the wedding vibe already in full swing.

    At its heart, the campaign hits a real cultural chord. Weddings in India are grand but gruelling for the budget, especially for middle-income families. Citykart’s offers including 40 per cent off on sarees, guaranteed cashback on every purchase, and smart gifting combos like trolley bags, dinner sets, and dry irons strike the perfect balance between celebration and savings.

    “We understand the emotional and financial weight weddings carry,” said Citykart founder, Sudhanshu Agarwal. “This campaign says you don’t have to sacrifice joy for affordability. At Citykart, both walk hand in hand or should we say, down the aisle?”

    Inside stores, the mandap motif continues with festive window displays and curated clusters of wedding-ready essentials, giving shoppers a sense of occasion without the typical spending stress. Meanwhile, digital platforms are amplifying the message to ensure the campaign reaches hearts and homes across the region.

    With a stronghold in tier 2 and 3 cities and a reputation for stylish, pocket-friendly fashion, Citykart has always championed value. Now, with Band Baja Budget, it’s turning that value into a veritable wedding vow promising that no celebration should come at the cost of compromise.

    So whether you’re dressing for the sangeet or gifting for the big day, Citykart’s got your shaadi shopping covered mandap to mehendi, and every memory in between.

  • Gems that keep on giving as Maharashtra shines bright

    Gems that keep on giving as Maharashtra shines bright

    MUMBAI: They say diamonds are forever and at ET Now Swadesh’s first-ever ‘Gems of Maharashtra’ event, it wasn’t just jewels that dazzled. From green steel to gourmet kitchens, education to EVs, the event lit up Mumbai with stories of grit, growth and game-changing ideas.

    Held in Mumbai and graced by chief guest Mangal Prabhat Lodha, minister of skills, employment, entrepreneurship and innovation, the event celebrated Maharashtra’s meteoric rise across sectors like real estate, technology, wellness, hospitality, and manufacturing. But beyond the applause and awards, it delivered a powerful message Maharashtra is not just moving forward, it’s charging ahead with purpose.

    Speaking at ET Now Swadesh’s ‘Gems of Maharashtra’ event government of Maharashtra minister of skills, employment, entrepreneurship, and innovation chief guest Mangal Prabhat Lodha,  said, “India was once known as the ‘Sone Ki Chidiya’ the Golden Bird not because of external wealth, but because of the unstoppable spirit of our people. Today, with over a billion citizens, having just around one lakh people engaged in startups is not enough to reclaim that title. Every Indian must embrace entrepreneurship, it’s not optional, it’s essential. Maharashtra is standing at the edge of a transformation. In the next 15 days, we will unveil a revolutionary Innovation Policy. Alongside it, a 100-acre Innovation City is being developed with 14 buildings, each dedicated to a key sector like AI, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles.”

    He further added, “We are also launching a startup education programme to train 1 lakh students by March 2026. Our goal is not just to talk about startups we want them to thrive. We will be providing 1,000 days of handholding, low interest working capital loans, and strong support from industry leaders. Our mission is to foster 27,000 startups not just in cities, but in every corner of Maharashtra, right down to the villages. For women entrepreneurs, we’ve introduced the Ahilyabai Holkar Yojana and are building dedicated Industrial Training Institutes. Additionally, our New Innovation Policy which is yet to be launched, will definitely include focused support for women in startups.”

    He also outlined a comprehensive startup support roadmap including 1,000 days of government-backed handholding, low-interest loans, and a new education programme to train one lakh students by March 2026. Special provisions for women founders under the Ahilyabai Holkar Yojana added further weight to his vision of inclusive progress.

    The evening spotlighted 31 stellar achievers the real ‘gems’ whose work is reshaping the state’s socioeconomic fabric. From Manoj and Poonam Jha (Kamakhya Jewels) for jewellery manufacturing to Yashraj Peety (SRJ Peety Steels) for green steel innovation, the awards cut across domains and demographics. Notable honourees also included Gopal Dash Baghel for sports leadership, Bhaskar Tare and Parag Dhurke for digital PR, and Annamrita Foundation for nutrition-based social impact.

    The event concluded with Lodha unveiling a commemorative coffee table book, capping off an evening where inspiration sparkled as brightly as the trophies.

    With this, ET Now Swadesh has firmly planted its flag as not just a chronicler of economic change but a celebrator of the changemakers who fuel it.