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Category: Marketing

  • Tanishq shines bright with Diamonds Do Good honour in Las Vegas

    Tanishq shines bright with Diamonds Do Good honour in Las Vegas

    MUMBAI: Tanishq and Mia by Tanishq, the jewellery jewels in the Tata crown, have clinched the prestigious Diamonds Do Good Purpose-Driven Business Leadership Award at the 2025 ceremony held in Las Vegas. The glittering accolade was collected by Titan Co chief executive -jewellery division Ajoy Chawla on behalf of both brands.

    Hosted by the Diamonds Do Good Foundation, the awards shine a spotlight on leaders in the natural diamond industry who are setting the global standard for responsible luxury. Tanishq and Mia were lauded for embedding ethics, traceability, sustainability, and community upliftment deep into their supply chain — proving that doing good and doing well can indeed go hand in hand.

    Central to this honour is Titan’s Supplier Engagement Protocol (TSEP), a 4P framework covering Place, People, Process, and Planet — with third-party audits and full compliance with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS). The brands also advocate gold exchange to reduce mining impact and have established artisan parks to provide safe, clean and dignified workspaces for India’s legendary karigars.

    The brands were especially recognised for:
    * Championing full traceability in diamond sourcing
    * Uplifting India’s artisan communities
    * Driving sustainability from mine to market
    * Redefining responsible luxury in the global South

    In his acceptance speech, Chawla  invoked Tata patriarch Jamsetji Tata, quoting: “In a free enterprise, the community is not just another stakeholder in business but is, in fact, the very purpose of its existence.” He  added, “Tanishq is the living expression of that belief — every piece we design is a tribute to the values of those who wear it, and the hands that shape it.”

    This win underscores the Tata Group’s commitment to purpose before profit — and Tanishq’s promise that the journey to ‘being good’ is as enduring as the sparkle of a well-cut diamond.

  • Mutual Fund vs PPF: Which One Should You Choose?

    Mutual Fund vs PPF: Which One Should You Choose?

    When it comes to investing funds in India, two of the most popular options are Mutual Funds and the Public Provident Fund (PPF). Both are widely used by individuals with different financial goals. While some investors prefer the safety of assured gains, others look for higher returns even if it means taking some risks. PPF and Mutual Funds offer benefits like tax savings, long-term wealth creation, and flexible investment options. However, they differ in key aspects, such as risk, returns, and duration. This article explains what PPF and Mutual Funds are, their differences, and which might suit your needs better.

    What is a Mutual Fund?

    A Mutual fund is a type of investment managed by professional fund managers at Asset Management Companies (AMCs). These funds collect capital from many investors and invest it in a variety of financial assets such as shares, bonds, and government securities. Mutual funds are available in different types, like equity funds, debt funds, and hybrid funds. Each type comes with its level of risk versus return potential, allowing investors to choose a fund that matches their financial goals and risk appetite.

    Since mutual funds are market-linked investments, they do not guarantee returns. However, with regular investments over a long period, especially through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP), they have the potential to deliver appropriate returns. SIPs also make investing more disciplined and manageable. You can use a mutual fund SIP calculator to estimate how much your funds might grow over time based on your monthly investment and the expected rate of return.

    What is PPF?

    The Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a government-backed long-term savings scheme designed to encourage small savings while offering assured returns. It provides a fixed rate of interest, which is reviewed periodically by the central government. The interest earned on the investment is compounded annually and is tax-free, making PPF a popular choice among conservative investors seeking a safe and steady return.

    A PPF account comes with a mandatory lock-in period, making it ideal for long-term financial goals like retirement planning. Contributions made to a PPF account are also eligible for tax deductions under the Income Tax Act. For better planning, you can use a Public Provident Fund calculator to estimate the future value of your investment based on your annual contributions and the prevailing interest rate.

    Key Differences Between Mutual Fund and PPF

    Here are the key differences between mutual funds and a PPF:

    1. Risk: PPF is a low-risk investment since it is backed by the government and offers fixed returns. Mutual funds, on the other hand, involve market risk. Their value depends on how the stock and bond markets perform.

    2. Returns: PPF currently offers around 7–8% annual interest, which is reviewed quarterly by the government. Mutual Funds can offer higher returns—equity funds may give 10–15% annually—but these returns are not fixed and may vary depending on market performance.

    3. Investment Duration: PPF has a lock-in period of 15 years, making it suitable for long-term goals. You can extend it in blocks of 5 years after maturity. Mutual funds offer more flexibility. You can invest for a few months or several years, depending on your goals.

    4. Liquidity: PPF is less liquid due to its long lock-in. Partial withdrawals are allowed only after a certain year. Mutual funds offer high liquidity, as most types can be redeemed anytime, though tax and exit loads may apply.

    5. Tax Benefits: Both PPF and tax-saving mutual funds (ELSS) qualify for deductions under Section 80C. However, while PPF interest and maturity amount are tax-free, ELSS gains above ₹1 lakh annually are taxed at 10%.

    6. Diversification: PPF invests mainly in fixed-income instruments. Mutual funds offer greater portfolio diversification across various sectors and asset classes, which can reduce overall investment risk.

    What Should You Choose?

    Choosing between PPF and mutual funds depends on your financial goals and risk appetite. If you are a conservative investor looking for assured returns and long-term savings with tax benefits, PPF may be a great choice. It offers stability, safety, and tax-free returns. However, if you are willing to take some risk in exchange for the possibility of higher returns, mutual funds, especially equity funds, can be more rewarding over time. They also give you the flexibility to invest for short or long durations. Many investors choose a combination of both to balance risk and reward in their investment portfolio.

    Conclusion

    PPF and mutual funds are both useful investment options with different advantages. While PPF provides a safe and secure way to build a retirement corpus, mutual funds offer the opportunity for higher returns with market-linked growth. The choice depends on your risk profile, time horizon, and financial goals. Beginners and risk-averse investors may prefer PPF, while those with a higher risk tolerance and long-term goals can consider mutual funds. Ideally, diversifying across both options can help you build a balanced and well-performing investment portfolio for the future. 
     

  • Screen time turns scream time as PVR Inox rolls out Kerala Comedy Fest

    Screen time turns scream time as PVR Inox rolls out Kerala Comedy Fest

    MUMBAI: Why should the big screen have all the fun? This June, Kerala’s moviegoers can expect less drama and more laughter as PVR Inox transforms its plush cinemas into live comedy hotspots. India’s largest multiplex chain, PVR Inox, is hitting refresh on the moviegoing experience with the launch of the Comedy Fest in Kerala, a three-weekend-long celebration of stand-up comedy in partnership with Comedy Lounge, the state’s foremost comedy collective. From rising local stars to crowd-favourite comics, the fest promises a chuckle-fuelled line-up all served in the comfort of air-conditioned auditoriums with top-tier sound and lighting.

    The festival kicks off on 14 June at PVR Lulu Mall, Kochi, with ‘Straight Outta Kochi’, Comedy Lounge’s signature showcase featuring top Kochi-based comics. The bilingual act (English & Malayalam) is designed to tickle funny bones across Kerala.

    Next up, on 21 June, is the ‘Vishnu Pai Crowd Work Show’ at Inox Sobha City Mall, Thrissur. Known for his razor-sharp wit and pan-India performances, Vishnu Pai Kerala’s top-rated English-language comic brings his improv-style set that thrives on audience interaction.

    The month wraps up with the ever-popular Kochi Open Mics on 28 June, back at PVR Lulu Mall, bringing a blend of English, Malayalam, and Hindi humour from emerging comics, keeping things fresh, unscripted, and full of surprises.

    But this isn’t just a one-off laugh riot. It’s part of PVR Inox’s broader strategy to diversify cinema spaces into multi-format cultural hubs. From indie film screenings to live theatre and now stand-up comedy, the brand is reimagining its venues as stages for local stories and spontaneous joy.

    “This isn’t just about bringing comics into theatres,” said PVR Inox Ltd chief business planning & strategy Kamal Gianchandani. “It’s about expanding the definition of entertainment and connecting with audiences in a format that’s local, lively and unmissably real.”

    As Kerala’s stand-up scene gains momentum, the Comedy Fest offers comics a high-quality platform and audiences a fresh reason to head back to the theatre this time, not for the plot twists, but for the punchlines.
     

  • Tecno kicks off second season with Indian Football Foundation

    Tecno kicks off second season with Indian Football Foundation

    MUMBAI: Tecno is back for a second innings with the Indian Football Foundation (IFF), reaffirming its commitment to grassroots football and youth upliftment through its CSR programme.

    The global smartphone maker will continue backing six young players from underserved communities, offering them residential training at Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools (BBFS) in Hosur and Nashik. The extended partnership ensures that talent doesn’t go unnoticed—or unsupported—on or off the pitch.

    The fresh crop of scholars—Teinam L. Marshilong, Muhammed Fousan, Thokchom K.C. Singh, Ajolbin Kharkhylliang, Monisha Singha, and Sanfida Nongrum—join the ranks of seven total athletes nurtured under this ongoing alliance.

    Commenting on the partnership, Tecno CEO Arijeet Talapatra said, “Our partnership with the Indian Football Foundation is driven by a shared vision to create inclusive opportunities that help young talents from diverse backgrounds realize their full potential. By supporting their journey on and off the field, we aim to foster stronger communities and inspire the next generation of sports leaders.”

    The results are already showing. Two supported players—Monisha and Sanfida—are starring in Garhwal United FC’s Indian Women’s League 2 squad. In fact, under Sanfida’s captaincy, the team recently topped their group and headed into the IWL qualifiers with momentum on their side.

    “This partnership is more than just financial support—it’s a lifeline for young, talented footballers who may not otherwise have access to professional training and education. We are grateful to TECNO for their continued belief in our mission,” said Indian Football Foundation founder trustee Bhaichung Bhutia.

    From local fields to national leagues, this partnership proves that a good assist off the field can lead to real goals on it.

  • Alpenliebe unwraps India’s first liquid choco-filled lollipop

    Alpenliebe unwraps India’s first liquid choco-filled lollipop

    MUMBAI: Alpenliebe has dropped a game-changer for sweet tooths everywhere: India’s first-ever lollipop with a gooey choco core. Say hello to Alpenliebe Eclairs Pop, a caramel-coated candy surprise that oozes rich chocolate at the heart of every lick.

    Known for its classic Eclairs with that irresistible molten centre, the brand has now taken things up a stick-literally. At just Rs 5 a pop, the Eclairs Pop delivers indulgence in a pocket-sized, on-the-go avatar. Whether you’re a slow licker or a single-bite rebel, this new launch promises a sugar rush with style.

    Aimed at teens and young adults who want their cravings satisfied fast and flavorful, the Eclairs Pop is Alpenliebe’s way of turning an ordinary snack into a cheeky, liquid choco-packed moment of bliss.

    “With Alpenliebe Eclairs Pop, our aim was to extend a much-loved experience into a new, convenient format. We know how deeply loved the Eclairs’ choco center is – and this product carries that indulgence forward in every way. Teens and young adults are seeking richer, more immersive treats even in everyday formats—and Eclairs Pop is just that. Not a twist, but a natural evolution of what they already enjoy,” said Perfetti Van Melle India director marketing Gunjan Khetan.

  • Brand sewa takes the wheel at Rath Yatra with Rs 50 crore ride to recall

    Brand sewa takes the wheel at Rath Yatra with Rs 50 crore ride to recall

    MUMBAI: This Rath Yatra, brands aren’t just showing up, they’re showing up with purpose. From shaded rest zones to multilingual helpdesks and hydration kiosks, the 2025 Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is seeing a holy union of devotion and disruption as advertisers swap billboards for bio toilets, prasad delivery and public service. Spearheading this transformation is Chaaipani, which has clinched exclusive brand integration and activation rights for the Yatra in collaboration with the Puri District Administration. The result? An expected brand value generation of over Rs 50 crore this year, with projections soaring to Rs 200 crore in the coming years as brands discover the power of service-led participation.

    Over 15 million pilgrims are expected to visit the coastal town this year, creating a diverse and emotionally charged audience base that spans geographies, age groups, and spiritual leanings. “We’re not placing logos, we’re placing help,” said Chaaipani founder Shruti Chaturvedi. “This is not about advertising; it’s about alignment with culture, with service, with the real needs of real people.”

    The shift is not just symbolic. Brand interventions ranging from real-time digital updates via the Jagannath Dham app, pan-India prasad delivery, and hygiene-focused installations are all vetted for cultural sensitivity and operational relevance in partnership with local authorities.

    Puri District collector Siddharth Shankar Swain (IAS) called the move a “sacred duty of seva”, saying, “It’s heartening to see brands stepping in not as sponsors, but as sevaks. This is a collective movement of unity, care, and public service.”

    And the momentum is industry-agnostic. From FMCG to digital payments, logistics to beverages, the brands stepping in aren’t just selling, they’re serving.

    The audience is as diverse as it gets rural and urban, tech-savvy and tradition-rooted, young and old making it a unique moment where faith and footprint converge. “Commerce meets consciousness,” as Chaturvedi puts it. “And when that happens, brands earn not just mindshare but heartshare.”

    The 2025 edition of the Rath Yatra could go down not just as a spiritual high point, but also as a case study in how brands can walk the path of relevance barefoot, hand-in-hand with culture.

  • Blunt turns up the volume with ‘Soundwave Series’

    Blunt turns up the volume with ‘Soundwave Series’

    MUMBAI: Blunt, the unapologetically wild audio brand from Go5 Incorporation, has just dropped a bombshell — the Soundwave Series, a rebellious line of four Bluetooth speakers priced under Rs 2,000. Designed for millennials who live loud and play louder, these punchy little powerhouses mix head-turning design with unfiltered, hard-hitting sound.

    No polite beeps or pastel plastic here. Each speaker in the Soundwave lineup is in a mood — edgy, rugged, and ready for rooftop parties, house hangs, or sandy beach takeovers. Lightweight and water-resistant, they’re built for chaos, not coddling.

    Backed by Bluetooth 5.4 for glitch-free streaming and boasting serious battery muscle, the Soundwave Series promises to keep up with your longest playlists and wildest nights. Expect crisp highs, bass that thumps like a heartbeat, and a soundstage that slaps.

    Go5 Incorporation founder Puneet Gulati shared his vision, “Blunt is born to break the rules, not follow them. After shaking things up with TecSox and TecMarx, we created Blunt for millennials who live unfiltered and unapologetic. Blunt is unleashing the Soundwave Series, a fierce debut of four unique speakers. They’re for the bold, the gritty, the ones who turn the volume up and never back down. With Blunt, your sound is your statement.”

    The Soundwave Series is the brainchild of Ritesh Baheti, Blunt’s 27-year-old general manager and resident product punk. It reflects his millennial-first vision: authentic, high-impact tech that makes a statement without blowing up your bank balance.

    If your vibe is volume and your life plays at full blast, the Soundwave Series isn’t just a speaker — it’s your soundtrack.

  • Health check for the future as DHN puts digital care on the diagnosis table

    Health check for the future as DHN puts digital care on the diagnosis table

    MUMBAI: It wasn’t just another forum, it was a prescription for the future. The third edition of the DHN Forum wrapped up in Delhi with a potent dose of insight, intent, and innovation, positioning itself firmly as a vanguard of India’s digital healthcare transformation. From cutting-edge tech talk to policy powwows, the Forum proved there’s no better medicine than collaboration.

    Held in association with Chime India, the event saw the unveiling of the Annual Digital Health Trends and Outlook 2025, a landmark report offering the clearest diagnosis yet of the health tech pulse in India. Packed with survey inputs from healthcare IT decision-makers across regions and hierarchies, the report identified six symptoms (or should we say signals) defining the sector’s digital evolution.

    At the top of the chart: AI. A whopping 54 per cent of respondents picked artificial intelligence as the most transformative technology in healthcare for the next two to three years, with clinical decision support set to headline 2025. But while the tech prognosis looks strong, it’s not without complications 46 per cent cited budgets as the biggest barrier to adoption, while cybersecurity still faces growing pains despite better threat detection.

    Over 200 delegates from hospital CIOs and pharma heads to US-based strategy experts attended keynotes and policy roundtables under the theme “Empowering Health, Advancing Equity, Transforming Care.” Big names included Uma Nambiar (IISc Medical School Foundation), Divleen Jeji (Google Health), Feby Abraham (Memorial Hermann, Houston), and Alka Goel (Alkemi Growth Capital).

    Patient experience is the new pulse rate: over 51 per cent of respondents defined digital transformation by its impact on engagement. Meanwhile, nearly 60 per cent rated tech partnerships as more valuable than internal R&D, a clear sign that healthcare is teaming up for better health outcomes.

    “It’s not just a report, it’s a call to action,” said ScalehealthTech founder and CEO of DHN Vishnu Saxena. “From funding gaps to AI integration, this blueprint helps healthcare players plan better, innovate responsibly, and centre care around real people.”

    Chime India chairperson Girish Kulkarni echoed the sentiment, stressing the role of CIOs and chief digital officers in steering the healthcare ship. “Strategic foresight and bold thinking are no longer optional, they are critical,” he said.

    The Forum also celebrated the Top 10 Healthcare CIOs of the Year, selected from 70-plus nominations by a global jury, acknowledging leaders who’ve pushed boundaries in hospitals, insurance, and pharma.

    Looking ahead, DHN is doubling down on momentum. Its new Digital Health Marketplace (DHP) will act as a curated matchmaking platform for hospitals and startups, while partnerships with IIT Delhi, IIITs and AHPI aim to stitch research more tightly into practice. The upcoming HealthTech Innovation Challenge will also put promising solutions in front of VCs, policymakers, and institutional leaders.

    For a sector often tangled in red tape, DHN’s efforts are a breath of fresh (digital) air. With its latest report, cross-sector forums, and academic push, the platform isn’t just talking transformation, it’s prescribing it.

  • Butt out and breathe easy as Big FM helps smokers take a big step

    Butt out and breathe easy as Big FM helps smokers take a big step

    MUMBAI: Smoking out the habit, one laugh, dance, and Zumba session at a time Big FM’s third season of Sutta Chhod De Na Yaar wrapped up with a breath of fresh air. With a mission as clear as its lungs aim to be, the award-winning anti-tobacco campaign returned this year with a therapeutic twist Quitsvilla, a wellness retreat designed to help smokers kick the butt, quite literally. Hosted at The Fern Shelter Resort in Palghar, and powered by Dewon Electric, the three-day immersive was part support group, part spa day, and all heart.

    Led by popular RJs like RJ Vrajesh, RJ Rani, RJ Abhilash, and RJ Dilip, the retreat was no boring rehab. It featured sound therapy by Sarita Pataodia, dance movement therapy by Ang Tarang’s Shruti duo, laughter yoga by the ever-joyful Kishore Kuvavala, motivational illusions by Mangesh Desai, and a whole lot of rhythm, sweat and soul. The Zumba sessions by celebrity coach Aishwarya were as energetic as the stories shared, and the message was crystal clear: quitting smoking doesn’t have to be a lonely grind, it can be joyful and healing too.

    The retreat was just the tip of the iceberg. The campaign extended into the digital realm with a gripping podcast hosted by RJ Sahil and RJ Dilip. The series featured first-person journeys of those who had successfully stubbed out their addictions, as well as expert insights on CBT, NLP, and habit formation from voices like Ashdin Doctor (The Habit Coach) and Rajyogi BK Nikunj.

    Bollywood lent its lungs too, with stars like Tusshar Kapoor, Emraan Hashmi, Shankar Mahadevan, Sulaiman Merchant, and Papon urging fans to quit through messages across platforms. The campaign’s viral jingle, quirky reels, and heartfelt storytelling ensured that the message didn’t just travel, it stuck.

    And it wasn’t all talk either. The campaign logged hundreds of pledges, saw a visible shift in participant behaviour, and strengthened BIG FM’s mission of sparking real change through real stories.

    “This isn’t just about saying no to a cigarette,” said Big FM COO, Sunil Kumaran. “It’s about saying yes to life, to resilience, and to transformation. Sutta Chhod De Na Yaar Season 3 gave people the tools and the belief to make that change.”

    With a soulful mix of science, storytelling and support, BIG FM’s campaign has evolved from a public service message into a full-blown movement, one breath at a time.

  • Brand new day as Epic Brand Map goes global with India as launchpad

    Brand new day as Epic Brand Map goes global with India as launchpad

     MUMBAI: What’s in a brand? Quite a lot, if you ask the folks at the newly minted Epic Brand Institute. The Epic Brand Institute (EBI) has officially stepped onto the global stage with the public launch of its flagship framework the Epic Brand Map (EBM), a system designed to bring Evocativeness, Precision, Insight and Clarity (yes, that’s EPIC) to the chaotic world of brand-building.

    Already battle-tested by corporate heavyweights like the Tata Group, Aditya Birla Group, Reliance, Mahindra, HCL, and international giants like Coca-cola, Medtronic, Sun Life Financial, Mars, Walmart and Nokia, the framework is finally being made available to the wider world of founders, marketers, consultants and creatives.

    Created by global brand strategist Saurabh Uboweja, also the founder of BOD Consulting, the EBM will now form the core of EBI’s in-person training cohorts. The first will be hosted in New Delhi from 9–11 June 2025 at the India Habitat Centre, and a second will follow in Dubai from 19–21 September 2025.

    “We’re launching not just a course, but a global movement,” said Uboweja. “After years of working behind the scenes with some of the biggest names in business, we’re now opening the EPIC Brand Map to a new generation of brand-led business builders.”

    The inaugural Delhi edition will be an intimate affair, limited to 30 handpicked founders and practitioners looking to sharpen their brand-building acumen. Dubai, meanwhile, is set to attract a mix of Middle East and South Asian brand professionals hoping to join the ranks of EPIC strategists.

    With storytelling getting louder, attention spans shrinking, and differentiation harder than ever, EBI’s pitch is simple stop winging it and start mapping it. The message is clear: if your brand strategy feels like a game of darts in the dark, it might be time to go EPIC.