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Category: MAM

  • TCS becomes official AI and tech partner for Paris marathon

    TCS becomes official AI and tech partner for Paris marathon

    MUMBAI: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), has been appointed as the Official AI and technology partner for the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris. This three-year partnership aims to transform one of the world’s most prestigious marathons by integrating cutting-edge AI, data analytics, and digital twin technology to elevate the experience for both athletes and spectators.

    With over 55,000 runners from 145 nationalities, the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris is a landmark event, now set to benefit from TCS’ innovation. Leveraging its Paceport innovation hub in Paris, TCS will introduce AI-powered race experiences, personalised digital coaching, and immersive engagement tools to make the marathon more interactive and efficient.

    TCS’ growing footprint in endurance sports is undeniable, with sponsorships spanning 14 global marathons, including the World Marathon Majors in New York, London, Chicago, Boston, and Sydney. In 2024 alone, TCS-backed races raised nearly $280 million for charities, reinforcing the company’s commitment to making a lasting societal impact beyond the finish line.

    Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.) CEO Yann Le Moenner welcomed the collaboration, stating, “We are delighted to welcome TCS to the Schneider Electric Paris Marathon family of partners. Thanks to its expertise in new technologies and artificial intelligence, TCS will continue to grow the event, strengthen the engagement of all audiences, and enrich the digital experience. Together, we aim to offer an ever more immersive and connected experience, serving both runners and spectators.”

    TCS’ advanced AI solutions will optimise race logistics, provide predictive performance insights, and improve sustainability efforts reinforcing its reputation as a trusted technology partner. TCS chief marketing officer Abhinav Kumar emphasised, “Our partnership with the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris aligns with TCS’ commitment of being a trusted transformation partner for our clients, communities, and the ecosystems in which we live and work. This engagement reflects our commitment to using technology towards empowering athletes, optimising race experiences, and transforming the future of sports.”

    TCS France managing director Rammohan Gourneni said, “For the past 30 years, TCS has played a pivotal role in France as a technology provider. We are proud to continue our commitment to the community with this new partnership for the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris. I look forward to engaging our clients and partners in this race as we harness our technology expertise and passion for AI and innovation to create an unforgettable marathon experience.”

    With this latest partnership, TCS further cements its position at the intersection of sports, technology, and AI-driven transformation bringing the future of marathon running to the streets of Paris.

  • Indian sports sponsorship scores big, nearing $2 billion mark

    Indian sports sponsorship scores big, nearing $2 billion mark

    MUMBAI: The Indian sports sponsorship scene has flexed its muscles, punching through the Rs. 16,633 crore barrier, according to GroupM ESP’s latest Sporting Nation report. That’s a six per cent year-on-year growth, propelling the overall market towards a cool $2 billion. Since 2008, the sector’s seen a sevenfold surge, a proper blinder of a result.

    While cricket remains the undisputed captain, the rise of non-cricket sports is giving it a run for its money. Athlete endorsements have hit an all-time high, leaping 32 per cent to Rs. 1,224 crore. Forget just sixes and wickets, we’re talking about the likes of Neeraj Chopra and PV Sindhu, who’ve spearheaded a 46 per cent hike in non-cricket endorsements. The Olympic buzz has clearly got everyone’s knickers in a twist, boosting emerging sports sponsorships by 19 per cent. Fancy a jog? Distance running alone accounts for a quarter of that, showing India’s keen to get its trainers on.

    GroupM South Asia  chief operating officer Ashwin Padmanabhan reckons industry is  continuing its remarkable trajectory, but the industry is e witnessing a dynamic shift driven by both legacy and emerging sports. “Cricket’s still the cornerstone, but the non-cricket athletes, the Olympic buzz, and the digital revolution are reshaping the landscape. With brands increasingly recognising the power of sports as a platform for deeper consumer engagement, the momentum is undeniable. This is not just growth in numbers—it’s the
    evolution of an industry that is more diverse, digital, and driven by innovation than ever before,” he said.

    GroupM India managing director content, entertainment & sports Vinit Karnik, chipped in, saying,  The
    Indian sports economy has firmly established itself as a high-growth sector, surging 7x since 2008 to near the $2 billion mark. While traditional powerhouses continue to drive momentum, the real story lies in the rise of emerging sports, athlete-driven brand value, and the digital explosion, which alone saw a 25 per cent  jump in media spends. The record-breaking Rs. 1,224 crore  in athlete endorsements signals a shift—brands are betting big on individual icons across sports. As we enter a new era of engagement, innovation will be key in unlocking the next wave of commercial success in Indian sport.”

    Despite a slight wobble in sponsorship growth this year, thanks to IPL and ICC rights resets, the market’s showing its staying power. With digital engagement going through the roof and audience preferences swerving faster than a fast bowler’s out swinger, the Indian sports scene is poised for even more fireworks. It’s a proper scorcher.

  • How Does Term Insurance Benefit Self-Employed Individuals Without Employer Benefits?

    How Does Term Insurance Benefit Self-Employed Individuals Without Employer Benefits?

    When you’re self-employed, you handle everything—your income, your business, and your family’s financial security. There’s no company insurance or fixed salary to rely on. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead.

    Term insurance is a great way to make sure that if life takes an unexpected turn, your loved ones won’t be left struggling. It’s a simple, affordable solution that provides peace of mind. 

    This blog covers the reasons why term insurance is a must for self-employed. We’ll look at how it can offer stability in an unpredictable world.

    Benefits of term insurance for self-employed individuals

    Besides compensating for the lack of employee perks, these are the other benefits of term insurance for the self-employed: 

    Provides financial security for your family

    If your income supports your household, term insurance ensures your family isn’t left struggling in case of an unexpected event. It helps cover essential expenses like home loans, education and daily costs.

    Offers affordable and flexible premiums

    Term insurance gives you good coverage at a low cost. You can also pick a payment plan that suits you—monthly, quarterly or yearly.

    Ensures business continuity

    If you own a business, the payout can help cover operational expenses, clear debts or support succession planning. It ensures your business remains stable even in your absence.

    Gives peace of mind

    Self-employed individuals have to create their own financial safety net. Term insurance provides reassurance that your dependents won’t face financial hardship.

    Provides tax benefits

    Premiums paid for term insurance qualify for tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Furthermore, any payout to your nominee is tax-free under Section 10(10D).

    Covers loans and liabilities

    Many self-employed individuals take loans to grow their businesses. Term insurance prevents these debts from becoming a burden on your family. The payout can help cover repayments if something happens to you.

    Allows customised coverage

    You can adjust your term insurance coverage. Consider your business value, income and financial goals. You can even increase coverage as your responsibilities grow.

    Offers extra protection

    Riders like critical illness cover, waiver of premium and accidental death benefits offer more benefits to your policy. These keep you financially secure if health problems affect your income.

    Tips to choose the right term insurance for self-employed individuals

    When you’re self-employed, planning for financial security is entirely up to you. Without employer-provided benefits, it’s important to choose a term insurance plan that can take care of your family’s needs and cover any outstanding loans or business liabilities. This ensures that your loved ones won’t have to face financial difficulties if something happens to you.

    Since income is unpredictable, look for policies that offer flexible premium payments or grace periods. The coverage should be able to support personal and business commitments. It’s also a good idea to compare different insurers based on their claim settlement ratio, policy benefits, and premium costs. Additional features like critical illness cover or a waiver of premium can offer extra protection during tough times. Before you finalise a plan, read the policy details carefully to understand the terms and exclusions. If you’re unsure about the right choice, consult a financial advisor.

    Last word

    Choosing the right term insurance provider is as important as selecting the right coverage. To make an informed decision, check the insurer’s reputation, claim process and additional benefits. A trusted provider keeps your family and business financially secure, no matter what.

    Use a term insurance premium calculator to make your search easier. It lets you compare plans based on coverage, cost and flexibility. Checking these details will help you pick a policy that gives the right financial protection.

  • India’s fashion powerhouses celebrate 25 years of Lakme Fashion Week

    India’s fashion powerhouses celebrate 25 years of Lakme Fashion Week

    MUMBAI: India’s fashion world threw a dazzling bash as Lakme Fashion Week marked its 25th anniversary with a glittering gala that brought together the country’s design royalty. The spectacular event, hosted by Lakme, the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) and Reliance Brands on 30  March, was a runway romp through a quarter-century of catwalk history.

    Kareena Kapoor KhanHollywood actor and former White House staffer Kal Penn played master of ceremonies, bringing his trademark wit to proceedings as Hindi cinema heavyweight Kareena Kapoor Khan made a triumphant return to the ramp. Draped in white, the superstar—who has twice been the face of Lakme—delivered a nostalgic speech that had fashion-watchers swooning.

    The silver jubilee extravaganza featured a who’s who of Indian fashion, with 30 celebrated designers including Rajesh Pratap, JJ Valaya, Namrata Joshipura, Varun Bahl, Manish Malhotra, Ashish Soni and Tarun Tahiliani strutting their sartorial stuff. Former Lakme models including Lisa Ray, Lisa Haydon, Indrani Dasgupta, Sarah Jane Dias, Shimona Nath and Archana Akil returned to strut down memory lane, reviving the magic of past finales.

    FDCI chairman Sunil Sethi  raised a toast to the “design-soaked journey. This year the celebrations were robust, reflecting on how we shaped design and its sinuous curves through crafts and heritage. Let’s raise a toast to the future, forward with insightful and innovative ideas that will change our relationship with style. “  

    The fashion gurus

    Lakme India vice president  Sunanda Khaitan  highlighted the brand’s “unprecedented” commitment to democratising fashion. She added: “Lakmes longstanding and consistent commitment to furthering fashion in India is  unprecedented. It has given fashion designers, makeup artists, and models a world-class platform to showcase their creativity. While fashion may sometimes feel like it’s only accessible to a select few, Lakme’s contribution to LFW has made it a cultural phenomenon, merging fashion and beauty. For the past 25 years, Lakme, through innovations debuted each season, has led the charge on beauty, bringing beauty trends to India. We have collaborated closely with the best fashion talent in the country to curate their collections, complementing the beauty trends for the season.”

     

    Said Reliance Brands  group vice-president Jaspreet Chandok:  “The platform’s 25th anniversary was not just a celebration, it was a powerful reflection of how far Indian fashion had come and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. This Gala brought together pioneers and pathbreakers of the industry in an unprecedented showcase of design excellence. From iconic designers to global talent like Kal Penn joining us as host, the evening was a historic tribute to creativity, culture, and collaboration.” 

    With supermodel Ujjwala Raut hosting the red carpet alongside fashion pundit Jessel Tank, the evening was a feast of fabrics and famous faces—proving that after 25 years, India’s premier fashion showcase remains as catwalk-crazy as ever.

  • ITC seals Rs 3,500 crore deal for Century Pulp and Paper

    ITC seals Rs 3,500 crore deal for Century Pulp and Paper

    MUMBAI: ITC has inked a business transfer agreement to acquire the pulp and paper division of Aditya Birla Real Estate Ltd (ABREL) for Rs 3,500 crore. The deal, structured as a slump sale on a cash-free, debt-free basis, brings Century Pulp and Paper (CPP) into ITC’s fold, bolstering its footprint in the paper and packaging game.

    Established in 1984 in Lalkuan, Uttarakhand, CPP boasts an installed capacity of 4.8 lakh metric tonnes per year. With India’s paper demand growing at six to seven per cent annually and per capita consumption at a mere 16 kg (compared to the global average of 57 kg), ITC is betting big on the sector’s headroom for growth.

    This acquisition is a strategic masterstroke. ITC’s paperboards and specialty papers division, already a heavyweight with an annual output exceeding 1 million metric tonnes, will gain instant scale and efficiencies. A new production hub means better customer service, proximity to raw materials and, crucially, operational resilience. ITC plans to turbocharge CPP’s profitability with a mix of capacity de-bottlenecking, product upgrades, efficiency drives, supply chain tweaks, and procurement muscle.

    The deal is subject to regulatory nods, including clearance from the Competition Commission of India and the ministry of environment, forest and climate Change. It is expected to be wrapped up in about six months.

     ITC executive director B Sumant said: “This move strengthens our market position and unlocks fresh opportunities in both domestic and global markets. Our new asset aligns perfectly with our strategy to drive the next horizon of growth.”

    With this bold play, ITC is not just expanding—it’s redefining its game in paper and packaging.

  • Shibashish Roy takes the reins at electronics retailer Croma

    Shibashish Roy takes the reins at electronics retailer Croma

    MUMBAI: Shibashish Roy has taken over as chief executive & managing director of Infiniti Retail Ltd (Croma), India’s electronics retail powerhouse, effective 1 April 2025. The Tata Group has opted for a company man to mind the shop after the departure of founding member Avijit Mitra.

    Roy, a Tata Administrative Services (TAS) officer with over 20 years of group experience, has been quietly climbing the corporate ladder since joining as a project trainee at Tata Steel in 2003. His circuitous route to the top job included stints at Voltas, Tata Motors, and a six-year stretch at Tata Capital where he cut his teeth in wealth management and investment banking.

    The digital-savvy executive spent seven years at Tata Sons, including time in the chairman’s office, before joining Croma in 2021. Since then, he’s been on a rapid ascent—chief business officer to chief operating officer to deputy chief executive and now to the corner office—in what appears to be a meticulously planned succession.

    Outgoing boss Mitra, who retires after 35 years with the Tata Group, leaves behind sizeable shoes to fill. Under his stewardship, Croma expanded from a fledgling electronics retailer to a behemoth with over 560 stores across India.

  • Booze behemoth ABD revamps top brass

    Booze behemoth ABD revamps top brass

    MUMBAI; Allied Blenders and Distillers Limited (ABD), India’s prominent liquor company, has announced three significant management changes to strengthen its leadership team.

    The company has re-appointed Resham Chhabria J Hemdev as vice chairperson for another three-year term. The Wharton-educated executive, who first joined as executive director in June 2021, brings her experience in consumer marketing to connect with younger consumers. As the daughter of chairman Kishore Chhabria and co-chairperson Bina K. Chhabria, she combines family business understanding with formal training from Harvard Business School and the University of Mumbai.

    Simultaneously, master blender Arun Barik has been re-appointed as executive director for three more years. A veteran with 32 years in the spirits industry, Barik has crafted blends for numerous brands throughout his career at Shaw & Wallace, Seagram-Pernod Ricard and Mason and Summers before joining ABD in 2009. His technical expertise has been instrumental in product development and quality control.
     

    Arun Barik and Bikram Basu

    Completing the leadership changes, Bikram Basu has stepped down as chief innovation and strategy officer to take up the managing director position at ABD Maestro Pvt Ltd—a subsidiary of the parent company—in what appears to be a strategic internal promotion.

    Industry observers suggest these moves are part of ABD’s strategy to maintain competitiveness in India’s evolving alcohol market, where established brands compete with new entrants for market share in a country with growing premium spirits consumption.

    All announcements were made on 31 March 2025, following approval from the company’s board of directors, with the executive appointments subject to shareholder approval.

  • Blue Star hires ex-Unilever exec Mohit Sud to head unitary cooling division

    Blue Star hires ex-Unilever exec Mohit Sud to head unitary cooling division

    MUMBAI; Blue Star Limited has tapped Mohit Sud, a seasoned Hindustan Unilever executive, to lead its burgeoning air-conditioning empire as group president of unitary cooling products. 

    Sud, armed with a mechanical engineering degree and an MBA from XLRI Jamshedpur, brings over two decades of soap-selling savvy to the cooling game. After cutting his teeth across India flogging everything from detergents to beauty potions, the former vice president will now build Blue Star’s market position.

    Sud will shoulder end-to-end responsibility for the company’s portfolio of room air conditioners, deep freezers, water coolers, visi coolers and modular cold rooms—essentially anything that keeps things nippy. His remit covers the full gamut: sales, marketing, service, R&D, manufacturing and supply chain.

    “The market for room air conditioners and commercial refrigeration products is poised for exponential growth in the coming years, and we aim to further buildon our leadership position and grow our market share,”   declared  Blue Star managing director B Thiagarajan. “Mohit’s rich experience in sales, distribution and marketing will be extremely valuable.’’

    “The Company has been on a growth path, and I am very optimistic about our prospects. To be future-ready, we have been making significant investments in R&D, manufacturing, digitalisation, sales and marketing. Simultaneously, we are strengthening our leadership team with external and internal talent. Mohit is an important addition to our team as wescale our consumer-facing businesses,” added chairman & managing director Vir S Advani.

  • JSW Sports and SRFI sign MoU to serve three more squash tourneys

    JSW Sports and SRFI sign MoU to serve three more squash tourneys

    MUMBAI: JSW Sports and the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) have struck a deal that’s set to turn India into a squash hotspot, announcing three more international tournaments on home soil. Fresh off the heels of the JSW Indian Open in Mumbai, where Anahat Singh reigned supreme, this partnership is serving up a volley of excitement.

    The landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU), signed by SRFI patron  N Ramachandran and Inspire Institute of Sport and JSW Sports founder & director Parth Jindal guarantees three years of world-class squash action, with Mumbai, New Delhi, and Chennai set to host the PSA Squash Copper tournaments.

    This isn’t just about tournaments; it’s about nurturing talent. The partnership will bring in top-tier coaches to work with Indian players, giving them a fighting chance against the world’s best as they eye the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics. With six players already in the top 100 world rankings, Indian squash is ready to make a racket.

    Parth Jindal, ever the sports enthusiast, declared, “We at JSW Sports are whole-heartedly standing in support of squash as we march on towards the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028. The idea is to bring high quality squash to the country as Indian players prepare for the ultimate dream.”

    N Ramachandran, equally enthusiastic, added, “We are delighted to be partnering with JSW Sports, they have been one of the pioneers in terms of working towards a robust sporting ecosystem in the country. The aim of this initiative is solely to give our Indian squash players a good platform to participate in as they keep one eye on the Olympics. The SRFI  is very excited for what’s in store in the next few years. May this lay the foundations for an Olympic medal in squash for India.”
     

    JSW Sports, known for its support of various sporting ventures, including JSW Bengaluru FC and the Delhi Capitals, is now adding squash to its roster. With the Inspire Institute of Sport already making waves, this partnership is set to be a smash hit for Indian squash.

  • KKR flexes fan engagement with Amul’s Train Like a Knight

    KKR flexes fan engagement with Amul’s Train Like a Knight

    MUMBAI: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is serving up a fitness masterclass with Amul presents Train like a Knight, a new digital series that’s set to give fans a peek behind the curtain of professional cricket training. Forget just watching the game; KKR wants you to live it, protein shake in hand.

    Recognizing that cricket is more than just sixes and wickets, it’s a test of discipline, endurance, and peak performance, KKR, in partnership with Amul Protein, is launching a six-episode series that delves into the nitty-gritty of player fitness. Think intense workouts, dietary deep dives, and mental conditioning sessions that would make a yogi sweat.

    Episode one, featuring Ajinkya Rahane, is already dropping jaws (and maybe a few dumbbells), offering a glimpse into the kind of grind it takes to play at the highest level. 

    To watch the Ajinkya Rahane episode click here

    “Our collaboration with Amul Protein is more than just a partnership—it’s a testament to our commitment to inspiring fitness and showcasing the holistic preparation of our athletes,” said Knight Riders Sports  group chief marketing officer Binda Dey “Through Amul presents Train like a Knight, we’re breaking down the barriers between fans and players, offering an authentic look at what it takes to compete at the highest level of professional cricket.”

    But this isn’t just a flash-in-the-pan series; it’s a year-long fitness fiesta. KKR plans to expand Train like a Knight into a full-blown program, complete with exclusive events, workshops, and enough merchandise to turn every fan into a mini-athlete.

    With Amul Protein’s nutritional muscle, Train like a Knight  promises to be an engaging, informative, and downright sweaty journey into the world of professional sports prep. Get ready to train, fuel, and, well, live like a Knight.