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Category: News Headline

  • Pickleball fever returns as Global Sports serves up Monsoon Championship 3.0 with $60,000 prize pot

    Pickleball fever returns as Global Sports serves up Monsoon Championship 3.0 with $60,000 prize pot

    MUMBAI: Global Sports is bringing the thunder (and a lot of paddle) back to Navi Mumbai with the return of the Monsoon Pickleball Championship 3.0—India’s largest indoor pickleball tournament is set to smash into action from 29 July to 3 August at the Cidco Exhibition Centre, Vashi.

    Now in its third edition, MPC 3.0 promises an upgraded experience, featuring 17 air-conditioned indoor courts, a record $60,000 prize pool, and more than 800 top-tier athletes from across India and the world.

    Open to players across all skill levels and age groups from Pro and Advanced, to 30+, 40+, Juniors, Seniors, and Women’s team events, the tournament is positioned to be a mega-monsoon blockbuster for the fast-growing pickleball community.

    Speaking about the upcoming edition, Global Sports founder Hemal Jain said, “Our vision with the Monsoon Pickleball Championship has always been to give Indian athletes a global platform and redefine the scale of racquet sports in India. With MPC 3.0, we’re not just raising the bar, we’re setting a new benchmark for international pickleball events in Asia.”

    Last year’s edition saw competitors clash in over 40 categories, drawing massive attention from fans and sports enthusiasts alike. MPC 3.0 now aims to up the ante with more adrenaline, tighter rallies, and a chance to witness rising stars stake their claim on the global stage.

    Registrations are now open, and with that prize money and prestige on the line, it’s game on. Rain or shine, Navi Mumbai’s about to get loud.

  • Adgcraft turns four, unveils ‘Adgcraft AI’ to power PR for India’s next-gen tech titans

    Adgcraft turns four, unveils ‘Adgcraft AI’ to power PR for India’s next-gen tech titans

    MUMBAI: On its fourth birthday, communications agency Adgcraft is gifting itself a future-forward facelift with the launch of Adgcraft AI—a new PR vertical dedicated to AI-first brands, deep-tech disruptors, and digital pioneers shaping India’s innovation economy.

    The announcement was made in Noida, with Surya Kant, CEO of AIC-BIMTECH, as chief guest, who shared insights on the ‘Digital India Revolution: Innovating Viksit Bharat’.

    The move is well-timed: with the Union Cabinet greenlighting the ₹10,300 crore IndiaAI Mission, the country is surging toward global AI dominance. Government programmes like FutureSkills Prime and YuvAI are pushing AI literacy to the grassroots, while India has already muscled its way into the world’s top four AI ecosystems.

    Aic-Bimtech CEO Surya Kant said, “We are living in a time where AI is changing the way we work, communicate, and solve problems. From education to healthcare to governance, AI has the potential to make systems faster, smarter, and more inclusive. But for this to happen, we need to make sure the work being done in this space is seen and understood by the wider public. That’s why I think the launch of Adgcraft AI is a timely and important move. It can help bring forward the stories of Indian innovators who are building practical, home-grown AI solutions. These stories can inspire many others and show the world that India is not just a consumer of technology, but a creator too.”

    “We’re launching ‘Adgcraft AI’ to give a voice to the changemakers in AI. There are so many startups and companies doing great work in the AI space, but they often don’t have the support to make their stories reach the right audience. That’s where we come in. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your reputation, Adgcraft AI is here to help you tell your story effectively,” said Adgcraft founder and managing director Abhinay Kumar Singh.

    To kick off the launch, the agency also released a meaty whitepaper titled ‘The Age of AI: Industry Trends, PR Implications, and Adgcraft’s Vision’, unpacking how AI is disrupting traditional industries and why communications must evolve with it. From sector trends to strategic storytelling for tech-first founders, the report outlines how PR is no longer a nice-to-have but a necessity in India’s booming AI economy.

    The campaign is being celebrated under the hashtag #4wdwithAdgcraft—a nod to four years of navigating the high-speed lanes of new-age comms, and now, veering straight into the AI autobahn.
     

  • Grapes Worldwide sends Pokochan on an AI-powered birthday adventure for MamyPoko Pants

    Grapes Worldwide sends Pokochan on an AI-powered birthday adventure for MamyPoko Pants

    MUMBAI: What happens when you mix a beloved baby mascot with AI and real-time storytelling? You get Poko’s Day Out—a high-engagement, tech-savvy birthday campaign crafted by Grapes Worldwide for MamyPoko Pants, the flagship diaper brand from Unicharm.

    Celebrating the birthday of Pokochan, the brand’s much-loved mascot, Grapes didn’t settle for the usual cake-and-confetti approach. Instead, it brought Pokochan to life on Instagram, letting audiences dictate his birthday adventures in real time. From sipping coconuts in Goa and trekking the Himalayas to photo ops at the Taj Mahal and wildlife safaris, Pokochan went everywhere—powered by user prompts and AI magic.

    The campaign was supercharged by Three Zinc, Grapes’ proprietary AI engine that turned audience suggestions into crisp, platform-ready visuals across both static and video. With blazing-fast turnaround and over 20 unique experiences rolled out live, the campaign had followers glued to their screens and stories.

     

     

     

  • Oakley launches ‘Artifacts from the Future’ campaign

    Oakley launches ‘Artifacts from the Future’ campaign

    MUMBAI: Oakley has announced the launch of its new campaign, ‘Artifacts from the Future’, featuring India’s Test Captain and rising icon, Shubman Gill. The campaign marks a new chapter for Oakley, introducing the next generation of performance-driven Products, designed for 2075 and delivered to 2025, all within the signature language that has defined Oakley for five decades.

    As a brand rooted in legacy that goes beyond sports to influence culture and push boundaries, Oakley continues to accelerate what’s next. With Shubman Gill leading the way, the campaign embodies Oakley’s bold spirit – celebrating innovation, confidence, and a vision for the future.

    The film features Gill wearing two key products, Plantaris and Lateralis. Plantaris is a high-wrap piece of future-facing art created to become an artifact in years to come. Engineering the eyewear was a process of natural selection, shaped by the creature-inspired aesthetics that form a visual code for Oakley. Its flexible silicone rear stem channels the raw power of a frog mid-leap, mimicking the muscle that drives its motion. Complementing it is high-wrap eyewear, Lateralis, a heritage-inspired, future-ready silhouette.

    Talking about the association, Oakley India senior brand business manager Sahil Jandial shared, “2025 is our 50-year anniversary. Fifty years into a legacy of transforming innovation into cultural icons, Oakley® is writing a new chapter. Artifacts from the Future represents how Oakley pushes the boundaries on design, while staying true to its roots. With Shubham Gill now spearheading Oakley’s philosophy, he embodies the spirit of performance at the highest level, with style and precision – not just as a remarkable athlete, but as a powerful force across social culture and sports.”

    Commenting on the campaign, Gill shared, “Through this campaign and with Oakley, we want to show that the future isn’t a far-off idea but something that we’re working towards. These designs feel like they’re made for a future set in 2075, but in fact they’re here with us today – combining Oakley’s legendary innovation with a bold, fresh look. I’m really excited to be part of this incredible journey that’s all about pushing limits and inspiring people to keep growing, whether on the field or in life”

    Behind this creative vision is Brandmovers India, who captured the essence of a futuristic world in stunning visuals and motion graphics. Suvajyoti Ghosh, founder and chief creative officer at Brandmovers India shared their thought process behind the campaign saying, “The brief this year fascinated us from the get-go with its possibilities. With a range that’s called ‘Artifacts from the Future’ we knew we had to build a whole world around the product itself and it was very exciting to dive into the process. It’s not everyday that you get an opportunity to explore futurism in Indian advertising, so much credit to the Oakley team to make this leap and taking us along in the journey.”

  • TBWAIndia ropes in Abhishek Chaturvedi to head north ops

    TBWAIndia ropes in Abhishek Chaturvedi to head north ops

    MUMBAI: TBWAIndia has appointed Abhishek Chaturvedi as executive vice president and branch head – Gurgaon, handing him the reins of the agency’s northern command centre.

    Reporting to Namrata Nandan, chief business officer, Chaturvedi will drive the creative, strategic and operational vision for the office, blending disruptive thinking with commercial muscle, and uniting people, purpose and performance under one roof.

    A 20-year veteran of the creative and digital trenches, Chaturvedi has played lead roles at Digitas, McCann, Ogilvy, and most recently as SVP and head of strategy at Edelman India. He’s the brain behind memorable brand narratives, from Voltas’ Murthy to Saffola’s wellness push and Zomato’s urban bite.

    Armed with a marketing degree and a background in psychology, Chaturvedi balances brand playbooks with books on inner journeys. When he’s not plotting business strategies, he’s plotting vegetables tending to his farm on Gurgaon’s edge, or hitting the highway for a thinking drive.

    “We are delighted to have Abhishek join us as the Head of our North operations. He brings with him not just a sharp strategic mind and a rich background in brand building, but also a deep understanding of how to connect data-led insights with meaningful storytelling. As we look to accelerate our momentum in Gurgaon, I believe his presence will help unlock new possibilities for both our clients and our teams. Just as importantly, Abhishek’s ability to inspire people and foster a strong cultural vision will be key in shaping a high-performing, future-ready office,” said TBWA India CEO Govind Pandey.

    Speaking on his new appointment, Abhishek said, “TBWA pairs worldwide disruption muscle with a start-up hunger. My early focus is simple – fuel our people with clear purpose and clear data, then let them punch above their weight for every client.”

    As TBWA sharpens its edge in India’s north, Chaturvedi’s appointment signals a move to blend strategic clarity with cultural depth, true to the agency’s call to disrupt, not decorate.

  • Adani Group shines a light with ‘Story of Suraj’, third film in #HumKarkeDikhateHain series

    Adani Group shines a light with ‘Story of Suraj’, third film in #HumKarkeDikhateHain series

    MUMBAI: The Adani Group is back with another spark of inspiration. The infrastructure giant has rolled out Story of Suraj, the third instalment in its emotionally resonant #HumKarkeDikhateHain campaign, spotlighting how clean energy is transforming everyday lives across India.

    Directed by Amit Sharma of Badhaai Ho fame and produced by Chrome Pictures, the film tells the story of Rakesh, a man who returns to his hometown only to find it aglow-literally and metaphorically—thanks to uninterrupted solar power. From blooming crops and buzzing classrooms to 24/7 hospitals, the town’s transformation reflects how renewable energy fuels more than just electricity-it powers possibilities.

    Conceptualised by Ogilvy India, the film is rooted in Adani Green Energy Ltd’s (AGEL) mission to build a cleaner, greener India. AGEL, among the world’s largest renewable energy companies, operates a vast network of solar and wind farms, and has become a cornerstone of India’s energy transition.

    Adani Group head – corporate branding Ajay Kakar said “At Adani, we are not just generating electricity—we are creating pathways for progress. This film reflects the real impact of solar energy on everyday life. The transformation of one town is emblematic of the change we’re enabling across India.”

    Ogilvy India chief advisor Piyush Pandey commented, “Adani adds one more human touch to technology with its new Solar energy film. Story of Suraj shines by showing how solar energy brings life-changing opportunities to communities, helping them build a brighter future.”

    The film will be amplified across TV, digital, radio, and social platforms, ensuring the sunshine reaches every screen.

    With Story of Suraj, Adani isn’t just talking infrastructure-it’s showing how solar power is sparking human potential, one sunbeam at a time.

  • Kyunki comeback: Star Plus breaks promo, revealing Tulsi’s return

    Kyunki comeback: Star Plus breaks promo, revealing Tulsi’s return

    MUMBAI: Star Plus is dialling up the hype, drama—and the nostalgia—with the long-awaited return of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, 25 years after it first lit up Indian TV screens. The Hindi GEC dropped a two-part promo teasing the show’s revival, complete with a modern makeover, new characters, and a familiar voice that fans won’t forget.

    The promo opens with a family pitstop at a roadside dhaba. As the iconic title track of Kyunki plays, the father hums along, sparking memories of TV dinners and shared family moments. The conversation turns meta as the son mentions the show’s comeback, prompting speculation from all members—until the voice of Tulsi Virani breaks in.

    The second half of the teaser reveals Tulsi herself, watering a Tulsi plant and declaring: “We’ve had a 25-year relationship. It’s time we meet again.” With that, she greets viewers with a namaste and a promise: Kyunki returns 29 July at 10:30 pm on Star Plus and JioHotstar.

    “This isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a bold new chapter,” said Sumanta Bose, cluster head – Star Plus & Star Utsav, calling the series “an iconic title with a deep-rooted legacy, now reimagined for today’s audience.”

    The marketing engine is already in full swing. JioStar’s sales team has roped in P&G’s Tide as presenting sponsor, with Colgate and Fortune Soyabean Oil as co-powered by brands. Fortune Chakki Atta has signed on as digital sponsor.

    With buzz already building and brand deals locked in, Kyunki is poised to once again rule the living room.

    You can watch the promo here.

  • Gunjan Arora Mann takes charge as national vertical lead – ET B2B (Spotlight) at Times Internet

    Gunjan Arora Mann takes charge as national vertical lead – ET B2B (Spotlight) at Times Internet

    MUMBAI: Gunjan Arora Mann has stepped into a new role as national vertical lead – ET B2B (Spotlight) at Times Internet, marking a high-profile return to the Times Group. Based in Gurugram, she now spearheads branded content initiatives for The Economic Times’ B2B vertical, with a sharp focus on enterprise-led storytelling and strategic partnerships.

    Prior to this, Arora Mann was region head – branded content (North & East) at moneycontrol.com, where she spent nearly four years driving integrated campaigns and client-first content narratives. Her earlier stint with Bennett Coleman & Co. Ltd. saw her rise through the ranks across Delhi, Bengaluru and Gurugram as chief manager and vertical head, managing key sectors including telecom, tech and consumer durables.

    With two decades of experience across marquee agencies such as Mindshare, DDB Mudra Group and Digital Market Asia, Arora Mann is known for her ability to marry editorial flair with commercial agility. She also played pivotal roles in landmark industry events like Ad Asia 2011 and the World Magazine Congress.

    Her new role is set to supercharge ET Spotlight’s position as a content-led engine for India Inc. and beyond.

  • Anil Pandit steps up as managing partner – data strategy and partnerships at Publicis Media

    Anil Pandit steps up as managing partner – data strategy and partnerships at Publicis Media

    MUMBAI: Publicis Media has named Anil K Pandit as managing partner – data strategy and partnerships, cementing his rise as a key voice in India’s data-driven advertising evolution. The promotion marks a strategic pivot for the group as it sharpens focus on ethical innovation, data privacy, and future-ready partnerships.

    Pandit, who previously served as EVP – programmatic, data and tech for India, now leads efforts to align data transformation with privacy-safe alliances and responsible advertising frameworks. “The future revolves around connected data and collaboration, with trust at the core,” Pandit said, announcing the move.

    With over two decades of experience across Omnicom, MicroAd, People Interactive, and India Today, Pandit has built a formidable reputation as a programmatic pioneer and data governance advocate. He is also a regular voice in academia and policy, serving as guest faculty at IIM Bangalore, IMT Ghaziabad, and member of the MMA AI Advisory Council and IAB Tech Lab working groups.

    His appointment signals Publicis Media’s deepening investment in data infrastructure at a time when privacy, interoperability and AI-readiness are redefining the media and martech playbook.

  • WPP Media South Asia hits reset with new leadership councils and client-first gameplan

    WPP Media South Asia hits reset with new leadership councils and client-first gameplan

    MUMBAI: WPP Media South Asia has officially turned the page on its GroupM chapter with a sweeping leadership overhaul, as it embraces a sharper, integrated model under WPP’s global media reset.

    The network’s new direction was internally announced this week, marking a bold step toward unified media, measurable outcomes, and future-ready innovation across India and South Asia.

    At the core of the transformation is a newly minted Executive Committee (ExCo), led by four presidents of client solutions — Priti Murthy, Ajay Gupte, Amin Lakhani, and Navin Khemka — who will jointly shape strategy, execution, and client delight across verticals.

    Supporting them is Vishandas Hardasani, continuing as chief finance officer, ensuring compliance and commercial rigour.

    In new, focused roles:

    ●    Upali Nag steps in as president – strategy, tasked with steering high-impact client programmes.

    ●    Vishal Jacob takes charge of Choreograph as president, scaling data and tech capabilities.

    ●    Ashwin Padmanabhan, now chief operating officer, will turbocharge execution across media buying, commerce, content, and sports.

    ●    Praseed Prasad, as president, growth & marketing, will focus on emerging categories, SMBs, startups and lead mOutcome initiatives.

    In tandem with the ExCo, WPP Media South Asia also launched the WPP Media Leadership Council (WLC), featuring a high-powered bench including Ajey Mehta, Atique Kazi, Ruchi Mathur, Shekhar Banerjee, Snehi Jha, Vinit Karnik, Manini Chakraborty, Namrata Mehra, Muralidhar T, Parveen Sheikh, and Rohit Sule.

    This cohort will focus on cohesion, culture, and capability-building to ensure WPP Media’s new architecture translates to real business wins.

    Prasanth Kumar continues to lead operations in India and Sri Lanka, anchoring both ExCo and WLC as they execute WPP’s new-age blueprint. A chief people officer appointment is also said to be in the works, hinting at a stronger push towards people-first transformation, learning, and leadership.

    With this structural shake-up, WPP Media South Asia isn’t just repositioning for the AI era — it’s building a battle-ready blueprint for the future of media.

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