Category: News Headline

  • Spinny drives the point home with Sachin’s ‘God Promise’ on the move

    Spinny drives the point home with Sachin’s ‘God Promise’ on the move

    MUMBAI: When Sachin Tendulkar makes a promise, it’s not just heard, it’s driven home. Quite literally now, as Spinny’s ‘God Promise’ campaign hits the road across India’s metros, shifting gears from screens to the streets. After racking up millions of views online and sparking buzz on Linkedin, Spinny has now rolled out a high-visibility outdoor and transit campaign. Think branded cabs in Delhi, city buses in Chennai, Bengaluru and Pune, and even Mumbai’s iconic double-decker buses all bearing the message of trust, assurance, and India’s most beloved cricketer.

    It’s a smart move. Where better to meet your potential car buyer than during their daily commute?

    Much like the brand films, the OOH creative is no-nonsense and culturally grounded. The sight of Sachin paired with the words “God Promise” cuts through the usual billboard clutter not with flash, but with familiarity. The campaign strikes an emotional chord with Indians for whom trust, especially while buying or selling a car, is non-negotiable.

    In addition to the celebrity endorsement, Spinny has backed its ‘promise’ with action: a first-of-its-kind 3-year Assured+ warranty, a 5-day money-back guarantee, and access to over 10,000 plus verified cars. For sellers, the platform also promises best-price deals putting its money where its messaging is.

    From Delhi’s RWA networks to Mumbai’s bus routes and Chennai’s bustling corridors, Spinny’s strategy is simple: be visible where the buying intent brews. Not in boardrooms or banners, but on buses, in traffic jams, and on roads where real decisions are made.

    As one campaign insider put it, “Trust isn’t a tagline for us, it’s an everyday delivery.”

    With Spinny’s new route, the message is clear: in the great Indian used-car market, faith isn’t optional. It’s a feature.

  • GenXAI acquires Softgrid Computers to turbocharge AI innovation and scale global tech muscle

    GenXAI acquires Softgrid Computers to turbocharge AI innovation and scale global tech muscle

    MUMBAI: When a brainy AI firm joins hands with a code-savvy software shop, the result isn’t just more horsepower-it’s a new machine altogether. GenXAI, the AI-powered enterprise performance management (EPM) solutions provider, has acquired Softgrid Computers Pvt. Ltd., a name synonymous with application development and web design brilliance. The announcement came in June 2025, setting the tone for a future of deeper tech, global ambition, and sharper tools.

    This acquisition arms GenXAI with Softgrid’s decade-old strength in mobile-first digital builds, pairing it with its own AI smarts that already power collaborations with tech majors like Anaplan and SAP. The result? A platform ready to create more intelligent, intuitive digital experiences-at scale.

    “At GenXAI, we’ve always been driven by a vision to redefine the future of technology. Our partnerships with platforms like Anaplan and SAP demonstrate our commitment to excellence. Softgrid Computers shares our passion for transformative solutions and together, we’re poised to achieve greater milestones. With this collaboration, we combine GenXAI’s expertise in AI-driven solutions with Softgrid’s legacy in custom application development and web design”, said GenXAI founder & executive chairman Rakesh Agarwal.

    From front-end design to back-end intelligence, the combined entity promises to fuse form with function-turning legacy digital builds into adaptive, intelligent tools for startups, large enterprises, and government bodies worldwide. The unified venture will offer cutting-edge platforms embedded with real-time AI decision engines, opening new markets and widening its tech moat.

    “At Softgrid, we’ve always believed in building meaningful digital experiences through innovation and craftsmanship. Joining forces with GenXAI allows us to amplify our vision with the power of AI and reach new heights of impact. This is not just a milestone-it’s the beginning of a transformative journey for our team, our clients, and the future of technology”, said Softgrid co-founder Ajay Golani.

    With Softgrid on board, GenXAI has stitched together a broader technology portfolio that now spans web, mobile, and AI-first ecosystems. This will accelerate its push into international markets and boost its appeal among digital-first enterprises hungry for intelligent automation and agile infrastructure.

    The acquisition marks more than just growth. It’s a signal of intent from GenXAI-to scale up, smartly. And as tech firms race to bake AI into every interface and back end, this merger might just give it the edge in staying not only relevant but revolutionary.

  • Nasher Miles rolls out Pride campaign with Myntra and Lauren Robinson in full colour

    Nasher Miles rolls out Pride campaign with Myntra and Lauren Robinson in full colour

    MUMBAI: Airports often mark endings and beginnings, but this June, Goa Airport saw something more—a bold, unmissable celebration of Pride rolling down its baggage belt. Indian travel brand Nasher Miles and fashion giant Myntra joined forces to launch a flamboyant campaign titled ‘Show Your Colour With Pride’, aimed at making space for authenticity, individuality, and queer self-expression.

    The campaign goes far beyond rainbow-washing. Instead of putting on a colourful front, it hands over the mic—quite literally—to Lauren Robinson, an actor, voice artist, drag performer and proud LGBTQIA+ creator. Robinson’s presence at the centre of the campaign is a deliberate and powerful choice, offering representation not just through aesthetics but through storytelling.

    “Colour has always been more than a vibe. It’s been my resistance. My expression. My truth”, they shared, embodying the spirit behind the collaboration. With their bold styling set against Nasher Miles’ Zanzibar collection, the visuals balance vibrant expression with purpose.

    The Zanzibar range, known for its vivid colours and matte finishes, becomes a metaphor here—not just luggage, but luggage with a voice. And that voice says things like: “Labels belong on luggage, not people”. The campaign’s visuals feature stark white backdrops that let colour—and identity—do all the talking.

    To amplify the message beyond screens, the brand turned Goa Airport’s baggage claim into a vibrant Pride-themed carousel, complete with rainbow stripes. The spectacle, captured on travellers’ phones and shared organically across Instagram and influencer pages, brought the campaign out of the ad studio and into everyday life.

    This was not a one-and-done stunt. The campaign unfolded across digital creatives, influencer-led videos, and vox pops designed to ignite candid conversations around queerness, confidence, and colour. The carousel activation made the message unmistakably clear—this wasn’t about products; this was about presence.

    “Nasher Miles stands for colour. The alignment with the Pride community to celebrate their colours felt like a natural extension. And having Myntra as a partner helped us make it larger than life with the airport activation”, said co-founder & head of marketing Shruti Kedia Daga.

    The campaign now lives across Nasher Miles’ digital platforms, Myntra’s homepage, and in hundreds of reels and posts under the hashtag #SHOWYOURCOLOURWITHPRIDE. If you happened to pass through Goa Airport recently, you might’ve found more than just your suitcase—you may have found a little pride in motion.

  • SEPC joins forces with IAMAI to script India’s next big digital export success story

    SEPC joins forces with IAMAI to script India’s next big digital export success story

    MUMBAI: In India’s thriving bazaar of code and content, two powerhouses have shaken hands to push bytes across borders. The Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi to jointly drive the country’s digital services exports into high gear.

    The partnership aims to remove policy potholes, expand international market access, and prepare the country’s emerging digital sectors for the global stage. The MoU sets the stage for institutional collaboration across several fronts—from building working groups with ministries to participating in overseas delegations and trade shows.

    Under the agreement, SEPC and IAMAI will:

    ●    Establish joint working groups with ministries and regulators to resolve policy and trade bottlenecks for digital exporters.

    ●    Coordinate India’s participation in global trade forums and business delegations, creating pathways for startups and digital ventures to enter international markets.

    ●    Organise capacity-building programmes to ensure India’s digital sectors are export-ready.

    ●    Promote high-potential verticals including AdTech, FinTech, HealthTech, SaaS, Digital Entertainment, Edutech, Agri Summit, and Cross-Border E-commerce.

    “India’s digital sector holds immense potential in the global services economy. Through this partnership with IAMAI, we aim to create meaningful opportunities for digital enterprises to grow their international footprint and benefit from structured policy and trade support”, said SEPC director general Abhay Sinha.

    IAMAI president Subho Ray added, “This MoU reinforces our commitment to building a robust ecosystem for digital services exports. By working closely with SEPC, we can jointly support Indian digital innovators in accessing global markets and driving the next phase of India’s export growth story”.

    While India has already cemented its name as a global IT outsourcing heavyweight, this pact shifts the spotlight to a new generation of digital players. From SaaS to streaming, from edtech to agri-tech, the initiative focuses on future-facing sectors that could define India’s next trillion-dollar export ambition.

    The MoU marks a decisive step in bridging industry with the government, injecting India’s digital export engine with both structure and scale. With policy in sync and the global market in sight, India’s digital disruptors may soon be trading in new time zones.

  • Digital i report: Netflix’s ad-tier viewing soars by nearly a third across Europe

    Digital i report: Netflix’s ad-tier viewing soars by nearly a third across Europe

    MUMBAI: Here’s some data that validates what Indian streamers have known all along and have been following for quite some time. If you want masses to consume you, then give away content at a lower price or for free – especially entertainment shows – but populate it with ads. Viewers don’t seem to mind it all.

    Global streaming media measurement firm Digital i conducted a study between November 2024 and April 2025 which revealed that viewing time on Netflix’s ‘Standard with Ads’ plan jumped 32 per cent across five key west European markets, signalling robust growth for the streaming giant’s advertising business. The Standards with Ads plan is priced at Euro 6.99 per month as against the standard plan which has a sticker price of Euro 13.99 and the premium one which costs Euro 19.99 This Standard with Ads package offers ad-supported streaming on two devices simultaneously in Full HD (1080p) and allows for downloads

    Digital i’s study  revealed  a collective rise of 152.7 million hours in the UK, France, Italy, Germany, and Spain. Total viewing hours on the ad-supported tier surged from 470.2 million in November 2024 to 622.9 million by April 2025.

    Germany led the charge with a 44 per cent increase, as hours viewed on the ‘Standard with Ads’ plan climbed from 81.3 million to 116.9 million. Spain and the UK each saw a 34 per cent uplift, with viewing rising from 59.9 million to 80.2 million and 150.7 million to 202.6 million hours respectively. France experienced a 26 per cent rise (from 129.1 million to 163.2 million), while Italy registered a 22 per cent gain (from 49.1 million to 60 million).

    Digital i chief analytics officer Matt Ross hailed the figures. “Netflix’s ad-supported tier has experienced strong growth in the past six months, and the increased take up has led to increased viewership across all regions,” he remarked. “This is good news for Netflix’s ad business which now boasts strong levels of reach combined with high levels of viewership.”

  • Vijay Chauhan to become general manager of adidas India

    Vijay Chauhan to become general manager of adidas India

    MUMBAI: adidas has appointed Vijay Chauhan as general manager of adidas India, effective 1 August 2025. Vijay will oversee operations in India and be based in the Gurugram office.

    Vijay succeeds Neelendra Singh, who will be stepping down after more than two decades with the adidas brand. Under Neelendra’s leadership, adidas India made remarkable progress, notably establishing cricket as a high-impact category for the brand. Neelendra played a pivotal role in transforming the cricket jersey culture in India, driving brand affinity and commercial success.

    Vijay Chauhan rejoins adidas from his most recent role as SVP International at American Eagle Outfitters in New York and brings over 25 years of industry experience across the sporting goods and fashion lifestyle. Vijay first joined adidas in 1999 and during his tenure he served in leadership roles including VP of Retail/Franchise for SEAPAC and general manager of Thailand.

    Emerging Markets managing director, Dave Thomas said, “We’re grateful to Neel for his strong leadership of the India business over the past six years, during which he significantly strengthened adidas’ brand presence, accelerated business growth, and deepened our connection with consumers across India. We also look forward to welcoming Vijay back to the three stripes. With his strong commercial acumen and growth mindset, I’m confident he will continue to drive the adidas brand and business forward in India.”

    Neelendra will remain in his role until August 2025 to ensure a seamless transition.

  • Actimedia’s Trupti Vasudev joins Travel Lifestyle Network board in global first

    Actimedia’s Trupti Vasudev joins Travel Lifestyle Network board in global first

    MUMBAI: Actimedia PR & Digital’s chief executive, Trupti Vasudev, has been appointed to the global board of the Travel Lifestyle Network (TLN), making her the first-ever representative from India to hold the role. She will represent the Asia-Pacific region, spanning India, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Australia, GCC, Indonesia and Japan.

    The appointment comes as TLN – a coalition of 25 top-tier independent communications agencies – celebrates its 20th anniversary with an expanded mandate and a more globally integrated structure. Known for steering campaigns across luxury travel, hospitality, airlines, wellness and lifestyle, TLN is sharpening its focus on consumer storytelling and cross-border collaboration.

    “The Travel Lifestyle Network is a prime example of the power of collaboration – both for the participating agencies and clients who choose to work with a TLN agency. Specialist agencies are offering agility and deeply localised solutions for lifestyle brands and travel tourism brands with the professionalism of a global network, and as such are offering up a stiff competition to international conglomerates. The APAC region represents one of the world’s most dynamic consumer markets and offers unparalleled opportunities across lifestyle, travel, and luxury segments. I’m excited to leverage the network to create greater opportunities for each of the members and also to expand TLN further into other Asia Pacific markets” said Vasudev.

    Also joining the new-look board is David Zapata, founder of US-based Zapwater Communications, who steps in as executive chair. He’s joined by Marilyne Levesque of Marelle Communications representing the Americas, and Virginie Le Norgant of GroupExpression for Europe. TLN founder Hanna Kleber continues as honorary chair.

    “Our agencies represent a remarkable group of entrepreneurial and innovative leaders deeply embedded in their local markets. Moving forward, we will place greater emphasis on new offerings, services and industries – all while maintaining the high standards of excellence that have defined TLN for two decades,” said Zapata.  

    For Vasudev and Actimedia – TLN’s exclusive Indian agency partner – the move marks a bigger role in shaping global strategy in one of the most competitive segments of PR: lifestyle, hospitality and tourism.

    TLN’s message is clear: 20 years in, the network isn’t slowing down – it’s going global with more force than ever.

  • Yuki Chiba teams up with Riot Games for new VCT Pacific anthem

    Yuki Chiba teams up with Riot Games for new VCT Pacific anthem

    MUMBAI: What happens when one of Japan’s hottest rap voices joins forces with gaming giant Riot? You get an anthem that slaps harder than a last-round clutch. Riot Games has teamed up with Japanese rapper and singer Yuki Chiba for ‘Shinpai Muyou’, the official music anthem of VCT Pacific. It marks Chiba’s first venture into gaming music, and the collab couldn’t have come at a more hype-fuelled moment just ahead of the league’s Stage 2 kickoff.

    Dropping globally on 11 July via Coup D’Etat Recordings, the track blends a punchy bassline with feel-good flow, carried by Chiba’s signature cadence and packed with lines that are bound to echo across Discord servers and stadiums alike. A music video will also premiere on the VCT Pacific YouTube channel the same day.

    “Shinpai Muyou is a reminder to myself and my fans to not worry and always believe in yourself,” said Chiba, whose laid-back swagger and lyrical optimism are front and centre in the track. “There’s no need to stress when you can just vibe.”

    And that message couldn’t be more timely. Valorant Champions Tour Pacific is heading into Stage 2 from 15 July in Seoul, with the much-anticipated Grand Finals roadshow making its Japan debut on 30-31 August in Tokyo.

    Valoerant Esports Head of APAC Jake Sin called the anthem “a dream project,” saying: “We’re thrilled to work with someone as talented as Yuki Chiba, especially as we gear up for our first-ever Finals roadshow in Japan.”

    The stakes are high, two teams from Stage 2 will qualify directly for Valorant Champions Paris, with two more determined by their cumulative 2025 Championship Points. With both music and esports fans tuning in, ‘Shinpai Muyou’ is set to become the sound of the season.

    Ticket details for the event will be announced shortly on the Valorant Esports website. Until then don’t stress, just press play.

  • Fenesta’s new #ShutTheShor campaign turns down the volume on mental noise

    Fenesta’s new #ShutTheShor campaign turns down the volume on mental noise

    MUMBAI: In a world fuelled by pings, pressure and perpetual pace, Fenesta is asking India to do the radical: pause. The country’s leading windows and doors brand has launched the latest edition of its thought-provoking campaign, #ShutTheShor, reframing noise as more than just a decibel problem—it’s emotional clutter.

    The film, conceptualised by TwoHmp and produced by eipi media, dials into the silent stressors of modern life—burnout, digital fatigue, and that ever-buzzing inner monologue. With a meditative pace and no heavy voiceover, the short film tugs gently at a shared cultural nerve: the craving for stillness in a noisy world.

    By releasing the campaign on International Yoga Day, Fenesta aligns itself with mindfulness and balance. Just as yoga centres the body and mind, the brand suggests its well-insulated windows and doors can help centre your home—and your head.

    Speaking of the campaign, Fenesta head of marketing, Sumita Nag said, “At Fenesta, we’ve always stood for comfort, clarity, and creating spaces that offer a sense of calm. With #ShutTheShor, we aim to shift the spotlight to the constant noise that surrounds us. In the clutter of digital chatter, mental overload, and the pressure to stay always connected, this campaign captures how the spaces we design can offer quiet relief, helping people pause, reset, and feel grounded. It’s a natural extension of what we stand for as a brand, thoughtfully built environments that provide complete insulation, support balance and well-being in everyday life.”

    Live across YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, the campaign champions a quieter, more thoughtful way of living. And it doesn’t shout about it either. It simply whispers: sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is shut the shor.

  • The Script Room appoints K. Ramakrishnan as an independent director

    The Script Room appoints K. Ramakrishnan as an independent director

    MUMBAI: The Script Room, an independently owned, bespoke creative agency, founded by Ayyappan Raj & Rajesh Ramaswamy (Ramsam), onboards K. Ramakrishnan (Ramki), managing director – South Asia at Kantar Worldpanel, as an independent director on its board. With over three decades of experience in marketing, branding, and business strategy, he has held leadership roles at companies like Lenovo, Café Coffee Day and TVS Motor Company. In his new role, Ramakrishnan will participate in the strategic business decisions of The Script Room bringing his deep market knowledge, experience and thought leadership to the table.

    Known for its commitment to enjoyable scripts across formats, The Script Room has always championed storytelling that connects. With Ramki’s mentoring, the company takes a significant step forward in its journey of shaping their business with both soul and structure.

    Reflecting on the decision, The Script Room co-founder Ayyappan Raj shared, “Two years ago, when I first conceived the idea of establishing a Board of Directors and shared it with Ramsam, Ramki was the very first name on the list. I had the privilege of meeting Ramki in 2005 when he was a client at TVS Motor Company, and since then, he has played a significant role in both my professional and personal journey. It is with great pleasure that we announce his appointment as an Independent Director on our Board. Ramki is widely regarded as a trusted advisor and mentor – his innate capacity for leadership and guidance, coupled with his expanding sphere of influence, make him a valuable addition to our governance and strategic thinking.”

    K. Ramakrishnan shared, “It is a pleasure and honour to be able to serve as an independent director on the board of The Script Room. I am happy to work with bright and creative professionals such as Ramsam, Ayyappan and the others. I hope to provide professional counsel and promote a lot of dialectic thinking as The Script Room continues to scale up in its Creative Business journey”.

    Now in its sixth year of operations, The Script Room is excited about the future with Ramki joining as an Independent Director and will soon announce its full board of directors. With this guidance, the company is poised to continue delivering outstanding stories across all formats while building a cheerful and inspiring environment for its team and partners alike.