ITV

Category: Specials

  • The year of possibilities and learning: A quick review of how 2023 has been for The WorldGrad

    The year of possibilities and learning: A quick review of how 2023 has been for The WorldGrad

    Mumbai: The year 2023 has been a year of resurgence for the education sector. Our Indian students firmly shrugged off the challenges of the pandemic and returned to a familiar learning environment. However, one key difference from before is that students are now much more open and conversant with learning technologies than before. Additionally, they are able to identify the ideal use of technology as both physical and digital options are now available to them. As a leading provider of overseas study programs, the year was pivotal for The WorldGrad. Demand for international education surged to record levels, which had been bottled up for two years. In addition, Indian students moved overseas in large numbers, with an estimated 750,000 aspirants starting studies abroad in 2022-23. Many countries like Australia, the US, Canada, Germany, and the UK saw more Indian students joining their classrooms than China. At the same time, India has started attracting interest from numerous overseas providers to forge partnerships or open campuses, bringing quality education to student’s doorstep. All these developments have made the international education sector one of the most exciting segments since the downturn of ed-tech companies, which boomed during the pandemic.  

    The WorldGrad is at the forefront of innovative study abroad programs, bridging the gap between studying in India versus overseas. Our Smart Programs allow students to start their overseas degree from India and move abroad in 6-12 months when they are financially and academically ready to relocate. Our internationally accredited programs bring academic flexibility and help students overcome financial hurdles associated with studying overseas. Our programs are recognized for credit by overseas universities and equivalent to the first year of studies in Australia, the UK, and the US. We offer a robust portfolio of business and technology-related programs that lead to over 400 degrees at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. This alternative route to study has seen greater adoption in 2023 as aspirations continue to soar, but costs remain a concern for most families. Enrolments in our programs have grown by 300% since 2022, which reflects market sentiments and an increased appreciation among students to try other means of fulfilling their study goals. In 2023, we doubled our university partnerships and brought it close to 50, adding prestigious names like Drexel University, La Trobe University, State University of New York, and others.

    This year, we also hit some major milestones in terms of student outcomes and success. Throughout 2021 and part of 2022, many of our students could not travel overseas due to restrictions. This completely changed in 2023, and we saw record progressions to overseas universities through our programs. Due to their strong academic foundation, many of our students received distinctions and commendations in their overseas programs. Of particular note is our strong alumni base studying at the University of Wollongong College, where our students have become valedictorians for two years running. Seeing the success of our students overseas reassures us of our purpose, motivates our academic and non-academic staff, and is a testimonial for our current students to the benefits of starting their studies in India and then progressing overseas with sufficient experience under their belts. 

    Looking ahead to 2024, The WorldGrad keenly awaits future cohorts of students joining us and moving overseas and seeing existing students transition into successful professionals. From an operational standpoint, we plan to integrate more technology and AI in all our processes, including student counseling, teaching, and progression-related matters, to scale up and improve the learning experience for our students. We are also working on an expanding portfolio that will include more employability-oriented programs for our students, the exact nature of which will be shared with the public shortly. That said, we expect our business to double next year in topline with a disproportionate growth in the bottom line.  

    The author of this article is The WorldGrad founder Abhinav Mital.

  • Looking back at the stock market today’s remarkable journey in 2023

    Looking back at the stock market today’s remarkable journey in 2023

    Mumbai: In February 2020, Stock Market Today began its humble journey as a bootstrapped stock market research and mentorship platform, providing new-age traders valuable insights into price action-based learning opportunities. Fast forward to the year 2023, we have emerged as a reliable force to be reckoned with and achieved several milestones that have helped solidify our position in the industry further.  From a sharp growth in our subscriber base to launching new mentorship and learning programs, we have come a long way this past year, and looking back, we are proud of how 2023  has shaped our journey.

    The year 2023 indeed marked a significant achievement for Stock Market Today as we became recognized as one of India’s top 5 SEBI registered research analysts. This recognition validated our expertise and has instilled confidence in our valuable clients. 2023 has also taught us the value of taking a customer-centric approach. This understanding inspired us to develop the practice of extending daily equity recommendations to our loyal followers for free on several platforms, including our YouTube and Telegram Channels, and via leading News Platforms and channels . The strategic move has helped us foster a sense of loyalty among our subscribers and strengthened our reach significantly, contributing to the growth of our platform.

    In 2023, we witnessed a remarkable response from our customer base as they wanted us to provide daily trading and learning services in Options and Equity.  WE have started providing our reading research and recommendation as SEBI registered Research Analyst and mentor at personal level. We have received very good responses as our has started gaining and their confidence boosted to the next level. Now they are able to trade on their own, they can manage their trade in Odds and most importantly they are now doing over trading anymore. Our true achievement lies in the growth of our customer growth and satisfaction. This year, most of our members have grown their capital by 20% to over 200%, marking a multifold increase in trading capital size. SMT is Big is a family of keen learners and active traders and to be more precise we are a family of 1.35 lakh subscribers on Telegram and family of  97k subscriber base on YouTube, we are hopeful to grow our family to 10 lakh in 2024. Looking back, we believe that our growth is proof of the trust and confidence our clients and followers have in us.

    This year, we also launched ‘SMT Futures PRO Services,’ which has been a game-changer for many traders. Those who have “short of time” or are not interested in watching the market daily for long hours. Those have capital but are now interested in “Options”. Here we are Providing” High Potential Swing Trades in Stocks Futures“. The service delivered remarkable results for our client, showing an outstanding win rate of lowest 78% to highest 92% in 2023.

    Everyone is different  and every instrument has a different scope and requires different levels of management, Money and temperament and skills and as a research analyst we do understand it very well. New Entrants in Market require more support and assistance compared to those who have 3-4 years experience in the market. Therefore, in addition, our ‘SMT Mentorship’ for Equity and  Options buying trading has been crucial in improving our subscribers’ trading style and approach to risk-taking. For instance, in 2023, our recommendations helped deliver an average return of 215%, underscoring the effectiveness of our services.

    In 2023, Stock Market Today’s expertise and market understanding enabled us to earn the trust and recognition of our subscribers and beyond. Our expert’s stock market insights, including daily outlook, commentary on market assets, IPO review, and equity recommendations, were regularly featured in esteemed publications, including Good Returns, Live Mint, Business Today, Financial Express, Economic Times, Times of India, and ET Prime. This feat has increased our visibility in the stock market trading segment and has helped us emerge as a trusted source of market insights and analysis.

    Looking ahead, for the new year, we have already set clear expectations and ambitious goals for us to achieve. For instance, we aim to witness exponential growth in our subscriber base and touch the mark of 10 lakh in the upcoming year. We also aim to enhance our mentorship services and approach to deliver valuable market recommendations to help our clients and prospective followers witness significant growth in their trading and investment activities.

    In addition, we aim to roll out new Stock Market Today services and improve the existing ones to help clients evolve with the evolving market dynamics and trends. For instance, we intend to provide our clients and subscribers with live training support, trading strategies, and recommendations based on technical and accurate trend analysis using AI and Algo.  In the new year, we aim to uphold our mission of reaching the trading community and helping stable traders and beginners to become confident and disciplined for making profitable trading decisions on their own. We aim to ensure this by staying ahead of the market trends and studying the sentiment towards the stock market.

    As we stand at the door of 2024, we hope the new year will take us on a transformative journey that helps us touch the lives of our clients and individuals with whom we share a common interest. We also hope the year will bring along new learning experiences, milestones, and opportunities to collaborate with industry leaders that will empower us to expand our reach and share our expertise with those in need.

    The author of this article is Stock Market Today research analyst V.L.A Ambala.

  • “Our facility management business has had a particularly robust year”: SILA’s Sahil Vora

    “Our facility management business has had a particularly robust year”: SILA’s Sahil Vora

    Mumbai: 2023 has been a strong year for us across our businesses. We’ve experienced tailwinds across most parts of the real estate sector, especially benefiting our facility management business. As evident from the stock market, economic GDP numbers, and overall activity—and be it in manufacturing businesses, real estate development, or any built environments—there’s been significant momentum and capital expenditure (CaPEx) across the country. This trend has given us a larger opportunity to maintain these spaces. Our facility management business has had a particularly robust year. The acquisition of Forbes in 2022 has also been integrated well into the overall group, and we anticipate this momentum continuing into 2024.

    Regarding real estate development business: the residential sector, in general, has seen substantial growth in 2023. SILA, focused solely on residential development, has benefited from this growth. However, the commercial sector within real estate has faced more challenges compared to the residential sector. Specifically, in the micro markets where SILA operates, such as Mumbai and the MMR region, sales have remained strong mainly due to pent-up demand over the last few years, leading to strong sales across our projects at various price points. We anticipate this trend continuing into 2024 as well.

    Another trend we’ve been observing and believe will continue into 2024 is the return of many individuals who were hesitant to invest in real estate at different price points are re-entering the market. The demand for residential properties remains robust, driven by millennials starting families or individuals seeking independent housing due to changes in family dynamics. The trend of people wanting their own homes, a momentum that gained during the COVID pandemic, continues to strengthen, and we see it going into 2024 also.

    In our advisory business, where we provide asset management support services to prominent capital providers across the country, we’ve witnessed increased activity, particularly in institutional capital within real estate and more specifically towards the residential sector. Our Real Estate Advisory division has experienced prosperity this year. We believe that our ability to establish relationships within the real estate ecosystem across our services, including development and advisory business, has provided us with deep sectoral insights and valuable asymmetric information from all micro-markets. Leveraging this knowledge, we aim to further expand our growth as we move into 2024.

    We maintained our focus on our ongoing initiatives from previous years. The acquisition of Forbes and its subsequent integration into our operations in 2023 was a significant area of emphasis for our Co-Founder, Rushabh Vora, and the team, consuming a substantial amount of our time and effort. On the development front, we successfully launched our project in Malabar Hill and the delivery of our Inner Circle project in Alibaug, along with achieving the first-phase delivery milestone for our Shubham project in South Mumbai. Looking ahead, we foresee a continuation of our efforts in 2024, potentially launching one or two more projects in the MMR region. Moreover, we remain committed to expanding our facilities and advisory businesses.

    I believe that for SILA, 2024 will be a year of consolidation. Over the past three to four years, we’ve experienced robust growth across our businesses. However, in order to sustain a business over a few decades, it’s crucial to occasionally take a step back, assess and build on what’s working and what’s not. It’s a time to reflect, enhance efficiency, and refine our systems and processes. While I’m confident in our continued growth in 2024, discussions within our team and the board have emphasized the importance of utilizing this year to consolidate our positions and ensure we are building SILA sustainably for the coming decades, rather than solely focusing on aggressive year-on-year expansion.

    I anticipate both industries to demonstrate strength in the upcoming year. The overall economy is expected to perform well. Despite the influence of the election year, there’s a prevailing belief in the stability of the government, significantly bolstering the macroeconomic sentiment. Real estate constitutes a substantial portion of the GDP and holds significant importance for consumers, businesses, government, and policymakers as a pivotal asset class crucial for the sustainable growth of the country. I foresee a robust year ahead. The prevailing confidence among various stakeholders—be it in services, development, or asset management within the real estate sector—suggests that these positive trends will persist in 2024 and beyond.

    The author of this article is SILA founder Sahil Vora.

  • “The intensified focus of the TSBI Studio team on driving video narratives has again been a growth area for us”: TSBI’s Harikrishnan Pillai

    “The intensified focus of the TSBI Studio team on driving video narratives has again been a growth area for us”: TSBI’s Harikrishnan Pillai

    Mumbai: 2023 has been interesting for us. This year has been pivotal, witnessing the global expansion of TheSmallBigIdea (TSBI) with the inauguration of operations in Dubai. It’s a strategic move that marks the beginning of our global journey, with the first steps in Middle East and Africa. We have collaborated with some prestigious clients like Sobha Realty, Lulu Group, and the Uganda Government underscore setting the stage for robust expansion.

    TSBI’s stronghold in media and entertainment persists where we continue to be the one of the largest creative partners for M&E clients in the digital space. This strength has evolved into a multilingual prowess, spanning beyond English, Hindi, to various Indian languages. This adaptability is further emphasized by the firm’s deepening footprint in sectors like real estate, fashion, retail, BFSI, and pharma, showcasing a versatile approach to client engagement.

    The intensified focus of the TSBI Studio team on driving video narratives has again been a growth area for us. Our IPL ads for ICICI direct, short content series for AGL tiles are some of the work that has been appreciated.

    Our talent division is also growing with onboarding of talents like Aaman Devgn, Anu Malik, and Palak Agarwal for their social needs.

    TSBI is not merely adapting to change; it is thriving at the intersection of AI and human ingenuity. As the year unfolds, TSBI’s trajectory promises not only to reshape the creative landscape but also to set new benchmarks in global expansion and industry leadership, solidifying its position as a trailblazer in the realms of creativity and artificial intelligence.

    The author of this article is TheSmallBigIdea CEO & co-founder Harikrishnan Pillai.

  • Wondrlab’s remarkable 2023 journey paves the way for a bold 2024 expansion

    Wondrlab’s remarkable 2023 journey paves the way for a bold 2024 expansion

    Mumbai: As we reflect on the transformative year of 2023, marked by technological leaps, environmental endeavours, and global shifts, the stage is set for the unpredictable landscape of 2024. From the evolution of artificial intelligence to the urgent focus on climate action, our journey unfolds against a backdrop of innovation and challenges. Join us as we explore the highlights of the past and anticipate the dynamics that will shape our world in the coming year. Welcome to a brief overview of the year that was and the forecast for 2024.

    Here is the year-end quote below on behalf of Wondrlab’s managing partner & co-founder Rakesh Hinduja

    This was the third year of Wondrlab and the game is three times. We continue to strengthen our cultural foundation with a focus on people, product & profit – In that order. The Wondrlab family this year is over 400 people diverse and motivated to achieve newer benchmarks. Our product continues to be strategically effective, creatively engaging and full-funnel in the rollout, bar none. With the first 2 P’s being strong, Profit is always healthy. This year we also added a new P, three times office place to our Mumbai HQ, an open layout for fun, positivity and a wonderful vibe for people and products to thrive.  

    We continue to embrace digital transformation, we leveraged technology and data to deliver cutting-edge solutions, solidifying our differentiated offering in the industry. This was the first time we entered Cannes which resulted in a shortlist. A pivotal part of our strategic vision for 2023 was expanding our footprint beyond borders. The recent acquisition of Cymetrix marked a significant milestone. This not only strengthened our capabilities but also positioned us for exponential growth in the global market.  

    We want to solve not just do one thing well, we want to do whatever it takes for brands to win in today’s complex marketing world and do it all well.  

    As I reflect on the year, I am filled with optimism about our trajectory in 2024. Our plan includes further exploration of new markets and industry verticals. Strengthening client relationships remains a top priority, with an unwavering commitment to understanding evolving needs and delivering tailor-made solutions. To create genuine products that help businesses. As well as wins at the biggest awards stage.  

    Our platform-first and technology-centric approach continues to be at the forefront. The potential of augmented reality and virtual reality excites us, and we are poised to seamlessly integrate these into our offerings. We are moving rapidly towards our goal of becoming a world-class network based in India, with more strategic acquisitions on the horizon. As we expand our reach, capabilities, our resilient team dedication to strategic vision, it positions us not just to navigate challenges but to thrive in the ever-evolving business landscape.

  • YouTube content that moved the nation in 2023, and the creators behind it

    YouTube content that moved the nation in 2023, and the creators behind it

    Mumbai: India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission landed on the moon, and on YouTube, millions aimed for their own “moonshots”. In 2023, aspirants in India connected over navigating UPSC prep – sharing a knowing laugh and finding solidarity with Sandeep Bhaiyya. Viewers sought inspiration – from exploring new art forms, to launching a YouTube channel and orbiting stories of fame.

    Content that moved audiences this year came from all parts of the country, across various languages, in wide-ranging genres: a true testament to and celebration of India’s diversity. Here’s a look at 2023’s top trending content and the creators and artists behind it.

    Grand Theft Auto stole hearts and captured imaginations, reflecting one of the many ways in which gaming content continues to level up. Gaming creators have been able to immerse viewers with compelling stories by artfully combining gameplay, characters, narrative, comedy and music. Not just in gaming, creators continue to wow audiences with such ingenuity and creativity, across genres and formats.

    Here are key trends that continue to shape the digital video landscape:

    Ease of creation empowers the next- generation of creators

    Access to tools, ease of short-form video and the wide-reaching impact of digital video continues to democratize content creation. This is enabling more people – across age, gender, cultures, professional backgrounds, and languages – to become creators.

    This is supercharging the diversity of voices,

    powering new genres and growing the staying power of pop culture moments. For instance, Shorts is not only helping level the playing field but also opens doors to a playground of creative tools and formats to help emerging creators push the boundaries of their creativity.

    Access to formats and engaged fandoms drive long-lasting trends

    With creators and their communities coming from various corners of the country, today, multi-format creation is helping lend more memorability to content. Take for instance: the Tom and Jerry format is a tongue-in-cheek interpretation of the popular cartoon that appeals to young and old alike. A single video can capture the imagination of a nation – whether it is the coming together in rapt attention to watch the moon-landing or diving deeper into the content they love with their favorite creators, like Ashish Chanchlani’s uniquely personal take on a popular show.

    Music plays muse for viral masterpieces

    A traditionally one-way relationship with music has begun to transcend into a powerful one of creativity and self-expression. Whether to convey an emotion or express a point of view, Music serves as a universal language that appeals to broad audiences. Music videos and Shorts trends helped drive tracks such as Tere Vaaste, Pulsar Bike, Jailer, Company, Naa Ready and Heeriye to the top, inspiring various forms of expression from creators across the country. `

    We can’t wait to see how YouTube’s vibrant community of dreamers and doers will continue to express themselves, enhance their creativity and grow their communities in 2024!

  • “The year 2023 has played a crucial role in the continued growth of Centuary Mattresses”: Centuary Fiber’s Uttam Malani

    “The year 2023 has played a crucial role in the continued growth of Centuary Mattresses”: Centuary Fiber’s Uttam Malani

    Mumbai: As we reflect on the journey and growth of Centuary Mattresses over the last year, it has been a transformative period marked by significant achievements and strategic expansions. The company has recorded an average yearly growth of 30% and aims to sustain this rate over the next three years. The year 2023 has played a crucial role in the continued growth of Centuary Mattresses. We have observed a consistent increase in our consumer base, and this growth serves as a testament to the company’s dedication to delivering quality products that resonate with an expanding audience. The brand has today solidified its position as “India Ka Sleep Specialist” through a strategic combination of innovation and commitment to superior sleep experiences. The introduction of the revolutionary Copper-Gel technology from Centuary stands as a testament to this commitment. This groundbreaking technology leverages the natural heat-conducting properties of copper to dissipate excess heat, addressing a common concern associated with traditional foam mattresses. The Copper-Gel-infused mattresses not only offer a cool and comfortable sleep environment but also contribute to overall sleep hygiene. By consistently pushing the boundaries of sleep technology, Centuary Mattress continues to lead the way in providing customized, innovative, and rejuvenating sleep solutions for individuals across the country.

    One of the key strategies of 2023 for Centuary Mattress was to announce the inclusion of celebrated badminton sensation PV Sindhu as its brand ambassador. This collaboration marks the convergence of two notable entities from Hyderabad – one acclaimed for her achievements on the badminton court and the other for its expertise in providing sleep and comfort solutions.

    Another pivotal approach adopted by the brand in 2023 has been geographical expansion. Centuary Mattress expanded its manufacturing footprint by inaugurating a new facility in Orissa, bringing the total number of manufacturing facilities to four — two in Hyderabad and two in Orissa with a combined capacity to produce approximately 10 lakh mattresses annually. The brand has plans to expand with a manufacturing facility in Western India in the coming years. This move not only signifies a commitment to operational efficiency but also positions Centuary Mattresses to cater to a wider market.

    The brand in the later half of the year opened its premier experiential store in Chennai and plans to strengthen its presence in the southern market with the opening of around 15 experience centers in Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad in the coming months. Over the next 3 years, the brand aims to increase the number of EBOs to 1,000 and grow the MBO count to approximately 10,000. Additionally, the intention is to establish 100 Experience Centers within the same timeframe.

    In 2024, Centuary Mattresses plans to extend its vision horizontally and vertically, reaching more states and geographies, with a focus on tier 3 and 4 towns. The brand’s growth is propelled by increasing revenue from non-metro and non-tier one towns, reflecting a substantial demand even in online sales. The company’s commitment to comprehensive marketing, including out-of-home and television on platforms like Bigg Boss at the regional level, is evident in its significant investment of 8 to 10 percent of revenues.

    With world-class machinery and end-to-end manufacturing, Centuary Mattresses, driven by research and development, is set to launch 10 new products in 2024. This commitment ensures continuous enhancement in product quality, promising an unparalleled sleep experience for consumers. As Centuary Mattresses continues to lead in innovation, the brand looks forward to an exciting and successful year ahead.

    The author of this article is Centuary Fibre Plates Pvt. Ltd. executive director Uttam Malani.

  • TAS World’s remarkable journey and growth in 2023

    TAS World’s remarkable journey and growth in 2023

    Mumbai: 2023 has proven to be a milestone year for TAS World, witnessing unprecedented growth and accomplishment. Several noteworthy projects were successfully delivered, showcasing exceptional designs that ranged from farmhouses and classical residential buildings with colonial and Victorian styles to lake-view villa adorned with neo-classical architecture. The diversified portfolio also extended to the creation of captivating restaurant/cafe spaces and luxurious commercial spaces and designer stores.

    Leading the Interior Design Scene in Delhi

    TAS World isn’t just a prominent player in the real estate market; it has also established itself as the leading brand in becoming the best interior designerin Delhi.

    Anmol Sachdeva’s Ascendance in Architecture

    Anmol Sachdeva, a key figure at TAS World, is on the rise towards becoming the best architect in Delhi, contributing significantly to the company’s success.

    Dynamic Duo Behind TAS World

    TAS World is the brainchild of two visionaries: architect Anmol Sachdeva and real estate developer Ankit Sachdeva. Ankit’s commitment to incorporating sustainable practices has earned him a reputation as the best real estate developer in Delhi.

    Reflecting on TAS World’s Performance in 2023

    In alignment with our steadfast commitment to excellence, TAS World approached 2023 with a resolute “all in or not at all” mindset. The company’s performance throughout the year mirrored this dedication, as evidenced by the successful completion of projects, adherence to client commitments, meeting deadlines, and achieving set objectives for company growth. The closing quarter saw a unique work-from-home initiative, setting the stage for a new multi-storey office slated to elevate both amenities and employment opportunities in the first quarter of 2024.

    Key Achievements and Milestones of TAS World in the Past Year

    For a design-focused real estate firm like TAS World, the true measure of success lies in delivering projects on time and exceeding client expectations. In 2023, TAS World not only handed over 13 projects from scratch to finish, but these endeavors also fulfilled every commitment, transforming clients into cherished members of our extended family. All planned milestones for the company’s growth were achieved, underscoring a year of triumph and realization.

    Expectations for TAS World’s Growth and Development in 2024

    Having laid the groundwork in 2023, TAS World is poised for a year of execution in 2024. The construction of a sprawling multi-storey office in North Delhi is on track for inauguration in the first month of the year. Further expanding our horizons, TAS World aims to open a branch in Dubai during the first quarter of 2024, marking a significant step towards international prominence.

    Beyond geographical expansion, TAS World’s vision for 2024 includes the establishment of five new offices in different cities, providing employment opportunities to a minimum of 100 individuals. Emphasizing diversity and inclusion, the company is dedicated to women empowerment and prioritizing opportunities for disabled individuals. TAS World is committed to fostering an environment that not only encourages the professional growth of women but also actively seeks to integrate individuals with disabilities into the workforce, recognizing their unique talents and contributions. With a strategic focus on growth, innovation, and social responsibility, TAS World is set to define new benchmarks in the realm of design-led real estate.

    The author of this article is Tas World founder & managing director Anmol Sachdeva.

  • Movers & shakers of advertising in 2023

    Movers & shakers of advertising in 2023

    Mumbai: The year 2023 witnessed a significant upliftment for all industries, and advertising experienced noteworthy changes on the people movements’ front. Indiantelevision.com observed it as a year of churn for the advertising industry, marked by numerous exits and entries to and fro Ogilvy India, Dentsu India, BBH India, Havas group, Omnicom, and more…

    Before we go ahead with the list, here’s our heartfelt tribute to some of the advertising veterans we lost in 2023.

    Most recently we lost advertising veteran Helen Anchan who passed away on 3 December. She was the former head of media planning at Lintas. Anchan is highly esteemed in the industry, serving as a role model for numerous young media professionals. With over 50 years in the media, she witnessed significant transformations, many of which occurred during her dedicated tenure at Lintas.

    Advertising veteran and Chairman of daCunha Communications – Sylvester daCunha, who designed the iconic 1966 Amul Girl ‘utterly butterly’ campaign, passed away in Mumbai. He was a doyen of Indian advertising industry who was associated with Amul since 1960s.

    We then lost another man who played a key role in shaping advertising in India who is none other than Pratap Bose. Bose was the former DDB Mudra and Ogilvy veteran and lastly the founding partner and chairman of Social Street.

    Ad and marketing veteran Aurobindo Mohanty passed away on October 24.

    Following are some of the key people movements:

    Ogilvy India:

    Ogilvy India announced an important leadership transition that will take effect from 1 January 2024. Piyush Pandey, currently chairman global creative & executive chairman of Ogilvy India will serve as the chief advisor.

    Hephzibah Pathak will take on the role of executive chairperson of Ogilvy India. She will be Ogilvy India’s first-ever woman in this role.

    SN Rane, group executive co-chairman India & COO South Asia, will work as business advisor to Ogilvy Asia Pacific.

    The Advertising Club:

    The Advertising Club elected Rana Barua as president. Partha Sinha will serve as immediate past president on managing committee for the ensuing year.

    IAA:

    Avinash Pandey was re-elected as president of India chapter of IAA.

    BBH India

    BBH India appointed Ashwin Palkar as ECD and head of experience. Palkar is a seasoned creative leader with 17 years of experience in advertising.

    BBH India appointed Anupam Chauhan as senior vice president – account management. He has over 18 years of proven success in leading advertising agency teams across India, Southeast Asia, the UK, and Canada.

    Havas media group:

    Havas India chairman and chief creative officer Bobby Pawar stepped down from his role. He joined the network in November 2018.

    Havas Worldwide India appointed Kundan Joshee as managing partner & head – West & South. He has nearly 25 years of experience in the advertising industry and stints at Wunderman Thompson, Ogilvy, FCB, Cheil Worldwide, and Grey Group.

    Mohini Varma has joined as executive vice president & planning head – North, and Jasravee Kaur Chandra has been appointed as senior vice president of Havas Worldwide India.

    dentsu:

    Dentsu Creative India appointed Shweta Khosla and Punit Singh as executive vice president (EVP) – strategy & planning.

    Dentsu Creative India appointed Aneesh Jaisinghani as Sr group executive creative director.

    dentsu X, the media agency from dentsu India, appointed Jose Leon as chief executive officer (CEO).

    Dentsu Creative India onboards Surjo Dutt as CCO – West & South.

    Shisham Digital

    Shisham Digital onboarded Ankoor Dasguupta as their chief marketing officer.

    QYOU Media India

    QYOU Media India CEO Simran Hoon stepped from her current role at the company.

    QYOU Media Inc appointed Raj Mishra, as group CEO of QYOU Media’s India.

    Sociowash

    Sociowash has appointed Amisha Gulati as its new business head to lead Mumbai operations. He has over 13 years of extensive experience as a seasoned marketing professional.

    Omnicom

    Aditya Kanthy as CEO of the newly formed Omnicom Advertising Services group in India.

    Alex Lubar has been elevated as global CEO of DDB Worldwide.

    Leo Burnett

    Dheeraj Sinha stepped down from his roles of Leo Burnett South Asia co-chief executive and BBH India chairman and joined FCB as group CEO India & South Asia.

    Publicis Groupe appointed Rajdeepak Das as South Asia CCO and Leo Burnett, South Asia Chairman.

    Enormous Group:

    Moumita Pal joins Enormous as head of creative Delhi

  • AI is at the heart of our strategy now and for the foreseeable future: Finvasia’s Sarvjeet Virk

    AI is at the heart of our strategy now and for the foreseeable future: Finvasia’s Sarvjeet Virk

    Mumbai: Shoonya by Finvasia is India’s leading multi-asset trading platform, co-founded in 2013 by brothers – Sarvjeet Virk (MD) and Tajinder Virk (CEO), also ex-Wall Street professionals. He along with his brother, has established an ecosystem which is disrupting the financial sectors globally. He had the vision to offer innovative and real-time end-to-end financial solutions that cater to the needs of all investors, regardless of their experience level.

    Down below are his views on how has the year 2023 been for them and the company/agency they work for and forecast for 2024.

    2023 has been a year of growth and many firsts for us at Shoonya. We have achieved several milestones including making it to the top 30 brokers in India. Currently, we are among the top 8 brokers who are adding clients month on month in this financial year and that is something that gives us confidence for our future ambitions. Our goal is to become a top broker in the country and we have a long journey to make this dream a reality. We are constantly working towards the same by building innovative products and solutions targeting customer satisfaction.

    My first and foremost advice would be to always do your own research before making any financial decision. Investors should prioritise diversification, staying informed on market trends, and maintaining a long-term perspective. Managing risk, adapting to technology trends, and embracing sustainable investing practices are crucial.

    Additionally, adjusting strategies based on changing economic conditions are key considerations for investors in the coming year.

    In 2023, we launched the AI-powered feature in partnership with I Know First.  It offers access to AI-based predictions for up to 1500 Indian scripts, including large, mid, and small-caps stocks, as well as predictions for Indian indices from the NSE and BSE. Users also get a sophisticated market analysis with color-coded signals, instant heatmaps, wave trend prediction, and performance signals.

    In 2024, we plan to launch more such features to simplify trading and investing. Shoonya is also working on further improving the user interface of the platform where traders would be able to place orders in just one click, making it easier to buy and sell stocks. We will also introduce advanced screeners and analytical tools to enable our users to make smart investing and trading decisions.

    AI is at the heart of our strategy now and for the foreseeable future. We are committed to leveraging its capabilities to not only enhance our trading platform but also to explore the creation of separate fintech products that can address the unmet needs of our clients.

    It’s important to note that our focus extends beyond urban markets. We recognize a significant opportunity in Bharat, where many potential investors are underserved or unserved. We are determined to develop user-friendly products tailored to their unique needs and preferences.

    To further live up to our brand promise of empowering our customers through education and cutting-edge technology, we have some exciting plans to enhance our education portal significantly. Our goal is to give our customers the knowledge and tools they need to make informed investment decisions. To bolster our educational resources, we are actively working on expanding our AI-based product features. While AI is currently a part of our stock trading services, we envision its integration into derivatives, commodities, and currencies trading as well. This will not only improve the trading experience but also enable our customers to explore new avenues for investment.

    The author of this article is Finvasia co-founder & MD Sarvjeet Virk.