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  • Google’s quick move to boost brand sales with Commerce Media Suite

    Google’s quick move to boost brand sales with Commerce Media Suite

    MUMBAI: When it comes to India’s shopping habits, “add to cart” is now often followed by “arrives in 10 minutes” and Google is making sure brands don’t miss the ride. The tech giant has launched its Commerce Media Suite, an AI-powered solution designed to help brands and merchants tap into the surging quick commerce and e-commerce markets. The suite works through Google Ads, letting advertisers reach high-intent shoppers across Search, Shopping, Youtube, Display, Discover, and Gmail, directing them straight to product listings on marketplaces like Blinkit, Swiggy, Zepto, and Myntra.

    The timing is no accident with the festive season around the corner, competition for eyeballs (and wallets) is fierce. “Today, consumers demand immediacy and convenience, clearly demonstrated by the rise of quick commerce,” said Google India director for omni-channel businesses Bhaskar Ramesh. “Commerce Media Suite opens fresh pathways for discovery across Google and Youtube, driving stronger results for brands during peak demand seasons.”

    Early adopters are already seeing gains worth bragging about. ITC Aashirvaad Select clocked a 4x return on ad spend on Blinkit, while Renee Cosmetics reported an 11.5 per cent bump in sales and a 48 per cent drop in cost per order.

    For Blinkit, the solution is a match made in delivery heaven. “Google’s Commerce Media Suite offers brands a significant opportunity to cut through the noise and connect with the modern consumer,” said Blinkit director of ad monetisation and pricing Anish Acharya calling it a “game-changer” ahead of the festive rush.

    Beyond just reach, brands get Google AI-driven performance, first-party marketplace data, product-level measurement, and self-service transparency effectively marrying campaign spend to actual sales impact.

    Or as Renee Cosmetics head of eCommerce Jitendra Rawal put it: “It’s allowed us to efficiently connect with customers looking for our products and significantly drive incremental sales.”

    With India’s quick commerce sector in overdrive, Google’s latest play might just help brands click with customers in more ways than one.

     

  • Asian Paints celebrates the spirit of independence in every hue with ‘The Colours of India’ campaign

    Asian Paints celebrates the spirit of independence in every hue with ‘The Colours of India’ campaign

    MUMBAI: Every shade tells a story. This Independence Day, Asian Paints brings the spirit of the nation into living spaces with The Colours of India – a curated palette of authentic tricolour hues that go beyond symbolism. From vibrant saffrons to crisp whites and lush greens, these colours reflect the beauty and identity of the nation within our homes. The vision came alive through a striking, disruptive print campaign in India’s leading newspapers, turning the simple act of flipping a page into a moment of patriotism. The visual tribute celebrates unity and identity through colour – a reminder that patriotism isn’t just felt on one day, but can be seen, touched and cherished every day.

    Each colour featured in The Colours of India is an actual shade from Asian Paints’ extensive colour library, complete with its shade code. As readers turn the page, they discover not only a heartfelt tribute to the tricolour, but also the sheer vastness of Asian Paints’ offering – a portfolio of over 5,000 unique shades that gives every Indian the complete freedom to bring their personal vision to life, without compromise. From bold, statement hues to subtle, timeless tones, every shade is backed by the trusted Asian Paints Ki Warranty – a legacy of protecting homes and memories for over eight decades.

    For over eighty years, Asian Paints has been the foremost authority on paint and décor in India – a name synonymous with quality, innovation, and trust. One in every two Indian homes carries its mark, a testament to the brand’s deep connection with the country. More than just colour on walls, Asian Paints has been part of life stories – witnessing milestones, celebrations, and everyday moments. This lasting bond is at the heart of Asian Paints Ki Warranty -built on colour, care, and the commitment to protect Indian homes and the memories within them, across generations.

    Commenting on the campaign, Asian Paints managing director & CEO Amit Syngle said,“Marking India’s 79th year of Independence, Asian Paints celebrates the spirit of the nation with a campaign that goes beyond walls. At Asian Paints, colours are more than aesthetic choices — they are expressions of ones shared spirit and individuality. For over eight decades, we’ve been custodians of this vibrant canvas, enabling every Indian to make their spaces a true reflection of themselves. This campaign is a reminder that love for our country and personal expression aren’t limited to one day — they can be lived and cherished every day in the spaces we call our own.”  

     

  • Balaji eyes revival as digital losses narrow and OTT comeback planned

    Balaji eyes revival as digital losses narrow and OTT comeback planned

    MUMBAI: The drama at Balaji Telefilms has taken a sharp turn and this time, it’s playing out on the balance sheet. The content powerhouse slipped into the red for the quarter ended 30 June 2025, posting a consolidated net loss of Rs 594.6 lakh, a far cry from the Rs 94.0 crore profit it clocked in the preceding March quarter.

    Revenue from operations fell 51 per cent year-on-year to Rs 72.8 crore, down from Rs 149.2 crore in Q1 FY24, as all three segments took a hit. Commissioned programmes brought in Rs 49.9 crore (down from Rs 75.4 crore), films collapsed to Rs 1.4 crore from a blockbuster Rs 73.2 crore, and digital revenue rose to Rs 29.1 crore from Rs 9.8 crore but still bore the shadow of the OTT platform’s regulatory shutdown in July.

    Production and acquisition costs surged to Rs 95.8 crore, while marketing expenses stood at Rs 5.38 crore and employee costs at Rs 8.53 crore. Depreciation came in at Rs 1.76 crore, and finance costs eased to Rs 21.8 lakh. Other expenses, at Rs 11.2 crore, added to the squeeze.

    Segment-wise, commissioned programmes swung to a Rs 5.45 crore loss, films lost Rs 2.27 crore, and digital narrowed losses to Rs 92 lakh from Rs 2.08 crore a year ago. Assets in the digital segment have shrunk to Rs 99.9 crore from Rs 246.8 crore last year, reflecting the OTT disruption.

    Despite the setback, Balaji says it is “taking active steps” to comply with regulations and re-enter the digital fray. Until then, investors may have to wait for the next season to see if the plot delivers a turnaround.

  • Saatchi Propagate India onboards Saurabh Mankhand as EVP & head of consumer experience

    Saatchi Propagate India onboards Saurabh Mankhand as EVP & head of consumer experience

    MUMBAI: Publicis Groupe India’s full-funnel digital agency Saatchi Propagate has enhanced its leadership team by appointing Saurabh Mankhand as EVP & Head of Consumer Experience.

    Saurabh will spearhead the agency’s Consumer Experience (CX) practice, focused on integrating strategy, data, content, platform innovation, and emerging technologies to deliver measurable impact for brands. He will also play a key role in promoting Publicis Groupe’s unique ‘Power of One’ model to unlock new opportunities and strengthen client partnerships.

    Marking his return to Publicis Groupe India, Saurabh brings over two decades of experience in driving integrated marketing strategies, digital innovation, and business transformation. He has led mandates for brands including Unilever, Jio, Vodafone, and IBM, while building teams and service lines across e-commerce, B2B, and consumer sectors. Prior to this, he served at OLIVER+ as the Business Head for eCommerce & Technology Services. He has also held leadership roles at Indigo Consulting and Ogilvy India.  

    Reporting into Saatchi & Saatchi India, BBH India, and Saatchi Propagate India CEO Paritosh Srivastava, Saurabh will work closely with Saatchi Propagate India EVP & Business Head, Prachi Bali and Saatchi & Saatchi India, BBH India and Saatchi Propagate India, Group Chief Strategy Officer, Snehasis Bose.

    Speaking on the appointment, Srivastava said, “Saatchi Propagate India has been on an amazing growth journey over the last few years. Today, we are amongst the top digital agencies in the country, working with some of the major national and international brands. To keep this momentum going, we are strengthening our capabilities with a focus on owning the entire CX journey. Saurabh’s deep expertise in this space makes him the perfect partner to lead us into this next phase. With Snehasis, Saurabh and Prachi at the helm, Saatchi Propagate India is ready for its next phase of growth.”

    Mankhand added, “The future of brand growth is about creating predictive, personalised experiences through a seamless convergence of strategy, data, and platform innovation across the entire omni-channel ecosystem. This has placed CX at the very core of the business, and I’m excited to join the team at Saatchi Propagate India, who are already deeply engaged with clients on these strategic journeys. My focus will be on enhancing our collective ability to deliver proactive CX solutions that not only meet modern customer expectations but deliver the significant, measurable growth our clients demand.”
     

  • Ormax Media plays a data masterstroke with OTT sports tracking tool

    Ormax Media plays a data masterstroke with OTT sports tracking tool

    MUMBAI: In a country where 678.2 million people tune into everything from cricket to kabaddi, Ormax Media has decided it’s time the scoreboard reflected more than just runs and goals. The media insights powerhouse has launched Ormax Sports Track, a syndicated audience research tool built to measure the engagement and marketing impact of sports tournaments on OTT platforms right from the announcement press release to the final whistle. Designed for both streaming platforms and sports leagues, it tracks four key parameters Buzz, Reach, Appeal and Potency giving stakeholders a 360° view of audience sentiment over a tournament’s entire run.

    The methodology is as rigorous as a DRS review. Every week, 600 regular OTT sports viewers split evenly between metro and non-metro markets are surveyed online, with the sample aligned to The Ormax Sports Audience Report 2024. Subscribers receive two data deliveries a week, a Tuesday mid-week report and a Friday wrap-up to act fast on shifting trends, test marketing muscle, and tweak strategies in real time.

    “OTT platforms now have a powerful subscription-based tool to benchmark the impact of their sports campaigns against industry-wide trends,” said Ormax Media head of business development for streaming, television & brands Keerat Grewal. “It’s about integrating audience tracking with strategic insights to drive subscriptions, optimise spend, and stand out in a crowded sports landscape.”

    With OTT players investing heavily in sports properties from cricket and football to tennis, wrestling and beyond Ormax Sports Track could be the independent, data-backed umpire brands need to call the big shots, measure ROI, and ensure their campaigns hit the sweet spot every time.

  • Trilok teams up with Gaondevi Mahila Govinda Pathak for Dahi Handi season

    Trilok teams up with Gaondevi Mahila Govinda Pathak for Dahi Handi season

    MUMBAI – Trilok is celebrating Janmashtami with a powerful tribute to women who embody courage, resilience, and quiet strength. Their debut album Devi finds fresh expression in a special Dahi Handi video featuring Mumbai’s spirited all-women team – the Gavdevi Mahila Govinda Pathak.

    Blending the celebratory energy of the festival with the album’s central message – She is not myth. She is presence. She watches. She watches over. – the video brings a groundbreaking story to the national stage.

    “Dahi Handi has always been about teamwork, balance, and determination – qualities every ‘Devi’ in our lives carries,” said Sudeep Lahiri, Head of Channels and Distribution, Collective Media Network. “Collaborating with the Gavdevi Mahila Govinda Pathak felt like the perfect way to show that devotion and strength are living, breathing forces around us.”

    In a sport long dominated by men, the Gavdevi Mahila Govinda Pathak defies stereotypes, scaling human pyramids with skill, precision, and unshakable spirit. They embody the same courage and resilience celebrated in the goddesses we worship – fierce, fearless, and unapologetically themselves.

    With Devi, Trilok hopes to inspire audiences to see strength as a spectrum – where compassion and ferocity coexist. This Janmashtami, they’re not just celebrating a festival; they’re amplifying the story of women transforming tradition from within and proving that shakti is a lived reality.

     

  • India’s ad watchdog cracks down on stealth marketing by media companies

    India’s ad watchdog cracks down on stealth marketing by media companies

    MUMBAI: India’s advertising watchdog has tightened the screws on media companies that blur the lines between editorial content and paid promotions on social media. The Advertising Standards Council of India (Asci) has introduced tough new disclosure rules aimed at stopping advertisements masquerading as news.

    Under the updated code, media outlets must now slap clear labels on any sponsored content right at the top of social media posts. Acceptable tags include “advertisement,” “partnership,” “ad,” “sponsored,” and “collaboration”—no hiding behind fine print or vague disclaimers.

    The crackdown follows a surge in consumer complaints about misleading promotions on platforms where editorial credibility runs high. With digital media increasingly serving as Indians’ primary news source, regulators are worried that undisclosed advertising is eroding public trust.

    “Several media outlets regularly post editorial content on their social media handles,” said Asci  chief executive & secretary general Manisha Kapoor. “Increasingly, we see advertisements with no or poorly visible disclosures making their way to such posts.”

    The new Clause 1.8, tucked into the “Truthful and Honest Representation” chapter of Asci’s self-regulation code, reflects growing global concern about native advertising and influencer marketing. Consumer protection authorities worldwide are grappling with how to police content that deliberately mimics editorial material.

    For media companies, the rules represent both a burden and an opportunity. Clearer labelling may initially dent engagement rates, but could ultimately protect valuable editorial brands from advertiser influence. The regulations also level the playing field with international platforms, which already require similar disclosures under local laws.

    Asci, established in 1985, monitors advertising across all media and has worked closely with government bodies including the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. The council’s updated code can be found at ascionline.in.

  • Test cricket’s digital triumph defies the doomsayers

    Test cricket’s digital triumph defies the doomsayers

    MUMBAI: Test cricket may be fighting for its future, but the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy has delivered a resounding riposte to the sceptics. More than 170 million viewers logged onto JioHotstar during the five-match series between India and England—the highest-ever reach for a Test series on digital platforms.

    The numbers tell a compelling story. A staggering 65 billion minutes of watch time were clocked up as the series unfolded from 20 June  to 4 August. The climactic fifth day at The Oval alone drew a peak of 13 million concurrent viewers, setting a new record for online Test match streaming.

    All five matches went the distance, with nail-biting finishes and dramatic plot twists keeping audiences glued to their screens. Even when rain curtailed play on the Sunday at The Oval, with England needing just 35 runs and India four wickets, thousands returned on Monday morning for what many knew might be only an hour’s play.

    “The extraordinary response reinforced Test cricket’s ability to forge compelling narratives in almost every session,” said JioStar head of content for sports Siddharth Sharma. The platform served coverage in five languages: English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada.

    Yet this triumph highlights cricket’s central paradox. Whilst series between the sport’s “Big Three”—England, India and Australia—continue to thrive, concerns persist about Test cricket’s inclusivity for lower-ranked nations. The format’s commercial success remains concentrated among a privileged few.

    These worries have prompted the ICC to form an eight-member working group, led by chief executive Sanjog Gupta, to assess a proposed two-tier World Test Championship. England’s cricket board opposes the plan, fearing relegation could cost them lucrative clashes with Australia or India.

    The series marked India’s opening gambit in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle, ending in a 2-2 draw after the final session. Fans also devoured Follow the Blues, a behind-the-scenes series, and When India Challenged the Crown, which revisited India’s Test legacy in England.

    JioStar now turns its attention to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, beginning 30 September.

  • Mehrotra Kapoor takes the editor’s chair in fine health

    Mehrotra Kapoor takes the editor’s chair in fine health

    MUMBAI: The newsroom is getting a health check and Sonal Mehrotra Kapoor is writing the prescription. India Today Group has roped in the award-winning journalist as senior editor and anchor to helm the launch of what it calls India’s first-of-its-kind omni-platform brand dedicated to health and wellness. The initiative, rooted in the credo “to inform, not influence,” aims to bring science-backed, trustworthy content to a nation in the middle of what experts call a “health revolution.”

    With over 17 years in the media trenches, Sonal has built a reputation for hard-hitting, human-centred storytelling across some of India’s biggest newsrooms from 11 years as associate editor and anchor at NDTV, to over three years as editor at Moneycontrol.com. Now, she brings that editorial muscle to a sector she’s deeply invested in, armed not just with a journalist’s instincts but also a Harvard certification in nutrition.

    Reporting to B V Rao and working closely with Supriya Prasad, Sonal will spearhead content that blends digital innovation, credible journalism, and wellness expertise. It’s a brief that mirrors her own personal passions from cooking up wholesome meals and dancing to recharge, to hands-on parenting all while keeping a sharp eye on making complex health topics accessible and engaging.

    India Today is betting big on the booming health and wellness space, and with Sonal at the helm, the platform promises to be as fact-rich as it is relatable proving that good health and good journalism aren’t mutually exclusive.

     

  • Fintech upstart Pay10 recruits GoKwik marketing chief

    Fintech upstart Pay10 recruits GoKwik marketing chief

    MUMBAI: Pay10 India has roped in Joyeeta Ghosal from e-commerce enabler GoKwik to lead its marketing charge as the fintech outfit seeks to muscle into India’s crowded payments landscape. Ghosal, who spent over three years as head of marketing at GoKwik, has been appointed senior vice-president and head of marketing and communications at the alternative payments specialist.

    The hire marks a homecoming of sorts for Ghosal, who previously cut her teeth in financial services during a near four-year stint at Home Credit India, where she rose from senior manager to head of marketing communications. Her track record spans traditional media, telecommunications, and consumer finance—experience that could prove crucial as Pay10 attempts to differentiate itself in a market dominated by heavyweight rivals.

    Before her GoKwik tenure, Ghosal honed her brand-building credentials across diverse sectors. She managed marketing communications for Czech lender Home Credit during its aggressive Indian expansion, crafted customer insights at telecom giant Vodafone, and helped launch Bengali daily Ebela at media house ABP Group—a project later showcased at the World Newspaper Congress in Bangkok.

    Her appointment comes as India’s payments sector faces increasing fragmentation, with niche players attempting to carve out specialised niches amid the dominance of established giants. Pay10’s focus on “open finance solutions and alternate payment methods” suggests an attempt to exploit gaps left by mainstream providers.

    The move also highlights the ongoing talent shuffle in India’s fintech ecosystem, where experienced marketing professionals command premium valuations as companies vie for consumer mindshare. For Pay10, landing a veteran who has navigated both traditional financial services and cutting-edge e-commerce represents a strategic coup.

    Whether Ghosal can translate her diverse experience into market traction for Pay10 remains the acid test. In a sector where regulatory headwinds and competitive pressures have claimed numerous casualties, her cross-industry expertise may prove the difference between breakthrough and bust.