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  • Timex launches Analog Life campaign to remind India to unplug and live in the moment

    Timex launches Analog Life campaign to remind India to unplug and live in the moment

    MUMBAI: For over 170 years, Timex has kept the world ticking. But this year, the watchmaker did more than measure time-it asked India to slow down and savour it. On National Watch Day 2025, Timex India launched its ‘Analog Life | Make Time Yours’ campaign, a movement nudging the nation to disconnect from the constant ping of digital life and reconnect with presence, purpose, and personal rhythm.

    The campaign champions a strikingly simple idea: analog is not outdated, it’s intentional. With a signature call to ‘Make Time Yours’, the initiative celebrates everyday moments and urges people to live mindfully. As part of the rollout, Timex declared an ‘AnaLog-Off Day’, encouraging people to unplug, go offline, and engage in real-world connections that don’t require notifications.

    “In a world that moves faster every day, it’s easy to lose ourselves in the noise”, said Timex Group India MD Deepak Chhabra. “At Timex, we believe time is more than just minutes ticking by; it’s the essence of how we live. With the Analog Life – Make Time Yours campaign, we’re inviting people to pause, reflect, and reclaim their moments because a Timex isn’t just a watch; it’s a symbol of living with intention and presence”.

    Timex’s campaign film portrays the daily hustle with a refreshing twist—people putting down their phones, closing laptops, and embracing everyday moments with focus and joy. Rooted in the brand’s legacy of craftsmanship, the watches remain timeless companions that reflect values rather than vanity.

    By pitching analog as a conscious lifestyle choice, Timex has cleverly positioned itself not just as a timekeeper but as a lifestyle custodian in a hyperconnected age. Through its timepieces, the brand invites consumers to stop scrolling and start living.

    From its origins in 1854 to today’s digitally obsessed world, Timex continues to evolve while staying true to its essence-helping people live more authentically, one moment at a time.

  • Ruhee Das appointed marketing director at Sony Pictures Entertainment

    Ruhee Das appointed marketing director at Sony Pictures Entertainment

    MUMBAI:  Ruhee Das, a prominent figure in the Indian media and entertainment sector, has been named marketing director at Sony Pictures Entertainment, effective June 2025. This promotion comes after a distinguished tenure of six years and ten months as marketing lead at Sony Pictures Television.

    In her previous role as marketing lead, Das was instrumental in promoting Hollywood films and TV series from Sony Pictures across a diverse range of content platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play, Sony LIV, and various television channels like Colors Infinity and &Flix. Her responsibilities encompassed ideating, planning, strategising, and executing comprehensive marketing campaigns across digital, on-air, on-ground, outdoor, and print mediums. She also focused on building strong press coverage for Sony titles, securing talent interviews, and driving performance marketing for Sony Pictures Entertainment India’s social media presence. Furthermore, Das oversaw the content monetisation of Sony Pictures’ movies and TV shows on YouTube.

    Before her extensive career at Sony, Das held key marketing positions at Viacom18 Media Private Ltd for nearly four years. As marketing lead – consumer products from April 2017 to September 2018, she spearheaded the marketing efforts to extend popular brands such as MTV, Colors, and Nickelodeon into consumer products, overseeing successful BTL and ATL campaigns and 360-degree marketing strategies. Prior to this, she served as assistant manager (marketing) – consumer products at Viacom18, focusing on MTV Consumer Products.

    Her earlier experience includes a year as senior officer – revenue at Bennett Coleman and Co. Ltd. (The Times Group), where she was responsible for revenue generation through media sales and brand integration for the TV channel Romedy Now. She also held marketing roles at Propellum and Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd., and completed internships at Abbott and Business Standard.

    Das’s wealth of experience in content marketing, social media, and business strategy positions her to drive significant growth for Sony Pictures Entertainment in the South Asian market.

  • Enrission India backs Pico Xpress to turbocharge quick commerce logistics

    Enrission India backs Pico Xpress to turbocharge quick commerce logistics

    MUMBAI: Enrission India Capital has placed a high-speed bet on the future of convenience, investing in the pre-series A round of logistics disruptor Pico Xpress, a next-gen player reshaping India’s quick commerce backbone with lightning-fast deliveries between 5 and 120 minutes.

    Founded by Aniruddha Gangopadhyay and Kamal Syal, Pico Xpress operates across eight Indian cities and is racing ahead by building scalable, trustworthy infrastructure designed for repeat precision – a key task in the cut-throat world of instant retail.

    Enrission India Capital principal Harsh Deodhar said, “Pico Xpress is at the forefront of India’s quick commerce revolution. We believe this investment will help fuel Pico Xpress’s mission to deliver essentials to customers’ doorsteps in record time and achieve a significant leap in redefining the future of convenience retail. At Enrission India Capital, we are excited to support their mission to build India’s Quick Commerce logistics backbone, one delivery at a time.”

    The fresh infusion will help the startup accelerate rollout, deepen its tech stack, and redefine last-mile logistics as India’s Q-commerce market matures. In the race to deliver everything now, Pico is building the rails.
    Gangopadhyay said, “Enrission India Capital’s investment fuels our mission to build India’s leading quick commerce logistics backbone. This capital infusion allows us to rapidly enhance our technological capabilities and expand our operational footprint, ensuring we continue to deliver essential goods with speed and precision for all our partners and customers.”

    Pico Xpress co-founder Kamal Syal added, “Our goal is to create a seamless and highly efficient quick commerce delivery experience. With Enrission India Capital’s support, we are well-positioned to continue innovating and setting new benchmarks in the logistics industry, ensuring reliability and speed for every delivery.”

  • Nikhil Kamath invests in One Hand Clap to support new-age brand storytelling in India

    Nikhil Kamath invests in One Hand Clap to support new-age brand storytelling in India

    MUMBAI: In a fresh twist to the Indian advertising playbook, Zerodha co-founder and a prominent investor Nikhil Kamath has put his weight behind One Hand Clap Media — a rising creative agency founded by former AIB heads Aakash Shah and Naveed Manakkodan.

    Kamath’s investment marks a vote of confidence in the agency’s mission to build content-first, digital-native storytelling that moves at the speed of the internet. In a marketplace where traditional campaigns are losing steam, One Hand Clap’s high-impact narratives and lightning-fast execution have made it a go-to name for Indian brands that want relevance and recall.

    Known for their campaigns for Swiggy, BGMI, Netflix India, Bumble, Cred, Ather, Emotorad, and Prime Video India, the agency has carved a reputation for weaving story with speed. From writing and producing ad films to running influencer and digital mandates, One Hand Clap offers end-to-end creative firepower.

    “Nikhil gets our DNA, and our visions align,” said One Hand Clap co-founder Shah. “We both never cared for the status quo; we have always aimed to disrupt it, defy the metrics and algorithms to tell stories, not just campaigns for our clients”.

    Co-founder Manakkodan added, “Nikhil’s investment validates our thesis that in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, speed and authentic storytelling are paramount. This partnership fuels our ambition to redefine the agency model, delivering impactful creative solutions with unparalleled agility”.

    For Kamath, the deal is part of a wider plan to back India’s rising creative and entrepreneurial talent. “Through this partnership, Kamath is betting not just on content but on the creators driving the next wave of Indian brand-building”, the company noted.

    The creative agency space is seeing a churn, with speed, relatability and innovation becoming non-negotiables. One Hand Clap’s sharp creative engine, coupled with Kamath’s entrepreneurial acumen, signals a new wave in adland where business meets culture, and memes could be just as powerful as media buys.
     

  • Digital influencer Subhakar Mishra hops on to NDTV India

    Digital influencer Subhakar Mishra hops on to NDTV India

    MUMBAI: Once on track to become an engineer, Shubhankar Mishra is now about to engineer something else entirely, a possible tectonic shift in Hindi TV journalism. The social media powerhouse with over 30 million followers across platforms is stepping into prime time on NDTV India this July, marking a move that blurs the lines between digital virality and newsroom credibility.

    It’s a transition that has been years in the making. Inspired by a single film (3 Idiots) and armed with little more than conviction and curiosity, Shubhankar abandoned the engineering blueprint to follow the story instead of the script. From remote COVID-hit villages in Assam to the heartland’s neglected narratives, his reportage often arrived before traditional headlines did.

    But what makes his journey remarkable isn’t just the reach, it’s the resonance. Whether it’s on Instagram Reels or in long-form Youtube documentaries, he’s told stories that institutions ignored until the scroll stopped. And now, as he walks into NDTV’s studio, he brings with him not just an audience, but a mission.

    “I’m not here to be comfortable. I’m here to ask what needs to be asked,” says Mishra, explaining why NDTV India is his new home. “There aren’t many spaces left where you’re encouraged to challenge power and speak truth. NDTV is one of them.”

    The new show promises to be viewer-centric, field-forward, and unapologetically direct, a mirror held up to Bharat, by someone who hasn’t just reported on it but lived it. Expect sharp questions, grounded voices, and a refusal to settle for status quo headlines.

    “Shubhankar represents the kind of journalism this moment demands fearless, field-first, and deeply connected to the idea of India,” said NDTV CEO and editor-in-Chief Rahul Kanwal. “His following isn’t just numerical, it’s emotional. It’s trust.”

    This move is also part of NDTV’s broader editorial revamp, a pivot toward immersive storytelling, digital convergence, and fresh editorial leadership. With voices like Shubhankar leading the way, NDTV is positioning itself as a platform for a “New India” one where journalism doesn’t just inform but inspires.

    From algorithms to anchor chairs, Shubhankar Mishra’s next chapter might just redefine what news in Hindi prime time looks and sounds like. And if his 30 million-strong digital tribe is any indication, a lot of India is already tuned in.

  • What are the Common Myths About the Tax Benefits of NPS?

    What are the Common Myths About the Tax Benefits of NPS?

    The National Pension System (NPS) is a retirement savings instrument that offers attractive tax benefits to encourage people to save for their golden years. However, there are many myths surrounding the actual tax benefits you can avail of with NPS. This confuses and stops people from availing of a financially beneficial offering. In this article, we will bust some common myths about the tax perks of investing in NPS. Understanding the realities will help you make an informed decision about using NPS as a tax-saving tool.

    Myth 1: NPS Tax Benefits are Just Like Other Investments

    NPS offers additional, exclusive tax benefits that most other tax-saving investments do not. Under Section 80C, you can claim a deduction up to ₹1.5 lakhs for NPS contributions, just like other options such as PPF, ELSS, etc. However, NPS offers further deductions:

    ●    Section 80CCD(1B): An extra ₹50,000 deduction, over and above the 80C limit  
    ●    Section 80CCD(2): Up to 14% (new regime) is deductible from employer contributions

    This is a key difference from other tax-saving investments. Under 80CCD(2), employer NPS contributions up to 14% of basic pay become deductible from taxable salary. No other investment gives salaried individuals this triple tax benefit—80C, 80CCD(1B) and 80CCD(2).

    Myth 2: NPS Withdrawals are Fully Taxable

    At age 18, the child’s NPS account transitions to a standard NPS account. At exit (typically age 60), up to 60% of the corpus can be withdrawn tax-free as a lump sum, while at least 40% must be used to purchase an annuity, the income from which is taxable. If the corpus is below ₹2.5 lakh, it can be fully withdrawn tax-free.

    Compare this to PPF, EPF or VPF, where your accumulations and withdrawals are tax-free only until you retire. Post retirement, interest earnings exceeding ₹50,000 per annum are subject to tax. NPS scores over other retirement schemes here by making 60% of the corpus tax-free irrespective of the holding period or quantum withdrawn.

    Myth 3: You Lose Tax Benefits if You Exit Early

    This myth stems from partial knowledge. While an early NPS exit does limit the lump sum withdrawal percentage, it does not take back the tax benefits already availed on contributions. For instance, exiting before 60 years only allows withdrawals up to 20% of the corpus instead of 60%. However, all contributions for which you claimed tax deductions will not be added to your income in the year of withdrawal.

    The taxman may not ask you to return or nullify deductions enjoyed in previous years. The only impact is that your withdrawals get restricted if you exit before the maturity period of 60 years. So, while early exit impacts liquidity, it does not reverse previously claimed NPS tax benefits.

    Myth 4: NPS Benefits Only High-Income Groups

    NPS tax benefits are meant for all individuals who pay income tax, irrespective of their salary brackets. For instance, even fixed-income senior citizens can open an NPS account and reduce their tax outgo by ₹50,000 through section 80CCD(1B) deductions.

    Similarly, employees across MNCs and SMEs – from blue to white collar roles – can claim NPS tax benefits under 80CCD(2) on employer contributions. The only criterion is that you should have some tax liability to offset through these deductions. So while HNIs may gain more in absolute rupee terms, NPS tax advantages are very much relevant for middle-income groups too.

    Myth 5: Lock-in Defeats Flexibility for Tax Planning

    NPS indeed comes with longer lock-in requirements than ELSS, PPF, or ULIPs. However, one must evaluate this from a retirement planning perspective. NPS aims to create a pension corpus and hence, places withdrawal limits. However, this does not make it inflexible.

    NPS allows partial withdrawals of up to 25% of own contributions before maturity for specific expenses like children’s education/marriage, or buying residential property. You can plan your withdrawals for these crucial life goals. Additionally, you can withdraw the entire corpus if you are diagnosed with any specified critical illness.

    So, while NPS discourages random withdrawals, it does account for critical liquidity needs. Partial withdrawals can be used for tax planning while the rest of the corpus remains invested for retirement.

    Conclusion

    NPS is fundamentally meant for retirement planning, not just tax savings. The lock-in period and withdrawal rules promote disciplined long-term investing. At the same time, exclusive tax benefits make NPS very attractive. Instead of getting swayed by superficial myths, evaluate NPS objectively for its dual advantage – tax efficiency coupled with wealth creation for your golden years. Use it strategically along with other tax-saving options to maximise deductions and secure your financial future.

    FAQs

    1. Is it good to invest in NPS for tax benefits?  
    Yes, NPS is great for tax savings. Under Sections 80CCD(1) and 80CCD(1B), you can save up to ₹2 lakh, plus extra deductions for employer contributions under Section 80CCD(2).

    2. Is NPS 100% tax-free?  
    No, NPS is not fully tax-free. After age 60, 60% of your withdrawal is tax-free, but the remaining 40% used for annuity payments is taxed based on your income slab.

    3. Can I claim both 80C and 80CCD?  
    Yes, you can claim both. Section 80CCD(1) is part of the ₹1.5 lakh 80C limit, but Section 80CCD(1B) gives an extra ₹50,000 deduction, and 80CCD(2) covers employer contributions.

    4. Can I exit from NPS after 1 year?  
    Yes, you can exit early, but there are restrictions on how much you can withdraw. Staying longer helps your money grow and keeps your tax benefits intact.

    5. What happens to 40% of the NPS amount after death?  
    If you pass away, your nominee can withdraw the entire NPS corpus, including the 40% annuity portion, as a lump sum, tax-free, or use it to buy an annuity.  
     

  • Prasar Bharati rides new Waves with Shucae Films OTT content tie-up

    Prasar Bharati rides new Waves with Shucae Films OTT content tie-up

    MUMBAI: India’s national broadcaster is catching the OTT tide and this one’s making Waves. In a move that blends legacy media with fresh digital storytelling, Prasar Bharati has partnered with Shucae Films to host the latter’s vibrant catalogue on its OTT platform Waves, with select content also airing across its television channels. The alliance brings a medley of Shucae’s web shows to Prasar Bharati’s growing digital stable. Think romantic twists, comedic chaos, and indie grit with titles like Jaane Kyun, It’s a Match, Pyaar Ke Panne, Bolo Pencil, Love Forever, Yeh Hai Meri Love Story!, and more now streaming for free.

    By roping in Shucae’s younger, internet-savvy audience and juxtaposing it with its traditional viewership, Prasar Bharati is shaping Waves as a platform that doesn’t just preserve culture but also mirrors current content trends. The move also reflects the broadcaster’s broader digital-first ambition.

    “This partnership reflects our commitment to offering vibrant, diverse and engaging content,” said Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi. “Waves continues to evolve as a digital-first platform showcasing the best of Indian storytelling.”

    Shucae Films CEO Manoj Doogra added, “We’re thrilled to bring our stories to a wider audience through Prasar Bharati. Waves is the perfect platform to blend entertainment with impact.”

    From love stories to offbeat dramas, the line-up adds colour to Waves’ growing content pool. It also signals a stronger future for public broadcasters leaning into contemporary formats and co-creating with India’s expanding OTT talent pool. Whether it’s the nostalgia of Doordarshan or the now-ness of web series, this is storytelling tuned to every screen.

  • Havas Creative India paints Cannes purple with ‘Ink of Democracy’ campaign

    Havas Creative India paints Cannes purple with ‘Ink of Democracy’ campaign

    MUMBAI: Havas Creative India has left an indelible impression at Cannes Lions 2025, taking home one Gold in Print & Publishing and two Bronze Lions in Direct and Best Use of Media for its bold campaign ‘Ink of Democracy’, created in partnership with The Times of India.

    The campaign transformed the newspaper’s editorial page into a wall of silent protest — printing it entirely in electoral ink purple, the same hue used to mark voters’ fingers. The striking visual served as a powerful reminder ahead of the general elections: democracy thrives when ink hits paper and the ballot.

    Havas India, Group CEO, South East Asia and North Asia, Rana Barua said, “Our momentum at Cannes Lions 2025 has been incredible with one Gold in Print & Publishing and two Bronze Lions in Direct and Media for Ink of Democracy. These wins reflect the kind of culture we’ve been nurturing at Havas, a culture rooted in meaning, collaboration, and fearless creativity. It is also a testament of the product and ecosystem we’ve built over the last 7 years. I’m incredibly proud of Anu and our young talents who brought home the lions. A big thank you to Joji and our global teams for the continuous support. Our hearts are full, and I believe this is just the beginning for us.”

    Havas Creative India, joint MD & CCO, Anupama Ramaswamy added, “We’re incredibly overwhelmed and humbled to bring home two more Bronze Lions for Times of India – Ink of Democracy in Direct and Best Use of Media, along with our Gold in Print & Publishing. For a country that still begins its day with the newspaper, this was more than a campaign, it was a responsibility. And what could be more direct than telling 1.4 billion people to leave their homes and go vote? We didn’t chase engagement; we sparked participation. We didn’t count likes; we counted inked fingers. This is creativity serving democracy. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible partners at The Times of India, and a big shout out to my brilliantly talented young team — Soham, Ravinder, and Annie. You made this real. These wins matter. They bring visibility, open doors, and most importantly, they shine a light on the next generation of talent. At Havas we are committed to making sure they’re seen, heard, and celebrated.”

    Stripped of headlines but not of intent, the campaign challenged apathy with colour and symbolism, proving that sometimes, silence shouts the loudest.

  • Vertiv appoints Mike Giresi as global CIO to turbocharge AI and digital strategy

    Vertiv appoints Mike Giresi as global CIO to turbocharge AI and digital strategy

    MUMBAI: In a move that signals its intent to double down on AI and digital transformation, Vertiv has roped in industry veteran Mike Giresi as its global chief information officer (CIO). Giresi, who takes charge on 30 June 2025, will lead the company’s push into AI adoption, cybersecurity, product security, and digital productivity initiatives aimed at sharpening execution and customer experience.

    The NYSE-listed digital infrastructure player is betting big on AI-powered resilience and smarter operations, and Giresi is expected to be at the centre of this strategic shift. With over three decades of IT experience—20 of which have been in top leadership roles across Molex, Aramark, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Tory Burch and Godiva Chocolatier—he brings the right mix of scale, speed, and savvy.

    “Strong digital and IT vision and execution are central to our strategy to continue to lead the industry and constantly augment the value we are delivering to our customers”, said Vertiv CEO Giordano (Gio) Albertazzi. “Mike deeply understands the opportunities of a rapidly evolving AI, digital and IT space and has the experience, the executional focus and expertise to reinforce our competitive advantages”.

    Excited about the challenge, Giresi said, “I am excited to join Vertiv, helping the global teams to create accretive value through advancement of company digital strategy initiatives. By continuing to evolve and improve Vertiv customer experience, product development and manufacturing capabilities, we will take the next steps towards enabling accelerated adoption of AI and digitisation for hyperscale, enterprise and edge customers”.

    At his most recent post as Molex CDO, Giresi led major digital pivots for the consumer electronics company. His résumé includes stints as CIO at Aramark, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Tory Burch and Direct Brands, where he played key roles in shaping IT systems that supported high-stakes, global operations.

    Giresi holds an executive MBA from Saint Joseph’s University – Erivan K. Haub School of Business, and a BA in English and Information Systems from Seton Hall University.

    With the announcement, Vertiv has made clear it intends to not just ride the AI wave but lead it, bringing both resilience and ROI into sharper focus through tech-backed leadership.

  • Zoff Foods stirs up ready-to-cook game with Reliance Retail tie-up

    Zoff Foods stirs up ready-to-cook game with Reliance Retail tie-up

    MUMBAI: Raipur-based spice disruptor Zoff Foods is whipping up a storm in Indian kitchens with the launch of its new Quick Homestyle Food range, marking its entry into the fast-growing ready-to-cook (RTC) segment. The launch comes with a strategic offline retail partnership with Reliance Retail, making the range available pan-India.

    The lineup includes 5-minute Gravies (Rs 150) and 1-minute Marinades (Rs 75), served in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian avatars — from Paneer Tikka to Chicken Chettinad and Magic Mix Gravy to Mutton Curry. The kicker? No preservatives, no prep, and no flavour compromise.

    Zoff’s latest play combines India’s craving for homestyle flavour with the rising demand for convenience. With its eye on becoming a full-stack kitchen solutions brand, the company is positioning itself as a serious player in the RTC space — where taste meets tech, minus the chopping board.

    Talking about the partnership and expansion, ZOFF Foods co-founder Akash Agrawalla stated, “Indian kitchens are celebrated for their rich traditions and the love poured into every meal. At ZOFF Foods, we honour these culinary roots while embracing the evolving needs of today’s home cooks. With our 5-minute gravies and 1-minute marinades, we are introducing a convenient solution for today’s fast-paced lifestyles, without compromising on flavour or quality. Having built our reputation on delivering clean, high-quality whole spices, and this new launch is a natural extension of our promise, with a clear vision: “Ab poora India cook karega.’ We’re bringing authenticity and ease together in every pack. Through our strategic partnerships with Reliance Retail, we are making these innovations more accessible, reaching 400+ stores by July 2025 and helping consumers experience convenience like never before.”

    Ashish Agrawal shared, “Akash and I have always shared a vision to bring innovation to Indian kitchens while staying true to the roots of purity and authenticity. This marks a significant step, not just for us, but for how Indian households can experience flavor, freshness, and convenience in new ways. Our evolving range, from whole spices to ready-to-cook gravies and marinades, reflects our commitment to clean-label, unadulterated food that meets modern needs while honoring our culinary heritage.”

    The range is now available via zofffoods.com, Reliance Retail outlets, and is headed soon to e-commerce and quick commerce shelves.