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  • Uber hits the road with Motorhomes in more cities

    Uber hits the road with Motorhomes in more cities

    MUMBAI: Buckle up for a new kind of road trip. After cruising through Delhi NCR with a sold-out pilot, Uber is taking its Intercity Motorhomes experience to Mumbai, Bangalore, and Pune. The limited-edition offering, which lets riders book caravan-style vehicles for outstation getaways, opens bookings on 13 October, with rides starting 15 October.

    Initially launched in August to promote premium outstation travel, the Delhi pilot saw 100 per cent occupancy throughout its run, prompting the expansion. Each Motorhome comes loaded with road-trip luxuries, a TV, microwave, mini-fridge, and even a lavatory, offering up to five passengers a lounge-on-wheels experience complete with a driver and helper.

    “Uber Intercity has become a preferred choice for dependable and comfortable travel between cities,” said Uber India and South Asia director – consumer growth Shiva Shailendran. “With the success of Motorhomes and expansion to new cities, we’re strengthening Intercity’s position as the go-to for long-distance travel.”

    The festive season, known for weddings, holidays, and spontaneous getaways, makes this expansion timely. Riders can book trips through Uber Reserve, add stops, track rides, and access 24 by 7 support, though early booking is advised given the surge in demand.

    With over 3,000 intercity routes now under its belt, Uber continues to steer India’s outstation travel scene into a smoother, smarter future, one comfortable kilometre at a time.

  • Hybrid’s Work Culture Gets a Great Upgrade with GPTW Certification

    Hybrid’s Work Culture Gets a Great Upgrade with GPTW Certification

    MUMBAI: Looks like Hybrid Adtech just got a workplace upgrade no software patch required. The adtech company has officially been certified by Great Place To Work, the global benchmark for workplace culture, cementing its reputation as a people-first organisation that’s as driven by passion as it is by performance.

    The certification, based entirely on employee feedback, highlights Hybrid’s success in creating a culture where collaboration, trust, and innovation thrive. A majority of its workforce vouched for an environment that encourages growth not just in KPIs and conversions, but in careers and confidence.

    Hybrid INSEA CEO Shreyas Sathe called the recognition a milestone moment. “Earning the Great Place To Work Certification validates our efforts in building a workplace where innovation and people go hand in hand. Our employees are our biggest strength,” he said, underscoring the company’s belief that culture and creativity are intertwined.

    Echoing that sentiment, Hybrid country head for India Gandharv Sachdeva said, “At Hybrid, people are at the centre of everything we do. This certification reflects the trust, transparency, and teamwork that define our culture. We’re proud to be creating not just a successful business, but a space where everyone belongs.”

    Hybrid’s culture isn’t built on buzzwords, it’s reinforced by initiatives that empower employees to grow both professionally and personally. From skill development and wellness programmes to collaborative opportunities across teams, the company continues to invest in its people as much as in its tech.

    According to Great Place To Work research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great boss at Certified workplaces. Employees in such organisations also report higher job satisfaction, fairer pay, and better access to advancement opportunities, all signs of a workplace where people genuinely look forward to Mondays.

    With its new badge of honour, Hybrid Adtech has proven that being a “great place to work” isn’t just about perks and policies, it’s about people who power possibilities.

    Would you like me to make the headline slightly more playful (for example, using a pun like “Hybrid Works Wonders with Great Place to Work Win”)?
     

  • AI writes the next scene in storytelling

    AI writes the next scene in storytelling

    MUMBAI: From scripts to circuits, storytelling just got smarter. At FICCI Frames 2025, the stage buzzed with ideas as tech titans from Jiohotstar, Meta, and Google explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way India watches, interacts, and connects with stories.

    In a session titled “The AI-Powered Media Revolution: From Personalisation to Interactive Storytelling,” the panel featured Jiohotstar chief product officer Bharath Ram, Meta India group director – finserv, media, travel and services Shweta Bajpai, and Google India head of industry for tech, media & telecom Siddharth Shekhar, moderated by NDTV Entertainment editor Abira Dhar

    Bharath Ram highlighted how Jiohotstar’s India-built AI is revolutionising both content and advertising. “The biggest advantage of developing AI solutions in India is the ability to iterate fast, learn fast, and build products rooted in local sensibilities,” he said, adding that Jiohotstar’s vast catalogue, from Special Ops to Bigg Boss, provides fertile ground for AI-driven insights.

    “Our AI helps us decode what truly captures viewers’ imagination and connects brands to audiences more meaningfully,” he explained, noting that smarter prediction models are already enabling advertisers to reach the right audience at the right moment.

    Taking storytelling beyond the screen, Bharath also spoke about the rise of fandom participation, where viewers don’t just watch content, they live it. “People want to be part of the story. The future lies in building interactive experiences that let fans express their passion,” he said, hinting at Jiohotstar’s plans to boost audience engagement across its entertainment properties.

    The discussion painted a vivid picture of a media landscape in motion, one where AI transforms viewers into collaborators, and platforms like Jiohotstar, Meta, and Google are scripting a new era of personalised, participatory entertainment.

    Because in the age of AI, the story doesn’t just unfold, it evolves with you.

  • Lotus White Glow gel crème shines in new campaign

    Lotus White Glow gel crème shines in new campaign

    MUMBAI: Glow with the flow, Lotus White Glow steps into the spotlight. Lotus Herbals, India’s leading natural skincare brand, has unveiled a sparkling new campaign for its iconic White Glow gel crème, marking 15 years of innovation. India’s first-ever gel plus crème formula, White Glow has long been a cult favourite, trusted across generations for its lightweight, non-sticky texture and powerful brightening benefits.

    The refreshed campaign highlights niacinamide, the star ingredient that has been part of the formulation from the beginning, along with herbal extracts of saxifraga, milk enzymes, and grapes. Clinically proven to reduce dark spots, sun tan, and restore glow from within, the gel crème offers a practical, modern solution for today’s youthful, ingredient-conscious consumers.

    At the heart of the campaign is a relatable story: a young woman struggling to take the perfect selfie due to persistent dark spots. Enter White Glow gel crème, helping her regain confidence with radiant, even-toned skin. Emerging talent Heer Achchra brings the narrative to life with natural charm and relatable energy, embodying the confident, skincare-savvy consumer of today.

    The multi-platform campaign will run across television, OTT, digital, social media, and out-of-home, including co-powered sponsorship on West Bengal’s popular show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Zee5 integrations, and a pan-India CTV campaign on Jio Star. In-store POP activations across India will ensure strong on-ground visibility.

    Lotus Herbals CMD Nitin Passi said, “We are delighted to unveil our new campaign for the path-breaking Lotus White Glow gel crème. With refreshed packaging and renewed focus on niacinamide, we are proud to present this trusted formulation to a new generation. At Lotus Herbals, we evolve with our consumers, and this campaign ensures White Glow continues to shine across generations.”

    With this refreshed campaign, Lotus White Glow gel crème continues to cement its place as a go-to skincare essential for radiant, selfie-ready skin, proving that great glow never goes out of style. 
     

  • Breaking youth drug codes with Mathrubhumi’s parent-focused campaign

    Breaking youth drug codes with Mathrubhumi’s parent-focused campaign

    MUMBAI: When it comes to tackling substance abuse, Mathrubhumi is proving that knowledge is the ultimate weapon. The media house’s latest anti-drug campaign, featuring youth icon Roshan Mathew, isn’t about moralising or over-dramatising, it’s about arming parents with the tools they need to spot trouble before it escalates.

    Titled simply yet powerfully, the campaign takes a realistic, engaging approach to the complex issue of youth drug use. It dives straight into the world parents rarely see, decoding the slang, secret codes, and even the pricing of substances that school-going children might encounter. By blending hard facts with practical guidance on monitoring financial transactions and recognising behavioural red flags, the initiative goes beyond typical warnings.

    “We aim to go beyond mere warnings and public appeals. The goal of this campaign is to arm parents with the specific knowledge they need to win this fight,” said Mathrubhumi managing director M.V. Shreyams Kumar. The approach shifts the focus from scaring young people to equipping the adults closest to them parents, families, and teachers with actionable insight.

    Maitri Advertising managing director Raju Menon of which conceptualised the short film, emphasised the strategy behind the realism. “While most anti-drug campaigns target the users themselves, we wanted to speak to those most likely to identify the issue early. Sure, kids might adapt their slang after seeing this, but at least we give parents a headstart.”

    The short film’s reception has been electric, sparking conversations across social media and in households alike. Its appeal lies in its authenticity: instead of bombarding viewers with fear-inducing images or exaggerated scenarios, it presents knowledge in a digestible, relatable format. Parents are shown not just what to look for, but how to interpret subtle signals from behaviour, conversations, and even financial patterns, a roadmap for proactive engagement.

    By leveraging Roshan Mathew’s relatability among the youth, the campaign bridges the generational gap. It reminds parents that influencing children about the dangers of drugs isn’t about confrontation, it’s about connection, awareness, and timely action. Every code word decoded, every price point revealed, and every practical tip shared is a small but crucial victory in the fight against substance abuse.

    Mathrubhumi’s initiative stands out for transforming anti-drug messaging from abstract warnings into tangible, everyday tools for parents. It’s a campaign that proves education and awareness can be both accessible and compelling, encouraging adults to step into the roles they’re naturally equipped for guides, protectors, and early responders. In a world where quick fixes and shortcuts often dominate, Mathrubhumi reminds us that vigilance, knowledge, and parental involvement remain the most effective measures.

    With this campaign, the message is crystal clear: the first line of defence against youth drug abuse isn’t law enforcement or peer pressure, it’s informed, attentive parents, ready to decode the hidden signals before it’s too late.

  • Shambhavi Mishra named head of marketing at Gourmet

    Shambhavi Mishra named head of marketing at Gourmet

    MUMBAI: Gourmet Investments Pvt. Ltd. has promoted Shambhavi Mishra to head of marketing, tasking her with steering the company’s entire portfolio of global dining brands in India, including P.F. Chang’s, Pizzaexpress, and Chili’s American Grill & Bar.

    Mishra, who has spent the past two years driving digital-first campaigns and consumer engagement for Pizzaexpress and Chili’s, now oversees brand strategy across all outlets, aiming to strengthen market presence and cultural relevance in India’s fast-evolving dining scene.

    Prior to Gourmet, she was AVP – marketing at Impresario Handmade Restaurants, shaping strategy for Social, antisocial, Smoke House Deli, Boss Burger, Lucknowee, and Hungli across more than 47 locations. Her tenure at Social redefined F&B marketing through community-building, culture-first partnerships, and high-profile collaborations with Amazon, Netflix, Spotify, Tinder, Bumble, Budweiser, Absolut, Flipkart, and global IPs like Game of Thrones and Stranger Things. She also created original experiences such as Fresh Cuts, Satrangi Mela, Culture Chutney, and Deluxe Thali.

    Mishra is recognised not only for her strategic acumen and digital-first thinking but also for championing initiatives around women’s safety, gender inclusivity, and diversity, embedding values into both workplace culture and consumer experiences.

    An alumna of ISB and MICA, with a foundational degree from the Institute of Technology & Management, she is widely regarded as one of India’s most dynamic voices in F&B marketing, known for marrying creativity with measurable business impact.

    Gourmet Investments’ elevation of Mishra signals a sharpened focus on strategic marketing, brand storytelling, and cultural resonance across India’s competitive dining landscape.
     

  • Rupee112 appoints Hitesh Yadav as head of marketing

    Rupee112 appoints Hitesh Yadav as head of marketing

    MUMBAI: Rupee112, a rising star in India’s fintech space, has appointed Hitesh Yadav as its head of marketing, signalling an ambitious push to sharpen its brand and accelerate digital growth.

    Yadav brings over a decade of digital marketing experience, having helmed campaigns at Sammaan Capital Limited, Renewbuy, Innocean India, Publicis Groupe, ARM Worldwide, and HT Media. His expertise spans PPC, SEO, customer acquisition, and performance-driven strategies across fintech, insurance, and media.

    In his new role, Yadav will chart Rupee112’s marketing vision, spearhead campaigns that deliver measurable results, and deepen engagement across both online and offline channels.

    “I am thrilled to join Rupee112, a company that is redefining the fintech experience in India,” Yadav said. “My focus will be on strategies that drive growth while positioning Rupee112 as a benchmark in marketing innovation and customer engagement.”

    The move underlines Rupee112’s ambition to consolidate its position in India’s evolving lending ecosystem. The platform leverages data, digital tools, and customer-centric design to offer accessible and tailored credit solutions to millions of users.

    With Yadav at the helm, Rupee112 looks set to combine fintech innovation with marketing muscle, a pairing likely to keep competitors on their toes.
     

  • Breaking the news and the charts CNN-News18 tops the ratings race

    Breaking the news and the charts CNN-News18 tops the ratings race

    MUMBAI: Newsrooms thrive on breaking stories but this time, CNN-News18 is the story. The network has stormed ahead of rivals to claim its place as India’s undisputed English news leader, clocking numbers that speak louder than any debate panel ever could.

    According to the latest BARC India data, CNN-News18 has pulled off a 64.4 per cent market share in the primetime slot (7–11 pm), leaving competitors trailing far behind NDTV at 15.4 per cent and Times Now at 12.2 per cent. (Source: BARC India | Market: 10L plus | TG: 22–40 Male | Period: Weeks 36–39’25 | Market Share per cent | 5 channels considered.)

    For a genre known for high decibels and fierce rivalries, CNN-News18’s dominance is striking, the channel holds more than four times the share of its nearest competitor. The network’s grip on viewers during India’s most-watched hours has placed it firmly in a league of its own, with “No. 1” becoming more of a habit than a headline.

    Zooming out beyond primetime, CNN-News18 continues to reign overall with a 36.5 per cent market share, followed by NDTV 24×7 at 25.2 per cent and Times Now at 21.4 per cent. (Source: BARC India | Market: India | TG: 15+AB | Period: Weeks 36–39’25 | Market Share per cent basis AMA’000 | 8 channels considered.)

    The victory isn’t a flash in the pan either. CNN-News18 has maintained the top spot since the return of BARC ratings in March 2022, consistently holding its ground across cycles, a feat few news brands can boast in such a volatile space.

    What’s fuelling this sustained supremacy? A mix of credibility, sharp reportage, and familiar faces that have become synonymous with trustworthy journalism.

    The channel’s roster of seasoned anchors Zakka Jacob, Anand Narasimhan, Rahul Shivshankar, and Shivani Gupta has helped define its editorial rhythm. Their prime-time shows are known for being fast-paced yet focused, where arguments may heat up but facts still win the floor.

    Behind the desk, CNN-News18’s network of correspondents across India keeps the channel ahead on breaking stories, from Delhi’s political corridors to distant district headquarters. It’s this combination of speed, scale, and storytelling that keeps viewers coming back when the clock strikes seven.

    In an era where English news is often accused of shouting louder than it reports, CNN-News18 seems to have struck the balance pairing the energy of TV debates with the discipline of data. The result is clear in the numbers: nearly two-thirds of English news viewers are tuning into CNN-News18 during primetime, a lead that transforms competition into footnotes.

    What makes this rise even more striking is the shrinking gap between viewership and trust, a rare commodity in news. The channel’s ability to hold attention without sensationalism, and to mix credibility with conversation, appears to be its secret sauce.

    It’s not just about being the loudest voice in the room anymore, it’s about being the one audiences actually listen to.

    With its 64.4 per cent primetime share, 36.5 per cent overall market lead, and an editorial style that’s both assertive and authentic, CNN-News18 isn’t just leading the English news genre, it’s redefining what leadership looks like in it.

    In the ratings war, it seems, the network has done what it does best break the news, then break the mould.

  • Juliet Apparels glows with fearless feminine fashion

    Juliet Apparels glows with fearless feminine fashion

    MUMBAI: Get ready to let your wardrobe steal the spotlight. Juliet Apparels, one of India’s most trusted women’s wear brands, is celebrating nearly five decades of dressing women with boldness, comfort, and care.

    From humble beginnings in a small Mumbai workshop, Juliet has grown into a brand that resonates across generations. Its mission has always been simple yet powerful: to create clothing that understands women, not just how they look, but how they live. Whether it’s a teenager buying her first bra, a mother seeking ease, or a grandmother relying on trusted everyday wear, Juliet has been a constant companion.

    Innovation has been at the heart of the brand, with thoughtful creations like period panties, mastectomy bras, built-in bra nightwear, and the ever-popular Cloud Panty. Each piece reflects a deep understanding of women’s needs, proving that fashion can be both functional and empowering.

    Juliet’s latest collections embrace fearless femininity with breezy fabrics, flattering cuts, and mood-lifting colours that flow seamlessly from boardrooms to coffee breaks. Inclusive sizing, thoughtful pricing, and versatile designs make every outfit a celebration of individuality, freedom, and confidence.

    “Juliet isn’t just clothing, it’s care you can wear,” the brand says. “It’s a friend, a constant, and above all, a fearless expression of womanhood.”

    As the brand moves forward in a digital-first world, it stays rooted in its origin story, stitching care into every seam and giving women the confidence to shine, one outfit at a tim

  • IndIAA Awards 2025 spark a decade of creative brilliance

    IndIAA Awards 2025 spark a decade of creative brilliance

    MUMBAI: When creativity takes centre stage, India applauds, and the 10th edition of the IndIAA  Awards 2025 did just that. Presented by the India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA), the gala honoured the country’s most innovative brands and agencies, celebrating a decade of excellence in storytelling, strategy, and societal impact.

    From bold campaigns to culturally resonant ideas, the evening spotlighted winners across 16 categories. Nestle India took the crown in food & beverage, while Gabit led the consumer electronics category. Creative agencies Ogilvy and Moonshot dominated, each securing four awards, proving that strategy and imagination make the perfect duo.

    Hero Motocorp, Swiggy, Asian Paints, Campus Activewear, Meta, and Urban Company were among the evening’s standout winners, demonstrating how brands continue to blend culture, emotion, and business impact through creativity. Shilpa Shetty was honoured as the “Most disruptive brand in the entertainment Industry,” adding star power to a night of recognition.

    This year also saw the celebration of the All-India winners of the AFAA’s Changemakers for Good Awards, recognising campaigns that drive real societal change rather than just sales. Highlights included R K Swamy’s Happy Breastfeeding Week – Himalaya Babycare for advertising and innovation, and Associated Advertising’s T-Safe awareness campaign for government initiatives.

    Meta India MD & country head and jury chairperson Arun Srinivas praised the calibre of entries, saying, “It truly is a testament to the creative excellence that our country is known for. This year, we also assessed digital storytelling, reflecting the changing landscape of how brands connect with audiences.”

    IAA India chapter president Abhishek Karnani added “The IndIAA Awards stand for creativity backed by insight and purpose. Tonight, we honour work that drives business and uses communication as a force for good.”

    The awards reaffirmed India’s status as a hub of ingenuity, collaboration, and impactful storytelling. From homegrown icons to new-age disruptors, the 2025 edition of IndIAA proved that great ideas don’t just win awards, they change the game.