Author: Kashmeera Sambamurthy

TRAI extends deadline for comments on telecom quality and customer service standards paper

The consultation paper on the new broadcast policy will be released within the next few days, said the TRAI chairman. He added that Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has completed the process of pre-conversation for a broadcast policy. (Image sourced from Moneycontrol)

TRAI maintains its watch on service quality in the telecom sector.

Google antitrust trial: US claims Google pays over $10 billion a year for search dominance

Financial Times reported on Google’s possible revenue shake-up, stating, "Google is looking at options including adding certain AI-powered search features to its premium subscription services, which already offer access to its new Gemini AI assistant in Gmail and Docs, according to three people with knowledge of its plans." (Representative Image: Brett Jordan via Unsplash)

The biggest US antitrust trial in 25 years begins. US alleges Google spends billions to maintain search monopoly, stifling competition.

Explained: The rise and fall of Cafe Coffee Day

On September 8, 2023, IDBI Trusteeship filed a case against CDEL, which through its CCD outlets has a presence in Egypt, Austria, Nepal, Malaysia and the Czech Republic. This was to recover a debt of Rs 228 crore the company owed IDBI Trusteeship. However, news has surfaced that CCD’s holding company would initiate a settlement to prevent the bankruptcy proceedings. (Image source: Cafe Coffee Day via YouTube)

A Cafe Coffee Day outlet was the perfect spot to hangout, conduct informal meetings and have hour-long conversations. However, since the death of its founder and chairman VG Siddhartha, things haven’t been rosy for the coffee chain.

Gaming influencers – How would 28 percent GST affect marketing spends on influencers?

As per Rohit Agarwal,founder and chief executive officer, AlphaZegus, in the influencer space, the imposition of 28 percent GST is less of a concern than recession, which is a greater concern. (Representative Image: AronPW via Unsplash)

Starting October 1, a 28 percent GST will be imposed on the face value of both games of skill and games of chance. Storyboard18 connected with an influencer and industry experts to understand the impact of the levy on brands’ marketing spends on influencers and therefore, the influencer economy.

WPP’s CEO Mark Read: When the hype around AI declines, that’s when we still need to invest

Mark Read, CEO, WPP, says, "AI is fundamental to WPP’s business in the future and it has been in some ways for some years in our media business and in our production business. What's changed with generative AI, we've seen the ability for computers to do things that we thought only humans could do. Produce images, take photos, create videos, write copy and poems - all of those things that our creative people do."

WPP could double the size of the business in India in the next five years, said CEO Mark Read, as he shared his views on AI, the hype around the technology, AI’s impact in elections and elections’ impact on advertising. In an interview with Storyboard18, Read also spoke about India on the global stage: “India is the world’s most populous country, the world’s fifth biggest economy, heading to be the world’s third biggest economy. In a time of some turmoil in global relations, it is great to see India taking a lead.”

Etihad Airways ropes Katrina Kaif as brand ambassador

Katrina Kaif's partnership with the airline bolsters its foothold in the Indian market, where it currently serves eight Indian cities.

The new partnership builds on Katrina Kaif’s collaboration with Etihad Airways in 2010 when she was featured as a traveler showcasing Etihad’s travel experience.

Gatorade ropes in Hardik Pandya as brand ambassador

Ankit Agarwal, associate director, energy and hydration, PepsiCo India, said, “Gatorade has been a pioneer in hydration, providing athletes and people with active lifestyles with electrolytes and fluids to help replace what is lost in sweat."

The synergies between both Hardik Pandya and Gatorade will further deepen the brand’s role as a hydration partner with the sports, fitness, and active-lifestyle community.

Capri Sports bolsters leadership team; appoints Apurv Gupta and Chandan Roy

Apurv Gupta joins the team with the experience of having helped launch the Pro Kabaddi League with Mashal Sports. Chandan Roy comes in on the back off a stint with Star Sports as head of sponsorship marketing for the Emerging Sports portfolio - Football (ISL, Premier League), F1 and Grand Slams in the Indian market.(From left to right: Apurv Gupta and Chandan Roy)

Apurv Gupta will be responsible for managing the operations of the Capri Sports’ Bengal Warriors and Rajasthan Warriors with an objective to build their equity. Chandan Roy will pick up the baton in terms of creating brand and fan engagement plans for the Capri Sports teams – UP Warriorz, Bengal Warriors, Sharjah Warriors and Rajasthan Warriors.

Sanjay Mishra moves on from Marico

Sanjay Mishra started his career at Dunlop India as district manager. He went on to work across Spencers and PepsiCo.

During his stint as COO – India and CEO – new business, Sanjay Mishra was responsible for driving the digital transformation journey and leading its digital-first brands.