The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in Bengaluru issued notice in an insolvency plea filed by mobile phone manufacturer Oppo against embattled ed-tech company Byju's, as per Moneycontrol.

Apart from Oppo, two new insolvency pleas have been filed against Byju's. They were filed by US based publishing company McGraw Hill education and  end-to-end customer experience solutions company Cogent E-services. The addition of three pleas take the total number of insolvency pleas filed against Byju's to seven, as per the report. 

While Cogent E-services filed its plea as early as February 2024, MCGraw Hill and Oppo filed their plea in March, however all these three pleas were registered in the NCLT in the last one week. These cases are likely to come up for hearing in the last week of May or the first week of June.

A total of six OCs and one FC have moved the NCLT against Byju's.


Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) filed the first insolvency plea against Byju's in November 2023. The cricket board claimed that the company had defaulted on a payment of Rs 158 crore. The plea is at an advanced stage of hearing at the NCLT.



NCLT issues notice in insolvency plea filed by Oppo against Byju's

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) filed the first insolvency plea against Byju's in November 2023.

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Acer Group, a global leader in IT and technology solutions, announced its entrance into the consumer electronics market with the launch of Acerpure brand in India at a launch event in Bengaluru. 


The launch event saw the presence of Andrew Hou, president of Pan-Asia Pacific Operations at Acer Group; Harish Kohli, president and managing director of Acer India, Sudhir Goel, chief business officer, Acer India; Stanley Kao, president, Acerpure Inc.; Vasudeva. G, director, Acerpure India, and Sunil Vachani co-founder and executive chairman from Dixon Technologies.

 

At the launch event, Acerpure unveiled its flagship product, Acerpure TV, featuring state-of-the-art technology and a viewing experience. Launched in four sizes 32, 43, 55, and 65 inch, Acerpure TVs boast enhanced contrast, deeper blacks, and dazzling brightness, stated the company.

 
Additionally, Acerpure showcased a diverse range of consumer electronics products, including Air Circulator Fans, Water Purifiers, Hand-held Vacuum Cleaners, two robotic vacuum cleaners, Hair Dryer, and Hair Styler. Acerpure India plans to diversify its offerings, introducing a range of products including, refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, and more.

 

Another highlight of the event is an announcement on a Make-In-India partnership between Acerpure and Dixon Technologies, the leading Indian electronics manufacturer, wherein Dixon will undertake the manufacturing of Acerpure products in its facilities starting with state-of-the-art TVs. Leveraging local manufacturing capabilities, this collaboration is not only set to empower local talent but also catalyze technological innovation and foster job creation.

 

Andrew Hou, president of Pan-Asia Pacific Operations at Acer Group said, "We are excited to launch Acerpure in India. The Indian market holds immense potential for Acerpure's growth and innovation. With our focus on technological excellence and sustainability, we are well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers. As we venture into this new market, our dedication to innovation remains unwavering. Acerpure represents more than just a product launch; it signifies the dawn of a new era in home appliances and consumer electronics with a key focus on Make-In-India.”

 

Harish Kohli, president and managing director of Acer India, expressed his enthusiasm about the launch, "As we embark on this transformative journey with Acerpure's debut in India, we are exhilarated by the opportunity to contribute to the nation's burgeoning consumer electronics market. This milestone signifies our unwavering dedication to innovation and our heartfelt commitment to the vibrant Indian consumer electronics landscape. Through this collaboration with Dixon Technologies, we are poised to usher in a wave of locally manufactured products, aligning seamlessly with the Make in India initiative. This partnership embodies our shared vision of fostering economic growth and technological advancement within the nation. Together, we look forward to crafting cutting-edge solutions that resonate with the diverse needs and aspirations of Indian consumers, empowering them to embrace a brighter, technologically enriched future."

 

Sunil Vachani, co-founder and executive chairman of Dixon Technologies, expressed, “Through our enduring partnership with Acer, we have consistently upheld the values of local manufacturing and innovation. The introduction of Acerpure and our expanded collaborative efforts represent a significant stride towards enhancing India's self-sufficiency and global competitiveness in the electronics sector. Aligned with the 'Make in India' initiative, our goal is to manufacture premium consumer products for both domestic and international markets, thereby stimulating economic growth and fostering innovation while nurturing local talent. This partnership underscores our unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality, Made in India products, marking a notable milestone in our relentless pursuit of excellence."


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/deloitte-generation-ai-is-creating-sustainable-workloads-and-increasing-productivity-31741.htm">Deloitte: Generation AI is creating sustainable workloads and increasing productivity</a> 

Acer Group launches Acerpure; marks its entry into consumer electronics category

Netflix and the NFL, the most-watched sports league in the US, have announced a three-year deal to stream games on Christmas Day. The streaming giant will carry two games this year and at least one game in 2025 and 2026.  It is reported that Netflix will pay less than $150 million per game.

Netflix began airing NFL programming last year with the series “Quarterback." A series on wide receivers will premiere this year. It also live streamed the Tom Brady roast on May 5 and will have a 10-part documentary series later this year on Jerry Jones and his ownership of the Dallas Cowboys.

Netflix's foray into carrying live sports began last year, but they were exhibition events in golf and tennis. “People love football and we do, too. These games go with our big-event live strategy of all the live programming we have done in this last year — like The Tom Brady roast, the Netflix Slam and the upcoming Jake Paul vs Tyson boxing match. We’re excited about having the NFL conversation around Christmas Day,” said Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer.


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/in-numbers-netflixs-ad-supported-plan-now-has-40-million-monthly-active-users-31655.htm">In Numbers: Netflix’s ad-supported plan now has 40 million monthly active users</a>

Netflix continues its bet on live events, signs deal to air NFL

It was in the year 1970 when Durex first got into advertising globally. Fast forward to 2010, they were acquired by Reckitt Benckiser, and since then, most of the advertising campaigns from the brand have been known to highlight sexual wellness and a healthy sex life.


<img src="https://images.storyboard18.com/storyboard18/2024/05/Untitled-design-2024-05-16T083008.624-2024-05-9dbc24264b6b3d3af0cf5c7e2bb77256.jpg" alt="" width="938" height="938" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-31618" />


On May 13, Durex launched a campaign on Durex Lubes, #ExplorersWanted, where human anatomy was used as a bodyscape. As Anusheela Saha, national creative director and head of design, FCB India, explained, “A lot of Durex consumers did not know what Lubes were. Hence, the market penetration of Lubes has always been very minimal. Lubes are a product for a specific need, but we just wanted to explore Lubes in a new way, maybe as a tool for foreplay or as a tool to spice it up for couples’ sex life.”

Saha talks about the #ExplorersWanted campaign, marketing the brand, and more.

<em>Edited Excerpts</em>

<strong>Could you explain the genesis of the campaign?</strong> 

When we got the brief, we came across a very interesting data point. We got to know two things. About 70 percent of the Indian married couples were open to experimentation in their sex lives.

A lot of Durex consumers did not know what Lubes were. Hence, the market penetration of Lubes has always been very minimal. Lubes is a product for a specific need, but we just wanted to explore Lubes in a new way, maybe as a tool for foreplay or as a tool to spice it up for couples’ sex life. 

And that's when we came upon the term ‘Explore’. How do we explore what's already there? The moment I heard ‘Explore’, John Mayer's song was going on in my head, which said, ‘Your body is my wonderland’. And from exploration, we actually came to the landscape.


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The song itself lends itself to such gorgeous imagery, of exploration between a couple and therefore takes lovemaking to a different kind of exploration. And that's what we wanted to do with Lubes. So, ‘Wonderland’, which John Mayer calls, became ‘Bodyscapes’. 

We actually thought of using human anatomy as bodyscapes and almost like how we would explore things. And, when we are going on vacation, we have favorite spots to visit. For example, Cape Town, Kyoto and all these amazing vacation spots were given amazing names.

So, Kyoto actually became K Y O T O E. You know, and Cape Town became NAPE TOWN. The Czech Republic became the CHEST REPUBLIC. It was quite an exploratory trip that we had when we were doing the creative and hats off to the brand team for actually buying a concept like this, Because, whoever's seeing the work, they're all saying, ‘This is so unlike the regular work on Durex’. This is because, from the beginning, it was thought of as pieces of art and it is almost a surreal journey into lovemaking and foreplay.

Therefore the hashtag ‘ExplorersWanted’. 

<strong>Could you explain the media mix and marketing mix for the campaign?</strong>  

This product has a very limited market penetration. There are only very few people who would have heard or who would have known the existence of Lubes as a product.

Therefore, the media mix that we went with was specifically digital, and not meant for television. And when we kind of came up with the main idea of ‘Bodyscapes’ and ‘Explorers Wanted’, what we actually thought could be an interesting way of looking at it and to give it a different kind of breadth was to look at travel influencers.

That's when we approached Savi and Vid (@bruisedpassports). We also approached Daizy and Ankit (@the.vogue.vanity). Then there was Saloni Chopra and Rahul Bhattacharya (@unplannedby) and they are well known travel influencers with great following. We gave them the brief that if you were to go on a vacation and you were to go and explore your favorite spot, how would you do it?

Therefore, we launched teaser campaigns, which actually have the couple probing the audience to guess what could be a favorite spot. Somebody says, Cape Town and in the next one, Nape Town bit of the edit of the film plays.

<strong>We are living in a very polarised environment where anything or everything pertaining to crucial subjects receives backlash or criticism. Were there any sort of inhibitions or challenges during the making of this campaign? </strong>

There were no inhibitions. The brand team was fabulous for picking up such a subject and giving it to us. There was almost a free hand to do a lot with the filmmaking, because this is filmmaking at its very granular best.

What we did face a little bit of a challenge was with the strict guidelines put down by Meta. Hence, we had to put it in the guardrail and yet make bodyscapes work. So, that was very tricky because partial nudity or nudity on Meta is not kind of permitted.

So, how we could play the game was tricky. But, as you can see, the campaign is very much live on Instagram and is getting lots of love. So, we managed to kind of go past it in a different way.

<strong>Let's be honest. The word ‘Sex’ is still considered a taboo in India. From your observation, how have discussions around this subject improved in India?</strong>

Whether it is India or abroad, sex will always be considered a taboo topic.

In some places, it will be given a little bit more leeway. In more conservative countries like India, it will be a lot more restrictive. But, when we approach a brand like Durex, we know what is the purpose of the brand to exist. And, we actually have to keep these things in mind.

So we went ahead with an idea, which we knew that a lot of people may say, ‘Oh my God, it was just too bold.’ ‘Oh my God, did they really have to go through this route?’ ‘Was there no other way to do a Lubes commercial?’ But we believed in an idea and we actually treated lovemaking like a piece of art.


So, when you treat something, which is taboo and give it that breadth in the form of a piece of art, then it becomes very acceptable because when we put the lens of art, then society seems to be a bit more acceptable to a lot of things because it's art.

In no way, you would see anything cringeworthy in the piece of work. It's just so liberating to see it as a canvas of art actually. 

<strong>Since when has FCB India been handling the mandate of Durex?</strong>

We don't work on Durex as a brand. This was actually a one off project. But, it's just that they were kind of struggling to crack something on Lubes for quite some time. And they had heard of the kind of work that we do.

So they reached out to us. We went armed with concepts and this was one of the concepts they picked up. We can all see how it looks now.


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/quantum-brief/storyboard18-exclusive-dettol-and-durex-maker-reckitt-benckiser-india-calls-for-media-pitch-7859.htm">Storyboard18 Exclusive: Dettol and Durex-maker Reckitt Benckiser India calls for media pitch</a> 

When a taboo topic is given the shape of an art, then it becomes acceptable: FCB India’s Anusheela Saha

Spice Money has announced the launch of its VIP Program, designed to provide a four-fold exclusive benefit package to its network of 14 lakh Adhikaris. This program is tailored to enhance their experience and drive growth in their businesses. This initiative in the segment is designed to offer premium benefits, personalized assistance, and exclusive earning opportunities, ensuring that high-transacting Adhikaris receive exceptional service, support, and priority attention. 

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This program aims to identify and reward the top-performing Adhikaris(Merchant)by providing them with a clear path to increased earnings and enhanced services. This initiative will lead to the loyalty of Adhikaris, ensuring their commitment to the Spice Money platform through exclusive benefits and additional earning opportunities. Any Adhikari (Merchant) looking to advance within the Spice Money network can join the VIP Program.

<strong>Key Features of the VIP Program:</strong>

·Transactional Benefits: Adhikaris enrolled in the VIP Program will enjoy additional commissions on core products such as Aadhar-based withdrawals AePs, DMT, and financial services products like opening of CASA and consumer loan products.

·Care Benefits: VIP Adhikari's will receive special care and support due to their high transaction volumes, ensuring seamless operations and maximizing transactional volumes.

·Discounts on Services & Hardware: The program offers discounts on hardware, including the change of biometric devices as per UIDAI guidelines as an industry-wide change in the ecosystem, leading to a reduction in fraud.

·Personal Benefits: Spice Money is also committed to offering personal benefits such as insurance and scholarships for Adhikari's children, providing a holistic approach for a Nanoprenuer to grow their business

The VIP Program is open to all Adhikaris aspiring to advance in their Spice Money journey. Adhikaris can choose from three levels of subscription plans, Basic, Advance and VIP plans starting at Rs. 199 as an introductory monthly price, tailored to meet varying needs and preferences. 

Dilip Modi, Founder & CEO, Spice Money, said, “The VIP Program is a testament to our commitment to acknowledging and rewarding the outstanding performance of our top Adhikaris. This initiative provides them with a clear pathway to increased earnings and superior services, aligning with our mission of fostering financial inclusion and empowerment in emerging India.”

Kuldeep Pawar, Chief Marketing Officer, Spice Money, said, ”I am thrilled to introduce our VIP Program, another game-changing initiative from Spice Money tailored to elevate the journey of our high-transacting Adhikaris. This program not only recognizes the exceptional performance of our top Adhikaris and rewards it but also enhances their experience with exclusive benefits and personalized services. This initiative highlights our unwavering dedication to empowering our partners and revolutionizing rural banking in India”

Spice Money launches VIP Program to scale up its network of 14 lakh rural merchants

"The brands have something to lose even though it's not their fault." 

On May 13, an illegal hoarding came crashing down during a sudden dust storm and unseasonal rain in Mumbai. The incident claimed 14 lives. A case has been registered against the owner of Ego Media Private Limited, Bhavesh Bhinde, who is currently absconding. But advertising veterans say that accountability and responsibility should go further as the menace of illegal ad hoardings has long plagued Indian cities and towns.   

Read their candid views here. 

<strong>Bobby Pawar, former chairman and chief creative officer, Havas Group</strong>

The billboards on top of buildings, on the side of buildings. How well are they installed? Has anybody checked? This incident brings all of this into question. 

Unfortunately, the apathy in this country is so strong, but some rules need to change. There needs to be governance on these aspects. Because like it or not, they're constructed things. And there needs to be a safety certificate for all of these.

Otherwise, who knows what will happen next time. If outdoor people don't do it, the agencies and marketers need to say, “We need to understand that billboards are safe. It is certified to be safe before we put anything up.” Just imagine, if there was a baby oil messaging on the billboard. And it falls and kills a few mothers. The brands have something to lose even though it's not their fault.

All of us need to work towards the betterment of the society we live in. In a civilized society, these things shouldn't happen because this is negligence.

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/special-coverage/mumbai-billboard-collapse-scope-of-disaster-management-act-in-providing-accountability-and-relief-31475.htm">Mumbai billboard collapse: Scope of Disaster Management Act in providing accountability and relief</a>


<strong>Sandeep Goyal, managing director, Rediffusion</strong>

Random outdoors (especially the illegal ones) are leading to visual pollution - making our cities look ugly and dirty. This mushrooming of hoardings everywhere is also a serious traffic hazard and now as we have seen a life hazard.

<strong>KV Sridhar, global chief creative officer, Nihilent Limited</strong>

Agencies have nothing to do, and they will only put out the message. The owner of the outdoor hoardings is at fault followed by the government agencies, which have given licenses are at fault. Illegal hoardings are rampant in Bombay because of the cost and money which is involved. Hoardings followed by trees are the first casualty of any cyclonic effect that has happened in Mumbai.

No permission should be given to construct such large hoardings without testing their ability to withstand the calamities. And some standards need to be there.

Delhi has banned outdoor hoardings. Then, people found a way of advertising in public places like malls etc. Delhi is much better in terms of organized outdoor advertising as compared to Bombay. Delhi and many cities in the world have shown us the way as to how to manage messaging. 

The issue is safety, people and then the environment. Any illegal activity happens with bribery and then greed for money.

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/special-coverage/mumbai-ad-hoarding-collapse-regulatory-machineries-like-ooh-association-have-failed-to-recognise-importance-of-public-safety-says-ad-veteran-31483.htm">Mumbai ad hoarding collapse: “Regulatory machineries like OOH Association have failed to recognise importance of public safety,” says ad veteran</a>


<strong>Durba Mandal, head - OOH business, Cheil India</strong>

The collapse of the Billboard in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, is indeed very unfortunate which should have never happened. First and foremost accountability needs to be fixed without fear or favour.

Over the years, the OOH industry has become more regulated than before, but an incident like this is surely an indication that we have a long way to go. Enforcement of existing regulations is the key to avoiding such situations in future.

This incident has become national news with authorities at the highest level taking stock of the situation. The local authorities of metropolitan areas would certainly go for an audit. 

There could be a possibility of more inventory being declared unsafe, creating a shortage of legal and safe inventory. Approvals on upcoming media may also be relooked by authorities. Other metro cities might also take note and issue safety notifications or audits in their area.

Considering that campaign planning for H2, including the festive season is underway, the new regulations can impact in a big way. 

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/mumbai-illegal-hoarding-collapse-bmc-to-take-legal-action-against-ad-agencies-31392.htm">Mumbai “illegal hoarding” collapse; BMC to take legal action against ad agencies</a>


<strong>Agnello Dias, co-founder, Spinach Experience Design</strong>

My take on ANYTHING illegal, leave alone illegal hoardings, is that they should not exist.

Normally hoardings do not have high ROI in national marketing campaigns so at best they are a support medium to the mainstream media. But some places, like Mumbai, have extremely high local purchasing power and therefore it leads to rampant erection of hoardings with disregard to all regulatory norms. This has to be strictly monitored and controlled exactly the way one would control any other potentially dangerous industry.

I feel the impact on the ad industry is peripheral and is definitely not worth the risk to lives and property.

It’s largely legacy and is perhaps more prevalent in the centres that have had a long cinematic legacy like Chennai, Mumbai as it is an industry that has traditionally seen hoardings as the main medium. Today it continues more as a legacy habit than a real brand-fronting medium.

<strong><em>#FreeOurSkylines - Fight against illegal ad hoardings: A terrible tragedy struck on May 13 after a 100-foot-tall illegal billboard fell at a petrol pump in Ghatkopar during dust storms and unseasonal rains in Mumbai. The killer hoarding caused the deaths of over a dozen people and injured many others. The catastrophic incident outraged citizens who have been dealing with the menace of illegal ad hoardings. The people don't want just answers but solutions, as they turn to civic authorities, advertising agencies, industry bodies, brand marketers, and media owners, to take responsibility and fight against the menace of illegal advertising hoardings. So speak up and join the #FreeOurSkylines movement. Write to us at Storyboard18@nw18.com with your concerns and views, and let’s make our cities safer together.</em></strong>

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/eknath-shinde-directs-bmc-to-audit-and-remove-dangerous-hoardings-in-mumbai-31432.htm">Eknath Shinde directs BMC to audit and remove dangerous hoardings in Mumbai</a>



"Imagine if there was a baby oil messaging on the billboard. And it falls and kills a few mothers"

BAJAJ, a consumer appliance brand, has released a CGI video, an extension of the ongoing multi-media campaign for its air cooler range. 

Set in Delhi's Connaught Place, the brand’s CGI ad campaign sees people shielding themselves from the scorching sun on a bustling street, stated the company. While the extreme heat drains one and all, a larger-than-life BAJAJ air cooler emerges from a billboard and delivers a strong gush of refreshingly cool air. 


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transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6vRdVJhtcn/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Bajaj Electricals Ltd (@bajajelectricals_ltd)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>


Devika Sachdev, head of advertising and brand management at Bajaj Electricals Limited says, "At BAJAJ, we are constantly striving to innovate and provide durable products that enhance the lives of our customers. But innovation doesn’t stop just at our products. Our first CGI video was crafted to captivate our online audience and resonate with today's generation in an engaging manner. Furthermore, we are actively involving our online community through a User-Generated Content (UGC) contest. We eagerly anticipate introducing more innovative and modern content strategies to further captivate and connect with our audience.”


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/quantum-brief/is-cgi-in-advertising-becoming-an-overkill-17098.htm">Is CGI in advertising becoming an overkill?</a> 

Bajaj rolls out a CGI video for its air coolers range

If capitalism had its version of Agitprop, its two main heroes would be PowerPoint and Excel.


They would be celebrated as tools that revolutionised and transformed business management. Without a doubt, they have had a massive impact. Whether as carriers of prior information, facilitators of analysis or creators of meta thinking, they established themselves as the ‘always on’ tools especially for those who were set to climb the ladder fast. 


This impact helped create, sustain and grow the mystique of the business mandarin. In myriad ways, they were invaluable to the ‘behind-the-curtain’ players who formed the establishment glue, the grout in the interdepartmental tiles as also to those who did customer facing razzle dazzle. In terms of packaging and distribution - PowerPoint and Excel came to hold sway.


But, are they fit for purpose and has this impact only been positive?


PowerPoint is more fundamentally flawed. It is a poor tool and has made both medium and message shrink. Intrinsically, it isn’t suited for what it is meant to accomplish in terms of clear, engaging, sharp communication. Sharp imagery, a few bullet points and a narrative often trumps thorough analysis and case supporting documentation. It is used indiscriminately for big bold ideas as well as the minutiae. It only follows a sequential, linear narrative. 


Could a general plan battle with PowerPoint inputs? Could an advocate convincingly argue with it in a court of law? Is it telescopic or microscopic in its net effect?


When done differently, it often gives rise to another issue, namely over stuffed presentations. But saying “apologies for a busy slide” is all it takes to brush away the illegible density. 


I have seen multiple slides in one or beastly innovations such as one slide with multiple links that go to other slides only to return to the nominal single slide.


The very ephemeral nature of such an arrayed display - boring or bedazzling - as it may be means that each slide appears for a few seconds before a puzzled, distracted or engaged audience. The etiquette of posing questions together at the end means the ‘peak end effect’ inevitably takes hold. Often, all you remember is the high point and the conclusion.


The celebration of PowerPoint is however a symptom and not the cause. 


Reductive, shorthand summarisation has become the preferred mode for collective discussions. There is not much bandwidth for detailing. An impactful image becomes a substitute for a cogent argument rather than a support for it. I am all for visually attractive, clutter breaking and compelling imagery but must the horse ride the man? Truly, does a picture say more than a thousand words? When the need for quantitative substantiation is felt, numbers march into the cramped space and infographics take pride of place. But it’s self-selection of data that happens most of all. People choose to see what they want to see.  


PowerPoint is a great tool for advocacy but not critical analysis. 

The recipe has become more important than the dish.


There is also the futility of the pre read. PowerPoints are often circulated prior to meetings and distributed far and wide. Hence there is an urge to be armed with additional content to drive specific agendas during meetings. 


A simple litmus test is whether a presentation is self-explanatory without the presenter. I am not disputing the critical role of the narrative, but every presenter wants attention and that leads to message mutation.


The detailing must be to a level of sufficiency. Brevity is the soul of the nitwit.


If you make PowerPoint presentation an end rather than the means, you will end up making a puréed mess of your ideas, and you have no choice in the matter.


Let me now deal with Excel. I believe Excel is the single most transforming element of what has made modern business what it is. It was like a cannon to the ramparts of feudal management. It blew old style marketing and creative industries to bits. 


It all started with the advent of the spreadsheet. This came in the early 1980s shortly after the introduction and widespread adoption of the IBM PC: VisiCalc, followed by Lotus 1-2-3, and then, of course, Microsoft Excel as a part of MS Office. 


<strong>Working a spreadsheet made business a malleable reality. It visually gave birth to the bottom line.</strong> Change the numbers up and the bottom line changed from red to green. <strong>Whereas real business was dealing with frictional ground realities, excel made every scenario a gamed outcome. If it could be on excel, what prevented it from being real on ground?</strong> 


‘Go to market’ strategy became subservient to excel. 


<strong>Old style business began to look sloppy, wasteful and plain.</strong> 


<strong>‘Excel men’ derived power from mathematical certainty whereas creative business was messy, loud and chaotic in comparison.</strong>


<strong>Power shifted towards formality and reserve. Men became cooler than the air conditioning. You counted only if you could be counted to deliver the numbers in the cells.</strong>


<strong>Financial engineering became the domain of the high-flying manager. Convening rights and allocation of resources got determined via outcomes from the spreadsheet. Excel made effects and countereffects easy to visualise and all fantasies seemed within grasp.</strong>


A patina of seriousness was acquired by the excel man. He was seen as wise and careful -someone sober, clinical, precise, and forever ready. He held the cards and didn’t need to show his hand. 


This ex parte advisory had a lugubrious air, implied authority and was blessed with Delphic certainty. It was inherently at conflict with the hopeful, familial charters of old business. 


<strong>Excel created a vehicle for defining value. It made the old corps tetchy. But they had no option but to lump it. Any large corporation is a confederacy of noncooperative parts. The excel yoke put everyone in one line. </strong>


<strong>For all its intentionality, the ‘excel projection’ gave its controllers a certain degree of ritual deniability.</strong> After all they just ran the numbers. If the targets were not achieved, the line managers and operators were to be held accountable. 


<strong>With excel power, even the sub-rosa parts of business became a sound and light show - dynamic, dramatic and dangerous. The consumer reality became subservient to higher order lines like technology, supply and cost.</strong>
 

<strong>Marketing and management now suddenly demanded a different type of  temperament. Without the excel seal of approval you were only a poet.</strong> 


By the 90s, the old order was being swept away as the millennium melted away into a sunset. Absolute novices, powered with the right to analyse and manipulate numbers—took over unassailable, solid, and essential brands. 


It was a revolution: new against old, analytical stars against storytellers, financial visionaries against business as usual. True or not, that’s how it was framed. Brand building, which used to be an institutionalised, specialized, creative, viscous activity—became everyone’s playing field. 


He who had the excel sheet controlled the dream. Financing something, anything, became the central economic activity.


Whilst the marketing culture at large was being dumbed down, the excel culture was getting smarter, more competitive, oppressive and, adamant in its pursuit of the ‘excel outcomes’.


From being the core of a business, the brand became a great abstraction. Businesses could be broken up, sold in parts, merged and dissolved.


A page of PowerPoint and a sheet of excel was all that mattered. 


<em><strong>Shubhranshu Singh is VP and CMO, Tata Motors CVBU. He writes Simply Speaking, a special column on Storyboard18. Views expressed are personal.</strong></em>


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/i-am-more-hungry-for-artificial-imagination-than-for-artificial-intelligence-shubhranshu-singh-21029.htm">I am more hungry for artificial imagination, than for artificial intelligence: Shubhranshu Singh</a> 

Excel - That is the powerpoint of it: Read Shubhranshu Singh's take on how Excel forever changed business and marketing

Farmley, has announced its transition to becoming completely palm oil free. Backed by extensive research and development, Farmley, with a year long mission of phasing out palm oil with healthier alternatives like olive oil, ghee or zero-oil across its entire range of products, has further solidified its commitment to redefining healthy snacking for its consumers. Palm oil, a commonly used vegetable oil, has raised environmental and health concerns due to its high saturated fat content. In an industry where the development and sale of blended palm oil is the norm — which includes 80-90% of palm oil and only 10-20% olive oil — Farmley is one of the first brands that is 100% Palm Oil-Free.

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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C63M7G1JcCG/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Farmley (@farmleyin)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

While creating a completely palm oil-free product range, Farmley has launched  the "Palms Off Palm Oil" campaign, to raise awareness among consumers about the harmful effects of palm oil on health. It also aims to educate consumers about the negative impacts of palm oil production on the ecology, as it contributes to deforestation, destruction of wildlife habitats and climate change.

Expressing his delight in steering the transition to 100% Palm Oil-Free products, Akash Sharma, Co-Founder of Farmley, said, "At Farmley, prioritising the well-being and satisfaction of our consumers stands at the forefront of our mission. We began our journey 6 months ago to go completely palm oil free when a few of our  customers expressed resentment towards our products being made in palm oil during our regular customer feedback surveys. Customer feedback is not just a suggestion box for us; it's a guiding light that impacts our business decisions. We are happy to be among the first to transition our entire range of products to being completely palm oil free by replacing it with zero-oil, olive oil, or ghee. While this move will cater to the health of the nation, from a business perspective, it will provide us a first-mover advantage into an emerging F&B segment, which focuses on food quality and health. As we continue to innovate and improve, we remain committed to providing snacks that are not only delicious but also mindful of our planet and its inhabitants."

A study published in the National Library of Medicine reveals that palm oil is used in almost half of the most commonly consumed food and consumer items, including popular snacks. Composed of 50% saturated fatty acid, it increases LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol levels in the bloodstream, increasing the unhealthy fat content in the human body while elevating the risk of cardiovascular diseases in people.

Farmley goes 100 percent palm oil free across its product range

The inflow of tourists and pilgrims into Ayodhya has seen a massive upswing with the recent inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.  STAAH, a New Zealand-based hospitality solutions provider, has forayed into the city with its stack of advanced hospi-tech solutions through its partnership with the Clarks Inn Express hotel.


Clarks has on-boarded STAAH’s Max Channel Manager solution to help them manage their inventory across all its booking channels. This empowers Clarks to put in place some efficient operational processes that in turn will help in maximizing revenue and increase profitability, stated the company.


“We have seen a huge increase in the demand for accommodation in Ayodhya, high enough to have an 80-85% occupancy basis the BOB (Business-on-Books) till September this year. Our hotel is garnering an Average Daily Rate of INR 12,000, up from an Average Room Rate of INR 9000-9500. So, we are delighted that we have the support of STAAH’s very easy, convenient-to-use and highly effective technology to handhold us through this transition phase and the continuing demand of the destination in the coming phase,” said Rahul Deb Banerjee, vice president at The Clarks Hotels & Resorts.


Since the opening up of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya in January 2024, the city has seen a steady increase in visiting devotees from across India and the world— as per the Shri Ram Janmaboomi Teerth Kshetra, the mandir has witnessed an average of 1 to 1.5 lakh pilgrims daily.

 
“Ayodhya is a very interesting market from a hospitality perspective. It is, of course, attracting hordes of pilgrims, but it will also soon pick up as a wedding destination. The demands of hotels here are slightly different from other travel destinations and we are happy that our solutions have addressed all the concerns that Clarks shared with us. We are also in talks with other properties in the city that are facing similar challenges,” said Shoaib Ali, national sales head, India - STAAH.

 
The technological expertise of STAAH will empower the group with tools like Channel Management — that helps hotels to list and manage their inventory across booking channels, highlighted the company.


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/walkers-co-enables-emerging-indian-filmmakers-with-the-walkers-project-31354.htm">Walkers & Co. enables emerging Indian filmmakers with The Walkers Project</a> 

STAAH ventures into Ayodhya through its partnership with the Clarks Inn Express hotel

Sumeet Bhojani, head of marketing communications at Godrej Interio, believes in simplicity and focusing only on what truly matters. He values attention as the most precious currency, urging thoughtful consideration of where it's invested, be it in work or personal life. "It's important to contemplate on what's important and what deserves your attention, whether it's at a workplace or in your life," he shared in a chat with Storyboard8.

<strong><em>Edited Excerpts</em></strong>


<strong>The creator economy has taken the world by storm. Which influencers and trends are you following currently?</strong>  


I think this is actually a very exciting time, whether you're a marketer or creator or even a consumer for content. It's almost like 24 hours really aren't enough to consume everything that is being put out daily.


So I follow a wide variety of brands which include a lot in the home and furniture space because that's the branded business that we are in. There's a lot of content and trends around homes, interiors, home furnishings trends that I really like to keep myself updated on.  


And then, there are content creators that are aligned to my interest. There's entertainment and comedy,like AiyyoShraddha, Viraj Ghelani, etc. 


Apart from that, there are specific interest areas like football related content specifically to a fantasy football game that I play called FPL. Then, there's parent related content. I'm a father to a 10 year old daughter. 


Then there is philosophy related content with creators like Ryan Holiday. Another thing that I listen to regularly is podcasts like long form conversations that make sense from Sam Harris, Coleman Hughes, Richard Dawkins, Alex O'Connor, etc.


<strong>What marketing related content do you consume in your free time?</strong>  


So there's a lot happening in this field right now and I think it's important to keep yourself updated.


Lately, I've been consuming a lot of content and stuff around Generative AI and that's a big thing that's been happening over the last six to eight months.  How is this evolving as a technology and what are the practical applications in marketing and communications and how is it that brands are using this?


That's the kind of content which I think is an important technology to keep  a very close eye on and how it's going to impact the function and the marketing  field. 


Then there are specific A&M handles, the usual ones that give out the latest on campaigns and media followed by a few expert handles on Instagram, LinkedIn that offer a take on the campaigns.


There's an expert opinion on campaigns and a variety of marketing strategies that industries use. So that's the kind of content typically that I end up pulling both from a marketing point of view and some of the marketing technology point of view as well.


<strong>There is a lot of talk about burnout, workplace toxicity, and hustle culture. What steps have you taken to avoid the adverse impact of the always on culture on yourself, your colleagues, and what advice would you like to give to your peers, colleagues, and next gen marketers?</strong>  


Given the long hours at work, I think one of the most important things these days is to make sure that health and wellness are given priority in the workplace.


Simple things like following workplace wellness tips from experts, things like using ergonomically designed chairs and furniture, staying active, even at work. Some of these things go a long way for both physical as well as mental health. 


At Godrej Interio, there is an ergonomic cell that advises organisations on how to best orient their workspace towards more ergonomics and it's more mindful to the needs of their employees. Because at the end of the day, employees do put in a fair bit of hours at the workplace. 


I think it's important to have a very healthy balance between work and life. I personally believe it leads to better productivity and overall well being, which is very important because we have long careers these days. This is also dependent on a lot of life and career stages. And having said that, I think it's important to understand what kind of aspirations one has for their professional life. 


My take on this also is that, you'll have to be really honest with yourself with regards to who you really are and what matters to you. If you are a person or you're at a life stage where a work of hustle gives you a kick and it gives you the kind of satisfaction that you're seeking for, then go for it.


But having said that, I think it's very important to be cognizant of the fact that everyone may not be wired in that way. So it's important to be respectful of other people's boundaries and choices and this becomes extremely important when it comes to building a culture. 


It's not just about your work style, your boundaries but about recognising the boundaries and the work style and the way people approach work these days across the organisation. Especially your colleagues, which you deal with day in and day out. I think being respectful and mindful of their choices and their way of working in this matter becomes extremely important.


And then you are able to build a very healthy and productive culture. Otherwise it becomes toxic.  


<strong>Is there any sport or fitness routine you practice?</strong>  


On weekdays, I work out every morning for about 45 minutes to an hour. And typically, this is like three days of strength training and a couple of days of cardio.


I think I'd really recommend it for everyone. It makes for a great start to the day. And in fact, there are days when I miss it. I can literally feel the difference in energy levels during the day when I've worked out versus when I've not worked out.


So, I think, that's one routine that I make sure that I don't miss.  On weekdays, Saturdays or Sundays, I play football. We have a group of fathers and kids who get together every Saturday or a Sunday. We book a turf court and play an hour or hour and a half. It's one of the highlights of the weekend. 


<strong>What does your weekend look like?</strong>


Weekends are fairly packed these days. Most of the weekend is spent resting and recharging. I do spend a fair bit of time with my family. We take out our daughter for lunch and dinner. She's a foodie. 


So, we sometimes end up catching a movie or a play. We play a game of turf football. We finish some chores, we meet some friends, and I also end up making a point to catch some Premier League action live on television.


So, I'm a big football fan, and I make sure that I catch a couple of games over the weekend. We obviously watch a fair bit of content on television. I catch up on my reading during the weekend, so yeah, weekends are fairly packed and always exciting to look forward to. 


<strong>What are you watching or streaming this weekend?</strong>  


I am watching a show called ‘The Gentleman’ on Netflix. It is a very interesting show about how someone inherits an estate where there is a drug factory in the basement and that person is actually a ‘Duke’ who gets embroiled in a lot of shady activities.


We have started watching a medical drama called House MD. My daughter is really enjoying it as well. I am also on season five of a show called the ‘Peaky Blinders’.


<strong>Any work hack or life hack you swear by?</strong>


It's about keeping things simple and eliminating the inessential. I do believe that your attention is the most valuable currency that you have and you must spend it wisely on things that actually matter. 


So, it's important to contemplate on what's important and what deserves your attention, whether it's at a workplace or in your life.


So, use technology, support systems, disable notifications, not using phones when you're with family or loved ones and focusing on one thing at a time because multitasking is a myth.


<strong>What are you reading? Any recommendations?</strong> 


I am actually reading this book called the ‘The School of life’. It has a lot of these topics which are not normally covered by self-help books. It covers topics like emotional intelligence, how to build relationships, what are the things that are important in life? etc.


<strong>A piece of wisdom you would like to share?</strong>  


It's a philosophy that I follow which I borrowed from the book. It is called Memento Mori which is translated as ‘Remember you must die’.


So, what it actually calls for is to actively meditate on your mortality.  What it does is that it kind of treats death as if it doesn't make life pointless, but instead it gives it more purpose. It gives you the clarity to focus on what's really important to lead a good life now and not worry about things in the future or in the past.


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/job-is-a-part-of-you-you-also-have-another-side-of-you-says-darshana-shah-aditya-birla-capital-29568.htm">Job is a part of you. You also have another side of you, says Darshana Shah, Aditya Birla Capital</a> 

Attention is the most valuable currency that you have and you must spend it wisely: Godrej Interio’s Sumeet Bhojani

The Delhi High Court has restrained Hindustan Unilever from engaging in marketing or advertising activity of comparing its 'Ponds' products with 'Nivea' products—either expressly or by implication or association, through sales representatives in various malls in the national capital and Gurugram.

“The Court is of the opinion that the impugned activity undertaken by the defendant choosing to compare plaintiff's 'Nivea' products (either expressly or by implication or association) and defendant's products, especially those under the trademark 'Ponds', are prima facie misleading and disparaging, and cause irreversible prejudice to plaintiff,” said Justice Anish Dayal. He observed that the activity amounts to disparagement or denigration of the latter's products or business.

The order was passed on the back of an interim injunction application filed by Beiersdorf AG, the company manufacturing Nivea products, in its suit against HUL.

As per the plaintiff, sales representatives of HUL would apply cream from the “blue tub” on the skin of the walk-in customers on one hand and Ponds product on the other hand- would then use a magnifying glass in an attempt to assure the customers that blue tub product left an oily residue on their skin as compared to Ponds Super Light Gel. To this, Justice Dayal observed that prima facie, the colour blue was certainly associated for years with the plaintiff's product 'NIVEA', which has achieved distinctiveness and has become popular.

“Plaintiff claiming exclusivity in this colour is not the issue, however, the use by defendant in the impugned activity of a blue colour tub is too much of a coincidence to ignore. The allusion seems to be to the distinctive blue colour used by plaintiff,” the court said.

It further said that there was no reason why HUL could not have used a heavy cream in a different colour tub in order to compare.

Additionally, on puffery and disparagement, the court observed that the law relating to advertisements in any form whether print, digital, or TVC will extend to in-mall marketing campaigns as well. The court reasoned that ultimately, in-mall marketing campaigns it is a method of promotion and marketing of a company's product to a consumer, in a much more personalised and interactive set-up.


HUL restrained from comparing 'Ponds' products with 'Nivea': Delhi HC

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in Bengaluru issued notice in an insolvency plea filed by mobile phone manufacturer Oppo against embattled ed-tech company Byju's, as per Moneycontrol.

Apart from Oppo, two new insolvency pleas have been filed against Byju's. They were filed by US based publishing company McGraw Hill education and  end-to-end customer experience solutions company Cogent E-services. The addition of three pleas take the total number of insolvency pleas filed against Byju's to seven, as per the report. 

While Cogent E-services filed its plea as early as February 2024, MCGraw Hill and Oppo filed their plea in March, however all these three pleas were registered in the NCLT in the last one week. These cases are likely to come up for hearing in the last week of May or the first week of June.

A total of six OCs and one FC have moved the NCLT against Byju's.


Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) filed the first insolvency plea against Byju's in November 2023. The cricket board claimed that the company had defaulted on a payment of Rs 158 crore. The plea is at an advanced stage of hearing at the NCLT.



The Uttar Pradesh State Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken proactive measures by collecting samples from prominent eateries, including McDonald's and Theobroma, situated in Noida, as per CNBC TV18. This action follows orders by the District Magistrate (DM) to ensure the quality of food and beverages sold at outlets in the state.

This move comes after a complaint regarding possible adulteration or contamination was lodged through the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) connect portal, as per the report.

Under the leadership of Assistant Commissioner Archana Dheeran and Chief Food Safety Officer Akshay Goyal, the Food Safety Department initiated the raids, targeting prominent eateries in Noida.

One of the establishments raided was Theobroma Foods Pvt. Ltd. located at Sector 104 in Noida. During the raid, samples of Pineapple cake were collected for testing, according to sources. Simultaneously, the team also conducted a raid on the McDonald's outlet situated at Sector 16 in Noida.

The raiding team comprised Food Safety Officers Ram Naresh, Mukesh Kumar, Vijay Bahadur Patel, and others.

Currently, the UP state FDA is awaiting the results of the tests conducted on the collected samples. The outcome of these tests will determine whether further action will be taken against the implicated outlets.

McDonald's and Theobroma under scanner over quality concerns

Independent ad agency Bang In The Middle called out former client Medanta, a healthcare provider, for utilizing the agency’s campaign idea now after having rejected the same when the two were in a partnership.

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In a LinkedIn post, Bang In The Middle wrote, "We were their lead communication agency from November 22 to November 23. It wasn’t a substantial account, but we took it on as we have extensive healthcare experience. As it happens in many such relationships, the client thinks that they are lord and master and the agency a subservient slave. We presented many campaigns, most got rejected, some got translated into posts and executed by their social agency. Yeah, that is true."

The post added, "Here’s where it gets interesting. One of the campaigns that the agency presented earlier and was spitefully rejected and thrown out, has now been raised from the dead and executed as is by the client." and added, " The same layouts. The same lines. The same art. The same everything. The people who once spat on it and threw it out, have now had a change of heart, done a complete volte face, and the campaign is now live on their pages. There are many questions here." and added "One - if it was a bad thought, how is it now a good thought? Two - It’s the same team at the client’s, so how come they changed their thinking? Three - since they had rejected the agency’s campaign, how can they now gainfully use that campaign? Four - since the relationship has been terminated, how can the client pick up something that originally and intellectually belongs to agency? Five - isn’t this abject lack of professionalism, and doesn’t this smack of unlawful and unjust business practices?"

"We never wanted to take this legal or into public. But when we reached out to them to amicably settle this, they rudely told us to take a walk, and challenged us to do whatever we can, because they are a giant and we are but a pipsqueak. So what do you do when you have a problem like Medanta? Make it public and go legal. We have done both," wrote Bang In The Middle.

Bang In The Middle calls out Medanta for using rejected campaign idea

The Delhi High Court has temporarily halted the multi-cuisine restaurant chain Wow Punjabi from using a mark closely resembling that of the fast food giant Wow! Momo, Bar and Bench reported.


"Balance of convenience lies in favour of plaintiff and plaintiff is likely to suffer irreparable harm in case the injunction, as prayed for, is not granted," read the court order dated March 22.

The court session revolved around a petition filed by Wow! Momo, seeking a permanent injunction against Wow Punjabi, citing trademark infringement, passing off, unfair trade practices, and damages.


Wow! Momo emphasised its claim of originating and adopting the trademark 'Wow'/'Wow! Momo' as early as 2008, establishing itself as a prominent player in the food industry.

The plaintiff further highlighted its extensive presence, boasting over 600 outlets spread across more than 30 cities, with a brand valuation of approximately ₹1,225 crore in 2021. Notably, the company witnessed a growth rate exceeding 60% in 2022.


Additionally, Wow! Momo presented evidence of its registered trademarks utilising the 'Wow' mark, including its acquisition of the domain name ‘www.wowmomo.com’ back in 2013.

The court took cognisance of Wow Punjabi's failure to respond to both a cease and desist notice and a subsequent legal notice issued by the petitioner.

Following a thorough examination of the trademarks in question, the court concurred that Wow! Momo had established a prima facie case warranting intervention.Consequently, the court issued a notice to Wow Punjabi, restraining it from using, advertising, or engaging in any activities related to goods or services under its trademark until further orders.




Delhi High Court grants relief to Wow Momo in trademark case against Wow Punjabi

As Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh preps to hand over the department to senior bureaucrat Nidhi Khare on March 31, he spoke with CNBC-TV18 on Patanjali’s misleading advertisement, surrogate ads and more. While addressing the crackdown by the judiciary on Patanjali and misleading ads, Singh said, "We are concerned about misleading advertisements because we think that the rights of the consumers get adversely affected because you're promising something which is not there. We keep a close eye on misleading advertisements. We also work with other agencies like Advertising Standard Council of India which are a source of information for us for misleading advertisements." 

Singh added, "Overall the menace of misleading advertisement has to be curbed because under the Consumer Protection Act, it's misleading, it's an unfair trading practice and it needs to be curbed because a consumer cannot be taken for a ride."

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/nidhi-khare-to-be-consumer-affairs-secretary-takes-over-from-rohit-kumar-singh-25475.htm">Read more: Nidhi Khare to be Consumer Affairs secretary; takes over from Rohit Kumar Singh</a>

Singh discussed surrogate ads for alcohol and said that industries like alcohol and tobacco try to circumvent the advertising regulation, whether it is banned and they try to use it as an extension of a brand."So we say no, you have to give us details of sales. CCPA, which I chair now, has just issued an order about a week back that they have to give us the value of the advertising on the extended brand, that is what is the actual revenue they get from the sales because any normal business practice will have you advertise in proportion of the revenues of that product. So if it is out of proportion, that means the surrogate advertising is being indulged into and that's an unfair trading practice."


<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/asci-and-the-doca-consult-with-stakeholders-on-surrogate-ads-24121.htm">Read more: Rohit Kumar Singh, Secretary DoCA: ‘Need to halt surrogate ads’</a>

Singh also shared his view on guidelines issued to regulate social media influencers and deep fakes. He said, "It's a very tricky thing to handle because we have seen the boom in terms of influencers and social media. We have only made very simple guidelines like do's and don'ts that you have to disclose. The consumer has the right to know that this is not your fair opinion, but you have taken money to say that, " and added, "If somebody is peddling a particular protein or a particular medicine on social media, then he has to disclose his or her qualifications. Are you a doctor? Are you a nutritionist?Are you trained in this? How are you saying this? We also wrote to SEBI, and SEBI is taking a lot of action on that, that if you are giving a financial advice, then you have to have a disclaimer and that space has to be very closely regulated because especially with artificial intelligence and deep fakes happening."

Singh shared that he was in a conference with the consumer protection judges and activists in Mumbai on the World Consumer day. "One lady from Punjab, a member of one of our commissions, said she also works on the social side. There are rural women in Fazilka district who have come to her and said we saw this video where Ratan Tata is saying you invest ₹2000 in this. And we know it is deep fake and how do you prevent that?"

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/ccpa-and-asci-join-hands-to-strengthen-advertising-regulation-in-india-27397.htm">Read more: CCPA and ASCI join hands to strengthen advertising regulation in India</a>

"These are some of the challenges which will emerge in coming times, especially the use of deep fake, not just in investment, in elections etc. but in many other aspects. So we need to work extensively in this domain as to how the whole world is struggling with it. We also must realise that this regulation versus innovation debate is something the whole world is struggling with. If you regulate too much, then technology will not develop. If you regulate too less, then it is harmful."




Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh: "Menace of misleading ads has to be curbed"

Earlier this week, Zomato had come up with a new kind of service, catering only to the pure vegetarian customers. Zomato founder and CEO Deepinder Goyal announced the launch of the "Pure Veg mode" delivery service on Tuesday, keeping in mind the dietary preferences of its pure vegetarian customers. 

“The 'pure veg' mode can be seen as an embodiment of casteist values, where vegetarianism is often associated with purity, self-control, and higher moral standing.  This dietary preference, rooted in religious and cultural practices, has historically been used as a mechanism to maintain caste distinctions, with upper castes asserting their superiority and 'purity' through their vegetarian diet. The designation of 'pure' vegetarian subtly carries the implication that anything outside this category is 'impure,' perpetuating a harmful dichotomy that mirrors and reinforces caste-based notions of purity and pollution,” said Akshay CM, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion consultant in a LinkedIn post.

He further said that this segregation goes beyond personal choice or business acumen; it taps into the age-old casteist belief that vegetarian food must be protected from contamination by non-vegetarian food, which is often associated with lower caste practices.  Zomato goes further in its segregation by establishing a 'pure veg fleet', identifiable by green shirts, designated exclusively for deliveries from 'pure' vegetarian restaurants.  
 Akshay pointed out that it's likely that Zomato's move will reinforce stigma and marginalization faced by minorities in the country. “Will Zomato's policy preferentially employ individuals who adhere to vegetarian diets for its 'pure veg' fleet ? Can a Dalit or a Muslim worker gain entry to this fleet ?This scenario would not only affect the economic opportunities for those who are non-vegetarian, often belonging to lower-caste groups, but also reinforce the stigma and marginalization they face.”

“Deepinder Goyal, with your policy, you risk emboldening right-wing housing societies to ban Zomato delivery personnel in red shirts. How will you protect them from potential attacks, especially in these charged communal times? Are you prepared to take responsibility for their occupational segregation and the dangers they may face? By pandering to and institutionalizing the caste-based preferences of a segment of the population, Zomato is complicit in perpetuating the very structures of caste that many are striving to dismantle,”read an excerpt from the same LinkedIn post.

Deepinder Goyal, founder, Zomato  took to his social media account to share views on the issue. “While we are going to continue to have a fleet for vegetarians, we have decided to remove the on-ground segregation of this fleet on the ground using the colour green. All our riders — both our regular fleet, and our fleet for vegetarians, will wear the colour red. This means that the fleet meant for vegetarian orders will not be identifiable on the ground (but will show on the app that your veg orders will be served by the veg only fleet). This will ensure that our red uniform delivery partners are not incorrectly associated with non-veg food, and blocked by any RWAs or societies during any special days… our riders’ physical safety is of paramount importance to us,” he said.

“Zomato realises that even some of our customers could get into trouble with their landlords, and that would not be a nice thing if that happened because of us. Thanks everyone for talking about this last night. You made us understand the unintended consequences of this rollout. All the love, and all the brickbats were all so useful - and helped us get to this optimal point. We are always listening, without unnecessary ego, or pride. We look forward to continue serving you,” added Goyal.

Last year, Zomato faced backlash after releasing a promotional advertisement ‘Kachra can change the game’ on occasion of the World Environment Day. Kachra translates into waste and/or trash in Hindi. Zomato was attempting to show what the brand has been doing to challenge climate change. But it ended up facing tremendous backlash across social media for appropriating casteism. This called into question if brands can go to any extent to greenwash.

<strong>Read More:</strong><a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/zomato-withdraws-kachra-campaign-after-being-called-out-by-netizens-8826.htm" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Zomato withdraws “Kachra” campaign after being called out by netizens</a>

Zomato called out for introducing  ‘pure veg’ mode; CEO Deepinder Goyal rolls back green fleet after backlash

To cost-cut effort and address the imminent liquidity crisis, Byju’s has given up all offices across India, retaining only its headquarters at IBC, Knowledge Park, Bengaluru, as per reports.

This comes at a time when the company has been engaged in a dispute with its investors regarding the validity of the funds raised from a recently concluded rights issue offering.

As a result of the decision, the company has now mandated that all employees work from home indefinitely, except for those working out of its headquarters and approximately 300 Byju's Tuition Centres across the country.

This also comes at a time when the company has held back part of February salaries for about 75 percent of its employees. The company currently has close to 14,000 employees in India. Byju's, disbursed the payments after delaying it for about 10 days and promised to pay the balance once it is allowed to use the funds from the recently closed rights issue.

The decision to shut down all offices in the country was a part of the Byju's India CEO Arjun Mohan's restructuring plan, as per reports.

“This has been in works for over six months. The company has been shutting down offices across country as soon the lease for each expired," said a source.

The company has laid off thousands of employees in the last 12 months as it battled a double blow of drying venture capital funding and slowing demand for online learning services. Since then, its investor board members have left too, citing differences with Raveendran.

The company has tried to fix some of the problems since then. Its early investor Ranjan Pai ploughed in the capital, it set up an advisory council with veterans such as Mohandas Pai and Rajnish Kumar and elevated Arjun Mohan as CEO. It is also in talks to divest assets such as Great Learning and Epic.

BYJU's gives up all offices across India; retains only headquarters in Bengaluru

The Central Consumer Protection Authority, the regulator under the Consumer Protection Act has issued an advisory on Prohibition of Advertisements and Endorsement of Online Gambling Platforms. The advisory has been issued in the context of proliferation of advertisements promoting anti-national illegal online gambling platforms, which are increasingly been endorsed by sportspersons and actors from the Indian film industry.

Such sites pose significant financial and socio-economic risks for consumers, especially youth and children and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has previously issued multiple advisories asking television channels, digital news publishers and OTT platforms to refrain from showing advertisements for online gambling sites and surrogate advertisements.

The All India Gaming Federation, the apex Industry body for online gaming has been highlighting this menace since 2018 and has been at the forefront in providing all relevant information to all government bodies and ministries.

Lauding the move to issue the advisory, Roland Landers, CEO, All India Gaming Federation said, “We are grateful to the Government for taking such a decisive step against anti-national illegal offshore gambling websites, which have been advertising in India in the garb of surrogate news and sports websites. AIGF has been highlighting this menace since 2018, and has been constantly taking up these issues with various Central Ministries and also providing evidence of uninterrupted advertising on major Indian OTT, satellite channels, newspapers and as sponsors in multiple Indian sports leagues. We will continue to monitor this and report any infraction to the Government. We hope that unlike earlier the TV networks, OTTs and news publishers will take this advisory seriously and not support these anti-national websites and give them prime-time airspace.”

The advisory noted that gambling is strictly prohibited under Indian law and is illegal in the majority of the country. Despite this, online gambling sites and apps persist in advertising gambling directly, as well as under the guise of gaming. 
Mr. Landers further added, “This will also help is distinguishing legitimate Indian online skill gaming operators, which provide the highest player protection measures and are a form of entertainment against these illegal gambling sites which are the main reason for widespread consumer harm and problems.”


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/online-gaming-surpassed-filmed-entertainment-in-india-touched-rs-220-billion-in-2023-25500.htm">Online gaming surpassed filmed entertainment in India, touched Rs 220 billion in 2023</a> 


Central Consumer Protection Authority issues advisory on prohibition of endorsement of online gambling platforms

Shares of Patanjali Foods Ltd fell over 3 percent in early trade on February 28, despite the company clarifying through an exchange filing on February 27 that the Supreme Court's observation of "misleading advertisements" over some of the products sold by Patanjali Ayurved Ltd will not affect its business as it is a separate listed entity, as per a Moneycontrol report. 

Shares of Patanjali Foods have gained over 3 percent in a month and nearly 30 percent in six months. At 9.23am, shares of Patanjali Foods traded 2.5 percent lower at Rs 1581.80, marking its third day of decline, the report further stated.

"The observations do not have any bearing on the regular business operations or the financial performance of Patanjali Foods," the company informed exchanges.

An apex court bench had issued a show-cause notice to Patanjali Ayurved, co-founded by yoga guru Ramdev, and managing director Balakrishna for going back on their promise to not make "misleading claims" in advertisements for its medicines.

In November 2023, the Supreme Court reprimanded Patanjali Ayurved for continuing to publish misleading claims and advertisements against modern medicine.

The Supreme Court was hearing a writ petition filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) over misleading advertisements by certain companies.

Following this, the court directed Patanjali Ayurved to not publish misleading advertisements in the future and also to not make any casual statements about it in the press.


In December quarter, Patanjali Foods' standalone net profit declined to Rs 216.54 crore from Rs 254.54 crore in the September quarter. The company saw its revenue from operations rise to Rs 7,910.70 crore in the December quarter from Rs 7,821.89 crore in the quarter ago period.





NCLT issues notice in insolvency plea filed by Oppo against Byju's

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) filed the first insolvency plea against Byju's in November 2023.

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