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Microsoft's Cindy Rose to succeed Mark Read as WPP CEO

‘Sham’, ‘scam’: Cannes Lions-award winning ads under public scrutiny

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Digital Entertainment Summit 2025: The Highlights

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Experts' Take On Reinvention Of Ad Campaigns Through Technology

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WeTransfer, the Dutch file-sharing platform, has revised its terms of service after public outcry over ambiguous language that hinted at the use of user-uploaded content to train machine learning models. The move comes in response to mounting scrutiny from privacy-conscious users and echoes a broader wave of consumer pushback against opaque AI data practices by tech companies.

The backlash stemmed from a clause in WeTransfer’s updated policy, set to take effect on August 8, which stated that files could be used to “improve performance of machine learning models.” The phrase sparked alarm among users who feared their personal data might be fed into AI training systems without consent.

Responding to the criticism, WeTransfer clarified that it does not use any content shared via its platform for AI model training, nor does it sell or share such data with third parties. As per media reports, a company spokesperson explained the clause was originally intended to allow for future use of AI in content moderation, such as detecting harmful or abusive files. However, the company admitted the wording had been poorly framed and had led to “unintended confusion.”

In its revised version, WeTransfer has completely removed references to AI or machine learning. The updated clause now simply states that users grant the company permission to use their content “for the purposes of operating, developing, and improving the service,” in line with its existing privacy and cookie policies.

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WeTransfer removes AI clause from terms after user backlash

ITC's Sunfeast Wowzers has partnered with actor Shah Rukh Khan and has also launched a TVC featuring Shah Rukh Khan.

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Conceptualized by Ogilvy, the tagline ‘Iske Har Bite Mein Hai Wow!’, captures the essence of this game-changing snack. The campaign will be rolled out extensively across all digital media platforms.

With Shah Rukh Khan on board, the brand is set to elevate its imagery and cement its position as the go-to choice for snack time. As per the company, SRK's charisma and emotional resonance with audiences align with the brand’s persona.

Ali Harris Shere, Chief Operating Officer, Biscuits and Cakes Cluster, Foods Division ITC Ltd., said, “Sunfeast Wowzers is more than just a cracker; it’s an experience that blends cheesy indulgence with crunch. Who better than Shah Rukh Khan to represent this ‘Wow’ factor? Sunfeast Wowzers offers a multi-textural delight which perfectly aligns with his charismatic personality, making the partnership even more special.”

"I've always believed that all magical moments have a ‘Wow’ in them. Sunfeast Wowzers is all about that ‘Wow’ factor—which comes from the fusion of melty cheesy delight and crisp, flaky layers. It’s the perfect snack to add a touch of delight to any moment. I’m thrilled to be part of this journey with Sunfeast Wowzers, and I hope everyone enjoys this indulgent experience just as much as I do,"  Shah Rukh Khan said.

Sunfeast Wowzers is available in two variants, Cheese crème enrobed cracker and Lemon crème enrobed cracker across general trade, modern trade and quick-delivery platforms.

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ITC's Sunfeast Wowzers onboards Shah Rukh Khan; launches new campaign

Godrej Consumer Products Ltd has revealed its growth model for India, which it calls the three pillars of the company. This includes profitable share gains in soaps, household insecticides, and future-facing categories, such as air care, liquid detergents, hair color, body wash, and sexual wellness.

According to the GCPL's annual report, the company has ramped up investment in incense sticks, which have a market share of over Rs 100 crore, with an 8 percent market share.

The company posted a high-teens growth in its GoodKnight Electrics category. Besides, the Fab detergent hit Rs 250 crore in annualised run-rate with a growth trajectory of a digital-first brand.

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GCPL Managing Director and CEO Sudhir Sitapati said, "In India, we delivered 5% volume growth, which was below our expectations, largely due to a sharper-than-anticipated consumption slowdown in the second half". Sitapti added, "Despite these headwinds, I would call this a strategically strong year. We made real progress on several things that matter—innovations like Fab and Aer scaled up meaningfully, we doubled down on rural expansion with Project Vistaar, commissioned two new world-class manufacturing sites, and launched our newest business in Pet Care. Our international portfolio, especially in Africa and Latin America, saw structural margin expansion. And we stayed consistent on media and brand investments even when margins were under pressure".

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The company added that "India strategy must balance three time horizons— improving the core, defending and reviving lagging categories, and investing ahead in high-growth, high-margin spaces".

GCPL reveals 3 pillars for growth model- Soap, insecticides, future-facing categories

As India’s movie-going habits evolve post-pandemic, Mexican cinema giant Cinépolis is sharpening its focus on a blockbuster-fueled comeback. The company, which runs 485 screens across India, is eyeing double-digit revenue growth in 2025, driven by a Hollywood and Bollywood slate and plans to open 20–25 new screens this year, Reuters reported.

As per the report by Reuters, Cinépolis India MD Devang Sampat said that the Hollywood has a very strong lineup, so does regional and Bollywood. Sampat sees an opportunity to lure audiences back to cinemas with better marketing, brand tie-ups and mall partnerships. Admissions still remain 20% below pre-COVID levels, a gap Sampat hopes to close with the summer’s heavy-hitting releases like Jurassic World: Rebirth, F1 and regional mega-films.

The company reported a revenue of Rs 13.46 billion in FY24, marking a 31% year-on-year jump and its first annual profit in more than five years, reaching Rs 321 million, Reuters reported. While Sampat didn’t comment on FY25 projections, he noted that historical (pre-pandemic) growth has hovered between high single digits and low double digits.

Cinépolis’ expansion strategy contrasts with that of market leader PVR Inox, which is set to add 100–110 screens in FY26 and is projected to grow revenues by 18%, according to analysts. Shobit Singhal of Anand Rathi expects Indian multiplex revenues to grow 20–25%, spurred by massive titles like Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Rajinikanth’s Coolie and Kantara: Chapter 1.

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Cinépolis India eyes double-digit growth; bets big on Bollywood & Hollywood

Medimix has appointed Amruta Khanvilkar as its new brand ambassador. As per the company, Khanvilkar, who is known for her versatility, elegance and deep cultural roots, closely mirror the brand’s ethos. 

As part of its continued efforts to build connections with audiences across the key geography, the brand is deepening its focus on culturally relevant partnerships. By collaborating with a regional icon like Amruta Khanvilkar, Medimix aims to strengthen its presence in key markets and take it to the heartlands of India. 

Doubling its bets on the liquid’s portfolio, Medimix has expanded its product portfolio as it enters the Bodywash, Handwash & Facewash categories, further augmenting the brand penetration in key geographies.

Anupam Katheriya, Chief Executive Officer, Cholayil Private Limited, said, “We are delighted to welcome Amruta Khanvilkar to join Medimix family as our brand ambassador. Her grace, authenticity, and strong connect with audiences make her a perfect reflection of what Medimix stand for. At Medimix, we believe in skincare that’s deeply rooted in Ayurvedic tradition while being relevant to today’s lifestyle. With Amruta on board, we look forward to spreading our message of natural, Ayurvedic care to an even wider audience across the country.”

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Medimix appoints Amruta Khanvilkar as brand ambassador

The Karnataka government’s draft move to cap movie ticket prices at Rs 200 has triggered alarm bells in India’s film exhibition industry, particularly for multiplex giant PVR Inox. 

With 215 of its 1,743 screens located in the state, Karnataka accounts for 12.3% of the company's footprint. As per a report by Moneycontrol, Elara Capital’s Karan Taurani said that the proposed cap could shave off 3.7% from PVR Inox’s consolidated average ticket price (ATP), translating to a potential 2.2% dip in revenue and a 1.8% hit to EBITDA between FY26–28.

What’s worrying exhibitors is the flat nature of the cap. Bengaluru’s premium formats like IMAX and 4DX, which currently command Rs 600–1,000 per ticket, could be forced into uniform pricing, straining ROI in these high-investment formats. Experts warn the price ceiling may derail further franchise-led expansion and push multiplexes to lean more heavily on food and beverage sales to maintain profitability.

While the state argues the move promotes affordability and accessibility, critics say it undermines the viability of premium offerings and overlooks content quality as the key driver of footfalls. The uniform pricing also threatens the fragile economics of single screens, which may lose audiences to better-equipped multiplexes.

This is not Karnataka’s first tryst with ticket price regulation. A similar cap was imposed in 2017 but later overturned in 2021 after a legal challenge led to a favourable verdict for exhibitors. Industry voices expect a similar legal route if the current draft progresses to formal notification.

As the notification remains open for public feedback for 15 days, stakeholders are gearing up for what may be a rerun of a long-standing affordability-versus-viability debate — one that pits consumer access against the commercial sustainability of India’s evolving cinema experience.

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Karnataka’s ticket price cap could derail PVR Inox’s premium strategy, revive legal battle

As global beverage giants ramp up their presence across Indian retail shelves, homegrown brand Lahori Zeera is quietly rewriting the rules of FMCG growth. Founded in 2017, the desi beverage brand is betting on a Bisleri-style co-bottling model to turbocharge its reach without burning capital on physical plants, all while staying true to its North Indian roots, Moneycontrol reported.

The brand reported Rs 535 crore in revenue in FY25 and is eyeing an ambitious Rs 800 crore topline for FY26. According to co-founder and COO Nikhil Doda, the key to this scale-up lies in an asset-light strategy, inspired by the hyper-local presence of legacy players like Bisleri, who have long mastered the art of distributed bottling. Lahori has already signed four co-bottlers and aims to tie up with 20 more in the next two years.

At a time when Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Parle Agro and even Reliance-backed Campa Cola are offering aggressive retailer incentives and scaling distribution muscle, Lahori is playing the long game, relying on repeat purchase behavior, cultural familiarity, and affordability. Its flagship cumin-based soda, priced at Rs 10 for a 160 ml pack, is a household favorite in northern India, especially for in-home consumption.

But Lahori isn’t just riding on nostalgia. With rising demand for local flavours, sugar-free variants and clean-label drinks, the brand is tapping into a wider shift in Indian taste preferences, one that’s opening up space for traditional alternatives to colas and orange sodas. 

Backed by a Rs 200 crore funding round from Motilal Oswal Wealth that tripled its valuation to Rs 2,800 crore, Lahori is using fresh capital to build a national footprint, not through factories but through partnerships and smarter unit economics. And while the likes of Campa Cola are upping retailer margins to 6-8%, Lahori is staying consistent with its trade model, betting that brand loyalty and steady volumes will outlast short-term discounts.

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From local flavor to national ambition: How Lahori Zeera is taking on cola giants with new-age FMCG model

In a country where weddings are nothing short of grand spectacles, a quirky phenomenon is shaking up the social scene 'Fake Shaadis'. These are elaborate, high-energy mock weddings where no one actually gets married, but everything else about the celebration is very real, be it haldi, mehandi or cocktails.

<strong>What is a Fake Shaadi?</strong>

A fake shaadi is a party designed to mimic the full-blown experience of an Indian wedding, except the real couple. There is dhol, DJ, choreographed sangeet, baraat, dance, ethnic décor, traditional outfits, mock varmala ceremony, faux pandits reciting playful mantras, food counters, booze, etc. The only thing missing is a real couple tying the knot.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Now you can pay ₹1499 and attend a fake wedding. No dulha, no rishtedaar, you come, take the vibe and go home. This covers food, dhol, dancing, and Instagram worthy pictures. Wild concept! ? <a href="https://t.co/CE3b197lBV">pic.twitter.com/CE3b197lBV</a></p>&mdash; Aaraynsh (@aaraynsh) <a href="https://twitter.com/aaraynsh/status/1942901574101320099?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The trend is gaining popularity in Delhi, Bengaluru and Pune, with ticketed events starting from Rs 1500 owards, happening in DIY campus versions, rooftops, bars and even college grounds. One of the known organisers, Jumma Ki Raat, hosts these themed nights with full wedding aesthetics.

<strong>Why is this a 'thing'?</strong>

Fake shaadis are driven by a mix of factors including Gen Z’s love for aesthetic, theatrical celebrations, desire for community and nostalgia without cultural baggage. It is also considered to be a safe space to dress up, dance and post content without family drama, rigid rituals and pressure.

These events are trending on Instagram with with invitation cards, selfie booths and viral moments

While some see it as a passing Gen Z trend, others believe there’s real business potential. These events tap into India’s wedding obsession but repackage it for a modern audience that craves fun without obligations. In many ways, fake shaadis are a commentary on the changing shape of celebration culture in urban India.

Interestingly, this adds up to the Indian wedding market, which as for FY24 is the second largest in the Indian Retail Market with its market size of over Rs 11 trillion.

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Explained: The rise of India’s ‘Fake Shaadi’ trend

Fashion brand J. Hampstead has announced Bobby Deol as its new brand ambassador, marking an exciting new chapter in its storied journey. The brand offers suiting and shirting fabrics and ready-made garments.

As per the company, Bobby Deol, fondly called ‘Lord Bobby’ by his fans, embodies the brand’s values of timeless elegance, refined craftsmanship and modern sophistication.

Talking about the association, Bobby Deol said, “I’m honoured to represent J. Hampstead, a brand that exemplifies classic style and lasting quality. Its attention to detail and legacy of excellence align perfectly with my own fashion values.”

Avnish Poddar, Director, J. Hampstead, added, “Bobby’s distinctive style and appeal make him an ideal ambassador for the brand. His association brings fresh energy and strengthens our connection with today’s aspirational, fashion-conscious consumers.”

This collaboration celebrates a union to redefine the future of luxury menswear and elevate what it means to belong to a different league.

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Bobby Deol becomes brand ambassador of J. Hampstead

Microsoft is now making AI proficiency a mandatory criterion in employee performance reviews, signaling the company's full-throttle push into artificial intelligence amid widespread job cuts.

As per reports by The Information and Business Insider, Microsoft has laid off over 15,000 employees across multiple business units in 2025 alone, with the latest wave affecting approximately 9,000 roles, particularly in the Xbox gaming and sales divisions. This comes after earlier job cuts in May and June, which included 6,000 and several hundred roles, respectively. Around 850 jobs were slashed in Washington state, the company’s home base.

While trimming its workforce, Microsoft is also ramping up its internal expectations around AI. Julia Liuson, president of the Developer Division, told managers that AI usage must now be factored into performance evaluations at all levels. In an internal memo, she emphasized that "using AI is no longer optional — it's core to every role."

This move is part of Microsoft’s strategy to drive deeper adoption of its AI-powered productivity tools, particularly Copilot. The company is reportedly exploring formal AI usage metrics as part of next fiscal year's performance reviews, potentially introducing specific benchmarks employees must meet.

Microsoft is also encouraging its remaining workforce to “invest in your own AI skilling”, highlighting a future where success and possibly job security may increasingly depend on how effectively employees leverage AI in their day-to-day roles.

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