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Warner Bros. Discovery has announced that it will rebrand its streaming service back to HBO Max this summer, undoing the 2023 decision to simplify the platform's name to "Max."

The move was revealed during the company's annual upfront presentation at Madison Square Garden in New York on Wednesday.

David Zaslav, President and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, said, "The powerful growth we have seen in our global streaming service is built around the quality of our programming. Today, we are bringing back HBO, the brand that represents the highest quality in media, to further accelerate that growth in the years ahead.”

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/wpp-media-possible-rebrand-of-groupm-signals-strategic-reset-amid-intensifying-industry-consolidation-64751.htm">"WPP Media": Possible rebrand of GroupM signals strategic reset amid intensifying industry consolidation</a>

The renaming marks a return to a more premium brand identity, shedding ambiguity around the "Max" name, which some critics argued diluted the service's positioning in a saturated streaming market.

JB Perrette, President and CEO of Streaming, and Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content, echoed this sentiment. "We will continue to focus on what makes us unique - not everything for everyone in a household, but something distinct and great for adults and families," said Bloys. "With the course we are on and the strong momentum we are enjoying, we believe HBO Max far better represents our current consumer proposition. And it clearly states our implicit promise to deliver content that is recognised as unique and, to steal a line we always said at HBO, worth paying for," he added.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/agency-news/jaguar-land-rovers-launches-global-creative-agency-review-post-rebrand-65006.htm">Jaguar Land Rovers launches global creative agency review post rebrand</a>

Launched in 2020 while HBO was still under AT&T's WarnerMedia, HBO Max initially served as a broader content hub, combining the prestige of HBO with a wide mix of entertainment including reality shows, documentaries, children's programming, and blockbuster films.

The platform was renamed to simply "Max" in 2023 following WarnerMedia's merger with Discovery Inc., an attempt to unify HBO's prestige programming with Discovery's more lifestyle-oriented content under one umbrella. But the simplified branding was met with mixed reception and reportedly caused consumer confusion.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/experts-decode-zomatos-eternal-makeover-ambitious-name-simple-logo-hint-at-expansive-growth-plans-55915.htm">Zomato rebrands as ‘Eternal’ to embark on new corporate journey: Experts decode the move</a>

Warner Bros. Discovery revives HBO Max name in strategic rebrand

Nishant Pitti, Founder and Chairman of travel platform EaseMyTrip, has accused a rival travel aggregator of having a major data vulnerability, one that could expose sensitive information about Indian armed forces personnel to foreign entities.

Pitti alleged that the competing platform, which he says is, "majorly owned by China," collects Defence IDs, travel routes, and data from Indian military personnel in exchange for discounted air tickets. "Indian Armed Forces book discounted tickets via a platform majorly owned by China, entering Defence ID, route & date. Our enemies know where our soldiers are flying," he wrote on social media platform X.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/govt-cracks-down-on-ecomm-platforms-over-sale-of-pakistani-flags-ccpa-issues-notices-66053.htm">Govt cracks down on ecomm platforms over sale of Pakistani flags; CCPA issues notices</a>

Backing his claims, Pitti shared a series of screenshots from the rival website. One of them revealed an interface where armed forces personnel are prompted to input their Defence ID in order to access exclusive travel discounts. 

While such benefits are commonly extended to military members by travel providers, Pitti argued that requiring sensitive identifiers through a potentially compromised platform could open doors to surveillance or tracking.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/indian-film-bodies-declare-boycott-of-turkey-over-pro-pakistan-stance-amid-rising-tensions-66029.htm">Indian film bodies declare boycott of Turkey over Pro-Pakistan stance amid rising tensions</a>

This comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions. Recently, India has seen growing calls for economic disengagement from countries such as Turkey and Azerbaijan, both of which publicly supported Pakistan during its recent tensions with India. 

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/indias-boycott-turkey-intensifies-as-traders-reject-marble-apples-over-ankaras-support-to-pakistan-65963.htm">India's 'Boycott Turkey' intensifies as traders reject marble, apples over Ankara's support to Pakistan</a>

EaseMyTrip founder flags security flaw in rival travel site, claims China link

Tata Consultancy Services has been ranked among the 100 most valuable brands worldwide in the Kantar BrandZ Most Valuable Global Brands 2025 Report. 

In a 20th edition ceremony held in New York by Kantar, TCS was accorded a brand value of $57.3 billion with an accelerated 28% year-on-year growth. TCS now ranks #45 globally, in a list that includes the world’s most prominent brands across industry sectors. 

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/tcs-becomes-the-2nd-global-it-services-brand-to-cross-20-billion-in-brand-value-54185.htm">TCS becomes the 2nd global IT Services Brand to cross $20 billion in brand value</a>

In a separate independent brand audit carried out by Momentum-ITSMA, TCS demonstrated 95% aided brand awareness with business executives across 26 countries worldwide, up exponentially from 29% which the same audit polled in 2010. 
 
Martin Guerrieria, Head of Kantar BrandZ, said, “By drawing on the depth of BrandZ's database over the last quarter of a century, our insights show that with the right level of investment and strategic focus, brands have huge potential to drive growth for their owners. TCS’ performance this year demonstrates its ability to innovate at scale with AI capabilities now running through its portfolios. TCS’ strategic sponsorship programmes continue to build a strong global presence and community around its brand.”

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/tcs-presses-pause-on-salary-hikes-plans-to-hire-42000-engineers-from-campuses-in-fy26-62101.htm">TCS presses pause on salary hikes; plans to hire 42,000 engineers from campuses in FY26</a>

At the centre of this momentum is TCS’ sponsorship of 14 global running events, including five of the seven Abbott World Marathon Majors such as the TCS New York City Marathon, TCS London Marathon, and TCS Sydney Marathon. These events engage over 600,000 runners annually and contributed $2.25 billion to local economies in 2024, raising $279 million for charitable causes. 

The TCS brand also demonstrated a 30-point uplift in brand familiarity and 40-point uplift in brand consideration, the highest improvement amongst all the key sponsors of the sport. 

Abhinav Kumar, Chief Marketing Officer, TCS, said, “For 20 years Kantar BrandZ has recognized the world’s most valuable brands. We congratulate them on this special anniversary edition of their brand excellence platform. Alongside the brand leadership we have in our industry, we are very pleased to see this recognition of the TCS brand amongst the world’s most iconic brands across industries. This growth in brand value, awareness and equity has been built on a range of high-impact long term marketing and communications programmes. Building a brand is indeed a marathon, yet I would like to thank all my colleagues in TCS for doing this long run, at the scorching pace of a sprint. Kudos to all of them.”

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/tcss-q4-fy25-profit-drops-1-67-to-rs-12293-crore-attrition-rate-increases-to-13-3-in-last-12-months-62049.htm">TCS's Q4 FY25 profit drops 1.67% to Rs 12,293 crore; Attrition rate increases to 13.3% in last 12 months</a>

TCS ranked among Top 50 most valuable global brands by Kantar BrandZ 2025

The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has imposed a complete boycott of all film shoots and cultural collaborations with Turkey, citing the country's continued support for Pakistan amid the ongoing Indo-Pak tensions.

In a press statement, AICWA said: “We have always stood with the nation. Turkey’s open alignment with Pakistan, especially during times of terror and instability, cannot be overlooked. The Indian film industry will not support or engage with any nation that stands against India’s sovereignty.”

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/india-restores-access-to-chinese-turkish-x-handles-after-temporary-suspension-65973.htm">India restores access to Chinese, Turkish X handles after temporary suspension</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">PRESS RELEASE All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) Announces Complete Boycott of Turkey for Film Shoots and Cultural Collaborations Mumbai, India – May 14, 2025: The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA), representing the Indian film industry’s workers,… <a href="https://t.co/ghL345rd2x">pic.twitter.com/ghL345rd2x</a>&mdash; All Indian Cine Workers Association (@AICWAOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/AICWAOfficial/status/1922652680402387408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

AICWA's directive in detail:

- Immediate ban on filming in Turkey: No Indian film, television, or digital content will be shot in Turkey henceforth. Producers, directors, and production houses have been strictly instructed to refrain from planning any projects in the country.

- End to cultural collaborations: Turkish actors, directors, and creatives are barred from participating in Indian productions. All existing contracts with Turkish entities will be scrutinized and, if possible, annulled.

- Enforcement and penalties: AICWA has announced active monitoring and warned of strict disciplinary action against any individual or company that fails to adhere to this directive.

The association described the boycott as a "patriotic stand" in defense of India's national integrity, stressing that its commitment to the country goes beyond entertainment.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/indias-boycott-turkey-intensifies-as-traders-reject-marble-apples-over-ankaras-support-to-pakistan-65963.htm">India's 'Boycott Turkey' intensifies as traders reject marble, apples over Ankara's support to Pakistan</a>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/nation-first-indian-travel-agencies-may-face-7-8-loss-amid-boycott-of-turkey-and-azerbaijan-65956.htm">Nation first: Indian travel agencies may face 7-8% loss amid boycott of Turkey and Azerbaijan</a>

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), another powerful body representing over 36 crafts in the Indian entertainment ecosystem, has also echoed AICWA's sentiments.

Posting on X, FWICE issued an appeal urging all Indian producers to refrain from choosing Turkey as a film shooting destination. Their statement cited Ankara's increasing diplomatic proximity to Islamabad as a cause for concern for India's national security.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">FWICE appeals Producers to boycott TURKEY for shooting location<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FWICE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FWICE</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationFirst?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NationFirst</a> FWICE<a href="https://twitter.com/highlight?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@highlight</a> <a href="https://t.co/TVg7rfigx7">pic.twitter.com/TVg7rfigx7</a>&mdash; Federation of Western India Cine Employees (@fwicemum) <a href="https://twitter.com/fwicemum/status/1922653099002302649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Indian film bodies declare boycott of Turkey over Pro-Pakistan stance amid rising tensions

Amazon has laid off around 100 employees from its Devices and Services division, the units responsible for consumer hardware and emerging tech products such as the Kindle, Echo smart speakers, Alexa voice assistant, and Zoox self-driving cars, according to a Reuters report.

The cuts, confirmed by the company on Wednesday, are part of a regular internal business review and reflect ongoing efforts to operate more efficiently, Amazon said in the report.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/amazons-project-kuiper-writes-to-dot-seeks-swift-entry-into-indias-satellite-internet-market-66007.htm">Amazon's Project Kuiper writes to DoT; seeks swift entry into India's satellite internet market</a>

A spokesperson declined to detail which sub-teams were most affected, calling it a "small number of roles," the report added.

This move follows earlier reductions in 2023 that hit the Alexa team, and comes as Amazon continues to quietly downsize across other areas like its Wondery podcast, physical stores, and corporate communications arms.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/amazons-zahid-khan-explains-big-bet-on-influencers-with-launch-of-elevate-program-65198.htm">Amazon’s Zahid Khan explains big bet on influencers with launch of 'Elevate Program'</a>

The job cuts also come on the heels of Amazon's significant revamp of Alexa, its first in a decade, which integrated generative AI to make the voice assistant more conversational and proactive.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has been vocal about trimming excess layers of management and simplifying operations. 

Despite these selective layoffs, Amazon added 4,000 jobs between Q4 2024 and Q1 2025, according to its latest earnings report, the media report added.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/amazon-just-rolled-out-a-redesigned-logo-and-you-probably-missed-it-64494.htm">Amazon just rolled out a redesigned logo—and you probably missed it!</a>

Amazon cuts 100 jobs in devices and streaming unit

Following closely behind Elon Musk's Starlink, Amazon's Project Kuiper is actively pursuing entry into India's satellite broadband sector. The company reportedly has submitted an application to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for a Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite (GMPCS) license, aiming to offer satellite-based internet services nationwide.

In addition to the GMPCS license, Project Kuiper has applied to the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) for landing rights, a necessary step to operate its satellite services within Indian territory. These applications are currently under review.

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/govt-tightens-satcom-rules-mandates-legal-interception-of-satcom-services-bars-data-routing-outside-country-64628.htm">Govt tightens satcom rules; mandates legal interception of satcom services, bars data routing outside country</a>

It is to be noted that DoT recently issued a circular outlining enhanced security measures for GMPCS services in India. The department issued stringent security norms mandating legal interception of satellite communication services and barred companies from linking users' connections in any form with any terminal or facility located outside the country's border or processing their data overseas.

The directive mandates that all GMPCS licensees establish Land Earth Station Gateways within the country to ensure that all satellite communication traffic originating or terminating in India is routed through these domestic gateways.

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/trai-recommends-5-year-satellite-spectrum-allocation-extendable-by-two-65262.htm">TRAI recommends 5-year satellite spectrum allocation, extendable by two</a>

This move is aimed at bolstering national security by ensuring that satellite communication services comply with Indian laws and regulations. The circular also emphasizes the need for GMPCS operators to implement robust cybersecurity measures, including adherence to the Telecommunication Cybersecurity Rules under the Telecom Act, 2023.

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/trai-recommends-5-year-satellite-spectrum-allocation-extendable-by-two-65262.htm">TRAI recommends 5-year satellite spectrum allocation, extendable by two</a>

Amazon's Project Kuiper writes to DoT; seeks swift entry into India's satellite internet market

Ever been deep in an intense gaming session only to be distracted by your friend's loud crunching of chips or snacks? 

Doritos tackled this annoyance head-on with its innovative "Doritos Silent" campaign teamed up with a crunch-cancellation technology that promised to let gamers enjoy their snack quietly without disrupting gameplay.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/global-ads-spotlight-orange-kicks-gender-bias-to-the-curb-with-game-changing-womens-football-campaign-60133.htm">Global Ads Spotlight: Orange kicks gender bias to the curb with game-changing "WoMen's Football" campaign</a>

Some insights

The campaign emerged after research indicated strong global demand for quieter snacking options among gamers. 

In the UK, nearly half (46%) of gamers couldn't stand hearing someone else eat, while in Portugal and Spain, chips were ranked as the most disruptive food by 68% and 64% of gamers, respectively.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6KBjQdjwbJ0?si=NYgKuqYgRVK-2DgC" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Over in the US, a notable 30% admitted their performance suffered due to snack-related distractions.

Partnering with Smooth Technology, experts spent six months analysing more than 5,000 unique crunch sounds to perfect the 'silent crunch.' Doritos cleverly teased the campaign through eye-catching ads featuring chips replacing noise-cancelling headphones, rolling out across the UK, US, Spain, Poland, Brazil, and Portugal with a cheeky promise: "You won't hear it coming."

[caption id="attachment_65780" align="alignnone" width="750"]<img src="https://images.storyboard18.com/storyboard18/2025/05/doritos-1-2025-05-25017da715090972042341de705eefc5-1024x576.jpg" alt="Image courtesy: Caples" width="750" height="422" class="size-large wp-image-65780" /> Image courtesy: Caples[/caption]

Responses and recognition

The campaign quickly gained massive traction, pulling in an earned reach of 3.2 billion globally—the brand's biggest gaming-focused push yet.

Doritos experienced a 76% jump in targeted brand impressions, more than 200,000 organic social media engagements, and impressive commercial results, including a $50 million increase in sales.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/__trashed-5-65459.htm">Global Ads Spotlight: Here's how Cola-Cola hacked screentime with Alexa skill in KSA</a>

Gamers flocked to the idea: the campaign's dedicated site attracted over 1.8 million visitors, with the software hitting 15,000 downloads within weeks. On Twitch, the Doritos emote flooded chat rooms, appearing more than 5.3 million times.

Recognition followed swiftly. "Doritos Silent" earned accolades from D&AD for its innovative AI application in advertising and bagged a coveted Gold award at The Drum Awards in the Use of GenAI category.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/global-ads-spotlight-orange-kicks-gender-bias-to-the-curb-with-game-changing-womens-football-campaign-60133.htm">Global Ads Spotlight: Orange kicks gender bias to the curb with game-changing "WoMen's Football" campaign</a>

Global Ads Spotlight: Check how Doritos made noise by killing the 'crunch'

Quick commerce platform Zepto is set to disrupt India’s consumer analytics landscape with the launch of its latest innovation, Zepto Atom, a powerful insights tool designed to provide brands with hyperlocal performance data. The product will officially go live on May 16, following a successful pilot phase.

Co-founder and CEO Aadit Palicha said Zepto Atom empowers brands with granular visibility, offering performance tracking down to the PIN-code level, a capability rarely available on Indian e-commerce platforms. “Zepto Atom offers next-level insights, including the ability to view performance by PIN code, zoom in on specific cities, and analyse neighbourhoods to determine where brands need to improve distribution, pricing, or marketing,” Palicha said.

Positioned as a cost-effective and automated alternative to traditional consultancy-driven analytics, Zepto Atom enters a market estimated to be worth over ₹1,000 crore. According to Palicha, early trials suggest the platform could onboard 1,000 brands within the first few weeks of its launch.

Key Features of Zepto Atom:

Hyperlocal Mapping and Market Share Data: Brands can access real-time performance data at the neighbourhood level, allowing targeted adjustments in marketing and distribution strategies. For example, a brand can identify underperformance in western Hyderabad and take corrective action.

Live Metrics Refreshed Every Minute: Brands will gain access to constantly updated sales, impressions, and conversion metrics, enabling agile decision-making and campaign optimization throughout the day.

Zepto GPT – AI-Powered Insights: The platform includes a built-in Natural Language Processing assistant trained on Zepto’s data. Brands can pose questions like “How can I grow my market share in Bengaluru for protein bars?” and receive data-backed recommendations and reports.

Advanced Behavioural Analytics: Beyond conversions, the platform provides deep insights into customer retention, repeat purchases, search visibility, and overall customer journey analytics.

Zepto Atom is available as a paid subscription add-on to the existing Zepto Brand Portal, which already offers basic daily performance data for free. The upgraded subscription opens access to insights that most e-commerce platforms in India currently do not offer.

To support brand partners, Zepto will host a detailed onboarding webinar this Friday at 3 PM.

The rollout of Zepto Atom aligns with the company’s broader monetisation strategy. Palicha highlighted that advertising currently contributes over ₹130 crore per month to Zepto’s revenue, alongside the company’s data monetisation initiatives. “We generate over 10 million data points every single day... this data is rich with insights, and we have a huge advantage in monetising them,” he said, projecting that Zepto Atom could add tens of crores per quarter to the company’s earnings.

Looking ahead, Palicha expressed confidence in achieving EBITDA positivity by the end of this financial year, crediting initiatives like the Super Saver program and assortment expansion for the company’s growth.

Zepto has witnessed a 300% year-on-year increase in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV), scaling from ₹1 billion to nearly ₹4 billion. Despite this meteoric rise, Palicha emphasized that Zepto is not currently looking for new primary capital. Instead, any future financial moves would aim to boost domestic ownership and consolidate the company’s position in the Indian market.

Zepto bets big on data with Zepto Atom, aims to redefine brand strategy

India has restored access to the X accounts of Chinese state-run media Global Times and Turkish broadcaster TRT World after briefly withholding them in response to a legal request.

The accounts became unavailable in India early Wednesday morning but were later accessible again after the suspension was lifted.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/xs-global-affairs-account-withheld-in-india-after-request-to-block-8000-accounts-65155.htm">X’s Global Affairs account withheld in India after request to block 8,000 accounts</a>

The temporary suspension was reportedly triggered by forensic findings that linked Turkish-origin drones to Pakistan's airspace violations during recent tensions, according to media reports. Meanwhile, China's state-run news agency Xinhua's X account remains suspended. 

Earlier this month, on May 8, X received executive orders from the Indian government demanding the blocking of more than 8,000 accounts accessible in India. These including accounts belonging to international news outlets and prominent individual users. The order explicitly stated potential penalties, including significant fines and imprisonment of X's local employees for non-compliance.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/up-police-suspends-40-social-media-accounts-for-spreading-false-news-about-operation-sindoor-terror-attacks-65923.htm">UP Police suspends 40 social media accounts for spreading fake news</a>

Tensions intensified when the Chinese state-run media outlet Global Times published unverified reports alleging that Pakistan's military had shot down an Indian fighter jet. India's Embassy in Beijing promptly rebuked the outlet, urging verification of facts before dissemination. "Dear Global Times, we would recommend you verify your facts and cross-examine your sources before pushing out this kind of disinformation,” it wrote in a post.

China called for an impartial investigation into the incident and reaffirmed its support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and security. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan condemned India’s military response as an "unprovoked violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty," openly backing Pakistan and describing victims of India's strikes as "martyrs."

Meanwhile, Xinhua's X account remains suspended

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/special-coverage/x-blocks-thousands-of-accounts-in-india-amid-government-orders-65089.htm">X blocks thousands of accounts in India amid government orders</a>

India restores access to Chinese, Turkish X handles after temporary suspension

India's call to boycott Turkish goods has rapidly gained momentum, evolving from social media hashtags into a significant nationwide economic movement.

This backlash follows Turkey's explicit support of Pakistan after the terror attack in Pahalgam and India's subsequent retaliatory Operation Sindoor.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/nation-first-indian-travel-agencies-may-face-7-8-loss-amid-boycott-of-turkey-and-azerbaijan-65956.htm">Nation first: Indian travel agencies may face 7-8% loss amid boycott of Turkey and Azerbaijan</a>

The epicentre of the boycott is Udaipur, India's marble hub. The Udaipur Marble Processors Association, representing 125 marble firms, has urged the government for an immediate halt to Turkish marble imports, highlighting national security concerns over economic gains, according to media reports. Turkey currently supplies approximately 70 percent of India's imported marble; around 14 to 18 lakh tonnes annually, worth between Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000 crore. 

Kapil Surana, President of the association, emphasized this stance in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, "Business cannot be bigger than the nation."

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/cait-urges-ban-on-sale-of-pakistani-flags-merchandise-on-e-commerce-platforms-65840.htm">CAIT urges ban on sale of Pakistani flags, merchandise on e-commerce platforms</a>

Reports that Turkish-made Asisguard Songar drones were used by Pakistan in recent confrontations have significantly fuelled sentiments against Turkish goods.

In parallel, Turkish apples, previously a popular commodity across India's urban markets, have vanished from shelves. Traders in major cities such as Pune and Mumbai have completely ceased stocking these apples, substituting them with produce from Iran, the United States, New Zealand, and domestic orchards from Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

“In Pune alone, Turkish apples generated seasonal revenues of Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,200 crore. Now, there's zero demand,” Pune-based trader Suyog Zende said in a media report. “This isn't merely trade—it's about patriotism,” he added.

Consequently, apple prices have surged by Rs 20–30 per kg at retail levels, with wholesale cartons increasing by Rs 200–300. The situation is further exacerbated by supply disruptions due to rains, affected road transport routes, and diminished supplies from Kashmir amidst the India-Pakistan conflict.

This economic boycott mirrors previous nationalistic movements seen after events such as the Uri and Galwan clashes. Traders across sectors are now urging the government to expand economic sanctions beyond apples and marble, advocating for comprehensive disengagement from Turkish imports.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/boycottturkey-trends-on-social-media-amid-india-pakistan-tensions-65809.htm">#BoycottTurkey trends on social media amid India-Pakistan tensions</a>

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