Online gaming in India is among the world’s most vibrant, says MoS I&B Dr L Murugan at Storyboard18 DES 2025

Opinion Trading platform is betting and gambling: MC Sarangan of TNOGA  at Storyboard18 DES 2025

Digital adex now accounts for over 55% of India’s M&E spend: MIB's Sanjay Jaju at Storyboard18 DES 2025

Game on! Gaming creators bets gaming being India’s next creative economy

Digital Entertainment Summit 2025 to debut in Delhi as India stakes its claim on the future of global media

Nobody’s Perfect Retro Porsche Ad

In Conversation With Raja Rajamannar, Mastercard

Shahid Kapoor And Varun Ganjoo Speaks On PokerBaazi's Campaign

In conversation with IHCL’s Puneet Chhatwal & GroupM’s Kate Scott-Dawkins

Why are brands including e-sports in their sports marketing itinerary?

Storyboard18 x The English Nut: How to pronounce these 10 brand names

Experts' Take On Reinvention Of Ad Campaigns Through Technology

Experts Speak On Key Emerging Trends In Cannes Lions Entries

Leaders of the future have to be outstanding human beings: Nestle MD

In conversation with VMLY&R’s Hari Ramanathan

Diogo Jota, the Portuguese forward who helped lead Liverpool to a Premier League title last season, died early Thursday in a car crash near Zamora in northwestern Spain. He was 28. Just 10 days before the accident, Jota had married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso. The couple had three children.

His younger brother, André Silva, 26, was also killed in the accident, which occurred shortly after midnight when the car they were traveling in veered off the road and caught fire, Spanish authorities said. The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed their deaths.

The regional fire department in Castile and León reported that the vehicle, a Lamborghini, burst into flames after leaving the roadway. Reports stated that a spokesperson for Spain’s Civil Guard said the brothers were found dead inside the vehicle. Preliminary findings suggest the crash may have been caused by a tire blowout. An investigation is ongoing.

“We have lost two champions,” the Portuguese Football Federation said in a statement. “Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day.”

Pedro Proença, the federation’s president, called Jota “more than a fantastic player” and “an extraordinary person, respected by all his colleagues and opponents.” 

Jota, who joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, made 182 appearances and scored 65 goals for the club. He helped Liverpool secure the Premier League title last season and also won the FA Cup and League Cup during his tenure. For Portugal, Jota earned 49 caps and was part of the squads that won the UEFA Nations League twice.

His brother, André Silva, played in the lower divisions of Portuguese football with the club Penafiel.




Liverpool star Diogo Jota dies in Lamborghini crash in Spain, days after his wedding

Storyboard18 presents FAST FIVE ⬇


We bring you top five news updates from the world of advertising, marketing, and business of brands.


'40% of spends are on digital media; Over 12,000 influencers collaborate with our brands': HUL's Nitin Paranjpe


Hindustan Unilever is sharply expanding its digital footprint and influencer partnerships in a bid to keep pace with India’s rapidly evolving consumer landscape. 


At the company’s 92nd annual general meeting, Chairman Nitin Paranjpe said that the fast-moving consumer goods giant now allocates 40 percent of its advertising budget to digital media, reflecting the growing importance of social-first marketing strategies in India’s consumption story. The company has also scaled its influencer network to 12,000 creators, a striking increase from around 700 the previous year.


<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/40-of-spends-are-on-digital-media-over-12000-influencers-collaborate-with-our-brands-huls-nitin-paranjpe-72472.htm">Read More</a>


EXCLUSIVE: Video games under regulatory radar in Tamil Nadu; industry warns of fallout

The Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (TNOGA) recently convened a key consultation meeting with gaming industry stakeholders to explore whether the broader video gaming sector should be brought under regulatory oversight. The discussions have sparked concerns among gaming companies and industry federations, which have warned that such a move could hamper innovation and derail growth in the sector.

The meeting was chaired by TNOGA Chairperson Md. Nasimuddin, IAS (Retd.), and included representatives from major industry associations such as the Game Developers Association of India (GDAI), the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), the E-Gaming Federation (EGF), and the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS).


<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/exclusive-video-games-under-regulatory-radar-in-tamil-nadu-industry-warns-of-fallout-72316.htm">Read More</a>


Tata Group appoints Puneet Chhatwal, Sunil D'Souza to Tata Digital's board


Tata Sons has appointed Puneet Chhatwal, chief executive officer, Indian Hotels, and Sunil D'Souza, CEO, Tata Consumer, to Tata Digital's board in order to strengthen the company's consumer business expertise, stated an ET report. This move comes following departure of Naveen Tahilyani, who had stepped down as Tata Digital's MD & CEO in May.

The other reason for this move is the firm lacking leaders backed with strong consumer business experience, followed by too many finance-backed members.


<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/tata-group-appoints-puneet-chhatwal-sunil-dsouza-to-tata-digitals-board-72560.htm">Read More</a>


Somasree Bose Awasthi steps down as Marico CMO after two years in role


Somasree Bose Awasthi has officially stepped down as Chief Marketing Officer at Marico. She joined the homegrown consumer goods company in 2022.


The company's spokesperson told Storyboard18, “Somasree Bose Awasthi was associated with Marico as its Chief Marketing Officer and stepped down from her role due to personal reasons.


<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/somasree-bose-awasthi-steps-down-as-marico-cmo-after-two-years-in-role-72577.htm">Read More</a>


X to charge advertisers based on ad size, says Elon Musk


Elon Musk has announced that the platform will soon begin charging advertisers based on the vertical size of their ad creatives, a change designed to curb disruptive, oversized ads and refocus attention on cleaner, user-first content.


Musk stated, "? is moving to charging for ads based on vertical size, so an ad that takes up the whole screen would cost more than an ad that takes up 1/4 of the screen, otherwise the incentive is to create giant ads that impair the user experience."


<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/x-to-charge-advertisers-based-on-ad-size-says-elon-musk-72552.htm">Read More</a>


Catch Storyboard18’s top stories, features, videos and more from the brand marketing ecosystem and subscribe to our newsletter for all the insights, news, views and analyses.

HUL's investment in digital & influencer marketing | Video games under the radar | Tata Digital strengthens board

Storyboard18 presents FAST FIVE ⬇


We bring you top five news updates from the world of advertising, marketing, and business of brands.


From Partners to 90-day Probation: Are India's ad agencies losing ground in client negotiations


Muthoot Finance’s quarterly mandate to OMD reflects a growing trend where performance, not partnership, drives agency decisions. As brands now demand trial runs before long-term deals, industry insiders warn of mounting pressure, short-termism, and the collapse of strategic partnerships.


<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/from-partners-to-90-day-probation-are-indias-ad-agencies-losing-ground-in-client-negotiations-71320.htm">Read More</a>


AMFI and PNB MetLife search for new creative partners; BMW wraps up pitch


Several major brands in India have initiated agency review processes, inviting pitches for creative and media mandates as part of strategic realignments.


PNB MetLife has called for an integrated pitch, seeking a single agency to handle both creative and media duties. Sources familiar with the development indicate the account is complex, involving multiple agencies. The pitch is currently underway, and the brand has yet to finalize the agency.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/agency-news/amfi-and-pnb-metlife-search-for-new-creative-partners-bmw-wraps-up-pitch-70852.htm">Read More</a>


Omnicom-IPG merger gets conditional FTC nod amidst ad boycott concerns


The FTC's green light comes after Omnicom, parent to agencies like BBDO and TBWA, and IPG, which includes McCann Worldgroup, pledged not to collude with other firms to divert advertising dollars from media outlets based on their political or ideological leanings.


<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/omnicom-ipg-merger-gets-conditional-ftc-nod-amidst-ad-boycott-concerns-71539.htm">Read More</a>


Prasar Bharati invites applications for vacant MPEG-4 slots on DD Free Dish


Through 89th online auction, the pubcaster has invited applications for the period from July 11, 2025 to March 31, 2026. The e-auction will tentatively be held on July 2, 2025.


<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/prasar-bharati-invites-applications-for-vacant-mpeg-4-slots-on-dd-free-dish-71630.htm">Read More</a>


From Wipro to Infosys, India's IT giants see massive pay gap between CEOs and employees


The pay gap between IT company chairmen and Managing Directors and their employees has widened dramatically over the past four years.


According to Storyboard18's analysis of India's top-listed IT services firms, Wipro's chairman Rishad Premji has the lowest pay ratio to median employee remuneration. This means that the gap between Premji's salary and the average employee's earnings is the smallest at Wipro.


<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/from-wipro-to-infosys-indias-it-giants-see-massive-pay-gap-between-ceos-and-employees-71574.htm">Read More</a>


Catch Storyboard18’s top stories, features, videos and more from the brand marketing ecosystem and subscribe to our newsletter for all the insights, news, views and analyses.

Ad agencies losing ground ? | PNB MetLife calls for an integrated pitch | PB invites applications for vacant MPEG-4 slots

Storyboard18 presents FAST FIVE ⬇

We bring you top five news updates from the world of advertising, marketing, and business of brands.

From June 26, BARC to release weekly unrolled viewership data

The transition is expected to benefit news channels and broadcasters by offering a more immediate and transparent view of audience behaviour.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/television/from-june-26-barc-to-release-weekly-unrolled-viewership-data-71492.htm">Read More</a>

Karnataka cabinet unveils sweeping bill to criminalize online fake news

Proposed legislation (Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News Prohibition Bill, 2025, and Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crime Prevention Bill, 2025) enforces up to 7‑year jail and Rs 10 lakh fine, sets up a six‑member regulator and special courts to curb misinformation, hate speech, misogyny and religious slights online.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/karnataka-cabinet-unveils-sweeping-bill-to-criminalize-online-fake-news-71489.htm">Read More</a>

Britannia and Talented respond to greenwashing accusations

Polina Zabrodskaya’s article received overwhelming support for her takedown of Britannia’s Cannes-winning sustainability campaign, while also reflecting broader disillusionment with the advertising industry's performative greenwashing and the awards culture that enables it.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/exclusive-britannia-responds-to-greenwashing-accusations-71348.htm">Read More</a>

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

As Britannia’s ‘Nature Shapes Us’ and Indian Railways’ ‘Lucky Yatra’ face backlash for winning awards despite limited public impact, critics are calling out India’s ad industry for performative sustainability and campaign-first credibility.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/sham-scam-cannes-lions-award-winning-ads-under-public-scrutiny-71357.htm">Read More</a>

Rebuilding Trust: Air India's dual challenge of safety and reliability

Air-India will now need to re-work its’ revival plan. The shadow to the crash and the investigation will dominate the news for the next few months, writes angel investor Lloyd Mathias.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/rebuilding-trust-air-indias-dual-challenge-of-safety-and-reliability-71332.htm">Read More</a>

Catch Storyboard18’s top stories, features, videos and more from the brand marketing ecosystem and subscribe to our newsletter for all the insights, news, views and analyses.

BARC's weekly unrolled viewership data release | Karnataka to criminalize online fake news | Cannes Lions-award winning ads under public scrutiny

Accenture has announced its Quarter 3 result for calendar year 2025. The company's revenue increased by 8% to $17.7 billion year-on-year in Q4 2025, driven by the growing demand for AI-led services.

Accenture follows a fiscal year that ends on August 31.

Geographically, the consulting firm clocked $8.97 billion in revenue from the USA market, followed by Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region at $6.23 billion, and Asia Pacific at $2.53 billion.

Accenture's top-performing segment was Products, registering $5.34 billion in revenue. Financial Services and Health & Public Service recorded 13% growth each.

The new bookings witnessed a 6% decline at $19,7 billion during the quarter, while, the generative AI new bookings stood at $1.5 billion.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/fmcg-2024-adex-wrap-hul-dabur-scaled-back-ad-expenses-marico-sees-35-jump-in-q4-fy25-70245.htm">FMCG 2024 adex wrap: HUL, Dabur scaled back ad expenses, Marico sees 35% jump in Q4 FY25</a>

For the whole financial year, Accenture has anticipated revenue growth of 6-7% and an operating margin of 15.6%. The Ireland-headquartered firm has projected revenue of $17 billion for the next quarter.

Chair and CEO Julie Sweet said: “I am very pleased with our third quarter fiscal 2025 results… continued expansion of our leadership in Gen AI… We are laser-focused on delivering measurable value for our clients.”

	
<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/ola-electric-losses-rise-by-106-to-rs-870-crore-in-q4fy25-67927.htm">Ola Electric losses rise by 106% to Rs 870 crore in Q4FY25</a>

The global professional services company has decided to promote almost 50,000 people worldwide in June after a six-month delay.

The promotion includes its 15,000 workforce in India. Accenture employs about 801,000 people around the globe, and the promotion will comprise 6% of the total workforce.

Accenture's Q3 FY25 revenue surges 8% to $17.7 billion, driven by AI-led services

With the world's largest digital population and a media economy evolving at warp speed, India is asserting itself as a global force in the digital entertainment revolution. The Storyboard18 Digital Entertainment Summit (DES), scheduled for June 27 at The Leela Palace in New Delhi, signals and celebrates this transformation. Backed by Network18 Group - with flagship platforms like CNBC-TV18, CNN-News18, Moneycontrol, and Forbes India - the summit comes at a time when the global digital power structure is being redefined, and India is in pole position.

Set against the backdrop of the government's landmark World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), DES 2025 aims to spotlight policy innovations, new frontiers in gaming, and the tech ecosystem's next growth wave. The event is expected to unpack India's strategy for leading the digital entertainment economy, with top policymakers outlining how talent, technology, and governance will fuel future-ready growth.

Powering India's Next Entertainment Boom

India's digital momentum is backed by numbers. The country's gaming market alone clocked $3.8 billion in FY24 — a 23% YoY surge. Artificial intelligence, emerging tech, and digital skilling are converging to create an ecosystem ripe for innovation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for advancing the AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) sector has already catalysed this surge.

At DES 2025, top policymakers will come together to chart the next course for India's entertainment and creative economy - especially in gaming, monetization, regulation, and skilling.

Jayant Chaudhary

Union Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary will be a key voice at the summit. A third-generation politician and a modern reformer, Chaudhary has transitioned from farmer advocacy to shaping India's youth and startup-focused policy frameworks. With degrees from Delhi University and London School of Economics, his global perspective and grassroots grounding position him uniquely to scale India's talent pipeline for the entertainment and gaming sectors.

Chaudhary's ministry is a cornerstone for enabling India's creative and digital workforce - one that the summit will position as central to the next phase of the global media economy.

Jayesh Ranjan

Another pivotal speaker, Jayesh Ranjan, serves as Principal Secretary, I&C and IT Departments, Telangana Government. An IAS topper of the 1992 batch, Ranjan has been instrumental in transforming Telangana into a tech-forward state. With educational stints at IIM Calcutta, LSE, Harvard, and the National University of Singapore, his career blends governance and global insight.

Ranjan's efforts have made Hyderabad a magnet for AVGC investments and innovation. His leadership in setting up frameworks for industrial growth, startup incubation, and digital empowerment reflects the scale of opportunity that states like Telangana can unlock through policy alignment and tech adoption.

Abhishek Singh

Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and CEO of the India AI Mission, joins the line-up of impact-makers and influential voices at DES 2025.

A 1995 batch IAS officer and IIT Kanpur graduate with further credentials from Harvard Kennedy School, Singh brings a technology-first, people-centric approach to policy.

Singh has led transformative initiatives through roles at Digital India Corporation, MyGov, and National e-Governance Division. His current focus areas - Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital skilling - are at the heart of India's tech-forward entertainment landscape. Under his watch, the India AI Mission is laying the groundwork for responsible AI innovation.

Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu

Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, born in 1983, is a second-time MP known for his sharp focus on education, innovation, and development. An alumnus of La Trobe University and the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he studied media, Devarayalu brings academic and international perspective to the evolving digital ecosystem.

He began his parliamentary journey in 2019 with the YSR Congress Party and later made a strategic shift, winning the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. His new political role positions him as a key advocate for regional and national digital growth.

Outside Parliament, Devarayalu serves as the Vice Chairman of the Vignan Group of Institutions, a Guntur-based educational powerhouse with a student base of over 45,000 across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Dr. M.C. Sarangan

Dr. M.C. Sarangan, a recipient of the prestigious President's Police Medal for distinguished and meritorious service, has seamlessly transitioned from law enforcement to policymaking in the digital realm.

He currently serves as the member of the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (TNOGA), where he plays a key role in framing guidelines and preventive measures around online gaming addiction, especially among students and young users.

The Storyboard18 Digital Entertainment Summit will not only bring together government officials and policy thinkers, but also industry leaders, gaming innovators, and content creators. As India moves from being the world's largest consumer of digital content to one of its most influential creators, forums like DES are central to shaping policy, strategy, and collaboration.

READ MORE: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/special-coverage/digital-entertainment-summit-2025-to-debut-in-delhi-as-india-stakes-its-claim-on-the-future-of-global-media-69595.htm">DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT SUMMIT</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/tags/digital-entertainment-summit">See more: Digital Entertainment Summit 2025 to debut in Delhi as India stakes its claim on the future of global media</a>

Top policymakers to take center stage at Storyboard18’s Digital Entertainment Summit 2025

Storyboard18 presents FAST FIVE ⬇


We bring you top five news updates from the world of advertising, marketing, and business of brands.


From Binge to Breaks: How ads are redefining OTT viewing in India


As subscription fatigue sets in, the OTT landscape is pivoting towards hybrid and AVOD models, driven by affordability, mobile-first consumption, and a rapidly growing digital ad market.


<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/from-binge-to-breaks-how-ads-are-redefining-ott-viewing-in-india-69718.htm">Read More</a>


Havas doubles down on AI, unveils Converged.AI suite to supercharge client solutions


From the Croisette at Cannes, Havas announced a significant acceleration in its journey to become an AI-driven organization, reaffirming its commitment to integrating artificial intelligence across every aspect of its operations — all while remaining rooted in human creativity and empathy.


Marking a year since the launch of its global strategic transformation, Havas officially renamed its operating system to Converged.AI, reflecting its evolution into a fully AI-enabled ecosystem. The group also reaffirmed its pledge to invest €400 million by 2027 in AI, data, and technology — a bold continuation of its pivot toward AI-powered client solutions.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/havas-doubles-down-on-ai-unveils-converged-ai-suite-to-supercharge-client-solutions-70694.htm">Read More</a>


Cannes Lions 2025: India wins 2 Gold, 7 Silver & Bronze Lions; Ogilvy, Havas, Talented, FCB among winners


India clinched nine Lions at the 2025 Cannes Lions Festival. Ogilvy’s Chai Bansuri, FCB India’s Lucky Yatra and Talented’s Nature Shapes Britannia among winners.


<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/cannes-lions-2025-india-wins-7-silver-ogilvy-talented-fcb-among-winners-70524.htm">Read More</a>


Bata Group appoints Panos Mytaros as its new Global CEO


Bata Group has announced the appointment of Panos Mytaros as its new global chief executive officer. Mytaros succeeds Sandeep Kataria who led the footwear and apparels company since 2020.


Mytaros is armed with three decades of global leadership experience in the footwear and the leather industry. Prior to joining Bata, Mytaros was the group CEO of ECCO, a lifestyle footwear brand.


<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/bata-group-appoints-panos-myataros-as-its-new-global-ceo-70542.htm">Read More</a>


CTV adds 35 million viewers as India’s media mix goes cross-platform: Kantar Report


Fifty-eight percent Indians still watch linear TV every month, Connected TV (CTV) has emerged as a premium channel, with 35 million incremental viewers, offering advertisers a high-value opportunity.


<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/ctv-adds-35-million-viewers-as-indias-media-mix-goes-cross-platform-kantar-report-70627.htm">Read More</a>


Catch Storyboard18’s top stories, features, videos and more from the brand marketing ecosystem and subscribe to our newsletter for all the insights, news, views and analyses.

Ads redefining OTT viewership | Cannes Lions 2025 winners | Havas unveils Converged.AI

Storyboard18 presents FAST FIVE ⬇

We bring you top five news updates from the world of advertising, marketing, and business of brands.

Meta names Arun Srinivas as the Managing Director and Head for India

The leadership change follows the recent announcement of Sandhya Devanathan taking on an expanded role of leading both India and South East Asia

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/meta-appoints-arun-srinivas-as-india-head-and-managing-director-70392.htm">Read More</a> 

Amitabh Kant steps down as India’s G20 Sherpa, embarks on new chapter to back startups, free enterprise

In 45 years of public service, the former NITI Aayog CEO and G20 Sherpa shifted focus to supporting India’s transformation through entrepreneurship, innovation, and policy advocacy. Kant has been a key figure in promoting 'Incredible India', 'Make in India' campaigns, among many others.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/amitabh-kant-steps-down-as-indias-g20-sherpa-embarks-on-new-chapter-to-back-startups-free-enterprise-70375.htm">Read More</a>

Air India’s Tragic Setback: Tata-led airline brand under scanner

As the national carrier mourns a devastating tragedy amid a turnaround under Tata Group, brand experts say rebuilding trust will take more than optics — starting with honesty, empathy, and transparent action.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/special-coverage/air-indias-tragic-setback-tata-led-airline-brand-under-safety-and-service-scanner-70228.htm">Read More</a>

Estee Lauder Chairman Emeritus Leonard Lauder passes away at 92

Leonard Lauder had joined the company in 1958 and played a significant role in the transformation of the business.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/estee-lauder-chairman-emeritus-leonard-lauder-passes-away-at-92-70432.htm">Read More</a>

Tata Starbucks clarifies: No official brand ambassador in India

After viral posts wrongly linked Dolly Chaiwala with the coffee chain, Tata Starbucks issued a clarification stating it has no formal brand ambassadors, past or present, in India.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/tata-starbucks-clarifies-no-official-brand-ambassador-in-india-70418.htm">Read More</a>

Catch Storyboard18’s top stories, features, videos and more from the brand marketing ecosystem and subscribe to our newsletter for all the insights, news, views and analyses.

Meta appoints Arun Srinivas as India Head | Amitabh Kant steps down as India's G20 Sherpa | Estee Lauder Chairman Emeritus passes away

As the nation grieves the horrific loss of 270 lives in the Air India flight AI-171 crash, fresh controversy has emerged - this time surrounding the airline's top leadership.

Campbell Wilson, CEO and Managing Director of Air India, is facing public scrutiny over his response to the tragedy, with accusations that his video statement was lifted almost verbatim from a speech made by American Airlines CEO Robert Isom earlier this year, as per media reports.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/heartbreaking-beyond-words-pm-modi-on-ahmedabad-london-air-india-plane-crash-70032.htm">"Heartbreaking beyond words": PM Modi on Air India crash in Ahmedabad</a>

Wilson's video, released in the aftermath of the crash in Ahmedabad last Thursday, was somber in tone and appeared heartfelt. However, several social media users and aviation bloggers quickly pointed out striking similarities with Isom's address from January 30, 2025. The statement followed a mid-air collision between an American Airlines jet and a military helicopter near Washington D.C., which claimed 67 lives.

Phrases such as "This is a difficult day for all of us... Our efforts are now focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, their families, and loves ones" were flagged as being identical in both speeches. Social media users have described the move as tone-deaf and lacking originality, with one post reading: "Not ideal to see a copied message after such a tragic event."

While Isom's remarks were previously applauded for their emotional gravity, Wilson's use of similar language in a vastly different context has been perceived as insensitive.

The fallout comes as India is still processing the magnitude of the AI-171 plane crash - the country's worst aviation accident in recent memory. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London Gatwick, crashed minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 270 people, including 12 crew members. 

Tragically, many of the deceased were not onboard the aircraft but were students, staff, and residents in the Meghaninagar locality, where the plane struck the BJ Medical College campus.

Air India and its parent company Tata Group have pledged financial assistance amounting to Rs 1.25 crore for the victims' families - Rs 1 crore from Tata Sons and an interim Rs 25 lakh from Air India itself.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/special-coverage/tata-group-pledges-rs1-crore-to-families-of-air-india-crash-victims-in-ahmedabad-70094.htm">Tata Group pledges Rs1 Crore to families of Air India crash victims in Ahmedabad</a>

Air India CEO faces plagiarism claims over post-crash statement

In the wake of the tragic stampede that marred Royal Challengers Bangalore’s historic IPL 2025 title celebrations, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the formation of a high-level committee to draft safety guidelines for future public events.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/diageo-denies-reports-of-rcb-stake-sale-calls-them-speculative-69666.htm">Read more: Diageo denies reports of RCB stake sale, calls them speculative</a>

At its 28th Apex Council Meeting held on June 14, the BCCI expressed deep sorrow over the recent tragedies in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, which claimed several lives. The Bengaluru incident occurred during RCB’s victory parade, where overcrowding and lack of crowd control led to a deadly stampede in central Bengaluru, dampening what was meant to be a jubilant occasion.

To prevent such tragedies, the BCCI has tasked a three-member committee — led by Devajit Saikia, along with Prabhtej Singh Bhatia and Rajeev Shukla — with preparing a comprehensive framework for organizing large-scale cricket-related public gatherings. The committee has been given 15 days to submit its recommendations.

The move signals a step toward greater accountability and planning around high-profile cricket events, especially as fan engagement continues to scale new heights in India.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/special-coverage/karnataka-hc-grants-interim-bail-to-rcb-marketing-head-in-stampede-case-70237.htm">Read more: Karnataka HC grants interim bail to RCB marketing head in stampede case</a>

SPECIAL COVERAGE