Author: Akanksha Nagar

Pepsi vs. Coca-Cola: Will the 2025 cola war spark enough buzz?

Despite the 'war frenzy', some believe brands like Coke and Pepsi may not capture the public imagination as dominantly as they once did, mainly because the category itself is not as dominant as it once was. (Image source: CNBC)

While fans and consumers are eager for a classic rivalry to unfold, experts predict Pepsi’s latest salvo to remain at the tease stage and lighthearted, with Coca-Cola unlikely to take the bait for a full-blown competition.

Suniel Shetty-backed Aquatein on lookout for ‘mid-sized’ creative agency

The fresh fundraise is expected to steer Suneil Shetty-backed protein water brand- Aquatein's growth and expansion in the domestic and international markets.

The protein water brand Aquatein is primarily seeking a creative agency to help it elevate its storytelling across digital and offline platforms. The brand is also in advanced conversations with investors to close a fundraise at a $10.9 million valuation.

Sony Music Publishing renews exclusive global deal with India’s Tips Music

The multi-year partnership between Tips Music Ltd and Sony Music Publishing adds YouTube Publishing.

Tips Music Ltd and Sony Music Publishing have announced an expansion of their global publishing partnership by adding YouTube (worldwide, excluding India) as a key platform, for international publishing exploitation of Tips Music’s vast catalogue.

Only MeitY can regulate VPN app: TRAI informs DoT

The TRAI recommendations follow a request from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in January 2024, seeking revised recommendations on M2M communication policies, particularly related to spectrum, roaming, and service quality requirements.

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has clarified to Department of Telecommunications (DoT) that the former is legally not authorised to give recommendations on regulating the VPNs.

Small businesses welcome CCI’s tougher penalties to rein in big tech dominance

Leniency programs reduce fines or offer immunity to the first cartel member who cooperates with authorities, thereby destabilizing the cartel's secrecy.

India’s Competition Commission (CCI) has amended its penalty recovery regulations to streamline collecting fines for violations of the Competition Act. Additionally, the watchdog has released draft regulations on predatory pricing, tightening its grip on e-com/ q-com anti-competitive pricing practices.

Govt advocates effective monitoring of AI regulation, fair compensation for media houses: Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave

Ministry of Info & Broadcasting and MeitY have pushed for the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in media and technology sectors, as concerns about misinformation, deep fakes, and biased algorithms continue to emerge.

At Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave 2025, Information & Broadcasting Ministry and MeitY shared plans to soon launch AI foundational model, urged for effective AI regulatory framework and endorsed fair revenue sharing among publishers and big tech firms like Meta and Google.

Global top researchers involved in assessing 67 proposals for domestic AI foundational model: Abhishek Singh, MeitY

Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Information and Technology said that the Ministry will evaluate and assess each of the 67 proposals in a month, at Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave 2025.

Speaking at Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave 2025, in New Delhi on February 27, Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Information and Technology, talks about the importance of AI literacy and how the Ministry is working with other departments, including Prasar Bharati, to share datasets to build its own LLM for India AI mission.

Without fair compensation, quality journalism will be compromised: Sanjay Jaju at Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave

"Govt is looking at a range of regulatory reforms which will allow for modernisation, inclusivity and fair play in the industry," said Sanjay Jaju at Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave 2025, in New Delhi on February 27.

Speaking at Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave 2025, in New Delhi on February 27, Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, delivered a special address on the need for a transparent revenue sharing mechanism to protect the integrity of journalism in the digital age.

MIB’s Ashwini Vaishnaw at Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave: Govt working for fair compensation for media houses

The minister highlighted that VVDN’s new facility is designed for high-volume, complex product assembly, including AI servers, networking gear and large-scale PCBs, the SMT Line boasts a remarkable throughput of 250,000 components per hour.

At the Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave 2025, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw spotlighted the critical role of traditional media in an evolving digital landscape. He emphasized that such gatherings can aid the govt in formulating more effective policies for a balanced and sustainable media ecosystem.