Author: Delshad Irani

40 Indian Startups urge MCA to move forward with Digital Competition Bill; ‘not give in to delaying tactics by Big Tech’

The letter argues that through this careful targeting, the government can curb monopolistic practices while ensuring that Indian startups have the freedom to thrive both domestically and internationally.

These startups which include prominent names like Matrimony.com, TrulyMadly, Innov8, QuackQuack, Magicbricks, Hoichoi, Medibuddy etc. have written to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs saying that the Bill is a step in the right direction.

Reckitt appoints Kanika Kalra as Regional Marketing Director – Health & Nutrition

Kanika Kalra, Regional Marketing Director, Health & Nutrition, South Asia - Reckitt, said, "Reckitt’s impressive growth as a leading health, hygiene and nutrition company is inspiring.

Before joining Reckitt India, Kanika Kalra was associated with McKinsey & Company as Partner and worked extensively across the firm’s Consumer, Consumer Technology and Marketing practices. Prior to McKinsey, Kalra worked with Snapdeal, Unilever in Personal Care, and Pepsico as well as GSK Consumer.

MIB’s Sanjay Jaju at Bharat Pavilion in Cannes: “Using the power of Cinema to enhance the country’s soft touch”

The grand inauguration ceremony, was led by Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Sanjay Jaju along with Jawed Ashraf, Ambassador of India to France. Many states like Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra among others are present representing India at Cannes Film Market this year, to pitch their locales for international film shoots and to promote state incentives for filming to producers and production houses.

“We would like to foster a greater collaboration between the Indian audio visual industry and international counterparts, thereby enhancing the visibility and accessibility of Indian Cinema worldwide and serve the national goal of using the power of Cinema to enhance the country’s soft touch,” the I&B ministry secretary Sanjay Jaju said.

The Netflix Effect: How the streamer’s shows and films influence culture, attracting advertisers

Netflix’s ad-supported plan now has 40 million monthly active users. Over 40% of all signups in Netflix’s ads markets come from its ads plan. Its ad-supported members have a higher household income and are younger than linear TV audiences, with a median age of 37.

Peter Naylor, Vice President of Advertising Sales, said, “There’s a lot to be excited about over the next year. But the story of ads on Netflix this year is pretty simple: It’s about growth and momentum.”

Netflix to launch in-house ad-tech platform by 2025-end

Netflix will also expand its buying capabilities to include The Trade Desk, Google's Display & Video 360, and Magnite who will join Microsoft as the main programmatic partners for advertisers.

Amy Reinhard, Netflix’s President of Advertising, announced that the streamer will launch an in-house advertising technology platform, by the end of 2025. This will give advertisers new ways to buy, new insights to leverage, and new ways to measure impact, she said.

Dentsu Group’s global chief Hiroshi Igarashi stresses on integrated growth solutions

In APAC excluding Japan, organic growth rate improved from the first quarter, Dentsu said, despite client losses from last year continuing to impact results.

Dentsu Group reports Q1 FY2024 organic growth of -3.7%. The soft start to the year was in line with internal expectations. India is still impacted by the annualization of client losses in media from Q2 2023.

EaseMyTrip introduces Google Wallet to elevate travel experience

Google Wallet was made available to Android users in India earlier in May. Google has partnered with over 20 of India's top brands, including EaseMyTrip.

Rikant Pittie, Co-Founder of EaseMyTrip, said, “This partnership is not just about adding another feature, but also ensuring that our users get access to the best facilities available.”