Author: Indrani Bose

MIB issues advisory to discontinue Pakistani web series, films, music on OTT

The directive was issued with the approval of the competent authority in the ministry.

The ministry references recent terrorist attacks with cross-border linkages to Pakistan-based State and non-State actors, specifically citing the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam attack, which resulted in the deaths of several Indian nationals, one Nepali citizen, and injuries to several others.

Half of 2024 CTV impressions lack full app transparency, blinding marketers: Report

68% of marketers say they must have transparency to justify the high cost of CTV advertising, signaling a clear demand for better visibility into where ads are running

72% of marketers say ads placed in CTV environments outperform their campaign baselines, underscoring the channel’s strong perceived ROI. as per the report.

Operation Sindoor: India orders 1,000+ daily removals of social media misinformation after Pahalgam Attack

Since the Pahalgam terror attack, the Press Information Bureau's (PIB) Fact Check unit has intensified its efforts to combat misinformation. Over the past fortnight, the agency has reportedly identified and debunked at least 15 false claims related to the current situation. These included false reports of Air Marshal S.P. Dharkar's removal, counterfeit letters purportedly from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, bogus claims about the cancellation of government exams, and misleading information regarding the deployment of armed forces.(Representative Image: Bernard Hermant via Unsplash)

The surge in malicious content has reportedly led to high-level virtual discussions between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), and key social media intermediaries.

DOJ turns up the heat on Google, seeks divestiture of ad tech assets

Google has suggested alternative solutions to foster competition, such as behavioral changes to improve competitors' access to real-time bidding. However, the company insists that the court cannot legally compel it to sell its businesses.

In a recent court filing, the DOJ argued that forcing these sales is necessary to break down Google’s alleged monopolies and encourage more competition in the ad exchange and publisher ad server markets.

BSC’s Shantanu Deshpande on betting big on “Make in India” for sustainable grooming’s future

Deshpande believes Eco Sensi 3 will resonate most with younger consumers. “Younger consumers are easier to convert. They don’t have deeply ingrained shaving habits,” he says. “Older men have been using the same razor for 20 years. It’s sharp metal on your face. Changing that is hard. People don’t like to change their razors.”

Shantanu Deshpande, founder and CEO of Bombay Shaving Company explains the story behind Eco Sensi 3 and how the product reflects India’s design thinking.

Digital ads: Soul for sale? | Good Glamm: Unpaid dues, delayed salaries | Crisis of credibility in adland

Accountability seems lost in the relentless automation of digital advertising, leaving both brands and the platforms they utilize facing a growing crisis of inappropriate contextual alignment.(Representative image by Bogomil Mihaylov via Unsplash)

Storyboard18 brings you top five news updates from the world of advertising, marketing and business of brands.

FMCG consumption recovers 4% in FY25, signaling sustained spending despite experience economy surge

Signaling a continued recovery after a -22% slump in FY23, FMCG sector saw a 4% increase in FY25 consumption, suggesting a secular trend of sustained spending on goods despite rising interest in the experience economy

The average monthly spending in the Consumer Durables sector surged by 72% in FY25, driven by rising preference for home ownership and the need to furnish new homes, following a 6% increase in FY24, as per the report.

Your tragedy, their ad: Has digital advertising lost its soul?

Accountability seems lost in the relentless automation of digital advertising, leaving both brands and the platforms they utilize facing a growing crisis of inappropriate contextual alignment.(Representative image by Bogomil Mihaylov via Unsplash)

Niyo was the only brand among Blinkit, Swiggy, Myntra, Urban Company, Hoichoi, Goibibo, Nykaa, and Farmley to respond to Storyboard18’s queries.

Can IIGC tame the wild west of influencer marketing?

Regulatory bodies like ASCI have brought much-needed clarity to influencer marketing, but it’s also surfaced a significant challenge: ensuring consistent compliance across a diverse creator base, particularly among micro and nano influencers who may not fully grasp regulatory nuances. This gap in understanding can lead to non-compliance, risking penalties and causing brands to hesitate when partnering with smaller creators. (Image Source: Digital @ HEC Montreal)

The new industry council seeks to balance creator freedom with consumer protection and brand accountability in an increasingly scrutinized space.