Author: Indrani Bose

Google’s grip loosens: Is AI the search disruptor?

The emergence of AI-driven alternatives such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, and even Google’s own Gemini is ushering in a new era where traditional search is no longer the sole entry point to the web. (Photo: Unsplash)

Tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity are already changing how users navigate the web, challenging Google’s algorithmic dominance.

DS Group revenue surpasses Rs10,000 crore in FY25

Speaking on the occasion, Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman, DS Group, stated, “Surpassing the ₹10,000 crore revenue milestone is more than just a financial achievement; it signifies our integral role as a significant contributor to India's evolving growth story. The DS Group has been a vital contributor to the FMCG sector's expansion, driven by our diverse portfolio, dedicated focus on quality and innovation and one of the largest distribution networks in the FMCG segment in the country."

Continuing to focus on artificial intelligence, automation and other future-focused technologies has enabled the organization to maintain its relevance within the industry while simultaneously driving value for consumers, according to the company.

Instagram co-founder testifies Zuckerberg feared app’s success, leading to resource starvation

Systrom asserted that Zuckerberg viewed Instagram's rapid growth as a threat to Facebook's dominance, as per reports.

Kevin Systrom highlighted the stark disparity in employee numbers, noting that while Instagram had amassed a billion users, roughly 40% of Facebook’s user base at the time, it operated with a lean team of just 1,000 employees compared to Facebook’s massive 35,000.

Swiggy’s Snacc and Blue Tokai part ways just months after launch

A quick check on the Snacc app now confirms the absence of Blue Tokai's offerings. While Blue Tokai declined to comment on the development, Swiggy has yet to respond to queries from Moneycontrol.

The tie-up was intended to provide Snacc users with swift deliveries of Blue Tokai’s coffee selection. However, insiders suggest that irreconcilable differences regarding pricing models and the assortment of products offered ultimately led to the premature termination of the partnership.

Google’s Dan Taylor on how AI is redefining the ad playbook

Search remains central to discovery. Google Search has evolved from just blue links to include: Images, Videos, Knowledge cards and Conversational results

In APAC, YouTube CTV (Connected TV) viewership has doubled or tripled in countries like Taiwan, India, and Japan. YouTube is the most-watched streaming service on CTV in India and Japan according to Dan Taylor, Vice President, Global Ads, Google.

Inside CTV’s explosion: How brands are leveraging immersive storytelling and data

Right now, CTV in India is still heavily skewed towards branding, and for good reason—it offers high-impact, full-screen, non-skippable ad formats that are ideal for storytelling and brand recall. It’s become a go-to for auto, FMCG, and tech brands looking for premium, top-of-funnel visibility. But performance is slowly entering the picture. With the rise of shoppable content, QR code integrations, and better device-level targeting, we’re starting to see early-stage performance use cases emerge.

A significant challenge remains: the lack of standardized third-party measurement for CTV. Performance reporting relies heavily on platform-specific data.

NCLAT allows Google to redact confidential data from play store billing judgment

Advertisers that used Google’s ad services between 2011 and now could be eligible for damages, potentially rewriting the rules for how digital ad giants operate in competitive markets.

The NCLAT’s decision follows its partial upholding last month of the Competition Commission of India (CCI)’s findings that Google had abused its dominant position through its Play Store billing policies.

WhatsApp accountable in India: Consumer court can hear complaints, rules state commission

The state commission, presided over by President Sushil Kumar and Member Sudha Upadhyay, stated that "WhatsApp is a service provider company" and its provision of services within India means it "cannot be said that this company is a foreign company and the consumer complaint against it is not maintainable." The ruling directly contradicts the district commission's view that WhatsApp users are not consumers of the platform.

In a significant ruling with implications for digital service providers, the Uttar Pradesh State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has asserted that WhatsApp is accountable to consumer courts in India for its services. The commission overturned a lower district forum’s decision that had dismissed a consumer complaint against the messaging platform as not maintainable.