Author: Indrani Bose

Verizon announced as Telecommunications Services sponsor for FIFA World Cup 2026

For the FIFA World Cup 26, Verizon’s connectivity services will play a vital role across stadiums, official sites and various parts of the tournament operations, in what is the first-ever deal between the two organizations.

Brazil will host the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time, becoming the first ever South American nation to host the competition.

AnyMind Group launches GenAI-powered live commerce platform AnyLiv

Despite the rise of e-commerce in a diverse region like APAC, the ability to successfully navigate varied languages and dialects, cultural nuances, and local regulations plays a crucial role in determining the success of inbound, outbound, and cross-border business expansion.

Social commerce in APAC is projected to sustain double-digit growth in 2024, with 68% of Southeast Asian retailers planning to increase their investment in this space over the next 12 months.

Diageo expands into white spirits with new X series

While speaking about Diageo's focus on two kinds of consumers - affluent and young, Damodaran says that affluent consumers desire unique products and personalized experiences, such as limited edition bottles while younger consumers are embracing cocktail culture, seeking a wide variety in terms of flavors and categories. (Image sourced from diageo_news via Twitter)

The Indian market has seen significant growth in craft spirits and microbreweries over the past decade, translating to a vibrant startup ecosystem for alcobev (alcoholic beverages).

MIB partners with MEAI; launches WAVES Anime & Manga contest

Secretary of Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI), Shri Ankur Bhasin added, "By providing a platform for talented creators to showcase their work and reach global audiences, we are not only fostering creativity but also strengthening the ‘Create in India’ vision."

Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Sanjay Jaju said, “WAM! has the capability of elevating Indian talent on a global stage, inspiring a new generation to dream boldly and connect deeply with the global tapestry of creativity.”

Airbnb reveals top international destinations for Indian travellers: Tokyo and Amalfi lead the way

Indian travelers are increasingly exploring international locales known for stunning views and unique seasonal activities. Tokyo leads the pack, captivating visitors with momijigari (autumn leaf viewing) across its parks. (Representative image via Unsplash)

Leading the list of trending domestic destinations is Kanpur, celebrated for its grand Dussehra festivities, and Lakshadweep, known for its tropical allure, also ranks high among traveler searches.

Festive AdEx forecast: E-commerce to dominate spending

TV still commands significant festive ad spend, especially for big-budget campaigns that focus on mass reach. However, advertisers are more selective, prioritizing prime-time slots and integrating with digital strategies (such as using QR codes or encouraging social media engagement), says Deleise Ross, Senior VP & Business Head, DDB Mudra.

During festive seasons, such as Christmas, Diwali, or New Year, advertisers face the challenge of ensuring visibility across a variety of media touchpoints while maximizing return on investment (ROI), says Deleise Ross, Senior VP & Business Head, Mudramax.

YouTube creators cashing in on TV screens: Revenue surges 30 percent

Johanna Voolich Chief Product Officer, YouTube says, "We believe AI will unlock new forms of expression for creators, and that it should put its power to work for you and your creative vision," (Image: Unsplash)

YouTube will start integrating Google DeepMind’s model for generating video, Veo, into YouTube Shorts later this year.

Netcore Cloud appoints Siddharth Gopalkrishnan as chief operating officer

In his new role, Siddharth will focus on building next-generation propositions around customer engagement, retention, and personalization while refining the company’s go-to-market strategies.

An IIM Bangalore alumnus, Siddharth brings over 16 years of experience from McKinsey & Co., where he led digital initiatives across multiple sectors including ecommerce, automotive, financial services, healthcare, and consumer goods.

California strengthens digital rights for actors with new AI legislation

The injunction, passed by Justice Mini Pushkarna, was granted ex parte and aims to prevent Alpino from spreading allegedly negative portrayals of oats on social media or other platforms.

The Delhi High Court has ruled in favor of actors Jackie Shroff and Anil Kapoor, granting them protection against the unauthorized use of their resemblances.