Author: Sakina Kheriwala

Google India’s year in search 2024: A kaleidoscope of curiosity

In 2024, India's searches painted dynamic picture of a country embracing an ever-widening range of topics—from on-screen stories and sporting rivalries to global events and everyday know-how. With billions of queries each day—and 15% of them entirely new—India's curiosity spanned entertainment, relationships, culture, sports, and practical advice.

From blockbuster entertainment and sports fervour to practical inquiries and cultural moments, Google’s Year in Search reveals a nation eager to explore, learn, and engage with the world.

Glance launches AI-powered Glance TV in partnership with Airtel

Airtel’s vice-chairman and managing director, Gopal Vittal, proposed extending the digital consent acquisition (DCA) framework to OTT platforms, enforcing Know Your Customer (KYC) verification for users, and integrating these services into a centralised spam blacklist system.

With content sourced from top publishers, Glance TV delivers live updates and trending stories in a variety of categories, including sports, business, technology, and automobiles, on static screens.

Rupert Murdoch’s bid to consolidate control of media empire denied by Nevada Court

A lawyer representing Rupert Murdoch expressed disappointment with the ruling, stating that they intend to appeal the decision. The ruling, which is still subject to approval by a district judge, could be challenged in court.

A court ruling blocks the media mogul’s efforts to amend his family trust in favour of his son Lachlan, citing bad faith in the proposed changes.

Three global bidders enter the fray for Haldiram following Alpha Wave’s $1.5 bn-plus offer

The family has been merging its Delhi and Nagpur factions through a National Company Law Tribunal-approved process, which last received clearance from the Competition Commission of India in April 2023.

Alpha Wave joins Blackstone- and Bain-led consortiums in race for 15-20% stake; potential $1.3-$2.2 billion deal would be among India’s largest private-equity transactions.

Starbucks empty promises of recycling? US investigation reveals the truth

Although cups bear the recycling symbol, only about 9% of MRFs can handle Starbucks’ No. 5 polypropylene cups at all, and few buyers exist for this particular plastic feedstock.

A recent probe reveals that most plastic cups from Starbucks, despite eco-friendly claims, aren’t being recycled—but rather incinerated, sent to landfills, or processed at waste transfer stations.

Mondelez International eyes US chocolate maker Hershey in potential $50 billion deal

Mondelez, known for products like Oreo cookies, Ritz crackers, and Toblerone chocolates, is keen on expanding its footprint in the chocolate, biscuits, and baked snacks markets.

The move would create a food powerhouse with a combined revenue of nearly $50 billion, consolidating Mondelez’s diverse portfolio with Hershey’s iconic chocolate and candy brands.

Gen Z leads consumer spending in India’s youthful market: Dentsu-PhonePe Report

The millennial and Gen Z cohorts, in particular, are influencing market dynamics, creating a highly tech-savvy and trend-driven environment.

India’s demographic diversity is reshaping the consumer landscape, with Gen Z driving trends in food, beverages, and retail, while Gen X focuses on financial services, healthcare, and agriculture, according to a new report by Dentsu and PhonePe.