FMCG Ads: Facebook leads with 54%, YouTube 29%, X 9%

Prime time (6 PM – 10 PM) dominates FMCG TV advertising, with 53% of ads airing during this period to maximize audience reach. Celebrity-backed campaigns account for 32% of total TV ad duration, leveraging star power for greater impact. Among the most popular ad slots, General Entertainment Channels lead with 41%, followed by Sports at 30% and Movies at 14%, reflecting consumer viewing preferences.

Regardless of the growth in digital platforms, TV remains the leading advertising platform, especially for mass-market FMCG brands like Coca-cola, Nestle, Hindustan Unilever, as per the report.

Finland is the world’s happiest country once again! Here are the top 10 on the list

Finland secured an average score of 7.74 on a scale where 10 represents the best possible life. (Image: Visit Finland)

The report, which evaluates how residents across 140+ countries perceive their quality of life, found that Finland scored an average of 7.74 out of 10, reaffirming its long-standing dominance in global happiness rankings.

33% finfluencers give stock tips, 2% SEBI-registered, 63% hide sponsorships: Report

The average age of finfluencers is 31 years, with 60% under 29. Instagram is the most popular platform, followed by YouTube. 100% of the influencers are on Instagram followed by 84% on YouTube and 80% on LinkedIn. This also suggests that many influencers are present on more than one platform.(Representative Image: Towfiqu barbhuiya via Unsplash)

While 69% of influencers highlight financial risks, this concern is primarily driven by macro-influencers (20 out of 25), with mega-influencers (13 out of 23) also providing similar warnings.

Trade Marks Registry accepts ‘Chutiyaram’ for FMCG brand, then makes a u-turn

According to the report, there were questions raised as to how the mark bypassed the scrutiny under Section 9(2)(c) of the Trade Marks Act, prohibiting the registration of trademarks that are “scandalous, obscene, or against public morality."

According to the Indian trademark law, registering expletives or offensive words as trademarks is prohibited.

From endorsements to enforcement: Telangana’s dual strike against betting apps and influencers

The Telangana Gaming (Amendment) Act, 2017, has actively taken measures to prohibit online gaming including games entailing a serious impact on the financial status and well-being of the people with provisions for punishment, including imprisonment and fines. Additionally, the Government of Telangana has signed a MOU with tech firms, such as Google, to enhance digital literacy and protect citizens from online risks.

Legally, an influencer will be liable for any breach or non-compliance of laws. However, the influencer can shield themselves from financial liability through Indemnification and protecting them from legal claims related to misleading content.

CCI raids on major ad firms spark hopes of level playing field for Indie agencies

Home-grown media agencies feel the Competition Commission of India's probe will promote greater transparency and data sharing. (Image source: Unsplash)

Homegrown advertising agencies are expecting greater transparency in ad rates and costs after the Competition Commission of India’s investigation into GroupM, Publicis, Madison, dentsu, and IPG.

India AdEx set for short-term hit if CCI probe and seizures continue at top ad firms

CCI probe focused on unearthing emails, pricing agreements, internal meeting records, and coordinated rate cards that suggested anti-competitive behavior. (Source: Unsplash)

The Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) probe into advertising firms will lead to a short-term contraction as brands and agencies reevaluate procurement practices and financial governance. The biggest impact may be seen in traditional media, where high-value transactions and bulk media buys are more susceptible to scrutiny, say experts.

Public consultation on ‘AI Governance Guidelines Development’ completed, over 100 suggestions received: MeitY

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) published a report on 'AI Governance Guidelines Development' for public consultation on January 6, 2025.

On March 19, Minister of State for Electronics & IT, Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada, addressed the Lok Sabha regarding “liabilities arising from AI usage” and reiterated the establishment of advisory group to develop an India-specific regulatory framework for AI.

Taboola and Microsoft strengthen 10-year ad partnership, expands to Outlook Mail and Office 365

This deepened collaboration reflects the growing influence of Taboola's AI-powered technology, which is designed to enhance monetization and user engagement across digital platforms, such as websites, devices, and mobile apps.

With this expansion, Taboola’s AI-powered advertising solutions will provide advertisers with the ability to connect with nearly 600 million daily active users in brand-safe environments.