SEBI mandates identity verification for intermediaries advertising on social media

By closely monitoring digital platforms, SEBI seeks to curb deceptive marketing practices that can cause significant financial harm. The regulator’s efforts are expected to make it more difficult for fraudulent operators to advertise schemes on major online platforms.

SEBI’s directive follows a surge in scams conducted via YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X, Telegram, and the Google Play Store, where scammers lure investors with false promises and deceptive content.

The Silicon Valleys of the World: Global tech hubs shaping the future

Over time, as the tech industry expanded globally, cities across the world have adopted the "Silicon Valley" moniker to reflect their ambition to become major technology hubs. (Image: LinkedIn)

Silicon Valley, located in the South San Francisco Bay Area of California, is the world’s most renowned technology hub. Here’s a roundup of the most notable regions that have earned the nickname in their respective parts of the world.

Reddit becomes a big draw for brands, cornering 10% of digital ad spends

Reddit also gained notable traction in India, rising from 31.6 million in 2023 to 43.4 million in 2024, an indication of inreasing engagement with news, politics, and niche online communities. (Representative image by Brett Jordan via Unsplash)

An increasing number of brands are directing their advertising budgets to Reddit to reach its highly engaged user base. However, experts caution that Reddit users’ strong preference for anonymity often leads to boundary-pushing discussions, posing potential risks to brand reputation.

40% of couples spend over 7.5 Lakhs on wedding venues: Report

Wedding venue costs have risen significantly, with the average cost of a wedding venue now around 6 lakhs. (Image: aenl-weddings-godhydmIwgc via Unsplash)

A significant shift has been noted in generational preferences, with 62% of couples now belonging to Gen Z, an increase of 49% compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, Millennials make up 30% of couples getting married, although this demographic has seen a decrease of 54% compared to last year.

Kunal Kamra row: Maha CM Devendra Fadnavis slams comedian over “gaddar” jibe at Eknath Shinde

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has called for an apology after stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra branded Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde a "gaddar" during a live performance in Mumbai.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis responded strongly to Kamra’s comments, emphasizing that while the right to comedy is protected, it should not cross the line into defamation.

Mumbai’s Indie Habitat center shuts down after Kunal Kamra row

The attack came in the wake of comedian Kunal Kamra’s viral video, where he took a jab at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, prompting an uproar.

The controversial video involving comedian Kunal Kamra and his jibe at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has led to violence at the Habitat Studio, resulting in a temporary closure.

Coca-Cola’s James Quincey on AI’s human face problem in marketing

Looking forward, Quincey anticipates a breakthrough in AI's ability to create realistic human faces, which, combined with cost-effective production, will revolutionize marketing. However, he cautioned against over-reliance on AI-generated ads, warning that excessive consumer targeting could lead to annoyance.

Quincey admitted the company initially lacked clear strategies for generative AI, but embraced it to avoid stagnation.

Minister Jayant Chaudhary emphasizes role of skills & innovation; says “right skill set provides both merit and national growth”

Leading experts from the transportation and logistics sector participated in discussions, including Davinder Sandhu (DB Engineering), Suraj Chettri (Airbus), Anil Kumar Saini (Alstom), Andreas Foerster (Tata Advanced Systems), Jaya Jagadish (AMD), Prof. Vinayak Dixit (UNSW Australia), Praveen Kumar (DFCCIL), and Maj. Gen. R. S. Godara.

Discussing India’s startup ecosystem, Chaudhary pointed out that by 2030, the number of startups is projected to double from 1.2 lakh to 2.4 lakh, potentially creating 50 million new jobs.