Month: September 2024

Simply Speaking: Shorts #2 – Cassandra revisited

Before the Trojan War, Cassandra warned that the Greeks would invade through a wooden horse and sack the city. Her warnings were ignored. Troy was gutted. (Image: diogo-nunes via Unsplash)

Being a Cassandra means possessing a keen insight or intuition about future events. Having the ability and gumption to issue warnings yet being ignored, dismissed, or disbelieved by others.

Byju Raveendran borrows funds ‘against all odds’, promises ‘small payment’ to teachers

A similar email that was sent in August, Raveendran had promised to clear July's salary, but payment delays have continued as the company navigates an insolvency process and major legal hurdles with US-based lenders staking claims on its India assets.

“I owe you an apology. You have given your best, yet we have not been able to compensate you for your work. This is not right, and for that, I am truly sorry,” Raveendran said.

KVS Manian takes charge as MD and CEO of Federal Bank

KVS Manian was earlier the Joint Managing Director of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited till April 30, 2024, and was responsible for developing a robust and profitable franchise across various business segments.

Krishnan Venkat Subramanian succeeds Shyam Srinivasan who has stepped down after 14 years at the top.

InspiRAYtion Eight: Oh wow, you won an award!

At the top, it’s a clear divide between most of the industry competing at one show, versus a few select agencies competing at another show. A curious case indeed, but such is life. On the brighter side, at least there’s a fair and rigorous system that doesn’t reward things that shouldn’t be anywhere near an awards show, pens down veteran adman Rayomand J Patell. (Image source: Unsplash)

With innumerable award shows today, in this week’s InspiRAYtion, veteran ad man Rayomand J Patell writes that, there are some which are making sincere attempts to actually be a real awards show. However, he also adds that not everything that one enters there, wins. Not everything that is judged, wins gold etc.

Parle-G & the baby face that launched a billion biscuits

Maganlal Dahiya headed the creative department at Everest, and directed the illustrators in his team to paint different versions of the mascot, one of which eventually became the Parle-G baby. (Image source: Parle Products)

The Parle-G baby, which has literally been the face of the brand for over six decades, has created a special place for itself in the history pages of Indian advertising. Mayank Shah, Vice President, Parle Products, talked to Storyboard18 about the iconic brand.

Book Review: Smarak Swain’s ‘Digital Fortunes: A Value Investor’s Guide to the New Economy’

Swain notes how crypto's promise of a 'decentralised trustless system' was ironically used by swindlers to gain the trust of innocent people. Intermediaries in crypto markets have themselves become repositories of trust. Crypto evangelists promote their vision of a society where trust is placed in ‘cryptography’ rather than centralised institutions like governments and banks, reviews Meghan Bal. (Image source: Amazon)

Digital Fortunes is a must read for anyone who wants to learn about the digital economy, writes Meghna Bal in her review.