December 2024 – Page 7

Google seeks to ease search agreements to avert tougher antitrust penalties

Under the proposed plan, these partnerships would become non-exclusive, granting device manufacturers and browser developers the option to switch default search engines each year.

In response to a recent US court ruling declaring its search practices illegal, Google suggests measures to avoid drastic remedies like divesting its Chrome browser.

Reliance Jio leads broadband services sector with 474.81 mn subscribers, reveals TRAI data

The overall tele-density in India also dropped slightly, from 84.69 percent in September to 84.46 percent in October. (Image source: Unsplash)

As per the data shared by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, BSNL and Atria Convergence are amongst the top five service providers.

India sees steady increase in entry-level digital marketing jobs in 2024: Report

Agencies accounted for 60% of marketing roles in 2024, says Kraftshala report (Image source: Unsplash)

According to Kraftshala, Bengaluru remained the top choice for competitive compensation, with 28 percent of roles in the city offering higher CTCs.

Japan’s antitrust regulator poised to conclude Google violated law in search case

According to the lawsuit, these actions have resulted in unfair competition, damaging Ceneo’s business and undermining its ability to compete effectively in the market.

Watchdog to issue cease-and-desist order over smartphone contracts restricting web search competition.

YouTube to crack down on ‘egregious’ clickbait in India

YouTube is cracking down on clickbait in India and plans to remove videos with misleading titles and thumbnails. (Image: Unsplash)

With plans to increase enforcement against videos ‘whose title or thumbnail promises viewers something that the video doesn’t deliver’, Google says YouTube will start by slowly rolling out its fight against clickbait in India over the coming months.

Elon Musk’s X raises subscription rates in India

Under the new structure, the Premium+ plan—which offers an ad-free experience, priority support, and enhanced algorithmic visibility—has increased to Rs 1,750 per month on the web, up from the previous Rs 1,300.

New subscription rates took effect on December 21, 2024, while existing subscribers will be facing changes after January 20, 2025.

TRAI’s latest amendments mandate affordable Voice+SMS packs

TRAI had released a consultation paper on July 26, 2024, to review the TCPR, 2012.

Under Telecom Consumer Protection Regulations, TRAI has introduced certain amendments including a separate mandate for Special Tariff Voucher (STV) for Voice & SMS to give consumers an option to pay for the services they require.

NCLAT approves Sapphire Media’s acquisition of Big 92.7 FM

Big FM's acquisition strengthens Sapphire Media's expansion efforts in the media sector.

Dismissing appeals filed by Radio Mirchi, Orange FM, and others, the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) upheld the approval of Sapphire Media’s resolution plan for acquiring Big 92.7 FM.

Storyboard18’s Global Pioneers Summit: Prasoon Joshi to unpack India’s brand of creativity in its techade

An ardent advocate for creative excellence, Prasoon's contributions have won numerous accolades, including Cannes Lions.

A can’t-miss forum for forward-thinking leaders, the Global Pioneers Summit in March 2025 brings together top innovators and decision-makers to share disruptive ideas and cultivate meaningful partnerships. Join luminaries such as Prasoon Joshi to elucidate strategies for harnessing transformative creativity with impactful storytelling.

From Paytm to Flipkart, India’s top startups let go of thousands of employees in 2024

10,000 jobs lost in 2024 as Indian startups face financial woes

In 2024, Paytm accounted for 3,500 layoffs, which represented 49 per cent of the total layoffs. Other notable layoffs included Flipkart (1,100-1,500 employees), Unacademy (900 employees), Byju’s (500 employees), etc.