Leading with purpose creates wins for consumers, community and country: Hina Nagarajan of Diageo India

'Largest employer in the world is inefficiency': CRED's Kunal Shah at Storyboard18 Global Pioneers Summit

Unheard tales of Maggi’s redemption: How poetry and nostalgia revived an iconic brand

Content creator Raj Shamani’s journey: Prioritizing substance over virality

MIB’s Ashwini Vaishnaw at Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave: Govt working for fair compensation for media houses

Nobody’s Perfect Retro Porsche Ad

In Conversation With Raja Rajamannar, Mastercard

Shahid Kapoor And Varun Ganjoo Speaks On PokerBaazi's Campaign

In conversation with IHCL’s Puneet Chhatwal & GroupM’s Kate Scott-Dawkins

Why are brands including e-sports in their sports marketing itinerary?

Storyboard18 x The English Nut: How to pronounce these 10 brand names

Experts' Take On Reinvention Of Ad Campaigns Through Technology

Experts Speak On Key Emerging Trends In Cannes Lions Entries

Leaders of the future have to be outstanding human beings: Nestle MD

In conversation with VMLY&R’s Hari Ramanathan

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has rejected an effort to initiate insolvency proceedings against PepsiCo India, siding with the food and beverage conglomerate in a dispute centered on contested interest payments.

In a ruling issued Wednesday, the NCLAT dismissed an appeal by SNJ Synthetics Ltd., a supplier of PET preforms and thermoplastics, which had sought to trigger corporate insolvency resolution against PepsiCo under the bankruptcy code. The case was reported on the Bar & Bench.

The three-judge bench found that the debt claim against PepsiCo had been largely settled, with the principal amount already paid. What remained, a Rs1.05 crore claim for interest, was deemed insufficient to support a bankruptcy proceeding.

"The IBC is not a forum for recovering interest alone, particularly where the underlying contract is silent on such provisions," the tribunal wrote, as the report, highlighting that the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code is not designed to function as a debt recovery mechanism.

The case stemmed from a 2018 supply agreement under which SNJ, classified as a micro, small, and medium enterprise, provided materials to PepsiCo. The company alleged that it was owed Rs1.96 crore, including Rs91.63 lakh in principal and substantial interest at an annual rate of 24 percent due to payment delays.

After a reconciliation of accounts, PepsiCo paid a reduced principal sum of Rs77.37 lakh in February 2023. SNJ accepted the payment but continued to pursue the interest component, arguing that the total debt, with interest, exceeded the Rs1 crore threshold required to initiate insolvency proceedings under Section 9 of the bankruptcy code.

That position was rejected earlier this year by the National Company Law Tribunal in Chandigarh, and again by the appellate panel this week. The NCLAT found that SNJ’s interest demand was not supported by a written agreement, and that invoices generated unilaterally by the supplier did not create enforceable obligations on PepsiCo’s part.

The tribunal also cast doubt on SNJ’s motivations, noting that its failure to revise the interest figure after the principal amount was reduced gave weight to PepsiCo’s assertion that the interest demand was inflated merely to satisfy the jurisdictional threshold for insolvency proceedings.

Efforts by SNJ to invoke protections under the MSME Act and the Interest Act of 1978 were similarly rebuffed. The tribunal said such claims fall outside the purview of insolvency proceedings and must be pursued through appropriate civil remedies.


NCLAT rejects insolvency plea against PepsiCo over disputed interest

The internet went bonkers on May 5, 2025, as Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan made his much-anticipated debut at the Met Gala—draped in a regal ensemble by Indian couturier Sabyasachi Mukherjee.

Held at the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, this year's Met Gala not only rolled out a royal blue carpet but also rolled in a celebration of style, identity, and global influence.

But, what is the Met Gala, really? Why do people care so much about what global celebrities wear to a museum party? And how did a midnight dinner for New York socialites turn into fashion's most viral night?

Let's break it down.

Every first Monday of May, the steps of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art are transformed into a global runway. 

But behind the gowns, glitz, and paparazzi flashes lies a storied tradition with deep roots in fashion history and philanthropy. The Met Gala, officially known as the Costume Institute Benefit, is a fundraising gala for the museum's Costume Institute—its only self-funded department.

<strong>Met Gala 2025: India's big moment on the blue carpet</strong>

This year, the carpet wasn't red—it was royal blue. And one of the world's biggest stars, Shah Rukh Khan, made his much-anticipated Met Gala debut, exuding effortless charm with iconic Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee. King Khan was joined by icons like Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Kiara Advani, and Diljit Dosanjh, Isha Ambani, Natasha Poonawalla, and Manish Malhotra.

Their appearance wasn't just a fashion moment—it was a cultural milestone, igniting celebrations among Indian and South Asian fans worldwide.

<strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/bollywood-shines-bright-at-met-gala-2025-and-brands-couldnt-keep-calm-64688.htm">Bollywood shines bright at Met Gala 2025—And brands couldn't keep calm!</a>

<strong>A brief history</strong>

The Met Gala wasn't always the global fashion spectacle it is today. It began in 1948 as a modest midnight dinner at the Waldorf Astoria, created by fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert to raise funds for the newly formed Costume Institute. Guests paid $150 per seat.

Everything changed in the 1970s when legendary Vogue editor Diana Vreeland came on board. Themes were introduced, celebrities joined the guest list, and fashion became performance. 

When Anna Wintour took over in 1995, she transformed the event into a cultural juggernaut—expanding its scope and exclusivity.

<strong>2025 Theme: Superfine: Tailoring Black Style</strong>

Each year, the Gala's theme aligns with the Costume Institute's annual exhibition. Past themes have ranged from "Camp: Notes on Fashion" to "Heavenly Bodies". Themes are often interpreted literally, metaphorically, or not at all—and that's part of the spectacle.

The 2025 theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," celebrated Black fashion history and dandyism. The theme sparked powerful conversations around representation and legacy. The exhibit showcased the evolution of Black excellence in fashion—from Harlem Renaissance zoot suits to contemporary couture.

Attendees delivered bold, nuanced takes on the theme—from Rihanna's signature Marc Jacobs ensemble to Zendaya's custom-tailored zoot suit (Zoot suits are popular for their high-waisted, tight cuff silhouettes). Yet, SRK's graceful entry in custom couture made headlines for both its elegance and significance.

<strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/woven-in-india-walked-by-the-world-keralas-neytt-crafts-met-gala-2025s-iconic-blue-carpet-64992.htm">Woven in India, walked by the world: Kerala's 'Neytt' crafts Met Gala 2025's iconic blue carpet</a>

<strong>So, who gets to attend?</strong>

Not just anyone. Tickets cost approximately $75,000 and a table can go upwards of $350,000. But here's the kicker: money doesn't guarantee entry. Every attendee must be approved by Anna Wintour. 

This year's guest list included Shah Rukh Khan, Kim Kardashian, Mindy Kaling, Billie Eilish, Spike Lee, Shakira, Bad Bunny, with designers like Thom Browne, Marc Jacobs, and Prabal Gurung also in attendance.

<strong>What happens inside the Met Gala?</strong>

The event is notoriously private. Cameras are off-limits once guests step inside. No selfies. No smoking. No social posts. The goal? To keep the focus on fashion and art, not influencer clout. It's part museum tour, part haute couture dinner party, and part elite mixer—with performances, celebrity mingling, and a first look at the exhibition

<strong>Can you watch it?</strong>

While the Gala itself remains exclusive, the red carpet is streamed online (primarily via Vogue) and replayed endlessly on social media. 

It's here that the internet gets involved—rating looks, debating themes, and creating memes. Once the event concludes, the exhibit opens to the public, allowing fashion lovers to experience the artistry up close.

<strong>Why does the Met Gala matter?</strong>

It’s more than just celebrity eye-candy. It’s a powerful moment of creative expression, a fundraiser for fashion as an art form, and a cultural mirror of the times. From political statements to cultural breakthroughs—the Met Gala is where fashion, identity, and storytelling meet.

SRK's dazzling debut, secret guest rules & $75k tickets: Met Gala EXPLAINED!

Hyderabad-based Karachi Bakery, an Indian confectionery brand for over 70 years, has found itself at the center of a rising political and cultural storm, not for its products, but for its name.

Amid nationwide outrage following the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent military response under Operation Sindoor, some activist groups have turned their ire toward the bakery, claiming its name associated with Karachi, Pakistan, has no place in post-attack India. Protests erupted outside several outlets in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam, with demonstrators demanding an immediate name change.

But the bakery’s owners, Rajesh and Harish Ramnani, are pushing back, not with defiance, but with history and heart.

Speaking to PTI, the Ramnani brothers clarified that Karachi Bakery’s name is rooted not in ideology, but in Partition-era legacy. “Our grandfather named it after his hometown when he migrated to India in 1947,” they said. “We are proud Indians. We’ve been baking in this country since 1953.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">VIDEO | Protests erupt in Hyderabad against a bakery named after Karachi. The owner clarifies and says, &quot;Karachi Bakery was founded here in Hyderabad in 1953 by Khanchand Ramnani, who migrated to India during the Partition. It has been 73 years. Our grandfather named it after… <a href="https://t.co/i6dAkwxDIR">pic.twitter.com/i6dAkwxDIR</a></p>&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1920394159166533711?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Far from being linked to Pakistan, Karachi Bakery is in fact a symbol of post-Partition resilience, founded by Khanchand Ramnani, a Sindhi Hindu refugee who rebuilt his life in Hyderabad. The bakery has since grown into a national brand, beloved for its fruit biscuits and cakes, with outlets across India.

The owners are now appealing to the public and authorities alike. “We request Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and local officials to support us. We are being unfairly targeted despite our Indian roots,” they said. Several supporters have responded by displaying the Indian Tricolour at bakery outlets as a sign of solidarity.

While no official directive or legal notice has been issued so far, tensions remain high.

Legacy under fire! Partition-era Karachi Bakery faces boycott calls over its name

Every week, brands continue rolling out their spotlight moments to wow us—but let’s be real, not every attempt strikes gold. Some ads make us chuckle, spark a thought, or stick with us well beyond the ball drop, while others… should probably stay in drafts. That’s where Storyboard18’s weekly ad reviews step in! We sift through the latest campaigns, calling out the ones that truly shine and those that miss the mark. With our straight-up, zero-fluff approach, you’ll get the real scoop on which ads are worth your attention. Dive into this week’s Mast & Meh to see which ads we gave a thumbs up and which weren’t even worth a yawn!

<strong>Mast</strong>

<strong>Brand</strong>: Titan

<strong>Agency</strong>: Ogilvy

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PI5hLeBdWKw?si=LkPCFFmwnjJmgIjB" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Grab a tissue because Titan’s latest Mother’s Day spot for its CSR initiative Titan Kanya is equal parts heartwarming and hopeful — and it doesn’t try too hard to make you feel something. That’s what works. Titled “Aage Badhegi”, the film flips the classic script by showing a daughter helping her mother learn to read and write. No melodrama, just a quiet, powerful celebration of progress, dignity, and second chances. The real win? It’s rooted in realism — a reflection of Titan Kanya’s impact in educating over 74,000 girls and women in FY24. Backed by Ogilvy’s sensitive storytelling and Superfly Films’ crisp execution, this one’s not a tearjerker — it’s a warm smile in ad form. A well-played tribute to generational empowerment, minus the lecture. Take a bow, Titan!

<strong>Meh</strong>

<strong>Brand</strong>: boat x Blinkit

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZBmLA8sYdsM?si=R3E0Kyc99n2EHvpG" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

This boAt and Blinkit Mother’s Day campaign tries to be cheeky and real, but ends up sounding like that one friend who just discovered performative activism. Content creator Satish Ray’s PSA-style rant hits a few funny notes, but overall, it feels more like a scold than a celebration. Yes, we get it—filtered selfies aren’t enough. But turning a smartwatch plug into a moral high ground? Bit much. The campaign positions itself as anti-performative while, ironically, being just that—a cleverly disguised ad dressed up as a “truth bomb.” The “last-minute redemption” angle is clever for Blinkit, but overall, the tone feels forced, like it’s trying too hard to be the cool older sibling calling you out. 

<strong>Mast</strong>

<strong>Brand</strong>: BIBA

<strong>Agency</strong>: Enormous Brands

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FqVrDW248CI?si=x2SLdPY7lXzKtiUH" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

This Mother’s Day, BIBA steps away from syrupy sentimentality and delivers a gentle gut-punch instead. The fashion label's new film shines a light on something rarely spoken about—the emotional invisibility of new mothers. No melodrama here—just a tender, well-shot story about the quiet sacrifices women make after childbirth. As everyone fawns over the baby, the mother slips into the background, her needs, dreams, and identity shelved. The film doesn’t yell to be noticed. It simply stands still—and that stillness says everything. It’s thoughtful, relevant, and leaves you with a lump in your throat and a nudge to call your mom. Nicely done, BIBA.

<strong>Mast</strong>

<strong>Brand</strong>: Swiggy Instamart

<strong>Agency</strong>: Inhouse

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HnajhxBMr8U?si=fjmXVm2bMtSN8L4r" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-
in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Swiggy Instamart just pulled off one of the most heartwarming—and hilariously surreal—Mother’s Day campaigns we’ve seen in a while. The concept? Simple but genius: instead of sending gifts, why not send yourself? The quirky film takes viewers on a whimsical ride as a woman gets literally “delivered” to her mom in an oversized Instamart bag. It’s absurd in the best way, blending humor and emotion without laying it on too thick. The twist? This wasn’t just a digital stunt. Swiggy teamed up with IndiGo and MakeMyTrip to actually fly users home for surprise reunions. It’s not just a feel-good campaign—it’s a clever brand flex that turns the idea of convenience into something deeply meaningful. Delivery, but make it emotional.

<strong>Mast</strong>

<strong>Brand</strong>: AJIO

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJEhfZHyZF-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJEhfZHyZF-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJEhfZHyZF-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by AJIO.com (@ajiolife)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

AJIO’s new Mother’s Day campaign, Movement of Offended Mothers (M.O.M.), is a delightful blend of wit, warmth, and wardrobe goals. With Sheeba Chaddha leading a fictional mom-support group, the ad smartly flips the script on influencer culture—reminding us that behind every viral reel is a mother who deserves more than a lazy WhatsApp forward. The humour is sharp, the characters relatable, and the message lands without sounding preachy. Whether you’re shopping for your mom, plant mom, or even your pet mom friend, AJIO’s got it wrapped—and this campaign makes you want to click "add to cart."

<strong>Mast</strong>

<strong>Brand</strong>: Parle-G

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LedcsTCFk-s?si=uNLhNEjf5cu9_LWW" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Parle-G nails the emotional strings once again! This Mother’s Day spot doesn’t go overboard with drama—instead, it serves up a warm, relatable slice of everyday love. The ad is simple, warm, and spot-on: the 7am listener, midnight checker-inner, and silent chai companion—sounds like every lovely moms, doesn’t it? No grand gestures, just a quiet nudge to share a biscuit and a moment. G for genius, Parle-G!

Mast & Meh: Titan, BIBA, Parle-G - who nailed the Mother’s Day moment?

Pidilite Industries Limited, the leading manufacturer of adhesives, sealants, and construction chemicals, posted solid earnings for the quarter and fiscal year ended March 31, buoyed by strong volume growth and improved margins amid easing raw material costs.

The company reported a 10.2 percent rise in consolidated revenue for the March quarter, supported by an underlying volume growth (UVG) of 9.8 percent across both consumer and industrial segments. The Consumer and Bazaar (C&B) segment saw UVG of 8 percent, while the Business-to-Business (B2B) segment posted a more pronounced 16.4 percent growth.

Gross margins for the quarter improved by 154 basis points over the same period last year, aided largely by benign input prices. Marketing and promotional expenses rose to 5.4 percent of net sales, up from 4.7 percent a year earlier, as the company increased investment in demand generation initiatives. EBITDA margins remained steady at 20.6 percent.

“We have delivered strong underlying volume growth with healthy margins, despite a challenging macroeconomic backdrop,” said Sudhanshu Vats, Managing Director of Pidilite Industries. He added that the company remains “cautiously optimistic” amid improving domestic demand, especially in the construction sector, which is expected to benefit from favorable monsoon forecasts and increased government spending.

Earnings overview

In consolidated terms, net sales for the quarter reached ₹3,130 crore, a 10 percent increase from the year-ago period, excluding results from Pidilite USA and Pulvitec Brazil. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) rose 10 percent to ₹633 crore. Profit before tax and exceptional items increased 21 percent to ₹601 crore. Net profit climbed 41 percent to ₹428 crore, though the comparison is flattered by an exceptional loss of ₹72 crore in the previous year due to the divestment of the company’s Brazilian unit. The current quarter included an exceptional loss of ₹25 crore, largely stemming from impairment in an associate investment.

On a standalone basis, quarterly net sales stood at ₹2,839 crore, marking a 10 percent year-on-year increase. Standalone EBITDA rose 11 percent to ₹584 crore, and profit before tax surged 31 percent to ₹606 crore. Net profit rose 26 percent to ₹446 crore, impacted by an exceptional loss of ₹20 crore, linked to a loan impairment.

Domestic subsidiaries recorded double-digit sales and EBITDA growth, while international subsidiaries (excluding the U.S. and Brazil) posted flat sales compared with the previous year.

Looking ahead, the company said it will continue investing in supply chain resilience and expanding manufacturing capacity, while also pursuing innovation across its consumer and industrial product lines.

Pidilite ramps up marketing spend as sales and margins rise

Britannia Industries reported consolidated sales of ₹4,376 crore for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, reflecting a 9 percent increase over the same period last year. Net profit for the quarter rose 4 percent year-over-year to ₹559 crore.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/britannias-varun-berry-named-ceo-in-addition-to-his-current-role-as-exec-vc-and-md-65103.htm">Read more: Britannia's Varun Berry named CEO in addition to his current role as Exec VC and MD</a>

For the full fiscal year, the company posted consolidated sales of ₹17,535 crore, marking a 6 percent rise, while annual net profit edged up 2 percent to ₹2,178 crore.

Varun Berry, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Britannia, attributed the quarterly performance to the company’s strategic pricing decisions and operational efficiencies, even as the broader consumer goods sector grappled with inflationary pressures and muted demand.

“With a high single-digit value growth of 9 percent during the last quarter of the year amidst a tight consumption scenario, the performance underscores our resilience in a challenging operating environment marked by rising commodity prices, changing channel dynamics, and subdued demand across FMCG categories,” Berry said in a statement.

Britannia said it achieved cost savings amounting to approximately 3 percent of revenue through various efficiency initiatives. The company also expanded its direct distribution network, now reaching 2.9 million retail outlets across India, with a particular emphasis on rural market penetration.

New product launches—including a premium line of Pure Magic Choco Frames and an expanded Winkin’ Cow portfolio, were credited with bolstering adjacent business segments. The company also continued promotional investments in its legacy brands, such as Marie Gold and Good Day.

Looking ahead, Berry said Britannia would maintain a cautious stance on commodity price movements while pursuing “healthy, profitable growth” and reinforcing its leadership position in the market.

He said the company’s commitment to its environmental, social and governance (ESG) priorities, stating that Britannia would “continue to focus on our initiatives to build a sustainable and profitable business.”

Britannia reports modest profit growth amid challenging market conditions

Tata Group's Titan Company registered a 13% rise in consolidated profit in the Quarter 4 (January-March) in fiscal year 2025 amid the rise in advertisement spending. According to the eyewear-to-jewellery business, the Q4 profit surged to Rs 871 crore in FY25 compared to Rs 771 crore in Q4 FY24. 

The consolidated advertising expenses stood at Rs 330 crore in Q4 FY25--an increase of 23%. In the March quarter FY24, Titan Company spent Rs 268 crore on ads and publicity. Overall, the ad spending in FY25 stood at Rs 1,308 crore, while profit dropped to Rs 3337 crore. In FY24, Titan clocked a profit of Rs 3,496 crore.

Titan's total income in Q4 increased to Rs 15,032 crore compared to Rs 12,653 crore in the corresponding quarter last fiscal (FY24).

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/ajoy-chawla-named-next-md-of-titan-to-c-k-venkataraman-65044.htm">Ajoy Chawla named next MD of Titan Company Ltd; to succeed C. K. Venkataraman</a>

For the full year FY25, the total income of Rs 57,818 crores grew 22% over FY24. 

According to the stock exchange filing, Titan's jewellery business, comprising brands like Tanishq, Mia, and Zoya, witnessed a 25% growth in total income in Q4FY25 to Rs 11,232 crore. The domestic India business grew 23% to Rs 10,845 crore during the same period, driven by a strong 30% growth in gold jewellery and coins (together) and 12% growth in studded jewellery. 

In the watches and wearables segments, Titan recorded a total income of Rs 1,126 crore, up 20% over Q4FY24. Fastrack brand topped the growth charts, clocking 44% growth, followed by Sonata recording 25% growth compared to Q4FY24.

The eyecare division recorded a total income growth of 16% to Rs 192 crore in Q4 FY25. And, for the full year of FY25, EyeCare Division recorded a Total Income growth of 10% to Rs 796 crore.

Indian Dress Wear ('Taneira’), fragrances, fashion accessories recorded a total income of Rs 102 crores for Q4FY25, growing 5% over Q4FY24.

CaratLane's total income stood at Rs 883 crore, up 23% YoY, and for the full fiscal 2025, the income grew 24% to Rs 3,583 crore.

"As we look forward to FY26, all businesses of Titan Company are focusing on market share expansion in their respective categories and catering to the changing needs of our consumers," C K Venkataraman, Managing Director of Titan Company Ltd, said. 

Titan boosts ad spend by 23% to Rs 330 crore in Q4 FY25

Tesla’s India country head, Prashanth Menon, has stepped down from his role ahead of the electric carmaker’s anticipated entry into the Indian market, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday.

Menon, who served Tesla for nine years, is resigning as chairman of the board for Tesla India. His departure comes at a critical time as the Elon Musk-led company prepares to launch its vehicles in the world’s third-largest automobile market.

According to Bloomberg, Tesla’s China team will now oversee operations in India, with no immediate successor appointed to Menon’s role.

As per a Reuters report, Tesla had signed a lease agreement in March this year to open its first showroom in Mumbai, signalling a revival of its India entry plans.

Earlier reports by Mint and CNBC-TV18 highlighted that Tesla’s entry into India hinges on clarity around import duty reductions. The company is seeking to begin operations by importing vehicles at lower duties without committing to immediate local manufacturing.

Tesla’s global performance has also shown signs of strain. In the first quarter of 2025, the company reported a 71% year-on-year decline in net profit due to waning demand for electric vehicles and increased geopolitical uncertainties. Tesla posted a net profit of $409 million for the January to March period, falling short of analysts’ expectations.

Revenue for the quarter dropped to $19.34 billion, marking a 9% decrease from the previous year and missing the market forecast of $21.11 billion, according to data from LSEG. Operating income for the quarter stood at $399 million.

Tesla also withdrew its previous financial guidance for 2025, citing heightened uncertainty in global trade policies and demand patterns.

Adjusted earnings were 27 cents per share, below analysts' average forecast. Automotive gross margins, excluding regulatory credits, declined to 12.5% from 13.6% in the prior quarter, according to Reuters’ estimates. So far in 2025, Tesla’s share price has dropped 27%, trading at $276.22.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/elon-musks-tesla-announces-13-job-openings-in-delhi-mumbai-after-meeting-with-pm-modi-57068.htm">Read More: Elon Musk's Tesla announces 13 job openings in Delhi, Mumbai after meeting with PM Modi</a>

Tesla's India Country Head Prashanth Menon steps down ahead of market launch

Uber is facing growing discontent from its workforce following a series of policy changes that tighten return-to-office requirements and reduce employee perks, CNBC reported.

As per the CNBC report, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi told employees at an all-hands meeting last week that the company would require them to come into the office three days a week starting June, up from the previous two-day mandate. At the same time, Uber raised the eligibility threshold for its paid month-long sabbatical from five years to eight.

The abrupt policy shift sparked a wave of frustration across internal channels, with employees flooding Uber’s internal Slido forum with pointed questions and critical comments. One highly rated employee post questioned the logic of denying sabbaticals after five years, especially amid growing burnout. Another suggested the changes were designed to push people to quit, a claim Khosrowshahi denied.

“If you’re here for a sabbatical and this change causes you to change your mind, it is what it is,” Khosrowshahi told staff during the April 29 meeting, per CNBC. “We recognize some of these changes are going to be unpopular with folks. This is a risk we decided to take.”

The move highlights the broader power struggle unfolding in Silicon Valley, as tech companies seek to reassert control after years of pandemic-driven flexibility. According to CNBC, Google recently told some remote workers they’d need to return to offices if they wanted to avoid potential layoffs.

At Uber, employees have challenged both the policy and the company’s readiness to implement it. Concerns about inadequate office infrastructure were repeatedly raised, with one employee noting how difficult it is to find seating even on designated anchor days. Uber plans to expand its office footprint by 7,00,000 square feet across its San Francisco and Seattle campuses, but retrofitting won't be complete until 2026.

The backlash wasn’t limited to policy alone. Some employee remarks during the company-wide broadcast were deemed “unprofessional and disrespectful", prompting Chief People Officer Nikki Krishnamurthy to issue a follow-up memo promising accountability. “Through good times and bad, we are open with each other,” she wrote. “Yet when we see behavior like this, it makes it harder to continue being open in the same way.”

Employee backlash intensifies as Uber tightens office rules

Google has laid off around 200 employees from its global business organization, which manages sales and partnerships, as part of its ongoing cost-cutting and restructuring efforts, The Information reported on Wednesday, citing a person familiar with the matter.

The tech giant confirmed the development in a statement to Reuters, saying it was making a "small number of changes across team to drive greater collaboration and expand our ability to quickly and effectively serve our customers." 

<strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/googles-cost-cutting-drive-leads-to-layoffs-in-android-pixel-and-chrome-teams-report-62108.htm">Google's cost-cutting drive leads to layoffs in Android, Pixel, and Chrome teams: Report</a>

While the company has described the layoffs as limited, they are part of a broader pattern of restructuring within Google's parent, Alphabet Inc.

Just last month, Google let go of hundreds of employees in its platforms and devices division, which oversees key products such as Android, Pixel smartphones, and the Chrome browser. This latest move indicates a continued shift in strategic focus—away from legacy hardware and sales operations, and toward high-growth areas like artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure.

<strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/googles-ai-driven-restructuring-signals-more-layoffs-in-indias-ad-and-sales-divisions-62396.htm">Google’s AI-driven restructuring signals more Layoffs in India’s Ad and Sales divisions</a>

Since January 2023, Alphabet has trimmed thousands of roles as part of a larger tech industry trend. That year, the company slashed 12,000 jobs—approximately 6% of its global workforce. According to a February filing mentioned in the report, Alphabet had 1.83,323 employees as of December 31, 2024.

Google isn’t alone. Tech peers including Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, and Apple have all enacted layoffs in the past year. Meta culled about 5% of its "lowest performers" in early 2025, Microsoft laid off 650 employees in its Xbox division in September, and Amazon trimmed staff across communications and other business units. Apple also reportedly cut around 100 positions from its digital services group.

<strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/infosys-dismisses-another-195-trainees-in-4th-round-of-layoff-since-feb-2025-63705.htm">Infosys dismisses another 195 trainees in 4th round of layoff since Feb 2025</a>

BRAND MARKETING