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<em>"Don't miss out! You have only 5 minutes left to enroll at the current price. The course price will rise to Rs 50,000 after that, so act now!"</em>. 

Have you also come across such advertisements? Are you someone who acted promptly and purchased the course?

The internet is inundated with innumerable below-average courses on the stock market and investments that target gullible investors by charging exorbitant fees. 

Last month, the market regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) cracked down on unregulated financial influencers who might be giving misleading investment advice. However, Sebi allowed people to educate others about investing, as long as they're not giving specific advice or promising guaranteed returns.

Storyboard18 checked the background of some of the finfluencers (someone who shares money management advice on social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and others) who are not Sebi-registered but are selling "certified paid courses" on trading. Most of them have changed their intro to 'educationist', and 'digital creator ' and have disabled the comment section.


Pratyush Kumar, whose Instagram handle name is Stock Burner, has put a disclaimer in posts that read, "All information on this page is for educational purposes only. We are not Sebi registered. We only try to provide important information. We do not want to invest/trade based on our posts. You must consult your financial advisor. We will not be responsible for any of your profit/loss". Several other similar accounts have started adding disclaimers. 

Kavitha Menon, a Sebi-registered investment advisor, appreciated the market regulator's decision but said protecting the retail investors is a long way off.

Menon said,"They have only made one important change and left the other one open. Education is a subjective and open-ended term leaving to being manipulated at a whim. I have always maintained that any educator must be qualified by education and experience. We don't hire teachers in our schools without basic training and qualifications, so why allow anybody and everybody to run courses on investing".

<strong>Do online courses add value?</strong>

Storyboard18 spoke to some of the retail investors who purchased courses from financial influencers such as Akshat Srivastava (2.13 million YouTube followers), CA Rachana Phadke Ranade (4.97 YouTube followers), and Sharan Hedge (3.1 million YouTube followers). The responses were subjective- both critical and laudative. 

An individual, who wishes to remain anonymous, purchased a personal finance course by The 1% Club, co-founded by Sharan Hegde. The individual said, "I paid between Rs 7,000 to Rs 8,000 fee, and the course offered guest lectures of certified people. It was a good beginner course perhaps I had higher expectations".

Digital marketer Harshit Agarwal enrolled in one of the courses by YouTuber Akshat Shrivastava in June 2022. Agarwal said, "Before joining Akshat Shrivastava's course, I was randomly investing in stocks and mutual funds. I did not know how to build a portfolio. However, after I purchased Srivastava's course, I learned about investing in stocks that otherwise I would never have done on my own. I also learned about investing in different sectors, as well as, on international stocks such as Alphabet, Apple Inc, Meta, etc". Agarwal said he purchased the course for Rs 23,000 and had one year of access to it. He claimed that he booked 135% of profit in around 18 months by investing in Meta and 117% of profits in nine months by investing in HDFC MC.

Notably, Srivastava is not a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA). Last year, in a post on X, he mentioned that becoming an RIA was a "hyper complicated process and required massive compliances". 

Some of the individuals have taken the ed-tech platform routes to become financial coaches. A working professional showed Storyboard18 how to become a trainer on the American learning platform Udemy. Shockingly, the platform never checks the educational records of the educators.

An official from Udemy responded to Storyboard18's query on signing into the platform as a coach. Scott Rogers, Senior Vice President, Instructor & Content Strategy at Udemy said, "Although signing up is designed to be simple and accessible because we want to encourage knowledge sharing, only the most insightful and well-prepared content stands out".

In case of inappropriate content, Rogers added, "If an instructor violates any of Udemy’s policies, their account will receive strikes and immediate action will be taken. These actions can range from mild measures, such as warning emails, to severe consequences, such as blocking or removing their course or account".


<strong>Problem for regulated educators</strong>


Raghav Gupta, co-founder at The 1% Club told Storyboard18 that they onboard experts after doing a background check, like inspection of content, taking reviews of former students, and conducting multiple rounds of interviews. Gupta acknowledged the need to regulate the online courses on trading and investment. However, the issue arises when an uncertified individual creates a substandard course on investment and absolves himself of any responsibility in case of financial loss to his student, he added.

SEBI Registered Research Analyst Sumit Shrma said, "There should be some eligibility requirement for selecting a teacher to teach a particular subject. Online platforms should disclose the qualification of the educator and potential conflict of interest".

Nevertheless, Shrma added the rising interest in the stock market and the mass followership of influencers are likely to overshadow regulated entities. He said, "The market share of finfluencers selling courses will eventually increase and regulated courses will struggle to match numbers as they are bound by compliances".

However, Menon suggests, "SEBI in conjunction with National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) should offer a mandatory training program for anybody who wants to run a course on investing," the investment advisor added that "Institutions who are into training should only hire such qualified professionals".

Shrma added, "The best solution to prevent people from financial course-related traps is to restrict and regulate the advertising and marketing of such courses. The crackdown is required on social media and internet platforms where these sorts of courses are being provided".

<em>(Note: We have updated the story by adding a quote from Scott Rogers, Senior Vice President, Instructor & Content Strategy at Udemy)</em>


SEBI cracks down on unregistered finfluencers, but loopholes remain

With the Paris 2024 Olympics starting from Friday, Viacom18 Sports is set to provide an immersive viewing experience on Sports18 and JioCinema. Experts predict that the Paris Olympics will attract 150 million viewers on the digital platform and 120 million viewers on linear TV. Compared to the Tokyo Olympics, there's a 70 percent increase in advertisements and sponsorships, indicating growing brand interest in non-cricket sports events.

Experts also note that, for the first time, digital and TV ad rates are similar for the Paris 2024 Olympics, at approximately Rs 1,40,000 per 10 seconds for both Standard and High Definition TV channels. Around 100-120 million viewers are expected to tune in to Sports18 Network, and about 150 million viewers are anticipated to watch the Olympic Games on JioCinema. 

Viacom18 Sports has onboarded SBI and JSW Group as co-presenting sponsors, Thums Up and Herbalife as associate sponsors, and Aditya Birla Life as the highlights partner. Other brand partners include AMFI, MRF, Bacardi Martini, Punjab National Bank, and Reliance Foundation.


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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; 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Several well-known brands have already launched their advertising campaigns in anticipation of the event. For instance, JSW has initiated a robust campaign, setting the stage early. Similarly, brands like Britannia, Thums Up, and Omega are gearing up, ensuring their presence during this global sporting spectacle.


“We are expecting significant growth in terms of CTV viewership. We are very excited about CTV as a medium. Viewers will surely enjoy the CTV experience that we are building during Olympics”, said Siddharth Sharma, Head of Content for Viacom18 Sports. 
  
JioCinema will stream 20 concurrent live feeds for Olympics which includes 17 sports-wise feeds and 3 exclusively curated feeds dedicated to the Indian Contingent in Paris, Global Action, and a special focus on Women Athletes. Viewers can watch India specific feed in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. 

When asked about the response from advertisers, Sharma said, “Response from advertisers is a testament of how there is an appetite for sports as a whole and even beyond cricket. Advertiser interest for the event is up by 70 percent of the previous edition. Also, performance of Indian contingent in last Olympic has raised interest of advertisers and sponsors towards non-cricket sport for both TV and Digital as a medium.” 

Sharma said, "Brands advertising on TV are also opting for Digital and we have received a great response from the advertisers. Our effort towards Paris Olympics will provide immersive experience to the audience." 

<strong>Ad inventory sold out? </strong>

Rashi Bhushan, AVP – Digital Media Planning & Buying, Mudramax elaborates on why advertisers are investing in non-cricket sport and says, "The Tokyo 2020 Olympics, delayed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic which faced unique challenges and offered distinct opportunities for advertisers, which also significantly influenced revenue outcomes. The expected viewership reflects projections estimating around 150 million digital viewers and an additional 100-120 million tuning in on linear TV.”

Elaborating on the ad rates, Bhushan said, "On television, ad rates currently start from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.2 lakh per 10 second. These rates can vary significantly from the initial card rates offered, which are typically influenced by the scale of commitment made in the overall advertising deal. In contrast, on OTT platforms such as Jio Cinema, Connected TV (CTV) options the prices range between Rs 70,000 to Rs 75,000. The cost per thousand impressions (CPM) for handheld devices is priced between Rs 220 to Rs 225, demonstrating a strategic pricing model designed to cater to various advertising needs and platforms.” 

Multiple brands have already initiated their campaigns featuring non-cricket stars, Ahmed Aftab Naqvi, Global CEO and Co-Founder, GOZOOP Group said, "Olympic players are the best talent in the world, any association with them will garner a lot of respect and recognition for brands.” 

JioCinema has also collaborated with ShareChat and Moj for providing diverse and multi-lingual content to the audience via the homegrown short video format platform. Bhushan said, "Media platforms has already been sold, underscoring the high demand. The peak concurrency rates, which are expected to be significant, will likely lead to a sold out status for remaining inventories as the event progresses. Additionally, strategic partnerships with short-form content platforms such as ShareChat and Moj are set to enhance the advertising impact, aiming to deliver a uniquely engaging experience. These collaborations highlight the evolving dynamics of media consumption and the increasing importance of integrating traditional and digital advertising strategies." 

With a substantial increase in both viewership and advertiser interest compared to previous Olympics, showcases the evolving behaviour of audience towards consumption of sports content in the country. 

Paris Olympics to garner 150 million viewership on Digital, 120 million on Linear TV

Alphabet-owned video platform YouTube has continued to grow at a double-digit clip in the second quarter of 2024, posting $8.66 billion of ad revenue as per exchange filing.

YouTube reported a 13% Year-on-Year rise in its ad revenue in Q2 as compared to $7.66 billion in the same period in 2023.

In the first quarter of the current year, YouTube's ad revenue stood at $8.1 billion. Notably, the advertising figures exclude subscription revenue from YouTube's business).

Overall, Alphabet's revenue stood at $84.7 billion up from $74.6 billion a year ago. While Google search made up the majority of the revenue, the other platforms and devices business (YouTube TV, NFL, YouTube Premium) accounted for $9.3 billion of the revenue.

YouTube reports a 13% surge YoY in ad revenue to $8.66 billion in Q2

The Union Budget 2024 allocated Rs 4,342 crore to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), with Rs 1,089 crore designated for information and publicity. Under social services, a capital outlay of Rs 38 crore has also been allocated for information and publicity. Compared to last year, there is no significant difference in the advertising and publicity budget for this fiscal year.

According to the budget expenditure report for 2024-2025, the government has allocated Rs 36.93 crore for Art and Culture and Rs 2,959.94 crore for Broadcasting. Furthermore, the government has allocated Rs 23 crore to the National Film Development Corporation. The budget for Prasar Bharati stands at Rs 2,509.94 crore this fiscal year, compared to Rs 2,644.02 crore last year. The government has allocated Rs 409.90 crore for the establishment expenditure of the Center for information and publicity.

Funds for the Broadcasting Infrastructure Network Development are implemented through Prasar Bharati. The scheme aims at the digitalization and FMization of the AIR Network, upgrading the capacity of the DTH platform to accommodate more channels, and enhancing the viewer experience.

In FY23, Rs 1,078 crore was allocated for information and publicity, while in FY22, Rs 1,001 crore was allocated. However, the current allocation of funds does not show a significant difference in the government’s ad spending.

A senior media analyst said, “TV gets the major chunk of the ad spends from the government’s publicity budget. With a few months left for the completion of the fiscal year and very little spent on advertisement during the first half, the government will utilize the funds in the upcoming months, boosting the AdEx.”


Union Budget 2024: Government to spend Rs 1,089 crore for information and publicity

Google is planning to keep third-party cookies in its Chrome browser, after years of pledging to phase out the tiny packets of code meant to track users on the internet, as per reports.

The major reversal follows concerns from advertisers - the company's biggest source of income - saying the loss of cookies in the world's most popular browser will limit their ability to collect information for personalizing ads, making them dependent on Google's user databases, as per reports.

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority had also scrutinized Google's plan over concerns it would impede competition in digital advertising.

"Instead of deprecating third-party cookies, we would introduce a new experience in Chrome that lets people make an informed choice that applies across their web browsing, and they'd be able to adjust that choice at any time," Anthony Chavez, vice president of the Google-backed Privacy Sandbox initiative, said in a blog post.

Since 2019, the Alphabet unit has been working on the Privacy Sandbox initiative aimed at enhancing online privacy while supporting digital businesses, with a key goal being the phase-out of third-party cookies.

Cookies are packets of information that allow websites and advertisers to identify individual web surfers and track their browsing habits, but they can also be used for unwanted surveillance.

In the European Union, the use of cookies is governed by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which stipulates that publishers secure explicit consent from users to store their cookies. Major browsers also give the option to delete cookies on command.

Chavez said Google was working with regulators such as the UK's CMA and Information Commissioner's Office as well as publishers and privacy groups on the new approach, while continuing to invest in the Privacy Sandbox program.

"Advertising stakeholders will no longer have to prepare to quit third-party cookies cold turkey," eMarketer analyst Evelyn Mitchell-Wolf said in a statement.

Lena Cohen, staff technologist at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, said cookies can lead to consumer harm, for instance predatory ads that target vulnerable groups. "Google's decision to continue allowing third-party cookies, despite other major browsers blocking them for years, is a direct consequence of their advertising-driven business model," Cohen said in a statement.



Google to keep third-party cookies in its Chrome browser

Brendan Conan Pereira, the co-founder of Chaitra Advertising, now known as Leo Burnett, passed away at the age of 96. Pereira played a significant role in launching Vimal, working closely with Dhirubhai Ambani.

Pereira's journey in advertising began in 1945 when he enrolled at the Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art, where he studied block-making, lithography and photography. In 1949, he joined L.A. Stronachs Advertising as an apprentice before moving to D.J. Keymer (now O&M) as a visualiser and assistant to the art director.

In 1956, Pereira moved to the UK for further education and experience, joining Rapier Design and later Baron Moss as Art Director.

Returning to India in 1960, Pereira joined Aiyars Advertising to work on the Beechams account. He spent a year in London with Beechams to understand their products and global marketing strategies. By 1961, he was back in India as Aiyars' creative director, eventually joining the board when Aiyars linked with LPE, London.

In March 1972, Pereira co-founded Chaitra Advertising (now Leo Burnett) with Walter Saldanha. He left Chaitra in 1983 to establish his consultancy, Glima. Later, he supported the formation of Nova Advertising Palace.

Pereira was the president of the Communication Arts Guild (CAG), Mumbai, from 1976 to 1993, and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 1993. In 2014, he received a lifetime achievement award from the Cathedral of the Holy Name Archdiocese, Mumbai.

Pereira retired in 2001 but remained active in charity work for the church and various NGOs.


Adman Brendan Pereira passes away

Naturals Salon appointed Sanjay Enishetty as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Enishetty is a seasoned professional with over 18 years of extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in the investments and startup sector.

Prior to joining Natural’s, Sanjay was a founder at 99SA Ventures, an early stage SaaS focus operator model fund plus venture studio and also had an advisory position at T-Hub, which is India’s largest innovation hub for startups located in Hyderabad. His role included setting up the funding ecosystem by building an Angel network. 

Prior to this was the MD and CEO at 50K Ventures, an angel fund that invested in early stage startups. Exited with 5 portfolio startups in 2021.

Commenting on the appointment, C K Kumaravel, Co-Founder and CMD of Naturals Salons, said, “Sanjay brings over 18 years of experience in venture capital investments, startups, and innovation. Having known him for the past 7 to 8 years, I have witnessed his ability to turn potential into success. His innovative mindset and strategic approach are precisely what we need to evolve and thrive.”

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, CEO, Sanjay Enishetty stated, “I am thrilled to join the Naturals team. Naturals has an excellent business model and a talented management team. As we embark on a new phase of transformation, I believe my broad experience in strategy, brand development, and innovation will serve us well.”

Enishetty further said, “I understand what it takes to conceive, launch, and manage a company during a shift in business vision. We are uniquely positioned to play a pivotal role in the industry, and I am excited to drive this change. My key responsibility areas (KRAs) will focus on expanding the business globally, introducing tech and innovative solutions in the beauty segment, and launching new initiatives that will enhance our brand and drive growth.”

Naturals Salon appoints Sanjay Enishetty as CEO

Rihanna has announced Fenty Beauty's partnership with the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics.

The pop star turned serial entrepreneur revealed that her Fenty Beauty imprint will partner with the international sporting events to equip volunteers with makeup kits. As the individuals present the medals to the winning athletes, they can show off a “designated look” curated thanks to Rihanna’s products, as per reports.

"This marks the first time that Fenty Beauty has partnered with events of this magnitude. Continuing the brand’s mission of empowerment and inclusivity in a space with a long history of doing the opposite, the initiatives included in the partnership will feature athlete appearances, beauty tutorials as well as interactive experiences to bring fans and athletes closer together," according to a report.

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In a post caption on Instagram, Rihanna wrote "tried to tell yall....we outside all 2024!!! PROUD to announce that @FentyBeauty is a premium partner of the Olympic AND Paralympic Games baby!!! #FentyxParis2024" alongside a picture of the popstar herself with a mega-size lip gloss tube captured in front of the Eiffel Tower.


Rihanna's Fenty Beauty partners with Paris Olympics and Paralympics

NODWIN® Gaming has officially announced Android as the Title Partner for India’s premier esports event Battlegrounds Mobile India Series (BGMS) Season 3. Additionally, the tournament will be powered by skincare brand, Garnier Men, marking the first time that Android and Garnier Men have partnered with an Indian esports tournament.

Moreover, Crunchyroll, the world’s largest destination for anime and manga, has also joined forces with Android BGMS Season 3 as the anime partner while energy drink brand Red Bull has been onboarded as the Official Energy Drink Partner of Android BGMS Season 3. By leveraging the prominence of the tournament, partners will aim to engage with its widespread audience, while also elevating the overall experience for players and fans alike.

Anshuman Wanchu General Manager, Marketing, Garnier, L’Oréal India said, "We are delighted to partner with the BGMI Masters Series 2024. It is an incredible opportunity for us as this collaboration allows us to connect with the dynamic and passionate gaming and youth community in a meaningful manner. As a brand committed to innovation and excellence, we look forward to some incredible showcases in season 3 of BGMS. With this partnership, we aim to empower gamers to elevate not only their game, but also their skin care routine, and inspire them to achieve their best, both in the arena as well as in their daily lives."

The tournament has also continued its association with TVS Raider, the sporty commuter motorcycle from TVS Motor Company as the Official Mobility Partner and Philips OneBlade, the male grooming product of Philips India as the competition’s Official Styling Partner.

 

Commenting on the partnership, Aniruddha Haldar - Senior Vice President (Marketing) – Commuters, Media and Corporate Brand commented, “We at TVS Motor company had Collaborated previously with Nodwin Gaming to help us develop a close connect with the Gaming audience - we are pleased to share that this collaboration has helped us to gain brand love, better connect to the gaming audience during and post the previous season. We are back again to announce yet another collaboration with Nodwin Gaming for the BGMI Master Series 3, this is in view to further strengthen our connect and engagement with the gaming audience.”

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Android, Garnier Men and Redbull for the highly anticipated third season of BGMS. Having such notable partners whose vision for the growth and development of competitive gaming in India mirrors our own, is a tremendous asset. Their involvement not just highlights the emergence of esports as a mainstream sport but also the massive potential of youth engagement in this field. Together, we are confident in our ability to provide the necessary resources and visibility required to nurture and promote esports talent nationwide,” stated Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director, NODWIN® Gaming.

The opening weekend of Android BGMS Season 3 was a resounding success, recording peak concurrent viewership exceeding 140,000 on digital platforms. The tournament commenced with a three-day Opener Week, where all 24 teams—20 invited and 4 qualified— were in action at the Android Arena in Chhatarpur, New Delhi.

The top 18 teams led by table toppers Team 8Bit, and consistent performers OneBlade, IQOO Soul and Team X Spark  progressed to the League Week. They were joined by  Team Z and Godlike Esports who were selected through audience voting from the bottom six. Meanwhile, Team Limra, Gujarat Tigers, Viking Esports and FS Esports were eliminated from the competition.

During the League Week from July 22 to August 4, the 20 teams will compete in the Survival Week and Domination League stages. The top 4 teams will secure direct qualification for the Finals, while the remaining 16 teams will participate in the playoffs scheduled for August 6 and 7. In the grand finale from August 9 to August 11, the top 12 teams from the Playoffs, along with the 4 best teams from the League Week, will compete to fight for the BGMS Season 3 title.



NODWIN Gaming ropes in Android as title partner for BGMS Season 3

Godrej Consumer's advertising investment surged by 47% to Rs 1,011 crore in FY24 in the domestic market, the company's annual report mentioned. 

The FMCG major reduced its stock keeping unit (SKUs) by around 30% via a rationalization process. According to the company, Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL) is spending more on brands, automation, and SKU rationalization for double-digit growth.

The company's "advertising and publicity" spending was Rs 1,011 crore in FY2024--47% higher than Rs 687.34 crore in FY 2023.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/godrej-capital-partners-with-platinum-outdoor-for-multicity-ooh-campaign-35123.htm">Godrej Capital partners with Platinum Outdoor for multicity OOH campaign</a>


The owner of brands like Cinthol, Godrej No 1, Good Knight, said,"In India, we are now spending over Rs 1,000 crore in advertising from Rs 350-400 crore a few years ago. We realized that our categories were being run differently across the world, advertising agencies were different, and production was being done differently".

GCPL's consolidated spending on advertisement stood at Rs 1,336.12 crore including in foreign markets like the US, Africa, and Indonesia.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/tanya-dubash-to-lead-the-godrej-industries-groups-brand-management-32559.htm">Tanya Dubash to lead the Godrej Industries Group’s brand management</a>

Raymond Consumer Care, which it acquired in April last year from the SInghania family has reduced 550 SKUs to just 100.

According to the company, "While new brand development remains pivotal for value creation, we plan to phase out smaller brands where it aligns with our broader value realization strategy".

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