MxMIndia

Author: mxmadmin

  • Maybe there is some merit in thinking collective approach and addressing the problem, writes Sanjeev Kotnala

    Sanjeev Kotnala: OTP Frauds – Banks should consider collective action

    Sanjeev KotnalaBy Sanjeev Kotnala

     

    OTP, short for One Time Password, is equally an advantage and a possible threat. Not a single day passes without a report of some or the other person being duped through digital payments, and where OTP is an essential part of the trail. No one wants to be a victim; however, the possibilities exist every time they interact and transact.

     

    Jamtara – Sabka Number Ayega on Netflix was an eyeopener for most banking and credit card users. However, its impact on controlling or reducing potential fraud was and is limiting.

     

    People are aware of the need not to share OTP and know how they can be trapped and lose money. Banks – including the central; bank- RBI has been relentlessly communicating and warning every account holder and digital wallet holder of the possibilities.

     

     

    The mail inbox is full of emailers from banks, and the SMS (now even WhatsApp) has the relevant warning flashing from time to time.

     

    So, what is happening? And some simple possibilities come to mind.

     

    Maybe we are not reaching the most venerable potential victims through our media choices.

     

    Maybe, people have become somewhat complacent knowing that they can and, in the case of credit cards, a bit protected against their own mistakes.

     

    Maybe the OTP is so much of an everyday process that it is shared between family members.

     

    Maybe the communication is not crafted well enough for the most venerable potential victims to understand.

     

    Maybe the fraudsters are always a step ahead of the banks and regulatory bodies.

     

    Maybe the communication by individual banks is defined by their own understanding, and the consumer gets too many different signals.

     

    Maybe at this stage of fragmented media- rising media cost and shortened attention span- the brands in digital payments and netbanking need to look at the situation afresh.

     

    Maybe it is time for a collective collaborative combined effort from the banks and digital wallets. Which can give them the advantage of a concentrated, focused media approach.

     

    As a brand collective, it will fuel safe usage, and the brands can fight the market war on functional benefits.

     

    Maybe it will help reduce the liability of banks for such frauds.

     

    Maybe it is an impractical wish in these competitive times. Perhaps someone will take the initiative and see merit in it.

     

    In the past, the Sunday Ya Monday, Roz Khaao Andey did tge magic. Motorola led the communication with multiple pager service providers and was hugely successful. Maybe there is some merit in thinking collective approach and addressing the problem. It will not solve it; however, it may help reduce the same.

     

  • Our offices are closed on Monday, August 16 on account of Independence Day

    Happy I-Day. See you on Aug 16

    By Our Staff

     

    Our offices are closed on Monday, August 15, as it’s Independence Day. Hence, there will be no scheduled update or newsletter on that day.

     

    We wish our readers a very Happy Independence Day.

     

    We will be back on Tuesday, August 16. See you then.

     

  • Appoints Ashish Tiwari as CMO

    Home Credit India strengthens leadership board

    By Our Staff

     

    With the continued focus on omnichannel marketing led by a digital-first approach, Home Credit India, a local arm of the international consumer finance provider, has appointed Ashish Tiwari as its Chief Marketing Officer (CMO).

     

    Tiwari’s previous role was as Chief Marketing and Digital officer with the Indian arm of Italian Insurance giant Generali, where he was leading the brand, engagement, PR and digital for the company.

     

    Said Ondrej Kubik, Chief Executive Officer, Home Credit India: “We are delighted to have a dynamic leader like Ashish joining Home Credit India. With business objectives and consumer marketing being redrawn, Ashish, having successfully led digital transformation projects, with rich marketing & diverse industries experience, makes him the right choice for fulfilling Home Credit India’s new approach. I welcome him again and with him onboard, I am sure we will be able to redefine Home Credit brand connect with consumers in the endeavour to fulfill aspirations.”

     

  • To create content for brands and audiences across platforms

    Titus Upputuru floats own company

    By Our Staff

     

    Writer, Director, Lyricist, ex-Taproot Dentsu NCD, Titus Upputuru launched his own advertising and films firm – The Titus Upputuru Company, with a campaign establishing the new identity.

     

    Speaking on the occasion, he said: “I have been in this industry for 25 years now. I thought a silver jubilee is perfect time for me to launch this company. I thank god for every milestone, for every moment during this incredible journey. I am ever so grateful. Its time now to look ahead and I am so excited about this brand new journey. In my career, I have been always interested in the craft of writing, art direction, design, and photography. Over the last decade or so, I have also had the opportunity to direct ad films and short films for brands. I wanted to combine these skill sets and offer the last mile in execution too, because execution is what audience ultimately sees. We all know that video sits right on top of the marketing tools that marketers are using today across the world. So, along with brand strategy and static creative solutions across mediums and platforms, we will offer our expertise in video too.”

     

  • Slashes prices of key products to draw customers for chemical-free food

    The Organic World launches marketing campaign

    By Our Staff

     

    Bengaluru-based The Organic World (TOW), organic and natural groceries retailer, has launched a marketing campaign – #TheBigSwitch – to urge consumers to make clean, chemical-free food and lifestyle choices. As part of the campaign, TOW has slashed the prices of key groceries including organic fruits and vegetables.

     

    Commenting on #TheBigSwitch campaign, Karthik Subramaniam, COO, The Organic World, said: “At The Organic World, it has been our constant endeavour to make our range of ‘better choices’ available to the widest market possible. Organic produce has been traditionally always priced higher than conventional produce. This is primarily due to the quality of inputs required for good organic produce – right from the quality of ingredients to the manufacturing processes. However, this premium comes down as more players enter production and retailing, making the industry more organized. With #TheBig Switch, campaign, our goal is to make sure that chemical-free groceries are now available at just a few rupees more, thereby encouraging and empowering more consumers to make better choices.”

     

  • To connect with the GenNext

    Bhutani builders partner with chartbuster ‘Casanova’

    By Our Staff

     

    Bhutani Group real estate builders and developers has announced its association with the song Casanova featuring Lil Pump, YoYo Honey Singh and DJ Shadow Dubai. The announcement to this effect was made at the launch of the song at Dubai Festival City. Produced by filmmaker, Gaurang Doshi, along with co-producer entrepreneur Rocky Khan, Casanova is trending on all music and social media platforms.

     

    Speaking at the launch, co-producer Rocky Khan said: “We have an extensive partnership/ collaboration with Bhutani Group as they are one of the fastest growing organisations. Having Bhutani Group on board as brand partner is like a dream come true. The commitment of Bhutani Group towards its customers is truly commendable.”

     

    Added Ashish Bhutani, Chief Executive Officer, Bhutani Group: “We are proud to be associated with Casanova that has become an overnight sensation among the youth. This association has helped us connecting better with the GenNext, a segment that’s rapidly gaining purchasing power in real estate sector. The new millennial looks for commercial and business hubs equipped with all the latest amenities and we are committed to deliver the best-in-class commercial real estate projects.”

     

  • 'Shuddhta ki salaami' film celebrates India's 75 years of Independence

    MMTC-PAMP ropes in Vinay Pathak for campaign

    By Our Staff

     

    Paying homage to 75 years of Indian Independence, MMTC-PAMP, India’s gold and silver refinery accredited as ‘Good Delivery’ by the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA), released a film starring Vinay Pathak titled ‘Shuddhta ki Salaami’.

     

    Speaking on the campaign and coins, Amul Saha, Chief Digital Officer, said: “We at MMTC-PAMP honour our nation’s legacy, culture and heritage and strive to offer the most culturally relevant products to our consumers. These 75th Independence Day Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav coins are crafted to the highest standards of craftsmanship to celebrate the incredible story of India and embrace the spirit of Azadi. The film also seeks to carry the same message forward.”

     

    Added Swati Balani, ECD, AutumnGrey, Bangalore: “India is a proud nation. When a young Indian boy wins gold for India in the Olympics, we all celebrate. When India reaches the moon, every home talks about it. These achievements are ingrained in every Indian’s mind. In this thought-provoking piece of poetry, we highlight India’s momentous occasions, past and present, and give people a chance to own a piece of history with MMTC-PAMP’s limited edition Independence Day minted coins.”

     

  • As their exclusive digital storage partner

    Western Digital partners with Alia Bhatt film ‘Darlings’

    By Our Staff

     

    Western Digital, a hard disk drive manufacturer and data storage company, has partnered with the film ‘Darlings’ as their exclusive digital storage partner. The film stars Alia Bhatt, Shefali Shah, Vijay Varma and Roshan Matthew, and is streaming on Netflix.

     

    Said Gaurav Verma, Producer and COO, Red Chillies Entertainment: “As content producers, we know how important it is to find a safe and convenient way to store all the content related to a film. With Western Digital’s SanDisk® and SanDisk Professional line of products on board, all our data storage needs were handled seamlessly, and we are glad to have partnered with them on Darlings.”

     

    Added Jaganathan Chelliah, Senior Director, Marketing, India Middle East and TIA, Western Digital: “Content consumers and creators alike want innovative storage solutions that are easy to use and are the right fit for their digital lifestyles. This DVC ties in with the film, Darlings, and highlights the increasing use of smartphones for content creation and the need for a device that can transfer the content easily and conveniently between different devices. This is something that SanDisk dual drives are perfect for.”

     

     

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  • Targets women consumers in Tier 2 towns

    Flipkart’s Shopsy launches new TVC campaign

    By Our Staff

     

    Shopsy, a subsidiary of e-commerce platform Flipkart, has launched its latest TVC campaign, ‘Aaj Shopsy Kiya Kya?’ with Sara Ali Khan. The campaign highlights Shopsy’s unique value proposition of affordability and availability spanning a wide selection of products depicted through its catchphrase ‘Har Din Aisa Sale Jaisa’. The campaign aims to reach women consumers specifically in Tier 2 and smaller towns.

     

    Talking about the campaign, Adarsh Menon, Senior Vice President & Head – New Businesses, Flipkart, said: “At Shopsy, we are committed to offering a value-based and convenient shopping experience to our consumers by leveraging our deep understanding of their needs. As the campaign title ‘Aaj Shopsy Kiya Kiya?’ suggests, we are looking to develop a habit among consumers to visit Shopsy every day, offering them an opportunity to avail of the exciting deals and offers we have on the platform. A large number of buyers in the country await sale seasons to fulfil their shopping needs. To address this gap, we conceptualised our new campaign that reinforces Shopsy as a one-stop destination for consumers who are looking for a reliable and budget-friendly platform to shop from.”

     

  • It's good to have Bhaskarda back, though we got some really rave reviews for the Best of DKD~~ we carried Tuesday through Thursday. This was a question we couldn't have not asked our Wizard with Words. So here goes: the August 12 edition of Das ka Dum with Dr Bhaskar Das. Read on…

    Das ka Dum with Dr Bhaskar Das | Your thoughts for August 15 as India celebrates 75 years of Independence. A one thing that you think stands out in these 75 years…

    Bhaskar DasIt’s good to have Bhaskarda back, though we got some really rave reviews for the Best of DKD~~ we carried Tuesday through Thursday. This was a question we couldn’t have not asked our Wizard with Words. So here goes: the August 12 edition of Das ka Dum with Dr Bhaskar Das. Read on…

     

    If you wish to access the archives, please go to the Das Ka Dum tab on the website’s top navigation bar.

     

    Q. Your thoughts for August 15 as India celebrates 75 years of Independence. A one thing that you think stands out in these 75 years…

     

    A. A 75-year celebration is a huge achievement when it comes to nation-building after a traumatic domination of 200-plus years. We have achieved many milestones and sub-optimally performed in some other areas too. But net-net we have progressed significantly since independence. It happened in front of our eyes who are baby boomers and Gen-X now.

     

    It’s a challenge to pick that one thing from amongst many. Yet I feel where we have performed very well is: emergence and recognition of India for its globally competitive soft power, including science and technology.

     

  • People have starved, they have walked for miles without sustenance and where is the brave media, asks Ranjona Banerji

    Poverty, PM & Pretend Journalism

     

     

    By Ranjona Banerji

     

    Ranjona BanerjiSome problems are key to most Indians right now.

    Foremost amongst these is inflation and the high cost of living.

    Recent videos have emerged of people going to ration shops to collect the grains and sugar due to them and being told that they will not get what is rightfully owed to them unless they spend Rs 20 on the Indian national flag. Most of these people say they have come with a little money – maybe Rs 100 – and thus this expenditure of Rs 20 is very high for them.

    I can guarantee you that 10 years ago, this would have been major news and would have dominated every news channel and outlet.

    I send you back, if you can remember that far back, to 2011 when Montek Singh Ahluwalia of the erstwhile Planning Commission, said that Rs 32 a day was a reasonable limit for the poverty line in India. He was roasted for this amount. Journalists tried to live on that amount. Others went around shops trying to glean how much one needed to survive and more. Anger and some investigative work.

    Sharad Pawar, as Union agriculture minister also faced media anger and heat when he said that South India was eating too much wheat and thus chasing wheat prices up.

    The late Shivraj Patil resigned as Union Home Minister after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. One of the major media criticisms against him was that he changed his clothes three times in one day.

    Look around you today.

    People have starved. They have walked for miles without sustenance only to be doused with bleach. They have died in massive numbers from a pandemic badly managed. They have to choose between food and a flag because of vanity and symbolism.

    And where is the brave media?

    Is it bothered about the Prime Minister equating wearing black to protest against rising prices to black magic practices against him?

    Imagine the extent of the fear where the sheer malevolent absurdity of such a statement cannot be challenged by the television media? A media which is ready to ridicule just about every opposition leader, every human rights activist, every artist and artiste who speaks up for the downtrodden, or against abuse or in favour of democracy.

    A TV anchor from one of these “all hail the government” channels was heckled by a crowd. Every similar TV anchor, who has remained silent when journalists have been killed, attacked, jailed without cause for actually doing journalism, has been frothing at the mouth in defence of their fellow anchor. Kudos to them for actually finding it within them to stand with one of their own. What they need to do now is just rebrand themselves as “TV anchors” and disassociate themselves from journalism. They have not practised it for ages and they have not stood with us when we have been attacked by their precious government. Those other anchors who feel they might be helped by them in the future, forget it. This so-called concern must have followed a government diktat.

     

    But when it comes to pretend journalism, what have we got?

    Attacking Nitish Kumar for ditching the BJP in Bihar. He has not been praised for “Chanakya Niti” or embraced as a hero like Eknath Shinde who broke the Maharashtra government to shift the Shiv Sena to the BJP. Heroes and villains are clearly marked. Hero = Pro BJP. Villain = Anyone who is not.

    If Nitish Kumar flips again, he will be welcomed as a returning hero.

    The black magic comment has been turned against the Opposition parties, because when the PM says something, it must be true.

    Black Magic I know as a chocolate brand.

    Not as government policy. But I do not obviously work in television.

    As for the starving poor, well. To quote the defenders of demonetisation, who were not questioned by our dear anchors, there will always be poor people in India who will suffer. Don’t waste time talking about them.

     

    Ranjona Banerji is a senior journalist and commentator. She writes on MxMIndia on Tuesdays and Fridays. Her views here are personal

     

  • So perhaps marketing was an incorrect word to use. Mobilisation would've been more appropriate. Be that as it may, here's the August 16 edition of Das ka Dum with Dr Bhaskar Das. Read on…

    Das ka Dum with Dr Bhaskar Das | Har Ghar Tiranga is being hailed as a hugely successful marketing drive by the government. Your view?

    Bhaskar DasSo perhaps marketing was an incorrect word to use. Mobilisation would’ve been more appropriate. Be that as it may, here’s the August 16 edition of Das ka Dum with Dr Bhaskar Das. Read on…

     

    If you wish to access the archives, please go to the Das Ka Dum tab on the website’s top navigation bar.

     

    Q.  Har Ghar Tiranga is being hailed as a hugely successful marketing drive by the government. Your view?

     

    A. I would not like to trivialise Har Ghar Tiranga campaign as a marketing campaign. Seventy-five years of freedom is a milestone for a country and it is natural for any government to ignite patriotic sentiments amongst its citizens during such a milestone. If there is a mass participation, it needn’t be construed as a successful marketing campaign, though the viral effect of the occasion might be a dream for any marketer.