DIGITAL ADVERTISING PRACTICES
Stop AI from Eroding Your Brand
Artificial intelligence is changing how companies operate and how customers experience their brands. New research suggests that companies with lower levels of “brand debt”—the trust, relevance, and consistency lost when products, experiences, and decisions drift away from customer expectations—are significantly more likely to outperform their peers. Drawing on a benchmark of 60 companies and lessons from Bose’s digital transformation, the lessons here are that managing brand debt should become an enterprise-wide priority rather than a marketing exercise. As AI increasingly shapes customer interactions, companies that manage brand debt deliberately will be better positioned to strengthen trust, sustain growth, and preserve competitive advantage
US midterm elections 2026: Democrats sweep House and Senate, deal Trump major blow; vow investigations, cost-of-living relief
Democrats have swept both chambers of the US Congress in the 2026 midterm elections, dealing a major blow to Donald Trump and the Republican Party. The victory gives Democrats control over the legislative agenda, powers to investigate the administration and an opportunity to push affordability measures as Republicans face a leadership reckoning.
Brands need to shift to ‘Bharat-first’ strategy as digital usage grows
To effectively connect with rural customers, brands should embrace a 'Bharat-first' advertising philosophy. Digital channels are increasingly shaping the shopping behaviors of younger rural populations, with influencer marketing playing a pivotal role, particularly among female consumers. The integration of AI features alongside social media enhances the flow of product knowledge in these areas.
‘Brands need to be loved by humans and read by agents’: BCG’s Lauren Wiener on AI’s impact on marketing
The growing influence of AI and LLMs on purchase decisions is significant across various consumer touchpoints. Brands are now required to optimize content for both human and AI consumption to compete effectively. Marketing leaders are rethinking traditional media-budget allocation strategies in response to these changes. Personalisation and an integrated approach to agentic marketing are emerging as critical priorities for brands moving forward.
Eternal’s Q2 profit rises; SBI flags customer data leak
Eternal’s Q2 profit has surged, with Blinkit contributing significantly to the growth. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
Who is Ilhan Omar’s husband Tim Mynett? What to know about his political career and past as federal agents search her home
Ilhan Omar’s home was searched by federal agents as part of a criminal investigation, renewing attention on her husband, Tim Mynett. Mynett is a political consultant who worked on the congresswoman's campaign. Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar married Tim Mynett in March 2020. She was previously married to Ahmed Hirsi, with whom she shares three children
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A simple accounting trick used by companies to manipulate net profit and take investors for a ride
A company may report profits for years, only to reveal later that some figures were wrong. Accounting rules require companies to correct mistakes from earlier years, but how they do so can change the picture of their profitability. Sometimes, old losses are recorded years later or kept outside regular profits. Therefore it becomes imperative for investors to understand how past accounting errors are corrected, how the process can be misused, and what they should watch for.
From $250,000 in two months to $12 million a month: How Dylan Jacob built BrüMate
Dylan Jacob’s beer kept getting warm before he could finish it. Eventually, the irritation sent him looking for something that would keep a 16-ounce can cold. An hour of searching online left him dissatisfied. It also gave him an idea.
Your car knows where you go. Insurers, lenders and automakers want to know too
Connected cars continuously generate data regarding various attributes like location, driving patterns, and vehicle diagnostics. This data collection offers manufacturers and service providers insights to enhance their offerings. Diverse stakeholders can leverage this information, including insurers and fleet managers, to better assess risks and operational efficiencies. However, concerns about data privacy and user consent complicate the monetization landscape.
PB Fintech shares crash 50% from peak, fall below 2021 IPO price. More downside coming?
PB Fintech shares plunged 50% from their all-time high to drop below the 2021 IPO price of Rs 980. The sharp six-day selloff follows proposed IRDAI regulatory curbs on insurance distribution, prompting brokerages like Bernstein and Jefferies to cut target prices amid earnings pressure concerns.
Bernstein cuts PB Fintech share price target by 53%. More pressure after Rs 37,000 m-cap rout?
PB Fintech shares have plunged 42% in four sessions, wiping out Rs 37,000 crore in market value, following IRDAI’s proposed reforms to curb dark patterns and rationalise insurance commissions. Bernstein, Jefferies and Morgan Stanley have flagged potential pressure on earnings, distribution economics and valuations, with brokerages highlighting risks to health insurance and the POSP business amid regulatory uncertainty.
India’s Decisive Decade: 7 Business trends every CEO should watch
India's business landscape is changing quickly, with AI, manufacturing, services, cybersecurity and new markets creating fresh opportunities as well as new challenges for business leaders. Here are 7 business trends that every leader should keep a tab on!
Lessons from Chinese AI Firms on Owning Customers’ Habits
As U.S. AI firms compete in an escalating race for superior models, bigger benchmarks, and more advanced features, Chinese companies are pursuing a fundamentally different strategy: embedding AI into users’ everyday habits. The authors argue that this “habit moat” approach may prove more durable than competing on raw capability alone. Whereas Western firms position AI as a destination consumers consciously visit, companies like Alibaba integrate AI into existing routines such as shopping, payments, food delivery, and travel booking, reducing friction until using AI becomes automatic behavior. Once AI capabilities become “good enough,” marginal technical improvements matter less than becoming the default path through recurring customer tasks. The authors outline four strategic imperatives for Western leaders: focus on behavioral cues rather than feature gaps, subsidize customer behavior instead of subscriptions, embed AI invisibly into existing workflows, and optimize for repeat usage rather than first-time adoption. The central warning is stark: AI may not replace employees first—it may instead capture the critical customer moments businesses currently own.
IT firms cut H-1B reliance; Anthropic flags AI risks in IPO filing
Top Indian IT firms have sharply cut H-1B visa filings as rules tighten. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
India's TV industry urges I&B Ministry to restore BARC ratings immediately, Kevin Vaz says
Kevin Vaz emphasized the importance of restoring BARC audience ratings to ensure stability in the broadcasting sector. He noted the vital role of reliable measurement during the festive season for campaign planning. Vaz highlighted the growth of India's media and entertainment industry, particularly in the digital segment and live events. He pointed out emerging opportunities in content commerce and new formats like micro-dramas.
PB Fintech shares suffer Rs 37,000 crore shock in 4 days but Jefferies, Bernstein see up to 100% upside
PB Fintech shares have plunged 42% in four sessions, wiping out Rs 37,000 crore in market value after IRDAI proposed reforms targeting insurance distribution and dark patterns. While Jefferies cut its target to Rs 1,540, Bernstein retained an Outperform rating with a Rs 2,310 target, implying 100% upside.
AI agents take over online shopping: Ecommerce firms rethink pricing, verification
India’s ecommerce and digital platforms are preparing for a surge in personal AI agents that could increasingly make shopping decisions and transactions for consumers, forcing companies to rethink pricing, customer engagement and bot verification.
PB Fintech: A record debut in 2021, a record ₹31,400 crore wipeout & now the biggest storm the Gurugram co can face
PB Fintech came under heavy selling pressure after IRDAI proposed changes to insurance commissions and distribution economics. PB Fintech shares plunged 36% on Thursday, wiping out more than ₹31,400 crore in market value, and remained volatile on Friday.
PB Fintech shares slip another 5% after massive 36% crash on Thursday. What are Jefferies, others saying?
PB Fintech share price: PB Fintech shares plunged 36% in the previous session following IRDAI’s proposal to curb ‘dark patterns’ on insurance websites. The proposed rules could also pressure insurance stocks by limiting insurers’ Expense of Management (EoM), potentially reducing spending on commissions and distribution while raising customer acquisition costs.
Sebi board meeting: PMS rules overhaul, FPI commodity trades among key decisions to watch out
Sebi's upcoming board meeting aims to discuss significant changes to portfolio management services and settlement regulations. Proposed revisions could allow discretionary portfolio managers to make new types of investments, including overseas assets. The meeting is expected to review widening the accredited investor framework to increase market participation. Another key focus is enhancing foreign portfolio investor access in commodity derivatives to improve liquidity.
US midterm elections 2026: Traditional TV ads may be over, TikTok and podcasts are changing political campaigns
Political strategists predict that by 2028, artificial intelligence will revolutionize campaign operations, allowing for hyper-targeted messaging tailored to individual voters through advanced data analytics. While AI's benefits include rapid fact-checking, it raises significant concerns, particularly regarding deep fakes and misleading political ads. The emergence of AI-driven ads in various races signals a shift in the political landscape, prompting vital discussions about the ethical ramifications of this technology.
Horoscope Today, September 22, 2026: Parsva Ekadashi Brings a Day of Discipline as Money, Career and Long-Term Security Take Focus
According to the traditional Vedic astrological interpretation for Tuesday, September 22, 2026, the day carries a meaningful progression from commitment, integrity, responsibility, perseverance, and long-term achievement toward listening, learning, observation, communication, and the ability to make wiser decisions through greater understanding. The Moon begins the day under Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra before moving into Shravana Nakshatra, while continuing its journey through Capricorn (Makar Rashi). Nearby Delhi-region Panchang calculations place Uttara Ashadha's conclusion shortly after sunrise, making Shravana the dominant Nakshatra for most of the day. Astrologer Sandeep Agarwal, Founder & CEO of Meditate Wisdom, explains how today's horoscope can help every zodiac sign make confident choices in career, love, money, health, and personal growth.
Where to find pre-approved used car loans online without hidden fees
Streamlined used-car platforms are revolutionizing the buying experience by presenting pre-approved loan options with transparent charges. Unlike traditional banks that may provide attractive rates, they often require lengthy paperwork. It’s essential for buyers to evaluate interest rates and associated costs prior to financing. Financing eligibility is determined by credit scores, income verification, and current debt levels. Services like Cars24 simplify vehicle purchases by incorporating financing directly into the process.
AI-to-AI communication could change how ads are bought and sold: Report
Artificial intelligence could change the way advertisements are bought and sold by enabling automated communication between systems, reducing manual coordination across the fragmented advertising ecosystem, according to a report by ADvendio, an advertising technology company.
German court rules Meta liable for fake ads on Instagram, Facebook
A German court has ruled that Meta is liable for fake advertisements posted by third parties on its Instagram and Facebook platforms, and ordered the U.S. tech giant to remove such
Google India, JioStar bring AI-powered Search into prime-time fiction
Google India and JioStar have partnered to bring Google Search’s AI Mode into popular Hindi TV shows Anupama and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. The campaign will use show characters and storylines to demonstrate how conversational AI can help with everyday tasks such as managing household budgets, career decisions and children’s education.
ETtech Explainer: What changes for Amazon, Flipkart, & consumers with the new ecommerce rules?
With an aim to strengthen consumer protection while creating a “transparent and balanced regulatory framework” for ecommerce, the government on September 10 announced change how ecommerce companies such as Amazon and Flipkart market product discounts, though the implementation schedule means that no changes will be introduced in the mega sales for the upcoming festive season this year.
Dark patterns under scrutiny: Why digital trust must be designed into consumer journeys
India’s regulatory direction is becoming clearer: consumer choice should be genuine, consent should be affirmative, and important information should be easy to understand before a decision is made.
Business outlook 2027: 7 growth opportunities Indian CXOs should watch
India is entering 2027 with growth opportunities spread across manufacturing, technology, exports, infrastructure, and emerging consumer markets. The companies that identify these shifts early could be better placed to capture the next phase of expansion.
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