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Saturday, April 27, 2024

Brandma

Ash Ketchum has finally won a Pokémon League. But he has always been a winner

For young kids watching Pokémon, Ash was nothing less than a role model. He cried, threw tantrums, felt dejected and lost a lot. But he stood by his principles, no matter what.

Cartoon Network turns 30 and millennials are nostalgic, feeling older than ever

Launched in India on 1 May, 1995, Cartoon Network offered a bedrock for animated content to the cable TV watching generation, aka the millennials.

‘Femina’, ‘Meri Saheli’ or ‘Grihshobha’ — women’s magazines are the original ‘influencers’

These magazines often drew readers into the nitty-gritty of running a household, while also allowing women some much-needed downtime.

Nirodh – cheap condoms that led India’s family planning project but undone by lousy branding

Nirodh might not be a popular choice, but India’s first govt-owned condom brand has a zany history consisting of terrible branding and marketing blunders.

Nirula’s — Dates to birthday parties, Delhi’s favourite restaurant is a place of many ‘firsts’

From burgers to a whopping 21 flavours of ice creams, Nirula’s was the first to the wonders of American fast food. But, with the entry of MNCs McDonald’s and KFC, its shine began to dim.

Vicco — brand that made Ayurveda mainstream with its ‘nahi cosmetic’ jingle

The company was founded by Keshav Vishnu Phendharkar in 1952 as Vishnu Industrial Chemical Company to make products that were free of chemicals.

Viva – India’s first girl group that sang feminist anthems in the early 2000s

At the dawn of a new century, India had an all-girl band whose members were outspoken, didn't shy away from risque fashion and were unapologetic about their behaviour.

Tango, raspberry, lemonade — Duke’s fizzy, sweet drinks that were part of Sunday family rituals

The soft drink company was established in 1889 by Dinshwaji Cooverji Pandole, who died last week. He came up with the idea of starting the firm during one of his tours to England.

‘Kya aapke toothpaste mein namak hai?’ — Colgate ad that gave one of the most recalled taglines

The advertisement, which came out in early 2010, shows actor Lara Dutta playing the role of a cashier at a grocery store and Sahil Anand as a customer who suffers a toothache.

Favre-Leuba — ‘first’ Swiss watches to hit Indian market ran out of time in smartphone era

The Swiss heritage watch brand Favre-Leuba performed well during the 70s and 80s after which it disappeared from the market. It was then acquired by the Titan Company in 2011.

On Camera

Indira, Manmohan, Modi, all raised income inequality. Until Hindu fears took the driving seat

The issue of inequality has assumed the blazing limelight at a time when inequality in India is said to be higher than it was in the British Raj. It's a ripe situation for half-truths and incendiary statements.

Foreign policy resonating among more Indians in 2nd & 3rd tier towns of India, says EAM Jaishankar

Speaking at launch of economist Surjit Bhalla’s book, S Jaishankar also highlights Gen Z’s engagement with ‘reel culture’, which has 'promoted awareness, created interest in many subjects'.

Germany removes restrictions, India can now buy small arms from its firms

Germany’s erstwhile Christian Democratic Union govt, led by Angela Merkel, prevented sale of small arms to police forces in states they perceived had ‘bad human rights record’.

Frontrunner is letting the challenger define this poll campaign. Modi still hasn’t found a big theme

A theme has not yet emerged for BJP & people see lack of a contest, which makes it unexciting. For all these reasons, 2024 is turning out to be an unexpectedly theme-less election.