SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS
Pawan Kalyan’s heartfelt gesture towards an old lady who prayed for his success inspires netizens
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan shared an emotional lunch with an elderly supporter, Pothula Perantalu, honoring her devotion after she fulfilled a vow made during his election. He also addressed national security, sternly warning against irresponsible online statements following Operation Sindoor. Kalyan balanced compassion with conviction, honoring devotion and duty, while also focusing on his upcoming film projects.
The tech guys are fighting. Literally.
At ETHDenver, an annual cryptocurrency conference, crypto investor Andrew Batey stepped out of the boardroom and into the ring, fighting fellow entrepreneur Chauncey St. John in a live-streamed Influencer Fight Club match. Reflecting tech’s growing obsession with martial arts, the scrappy bout highlighted a cultural shift among wealthy tech elites chasing masculinity and spectacle.
Was Robert Prevost elected Pope because he’s American? Trump thinks so, but the Vatican disagrees
Robert Prevost has become the first American pope in history. But was his nationality a key factor in his election as Pope Leo XIV? Here's what the Vatican says, and how Trump’s AI pope meme reignited the debate
Pakistan's lies & the real truth: Here's what you need to know
Press Information Bureau (PIB) has exposed fake news from Pakistan. This followed India's strikes under 'Operation Sindoor'. Pakistan spread false claims online. These included attacks on Amritsar and downed jets. PIB has urged people to trust official Indian sources. Some Pakistani officials also shared fake news. One minister retracted his claim later. The false information included old videos and images.
Sara Tendulkar said no to Bollywood but chose this more meaningful career instead. ‘Acting is not for me’
Sara Tendulkar, daughter of cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, has clarified that she has no interest in pursuing a Bollywood career. In an interview with Vogue India, she explained that acting triggers anxiety and doesn't align with her introverted nature. Instead, she focuses on her role at the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation and her background in biomedical science and public health. Sara also opened up about her struggles with PCOS, social media pressure, and the importance of staying authentic in the public eye.
From Trendsetters to Changemakers: Gen Z shopping carts take a green turn
Gen Z in India now drives change, not just follows trends. They prioritize environmental and social causes in their purchases. Many are ready to pay extra for eco-friendly items. They actively back brands aligned with their values. While deal-conscious, they balance cost with ethical considerations. Online platforms boost green choices. Brands must embrace sustainability to connect with this influential group.
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Gen Z is ditching the stars for real, relatable brand endorsements
The ET Snapchat Gen Z Index Q1 report reveals a significant shift in Gen Z's perception of influence, prioritizing authenticity over celebrity status. Young consumers now trust influencers who share honest, personal experiences, with 80% valuing recommendations from those presenting real content. This trend signals a move away from glamour marketing towards relatable, transparent brand communication.
Mind-Reading Gen Z: ET Snapchat Gen Z Index is the ultimate guide to understanding India’s largest demographic
The Economic Times, in collaboration with Snapchat and Kantar, introduces India's first Gen Z Index, revealing that brands must adapt to resonate with this influential demographic. Gen Z favors Indian-origin brands, eco-friendly products, and emerging technologies like AI and AR. Unlike millennials, they show less interest in luxury brands and social media influencers, preferring authenticity and purpose-driven engagement.
Shah Rukh Khan faces awkward moment at Met Gala 2025: What happened when foreign press failed to recognize him?
Shah Rukh Khan made history as the first Indian male actor to attend the Met Gala 2025, but an unexpected moment unfolded when the international media failed to recognize him. In a viral video, SRK had to introduce himself to a journalist, saying, “Hi, I’m Shah Rukh.” The incident sparked backlash from his fans, who expressed disbelief that such a global icon could be overlooked. Despite the awkward encounter, SRK maintained his trademark humility and charm, discussing his Met Gala experience and his outfit by designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee with grace.
Met Gala 2025: Diljit Dosanjh debuts with sword in hand, draped in royal outfit as he walks the carpet like a king
Diljit Dosanjh made a memorable debut at the Met Gala 2025, wearing a custom white Sikh royal ensemble by designer Prabal Gurung. His look, complete with a turban and ceremonial sword, paid tribute to his Punjabi heritage while aligning with the event’s menswear-focused theme. The singer created buzz online with a humorous video ahead of the gala and received widespread praise for his regal appearance.
Parliamentary panel seeks details of action planned against social media platforms 'working against national interest'
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, a parliamentary panel is demanding information from the Information and Broadcasting and Electronics and Information Technology ministries regarding planned actions against social media platforms and influencers. The committee suspects some entities are acting against national interests and inciting violence. Details on potential bans under the IT Act and related rules are requested by May 8.
Supreme Court summons Samay Raina, others over alleged mockery of disabled; may set social media norms
The Supreme Court has directed social media influencers, including Samay Raina, to appear in court following allegations of mocking disabled individuals and those with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. The court expressed concern over the derogatory content, emphasizing that freedom of speech does not justify demeaning vulnerable groups.
Is the 'Scandinavian scarf' just the Indian 'dupatta' in disguise? The latest fashion appropriation after Bandhani and Pashmina
A viral trend has rebranded the Indian dupatta as a "Scandinavian scarf," sparking outrage over cultural erasure. Once a symbol of heritage, the dupatta now faces the same fate as pashmina and bandana—exoticized, renamed, and stripped of meaning. As fashion feeds on aesthetics, this story questions: who gets to wear tradition, and who gets forgotten in the process?
SC gets tough on Samay Raina, other influencers for mocking rare disorder, seeks their presence in court
The Supreme Court has summoned five social media influencers, including comedian Samay Raina, following accusations of mocking individuals with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). The court, responding to a petition by Cure SMA Foundation of India, emphasized that freedom of speech is not absolute and such mockery is demoralizing. The Attorney General has been asked to assist in the case.
Penny stocks mint 12 multibaggers even in 2025's wild swings. Are they safe bets in the current market?
Despite market volatility in 2025, some penny stocks in India have delivered substantial returns, with names like Srichakra Cement and Omansh Enterprises soaring. However, experts caution against the high risks associated with these stocks, citing weak financials and poor liquidity. They advise investors to focus on fundamentally strong companies instead of chasing speculative rallies.
Zoho's Sridhar Vembu warns we are losing soul to class obsession: 'Envying neighbour's Europe vacation but ignoring a struggling relative'
Sridhar Vembu recently critiqued the societal impact of relentless economic rivalry, highlighting its role in diminishing empathy and social cohesion. He observed that increased social stratification, driven by economic status, leads to isolation and a focus on material competition.
TRF modus operandi part of NIA's Pahalgam probe
The National Investigation Agency is probing the Pahalgam terror attack. Focus is on The Resistance Force's withdrawn claim. Investigators are examining TRF's methods, including recording attacks. TRF previously claimed responsibility for the 2023 Anantnag encounter. Pakistan influenced the UNSC to omit TRF's name from a statement. Pakistan considers TRF a local forum, not a terror group.
AI adoption can boost revenue by 10%, cut costs by 15% for media industry: EY
An EY report highlights that AI adoption can significantly aid media and entertainment companies. AI is projected to increase revenues by 10% and reduce costs by 15%. India, with its talent pool and AI ecosystem, is positioned to lead this transformation, leveraging AI for content creation, optimisation, and audience engagement.
Food fights & battle reels: The patriotism surge post Pahalgam terror attack
Following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, social media platforms have been flooded with displays of armchair patriotism. Professionals on LinkedIn have pivoted from career advice to war strategies, while foodies are advocating for renaming ingredients to boycott Pakistani associations. This surge of online activism highlights the unexpected ways individuals are expressing their nationalistic sentiments, from office cubicles to kitchen cabinets.
India’s 'orange economy' making waves to trend on your feeds & shopping carts
Creator Economy in India: India is strategically formalizing its creator economy, recognizing its potential as a structured industry. The government is investing heavily through a $1 billion fund and the establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology. These initiatives aim to boost creator skills, improve content quality, and facilitate global market access, envisioning creators as key drivers of economic growth and global influence.
India’s creator economy set to influence $1 trillion in consumer spending by 2030: Report
India’s creator economy is reshaping the digital and consumer space, with creators now influencing over $350 billion in annual spending—a figure expected to cross $1 trillion by 2030, according to a Boston Consulting Group (BCG) report titled ‘From Content to Commerce: Mapping India’s Creator Economy’.
LinkedIn shares advertising revenue with creators in video push
Earlier this year, the career site debuted a full-screen video feed that looks similar to TikTok. LinkedIn users are now watching 36% more video than they did a year ago, the company said. In June, the company rolled out BrandLink, a system that helps businesses place ads next to the video content from news publishers such as Bloomberg, Reuters and the Wall Street Journal, which in turn get a cut of the resulting revenue.
WAVES Summit: How creator economy is gaining clout
India's media and entertainment industry is set for a boost with the WAVES 2025 summit, inaugurated by PM Modi, attracting global participation and a $1 billion fund for the creator economy. The event aims to empower digital content creators through funding, skill development, and global market access.
She felt worthless after losing followers: Influencer Misha Agrawal passed away amid pressure to reach 1 million followers, says sister
Social media influencer Misha Agrawal's tragic suicide, driven by her obsession with Instagram followers, has sparked widespread concern. Her sister revealed Misha's deep depression stemming from declining follower counts, highlighting the immense pressure young people face for online validation.
Misha Agrawal's suicide linked to stress over Instagram follower count, family confirms; Taapsee Pannu says, ‘I feared this day’
Digital influencer Misha Agrawal tragically died by suicide, driven to despair by a declining follower count and the relentless pressure to reach one million followers. Her sister revealed Misha's deep emotional entanglement with social media validation, despite her academic achievements and family's efforts to offer reassurance.
She once solved murders on TV. Now CID actress is helping people buy their dream Dubai home. Who is Shweta Kawaatra?
Shweta Kawaatra, famed for her roles in iconic TV serials, has made a remarkable transition to luxury real estate. She is now actively promoting high-end properties, particularly in Dubai, showcasing her expertise through social media. Partnering with Rishi Bagga, Shweta leverages her on-screen charisma to offer insights into the premium housing market.
US influencer, who once sold fart in jars, is leaving US after breakup with senator boyfriend
The influencer has revealed in an Instagram video that she is looking forward to shifting to the Czech Republic to seek "alternative living options". She shared about facing legal issues with a US senator as they ended their 'online-based relationship'.
Brands play it loud but pay it light, leaving music industry in the red
India's music industry faces significant revenue loss, estimated at ₹8,000-10,000 crore annually, due to copyright infringements in branded content on social media. Corporations often neglect royalty payments to music labels and independent artists for using their music in promotional videos. The misconception that social media content is primarily user-generated further exacerbates the issue, leading brands to overlook licensing requirements.
Singapore orders foreigners' Facebook posts taken down under new election rules
Singapore has ordered Meta to block local access to posts by three foreigners accused of trying to sway the upcoming May 3 election along racial and religious lines. The move, under new social media rules, sparked denials from those involved and raised concerns about foreign interference in domestic politics.
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