Benjamin Junior

More retail giants are eyeing the quick commerce space in India. For instance, Flipkart launched 'Minutes', its quick commerce platform on Tuesday, The Economic Times reports. The service is now live across selected areas in Bengaluru and the company aims to boost its presence throughout the city over the next few weeks, the report says. Flipkart also plans to make nearly 100 dark stores operational across Bengaluru as it gears up for the festive season this year, the report further says. Similarly, Amazon and Jio Mart are also planning to launch their own quick commerce services, according to earlier reports. Rising popularity of rapid delivery systems, especially among younger consumers, is one of the key factors that has led to this trend, says another report by The Economic Times. Moreover, quick commerce accounts for nearly 5-6% of a household's grocery spending, the report adds. Source: https://lnkd.in/gvSKu6cr ✍: Divya Pathak 📷: Getty Images

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Startups in India are actively working to decarbonise EV batteries and make them sustainable, reports Garima Bora for The Economic Times. The production of lithium-ion batteries that powers EVs, account for 40-60% of EV production emissions, McKinsey & Company estimates. Rare earth materials are mined for the production of batteries causing pollution. Moreover, spent lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries are often discarded in landfills, says the report. How are environmentally conscious startups battling this? Nexus Power extracts nanodot proteins from crop residues to power batteries. Cancrie uses coconut shells to produce nanomaterials for batteries, which also works as an alternative to nanocarbons that are often imported from abroad. Metastable Materials use chemical-free technology to extract about 90% of products from the disposed batteries. BatX Energies extract valuable metals like nickel and cobalt from used batteries and produce recyclable objects. The battery recycling market in India is expected to surge from $0.1 billion in FY23 to $1 billion by FY30, says Avendus Capital. Source: The Economic Times - https://lnkd.in/gFyxhrG9 ✍: Novinston Lobo 📷: Getty Images #Sustainability #EVPower

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In today’s News Wrap, we ask: What’s key to building a strong team? Also in the News Wrap: Nine in 10 Indians seek cocktail suggestions from AI, and the media and entertainment sector is set for a growth surge. Thanks to Teja Chekuri for his comments on the alcohol segment, Aman Dhall for his insights on the media and entertainment sector, and Vinet Kuumar for sharing how to build a strong team. #EveningNewsWrap Source: businessline - https://lnkd.in/gdzekFpq Lata Jha - Mint (https://lnkd.in/gEP_hj8K) https://lnkd.in/g75YCHMk https://lnkd.in/gaNYABbH https://lnkd.in/gqQ-SVus ✍ : Novinston Lobo, Rakshit Ravindranathan

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In Meta Connect 2023, Meta introduced Meta AI, its AI-powered chat assistant, initially slated for integration with WhatsApp. In November of the same year, US users gained access, while Indian users awaited availability. Recently, reports emerged that Indian users on X are now accessing the Meta AI chatbot on WhatsApp, suggesting Meta's expansion of the service to other countries. #MetaAI #AIChatbot #TechNews #whatsapp #Meta #ai

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Smaller cities are leading the way when it comes to video commerce, The Economic Times reports, citing data from Flipkart. Consumers in Tier 2 and 3 cities accounted for 65% of all video commerce engagement between May 2023 and June this year. The most in-demand categories were beauty, fashion, personal care, and home furnishings, the data shows. As a shopping format, video is gaining traction, especially among women in Tier 2 and 3 regions, and Gen Z and millennial customers, the report says. In fact, D2C brands, sellers, and farmers are increasingly relying more on video offerings. Reason? Reliability, interactivity, trust, and ease of access. Overall, Indians spent more than two million hours on Flipkart’s video commerce segment, the data shows further. Not only video or online commerce, but the retail sector is booming across India’s smaller cities, according to an earlier report by The Economic Times. The total retail stock in 14 Tier 2 cities crossed 29 million sq.ft. last year, with Lucknow, Jaipur, and Chandigarh taking the lion’s share, says CBRE data. Source: The Economic Times - https://lnkd.in/gE8JunwJ, https://lnkd.in/gRtmNMKT ✍: Abhiraj Ganguli 📷: Getty Images #ECommerce #VideoCommerce #Tier2 #Tier3 #Retail

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In today’s News Wrap, we ask: What are your tips to deal with stress at work? Also in the News Wrap: More Indians take a sip of strong beers, and the sales of luxury products grow significantly. Thanks to Teja Chekuri for his insights on the alcobev sector, Srinivas Seshadri for his comment on luxury market trends, and Hans Mohan for sharing how to handle stress at work. #EveningNewsWrap Source: Sanjana B - businessline (https://lnkd.in/gTwBD-BV) Varuni Khosla - Mint (https://lnkd.in/gS8VrKJj) https://lnkd.in/gaW3PGUK https://lnkd.in/gEN-SJdm https://lnkd.in/g7XQENQx ✍ : Novinston Lobo, Rakshit Ravindranathan

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In today’s News Wrap, we ask: What is your approach to building healthy habits at work? Also in the News Wrap: Hospitality players in the U.S. are wooing Indian tourists, and retail firms in India are bracing for a revenue boom. Thanks to Paridhi R. for her comments on travel trends, Dr. Sanchit Misra💡 for his insights on the retail sector, and Manoj Surya for sharing how to build a healthy habit. #EveningNewsWrap Source: Business Standard - https://lnkd.in/gAZiNzGv Viveat Pinto - Financial Express (India) (https://lnkd.in/gzSU8wVR) https://lnkd.in/gJCcrsrp https://lnkd.in/gfhKA-3q https://lnkd.in/gsTAkm6H ✍ : Novinston Lobo, Rakshit Ravindranathan

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E-commerce companies like Flipkart and Amazon are aiming to expand their beauty and personal care (BPC) segments into smaller cities, Suneera Tandon reports for Livemint. This is because there has been significant growth in the segment driven by increased disposable income of consumers, the report says. Manjari Singhal, Head of Business - FMCG and General Merchandise at Flipkart, believes that there is great potential for this segment to grow in smaller cities. Innovation in D2C brands and new launches will be the primary growth drivers, she adds. On the other hand, Amazon plans make BPC products accessible to every pin code in India, the report says. Apart from faster deliveries, the company is enlisting new homegrown and global brands while also roping in influencers. New-age D2C brands are also becoming investor favourites, says another report by The Economic Times. While beauty platform Purplle has raised $100 million from an Abu Dhabi-based sovereign fund, skincare brand Foxtale has also received funding from Panthera Growth Partners, the report says. Source: https://lnkd.in/g6Cqc7r3 https://lnkd.in/gtBpt-HV ✍: Divya Pathak 📷: Getty Images #BeautyAndPersonalCare #SmallerCities

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In today’s News Wrap, we ask: What are your tips to build resilience at work? Also in the News Wrap: Travel firms eye Indians on honeymoon trips, and the number of 5G users skyrockets. Thanks to Avnish Saraswat for his insights on the travel industry, Milan Dwivedi for his comment on the surge in 5G users, and Dr. Shilpa Datar -Psychologist, Personality/ Behaviour Analyst for sharing how to build resilience at work. #EveningNewsWrap Source: Anumeha Chaturvedi - The Economic Times (https://lnkd.in/guCrQu57) Subhayan Chakraborty - Business Standard (https://lnkd.in/gyu6Ak2D) https://lnkd.in/gZzvF69t https://lnkd.in/gUqXCXyY https://lnkd.in/gQWCU8dR ✍ : Novinston Lobo

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Around 4,500 C-suite executives switched jobs in the last one year in the IT services sector in India, reports shivani shinde for Business Standard, citing a report by Xpheno. The movement represents 4.5% of the overall leadership roles in the sector and includes people in positions ranging from directors to assistant VPs and heads of businesses, says the report. Kamal Karanth, co-founder of Xpheno, says that the current churn is happening primarily due to two developments. First, two new CEO appointments by two large IT services firms and the restructuring of leadership teams, he adds. In the last 12 months, Infosys saw nine senior exits, while Cognizant hired 20 senior leaders. Meanwhile, executives from top firms have been hired by Tech Mahindra, says the report. Pareekh Jain, CEO of EIIRTrend, says that many executives are shifting to firms that may be smaller but are growing much faster, with the pandemic's effect now fading. Over 92% of the senior leaders who switched have moved within IT services, while the rest shifted to either GCCs or product companies, adds the report. Source: Business Standard - https://lnkd.in/g4i33SE9 ✍: Novinston Lobo 📷: Getty Images #LeadershipChurn #ITHiring #CSuite #ITServices

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‘2 million interns a year?’ PM’s scheme makes corporate India anxious 👇 Even as corporate India faces a skill deficiency in talent, they seem confused as to what to make of the 10 million youths expected to join them as interns in the next five years, reports Debanjali Biswas. Click the link in the comments. --------- #TheKen #Internship #InternshipScheme #Corporate #CorporateIndia

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One of the most significant changes in India over the last decade has been the shift from basic software development to the creation of innovative products that tackle real-world problems using advanced technology. Recently, two US-based health tech companies established their base in Pune, focusing on product development, technical support, and research and development (R&D). This trend is indicative of the growing opportunities in the healthcare sector, which is expected to create a multitude of jobs. Overall, India's health tech industry is witnessing remarkable growth due to factors such as technological advancements, government initiatives, and increasing internet penetration. This growth presents promising prospects for both the industry and the workforce, driving innovation and employment opportunities in the sector. Link: https://lnkd.in/dhz7r3Fh

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Redefining retirement: How senior citizens are changing the retirement landscape in India! From boardrooms to startups, WisGen, seasoned professionals with a lifetime of experience, are making waves. PRIME Database Group reveals that 39% of NSE-listed company have board members over the age of 60. ManpowerGroup also reports a rising trend in hiring senior citizens across different sectors. Even Naukri.com is seeing an uptick in job seekers over the age of 60! The Asian Development Bank (ADB) Bank emphasizes how work contributes to seniors' well-being, while NITI Aayog pushes for senior care reforms and re-skilling. Organizations like Nightingales Medical Trust are creating job opportunities for the 60+ crowd, and Randstad's report highlights the need to combat ageism in the workplace. At WisdomCircle, we're at the forefront of this revolution, helping WisGen find relevant opportunities across the nation. Our founder, Neeraj Sagar, puts it perfectly: "Senior professionals find profound fulfillment in sharing their invaluable experience with the next generation." Read the full carousel to learn more about this generational shift and how you can capitalize on it! Are you a seasoned professional with a lifetime of experience? Your expertise is timeless – let's put it to work! Signup at https://lnkd.in/g4ZC4ARa to find relevant opportunities. #WisdomCircle #FutureOfWork #ExperiencedTalent #WisGen #RetirementRedefined

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Contractual hiring is on the rise in India's information technology space, reports Prachi Verma for The Economic Times. This report comes after a year of scaled-back hiring and layoffs in the sector. An uptick in contractual hiring often signals an improvement in demand activity for IT service providers — a trend often followed by hiring for permanent roles, adds the report. The current contractual hiring rate has spiked by 40-50% over the same time in 2023, says Neeti Sharma, CEO at TeamLease Digital. She adds that the increase indicates an urgent need to expand the workforce after a period of reductions. In the January-March quarter, Michael Page saw a 22% year-on-year jump in overall contracting, which includes IT services firms, adds the report. Skills in high demand in the technology staffing space? Data analytics, AI/ML, and Google Cloud, said Pranshu Upadhyay, Regional Director at the firm. According to industry experts, firms increase contract hiring depending on factors like their strategies to prepare for future demand, order book positions, and specific client demands. Other talent trends shaping the IT space include an anticipated jump in fresher hiring in FY25, and a significant churn in IT leadership — 4,500 in the last 12 months — according to reports. Source: The Economic Times - https://lnkd.in/d9ymH3UK businessline - https://lnkd.in/gmbVAafR Business Standard - https://lnkd.in/g4i33SE9 ✍: Isha Chitnis 📷: Getty Images #ITHiring #ContractualJobs

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In today’s News Wrap, we ask: How does EQ impact career growth? Also in the News Wrap: Indians are spending big on weddings, and the hospitality sector witnesses robust growth. Thanks to Munish Chauhan for his comments on Indian wedding trends, Zahid Shaikh for his insights on digitalisation of the hospitality sector, and Charu Pahuja for sharing why emotional intelligence is key to career success. #EveningNewsWrap Source: The Economic Times - https://lnkd.in/guSTcwGp, The Times Of India - Asmita Dey - https://lnkd.in/gwDPzP4b The Economic Times - https://lnkd.in/gF9XsJU4 https://lnkd.in/gQypMSMF https://lnkd.in/gxV9K_pX https://lnkd.in/gtYfpXUD ✍ : Novinston Lobo

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Startups in India have raised $3.9 billion in the first five months of 2024 — and a strategic shift is underway in the investment landscape, reports Aryaman Gupta for Business Standard. As many as 465 deals have been closed this year, compared to 758 in the same period last year, according to Tracxn data. While the number of deals has reduced, the deal value has jumped 40% this year. How are trends in investment evolving? Investors are now prioritising startups capable of delivering a return on capital employed that surpasses their expected return on investment — creating value for shareholders and founders, according to Anirudh A D., Managing Partner at Artha Venture Fund. This is a shift away from cash-burning startups, he adds. Investors are gravitating towards "winners," says Vikram Chachra, Founding Partner of 8i Ventures. These startups include firms that have showcased the ability to scale and achieve profitability, and those that backers have seen grow and succeed, adds the report, citing investors. Some of the biggest fund-raises this year so far have been Lenskart’s $200 million round, Flipkart’s $350 million round, Meesho’s $275 million round, and Pocket FM’s $103 million round, show reports. The second half of this year is expected to see a recovery in funding across stages, say investors. How do you expect startup funding trends to evolve this year? Share your take in the comments. Source: Business Standard: https://lnkd.in/gdVNQE2u, https://lnkd.in/g9eHDQ_J ✍: Isha Chitnis 📷: Getty Images #StartupFunding #InvestmentTrends #Startups

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More global food chains are opening their doors in Hyderabad. French culinary brand PAUL recently launched its first store in the city, The Economic Times reports. Meanwhile, popular restaurant brand Nando's South Africa, and Mexican chain Mexarosa also opened new outlets in the city. Hyderabad is currently the sixth largest food services market in India. Around 75,000 restaurants recorded a turnover of ₹10,161 crore in 2024, The Times of India reports, citing a study by the NRAI- National Restaurant Association of India. What is bringing big food brands to the city? “The per person spending on food during a visit is ₹990 in Hyderabad, which is second only to ₹1,050 in Delhi," says Kavitha Mantha, Secretary, NRAI. The city's food industry is expected to grow by 12% by 2028, the report adds. Why is Hyderabad becoming a top destination for global food brands? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Source: The Economic Times - https://lnkd.in/g7iMvnVC, https://lnkd.in/g_uV35MR., https://lnkd.in/gTtaNkYk. The Times Of India - https://lnkd.in/gRnasBnQ ✍: Ankita Sajal 📷: Getty Images #Hyderabad #FoodServices #FoodIndustry

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The retail sector in India is going through rapid transformation with the rise of premium malls, reports Diksha Tripathy for The Economic Times. More consumers are looking to buy high-end products in offline stores. This indicates the need for better shopping malls which offer a superior shopping experience, the report says. Nearly 18 million sq. ft. of new retail space would be launched between 2024 and 2027 across major Indian cities, says a report by Cushman & Wakefield. Additionally factory outlet malls, which offers products at discounted rates, are also in the works, the report further says. Preety Kumari, Head of Marketing at E-city Ventures, says, “Shoppers are no longer just looking for products — they’re seeking immersive experiences. Malls are responding by offering a blend of retail, entertainment, dining, and community events that can’t be replicated online.” Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are participating in the launch of new retail spaces too. Better infrastructure and a rise in leisure travel would become big drivers of growth for highway retail. And companies are taking note. While 70% of the products launched by Hindustan Unilever in the last two years belonged to the premium segment, ITC’s premium products contribute nearly 38% of its sales, the report says. More international brands are also foraying into the country, which has, in turn, fuelled the demand for more retail space, the report adds. Source: https://lnkd.in/gKCaDJTN https://lnkd.in/gk3xY-st ✍: Divya Pathak 📷: Getty Images

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Five of India's IT services giants — Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, HCLTech, LTI Mindtree, and Wipro — saw a net exit of 25,000 women in FY24, reports The Economic Times, citing Xpheno data. The number of women employed by these companies grew from almost 374,000 in March 2020 to 540,000 in March 2023, but dropped to 515,000 at the end of FY24, according to the diversity ratio analysis. Experts said the increase in women professionals is due to the increase in hiring volumes across genders, and not a jump in the diversity ratio. Avtar Group's data shows a drop-off in women reaching leadership roles in the IT space, with the diversity ratio standing at 17% at the senior level vs 35% at the entry level. The diversity, equity, and inclusion firm's data also shows that attrition of women in tech is higher than that of women across industries. Implementing policies that support women during pivotal life stages by offering flexible work arrangements, mentorship programmes, and promoting return-to-work initiatives for those re-entering the workforce after a career break can help close this representation gap, said Krishna Vij, Business Head at Teamlease Digital. About 28% of employees at global capability centres are women, according to Pure Storage and Zinnov's data, reports The Economic Times. The representation of women in the workforce decreases with increasing seniority in deep tech, too, shows the data. How can tech firms improve the representation of women in their workforce? Share your take in the comments. Source: The Economic Times: https://lnkd.in/eQy-JnNP https://lnkd.in/e9_grbM8 ✍ : Isha Chitnis 📸 : Getty Images

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