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The festive season is here and with it, you are likely to make several purchases from e-commerce platforms, be it for yourself or for your friends and family. Choosing the right credit card for <keyword id="19957108" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="online-shopping" source="keywords">online shopping</keyword> can make a significant difference in how much you save and earn from your purchases. <keyword id="19953671" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="credit-cards" source="keywords">Credit cards</keyword> not only allow you to easily get products on credit, they can also make them cheaper thanks to cashback and reward points. You also get access to airport lounges, railway lounges, dining offers and more. In this post, we look at some of the <keyword id="23600028" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="best-credit-cards-for-online-shopping" source="Orion">best credit cards for online shopping</keyword> in India. <h2><keyword id="3294523" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="best-credit-cards" source="Orion">Best credit cards</keyword> for online shopping in India</h2><h3><keyword id="23600026" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amazon-Pay-ICICI" source="keywords">Amazon Pay ICICI</keyword> credit card</h3> <div type="image" title="Amazon Pay ICICI credit card" msid="114354421" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Amazon Pay ICICI credit card&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The Amazon Pay ICICI Credit card is among the most popular co-branded credit cards, offered by ICICI Bank in partnership with e-commerce giant Amazon India. It’s great for those who regularly shop on Amazon, as it offers a 5% cashback on all purchases on the platform. Key Features: <ul><li>Cashback: Up to 5% cashback on Amazon purchases, and 2% cashback on other online shopping.</li><li>Additional cashback: Earn 2% cashback at partner stores, and 1% on all other spends.</li><li>No annual fee: Lifetime free credit card.</li><li>Fuel surcharge waiver: 1% fuel surcharge waiver across all petrol pumps.</li></ul> <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113123752" title="Here are the benefits you get with India’s most expensive credit card with a ₹3.54 lakh annual fee" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h3>HDFC Millenia credit card</h3> <div type="image" title="HDFC Millenia credit card" msid="114354433" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;HDFC Millenia credit card&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The HDFC Millenia is a popular credit card from HDFC Bank and is among the most sought-after cards from the bank. This card offers good rewards on Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra and other online platforms. It is also good for utility bills and fuel spending. Key Features: <ul><li>Cashback: 5% cashback on Amazon, BookMyShow, Swiggy, Flipkart, Myntra and more. It offers 1% cashback on all other spends.</li><li>Lounge access: 1 complimentary lounge access per quarter.</li><li>Fuel surcharge waiver: 1% fuel surcharge waiver across all petrol pumps.</li></ul><h3>Flipkart Axis Bank credit card</h3> <div type="image" title="Flipkart Axis Bank credit card" msid="114354438" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Flipkart Axis Bank credit card&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> With Amazon partnering with ICICI Bank, Flipkart joined the race and partnered with Axis Bank to launch the Flipkart Axis Bank credit card. The card offers 5% cashback on Flipkart and Cleartrip. Key Features: <ul><li>Cashback: 5% cashback on Flipkart and Cleartrip, 4% on preferred partners and 1% on other spends. </li><li>Lounge access: 4 complimentary lounge access per year on spending ₹50,000 during the previous 3 months.</li><li>Fuel surcharge waiver: 1% fuel surcharge waiver across all petrol pumps.</li></ul> <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="98090488" title="How to use credit card to make UPI payments" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h3>Cashback SBI Card</h3> <div type="image" title="Cashback SBI credit card" msid="114354449" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Cashback SBI credit card&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The Cashback SBI Card has quickly emerged as one of the most popular cards from the state-owned bank, beating its SimplyClick card, which was one of the preferred cards for online spending. The USP of this card is that it offers a flat 5% cashback on all online spending. Key Features: <ul><li>Cashback: 5% cashback on all online spends, without any merchant restrictions. It also offers 1% cashback on all offline transactions.</li><li>Fuel surcharge waiver: 1% fuel surcharge waiver across all petrol pumps.</li><li>Annual fee waiver: Fee waiver on spending ₹2 lakh in the preceding year.</li></ul><h3><keyword id="23600027" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Axis-Bank-Ace" source="keywords">Axis Bank Ace</keyword> credit card</h3> <div type="image" title="Axis Bank Ace credit card" msid="114354458" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Axis Bank Ace credit card&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The Axis Bank Ace credit card is another excellent card, especially for those looking for a card for bill payments, utility spending and more. It is also one of the few credit cards that can be added to Google Pay. Key Features: <ul><li>Cashback: 5% cashback on all bill payments, mobile recharges and DTH recharges via Google Pay. It also offers 4% Swiggy, Zomato and Ola.</li><li>Lounge access: 4 complimentary lounge access per year on spending ₹50,000 during the previous 3 months.</li><li>Fuel surcharge waiver: 1% fuel surcharge waiver across all petrol pumps.</li></ul> <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="102133212" title="HDFC Bank and Swiggy launch co-branded credit card – cashback, offers and more" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h3>American Express SmartEarn credit card</h3> <div type="image" title="American Express SmartEarn credit card" msid="114354467" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;American Express SmartEarn credit card&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> While it is more challenging to get American Express cards than other cards on the list, getting your hands on the SmartEarn credit card is relatively easy compared to other cards offered by American Express. Key Features: <ul><li>Reward points: 10X membership reward points on Flipkart, Zomato, Myntra, Uber, Ajio and more. 5X membership reward points on every ₹50 spent on Amazon.</li><li>Monthly spends: Earn 500 membership reward points on spending ₹2,500 in a month on 10X reward point partners.</li><li>Annual fee waiver: Fee waiver on spending ₹40,000 in the preceding year.</li></ul>SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/here-are-the-benefits-you-get-with-indias-most-expensive-credit-card-with-a-3-54-lakh-annual-fee/articleshow/113123752.cms">Here are the benefits you get with India’s most expensive credit card with a ₹3.54 lakh annual fee</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/bigger-they-are-harder-they-fall-a-look-at-how-the-countrys-biggest-ipos-have-fared/articleshow/114307997.cms">Bigger they are, harder they fall – A look at how the country’s biggest IPOs have fared</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/hdfc-bank-and-swiggy-launch-co-branded-credit-card-to-offer-discount-to-customers/articleshow/102133212.cms">HDFC Bank and Swiggy launch co-branded credit card – cashback, offers and more</a>

Best credit cards for online shopping this festive season

<ul><li>E-commerce giant Amazon has announced the Great Indian Festival sale 2024.</li><li>The sale will begin on September 27, and Prime users can access the deals a day ahead of regular users.</li><li>Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming festive sale from Amazon.</li></ul>The festive season is almost here and with this, e-commerce giants are gearing up to begin their festive sales. Amazon has announced its Great Indian Festival Sale will start on September 27. Like always, Amazon Prime subscribers will be able to access the deals before normal users. If you wish to get early access and don’t have a Prime account yet, you can subscribe<a href="https://www.amazon.in/amazonprime?tag=tech_insider_india_buynowbluebutton-21"> here</a>. The company has announced several discounts, card offers, cashback and exchange offers for the sale. It has also lined up several new product launches during the sale. <h2>Bank offers</h2>Amazon has partnered with the State Bank of India to offer a 10% instant discount to SBI debit card and credit card users. So, if you are planning on purchasing something during the sale, we recommend you keep your cards ready. In addition to this, Prime users will get 5% unlimited cashback on shopping when they use their Amazon Pay ICICI bank credit card. <h2>Amazon Rufus assistant</h2>Rufus, the recently<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/ecommerce/news/amazon-rufus-ai-assistant-beta-launched-in-india-will-answer-customers-questions/articleshow/112872099.cms"> launched</a> AI conversational shopping assistant will answer customer’s questions regarding products during the sale. The assistant will answer your questions and help you find the ideal product for you by helping you easily compare various products. <h2><keyword id="20672181" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amazon-Bazaar" source="keywords">Amazon Bazaar</keyword></h2>Amazon has also introduced a new store, dubbed “Amazon Bazaar”. This is a new store on Amazon, which is claimed to offer affordable fashion and home products. <h2>New launches across categories</h2>Amazon has announced that several products will be launched during the sale, including smartphones, laptops, TVs, audio devices, apparel, grooming devices, kitchen appliances and more. <h2>Discounts across a wide range of products</h2>Amazon has already started teasing the major products that will be available at a discount during the sale. The company has started teasing that the flagship Galaxy S23 Ultra will be available under INR 1 lakh. Apart from this, popular laptops from Dell, HP and other major companies will also be available at a discounted price. Customers will be able to buy smartphones starting as low as INR 5,999 with up to 24 months no cost EMI option. Those looking for products for their home will have a lot of options to choose from. Home and decor items will be available starting at ₹79, cookware at ₹99 and kitchen appliances at ₹79. Amazon devices such as Kindle, Alexa smart speakers and Fire TV devices will be available with a discount of up to 50% during the sale. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/triumph-speed-t4-launched-in-india-with-a-price-tag-of-2-17-lakh/slidelist/113429766.cms">Triumph Speed T4 launched in India with a price tag of ₹2.17 lakh</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/motorola-edge-50-neo-vs-nothing-phone-2a-which-phone-should-you-buy-under-25000/slidelist/113417314.cms">Motorola Edge 50 Neo vs Nothing Phone (2a) – Which phone should you buy under ₹25,000?</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/ios-18-update-to-start-rolling-out-today-eligible-devices-features-and-more/articleshow/113413108.cms">iOS 18 update starts rolling out – eligible devices, features and more</a>

Amazon Great Indian Festival sale to begin on September 27

The internet has revolutionised our lives, offering convenience and connectivity at our fingertips. With the rapid adoption of digital payments in India, fraudsters have evolved their tactics, devising new scams to exploit the growing user base. Several <keyword id="20182215" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="online-scams" source="keywords">online scams</keyword> have been reported in India over the past few months, from the standard UPI refund scams to unbelievable scams such as the digital arrest scams. Here's a look at some prevalent online scams and how to protect yourself: <h2><keyword id="23629952" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="UPI-refund-scam" source="keywords">UPI refund scam</keyword></h2>UPI refund scam is one of the most common online scams these days. It involves a person sending the victim money and then claiming that it was accidentally sent. The scammer then asks the victim to refund the money, often using excuses such as emergency hospitalisations or other important expenses. If the victim refunds the money, the scammer then contacts their bank and reverses the initial transaction, resulting in the victim losing money. How to protect yourself from UPI refund scams: <ul><li>Do not resend the money if someone claims they have “accidentally” sent you money.</li><li>If you receive money from an unknown source, contact your bank immediately.</li><li>If someone says they have sent you money, ask them to contact their bank to get a refund.</li></ul><h2><keyword id="19939895" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="phishing-scams" source="keywords">Phishing scams</keyword></h2>Phishing scams have been around for a long time, but they have become more sophisticated in the digital age. Fraudsters often impersonate reputable companies, sending fake emails, messages, or even websites that look almost identical to the real ones. These messages typically contain a sense of urgency—such as a warning that your account is about to be blocked or that you've won a prize. Once you click on the link, you’re directed to a fake site that prompts you to enter your personal information, including login credentials and payment details. This data is then used to steal money or compromise your identity. How to protect yourself from phishing scams: <ul><li>Be sceptical of unexpected messages or emails, even if they seem to come from trusted sources.</li><li>Check the URLs of websites carefully. Scammers often use misspelt URLs that are designed to look legitimate.</li><li>Never share your personal or financial information without verifying the authenticity of the request.</li></ul><h2><keyword id="23629953" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="SIM-swap-scam" source="keywords">SIM Swap scam</keyword></h2>As the name suggests, a SIM swap scam basically involves the scammer getting access to your SIM, either with the help of someone at the mobile service provider or through other means. The scammer often convinces the network provider to activate a SIM card they possess, gaining control of the victim’s phone number. This allows the scammer to gain access to all calls and text messages that the victim may receive, which is important in this day and age where all accounts are linked to your phone number. Once the scammer gets access to the victim’s phone number, they use it to gain access to their bank account and steal money. How to protect yourself from SIM swap scam: <ul><li>If your SIM stops working, immediately inform the telecom operator.</li><li>Make use of a SIM lock, which prevents your SIM from being used on another smartphone without entering a password.</li><li>Avoid sharing personal information online, especially things which can make it easier to crack your passwords.</li><li>Keep track of your accounts and report any unauthorised transactions.</li></ul><h2><keyword id="20415709" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="online-shopping-scams" source="keywords">Online Shopping Scams</keyword></h2>Beware of fake online stores offering unbelievable deals. These websites might steal your payment information or deliver counterfeit or non-existent products. These websites often advertise unbelievable deals to lure in unsuspecting customers, either with the intention of stealing their data or selling substandard products. How to stay safe: <ul><li>Shop from reputable websites. Look for customer reviews and secure payment gateways.</li><li>Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true.</li><li>Use a credit card for online purchases. It offers better fraud protection than a debit card.</li></ul><h2>The "Digital Arrest" scam</h2>In this chilling scam, fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officials. They may claim you're involved in illegal activities and threaten you with a "digital arrest" or legal action. To avoid this, they'll demand payment or personal information. Victims are often coerced into making payments via UPI or other digital means. The sense of urgency and fear of legal consequences often compels people to act without verifying the legitimacy of the claim. How to avoid: <ul><li>Know your rights: Law enforcement agencies will never demand payment or personal information over the phone or online. </li><li>Verify identities: If you receive such a call, hang up and directly contact the relevant authorities to verify the claim.</li></ul><h2><keyword id="23629954" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="KYC-scam" source="keywords">KYC scam</keyword></h2>With the increased demand for KYC (know your customer) updates across digital platforms, fraudsters are taking advantage by posing as bank or telecom representatives. They often claim that your account will be blocked if you don’t update your KYC details immediately. Victims are then asked to share their Aadhaar number, PAN, or other personal details via a fraudulent link or over a call. In some cases, they also ask users to complete the process through UPI apps, stealing money from their accounts during the process. How to avoid it: <ul><li>Banks and financial institutions never ask for personal details over a call, message, or link.</li><li>Always update KYC details through official channels, like the bank’s app or website.</li><li>If you receive a suspicious KYC request, report it to your bank’s customer service immediately.</li></ul>SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/waaree-energies-to-afcons-infrastructure-ipos-to-look-out-for-this-week/articleshow/114421377.cms">Waaree Energies to Afcons Infrastructure, IPOs to look out for this week</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/personal-finance/news/best-credit-cards-for-online-shopping-in-india/articleshow/114354358.cms">Best credit cards for online shopping this festive season</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/bigger-they-are-harder-they-fall-a-look-at-how-the-countrys-biggest-ipos-have-fared/articleshow/114307997.cms">Bigger they are, harder they fall – A look at how the country’s biggest IPOs have fared</a>

UPI refund to digital arrest scam, here are some online scams you need to be aware of

Softbank-backed e-commerce firm <keyword id="19911893" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Meesho" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Meesho" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Meesho">Meesho</keyword> will start its annual <keyword id="23217664" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="festival-sale" source="keywords">festival sale</keyword>, Meesho <keyword id="23217663" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mega-Blockbuster-Sale" source="keywords">Mega Blockbuster Sale</keyword>, from September 27 onwards with the highest number of sellers onboard among its competitors, the company said on Tuesday. The company has recorded about 42 per cent surge in sellers on a year-on-year basis to 20 lakh for the upcoming festival season. "Meesho's Annual 'Meesho Mega Blockbuster Sale' Starts on 27th September. With over 20 lakh sellers and 12 crore product listings across 30 categories, Meesho aims to make festive shopping more accessible, affordable, and convenient for shoppers across the country," the company said in a statement. Meesho claimed to have 14 lakh sellers onboard for Meesho Mega Blockbuster 2023. <keyword id="19910508" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amazon-India" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Amazon India" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Amazon India">Amazon India</keyword> has seen a 14 per cent growth in <keyword id="23217665" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="seller-base" source="keywords">seller base</keyword> but remains lower than that of Meesho for their upcoming annual festival sale "<keyword id="23217666" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="The-Great-Indian-Festival" source="keywords">The Great Indian Festival</keyword>". "Our current seller base exceeds 16 lakh sellers from all across the country," Amazon India, Director, Selling Partner Services, Amit Nanda, said. Interest of sellers for <keyword id="19896939" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Flipkart" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Flipkart" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Flipkart">Flipkart</keyword> has remained muted on a year-over-year basis. While announcing annual festival sale dates "The Big Billion Days" on Monday, <keyword id="19896940" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Walmart" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Walmart" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Walmart">Walmart</keyword> group firm Flipkart had said it has over 50 crore users and more than 14 lakh sellers on the platform, including sellers of its other platform Shopsy as well. Flipkart had reported the same level of sellers onboard before the TBBD in 2023. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/ecommerce/news/amazon-great-indian-festival-sale-to-begin-on-september-27/articleshow/113445238.cms">Amazon Great Indian Festival sale to begin on September 27</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/triumph-speed-t4-launched-in-india-with-a-price-tag-of-2-17-lakh/slidelist/113429766.cms">Triumph Speed T4 launched in India with a price tag of ₹2.17 lakh</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/xiaomi-and-samsung-accused-of-colluding-with-amazon-and-flipkart/articleshow/113381204.cms">Xiaomi and Samsung accused of colluding with Amazon and Flipkart</a>

Meesho to begin annual festival sale from September  27, sees 42% surge in seller base

<ul><li><keyword id="23134822" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amazon-Great-Indian-Festival" source="keywords">Amazon Great Indian Festival</keyword> begins on September 27 for all</li><li>Prime users get early access to the sale</li><li>Apple's <keyword id="21240170" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="MacBook-Air-M1" source="keywords">MacBook Air M1</keyword> will be available at a special discount</li></ul> Amazon's Great Indian Festival begins this Friday and as we get closer to the shopping fiesta, people are eager to know about the deals that will be available. For Prime members, the sale begins a day early, on September 26. Several gadgets including smartphones, laptops, TWS earbuds etc will be available at attractive prices during the deal. If you are thinking of buying a laptop during the <keyword id="20586627" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amazon-sale" source="keywords">Amazon sale</keyword>, here's some good news. The website recently teased a deal on the MacBook Air M1. <h2>MacBook Air 1 to get discounted during Amazon Great Indian Festival</h2>The MacBook Air M1 will be available at a huge discount during the Amazon sale. The laptop, which originally launched in India at a price of ₹92,990, is set to become much more affordable during the upcoming festive sales. Currently listed on Amazon at ₹62,990, the laptop will see a significant price drop to ₹55,990 during the sale period. Moreover, shoppers using select bank cards will benefit from an instant discount of ₹3,000, bringing the price further down. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113214171" title="iPhone 16 Pro with A18 Pro chip launched: Should you upgrade if you own an iPhone 15 Pro?" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> For those who are Amazon Prime members, there's an additional perk. Prime members who act quickly during the first few hours of the sale can enjoy an extra ₹3,000 off as part of an early bird offer. This means the price of the MacBook Air M1 could drop as low as ₹49,990 for some customers, making it one of the most enticing offers in the market for a high-end <keyword id="23291511" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Apple-laptop" source="keywords">Apple laptop</keyword>. <h2>Reasons to buy the MacBook Air M1 in 2024</h2>The MacBook Air M1 may not be Apple's latest model, but it remains a popular choice for both students and professionals due to its solid performance and long-lasting support from Apple. Powered by Apple's M1 chipset, the laptop features an 8-core CPU, with four performance cores and four efficiency cores. This combination allows the device to handle daily tasks with ease, while using far less power than traditional laptops, making it energy-efficient as well. The MacBook Air M1 has a 13.3-inch Retina display, boasting a 2560x1600 resolution. This crisp display makes it ideal for watching videos, editing photos, or simply browsing the web. Despite being launched a few years ago, it still packs enough power to meet the demands of everyday tasks, whether that’s work, study, or entertainment. One of the standout features of this laptop is its battery life. Apple claims that the MacBook Air M1 can last up to 18 hours on a single charge, which is more than enough for a full day of use without needing to reach for the charger. This makes it an excellent choice for people on the go, as it offers portability alongside top-tier performance. In terms of its build, the MacBook Air M1 has a sleek, minimalistic design, in line with Apple’s aesthetic standards. It features an aluminium finish that gives it a premium look and feel, while remaining lightweight at just under 1.3kg. This makes it easy to carry, whether you’re heading to the office, travelling, or attending classes. Apple is known for offering long-term support for its devices, and the MacBook Air M1 is no exception. This means that buyers can expect software updates and security patches for several years, extending the usability and lifespan of the laptop. For anyone considering investing in a laptop, this is an important factor, as it ensures that the device will not become obsolete anytime soon. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/article/from-firewire-in-macs-to-type-c-in-iphones-the-apple-connect/articleshow/112734982.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">From FireWire in Macs to Type-C in iPhones - the Apple Connect</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/article/elon-musk-to-tim-cook-a-morning-in-the-lives-of-big-tech-ceos/articleshow/113599807.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Elon Musk to Tim Cook: A morning in the lives of big tech CEOs</a>

Apple MacBook Air M1 to be available under ₹50,000 on Amazon, how to get the deal

New Delhi: <keyword id="22930355" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Janmashtami-festivities" source="keywords">Janmashtami festivities</keyword> across the country led to a <keyword id="22930356" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="business-surge" source="keywords">business surge</keyword>, with transactions exceeding Rs 25,000 crore, according to the Confederation of All India Traders (<keyword id="20143308" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="CAIT" source="keywords">CAIT</keyword>). These figure highlight the robust consumer spending during the festival driven by the vibrant celebrations of <keyword id="20126824" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="janmashtami" source="keywords">Janmashtami</keyword>, marking one of the most commercially active periods of the year. CAIT's National General Secretary and Member of Parliament from Chandni Chowk, Praveen Khandelwal, stated that during this significant festival, large-scale sales were observed, particularly in flowers, fruits, sweets, deity costumes, decorative items, fasting sweets, milk, curd, butter, and dry fruits. Khandelwal said that festivals like Janmashtami are an important part of the Sanatan economy, which strengthens the nation's economy. CAIT's National President, BC Bhartia said that Janmashtami was celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country, especially in North and West India, where the festival was celebrated with much joy. <keyword id="20187217" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Krishna-Janmashtami" source="keywords">Krishna Janmashtami</keyword> was celebrated on August 26 this year across the country. Devotees traditionally fast and decorate temples and homes with flowers, diyas, and lights. Temples were decorated attractively, and there were large crowds of people visiting them. He highlighted that the special attractions of the Janmashtami festival included digital tableaux, selfie points with Lord Krishna, and many other delightful scenes. In cities, there were numerous bhajans, religious dances, and discourses by saints and sages. Various social organizations also organized large-scale Janmashtami celebrations. According to scriptures, Janmashtami is celebrated on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada. It is the day Lord Krishna was born. Earlier this month, the CAIT anticipated a festive trade of over Rs 12,000 crore across the country during the Rakhi festival. In 2022, the business during the Rakhi festival stood at around Rs 7,000 crore, in 2021 it was Rs 6,000 crore, in 2020 it was Rs 5,000 crore, in 2019 it was Rs 3,500 crore, and in 2018 it was Rs 3,000 crore, as per Khandelwal. The trade body said that the markets are witnessing a massive rush for shopping, and people are very enthusiastic about the festival.

Janmashtami festivities drive business across India, sales exceed Rs 25,000 crore: CAIT

<ul><li><keyword id="19920097" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Karwa-Chauth" source="keywords">Karwa Chauth</keyword> is set to add ₹22,000 crore worth of business to the <keyword id="19948184" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-economy" source="keywords">Indian economy</keyword>.</li><li>This year's spending is expected to surpass last year's ₹15,000 crore mark.</li><li>Karwa Chauth will be celebrated across India on Sunday.</li></ul>Deeply rooted in Indian culture and spirituality, the festival of Karwa Chauth has grown into a significant economic event, with an estimated ₹22,000 crore worth of business anticipated in markets nationwide. The traditional festival will be celebrated across India on Sunday, marking a day of fasting and prayer for the well-being and longevity of spouses. This year's spending is expected to surpass last year's ₹15,000 crore mark, reflecting a surge in enthusiasm and <keyword id="23410660" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="consumer-activity" source="keywords">consumer activity</keyword>. Over the past week, markets across the country have witnessed a lively atmosphere, with bustling crowds shopping for clothing, jewellery, cosmetics, gift items, and puja essentials in preparation for the occasion. Delhi, one of the central hubs for the festivities, is expected to contribute significantly to this economic boom, with sales projected to reach approximately ₹4,000 crore. The shopping spree spans a variety of items associated with Karwa Chauth, including jewellery, traditional clothing, makeup products, sarees, and religious items like Karwa pots, sieves, lamps, wicks, and prayer books. In addition, red glass bangles, anklets, toe rings, lockets, and intricately designed Karwa thalis are among the popular items being purchased. This year, silver Karwas have also been introduced to the market, and they are expected to be in high demand. Henna (mehendi) application, considered auspicious for the festival, has also seen a surge in popularity, with markets, temples, and public places filled with women lining up to get their hands decorated. In Delhi, Connaught Place's Hanuman Temple has become a prominent spot where thousands gather for mehendi, while beauty parlours and private mehendi sessions are booked solid. Henna artists find a valuable opportunity to earn a livelihood during this period. Karwa Chauth not only boosts retail activity but also sets the stage for the upcoming <keyword id="19896655" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="wedding-season" source="keywords">wedding season</keyword>, with many shoppers placing orders for <keyword id="20242079" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gold-jewellery" source="keywords">gold jewellery</keyword>. The wedding season, commencing in November, traditionally sees a rise in bookings for bridal jewellery, and the festival serves as an early catalyst for these purchases. With inputs from ANI. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/personal-finance/news/best-credit-cards-for-online-shopping-in-india/articleshow/114354358.cms">Best credit cards for online shopping this festive season</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/best-smartphones-under-25000-in-india-in-october-2024/slidelist/114339207.cms">Best smartphones under ₹25,000 in India in October 2024</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/waaree-energies-ipo-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/114350114.cms">Waaree Energies IPO – Price band to risk factors, all you need to know</a>

Karwa Chauth festivities to boost economy by ₹22,000 crore

<ul><li><keyword id="412367" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="consumer-sentiment" source="Orion">Consumer sentiment</keyword> has improved and Indians are eager to celebrate this <keyword id="36208" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="festive-season" source="Orion">festive season</keyword>, says a survey.</li><li>Consumers are keen to splurge on luxury goods, beauty and personal care products, consumer durables and more.</li><li>With a surge in inquiries, real estate players expect 20% growth in sales this season.</li><li>Online retailers are also expected to see 18-20% in gross merchandise value. </li></ul>Indians are gearing up for the festival season that kicks off with Ganesh Chathurthi this week. As the auspicious months arrive, the real estate sector is upbeat with new launches and more, but the shadow of the monsoons lingers over automobile dealers and jewellers. This season, Indians are not shying away from high-profile purchases this festive season as the real estate sector has reported healthy inquiries – thanks to the high consumer sentiment due to heightened economic activity. “As we approach the festive season, we are already witnessing a surge in inquiries and we are expecting around 20% growth compared to last year’s festive season. This naturally offers a context for consumers to go in for their dream homes as the overall climate is geared towards sustained demand,” said Ramani Sastri, chairman &amp; MD of Sterling Developers. The demand for new homes has been growing and has hit an all-time high, and realtors expect a windfall this season, aided by growth in new launches especially in the mid and luxury categories. Rising homeownership amongst millennials, aided by the higher disposable income and willingness to upgrade to larger, luxurious spaces equipped with better amenities. “Developers are optimistic about the desire for homeownership and anticipate that with attractive schemes and offers, the uptake for homes across cities will be healthy. Further, the unchanged repo rates and the appraisal cycle that coincides with the festive season, will provide a much-needed boost to the residential sales figures in the coming months,” said Kanika Gupta Shori, founder and COO, Square Yards. Consumer goods are also expected to see traction this season, thanks to the underlying need to improve living standards combined with the surge in the need for comfort in households. “People are upgrading to a more premium lifestyle and our products, with their distinct combination of technology, ultra-modern look and cutting-edge features, will continue to find traction. The focus on launching new products, coupled with good deals and enhanced distribution, especially in the tier-2 and tier-3 cities, should help brands during the festive season ahead,” said Parag Kulkarni, senior VP-international and president, A O Smith India, who are known for their water heaters and purifiers. Better than last year The festive mood is also high for other purchases like clothes, luxury goods and more. A survey by global technology company The Trade Desk says that 70% of Indians are ready to spend more this Diwali – that’s a 35% higher than last year. The year of 2022 was one of the first festival seasons which was not masked by fear of Covid-19 in the last few years. This year, sales are expected to be better. “With the broader economy coming back to business-as-usual levels, this festive season is likely to catalyze online consumption demand,” said a report by Redseer. With regards to online shopping, the growth in gross merchandise value (GMV) of sales is expected to be 18-20% higher than what it was in the 2022 festival season – which saw a 10% growth. “The planned increase in consumer spend is led primarily by consumers’ bullish view that their financial situation has improved according to 53%, and consumers’ eagerness to celebrate a lot more this year as per 49%,” The Trade Desk says. A significant majority ie. 84% expressed interest in buying luxury goods and apparel, with 80% on gold, as per Trade Desk survey. Amongst those who plan to spend more, 68% are more likely to spend more on new clothes, the rest on food items, gifts for family and more. Within e-tailing, beauty and personal care products, home and general merchandise, fashion are expected to see high demand – with persistent premiumization. Auto and gold sales rely on rural demand for growth uptick After an upbeat August sales when sales of passenger vehicles and three-wheelers hit an all-time high, the outlook for auto sales too is upbeat. “Based on the performance of last month (August) , we are even more optimistic for demand to pick-up during the festive season, enabled by positive economic outlook and the revival of monsoon after a deficit in August,” said Vinod Aggarwal, the president of industry body Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). Two-wheeler sales, however, remained dull due to subdued rural demand on account of insufficient rainfall that could temper sales growth going ahead, as per experts. Consumer demand in this segment has remained ‘ambivalent’ according to yet another industry body Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA). The monsoons have been in a deficit for most of the season, while a pick-up is expected in September. Without that pick-up, combined with low reservoir levels can have both direct and indirect effect on consumption both in rural and urban areas. Low sowing across two cropping seasons can have a devastating effect on inflation — driving down consumer sentiment across auto and other sectors. “After a prolonged period of stagnation, rural demand is showing signs of a positive resurgence. However, this recovery remains tenuous, contingent on the performance of the final phase of the monsoon season. Such developments would be particularly inopportune as they would coincide with the peak of India's festive season, notably Navratri and Deepawali, traditionally periods of heightened consumer activity,” said FADA. Jewellery sales too could be clouded by inflation, say experts, even as the yellow metal’s prices have been inching down on account of various macro economic factors. “With the start of the festive and wedding season, domestic gold demand is expected to gain impetus. However, higher inflation and weaker rural income on account of a less than ideal monsoon could potentially weigh on demand,” says Ghazal Jain, fund manager, alternative investments at Quantum Mutual Fund. Others, however, feel that consumers would be keen on addition to their physical old portfolio driven by the lower prices. Their prices have come down from a high of ₹61,750 per 10 gm in May to ₹59,000 per 10 gm currently — a healthy 20-25% drop from the recent surge. “Festive seasons have consistently witnessed a surge in physical gold demand, particularly in the realm of ornamental jewellery, as consumers seek the latest and trendiest designs. After a period of subdued festivities, the recent years have seen a resurgence in celebrations, rekindling the enthusiasm for gold,” said Jateen Trivedi, VP-research at LKP Securities. SEE ALSO <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/over-43-of-indian-employees-are-struggling-with-anxious-depressed-or-isolated/articleshow/103661485.cms">More than half of Indian employees are logging off from work exhausted</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/soap-opera-fmcg-players-kick-off-price-war-to-bring-back-whats-lost/articleshow/103657469.cms">Soap Opera: FMCG players kick off price war to bring back what’s lost</a>

India switches on its shopping mode as festivals approach, sales set to jump 20%

Google Play has revealed its annual Best of 2024 awards for India, celebrating the apps and games that defined the year. With five of the seven top apps developed by Indian creators, the awards underscore India’s rising prominence in the global tech ecosystem. Mobile gaming also continues to boom, as the country solidifies its position as the second-largest market for gaming downloads worldwide. In a blog post announcing the winners, Google also shed light on how India is the world's second largest market in terms of mobile gaming downloads. "On the gaming front, the Indian gaming scene continues to thrive, with India adding 23 million new gamers in FY24, reaching a total of 590 million. In fact, India now boasts the world's second-largest market for mobile gaming downloads, with average weekly playtime increasing by 30%." Leading Apps: India at the Forefront of AI Innovation The blog post revealed that this year’s top apps showcased India’s innovative spirit, particularly in harnessing AI to meet user needs. Alle - Your AI Fashion Stylist, developed by Hey Alle, emerged as the year’s Best App and also won the Best for Fun award. Leveraging AI, Alle provides personalised fashion advice tailored to users’ occasions, body types, and preferences, reflecting the growing trend of AI-powered app experiences in India. Prateek Agarwal, Co-Founder &amp; CEO, Alle, said in a statement, “We noticed that the recent developments in Gen AI, combined with evolving consumer preferences for visual inspirational content, will create a massive opportunity to reimagine &amp; rebuild how people discover and shop for fashion. This realization led us to start Alle...As a new startup, Google Play has been crucial in helping us reach our early users organically. The platform's detailed analytics and crash reporting have been invaluable - they've helped us quickly identify and fix issues, improving our app stability.” Other app winners included: • Headlyne: Daily News with AI (Best for Personal Growth), offering curated news tailored to individual preferences. • Sony LIV: Sports &amp; Entertainment (Best for Large Screens), delivering immersive content on tablets and other big-screen devices. • WhatsApp Messenger (Best Multi-device App), enabling seamless communication across devices. • Fold: Expense Tracker (Best Everyday Essential) and Rise: Habit List (Best Hidden Gem) also captured user interest with practical and engaging features. The blog post added that India’s dominance in the AI app space is significant, accounting for 21% of global AI mobile app downloads this year, with nearly 1,000 Indian apps and games incorporating AI. Games that thrilled millions India’s gaming industry continued its upward trajectory, adding 23 million gamers this year, taking the total to 590 million. With gaming preferences increasingly reflecting local culture, many award-winning titles integrated Indian storylines and visuals. Squad Busters, a fast-paced multiplayer game, won Best Game for its simple yet engaging design. Meanwhile, Indus Battle Royale Mobile by SuperGaming earned the Best Made in India title for the second year running. Roby John, Co-Founder and CEO of SuperGaming, said in a statement, "We are committed to making Indus a standout Battle Royale experience. Our team has spent over three years thoughtfully crafting its characters, environments, and gameplay features to represent Indian Art and Culture authentically. The community's enthusiasm validates our vision of Indian games thriving globally. Winning this award is an incredible honor, not just as a milestone but also a motivation to keep striving for excellence. Google Play’s expertise and responsiveness have empowered us to deliver world-class gaming, pushing the boundaries of Indian gaming. We’re more committed than ever to raising the bar and making Indian gaming shine on the global stage.” Other top games included: • BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India) (Best Ongoing), for its India-centric updates featuring cricket, festivals, and celebrity collaborations. • Bloom – A Puzzle Adventure (Best Indie), for its unique mechanics and creativity. • Clash of Clans (Best Multi-device Game) and Yes, Your Grace (Best Story) also stood out for their engaging gameplay.

Google Play announces best apps and games of 2024 in India: All you need to know

<div type="image" title="Indians are getting fancy, and they don&amp;#39;t mind paying a little extra if it means quality and luxury. Most consumer brands are witnessing an uptick in their premium product segment" msid="115018213" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Indians are getting fancy, and they don&amp;#39;t mind paying a little extra if it means quality and luxury. Most consumer brands are witnessing an uptick in their premium product segment&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> It's time to move over from plain, vanilla budget basics! Indians are no longer looking for “best purchases and value buys under Rs 1,000”—at least not as much as before. <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="keywords">India</keyword>'s getting fancy, and how! From gold-flaked chocolates to swanky SUVs that look like they’re wheeled straight out of a Bollywood blockbuster, Indian companies are rapidly jazzing up their product lines, even faster than you can say the word "premiumization." But what does this mean for Indian companies and consumers? What is this jazz about premiumization all about? Is it just urban India that’s riding this wave, or has rural India also joined the bandwagon? We decode for you. <h2>What's premium, really?</h2>Imagine you’re eating Pav Bhaji at a roadside thela. Later during the day, you decide to dine out at a fancy, upmarket cafe, only to find Pav Bhaji Fondue on the menu. Same same, but much more expensive—often 5 to 10 times higher—for a little more hygiene and some better ambience! Think of premium products as this fondue. They are a notch up your regular, daily-use products soaps or shampoos, and even cars, all packaged luxuriously, offering just about the right touch of quality. The main differentiator, though, would be the price range. <h2>Driving home premium wellness</h2>A recent report by Nielsen suggests that over 70% of urban Indians are okay with paying a premium for their products. And companies are cashing in on this sentiment like never before. This explains why 58% of new products launched so far this year have been in the premium+ segment, as opposed to just 38% of new launches in regular, traditional trade. Take cars, for instance. Indians are no longer vying for a good old <keyword id="19950117" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="maruti" source="keywords">Maruti</keyword> 800 or <keyword id="20400567" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="alto" source="keywords">Alto</keyword>, traditionally known for their healthy mileage, but are rather happy investing in more swanky features that come along with high-end cars. In October 2024, India’s largest car manufacturer, <keyword id="19909974" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="maruti-suzuki" source="keywords">Maruti Suzuki</keyword>, sold 65,948 units of its compact cars like Swift, WagonR, Dzire, and more. Compared to the year-ago period, which saw sales of 80,662 units, this was an 18% dip. But take a look at their SUV (sport utility vehicle) sales for the same period. Cars like Brezza, Ertiga, and Grand Vitara sold about 70,644 units, a 19% uptick from the sales made in October 2023, i.e. 59,147 units. Simply put, when it comes to cars, Indians are saying the bigger, the better! The same is true for India's second biggest automobile manufacturer, Hyundai. Its SUV lineup made up a staggering 68.2% of the firm's total sales made for October 2024. What's more, SUV demand remained largely consistent across urban and rural markets. <h2>Consumers are inching up</h2>FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) are also riding the premiumization wave, with Indians prioritizing their health and wellness and not bothered about dishing out a few extra bucks for the same! You’ll find no dearth of words like organic, vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free, peppered generously over every product you’ll see today, be it soaps, juices, or more. No wonder then, sales from premium segments in 2024 make up around 27% of all FMCG sales and even contribute a massive 42% to the sector’s value growth in India. Nielsen report further adds that luxury brands that position themselves at twice the price of their category’s average are even witnessing stellar growth. In fact, for most FMCG brands like Tata Consumer Products, <keyword id="20002610" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="hindustan-unilever" source="keywords">Hindustan Unilever</keyword> (HUL), Dabur, and Nestle, it is this premium segment that is growing much faster than their regular ones. And it's not just about daily-use products; Indians are also taking their celebrations a step over. Spirits manufacturer <keyword id="20125704" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="radico-khaitan" source="keywords">Radico Khaitan</keyword> highlighted that for the first half of 2024, their prestige &amp; above segment made for 88.4% of its net sales value. In the same period, the regular popular segment accounted for just 9.1% of their net sales. From Hindustan Unilever, which saw its premium products grow 30% over the last quarter, to <keyword id="20521971" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kingfisher" source="keywords">Kingfisher</keyword> beer's parent company, <keyword id="20124009" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="united-breweries" source="keywords">United Breweries</keyword>, whose premium product sales volume jumped by 27% during the quarter as opposed to just a 5% rise in overall volumes, everyone is seemingly taking their lifestyle a notch above. Per the Nielsen report, in 2024, a typical global consumer spends about $13.7k per year. This is set to grow by around 2.4% to $14k as early as next year. Even a report by Goldman Sachs also highlighted a similar trend, noting that India’s affluent class, or those earning over $10,000 (Rs 8,42,694.97), is set to reach 100 million in the next 3 years. And where will this consumer spend? On premium products! <h2>Online shopping shifts from mass to class</h2>Amazon’s Great Indian Shopping Festival, which was live between September 27 and October 29 this year, saw 140 crore customers, more than 85% of whom came from non-metro Indian cities. On the site, there was a 400% spike in sales in premium sales across categories like watches, fragrances, handbags, jewelry, and more. Rival <keyword id="19896939" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="flipkart" source="keywords">Flipkart</keyword> noted a similar trend, recording 1.8x growth in premium beauty and personal care products during the first half of this year. <h2>Dialing in premiumness</h2>The Indian smartphone ecosystem has always been dominated by basic phones, or those entry- and mid-range phones that are priced between Rs 10,000 and Rs 6,000. But that has changed in recent times, with premium smartphones (i.e., those priced over Rs 60,000) registering 20%+ growth in 2024. During the first quarter of this year, sales of mass phones (priced between Rs 10,000 and 20,000) reached 44%, compared to 51% in the year-ago period. But it's all sunny and shiny in the mid-premium (priced between Rs 40,000 and Rs 60,000) and super-premium segments (priced above Rs 60,000). Sales growth has burgeoned by as much as 27% and 86% in these categories, respectively. As India continues its march toward becoming the world's third-largest economy by 2027, the premium party is just getting started. Industry experts predict that premium segments will grow faster than you can say "sustainable organic handcrafted artisanal batch of coffee." So the next time you see someone dropping serious rupees on a fancy bottle of black water that also somehow plays music and tracks their hydration (yes, that's a thing), remember: This is just the trailer. Picture abhi baaki hai, mere dost! Do you have a topic in mind you'd want a simpler explanation for, or insights or experiences to share on personal finance and more? Contact us at businessinsider@timesinternet.in.

Simply Put: From Dal to Dolce—India is loving its luxury life

<ul><li>Several sports have been axed from the lineup for the <keyword id="23639445" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Commonwealth-Games-2026" source="keywords">Commonwealth Games 2026</keyword>.</li><li>The axed sports include hockey, badminton, wrestling, cricket and shooting.</li><li><keyword id="20499720" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Glasgow" source="keywords">Glasgow</keyword> has revealed a reduced roster of only ten disciplines to maintain the event's financial viability.</li></ul>In a significant setback to India's medal aspirations at the upcoming Commonwealth Games, crucial sports like hockey, badminton, wrestling, cricket, and shooting have been excluded from the 2026 edition by the host city, Glasgow. The host city has revealed a reduced roster of only ten disciplines to maintain the event's financial viability. Table tennis, squash and triathlon have also been axed in a bid to limit the cost and streamline logistics given that only four venues will host the entire showpiece. The total number of events at the Games will be nine fewer compared to the 2022 Birmingham edition. The 23rd edition of the mega-event is scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 2, marking Glasgow's return as host after 12 years, following the 2014 edition. "The sports programme will include Athletics and Para Athletics (Track &amp; Field), Swimming and Para Swimming, Artistic Gymnastics, Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling, Netball, Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting, Boxing, Judo, Bowls and Para Bowls, and 3x3 Basketball and 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball," the Commonwealth Games Federation said in a statement. "The Games will take place across four venues – Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Emirates Arena – including the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, and the Scottish Event Campus (SEC). Athletes and support staff will be housed in hotel accommodation," it added. The roster is a massive setback to India's medal prospects given that bulk of the country's medals came from the removed disciplines in the past editions. Shooting was never expected to return after being dropped from the Birmingham programme four years ago, owing to logistics. While announcing the Glasgow schedule, the CGF said "Glasgow 2026 will feature a 10-sport programme concentrated across four venues within an eight-mile corridor". This ruled shooting out of the roster as the Barry Buddon centre in Dundee – the venue during the 2014 CWG – is more than 100km away from Glasgow. Glasgow Green and the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre, which hosted hockey and wrestling in 2014, have been dropped from the list of venues, while Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, where badminton was held that year, will be used only for cycling this time. Aside from the cost, hockey's exclusion could also be down to the fact that the Games are being organised close to the World Cup that is scheduled two weeks later from August 15 to 30 in Wavre, Belgium and Amstelveen, Netherlands The Australian state of Victoria was the original host of the 2026 edition but pulled out last year due to rising costs. Scotland then stepped in to save the Games. Hockey's omission from the Games would be a significant blow for India. The men's team has won three silver and two bronze medals, while the women have also shone, clinching three medals, including a historic gold in the 2002 Games. In badminton, India has racked up an impressive 31 medals – 10 gold, eight silver, and 13 bronze. Notably, the nation was to enter the 2026 edition as defending champions in men's and women's singles, as well as men's doubles. Shooting was a stronghold for India, with a staggering 135 medals to its name. The count included 63 gold, 44 silver, and 28 bronze. The wrestling competition has yielded 114 medals for the nation, including 49 gold, 39 silver, and 26 bronzes. After the cricket's reintroduction in 2022, the Indian women's team claimed a silver. With inputs from PTI. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/upi-refund-scam-to-digital-arrest-scam-here-are-most-common-online-scams-in-india/articleshow/114428011.cms">UPI refund to digital arrest scam, here are some online scams you need to be aware of</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/waaree-energies-to-afcons-infrastructure-ipos-to-look-out-for-this-week/articleshow/114421377.cms">Waaree Energies to Afcons Infrastructure, IPOs to look out for this week</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/personal-finance/news/best-credit-cards-for-online-shopping-in-india/articleshow/114354358.cms">Best credit cards for online shopping this festive season</a>

India's CWG medal hopes dented: Cricket, shooting, wrestling axed

As the vibrant <keyword id="19896655" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="wedding-season" source="keywords">wedding season</keyword> kicks off in India soon, the <keyword id="19921618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Confederation-of-All-India-Traders" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Confederation of All India Traders" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Confederation of All India Traders">Confederation of All India Traders</keyword> (<keyword id="20143308" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="CAIT" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="CAIT" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="CAIT">CAIT</keyword>) has set an optimistic forecast, projecting a windfall for the nation’s economy. According to a recent CNBC report, CAIT predicts that this year, an estimated 48 lakh weddings are expected to take place in November and December, potentially generating a whopping ₹6 lakh crore in business. This surge reflects not just the volume of weddings but the wide-scale economic impact that accompanies such celebrations. Weddings in India are known for their grandeur, with celebrations often spanning several days and involving a number of services, from event planning and catering to jewellery purchases and attire. CAIT’s recent prediction, thus, underscores the vital role that the wedding season plays in the retail market. In this year’s cycle, the retail sector alone is poised to see a turnover of ₹5.9 lakh crore, highlighting the deep interconnectedness between cultural traditions and economic activity. In Delhi, which stands as one of the top locations for extravagant weddings, the expected impact is particularly significant. Approximately 4.5 lakh weddings are projected in the capital city, potentially contributing around ₹1.5 lakh crore to the local economy. This surge benefits a variety of sectors, including hospitality, fashion, gold and jewellery, and even technology, as digital services and e-invitations become more prevalent. The build-up to this wedding season has already shown signs of economic revival, particularly in sectors like gold and jewellery. Suvankar Sen, MD &amp; CEO of Senco Gold, noted a marked increase in wedding-related purchases during the recent Dhanteras festival. Speaking in an interview with CNBC TV-18, Sen highlighted that the August duty cut on gold played a significant role in spurring early buying behaviour. He pointed out that this policy move helped lower the cost of gold, enticing consumers to make significant purchases ahead of the peak wedding months. "We can see at least 40-50% of the consumers who are buying right now are related to weddings, and the 40-50% who are not related to weddings, are divided amongst consumers with a budget of ₹2-3 lakh buying some kind of jewellery as an annual buying during this auspicious time. Some consumers are buying working women's jewellery or lightweight for their daughters, something within ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh kind of buying happening. ₹20,000-30,000 is a budget consumer at all levels, some kind of a pendant, ring or earring that everyone would like to buy during this auspicious time. So, this is how we are seeing the consumer," he added. This early momentum has translated into packed showrooms and increased consumer spending, signalling a robust start to wedding-related commerce. Retailers across India are now preparing for a flurry of activity, restocking inventory and expanding service offerings to meet the anticipated demand. From wedding attire and décor to luxury items like high-end electronics and custom-made invitations, the shopping lists are extensive, promising a lucrative time for businesses. While traditional sectors such as fashion, catering, and venue rentals will see a boom, new trends have also emerged, expanding the <keyword id="23787664" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="wedding-economy" source="keywords">wedding economy</keyword>. The demand for eco-friendly and sustainable wedding practices has grown, with couples seeking biodegradable décor and eco-conscious catering services.

Indian weddings expected to generate ₹6 lakh crore in two months, CAIT says

<ul><li><keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword> reached 344 runs at lunch against <keyword id="19916454" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="New-Zealand" source="keywords">New Zealand</keyword> after a maiden torn from <keyword id="19918635" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sarfaraz-Khan" source="keywords">Sarfaraz Khan</keyword>.</li><li>Sarfaraz Khan and <keyword id="19907058" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rishabh-Pant" source="keywords">Rishabh Pant</keyword> were at the crease when an early lunch was taken due to rain.</li><li>Khan and Pant have an unbroken <keyword id="23605906" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fourth-wicket-partnership" source="keywords">fourth-wicket partnership</keyword> of 113 runs.</li></ul> India continued their extraordinary turnaround in the opening Test against New Zealand with Sarfaraz Khan striking his maiden Test hundred to take India to 344 for three at lunch on the fourth day, here Saturday. Sarfaraz (125 runs, 154 balls) and Rishabh Pant (53 runs, 56 balls) were at the crease when an early lunch was taken due to rain. The duo milked 113 runs for the unbroken fourth wicket in just 22 overs. India, resuming from 231/3 and 125 behind, now trails only by 12 runs. The sight of Rishabh Pant walking out to bat with Sarfaraz too might have calmed a lot of nerves in the Indian dressing room after the former missed the third day's play due to a blow he copped on his knee on the second day while 'keeping. Playing in only his fifth Test, the Mumbai man, resuming from 70, tamed overcast conditions and New Zealand bowlers in impeccable fashion as India added 63 runs ahead of the first drinks break. A good chunk of it came from Sarfaraz's bat and the way he nullified the Kiwi's pacers through late cuts was just exceptional. At the other end, Pant understandably made a slightly gingerly start and was even involved in a mix-up with Sarfaraz, saved only by an erratic throw at stumps by wicketkeeper Tom Blundell. But once he swam past that period, Pant was unstoppable, clobbering left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel for a couple of sixes. He also began to give more confident support to Sarfaraz. The left-hander soon brought up his fifty off just 55 balls with a thumping cover drive off Glenn Phillips as India added 113 runs without losing a wicket till the skies opened up at 11.01 am to stop the proceedings. With inputs from PTI. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/personal-finance/news/best-credit-cards-for-online-shopping-in-india/articleshow/114354358.cms">Best credit cards for online shopping this festive season</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/waaree-energies-ipo-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/114350114.cms">Waaree Energies IPO – Price band to risk factors, all you need to know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/best-smartphones-under-25000-in-india-in-october-2024/slidelist/114339207.cms">Best smartphones under ₹25,000 in India in October 2024</a>

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