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The Indian automotive landscape is evolving as consumers lean toward both luxury and sustainable options, according to <keyword id="20034170" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Grant-Thornton-Bharat" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Grant Thornton Bharat" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Grant Thornton Bharat">Grant Thornton Bharat</keyword>’s survey, Shifting Gears: Understanding Passenger Vehicle Market Trends. The survey, gathering insights from over 3,500 respondents, found that 85% are interested in high-end variants, with a notable rise in preference for <keyword id="20372525" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="hybrid-vehicles" source="keywords">hybrid vehicles</keyword> over electric options. With 40% of respondents favouring hybrids and only 17% opting for EVs, the shift suggests a cautious approach as consumers await more robust <keyword id="20415012" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="EV-infrastructure" source="keywords">EV infrastructure</keyword> and incentives. Meanwhile, 34% still prefer petrol vehicles, indicating the ongoing transition in <keyword id="21046358" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="consumer-preferences" source="keywords">consumer preferences</keyword>. Hybrid vehicles, acting as a bridge, are likely to boost familiarity with green technology, paving the way for broader EV adoption in the future. According to Saket Mehra, Partner and Auto &amp; EV Industry Leader at Grant Thornton Bharat, automakers must focus on both hybrid and electric solutions to match changing demands. This year’s festive season—typically accounting for 30-40% of annual sales—is critical, yet high inventory levels, weather impacts, and regional elections have slowed growth. Utility (UV) and sports utility vehicles (SUVs) continue to dominate, now representing 65% of passenger vehicle sales with 13% growth year-over-year. Despite a slow start to FY25, the popularity of SUVs and UVs reflects a strong preference for versatile vehicles. Yet, automakers are grappling with inventory challenges, with 7.9 lakh units worth ₹79,000 crore in stock as of September 2024. To tap into festive demand, nearly 90% of consumers expect substantial discounts. The survey also highlights a shift in consumer priorities, with a heightened focus on <keyword id="20961985" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vehicle-safety" source="keywords">vehicle safety</keyword> overtaking traditional factors like design or performance. Subscription models are also gaining traction, indicating a broader transformation in how Indians perceive mobility solutions.

Indian consumers shift gears toward luxury and sustainability in the auto sector: Survey

<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>The <keyword id="8194701" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="refurbished-smartphone" source="Orion">refurbished smartphone</keyword> market has recorded rapid growth in India.</li><li>While the unorganised sellers dominate the market, the organised sellers are also growing.</li><li>Affordability and shorter upgrade cycles are among the factors fueling the refurbished smartphone market.</li></ul> India's refurbished smartphone market is experiencing significant growth, outpacing the new smartphone sector. This reflects a maturing market which is increasingly catering to consumers looking for affordable yet reliable options. According to a report by Counterpoint Research, unorganised sellers dominate the refurbished smartphone market, accounting for 77% of transactions. The Indian refurbished smartphone sector has traditionally been dominated by unorganised players, offering devices at a fraction of the cost of the new models. However, the introduction of value-added services like warranties, quality assurance, and after-sales support by emerging e-commerce platforms is beginning to formalise this market, enhancing consumer trust and driving further growth. <h2>What’s fueling the refurbished smartphone market</h2><h3>Affordability</h3><keyword id="2698558" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="refurbished-smartphones" source="Orion">Refurbished smartphones</keyword> offer consumers access to higher-end hardware at lower costs, making premium technology more accessible to a broader audience. This aspect is particularly appealing in a price-sensitive market like India. <h3>Shorter upgrade cycles</h3>With technology evolving rapidly, many users prefer to upgrade their phones more frequently. Refurbished devices provide an avenue for this without the high cost associated with new purchases. <h3>Environmental impact</h3>There's a growing awareness of the environmental benefits of using refurbished products, which reduces electronic waste and the demand for new manufacturing, which is resource-intensive. <h3>Consumer confidence</h3>The entry of organised players who provide guarantees and quality checks on refurbished devices has significantly boosted consumer confidence. These services add a layer of reliability to what was once a market fraught with uncertainty about product condition and longevity. Despite the growth in the unorganised sector, there's a noticeable trend towards formalisation. E-commerce platforms specialising in refurbished goods are expanding, providing consumers with the convenience of online shopping backed by credible service commitments. The report also notes that this growth is not just contained within India. Globally, the refurbished smartphone market is on an upward trajectory, with similar trends observed in markets like Latin America, suggesting a broader international shift towards sustainable consumption in electronics. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/moto-g35-5g-with-120hz-5000mah-battery-launched-at-9999/articleshow/116172283.cms">Moto G35 5G with 120Hz display, 5,000mAh battery launched at ₹9,999</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/redmi-note-14-pro-and-redmi-note-14-pro-launched-in-india-starting-at-24999/articleshow/116134415.cms">Redmi Note 14 Pro and Redmi Note 14 Pro+ launched in India starting at ₹24,999</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/vivo-x200-and-x200-pro-camera-centric-to-launch-in-india-on-december-12/articleshow/115930004.cms">Vivo X200 and X200 Pro camera-centric smartphones to launch in India on December 12</a>

India's refurbished smartphone market witnesses accelerated growth

In a major step toward protecting students and their families, the Indian government has issued new guidelines aimed at curbing misleading advertisements by coaching centres. The Centre's crackdown addresses exaggerated claims like “100% selection” or “guaranteed job security” — promises that often lead to disappointment among students who invest time and money expecting a near-certain outcome. <h2>Protecting consumers, not shutting down coaching</h2>On Wednesday, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) rolled out these guidelines in response to numerous complaints from the National Consumer Helpline. According to <keyword id="20003684" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="consumer-affairs" source="keywords">Consumer Affairs</keyword> Secretary Nidhi Khare, the government’s goal is not to shut down coaching centres but to ensure their ads don’t “undermine consumer rights.” “We have seen coaching centres deliberately concealing information from prospective students,” Khare said. “Therefore, we have come out with the guidelines to provide guidance to people involved in the coaching industry.” So far, the CCPA has issued 54 notices to violators and imposed penalties of around Rs 54.60 lakh. <h2>What’s prohibited?</h2>The guidelines lay out strict boundaries on what coaching centres can — and cannot — say in their ads. Here’s what the guidelines address: <ul><li>False Claims: Ads should not make unsubstantiated promises about “100% selection” or “100% job security.”</li><li>Course Details: No exaggerating or omitting information about courses, their duration, or outcomes.</li><li>Faculty Credentials: Qualifications of teachers must be presented accurately, with no fake credentials.</li><li>Fees and Refunds: All fees and refund policies must be transparent.</li><li>Selection Rates and Ranks: Coaching centres cannot claim high selection rates or exam rankings without proof.</li></ul>Additionally, they are not allowed to use successful candidates’ names, photos, or testimonials in ads without written consent from these individuals. Khare advised students to double-check the information provided by coaching centres. “Many UPSC students clear prelims and mains on their own and take only interview guidance from coaching centres,” she explained, encouraging students to verify the course details actually taken by successful candidates. The guidelines go beyond the broad term “coaching.” They define coaching as academic support, education, guidance, study programs, and tuition — but they exclude counselling, sports, and creative activities. The purpose of this definition is to keep the focus on academic and career-oriented programs, which are most prone to misleading ads. <h2>Full disclosure and consequences for violators</h2>Transparency is now mandatory, as coaching centres must display disclaimers and reveal essential course details. Facilities, infrastructure, and resources must be represented accurately, along with any required approvals or recognitions from authorities like AICTE or UGC. Khare, who also serves as the CCPA chief, stressed that coaching centres should accurately present the service, resources, and infrastructure provided. For instance, if they advertise “fully-equipped classrooms,” the guidelines require this to be an honest description. These guidelines come as a supplement to existing laws and are enforceable under the Consumer Protection Act. This means violators will face penalties, potentially similar to the Rs 54.60 lakh already imposed by the CCPA. The government hopes these new standards will push coaching centres to keep their ads honest, helping students and families make better-informed decisions. (With inputs from agencies)

No More False Promises: Government sets rules to prevent misleading and exaggerated coaching centre ads

<keyword id="20599258" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-consumers" source="keywords">Indian consumers</keyword> demonstrated a significant increase in their <keyword id="21084888" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="credit-card-spending" source="keywords">credit card spending</keyword> in July this year, marking a 19% increase compared to the same month last year. According to a report released by <keyword id="19945737" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="SBI-Securities" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="SBI Securities" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="SBI Securities">SBI Securities</keyword>, the total expenditure by credit card users across the country reached an impressive Rs 1.7 trillion. This substantial uptick highlights the growing reliance on credit cards for transactions, reflecting broader economic trends and <keyword id="20740758" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="consumer-confidence" source="keywords">consumer confidence</keyword>. The report also highlighted a considerable increase in <keyword id="21118324" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="transaction-volumes" source="keywords">transaction volumes</keyword>, which surged by 39% year-on-year, reaching a total of 38.4 crore transactions in July 2024. This increase in the number of transactions underscores the widespread adoption and usage of credit cards as a preferred <keyword id="20632158" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="payment-method" source="keywords">payment method</keyword> among Indian consumers. "Credit card spending in India increased 19% YoY to Rs 1.7 trillion in Jul'24. The transaction volume during the month was 38.4 crore, up 39% YoY" said the report. The report also noted that among the banks, <keyword id="19895995" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="HDFC-Bank" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="HDFC Bank" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="HDFC Bank">HDFC Bank</keyword> emerged as the leader in terms of transaction volumes, with its credit cards facilitating 9.9 crore transactions during the month. <keyword id="19900482" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ICICI-Bank" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="ICICI Bank" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="ICICI Bank">ICICI Bank</keyword> followed closely with 7.1 crore transactions, while SBI secured the third position with 6.3 crore transactions. In terms of transaction value, HDFC Bank again led the way, with a total spend of Rs 44,369 crore through its credit cards in July. ICICI Bank and SBI followed with Rs 34,566 crore and Rs 26,878 crore, respectively. The report said "In Jul'24, transaction volumes was led by cards issued by HDFC Bank (9.9 crore) followed by ICICI Bank (7.1 crore) and SBI (6.3 crore)". Additionally, the <keyword id="22988051" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="average-transaction-value" source="keywords">average transaction value</keyword> (ATV) also saw a marginal increase of 1.4% month-on-month in July 2024. This marks the first increase in ATV in ten months, suggesting a shift in consumer behaviour towards higher-value transactions after a period of stagnation. Overall, these figures reflect the growth of credit card usage in India, driven by increased consumer confidence and the convenience offered by credit card transactions.

Indians credit card spending increases 19% YoY to Rs 1.7 trillion in July 2024

<ul><li>The <keyword id="21407809" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-tablet-market" source="keywords">Indian tablet market</keyword> has recorded a 128.8% year-on-year growth in shipments in Q2 2024.</li><li>The <keyword id="21529438" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="consumer-segment" source="keywords">consumer segment</keyword> has recorded a 27.5% growth, recording growth for the third consecutive quarter.</li><li><keyword id="19897758" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Samsung" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Samsung" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Samsung">Samsung</keyword> continues to lead the market, with nearly 50% market share.</li></ul> The Indian tablet market recorded good growth in Q2 2024, registering a 128.8% year-on-year increase in shipments. The tablet market includes detachable and slates, along with traditional tablets. According to a report by the International Data Corporation (IDC), 1.84 million tablets were shipped in India in Q2 2024. One of the reasons for the high growth in shipments was the fulfilment of a government education order in Uttar Pradesh. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112926834" title="SEBI brings in new norms to regulate finfluencers" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> In Q2 2024, the education segment recorded a growth of 455% year-on-year, helping the overall commercial segment record a growth of 279.1%. The consumer segment on the other hand recorded a growth of 27.5%, boosted by strong sales during summer sales. “Discounts and cashback make the purchases more lucrative, leading to robust demand for consumer tablets, and this trend is expected to continue in the near future,” said Priyansh Tiwari, research analyst, devices research, IDC India &amp; South Asia. Indian tablet shipments market share <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #356854 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#356854;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Company </td><td style="border-left:solid #356854 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #356854 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#356854;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Q2 2024 </td><td style="border-left:solid #356854 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#356854;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Q2 2023 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#ffffff;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Samsung </td><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#ffffff;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">48.70% </td><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#ffffff;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">37.10% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#f6f8f9;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Acer Group </td><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#f6f8f9;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">23.60% </td><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#f6f8f9;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">3.30% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#ffffff;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Apple </td><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#ffffff;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">9.50% </td><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#ffffff;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">19.40% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#f6f8f9;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Lenovo </td><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#f6f8f9;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">6.90% </td><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#f6f8f9;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">16.20% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#ffffff;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Xiaomi </td><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#ffffff;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">4.70% </td><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;border-right:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-bottom:solid #284e3f 0.39999975pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.39999975pt;vertical-align:middle;background-color:#ffffff;padding:2pt 6pt 2pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">5.80% </td></tr></tbody></table> <h2>Samsung leads the market</h2>Samsung continues to lead the Indian tablet market with a nearly 50% share. The company recorded a market share of 48.7% in Q2 2024. The company recorded a share of 54.1% in the commercial segment and 38% in the consumer segment. Acer was able to boost its market share at the back of education projects, which helped boost its share in the commercial segment to 35.5%. The company was able to take its market share in overall tablet shipments to 23.6% in Q2 2024. Apple recorded a market share of 9.5% in Q2 2024, with its growth in the consumer segment driven by new product launches and price cuts for older products. Lenovo and Xiaomi take the fourth and fifth positions respectively. While Lenovo recorded a market share of 6.9%, Xiaomi recorded a market share of 4.7%. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/upcoming-smartphones-launching-in-india-in-september-2024/slidelist/112841889.cms">Upcoming smartphones launching in India in September 2024</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/reliance-jio-increases-prices-of-prepaid-plans-with-netflix-bundle-new-prices-benefits-detailed/articleshow/112873781.cms">Reliance Jio increases prices of prepaid plans with Netflix bundle: New prices, benefits detailed</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/apple-iphone-16-to-be-launched-on-september-9-heres-everything-we-know-so-far/articleshow/112828818.cms">Apple iPhone 16 to be launched on September 9 – here’s everything we know so far</a>

Indian tablet market records good growth in Q2 2024, 1 in 2 tablets sold was from Samsung

Indian companies across multiple sectors have reported disappointing results in the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, notes a new JM Financials report. Consequently, their poor performance has triggered stock price corrections for affected companies. The brunt of this weaker than expected earnings was largely borne by consumer centric sectors like FMCG (fast moving consumer goods), retail, and auto, which slacked largely due to dampened urban demand. For instance, India's largest automaker, Maruti Suzuki, reported a 5% YoY decline in its total domestic passenger vehicle wholesales, largely on the back of pent-up inventory. Similarly, Honda reported a staggering 23% YoY dip in its total sales during October 2024. A recent report by Bernstein noted that around 48% of the companies listed on the NSE100 index missed their earnings estimate for Q2FY25, the highest since March 2020. Most companies have mentioned deteriorated domestic demand, urban slowing, macroeconomic risk, and margin pressures as the main reasons behind the dip. "The quarter's earnings have made investors nervous," noted the JM Financials report. The challenging environment stems from multiple factors: softening consumer demand, rising input costs, and companies' limited ability to increase prices. Moreover, this is not limited to just one quarter. Companies have been reporting weak, single-digit earnings growth for the last six consecutive quarters. Data from India Data Hub also suggests that corporate profits of listed companies plunged by as much as 3.4% during the quarter ended September 30, 2024. This is in stark contrast to the year-ago period, where they had shot up by over 40% The oil and gas sector had a difficult quarter, with refiners hit by weak margins and city gas distributors struggling with higher input costs. Financial institutions showed mixed results. While government-owned banks reported strong numbers, microfinance institutions and some private lenders faced massive difficulties with their unsecured loans. Most notable amongst this was the case of IndusInd Bank, which saw its net profits dip by 40% amidst burgeoning provisions, which climbed 87% to Rs 1,820 crore in Q2, as against Rs 974 crore reported in the year-ago period. <h2>Markets head southwards</h2>The selling trend by FPIs has dragged down the major Indian indices, the Nifty 50 and Sensex, both of which have dropped by around 8% since the beginning of this selling spree in October. According to National Securities Depository Ltd. (NSDL) data, FPIs offloaded equities worth a significant Rs 19,994 crore in just the first five trading sessions of November last week. The impact is clearly visible on Indian stock markets. Data suggests that while every sector in October closed the month in red, auto, oil and gas, and consumer durables were the most badly hit, each declining by as much as 10% during the month. Another indicator underlining the inherent weakness of the market was that the month saw only 242 stocks hit their 52-week high, significantly below the usual monthly average of 310.

India Inc. stares at an earnings dearth in Q2, FMCG, auto, and consumer durables falter

India’s <keyword id="23445999" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="carbonated-soft-drinks" source="keywords">carbonated soft drinks</keyword> (CSD) segment has hit a roadblock, unable to expand and reach its full potential, largely due to the high tax burden under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. A recent report from PTI, originally attributed to the economic think tank ICRIER says that despite the government’s initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, the CSD industry is struggling to scale up due to the steep taxation. According to the report, India imposes one of the highest tax rates on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), with a total tax rate of 40% as of 2023. This figure is significantly higher than that of over 90% of the countries that tax SSBs, based on comparative data compiled by the World Bank. The report also added that global and domestic consumers are increasingly opting for low-sugar and zero-sugar varieties. Manufacturers around the world are reformulating their products to cater to health-conscious consumers, offering options like low-sugar, fruit-flavored, and zero-calorie drinks. In India, however, companies face an uphill battle. The high tax of 40%, irrespective of sugar content, is preventing firms from innovating and scaling their low-sugar or fruit-based CSD offerings. The report also highlighted that India, a leading global producer of fruits like mangoes and bananas, has untapped potential for incorporating these ingredients into the CSD sector. Yet, the country’s CSD industry lags behind other developing nations, such as Thailand and the Philippines, in terms of product variety and revenue generation. Despite generating $18.25 billion in revenue in 2022 and growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.8% from 2017 to 2022, the sector remains underdeveloped. The report also underscored that India’s CSD market could be a major driver for investment and job creation, particularly in Tier 2 and 3 cities. However, the high tax rates, seen as a lucrative source of revenue for the government, are acting as a deterrent to the sector’s growth, preventing it from becoming a global competitor and unlocking its full economic potential. (With PTI inputs)

Indian consumers shifting towards low-sugar beverages, high GST rates stalling growth in carbonated soft drinks market

Economists at the country's largest lender, SBI, today said they see India's Q2 real GDP growth slowing down further to 6.5% in the September quarter of this fiscal year. Amid concerns over the country's economic growth rate and whether it is slowing down, the analysts said they expect FY25 growth to come "closer to" 7%. SBI analysts join a long line of agencies like Fitch, ADB, IMF, Moody, World Bank, S&amp;P, and even RBI in forecasting India's GDP growth for FY25 in the range of 6.8% to 7.2% for FY25, driven by robust consumption and investment. SIP inflows have been at an all-time high, and so has QIP (qualified institutional placement) fundraising. As many as 71 companies raised Rs 88,678 crore this year through QIPs. Activity in Indian primary markets also remained robust, with 78 mainboard IPOs in 2024; this is a 111% rise from just 38 listings in FY23. Between April and June 2024, India's real GDP grew by 6.7%, the lowest growth seen in 15 quarters, pushing experts to believe that India is caught in a cycle of slowdown. "There is some incipient pressure evident on the domestic economy. Based on our analysis of 50 meaningful leading indicators (both consumption and demand-centric), a dip looks plausible across select cohorts of agriculture, industry, and services in Q2," the <keyword id="22337294" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="SBI-economists" source="keywords">SBI economists</keyword> added. Stating that they track 50 indicators to gauge economic activity, SBIs note said the proportion of indicators showing acceleration declined to 69% in Q2 FY25, as against 80% in Q2 FY24 and 78% in Q1 FY25. However, things might be changing now, given that rural demand has started looking up amidst muted urban demand. SBI also explained that the ongoing regulatory tightening on unsecured lending and roadblocks that are hindering rollover/refinancing of debt through unsecured credit are dismantling the unwarranted exuberance that had built up post-pandemic, especially in the urban areas. Madhu Lunawat, CIO &amp; Fund Manager, Bharat Value Fund states that the overall investment environment remains strong due to favorable economic conditions supporting government policies &amp; reforms. "The sustainable inflow from domestic investors is going to support the Indian equity market in any kind of correction. The long-term bullish structure of Indian economy will continue to attract new domestic &amp; global investors to participate in India’s growth story through various Investment avenues.” <h2>Rate cuts not on cards</h2>RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das clarified today that changing the monetary policy stance to 'neutral' does not mean a rate cut is imminent in the central bank's next policy announcement. Notably, RBI MPC is set to meet between December 4 and 6, 2024, to decide if the prevailing repo rate of 6.5%, which has stayed unchanged for the last 2 years, should be brought down or not. In its last meeting, The <keyword id="20501100" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="RBI-monetary-policy" source="keywords">RBI monetary policy</keyword> committee had shifted its stance to 'neutral' indicating that it is open to adjusting interest rates based on economic conditions. "It should not be assumed that we have done this, so therefore the next step is a rate cut. A change in stance doesn't mean that the next step is a rate cut in the very next meeting. It's not so," Das said. Das also cautioned that inflation remains a key factor, and inflation and CPI prints for October are expected to stay high.

SBI economists see Q2 GDP growth slowing down to 6.5%; FY25 growth to be closer to 7%

Why 1 in 2 Indians reject bank applications: FICO survey insights

India's economy is expected to grow at 7-7.2 per cent in the current fiscal year driven by robust economic fundamentals and continuity in domestic policy reforms, <keyword id="20006170" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Deloitte-India" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Deloitte India" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Deloitte India">Deloitte India</keyword> said on Monday. The August update of <keyword id="19896400" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="deloitte" source="keywords">Deloitte</keyword>'s India Economic Outlook said several initiatives in the <keyword id="19908389" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="union-budget" source="keywords">Union Budget</keyword> 2024-25 toward improving agriculture productivity, creating jobs for the youth, and in manufacturing and addressing the challenge of access to finance for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), would help improve supply-side demand, curb inflation, and prop up <keyword id="20139791" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="consumer-spending" source="keywords">consumer spending</keyword>, especially in rural areas. Deloitte India Economist Rumki Majumdar said, India will witness robust growth in the second half after a period of uncertainty in the first six months of the year. "Key contributing factors include the continuity in domestic policy reforms, reduced uncertainties in the US post-elections, and more synchronous global growth within a low inflation regime. "Additionally, improved global liquidity conditions, as central banks in the West ease their monetary policy stance, will enhance capital flows and drive higher investments, particularly in the private sector," Majumdar said. Observing that strong economic fundamentals would drive <keyword id="19972825" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="GDP-growth" source="keywords">GDP growth</keyword> between 7 per cent and 7.2 per cent in FY25, the Economic Outlook report said effectively addressing the urban-rural consumer spending gaps, inflation, and employment concerns can significantly enhance the affordability of aspirational rural consumers. "The much-desirable policy pivot was evident in the Union Budget presented last month. Reducing the urban and rural spending gap in the coming years will ensure sustained consumer demand from a larger consumer base," it added. Deloitte India's growth projection is at par with that of RBI, which projected FY'25 growth at 7.2 per cent. It is higher than Finance Ministry's Economic Survey which estimated GDP expansion between 6.5-7 per cent. The <keyword id="19948184" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-economy" source="keywords">Indian economy</keyword> grew at 8.2 per cent in 2023-24 fiscal year. The report further said despite strong growth, private consumption spending has remained modest over the past five years. The pandemic, high global and domestic inflation, consequent tightening of financial conditions, and the effects of poor agriculture output on rural demand seem to have capped private consumption growth in India. But a Deloitte research showed that India is witnessing distinct and broad-based shifts in consumption patterns. There is a broad-based shift in the composition of consumption towards more non-food and discretionary items, reflecting changing lifestyles and preferences that are here to stay. According to the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey, spending on discretionary goods and services (including conveyance) has gone up both in rural and urban India, with the former quickly catching up in spending on discretionary durable goods (including automobiles, electric and electronic goods) with the latter in just one decade. "Demand for processed food has been among the highest in most states, suggesting a shift towards ready-to-eat options. Rapid urbanization, increasing women's participation in the workforce, and enhanced marketing and availability are driving these changing dietary habits," the report said. According to Deloitte research, if increasing income in states results in a relatively equitable distribution and higher rural spending, businesses can tap into a larger proportion of the state's population that resides in rural areas. This gives businesses access to a large consumer base and a sustainable consumer spending demand, as compared to states with a widening gap.

Indian economy likely to grow at 7-7.2 percent in FY25,Deloitte India says

A disturbing report by The Economic Times has revealed that over 100 <keyword id="21300086" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cough-syrup" source="keywords">cough syrup</keyword> samples manufactured in India failed quality control tests. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (<keyword id="20109095" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="CDSCO" source="keywords">CDSCO</keyword>) analysed over 7,000 batches of cough syrup, finding that 353 did not meet quality standards. The reasons for these failures are particularly concerning. Nine batches contained di<keyword id="21957039" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ethylene-glycol" source="keywords">ethylene glycol</keyword> (DEG) or ethylene glycol (EG), toxins previously linked to the deaths of children in Gambia, Uzbekistan, and Cameroon. These toxins can cause serious health problems, including vomiting, convulsions, circulatory issues, and acute kidney failure. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="94675384" title="Indian drug regulator kicks off probe on cough syrup linked to deaths of Gambian children" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2>What are <keyword id="15176477" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="diethylene-glycol" source="Orion">diethylene glycol</keyword> and ethylene glycol?</h2>For the unversed, DEG is a colourless, odourless and sweetish chemical. It is also a common industrial liquid used in many products, like antifreeze, car brakes, wallpaper removal solutions and in making fabrics and dyes. Similarly, EG is also a colourless and odourless alcoholic compound with a sweet-tasting and syrupy composition. It has known applications as an automotive antifreeze and as a raw material for manufacturing polyester fibres. It is also usually present in products like hydraulic brake fluids, stamp pad inks, ballpoint pens, solvents, paints, cosmetics and plastics. However, cough syrup manufacturers sometimes use EG and DEG as a replacement to non-toxic solvents like glycerine or propylene glycol simply because they are cheaper. Unfortunately, swallowing DEG and EG can be very dangerous. If someone drinks it, it can cause serious problems throughout their body and nervous system, leading to coma, seizures, nerve damage, and even liver and kidney failure, as per the CDC. <h2>Who is responsible?</h2>According to The Economic Times, the CDSCO blames unsecured supply chains and inadequate testing for the presence of these toxins. This news comes after a series of global alerts issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2022 regarding cough syrups manufactured in India that were linked to the deaths of over 140 children worldwide. The first alert came in October 2022, when the WHO flagged four cough syrups produced by Haryana-based Maiden Pharmaceuticals. Authorities in Gambia linked these medications to 66 deaths, primarily from acute kidney failure. In December 2022, the WHO recommended avoiding two cough syrups made by Marion Biotech after Uzbekistan reported 18 child deaths linked to their Dok 1 Max syrup. Most recently, in August 2023, the WHO issued another alert for a batch of Indian common cold syrup found to contain unacceptable levels of DEG and EG as contaminants. This marked the fifth such alert issued by the WHO since 2022 regarding Indian-made cough syrups. <h2>CDSCO considers waiving testing requirement before exploring cough syrups</h2>The discovery of toxic components in something that’s as commonly sold as cough syrup should have prompted authorities to tighten texting processes. However, the apex drugs regulatory authority, is reportedly examining stakeholders’ proposal to waive the requirement for testing cough syrups being exported to the US, the UK, Canada, the European Union, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Korea and Switzerland at the prescribed laboratory. These repeated failures and global health warnings raise serious concerns about the safety of cough syrups manufactured in India. The Indian government is urged to take immediate action to address these issues by strengthening quality control measures, securing supply chains and ensuring thorough testing to prevent further tragedies. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="96935179" title="WHO alert against use of Indian cough syrups in Uzbekistan" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

Why are over 300 batches of Indian cough syrup being deemed "toxic"?

A public interest litigation (<keyword id="19957723" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="PIL" source="keywords">PIL</keyword>) has been filed in the <keyword id="19905533" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bombay-High-Court" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Bombay High Court" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Bombay High Court">Bombay High Court</keyword>, urging the establishment of stringent guidelines to curb <keyword id="21811854" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="black-marketing" source="keywords">black marketing</keyword> and <keyword id="23311384" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ticket-scalping" source="keywords">ticket scalping</keyword> for major events. The PIL comes in the wake of widespread concerns over alleged irregularities during the online sale of tickets for the British band Coldplay’s upcoming concert in Navi Mumbai, scheduled for January 2025. Filed by advocate Amit Vyas, the PIL highlights the growing menace of ticket scalping and black marketing at large-scale events, including concerts, live shows, and sports matches. The plea calls for a thorough investigation into illegal ticket sales and the manipulation of online ticketing platforms, with specific reference to Coldplay's highly anticipated concert. The plea was mentioned on Monday for urgent hearing before a division bench comprising Chief Justice D. K. Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar. Noting that a police inquiry into the matter was already underway, the court adjourned the hearing to November, after the Diwali vacation. <h2>Allegations of <keyword id="23627270" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ticketing-irregularities" source="keywords">ticketing irregularities</keyword></h2>The PIL specifically alleges foul play during last month’s sale of tickets for Coldplay's concert on the popular online ticketing platform, <keyword id="20215809" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="BookMyShow" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="BookMyShow" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="BookMyShow">BookMyShow</keyword>. According to the petition, many potential buyers were locked out of the website within minutes of the ticket sales opening, only to discover that the tickets had been sold out. Shortly thereafter, these same tickets appeared on secondary platforms at exorbitant prices, fueling suspicions of deliberate manipulation. Vyas, in his submission, noted that secondary websites were still selling tickets at inflated rates. He argued that this exploitative practice deprived fans of their right to fair access to entertainment, violating the <keyword id="20003683" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="consumer-protection" source="keywords">Consumer Protection</keyword> (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020, which mandate fair and non-deceptive practices by e-commerce entities. The PIL underscored that this problem extends beyond the <keyword id="22044624" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Coldplay-concert" source="keywords">Coldplay concert</keyword>, pointing to similar issues during other major events, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches, the 2023 Cricket World Cup, and concerts of global artists like <keyword id="19897184" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="taylor-swift" source="keywords">Taylor Swift</keyword> and Diljit Dosanjh. In each case, fans were exploited through black market ticket sales, with prices soaring well above their official rates. According to Vyas, there is an urgent need for the government and judicial system to intervene, as ticketing platforms and event organisers are either complicit or failing to regulate secondary market sales effectively. <h2>Call for stricter guidelines</h2>The plea calls for the Bombay High Court to lay down stringent guidelines to prevent the black marketing and touting of event tickets. Vyas has asked for a framework that would ensure transparency and fairness in <keyword id="23627269" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="online-ticket-sales" source="keywords">online ticket sales</keyword> and reduce the exploitation of fans. The PIL emphasises that the lack of proper regulations in India’s ticketing sector has allowed platforms like BookMyShow to bypass rules, leaving consumers vulnerable to deceptive practices. It urges the court to consider the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020, as the basis for implementing stricter regulatory measures in the ticketing industry. <h2>Ongoing police investigation</h2>Following last month’s irregularities, Vyas lodged a police complaint with the Economic Offences Wing of the Mumbai Police, which is currently conducting an inquiry. The PIL has highlighted the need for a more immediate judicial intervention to prevent further exploitation in upcoming events. As the Coldplay concert approaches, the spotlight remains on the High Court’s response to this plea and whether it will pave the way for reforms that will bring much-needed transparency and accountability to India’s ticketing industry. The court is expected to hear the matter again in November. (With inputs from agencies)

You Searched For "Indian consumers" and got 13 results

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