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India’s electric vehicle (EV) sector, often seen as a key player in the country’s clean energy transition, has been called “irrelevant” without government <keyword id="20231384" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="incentives" source="keywords">incentives</keyword> by a recent Bernstein research report. The report highlights the serious challenges automakers face in achieving profitability and scaling operations in the EV segment, which remains heavily reliant on financial support from the government. <h2>Struggling to achieve profitability</h2>The Bernstein report reveals that generating profitable margins in the Indian EV sector is proving to be an uphill battle for automakers. “It is tough to generate sufficient margins and get scale in EVs. Even with hefty incentives, incumbent OEMs are still unprofitable,” the report stated. This underscores the fact that even with <keyword id="20022183" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="government-subsidies" source="keywords">government subsidies</keyword> aimed at promoting <keyword id="20138204" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="electric-mobility" source="keywords">electric mobility</keyword>, automakers are struggling to make EVs financially viable. High production costs, limited infrastructure, and relatively low consumer demand all contribute to this issue. Traditional automakers, particularly in India’s two-wheeler market, are facing significant financial losses. According to Bernstein, while some niche startups may survive, their long-term market share will likely remain limited, and competition will primarily be between established original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The key challenge for these OEMs is achieving the scale and cost reductions required to compete with the well-entrenched internal combustion engine (ICE) sector. <h2>Reliance on incentives</h2>One of the most striking conclusions from Bernstein’s analysis is the deep reliance of the EV sector on government subsidies. Without these incentives, the <keyword id="19952060" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="EV-Industry" source="keywords">EV industry</keyword> would be unable to compete with traditional ICE vehicles. “The EV Industry is not relevant without incentives currently, and to break the ICE sector, it needs intense focus, scale, and continued cost downs,” the report emphasised. This indicates that while government schemes like GST benefits have helped reduce the cost difference between EVs and ICE vehicles, they are not enough to ensure the long-term sustainability of the EV sector. Bernstein estimates that the overall EV two-wheeler industry in India generates around USD 1.3 billion in annual revenues, but without government support, the sector incurs an EBIT loss of approximately USD 300-400 million. The high cost structure of EVs, combined with the relatively low sales volumes, makes it difficult for companies to operate without subsidies. <h2>Established players face mixed fortunes</h2>Among India’s leading two-wheeler manufacturers, Bernstein noted that <keyword id="19897354" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bajaj-Auto" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Bajaj Auto" meta.hostid="265" meta.entityid="Bajaj Auto">Bajaj Auto</keyword> and <keyword id="20326963" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="TVS-Motors" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="TVS Motors" meta.hostid="265" meta.entityid="TVS Motors">TVS Motors</keyword> are on a similar footing in terms of their performance in the EV space. Bajaj Auto received an "Outperform" rating from Bernstein due to its lower valuations, while TVS Motors was rated "Market Perform" after it was found to be losing approximately 7.5% in EBITDA, or Rs 11,000 per vehicle, despite generating a gross profit margin of 7% without subsidies. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113631992" title="Tata Nexon EV with a bigger battery launched starting at ₹13.99 lakh" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Hero MotoCorp, a major player in India’s automotive market, lags behind both Bajaj and TVS in terms of its EV offerings. Bernstein also pointed out that Eicher Motors, which is expected to launch its own <keyword id="19895203" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="electric-vehicles" source="keywords">electric vehicles</keyword> soon, is likely to remain “sub-scale and less relevant” in the competitive EV landscape. Interestingly, <keyword id="19897349" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ola-Electric" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Ola Electric" meta.hostid="265" meta.entityid="Ola Electric">Ola Electric</keyword> (Ola-E) stands out as a startup that has been able to generate positive operating earnings (EBITDA) from its premium models like the S1 Pro and S1 Air, even as it incurs losses on its mass-market model, the S1X. “Our analysis indicates that Ola-E is generating positive operating EBITDA from its premium models, such as the S1 Pro and S1 Air while incurring a loss on its mass-market model, the S1X,” the report said. While Ola has shown some promise, it too remains heavily dependent on subsidies to maintain its financial health. <h2>Long-term outlook</h2>Bernstein’s report paints a challenging picture for the future of India’s EV sector, suggesting that while dominant startups may survive, the majority of the competition will come from traditional automakers. However, without significant scale and continued cost reductions, the EV industry will struggle to become self-sustaining. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113315022" title="Waiting for the festive season to buy an EV? Cabinet approves PM E-Drive subsidising most EVs, sans electric cars" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Bernstein emphasised that to truly compete with ICE vehicles, the EV sector needs to focus on scaling up operations, reducing costs, and maintaining long-term commitment. Until these conditions are met, India’s EV industry will remain highly dependent on government support and may continue to face an uphill battle for relevance. In conclusion, while India’s EV sector is seen as a vital part of the country’s clean energy future, Bernstein’s analysis highlights that it is far from being self-reliant. The industry’s heavy dependence on government incentives raises questions about its long-term sustainability and relevance, particularly in the face of ongoing challenges with profitability and scale. (With inputs from ANI)

Why has Bernstein called India’s EV sector 'irrelevant'?

<ul><li>The <keyword id="18656923" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Budget-2024-25" source="Orion">Budget 2024-25</keyword> was tabled today by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.</li><li>The budget has proposed a reduction in BCD for mobile phones, chargers and mobile PCBA.</li><li>The reduction in BCD is expected to bring down the cost of imported mobile phones.</li></ul> Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today presented the Union Budget 2024-25 in the parliament, unveiling the budget for the fiscal year 2024-25. This is the first budget in the third term of the Narendra Modi-led government. In a boost to the smartphone industry, the government has announced a reduction in basic customs duty (BCD) on mobile phones, mobile phone chargers and mobile PCBA. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111951205" title="Budget 2024-25: Changes to tax slabs, increased standard deduction and other changes to direct taxation" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2>Reduced customs duty on mobile phones</h2>The government has reduced the BCD on mobile phones, mobile phone chargers and mobile PCBA to 15% from the existing 20%. The government had increased the BCD on these parts from 15% to 20% in 2018. This reduction in customs duty will help in reducing the cost of mobiles and chargers that are imported from other countries, including select iPhones that are still imported. “The <keyword id="19955368" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Budget-2024" source="keywords">Budget 2024</keyword> decision to reduce BCD on mobile phones, PCBA, and chargers while simultaneously extending exemptions on inputs/raw materials for smartphone manufacturing, capital goods, and inputs for capital goods in the electronics industry is a welcome move that will encourage the domestic electronics manufacturing ecosystem,” said Muralikrishnan B, President, Xiaomi India. A lot of companies also import PCBAs for the devices and they should also record a decrease in costs. At this moment, it is not clear how much of the benefit will be passed on to the consumers. In February 2023, the government <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/from-cheaper-smartphones-to-100-5g-labs-here-are-the-top-tech-announcements-in-budget-2023-24/articleshow/97527763.cms">reduced</a> the customs duty on camera lenses used in smartphones from 2.5% to nil. “Transsion India welcomes the Ministry of Finance's decision to reduce the BCD from 20% to 15% on mobile phones, mobile PCBA and chargers. This move will make smartphones more affordable and help us offer the best-in-class smartphones to the ever-evolving Indian market,” said Arijeet Talapatra, chief executive officer, Transsion India. <h2>Experts predict a small price cut</h2>Despite the reduction in BCD, experts have said that a major price cut must not be expected. “The reduction of BCD on smartphones, chargers and PCBA will not have any major impact on the prices of smartphones. We may expect a price cut of 1-2% on average from this move, however, this depends on OEMs if they want to pass this to end consumers. In the lower price segments, we may not see this as in these price segments, the margins are very low,” said Tarun Pathak, Research Director, Counterpoint Research. “However, on the overall electronics manufacturing, the government has focused on a very key area, which is upskilling. Announcements regarding upskilling shows the government intent to grow high-skilled labor force and will help the electronics manufacturing sector securing high-skilled local talent,” he added. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/mobile-phones-to-cancer-medicines-things-that-are-set-to-become-cheaper-after-budget-2024-25/articleshow/111954947.cms">Budget 2024-25: Here's what is cheaper and costlier</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/budget-2024-25-changes-to-tax-slabs-increased-standard-deduction-and-other-changes-to-direct-taxation/articleshow/111951205.cms">Budget 2024-25: Changes to tax slabs, increased standard deduction and other changes to direct taxation</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/understanding-tax-alterations-affecting-stock-markets-capital-gains-tax-stt-on-fo-and-more/articleshow/111956139.cms">Budget 2024: Tax alterations affecting stock markets — capital gains tax, STT on F&amp;O, and more</a>

Budget 2024 – Customs duty on mobile phones, chargers and more reduced

Finance Minister <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> announced a reduction of 15 per cent in the <keyword id="19962888" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Basic-Customs-Duty" source="keywords">Basic Customs Duty</keyword> (BCD) on <keyword id="20016418" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mobile-Phones" source="keywords">mobile phones</keyword> while presenting the <keyword id="19908389" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Budget" source="keywords">Union Budget</keyword> for the fiscal year 2024-25 in Parliament on Tuesday. Along with mobile phones, the BCD on mobile Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA), and mobile chargers will be lowered to 15 per cent. Sitharaman said, "With a threefold increase in domestic production and almost a 100-fold jump in exports of mobile phones over the last 6 years, the Indian mobile industry has matured. In the interest of consumers I now propose to reduce the Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on mobile phones, mobile Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) and mobile charger to 15 per cent." The reduction in BCD is expected to make mobile phones and related accessories more affordable for consumers. By lowering the cost of imported components and finished products, the government aims to pass on the benefits to end-users, potentially leading to reduced retail prices. This move is anticipated to stimulate demand and increase the accessibility of mobile technology across different segments of the population. For the domestic mobile phone industry, the reduced BCD is likely to enhance competitiveness and encourage further investments. Manufacturers can benefit from lower import costs for essential components, thereby improving their production efficiency and profit margins. According to the Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker by International Data Corporation, India's smartphone market shipped 34 million units in the first quarter of 2024. This represented a year-over-year growth of 11.5 per cent, marking the third consecutive quarter of increased shipments. Earlier, to bolster the Indian start-up eco-system, boost the entrepreneurial spirit and support innovation, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed to abolish the so-called angel tax for all classes of investors. This was a proposal from the industry for a long time, and this announcement will drive more investments towards startups in particular. Startups function as engines of economic growth, playing a crucial role in generating new jobs, ideas, products, and services. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/budget-2024-25-changes-to-tax-slabs-increased-standard-deduction-and-other-changes-to-direct-taxation/articleshow/111951205.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/budget-2024-25-changes-to-tax-slabs-increased-standard-deduction-and-other-changes-to-direct-taxation/articleshow/111951205.cms" target="_blank">Budget 2024-25 – Changes to tax slabs, increased standard deduction and other changes to direct taxation</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/union-budget-2024-live-updates-finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-key-announcements-23-july/liveblog/111942008.cms" target="_blank">Budget 2024 Live Updates: FM Sitharaman announces comprehensive review of the Income Tax Act 1961</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/expectations-from-union-budget-2024-25-how-will-this-budget-impact-you/articleshow/111946291.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/expectations-from-union-budget-2024-25-how-will-this-budget-impact-you/articleshow/111946291.cms" target="_blank">Union Budget 2024-25: How will this budget impact you?</a>

Union Budget 2024-25: Mobile Phones to get cheaper, as FM Nirmala Sitharaman reduces basic customs duty to 15%

<keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword> is planning a <keyword id="22964001" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="repairability-index" source="keywords">repairability index</keyword> for <keyword id="20016418" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mobile-phones" source="keywords">mobile phones</keyword> and electronic products to address the growing <keyword id="19932462" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="e-waste" source="keywords">e-waste</keyword> problem and encourage manufacturers to produce more easily repairable items, officials said on Thursday. The <keyword id="20026051" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Consumer-Affairs-Ministry" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Consumer Affairs Ministry" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Consumer Affairs Ministry">Consumer Affairs Ministry</keyword> is spearheading the initiative, which will provide a score on key parameters to inform consumers about the ease with which a product can be repaired, the officials said at a national workshop on the issue. Addressing the workshop, <keyword id="20003684" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="consumer-affairs" source="keywords">Consumer Affairs</keyword> Secretary Nidhi Khare said: "As India emerges as the third largest economy in the world, we should have a vibrant and tech-savvy repair system." She also added, "India can become a repair hub for the world." The proposed index will be similar to initiatives in other countries, such as France's repairability index. It will rate products on criteria including availability of technical documents, ease of disassembly, spare parts availability and pricing. The workshop was aimed at establishing a consensus among industry stakeholders on "key parameters for accessing and evaluating repairability index" besides promoting longevity in product design, and democratizing repair information to enhance consumer experiences in reusing the mobile and <keyword id="19896834" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="electronics" source="keywords">electronics</keyword> products they own. Additional Secretary Bharat Khera emphasized the need for transparent and affordable repair solutions, increased consumer awareness, and support for local repairers. Joint Secretary Anupam Mishra highlighted concerns about the lack of genuine spare parts in local markets, compatibility issues with product components, and the absence of information for consumers to repair their own devices. He also mentioned that the Repairability Index of France rates products on five criteria, while the EU has additional parameters. <keyword id="20032279" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="HCL-Technologies" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="HCL Technologies" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="HCL Technologies">HCL Technologies</keyword> Founder Ajai Chowdhry called for legislation to drive change. "Today, most products are not repairable. We need to design products which can be repaired.... Unless we create a law, things will not change," he said. The government has already launched a <keyword id="22964002" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Right-to-Repair-Portal" source="keywords">Right to Repair Portal</keyword>, with 63 companies onboard, including 23 from the mobile and electronics sector. India is the third largest electronic waste producer globally after China and the US. The initiative aims to reduce e-waste, promote <keyword id="20128078" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sustainable-practices" source="keywords">sustainable practices</keyword>, and create opportunities for third-party repairers in India's growing electronics market.

India plans repairability index for mobile, electronics to tackle e-waste

The central government has reduced <keyword id="20442280" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="windfall-tax" source="keywords">windfall tax</keyword> on crude petroleum, according to a government notification. The special additional <keyword id="20253895" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="excise-duty" source="keywords">excise duty</keyword> (<keyword id="20211971" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="saed" source="keywords">SAED</keyword>) on crude petroleum has been slashed from Rs 9,600 per tonne to Rs 8,400 per tonne. The new <keyword id="20452955" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tax-rates" source="keywords">tax rates</keyword> will come into immediate effect. The taxes on <keyword id="6356109" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="diesel" source="Orion">diesel</keyword>, petrol and aviation turbine fuel will continue to remain nil. The government had on April 16 raised the windfall tax on <keyword id="20201860" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="petroleum-crude" source="keywords">petroleum crude</keyword> to Rs 9,600 per cent tonne from Rs 6,800. A tax levied on an unforeseen or unexpectedly large profit is called a windfall tax. Meanwhile, bringing a measure of respite to the people, <keyword id="19979741" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="oil-marketing-companies" source="keywords">oil marketing companies</keyword> have slashed the prices of <keyword id="21488887" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="commercial-LPG-gas-cylinders" source="keywords">commercial LPG gas cylinders</keyword> by Rs 19 per unit with immediate effect. The retail sales price of a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder would be now Rs 1745.50 in Delhi, sources said. Last month, the price was cut by Rs 30.50 for a 19-kg commercial cylinder at Rs 1764.50. While the precise reasons behind the <keyword id="21488889" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="price-decrease" source="keywords">price decrease</keyword> remain undisclosed, various factors, such as changes in <keyword id="21488888" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="international-oil-prices" source="keywords">international oil prices</keyword>, shifts in taxation policies, and supply-demand dynamics, likely contribute to such adjustments. Revisions for both commercial and domestic LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinders typically occur on the first day of each month. (ANI)

India slashes windfall tax on crude petroleum

<ul><li><keyword id="19896911" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Reliance-Jio" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Reliance Jio" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Reliance Jio">Reliance Jio</keyword> has launched the <keyword id="23557661" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="JioBharat-V3" source="keywords">JioBharat V3</keyword> and V4 feature phones.</li><li>The devices have been launched at the ongoing <keyword id="22302084" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Mobile-Congress" source="keywords">Indian Mobile Congress</keyword> (IMC) 2024.</li><li>The JioBharat V3 and V4 come with an ₹123 <keyword id="23557663" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="monthly-recharge-plan" source="keywords">monthly recharge plan</keyword>.</li></ul> Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio on Tuesday launched the JioBharat V3 and V4 4G smartphones at the ongoing Indian Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024. The devices, according to the company are aimed at 2G users looking to shift to 4G phones. The two new feature phones are the successors of the popular JioBharat V2 feature phone. In addition to offering calling services, these phones also bring <keyword id="22558342" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="JioPay" source="keywords">JioPay</keyword> integration, live TV services, and more. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114203740" title="Hyundai IPO review – Everything you need to know about India’s biggest IPO" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2>JioBharat V3 and V4 price in India</h2>The JioBharat V3 and V4 are both priced at ₹1,099 in India. The phones will be available from Amazon India, JioMart and the company’s authorised offline retailers across the country. <h2>JioBharat V3 and V4 recharge plan</h2>Jio has also announced a recharge plan for the JioBharat V3 and V4 feature phones. The company has introduced an ₹123 plan that will offer unlimited calls and 14GB of data per month. <h2>JioBharat V3 and V4 features</h2>The JioBharat V3 has been launched with a style-centric approach, aimed at users primarily looking at form, while the <keyword id="23557662" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="JioBharat-V4" source="keywords">JioBharat V4</keyword> focuses on features, aimed at users looking at function. The JioBharat V3 features a sleek design, keeping design in mind over functionality. The JioBharat V4 on the other hand packs features, despite featuring a minimalistic design. The JioBharat V3 and V4 are both equipped with a suite of Jio services, including JioPay which gives access to unified payments interface (UPI), JioTV, which offers access to 455 live TV channels, JioCinema and more. The two smartphones support 23 Indian languages and come with expandable storage of up to 128GB. The devices are powered by a 1,000mAh battery. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114241402" title="Global smartphone shipments record 4% growth in Q3 2024, Samsung leads the market" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> The JioBharat V3 and V4 also come with JioChat support, offering unlimited messaging, voice messages, group chat and more on the platform. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/global-smartphone-shipments-record-4-growth-in-q3-2024-samsung-leads-the-market/articleshow/114241402.cms">Global smartphone shipments record 4% growth in Q3 2024, Samsung leads the market</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/hyundai-ipo-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/114235421.cms">Hyundai IPO – Price band to risk factors, all you need to know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/realme-p1-speed-5g-vs-redmi-note-13-5g-which-phone-should-you-buy-under-20000/slidelist/114244322.cms">Realme P1 Speed 5G vs Redmi Note 13 5G – Which phone should you buy under ₹20,000?</a>

JioBharat V3 and V4 4G feature phones launched at ₹1,099

<ul><li>Activision and <keyword id="3492146" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="nodwin-gaming" source="Orion">Nodwin Gaming</keyword> have announced a new <keyword id="321546" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="call-of-duty" source="Orion">Call of Duty</keyword>: <keyword id="13872642" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="mobile-india-challenge" source="Orion">Mobile India Challenge</keyword>.</li><li>The registrations for the tournament are now live and will go on till May 22.</li><li>Here’s everything you need to know about the Call of Duty: Mobile tournament.</li></ul>Call of Duty: Mobile developer Activision and e-sports company Nodwin Gaming are back with a new tournament for the popular game in <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>. The new Call of Duty: Mobile India Challenge has been announced with a prize pool of ₹60 lakh, the highest amount for the game so far. The registrations for the tournament are now live and will go on till June 5. In addition to the prize pool of ₹60 lakh, the top-performing players will also receive COD points, which are the in-game currency for Call of Duty: Mobile. More than 3,70,000 COD points worth ₹50 lakh will be up for grabs during the tournament. “We received a massive reception at the very first edition and we are up for the next one, which is bigger and better in every aspect. Our friends at Activision Blizzard have lent immense support to cultivate the Call of Duty: Mobile competitive eSports scene in India, and we’re proud to say that we have some of the best squads in the world right now,” Akshat Rathee, managing director and founder, Nodwin Gaming. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="How to register for Call of Duty: Mobile India Challenge" comment="subhead" text="How to register for Call of Duty: Mobile India Challenge">How to register for Call of Duty: Mobile India Challenge</cmsannotation> To register for the Call of Duty: Mobile India Challenge, users can follow the below steps – <ul><li>Go to the Call of Duty: Mobile India Challenge visit this <a href="https://codm.nodwingaming.com/">website</a>. </li><li>Scroll down and click on “Register Now”. </li><li>The registrations are live now and users will be able to register till May 15 for Qualifier 1 and May 22 for Qualifier 2. </li></ul>The tournament will take place in two formats – Battle Royale and Multiplayer mode. Each season will have two qualifiers and 256 teams will compete in each qualifier. The teams will play single elimination matches in both the formats. The top 8 teams from each qualifier in the battle royale format and the top 4 teams from each qualifier in the multiplayer format will compete in the grand finals. The grand finals of battle royale challenge will be played on June 4 and 5 and the finals of the multiplayer challenge will be played on June 25 and June 26. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/google-pixel-6a-is-allegedly-being-tested-in-india-ahead-of-the-upcoming-i/o-event/articleshow/91435775.cms">Google Pixel 6a is allegedly being tested in India ahead of the upcoming I/O event</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/vivo-x80-x80-pro-mobiles-expected-to-launch-in-india-on-may-18/articleshow/91435130.cms">Vivo X80 series launching in India on May 18 - expected price, specifications and everything you need to know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/motorola-razr-3-mobile-leaked-images-reveal-an-improved-design-and-upgraded-cameras/articleshow/91431840.cms">Motorola Razr 3 leaked images reveal an improved foldable design and upgraded cameras</a>

Call of Duty: Mobile India Challenge announced with up to ₹60 lakh prize pool – how to register, tournament dates and more

<ul><li><keyword id="19894961" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Apple" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Apple" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Apple">Apple</keyword> has announced a <keyword id="20125622" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="price-cut" source="keywords">price cut</keyword> for its iPhones in India, with the Pro variants getting the highest price cut.</li><li>The price cut has been announced following the reduction in customs duty on smartphones.</li><li>Here are the new prices of iPhones in India after the price cut from Apple.</li></ul> As expected, the recently announced<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/budget-2024-customs-duty-on-mobile-phones-chargers-and-more-reduced/articleshow/111962490.cms"> reduction</a> in basic customs duty (BCD) on smartphones in the<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/budget-2024-25-changes-to-tax-slabs-increased-standard-deduction-and-other-changes-to-direct-taxation/articleshow/111951205.cms"> Budget 2024-25</a> has resulted in a decrease in the prices of certain smartphones. Cupertino tech giant Apple has announced a price cut for several iPhones, reducing the prices of the smartphones by up to ₹5,900. The price cut on premium smartphones is on the higher side, while some devices have received a minor price cut. The government has reduced the BCD on mobile phones, mobile phone chargers and mobile PCBA to 15% from 20%. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112045172" title="Apple to manufacture iPhone 16 Pro models in India soon after launch" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> Here’s the new pricing for iPhones in India: <h2>Price cut for iPhones</h2>In a first, Apple has announced a price cut for its Pro models in India. This has been done to pass on the benefit of reduced customs duty to customers. This will also help the company to boost the sales of iPhones in India, ahead of the launch of the<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/apple-to-manufacture-iphone-16-pro-models-in-india-soon-after-launch/articleshow/112045172.cms"> iPhone 16</a> series. <h2>New iPhone prices in India</h2><table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#000000;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">iPhone </td><td style="border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#000000;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">New price </td><td style="border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#000000;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Old price </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#000000;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Price cut </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">iPhone 15 Pro Max </td><td style="border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹1,54,000 </td><td style="border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹1,59,900 </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹5,900 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">iPhone 15 Pro </td><td style="border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹1,29,800 </td><td style="border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹1,34,900 </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹5,100 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">iPhone 15 Plus </td><td style="border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹89,600 </td><td style="border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹89,900 </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹300 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">iPhone 14 </td><td style="border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹79,600 </td><td style="border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹79,900 </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹300 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">iPhone 14 Plus </td><td style="border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹79,600 </td><td style="border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹79,900 </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹300 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">iPhone 14 </td><td style="border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹69,600 </td><td style="border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹69,900 </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹300 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">iPhone 13 </td><td style="border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹59,600 </td><td style="border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹59,900 </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹300 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">iPhone SE </td><td style="border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹47,600 </td><td style="border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹49,900 </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹2,300 </td></tr></tbody></table> The iPhone 15 Pro Max and the iPhone 15 Pro have received the highest price cut, at ₹5,900 and ₹5,100 respectively. The company’s most affordable offering in the country, the iPhone SE has also received a significant price cut at ₹2,300. At present, most of the smartphones sold in India are manufactured locally, barring high-end devices like the Pro models from the iPhone lineup. This is set to change with the upcoming iPhone 16 series, with the company planning on producing the<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/apple-to-manufacture-iphone-16-pro-models-in-india-soon-after-launch/articleshow/112045172.cms"> iPhone 16 Pro</a> models in India soon after the launch. It will be interesting to see if Apple reduces the prices on the iPhone 16 Pro models as they will not be subject to BCD once local production begins. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/upcoming-ipos-this-week-ola-electric-akums-drugs-and-more/slidelist/112097714.cms">Upcoming IPOs this week – Ola Electric, Akums Drugs and more</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/government-extends-ev-subsidy-scheme-till-september-30-increases-outlay/articleshow/112062360.cms">Government extends EV subsidy scheme till September 30, increases outlay</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/pixel-9-series-design-and-specs-revealed-ahead-of-launch-next-month/articleshow/112039063.cms">Pixel 9 series design and specs revealed ahead of launch next month</a>

iPhone price cut – Apple announces price cut after reduction in customs duty

<ul><li>Meta is rolling out a new update aimed at improving video calls on WhatsApp.</li><li>As part of the new update, the cap on participants has been increased to 32 for all platforms.</li><li>The update also brings screen sharing with audio, making <keyword id="22052091" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="watch-parties" source="keywords">watch parties</keyword> possible.</li></ul>Mark Zuckeberg-led Meta has started rolling out a new update for WhatsApp that brings new features for its video calls, which is aimed at making it easier and better for video calls with a larger group. The new features are a part of the new <keyword id="22052092" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Calling-Update" source="keywords">Calling Update</keyword>, which is rolling out for both app and web users. “We’ll continue making improvements to calling on WhatsApp so you can make the best quality, private calls wherever you are in the world,” WhatsApp said in its blog post. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="What’s new" comment="subhead" text="What’s new">What’s new</cmsannotation> <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Screen sharing with audio" comment="subhead2" text="Screen sharing with audio">Screen sharing with audio</cmsannotation> As part of the update, WhatsApp is now rolling out a new screen sharing with an audio feature. This enables users to watch videos together, making it possible to host watch parties right on WhatsApp. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Increased participants" comment="subhead2" text="Increased participants">Increased participants</cmsannotation> WhatsApp has also increased the number of participants for video calls to 32. At present, the cap on participants for video calls is set at 32 for the mobile app, 16 for the Windows app and 8 for the Mac app. With the new update which is rolling out in the coming weeks, the cap will increase to 32 for all platforms. This will make it possible for larger groups to easily join a video call. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Speaker spotlight" comment="subhead2" text="Speaker spotlight">Speaker spotlight</cmsannotation> The speaker spotlight is a small feature addition, which allows you to see who is talking. This basically highlights the box of the person who is speaking and makes them appear first on the screen. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="New codec for improved quality" comment="subhead2" text="New codec for improved quality">New codec for improved quality</cmsannotation> Another recent update was the addition of the MLow codec, which the company says will improve call reliability. “Calls made on mobile devices benefit from improved noise and echo cancellation, making it easier to have calls in noisy environments, and video calls have higher resolution for those with faster connections. Audio is crisper overall, even if you have poor network connectivity or are using an older device,” WhatsApp added. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/tata-group-reportedly-looking-to-acquire-a-majority-stake-in-vivo-india/articleshow/110987274.cms">Tata Group reportedly looking to acquire a majority stake in Vivo India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/webstories/bmw-r-1300-gs-superbike-launched-in-india-at-20-95-lakh/slidelist/110971512.cms">BMW R 1300 GS superbike launched in India at ₹20.95 lakh</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-6-will-reportedly-get-a-100-price-bump/articleshow/110959434.cms">Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 will reportedly get a $100 price bump</a>

WhatsApp now allows video calls with 32 people, screen sharing and more

New Delhi: <keyword id="19907577" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="shares" source="keywords">Shares</keyword> of <keyword id="19956271" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ola-electric-mobility" source="keywords">Ola Electric Mobility</keyword> Ltd surged nearly 16 per cent on Friday morning after the <keyword id="21622893" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ola-Group" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Ola Group" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Ola Group">Ola Group</keyword> announced its foray into the <keyword id="20314533" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="electric-motorcycle" source="keywords">electric motorcycle</keyword> segment with the launch of three models and two more in the pipeline. The company also reported a jump in revenue from operations for the April-June quarter of 2024-25. The stock jumped 15.77 per cent to Rs 128.09 on the BSE. At the NSE, it soared 15.59 per cent to Rs 128.20. <keyword id="19897349" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ola-Electric" source="keywords">Ola Electric</keyword> Mobility on Wednesday reported a jump in revenue from operations in the April-June quarter of FY25 at Rs 1,644 crore against Rs 1,243 crore revenue recorded in the same quarter of the previous fiscal. The June quarter has been a "good quarter" in terms of growth and profitability, Chairman and CEO <keyword id="19914967" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bhavish-Aggarwal" source="keywords">Bhavish Aggarwal</keyword> said in a post-earnings call. Meanwhile, the group has rebranded its ride-hailing service as Ola Consumer, announced a partnership with Open Network of Digital Commerce (ONDC) and launched automated warehousing solutions to cater to quick commerce requirements. Besides, Ola said it will bring to the market the first indigenously designed and developed family of chips for AI, general computing and Edge by 2026 under its Krutrim venture. Speaking at Sankalp 2024 - Ola's annual launch event on Thursday, Ola Founder Bhavish Aggarwal said currently, two-thirds of India's two-wheeler market consists of motorcycles, and it was imperative for the company to enter the segment. "We have already been successful in accelerating the EV adoption in the scooter segment, and with our futuristic portfolio of products, we are now focused on supercharging the EV penetration through our motorcycles," he said. Aggarwal also said Ola's indigenously developed 'Bharat 4680' cell and battery pack will be integrated with its own vehicles starting in the first quarter of FY26. The company so showcased its all-new Gen-3 platform for two-wheelers. "Coupled with the integration of our cells in our vehicles starting early next year, we are determined to chart a new course for mass EV adoption across India," Aggarwal added.

Ola Electric shares surge nearly 16 percent

<ul class="summary-list"><li><a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/stopped-going-to-starbucks-what-i-learned-benefits-downsides-2024-6">Starbucks</a> customers often face long lines to get their drinks at the chain's cafés.</li><li>One Starbucks employee in North Carolina said the problem goes back to understaffing.</li></ul>At a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/starbucks-menu-drink-order-why-coffee-2024-5">Starbucks cafe</a> in North Carolina, the biggest problem isn't getting complicated customer orders right. It's that there aren't enough employees to serve them.Aside from two hours in the morning, the store usually just has three people on duty, an employee who works at the location told Business Insider. He asked not to be named in this article, citing fear of retaliation from Starbucks, but BI has verified his identity and work for Starbucks.That's not nearly enough, given the volume of orders coming in throughout the day, the employee said. The store is located near major roads and shopping centers, he added, meaning that the Starbucks store's dining room is busy throughout the day.Even more challenging to manage: the orders that customers place online and through the chain's app."Mobile orders are a huge problem because you could have 20 people place a mobile order at the same time, and then they all come through at once," the employee said.The North Carolina Starbucks worker is far from the only one who's noticed the challenges Starbucks faces in filling customers' orders.Like many national restaurant chains, Starbucks has spent years building its online system and added complimentary logistics for pick-up and delivery orders. But <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/starbucks-reinvented-cafes-managment-plan-lines-waits-sales-2024-7">Starbucks customers have reported long wait times</a> — up to 25 minutes — just to get a single drink."The whole app ordering process is so seamless and easy until you get to the post-purchase and you see how long it's going to take to fill your order," Sky Canaves, principal analyst for retail and e-commerce at Emarketer, said on a recent Emarketer podcast about Starbucks. "If it's going to take more than five minutes, it's frustrating."Even Laxman Narasimhan, who stepped down as Starbucks' CEO this month, has said there's a problem. App users, many of whom are members of the chain's rewards program, often "put items into their cart and sometimes chose not to complete their order, citing long wait times or product unavailability," he said on an earnings call in April.In response, Starbucks has started rolling out a streamlined production process called the Siren Craft System, which reduces the time it takes to make its beverages.Analysts also expect changes to Starbucks and its restaurants under incoming CEO <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chipotle-ceo-niccol-will-bring-turnaround-record-to-starbucks-2024-8">Brian Niccol</a>, who beefed up Chipotle's online business through innovations such as Chipotlanes, or pick-up windows dedicated to mobile orders at stores.But Starbucks' production changes are only part of the solution, the employee in North Carolina told BI.The employee said that management at his store has cut hours. Last year, he worked between 30 and 40 hours a week and made about $30,000 at Starbucks, he said. So far this year, most of his weeks involve working between 20 and 30 hours. The store's hours have not changed, the employee added.The cuts have been persistent over the last few years, the employee told BI. "When we came back from Covid, they started saying things like 'Sales are down, so we're going to have to cut back on store payroll,'" which was fine, but it just continued," he said.Starbucks' own numbers back this up. As of October last year, the company had about 219,000 workers in the US in company-operated stores, about a 12% drop from 2022.In May, Starbucks said that it considers a variety of factors in deciding how to staff its stores, including past sales at a particular store and planned promotions. Starbucks' statement was responding to a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-05-29/starbucks-wait-times-jump-after-changing-work-algorithm-staffers-say">Bloomberg story</a> published the same month about the chain's long wait times and staffing challenges."Adding more partners is not the only solution to reduce customer wait times or produce a better Starbucks experience," the company <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2024/our-continued-commitment-to-partner-centric-scheduling-staffing/#response">said</a>, pointing to the Siren Craft System."Each store has unique staffing and partner needs, and our goal is to balance partner expectations with store needs, which means taking a store-by-store approach to creating schedules, rooted in both partner feedback and analytical tools," a Starbucks spokesperson told BI."To help determine the number of hours a store needs each week, Starbucks has a highly sophisticated staffing model, and we incorporate a robust data set to forecast store-specific staffing needs throughout each day," the spokesperson said.But at the North Carolina store, there are still fewer workers on duty on most shifts, the employee said. Employees at the store often find themselves jumping between taking orders at the register and then preparing the beverages themselves. That's led to customers waiting longer just to place their orders — and, often, waiting as long as 30 minutes to get them as well."It only takes one or two customers that are coming in to really start throwing things into chaos when you don't have every spot being managed at the same time," the employee said.Do you work at Starbucks or another major restaurant chain and have a story idea to share? Reach out to this reporter at abitter@businessinsider.com

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