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<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

Imagine a bustling jewellery market teeming with diamonds and gold. Amidst this glittering chaos, a small stall is trying to sell handcrafted gemstones. Even as newer and shinier outlets keep cropping up, all vying for attention, this gemstone store offers some of the oldest yet valuable jewels at a discount. Though they lack immediate sparkle, these rare gems reveal their value to the discerning buyer. This is how South Korea appears for many experts in global capital markets: a trove of undervalued gems, overshadowed by brighter, more aggressively marketed investment options. This undervaluation, known as the "<keyword id="24399183" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="korean-discount" source="keywords">Korean Discount</keyword>," reflects how South Korean companies are priced much lower than their global peers despite robust fundamentals — strong financial performance and consistent profitability. Contributing factors are many, ranging from opaque governance structures to geopolitical risks. But the fact stays, if you are a seasoned conglomerate listed in South Korea, you are likely undervalued. <keyword id="19906087" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="hyundai" source="keywords">Hyundai</keyword> Motor India Ltd. (HMIL), a subsidiary of the Korean giant Hyundai Motor Company (HMC), recently sought to escape this valuation trap by listing in India, a market where investor optimism commands premium pricing. But its valuation raised many eyebrows! Now that a month and a half has gone by since its listing, time is apt to examine if this gamble paid off. Will <keyword id="93460" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="hyundai-india" source="Orion">Hyundai India</keyword> justify its high valuation? Or does the listing highlight broader questions about the overheated valuation dynamics of Indian markets? A record-breaking <keyword id="19898327" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ipo" source="keywords">IPO</keyword> but questions remain Hyundai Motor India’s mega Initial Public Offering (IPO), launched in October 2024, broke records by raising ₹27,870 crore, making it India’s largest-ever IPO. The offer was oversubscribed by 2.37 times, highlighting robust demand. But many investors remained sceptical: was this IPO an honest attempt to expand Hyundai’s footprint in India or was it trying to offer a way to cashout for existing investors and promoters? Or perhaps, is it an attempt by the Korean chaebol — a large family-owned business conglomerate — to break free from the aforementioned “Korean Discount”? When shares listed on October 22, these concerns seemingly weighed on the minds of most investors and the stock promptly dipped 5% below the issue price on the day. A tepid grey market performance had already foreshadowed this muted debut in the Indian markets. Now, after almost 35 trading sessions on Indian market, the stock remains almost exactly at price it listed on October 22 at Rs 1820—no gain, no loss. <h3>The gamble of hyper-valuation</h3>Much of this hesitation stemmed from Hyundai’s valuation. On listing, Hyundai was valued at $18 billion, positioning it as one of India’s most valuable automotive companies. However, such high valuations often temper investor enthusiasm, resulting in more cautious short-term outcomes. For most investors, the Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio is the most preferred parameter to gauge if a company is overvalued or undervalued. With a P/E ratio of 26.3, HMIL was priced significantly above the Indian automotive industry average of 24.4. Globally, automotive companies operate with much lower P/E ratios, reflecting mature market conditions and slower growth trajectories. HMIL’s South Korean parent Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) trades at a meagre 3.07, believe it or not! For Indian investors, the high premium hinted at overvaluation despite Hyundai’s strong domestic position. Such stark difference in valuation obviously sparked debates — is the Indian market assigning a premium to Hyundai Motor India’s growth potential, or is it simply reflecting the general exuberance around the prospects of the Indian economy? Another concern is the allocation of IPO proceeds. Hyundai’s IPO was structured as an offer for sale (OFS), meaning all funds raised would flow to the parent company rather than Hyundai India’s operations. Although Hyundai has committed to investing in R&amp;D for EVs and hybrids, critics argue that the lack of immediate reinvestment in India’s operations reflects a missed opportunity for domestic growth. Despite the early disappointment, Hyundai was confident that the valuation was fair. It did have some factors going for it, in addition to the fact that other auto giants like Mahindra &amp; Mahindra and <keyword id="19909974" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="maruti-suzuki" source="keywords">Maruti Suzuki</keyword> command even higher P/E ratios. And looking at the company fundamentals, it does seem like Hyundai is playing a long-term game. <h3>Hyundai in India: A proven track record</h3>Despite the initial stumble, Hyundai India’s long-term story is compelling. Since entering the Indian market in 1996, the automaker has sold over 8 million vehicles and firmly occupies the second spot in the domestic passenger vehicle market, trailing only Maruti Suzuki. Hyundai’s blockbuster SUV offerings, like the Creta and Venue, have been critical in building this dominance. Despite some challenge from Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Tata Punch, Creta has retained the tag of ‘most-selling SUV in India’ successfully so far this year. <div type="image" title="Hyundai" agency="Business Insider India" msid="116156234" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Selling over 17,000 units per month on average this year, Creta has edged past major competitors to be the most-selling SUV in India in 2024. As Indian consumers preference continues to shift gradually towards premium products over budget segments, Hyundai stands to benefit (Wikimedia Commons / Canva)&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Selling over 17,000 units per month on average, Creta has edged past major competitors to be the most-selling SUV in India in 2024. As Indian consumers preference continues to shift gradually towards premium products over budget segments, Hyundai stands to benefit (Wikimedia Commons / Canva) Hyundai India’s market share of 14% in October 2024 underscores its clout. The company’s ability to tap into India’s premiumisation trend, where consumers increasingly prefer high-end vehicles, positions it well for growth. With plans to expand in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid technology, Hyundai is poised to capitalise on both domestic demand and export opportunities. The company’s ability to capitalize on its strong brand, extensive dealer network, and leadership in segments like SUVs and exports will determine its future performance. Hyundai’s strategic focus on expanding electric vehicle production also aligns with global trends towards sustainability, potentially positioning it as a leader in the segment. By listing in India, Hyundai aims not only to expand its operations but also to make India a global manufacturing and export hub for its products, especially SUVs and EVs. Therefore, despite early setbacks, Hyundai’s gamble seems to have paid off. The stock has rebounded, gaining 5% in the past month. More good news came in this week, as positive projections from Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan forecast an impressive 17-28% upside for the stock over the next year, reflecting growing investor optimism. <h3>A strategic pivot from the Korean Discount?</h3>The Korean Discount has long plagued South Korea’s chaebols, including Hyundai. Experts attribute this to several factors: <ul> <li>Chaebol Governance: South Korea’s conglomerates, known as chaebols, are often criticised for opaque governance structures and excessive family control.</li> <li>Geopolitical Risks: Tensions with North Korea contribute to investor caution, adding a layer of perceived risk.</li> <li>Limited Domestic Liquidity: South Korea’s relatively small investor base can constrain market activity and valuation potential.</li> </ul> By listing in India, Hyundai sought to unlock better valuations for its subsidiary, leveraging the optimism of Indian markets. India’s stock market has a trailing P/E ratio of 24.4, far above South Korea’s Kospi average of 16-17. The Indian market’s appetite for high-growth stories provides a fertile ground for companies like Hyundai to escape the valuation constraints of their home market. A successful IPO could encourage other such conglomerates to follow suit, setting a precedent. While Hyundai India has a robust track record, its future success hinges on navigating key challenges: <ul> <li>Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Hyundai relies heavily on its Chennai plant, making it vulnerable to disruptions.</li> <li>Intensifying Competition: Domestic rivals like <keyword id="19906967" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tata-motors" source="keywords">Tata Motors</keyword> and MG Motors are making aggressive inroads into the EV market.</li> <li>Policy Risks: The automotive sector’s reliance on government incentives for EVs and hybrids adds a layer of unpredictability.</li> </ul> High valuations come with risks. Hyundai will need to prove that it can sustain its growth trajectory in India, fend off competition from established players like Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors, and navigate challenges such as supply chain disruptions and regulatory hurdles. If Hyundai successfully capitalises on its strong brand and market leadership, it could not only redefine its value but also serve as a case study for other Korean companies seeking better recognition and valuations in global markets. <h3>Is Hyundai saga a reflection of overheated Indian markets?</h3>The bigger question here is, does Hyundai’s IPO highlights a broader narrative about Indian markets’ premium valuations? With a trailing P/E ratio of 24.4, Nifty 50 index is among the highest in emerging markets. India’s stock markets consistently command a premium due to robust retail participation, strong economic growth prospects, and a burgeoning middle class. While this premium reflects optimism about India’s long-term growth story, it also signals potential risks of overvaluation, particularly in sectors like technology, automotive, and consumer goods. With a record ₹94,017 crore outflow by Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) in October 2024, concerns about overheated valuations are mounting. Sustaining such unprecedented valuations required companies to consistently perform above global averages, and retaining robust earnings growth quarter after quarter remains a challenge in today’s uncertain world. For Hyundai, the high valuation is both an opportunity and a risk. While it underscores investor confidence, it narrows the margin of safety, making the stock vulnerable to corrections during economic downturns. Take for example, the high-profile IPO of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) that raised over ₹21,000 crore. Its listing was met with disappointment as the stock began trading at a 9% discount to its issue price, and subsequent performance has remained subdued. LIC’s post-IPO journey also highlights how inflated valuations can lead to long-term underperformance, as the stock gave only 12% return over the past 30 months when even the Nifty 50 index went up by over 44%. This happens when when the company's growth narrative fails to align with its pricing. Despite being a household name with a dominant market share, LIC's stock has struggled to meet expectations, partly due to concerns about its operating efficiency and the limited use of IPO proceeds for growth initiatives. Make no mistake, Hyundai Motor India’s IPO is a landmark event! It showcases the potential for Korean companies to leverage emerging markets like India for better valuations. It also shows that strong fundamentals can help justify a company such premium valuations even amidst bearish economic prospects. However, it also serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of overvaluation. For Hyundai, the next steps involve proving its long-term growth story, navigating competitive challenges, and maintaining investor confidence. For Indian markets, Hyundai’s IPO underscores the need to balance optimism with realistic expectations as they continue to evolve as global investment hotspots. To sustain the country’s economic narrative as a land of unmatched opportunities, corporate India must work on improving long-term fundamentals and mitigating long-term risks. As global investors watch closely, Hyundai India’s success or failure could shape how international companies view India as a listing destination in the years to come.

Tackling the 'Korean Discount': A deep dive into curious case of Hyundai Motor India's market listing

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

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

As India’s start-up ecosystem matures, a new trend is emerging: <keyword id="23791918" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="micro-acquisitions" source="Orion">micro-acquisitions</keyword>. This approach – focussed on buying smaller businesses – has become increasingly popular among Indian entrepreneurs looking for cost-effective growth avenues. Platforms like <keyword id="23791917" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="flippa" source="keywords">Flippa</keyword> are at the forefront of this shift, facilitating these transactions by offering a user-friendly, data-rich environment where buyers and sellers can connect seamlessly. In a country that has seen rapid growth in entrepreneurship, micro-acquisitions represent a shift from the traditional emphasis on large scale deals. And this trend is being fuelled by an influx of domestic funds and micro venture capital (VC) firms dedicated to nurturing early-stage startups. <h2>Changing Mindsets: Why Micro-Acquisitions?</h2>Entrepreneurs are turning to micro-acquisitions for the flexibility, speed and cost-efficiency that they offer. By targeting smaller, less capital intensive deals, they are able to side step the complexities of a traditional M&amp;A, making it a viable pathway for expansion and growth. Besides these can also help entrepreneurs diversify their holdings and adapt to market demands without overcommitting resources. Flippa allows Indian entrepreneurs to access a global marketplace where they can identify businesses aligned with their objectives. <h2>The M&amp;A Landscape in India</h2>While the US mergers and acquisitions market has seen slower growth, private capital inflows in India are on the rise, according to <a href="https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/services/deals/trends/private-capital.html">PwC</a>. The second quarter of 2024 proved to be a landmark period for Indian startups, with a 57% year-on-year surge in megadeals driving fundraising to an eight-quarter high of $5.2 billion, as reported by <a href="https://www.dealstreetasia.com/reports/india-deal-review-q2-2024">Deal Street Asia</a>. Flippa has capitalised on this trend. A marketplace founded in 2009 for buying and selling online businesses, it has amassed over 3 million users worldwide. As of <a href="https://flippa.com/data-insights?buy_sell=PR_DataInsights_EmbedGraphs">October 2024</a>, Flippa had 396,000 active buyers on its platform with a combined wallet of $75 billion, an increase of 15,000 active buyers month-on-month. This broad, engaged user base gives Indian entrepreneurs a diverse pool of acquisition targets, from digital properties to app-based ventures. Notably, data-driven app acquisition companies like KalaGato leverage Flippa to identify the right opportunities. “If you’re trying to get into the market, a platform like Flippa is a great place to start,” said Aman Kumar, Founder of KalaGato. <h2>Cutting Edge Technology At Work</h2>Flippa’s technology sets it apart, using a proprietary <a href="https://flippa.com/product/recommender-engine">matching algorithm</a> powered by an AI-driven graph neural network that assesses over 100 factors to match buyers and sellers. This technology streamlines the acquisition process, helping entrepreneurs find suitable opportunities more efficiently, especially in a crowded market like India, where navigating business brokers or directly approaching potential sellers can be time-consuming and fraught with challenges. “Flippa as a platform is continuously evolving. Once you start looking at exits or the potential to exit a business, then a platform like Flippa is super useful,” Kumar adds, emphasising the platform's adaptability to the needs of modern entrepreneurs. Another standout feature is its <a href="https://flippa.com/product/deal-room">multi-user Deal Room</a>. This comprehensive digital sales hub allows users to manage the entire sales process for online businesses and digital assets in one place. Sellers can communicate with buyers in real time, filter messages, and review offers and Letters of Intent (LOIs) within the Deal Room itself. This organisation is particularly helpful for entrepreneurs who may be overwhelmed by the volume of inquiries when trying to sell their business. The Deal Room provides real-time notifications about buyer engagement, ensuring that users can respond promptly and keep negotiations moving forward. Buyers are invited to the Deal Room on a scheduled basis, creating a structured interaction environment. <h2>Prioritising Security and Trust</h2>A secure transaction environment is crucial, especially for entrepreneurs new to acquisitions. Flippa’s <a href="https://flippa.com/product/insurance">insurance</a> policies offer this layer of security for both buyers and sellers. The Buyer Protect policy safeguards buyers against financial losses resulting from seller misrepresentation or breaches of warranty, covering up to 100% of the enterprise value of the business. Meanwhile, the Seller Protect policy shields sellers from potential financial losses, creating a balanced environment for transactions. This dual protection reinforces trust and allows the involved parties to focus on growth without worrying about potential hidden risks. <h2>Market Insights for Informed Decision-Making</h2>To further assist users in making informed decisions, <a href="https://flippa.com/product/market-insights/">Flippa Market Insights</a> provides valuable data on online businesses and digital assets. This tool enables users to compare prices of similar businesses, benchmark performance metrics like average order value and customer lifetime value, and access real-time sales data, including historical performance information. Users can filter this data by time period, business model, and price point, ensuring they have the insights needed to navigate the acquisition landscape effectively. Flippa’s expert vetting team reviews the stated financial performance of every asset priced above USD $50,000, providing an additional layer of credibility to the listings. <h2>A Bright Future for Micro-Acquisitions in India</h2>With the Indian startup ecosystem thriving and the appetite for micro-acquisitions only expected to grow, Flippa stands at the forefront by connecting ambitious entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed. Whether you’re an established business owner looking to expand your portfolio or a newcomer eager to dip your toes into entrepreneurship, Flippa offers a wealth of opportunities in this exciting landscape. So, if you are interested in starting your exit journey, get a free valuation for your business here - <a href="https://flippa.com/free-valuation">get a FREE valuation</a>. Disclaimer: This article is generated and published by the Insider Studios team. You can get in touch with them on <a href="mailto:insiderstudios@businessinsider.in">insiderstudios@businessinsider.in</a>

The rise of micro-acquisitions in India: How Flippa is driving the trend

<ul><li>The Indian wearable market has declined for the second consecutive quarter.</li><li>The smartwatch segment has recorded a huge decline in shipments in Q3 2024.</li><li>The earwear segment has also declined, while the smart ring segment remains strong.</li></ul>The <keyword id="22725790" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-wearables-market" source="keywords">Indian wearables market</keyword> has declined for the second consecutive quarter, recording a 20.7% year-on-year decline in shipments in Q3 2024. There was a 10% decline in shipments in Q2 2024. According to a report by the International Data Corporation, 38 million devices were shipped in the country’s wearables market in Q3 2024. The decline is being attributed to a reduction in new product launches and a cautious inventory strategy. <h2>Smartwatch shipments decline</h2>The smartwatch category recorded a decline of 44.8% as shipments declined from 16.92 million devices in Q3 2023 to 9.34 million in Q3 2024. Not just the basic smartwatches, the shipments of premium smartwatches also declined by 39.9% year-on-year. The Smartwatch average selling price (ASP) however increased by 1.4% from $25.8 to $26.2. The wristband category, which remained strong in Q2 has also declined in Q3, recording a 48.4% year-on-year decline in shipments. The earwear category also struggled, with a 7.5% decline in shipments from 30.29 million in Q3 2023 to 28.52 in Q3 2024. <h2>The smart ring category continues to shine</h2>The smart ring market has remained strong, with 92 thousand smart rings shipped in Q3 2024. The quarter also recorded a decline in the average selling price of 16.2% to $162.1. Ultrahuman continues to lead the smart ring category in India with a 36.8% market share, boAt comes in second with a 20.5% share and Pi Ring is third with a 16.3% market share. <h2>Smartwatch market share 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;">Company </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;">Q3 2024 </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;">Q3 2023 </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;">Noise </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;">27.40% </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;">20.70% </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;">boAt </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;">16.80% </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;">14.20% </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;">Titan </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;">12.60% </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;">5.10% </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;">Fire-Boltt </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;">6.80% </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;">23.60% </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;">Boult </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;">6.30% </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;">3.10% </td></tr></tbody></table> Source: IDC Noise continues to dominate the Indian smartwatch market with a 27.4% market share in Q3 2024, up from a 20.7% market share in Q3 2023. boAt comes in second with a 16.7% market share, up from a 14.2% market share in Q3 2023. “Amid market trends like consolidation, premiumization, and evolving consumer expectations, we have not only weathered these changes but thrived, with a 10-15% year-on-year increase in average selling prices across marketplaces,” said Amit Khatri, Co-Founder, Noise in a statement to Business Insider India. “The smartwatch category remains stressed as we head into 2025 due to undifferentiated products and a limited number of brands in play. Its market is expected to remain flat or decline marginally in 2025,” said Vikas Sharma, senior market analyst, Smart Wearable Devices, IDC India. “However, we are seeing early signs of a gradual consumer shift from basic to advanced smartwatches, as the need for better health tracking with efficient sensors and advanced functionality is gradually coming to the fore,” Sharma added. <h2>TWS market share 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;">Company </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;">Q3 2024 </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;">Q3 2023 </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;">boAt </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;">36.80% </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;">38.10% </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;">Boult </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;">13.50% </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;">8.70% </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;">Noise </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;">7.10% </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;">7.70% </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;">Realme </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;">6.90% </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;">3.50% </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;">Oppo + OnePlus </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;">5.00% </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;">8.10% </td></tr></tbody></table> Source: IDC boAt continues to be the market leader in the TWS segment in Q3 2024 despite a decline in its market share. The company leads the market with a 36.8% market share, with Boult a distant second with a 13.5% market share. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/tata-to-buy-a-majority-stake-in-pegatrons-iphone-plant-in-india/articleshow/115414852.cms">Tata to buy a majority stake in Pegatron's iPhone plant in India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/ntpc-green-energy-ipo-gmp-risk-factors-and-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/115403791.cms">NTPC Green Energy IPO – GMP, risk factors and all you need to know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/indian-smartphone-shipments-grow-5-6-in-q3-2024-vivo-leads-the-market/articleshow/115329847.cms">Indian smartphone shipments grow 5.6% in Q3 2024, Vivo leads the market</a>

Indian wearables market declines 20.7% in Q3 2024, smartwatch and earwear categories struggle

The <keyword id="1370377" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="BPM-industry" source="Orion">BPM industry</keyword> in India is at the cusp of a transformation and the demand for AI-enabled talent is set to surge, redefining workforce needs across the sector. “My spectrum tells me, in the next 3-5 years, there’s going to be an uptick in AI-enabled workers till the time that models stabilise,” said Nitasha Atreya, the Head of Transformation, Digital Operations and Platforms at Wipro, during a panel discussion on “AI-Ready <keyword id="20041791" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bpm" source="keywords">BPM</keyword> Industry in India,” hosted by Business Insider India. While AI has the potential to streamline many business processes, industry experts caution against relying solely on AI. Human intervention is still required, which means skilling new talent and upskilling existing talent is vital to leveraging AI effectively. Investing in these areas allows organisations to better meet evolving demands with a workforce that complements AI-driven solutions. <div type="Youtube" id="3ewvUSYfG1M" title="Al-Ready BPM Industry In India" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3ewvUSYfG1M/mqdefault.jpg"><url><![CDATA[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ewvUSYfG1M]]></url></div> <h2>Why human intervention is critical</h2>As the demand for AI and generative AI models is rising among BPM clients, particularly for model-building capabilities, so is the demand for AI-skilled workers. “For us to have the right intervention for human-in-the-loop processes, it’s essential that we develop an AI-enabled workforce,” Mythily Ramesh, Co-Founder and Director of NextWealth told Business Insider. Ramesh shared industry projections that estimate AI could create up to 100 million jobs globally. AI models generate predictions based on historical data and probabilities, but human oversight is essential to ensure accuracy and minimise errors. “AI as an enabler or augmenting the human workforce is probably the way this industry is going to progress. With the risks that are associated with completely leaving AI to replace humans – it’s just not going to work,” explained <keyword id="23987938" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sundar-hariharan" source="keywords">Sundar Hariharan</keyword>, Vice President of Digital Business Experience Centre at Alorica IQ. <h2>Shaping the future of AI And BPMs with collaborative intelligence</h2>The panellists emphasised a significant challenge in AI model development: only 1 in every 100 models actually makes it to deployment. For all of these models, a rigorous process of training and fine-tuning is required, using either synthetic or human-generated data. This process is not just about feeding the model data but also validating the output to ensure it functions as intended. “There’s a lot of requirements for data training and validation,” said Ramesh, highlighting the substantial demand for data annotators, labelers, and specialists in areas like image and video annotation. These roles are crucial for ensuring that the data used to train models is of high quality and accurately reflects the task at hand. However, the skills required for these roles go beyond traditional data labelling. The workforce must move away from rigid Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and understand the context in which data is being used. This requires employees to make judgement calls that help refine the model’s performance, adapting to continuously evolving instruction sets. "It’s collaborative intelligence—human intelligence combined with artificial intelligence," Ramesh noted. To address this evolving demand for skills, companies like Wipro have implemented comprehensive upskilling programs. These programs are tailored to different business segments, from basic AI awareness (AI 101) to advanced training for developers, engineers, and architects—those working directly on the models. Atreya shared that over 10,000 developers and engineers at Wipro are currently receiving training across these programs. <h2>AI’s role in transforming BPM operations</h2>According to Suhrid Brahma, the Chief Technology Officer at WNS Global Systems, the core model of the BPM industry is changing. “There is a shift from focus on people, to outcomes and value-add as an industry,” he said. He outlines a three-part strategy for the upgrades needed in AI-driven BPM, beginning with AI in operations. By building an AI-skilled workforce and maintaining a ‘human in the loop’ approach, organisations can maximise the value of AI while keeping essential human oversight. The second area is AI for applications and platforms. Each BPM deal has a technological component, which varies from client to client, but AI should be woven directly into these enterprise systems to ensure seamless functionality. Lastly, he highlights AI’s evolving role in analytics, shifting from retrospective analysis to providing predictive insights that drive proactive decision-making across the organisation. “This whole industry will grow for sure. But the nature of work we do, the kind of value-add we do for clients and the kind of outcomes we deliver as an industry, will definitely change,” Brahma noted. <h2>Navigating an evolving AI landscape in BPM</h2>As AI continues to reshape BPM, the nature of customer needs is also changing. With AI, businesses now have the potential to drive end-to-end process automation, where one part of the process is handled by the BPM organisation and the other by the client, fostering a more collaborative approach to AI adoption. Hariharan noted that BPM providers are transitioning into more tech-driven organisations, as AI increasingly becomes a key enabler of business processes. However, the road to AI integration is not without challenges. Atreya pointed out several challenges like siloed technology limiting the potential of AI to drive meaningful results. Atreya highlighted that siloed technology often limits the ability of AI to drive results. Organisations must assess whether they are AI-ready, with a mature data infrastructure and robust data availability. According to her, the most pressing concern remains ensuring ethical and responsible AI deployment, as new regulations continue to evolve. For sectors like BFSI, tech integration is already advanced, but industries like logistics have an opportunity to leapfrog by integrating systems and running processes end-to-end with AI, according to Brahma. He emphasised the importance of data integration to fully benefit from AI. Looking ahead, the panellists see huge opportunities in sectors like e-commerce and automotive, where AI-driven services are changing the landscape. The key to success will be collaboration, integration, and a well-trained workforce prepared to drive this AI-enabled transformation. This article is part of a four-part webinar series in partnership with nasscom. These monthly webinars aim to delve deep and offer insights into the evolving BPM landscape. You can watch the full video of the third session <a href="https://youtu.be/3ewvUSYfG1M">here</a>. Disclaimer: This article is generated and published by the Insider Studios team. You can get in touch with them on <a href="mailto:insiderstudios@businessinsider.in">insiderstudios@businessinsider.in</a>

India's BPM industry to see sharp demand for AI-skilled talent over the next 3-5 years

New Delhi: Having marked a 20-year milestone in <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword>, global tech giant <keyword id="19902762" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Google" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Google" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Google">Google</keyword> is upbeat about its next innings here with Artificial Intelligence (<keyword id="19899640" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AI" source="keywords">AI</keyword>) playing a big role in it, India MD <keyword id="23412065" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Roma-Datta-Chobey" source="keywords">Roma Datta Chobey</keyword> said on Thursday, adding that the company is aligning its vision and strategy fully to the country's growth and ambitions. In an interview to PTI, Chobey said Google believes that AI should be regulated but in a way that strikes a fine balance between user benefit -- which is "still at a nascent stage" -- and at the same time, fosters innovation. India is a very important market for Google, she said, underlining the company's deep commitment in areas spanning AI, payments, <keyword id="20055897" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Google-Pixel" source="keywords">Google Pixel</keyword> manufacturing and skilling amongst others. To a question on the concerns flagged by some Indian startups on alleged anti-competitive practices, Chobey said Google has been "deeply and closely" partnering and working with the startup ecosystem in the country, and that millions of apps are hosted on <keyword id="22336128" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Google-Playstore" source="keywords">Google Playstore</keyword>. "As Google, we've been deeply partnering with the startup ecosystem, and on Google Play, we host millions of apps...we also invest in training Android developers... "So I think we've been deeply and closely working with the startup ecosystem in India, and we remain committed and will continue to do so through India digitisation fund... We have startup accelerators, we have dedicated AI startup accelerators where startups are able to access our advanced technology, work closely with us, and that work is only increasing," she said. Google has completed 20-year milestone in India, and is looking forward to the next 20 years in which "AI is going to play a big role here", she observed. "When it comes to AI, we are focused on three pillars. The first one is how are we leveraging AI to help every individual in the country. The best way we, as Google, can do it is by using AI to democratise information as well as opportunity. "When we talk about skilling, etc, that talks to the opportunity bit. Secondly, we want to really play a significant role in developing the already-thriving AI ecosystem in India, by investing in infrastructure, by scaling the AI engine. And of course, we will do all of this very, very responsibly, sustainably and inclusively," she said. The third pillar in Google AI strategy is around building for the future, she said. "...to create a really thriving workforce that is primed to be successful in the AI-powered world. That space is evolving and evolving fast, and we want to keep pace with it. I also want to add here that we as part of Google India team feel so proud that there's so much work that's happening in India which is not just solving for India, it's solving (things) globally," Chobey said. Google on Thursday lined up a slew of AI-powered innovations, announced Indian language capabilities for Gemini Live, and unveiled new updates for Google Lens, Google Maps, as well as Google Pay at the tenth edition of 'Google for India' event in New Delhi. The Google top boss asserted that India is and will remain an important market for the company. "From Google's perspective, India has always been a very important market for us. We've always very uniquely solved for India, worked locally with partners, we spoke of 'India digitization fund'... We started Pixel (phone) manufacturing here... I spoke about GPay... So that continues. India for Google is a very important market, both from a user perspective, but also from the kind of research development that is happening," she said. Google, she said, is aligning its goals to India's growth and vision. "Today, we have over 10,000 Googlers, working out of India for India and other markets as well. And we have presence across 5 cities, so multiple offices here, that's really, really important... When it comes to India, I always say this - what is good for India, is good for Google... "So we are very finely integrating our objectives, our vision, to what is really good for India, and will continue to do so," she said, adding that India will remain a very important market for the company. Google is leveraging India to not just solve local challenges, but also global ones, Chobey added. The first Made-in-India Google Pixel 8 devices started rolling off production lines in August in India. "Watch out the space... we will talk about it more. But we're really, really happy and proud about the fact that we have started manufacturing Pixel 8 in India. Of course, we have now also have service centers in India. Google Pixel 9 is available on Flipkart, through Croma tie up...Reliance digital tie ups...and so on so forth. So we are really invested in this space," she said.

Looking ahead at our next 20 years in India, AI will play big role here: Google India MD

<keyword id="20017832" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Skyscanner" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Skyscanner" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Skyscanner">Skyscanner</keyword> has recently launched its annual "<keyword id="23717519" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Travel-Trends-2025" source="keywords">Travel Trends 2025</keyword> Report" and it shows that <keyword id="20183888" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-travellers" source="keywords">Indian travellers</keyword> are eager to explore destinations other than Europe. The report also shows a change in travel preferences, shedding light on the fact that many Indian travellers want shared experiences. It also reveals that 66% of Indians plan to travel more in 2025, looking for adventures that help build community connections. For the unversed, Skyscanner is a travel search engine that helps you find and compare prices for flights, hotels and car rentals, making it easier to plan and save money on your trips. <h2>Spending for experiences</h2>No matter the economic situation, Indian travellers are eager to invest in experiences. Recent data shows a significant increase in spending, with 58% planning to spend more on flights, 45% on accommodation and 34% on car rentals. While people are willing to spend, budget still plays a crucial role in choosing a holiday destination. The top considerations are: 65% look at hotel costs, 62% prioritise flight expenses and 54% consider food and drink prices. This focus on budget has led to lower airfares for destinations like Kazakhstan, Indonesia and Singapore, making travel more affordable. <h2>The rise of <keyword id="23717520" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lesser-known-destinations" source="keywords">lesser-known destinations</keyword></h2>The report also says that travellers are exploring options beyond the usual European destinations. Shillong, India, is currently the most searched destination, with an impressive 828% increase in searches over the past year. Baku, Azerbaijan, follows closely with a 744% rise, and Langkawi, Malaysia, has seen a 433% increase. <h2>Embracing nature and tangible experiences</h2>There’s also a noticeable shift towards experiences that connect travellers with nature and offer a break from our tech-heavy lives. The report mentions that 90% of travellers enjoy visiting gardens and activities like dining around a campfire, sleeping under the stars and horse trekking are becoming more popular. <h2>Rise of <keyword id="19984369" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sports-tourism" source="keywords">sports tourism</keyword> and other adventures</h2>The data also reveals a strong preference for shared experiences and immersive adventures. Trends include a growing interest in live sports events, immersive art experiences, stargazing and holistic wellness. Sports tourism is also on the rise, with 63% of respondents travelling for entertainment, 59% motivated by excitement and 50% hoping to catch a glimpse of their favourite sports stars. Astro-adventure tourism is also gaining traction, with 56% of travellers interested in night sky photography, 53% wanting to sleep under the stars and 44% hoping to see the <keyword id="20079917" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="northern-lights" source="keywords">Northern Lights</keyword>. This shift shows that many are looking for meaningful experiences. Another interesting trend is game-themed travel, with 88% of travellers inspired to visit locations from their favourite video games. Leisure travel and art-focused trips are also becoming popular. Apart from this, health and wellness tourism is also growing, especially among older generations. The data shows that 71% of those aged 45-54 prioritise health-conscious choices while travelling, compared to 54% of younger travellers (18-24 years old). Overall, 70% of Indian travellers report being more mindful about their health and well-being than ever before. This report thus highlights an exciting year ahead for Indian travellers, marked by a strong focus on shared experiences, immersive adventures, and wellness. As travel preferences evolve, destinations offering unique cultural experiences and good value are likely to attract more interest. Plus, the use of AI tools in travel planning is making it easier for travellers to fulfil their dreams of exploration and connection.

Europe is no longer India's favourite, we are up for experiences now, says Skyscanner report

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

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

<keyword id="19897919" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="social-media" source="keywords">Social media</keyword> platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook have established safeguards to combat <keyword id="23571068" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bot-accounts" source="keywords">bot accounts</keyword>, including policies and technical mechanisms. However, the effectiveness of these measures is increasingly being questioned as AI-driven bots evolve and find ways to bypass restrictions. <h2>AI bot evolution</h2>While <keyword id="21559036" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="AI-bots" source="keywords">AI bots</keyword> can serve legitimate purposes like marketing and customer service, some are designed to manipulate public discussions, incite hate speech, and spread <keyword id="19933162" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="misinformation" source="keywords">misinformation</keyword>. Research from the University of Notre Dame investigated the bot policies of platforms like LinkedIn, <keyword id="19932634" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tiktok" source="keywords">TikTok</keyword>, and X, testing how well these platforms enforced their rules. The findings were troubling. "Despite what their policy says or the technical bot mechanisms they have, it was very easy to get a bot up and working on X. They aren't effectively enforcing their policies," said Paul Brenner, a Director at Notre Dame. Even interns, who had only a high school-level education and minimal training, were able to launch the test bots using technology that is readily available to the public, Brenner explained. Their bots were created using commonly-available AI tools such as <keyword id="19918823" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="OpenAI" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="OpenAI" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="OpenAI">OpenAI</keyword>'s GPT-4o and DALL-E 3, and the tests were run on LinkedIn, Mastodon, Reddit, TikTok, X, Facebook, Instagram and Threads. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114283439" title="Security threats to AI models are giving rise to a new crop of startups" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>As per the tests, none of these platforms had sufficient safeguards to keep the bots out. Researchers successfully published benign test posts from bots across all platforms, with X and Reddit posing minimal challenges. While <keyword id="19911549" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="meta" source="keywords">Meta</keyword> platforms proved somewhat more challenging due to stronger enforcement mechanisms, they ultimately could still be bypassed — even by relatively inexperienced folk. <h2>Why does it matter?</h2>In India — and the rest of the world, for that matter — the rise of AI-driven bots has significant implications for public discourse, particularly in the political arena. Research has indicated that a substantial portion of misinformation circulating during electoral periods can often be traced back to automated accounts. Many experts emphasise that the pervasive influence of these accounts can negatively shape public perception and discussion, and is often used to target certain sensitive groups and stoke communal tension. As platforms struggle to keep pace with the evolving tactics of malicious bots, the need for stronger regulations becomes increasingly evident. Considering that AI is evolving at a rapid pace that makes it supremely difficult to tell bots apart from real human accounts — even for the tech-savvy — Brenner argues for US legislation that mandates platforms to identify human versus bot accounts. Similar measures are needed in India, where the lack of accountability for social media platforms allows harmful bot activity to proliferate. <h2>What needs to be done?</h2>Addressing the bot problem requires a multitude of different solutions. For starters, enhanced technology, such as more sophisticated AI detection systems, could help platforms identify and mitigate bot activity more effectively. Recent advancements in machine learning are paving the way for tools that can better analyse user behavior and detect anomalies that indicate bot activity. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114250696" title="AI labs are fragmenting because of ego clashes and commercial pressures. It&amp;#39;s about to drive a wave of new startups." mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>However, it is almost just as necessary to educate users about identifying bots and understanding online discourse. To platforms can implement user-friendly tools that highlight potentially automated accounts, empowering users to make more informed decisions about whom to engage with. Legislation could also play a pivotal role in shaping how social media platforms handle bot accounts. By requiring transparency about bot activity and holding companies accountable for enforcement, policymakers can create an environment where genuine discourse thrives and misinformation is curtailed. In India, the proposed <keyword id="19955205" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Digital-India-Act" source="keywords">Digital India Act</keyword> could be an avenue for strengthening regulations around <keyword id="19979951" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital-platforms" source="keywords">digital platforms</keyword> and enhancing user safety. While platforms like X and Facebook have made strides in developing detection methods, the sophistication of AI-driven bots continues to outpace current safeguards. This situation requires urgent attention from both tech companies and policymakers to ensure a safer social media environment. The findings of this research has been published on a pre-print server and can be accessed <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2409.18931">here</a>.

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