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The <keyword id="19900449" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="government" source="keywords">government</keyword> has sought proposals from the industry to set up <keyword id="22514802" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="E-commerce-export-hubs" source="keywords">e-commerce export hubs</keyword> (ECEH) in the country for examination, support, and hand-holding. Based on the proposal, further details, including software requirements for ECEH, to facilitate seamless and expeditious export clearances, will be firmed up, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (<keyword id="19985555" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="DGFT" source="keywords">DGFT</keyword>) has said in a trade notice. In this regard, it said, draft modalities for operation of these hubs have been formulated. Based on draft modalities proposed, the government would like to initiate a pilot launch of ECEH. "In this regard, detailed proposal(s) for setting up ECEH may be submitted to this directorate, for examination, support and hand-holding," the DGFT said. In the Budget, the government announced setting up of these hubs to promote <keyword id="19916774" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="exports" source="keywords">exports</keyword> through e-commerce medium in public-private-partnership (PPP) mode. Initially there are plans to set up 10-15 hubs in the country. These hubs would be designated areas, which would act as a centre for favourable business infrastructure and facilities for cross border e-commerce activities. The major objectives are to provide for predictability and shortest possible turnaround time for e-commerce exports, easy re-import for e-commerce returns or rejects, bringing various cross-border e-commerce stakeholders under one roof. At present, <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword>'s exports through this medium are only about USD 5 billion compared to China's USD 300 billion, annually. There is a potential to take it to USD 50-100 billion in the coming years. The draft modalities for operations of these hubs talked about movement of goods from supplier's premises to ECEH; pre-screening of goods; design of these hubs; and process flow for customs clearance once a buyer is found. ECEH will have two physical components -- first will be the fulfilment area for packing, labelling, storing to take place after pre-screening and till a buyer is found; and the second will be a customs station where the goods will be customs cleared after the buyer is found, ready for dispatch. Through these hubs, small producers will be facilitated to sell to aggregators and then that aggregator will find markets to sell. Export products, which hold huge potential through this medium include jewellery, apparel, handicrafts and ODOP (one district one product) goods. In such hubs, export clearances can be facilitated. Besides, it can also have warehousing facilities, customs clearance, returns processing, labelling, testing and repackaging. A report by economic think tank GTRI India's e-commerce exports have the potential to reach USD 350 billion by 2030, but banking issues hinder growth and increase operational costs. India has set a target of USD 1 trillion of merchandise exports by 2030 and cross-border e-commerce trade has been identified as one of the mediums to meet this aim. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/webstories/2024-tvs-jupiter-vs-honda-activa-6g-which-110cc-scooter-should-you-buy/slidelist/112730069.cms">2024 TVS Jupiter vs Honda Activa 6G – which 110cc scooter should you buy?</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/how-to/how-to-add-music-to-instagram-profile/articleshow/112732934.cms">You can now add music to your Instagram profile – here's how</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/audi-q8-facelift-launched-in-india-with-a-1-17-crore-price-tag/slidelist/112707701.cms">Audi Q8 facelift launched in India with a ₹1.17 crore price tag</a>

Govt seeks proposals for setting up e-commerce export hubs

New Delhi: <keyword id="19904868" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ecom-Express" source="keywords">Ecom Express</keyword> Ltd has filed draft papers with capital markets regulator <keyword id="19901201" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sebi" source="keywords">Sebi</keyword> to garner Rs 2,600 crore through an initial share-sale. The company's <keyword id="19913114" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="initial-public-offering" source="keywords">initial public offering</keyword> (<keyword id="19898327" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="IPO" source="keywords">IPO</keyword>) comprises a fresh issue of equity shares worth Rs 1,284.50 crore and an Offer for Sale (OFS) of shares valued Rs 1,315.50 crore by promoters and other shareholders, according to the draft red herring prospectus (DRHP). Proceeds from the fresh capital to the tune of Rs 387.44 crore will be used for setting up new processing centres with automation and new fulfilment centres, Rs 73.71 crore for computers and IT equipment, Rs 239.23 crore for enhancing technology, data science capabilities, and cloud infrastructure, and Rs 87.92 crore for payment of debt. Also, the remaining funds will be used for general corporate purposes and potential acquisitions, according to the draft papers filed on Wednesday. The company may consider raising Rs 257 crore through a pre-IPO placement. If such placement is undertaken, the amount raised will be deducted from the total fresh issue size. Ecom Express operates a pan-India express logistics network that handles first-mile pick-up, mid-mile transportation, last-mile delivery, returns, and warehousing services. By offering essential logistics infrastructure and using technology, the company connect digital retailers and <keyword id="19990771" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="e-commerce" source="keywords">e-commerce</keyword> platforms with consumers across the country. According to RedSeer report, the <keyword id="22803827" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-e-commerce-market" source="keywords">Indian e-commerce market</keyword> is projected to grow significantly, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21 per cent over the next five years. It is expected to increase from Rs 5.1 lakh crore in 2024 to Rs 12.5-13.5 lakh crore by 2029. Growth is notably strong in Tier 2+ regions, which are expected to account for 70-80 per cent of B2C e-commerce shipments by 2029, up from 62 per cent in 2024, the report added. Axis Capital Ltd, IIFL Securities Ltd, Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Ltd and UBS Securities India Private Ltd are the book running lead managers to the company's public issue.

Ecom Express files papers with Sebi for Rs 2,600-crore IPO

According to <keyword id="19911893" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Meesho" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Meesho" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Meesho">Meesho</keyword>'s recent ‘Smart shopper report’, <keyword id="19919711" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gen-Z" source="keywords">Gen Z</keyword> is rapidly embracing <keyword id="19990771" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="e-commerce" source="keywords">e-commerce</keyword>, with one in every three Meesho users being less than 25 years old. This makes them the fastest-growing demographic on the platform. The report also highlights that mass consumers, who typically make low-price purchases, account for around 80% of the total online shopping population in India. Reports suggest that by 2030, mass consumers, who are constantly seeking value for price, will dominate the retail market, constituting 65% of total consumers. At present, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are leading the way, when it comes to user growth in e-commerce, underscoring the significant untapped potential these states hold. The report also delves deeper into the evolving habits and preferences of mass consumers. Meesho has observed that users from Tier IV and smaller cities are the most frequent repeat shoppers under categories like women’s fashion, footwear, and baby care. Additionally, over 80% of Indian online shoppers now hail from tier-2 cities, and beyond, which include places like Ambur, Rourkela, Sangli, and Zirakpur. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112333596" title="Zomato announces new feature for cash on delivery orders and it can help solve a huge problem" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2>Influencer-driven <keyword id="3295571" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="e-commerce-boom" source="Orion">e-commerce boom</keyword> in North-East</h2>Furthermore, the report reveals that customers in northeastern states of India such as Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim are increasingly basing their e-commerce purchases choices on content generated by influencers, making up for an impressive 40% of all orders from these states. Meesho has also witnessed greater digital inclusion, with a growing number of content creators emerging from some of the most remote regions of India, like Bazpur (Uttarakhand), Kotputli (Rajasthan), and Pakyong (Sikkim). With the growing popularity of content creators, products like selfie sticks, ring lights, microphones, and tripods have also quickly risen to top the electronics category. Another notable feature Meesho identified was a significant rise in the adoption of vernacular languages and voice search, with rates increasing by 162% and 40%, respectively. This surge reflects mass consumers' strong preference for regional languages and user-friendly features. Tier 2 and other, smaller cities have significantly outpaced Tier 1 cities when it comes to ordering electronic accessories, making double the amount of purchases made by their bigger, urban counterparts. Meesho has also seen substantial demand for products like bluetooth headphones and earphones, power banks, smart speakers, screen magnifiers, and keyboards from diverse Indian cities such as Alwar (Rajasthan), Bettiah (Bihar), Pursurah (West Bengal), Rajahmundry (Andhra Pradesh), Sindkheda (Maharashtra), and Sirsa (Haryana). Among the fastest-growing categories on Meesho are books, which grew by 148% YoY (year-on-year basis) growth, office supplies and stationery (137% YoY growth), home improvement (112% YoY growth), furnishings (92% YoY growth), and pet supplies (68% YoY growth). There has also been a surge in demand for personal care and grooming essentials. <h2>A shift towards quick draping</h2> In just six months, over 10,00,000 saree shapers and more than 60,000 ready-to-wear sarees were sold, indicating that consumers far prefer a quicker, easier approach to traditional draping. There was a clear penchant for traditional and modern alike, since Banarasi was the most sought after fabric, followed by chiffon and organza. <h2>Self-care on the rise</h2>With increasingly hectic schedules, mass consumers are also prioritising self-care. As a result, there has been a rise in at-home salon treatments, with Meesho reporting sales of 6,00,000 face packs, over 4,00,000 facial kits, 3,00,000 wax strips, 4,00,000 press-on nails, and 4,00,000 nail paints this year. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112364583" title="Ola wants to re-enter the quick commerce business to take on Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> Not just this, yoga also made it to list, when it came to self-care. Meesho reported selling about 20 lakh yoga mats in just 6 months. And not just that, skipping and hula hooping also seems to be coming back in vogue, with consumers buying around 2 lakh skipping ropes and 75,000 hula hoops this year alone. 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India’s e-commerce boom: Gen Z, small cities, and self-care trends on the rise, says Meesho

The <keyword id="19915423" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Chamber-of-Commerce" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Indian Chamber of Commerce" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Indian Chamber of Commerce">Indian Chamber of Commerce</keyword> (ICC) has suggested the government to rationalise <keyword id="6360806" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="customs" source="Orion">customs</keyword> duties in various sectors including steel, solar battery, aluminum, and lithium cells in a bid to boost <keyword id="20053977" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="domestic-manufacturing" source="keywords">domestic manufacturing</keyword>. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the <keyword id="6360189" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="union-budget" source="Orion">Union Budget</keyword> for financial year 2024-25 on July 23. ICC President Ameya Prabhu said protective measures are needed for the growth of domestic industry in sectors including steel, solar battery, aluminum, and lithium cells. "There is a need for rationalisation of <keyword id="20454068" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="customs-duty" source="keywords">customs duty</keyword> in these specific sectors in a holistic manner. Huge potential is there to boost domestic manufacturing and make India a global hub for manufacturing," Prabhu said. He added that levies on raw materials impact domestic players particularly the downstream firms. He also asked for correction in inverted duty structure by cutting down duty on mixed petroleum gas from 5 per cent to 2.5 per cent. "To boost domestic manufacturing, there is a need to increase duty on polymers - polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene and polyesters to 10 per cent. This will help in reducing import dependency and will drive India towards self-sufficiency in the petrochemical manufacturing segment," Prabhu said. Talking about the importance of the aluminium foil sector, the President said the domestic industry has been facing severe losses as there is anti-dumping duty on raw materials whereas the finished goods are not subject to any duties on imports from China. "This dual effect has resulted in extensive net losses to the companies that have made significant investments into this industry," Prabhu noted. On the taxation side, the chamber has suggested setting up a commission to review the Income Tax Act 1961 in its entirety and simplify the provisions. "This is an old Act. Every year in the <keyword id="6358021" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="budget" source="Orion">Budget</keyword>, amendments are made which has made this Act complex to understand. These amendments have resulted in many anomalies which in turn have given rise to a large number of legal cases," the chamber has said. Prabhu further recommended the government not to impose tax on dividends. He added that during his tenure so far the ICC has spread its wings further nationally and internationally and become a truly world-class chamber. "We have opened 25 chapters globally in countries including New Zealand, the US, Europe, Australia, Korea and Middle East nations," he said.

Government should rationalise customs duty in Budget to boost domestic manufacturing: Indian Chamber of Commerce

Issues related to data privacy and rising <keyword id="20127272" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="online-frauds" source="keywords">online frauds</keyword> are emerging as significant hurdles in the growth of e-commerce in India, said the <keyword id="20613906" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Economic-Survey" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Economic Survey" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Economic Survey">Economic Survey</keyword> 2023-24 tabled in Parliament on Monday. Citing third-party data, the survey said that the e-commerce industry in India is expected to cross USD 350 billion by 2030 and called for the need to educate users on the safe use of e-commerce platforms. "The rise of e-commerce is constrained by inadequate skills required for online selling, such as cataloguing. <keyword id="22505774" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="data-privacy-issues" source="keywords">Data privacy issues</keyword> and increasing online fraud have turned out to be the most significant hurdle in the growth of e-commerce in India. It becomes imperative to educate users on the safe use of e-commerce platforms," the survey said. The survey mentioned that India's e-commerce market has gained significant momentum during the past few years, owing to technological advancements, evolving new-age business models coupled with government initiatives like the Digital India program, UPI, One District - One Product (ODOP), Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), new foreign trade policy, easing of FDI limits and Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) (Amendment) Rules 2021. It has identified data privacy and <keyword id="19906883" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cybersecurity" source="keywords">cybersecurity</keyword> as critical concerns in the <keyword id="22505776" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digitisation-of-services" source="keywords">digitisation of services</keyword> in the country and called for adopting strong security measures, compliance with privacy regulations, and innovation, among others. "Data privacy and cybersecurity have become critical concerns with the increasing digitisation of services," according to the survey. It said that the government is spearheading data protection laws and cybersecurity policies to safeguard consumer data and strengthen cybersecurity measures in the services sector. "To further embrace technology with confidence, ensuring the adoption of strong security measures, compliance with privacy regulations, and fostering innovation in security technologies are essential," the survey noted. It said the future of e-commerce is built on the enhanced <keyword id="20290101" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="user-experience" source="keywords">user experience</keyword> through <keyword id="19899640" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AI" source="keywords">AI</keyword>, seamless <keyword id="21332958" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital-payment-methods" source="keywords">digital payment methods</keyword>, innovations like UPI, and business engineering data analytics for business operations and enhancements. The survey mentioned that the buyer ecosystem in India is evolving at a very sharp rate, and business models will need to innovate to serve the needs of a diverse shopper base regarding service expectations, price sensitivity and language requirements. "Local language platforms are needed as the shopper base expands to tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Growing startups and innovative social media platforms provide an opportunity to test unique business models that might be targeted to specific demographic cohorts," the survey said.

Data privacy issues, online frauds emerging as e-commerce growth hurdles: Eco Survey

<keyword id="22865833" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="online-vendors" source="keywords">Online vendors</keyword> have generated 15.8 million <keyword id="19914922" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="jobs" source="keywords">jobs</keyword> in <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword>, including 3.5 million for women, with about 1.76 million retail enterprises participating in <keyword id="19990771" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="e-commerce" source="keywords">e-commerce</keyword> activity, says a report released on Wednesday. The report 'Assessing the Net Impact of e-Commerce on <keyword id="19898684" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="employment" source="keywords">Employment</keyword> and Consumer Welfare in India' was launched by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. "Plugging in data from our survey, we estimate that online vendors generate 15.8 million jobs, including 3.5 million jobs for women," the report prepared by Pahle India Foundation (PIF), a Delhi-based policy research institute, said. E-commerce, according to the report, has been a key driver of employment generation In India. On an average, online vendors employ 54 per cent more people and almost twice the number of female employees, compared to offline vendors. The report noted that two of the most widely-recognised contributions of e-commerce penetration in the retail sector are --growth in employment and improvements in consumer welfare. It said rather than displacing physical markets, e-commerce is expanding into new territories like tier 3 cities. "Our data shows that a higher percentage of Tier 3 city consumers spend more than Rs 5,000 per month on online shopping as compared to consumers from bigger cities," it said, adding this is the India consumption story, which enables the co-existence of physical and digital retail. The study analysed the impact e-commerce has had on employment and consumer welfare through a pan-India survey of 2,062 online vendors, 2,031 offline vendors, and 8,209 consumers of products from e-commerce websites across 35 cities in 20 states and UTs. According to the report, each e-commerce vendor on an average employs about 9 people, of which 2 are female, while each offline vendor employs about 6 people, of which only 1 is female. It pointed out that there was increase in employment across skill levels, including high-skilled (management, marketing), medium-skilled (customer service, operations), and low-skilled (warehousing, logistics, delivery) functions. The report said that the growth of e-commerce and accompanying digitalisation have fundamentally changed the skill sets and roles required in the industry. "Vendors have experienced improved business performance parameters since listing online, including higher sales and profits," it said. According to the report, 60 per cent and 52 per cent of vendors, respectively, state that their sales and profits have increased since the time they have started selling online. "Overall, more than two thirds of the online vendors interviewed experienced an increase in online sales value and profits in the past year," the report said, adding that 58 per cent saw an increase in both. Barring costs, it said vendors have seen a positive shift in all other aspects of business performance since they started selling online. The report said there is a strong business case for offline vendors to list on e-commerce platforms or pursue an omni-channel strategy. "E-commerce integration has accrued significant benefits to vendors from smaller cities and micro-enterprises," it said. The study also delves into how e-commerce has reshaped consumer behaviour, noting that consumers have shifted to online shopping for reasons that include convenience, product variety, and access. "A highly engaged consumer base is indicated by the fact that more than 50 per cent of all respondents to the survey spent more than two hours on e-commerce platforms a week, and that 70 per cent made a purchase via e-commerce in the last month alone," it said. Speaking at the event, former NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar said, e-commerce has revolutionized India's retail landscape. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation(MoSPI) secretary Saurabh Garg lauded the government's initiatives expanding digital public infrastructure that have enabled the smooth expansion of e-commerce. 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Online vendors generated 15.8 million jobs in India: e-commerce report

The Indian <keyword id="761780" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="e-commerce-market" source="Orion">e-commerce market</keyword> has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, driven by factors such as increased internet penetration, smartphone adoption, digital payments, and changing consumer behaviour. This growth has created opportunities for livelihoods and has been supported by the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector, which plays a crucial role in India’s economy. Contributing significantly to employment generation, economic growth, and poverty reduction, MSMEs hold immense potential. The <keyword id="44734" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="indian-government" source="Orion">Indian government</keyword>'s initiatives, such as "<keyword id="6354869" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="make-in-india" source="Orion">Make in India</keyword>" and "Startup India", and the ₹1,700-crore allocation in the budget for MSMEs’ digital infrastructure to fuel growth in these enterprises, have been in the right direction. In the grand scheme of India's retail fabric, <keyword id="35621" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="e-commerce" source="Orion">e-commerce</keyword> is only warming up. However, its potential to revolutionise how we buy and sell is an indisputable fact.The Emergence of E-commerce in India and the industry trendThe dawn of Internet accessibility fanned the flames for online trade in India. From books to electronics, gadgets to fashion wear — Indian consumers suddenly had a vast digital marketplace at their fingertips. Amid this e-commerce bull run, Flipkart emerged as a trustworthy platform for millions of customers that catered to the evolving demands of Indian consumers.With incessant tech advancements and evolving consumer behaviours, the e-commerce landscape is constantly shifting. Convenience, transparency, and personalisation will be major driving forces transforming how we buy and sell online.India’s <a href="https://www.bain.com/insights/how-india-shops-online-2022-report/">online shopper base</a> is estimated to increase to 400–450 million by 2027. 50 million new shoppers were added to the Indian e-retail market, which is ~35% growth over the online shopper base in 2020. New shoppers majorly belong to tier-3 or smaller cities and include Gen Z, a critical cohort that typically starts buying at entry price points. 3 out of 5 shoppers belong to tier-2 or smaller cities, 1 in 3 shoppers belong to low-to-middle income segments, and 1 in 3 shoppers is Gen-Z. Consumers now spend 20% more time per month on a retail platform vs last year.Flipkart’s impact on India’s e-commerce landscapeFlipkart, a homegrown marketplace platform, has been at the forefront of this transformative journey, <keyword id="65467" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="empowering" source="Orion">empowering</keyword> MSMEs and driving inclusive economic growth in the country. Given that more than 95% of MSMEs in India are micro in nature, a ready-to-go platform that Flipkart provides is immensely crucial to market the products coming out of Make in India and help them become small-to-medium in nature. Indeed, through its innovative approach and steadfast commitment to inclusion, Flipkart is inspiring a new cadre of entrepreneurs while playing an instrumental role in harnessing the true potential of India’s e-commerce maze. Today it stands as more than an e-commerce company – it’s a catalyst reshaping India's retail ecology.Over the last 15 years, Flipkart has been a transformative force in India’s e-commerce landscape.●It has driven the rapid growth of the online marketplace.●It has helped businesses embrace digital technology to increase their reach and profits.●It has contributed to economic development by enhancing India's global competitiveness.With a remarkable 220% seller growth on the platform since last year, Flipkart has earned the trust of over 14 lakh sellers— reflecting the faith that Indian MSMEs, small businesses, and enterprises have in their capabilities. Flipkart, with a registered user base of 500Mn+is well-positioned to cater to these emerging customer preferences.By bringing meaningful market opportunities to MSMEs and small businesses, Flipkart has helped promote inclusive growth by creating job opportunities, empowering women, and enabling entrepreneurship among disadvantaged sections of society.Empowering rural entrepreneurs MSMEs especially have a big role to play in providing employment opportunities, income generation, and skill development in rural areas, thereby uplifting local economies and reducing regional disparities. Flipkart, too, has been playing its part – it launched the Flipkart Samarth Program in 2019 to build a sustainable and inclusive platform for under-served domestic communities, with a special focus on uplifting and onboarding artisans, weavers, women-led enterprises, and people with disabilities.Flipkart isn't only changing how it does business; it's also making change happen in society:1.Inclusive growth: Flipkart promotes widespread prosperity by offering new opportunities to MSMEs and small businesses.2.Creating jobs: The platform supports countless livelihoods across the country.3.Empowering women: Flipkart believes in smashing glass ceilings, and its platform facilitates female entrepreneurship.4.Supporting the disadvantaged: Through its operations, Flipkart aims to uplift marginalised sections of society. Under the Samarth program, rural entrepreneurs from across the country are onboarded to the platform by securing multiple strategic engagements with state and central ministries, departments, livelihood missions, NGO partners, and entities across the country. To date, Samarth has reached out to sellers across 28 states, grown its seller entity base by 300% over the last year and has also helped entities &amp; businesses grow by 300%. By bringing millions of ambitious entrepreneurs access to a pan-India market, Flipkart Samarth is impacting more than 1.5 million livelihoods nationwide today. Paving the path for inclusive economic growthSupporting the development of MSMEs is crucial to ensure sustainable and inclusive economic growth, poverty alleviation and bridging the rural-urban divide. Thus, as India's e-commerce market continues to evolve, the collaboration between platforms like Flipkart and MSMEs will be pivotal in shaping a thriving and inclusive digital economy. Disclaimer: This article is authored by Rakesh Krishnan, Vice President and Head of marketplace, Flipkart. The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Business Insider India.

Empowering India's e-commerce market

<keyword id="19956758" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="finance-minister" source="keywords">Finance Minister</keyword> <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nirmala-sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> on Tuesday announced a <keyword id="20274081" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="credit-guarantee-scheme" source="keywords">credit guarantee scheme</keyword> for facilitating <keyword id="22087606" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="term-loans" source="keywords">term loans</keyword> for <keyword id="19910977" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="MSMEs" source="keywords">MSMEs</keyword> to purchase machinery and equipment without collateral or third-party guarantee. In her Budget speech in the Lok Sabha, she said the Budget provides special attention to micro, small &amp; medium enterprises (MSMEs) and manufacturing, particularly labour-intensive units. "We have formulated a package, covering financing, <keyword id="20961204" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="regulatory-changes" source="keywords">regulatory changes</keyword> and technology support for MSMEs to help them grow and also compete globally, as mentioned in the interim budget," she said. The credit guarantee scheme for MSMEs in manufacturing will operate on the pooling of credit risks of such entities. "A separately constituted self-financing guarantee fund will provide, to each applicant, guarantee cover up to Rs 100 crore, while the loan amount may be larger," the minister announced in the Budget. The borrower will have to provide an upfront guarantee fee and an annual guarantee fee on the reduced loan balance. She also announced a new mechanism for facilitating the continuation of bank credit to MSMEs during their stress period. Sitharaman said that while being in the 'special mention account' (SMA) stage for reasons beyond their control, MSMEs need credit to continue their business and avoid getting into the NPA stage. "Credit availability will be supported through a guarantee from a government-promoted fund," she added. In another move to help MSMEs, the minister announced a new assessment model for credit to the sector. She said public sector banks will build their in-house capability to assess MSMEs for credit, instead of relying on external assessment. "They will also take a lead in developing or getting developed a new credit assessment model, based on the scoring of digital footprints of MSMEs in the economy," she added. The new assessment model, she said, is expected to be a significant improvement over the traditional assessment of credit eligibility based only on asset or turnover criteria. It will also cover MSMEs without a formal accounting system. Mohammad Athar (Saif), partner and leader capital projects and infrastructure development, PwC India, said the credit guarantee scheme and <keyword id="22514802" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="e-commerce-export-hubs" source="keywords">e-commerce export hubs</keyword> for MSMEs will enable demand creation and boost India's aspiration of achieving USD 1 trillion in exports by 2030, driven by MSMEs. Sitharaman also announced that to enable MSMEs and traditional artisans to sell their products in international markets, e-commerce export hubs will be set up in public-private-partnership (PPP) mode. These hubs, under a seamless regulatory and logistic framework, will facilitate trade and export-related services under one roof. Vivek Jalan, Partner, Tax Connect, a multi-disciplinary firm, said, as requested by the trade and industry bodies and laid down by the Economic Survey, for MSME businesses, the compliance burden is also sought to be relaxed. Litigations will be reduced in the new <keyword id="22517694" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Vivaad-Se-Vishwas-Scheme" source="keywords">Vivaad Se Vishwas Scheme</keyword>, he added. Rumki Majumdar, Economist, Deloitte India, said the credit guarantee schemes for MSMEs in the <keyword id="19955573" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="manufacturing-sector" source="keywords">manufacturing sector</keyword>, facilitating term loans for the purchase of machinery, and formulating packages to finance technology support to them will go a long way to providing access to finance and increasing investments, which have been key challenges in the sector.

FM announces credit guarantee scheme, other measures for MSMEs

With <keyword id="19899402" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital" source="keywords">digital</keyword> adoption fast gaining currency, <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword> is likely to see <keyword id="19992513" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="retail" source="keywords">retail</keyword> <keyword id="19989657" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital-payments" source="keywords">digital payments</keyword> double to USD 7 trillion by 2030 from current levels, a study by Kearney and <keyword id="19942875" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amazon-Pay" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Amazon Pay" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Amazon Pay">Amazon Pay</keyword> said. In the report 'How Urban India Pays', Kearney-Amazon Pay said strong adoption of digital payments in <keyword id="21056201" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="online-purchases" source="keywords">online purchases</keyword> has potentially led to a permanent shift in consumer behaviours, fuelling offline adoption as well. While 90 per cent of the respondents of the survey preferred digital payments when making online purchases, affluent consumers lead the way with the highest Degree of Digital Payment Usage (DDPU), tending to use various modes of digital payment for 80 per cent of their transactions. "<keyword id="19955338" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="millennials" source="keywords">Millennials</keyword> and Gen X are leading in the adoption of all types of digital payment instruments," it said. "Men and women both use digital payments in about 72 per cent of their transactions, indicating gender parity." The research was based on an online survey of over 6,000 consumers along with more than 1,000 merchants through offline and online methods across 120 cities with representation from various regions, income groups, city categories, age brackets and genders. India has seen a surge in <keyword id="19990771" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="e-commerce" source="keywords">e-commerce</keyword>, with the market valued at USD 75 billion to USD 80 billion in 2022 and expected to grow at a 21 per cent CAGR until 2030. "In line with India's digital journey, retail digital payments have grown dramatically over the past five years - from USD 300 billion in FY18 to USD 3.6 trillion in FY24. By FY30, they are likely to double to USD 7 trillion," the report said. The Unified Payments Interface (<keyword id="19900911" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="UPI" source="keywords">UPI</keyword>) has been a key driver of this growth, demonstrating a CAGR of 138 per cent in its volumes during FY18-24. Other instruments such as cards and digital wallets are also gaining in popularity, contributing 10 per cent of digital transaction value today. "With such dynamic developments, it is no wonder that India is a global frontrunner in the digital payment landscape, accounting for a stellar 46 per cent of the global digital transaction volumes in 2022," it said. Digital payments have penetrated small towns, with respondents in these areas highlighting that 65 per cent of their transactions are digital, while respondents in larger cities cited this ratio to be 75 per cent. "There is a strong correlation between a city's average DDPU and its retail potential, as measured by the Kearney India Retail Index, with the top six metros displaying both high DDPU and high retail potential," the report said. DDPU surpasses retail potential in some cities such as Lucknow, Patna, Bhopal, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar, Indore, Ahmedabad and Pune, which have a high DDPU nearly matching that of larger metropolitan cities despite having a lower retail potential than the top six metros. The report said co-branded credit cards are gaining momentum. "Emerging methods such as buy now, pay later (BNPL), wearable payments and voice assistant-based payments are also starting to make inroads." Digital modes of payment constitute around 69 per cent of the total transaction volumes for the Indian merchants that were surveyed. Even street vendors such as paan shops, fruit and flower sellers, food stalls, and kirana stores are joining the digital payment brigade. "Challenges for merchant adoption mirror consumer concerns, emphasizing issues of financial fraud, limited connectivity and trust," it said. The report said the next wave of growth in digital payments will be fueled by increasing penetration in segments with lower DDPU, such as consumers in lower-income groups and smaller towns, along with enhancing the value of spending via digital modes of payment in the higher DDPU segments by addressing their concerns. "All key stakeholders across the digital payments' ecosystem, including payment providers, the government, and value-added services players, will need to play a part in expanding digital payment adoption," it said. The focus areas should be empowering communities with financial education by launching target programmes to boost awareness of digital payments and new methods such as UPI Lite and UPI Lite X, especially for aspiring consumer segments, women in small towns, and street commerce merchants, to encourage higher adoption. Also, there is a need to create user-friendly consumer journeys by streamlining documentation and know-your-customer (<keyword id="19910870" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kyc" source="keywords">KYC</keyword>) processes, optimising user interfaces, and establishing responsive customer complaint resolution mechanisms, it said adding also there is a need to enhance digital infrastructure by addressing systems and network issues and exploring innovations such as UPI Lite X for areas with limited internet. Also, the risk of fraud has to be minimised and access to credit-based payment methods expanded by using alternate data for underwriting risk, developing innovative credit products and promoting credit education for financial health. "These areas can help India overcome challenges in the digital payment ecosystem by fostering a more inclusive, secure, and user-friendly environment, thereby enhancing the adoption of digital payments among consumers and merchants in India," it added.

India to see retail digital payments to double to USD 7 tn by 2030: Report

The <keyword id="20163832" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="society-of-indian-automobile" source="keywords">Society of Indian Automobile</keyword> Manufacturers (<keyword id="108827" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="siam" source="Orion">SIAM</keyword>) and big auto players have hailed the Cabinet decision of PM e-DRIVE schemes aimed at promoting electric mobility across the country. The Rs 10,900 crore scheme will support 2,479,000 electric 2-wheelers, 316,000 electric 3-wheelers and 14,028 electric buses, along with 88,500 <keyword id="186291" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="ev" source="Orion">EV</keyword> charging sites. Shailesh Chandra, President of SIAM and Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd &amp; Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd, expressed strong support for the government's forward-thinking initiative. Chandra said, "This forward-thinking initiative reflects the Government's unwavering support for <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="keywords">India</keyword>'s transition to electric mobility, fostering innovation and investment within the sector. We believe this scheme will not only enhance the growth of the EV ecosystem but also strengthen India's leadership in the global movement towards environmental sustainability." Dr Anish Shah, Group CEO &amp; MD, Mahindra Group also commended government's efforts, specifically highlighting the comprehensive nature of the PM e-DRIVE scheme. Shah said, "We applause the government for launching the PM e-drive scheme. With continued focused support on 2Ws, 3Ws, e-buses and thoughtful addition of e-ambulances, the scheme will drive higher EV penetration in the country." M&amp;M noted that schemes like <keyword id="21028" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fame" source="Orion">FAME</keyword> and <keyword id="48070" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="emps" source="Orion">EMPS</keyword> have already driven penetration of electric three-wheelers in India. "Investments laid out for fast charging infrastructure for all segments will help in increasing consumer confidence for faster adoption of EVs. FAME and EMPS have helped in 20 per cent e-3W penetration in the country. With PM e-drive, we foresee India becoming the first country to achieve 100 per cent electrification in this segment by 2030", he added. The Union Cabinet, on Wednesday, cleared the 'PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM e-DRIVE) Scheme,' with a total outlay of Rs 10,900 crore over two years. It includes Rs 3,679 crore in subsidies and demand incentives for e-2Ws, e-3Ws, e-ambulances, e-trucks, and other emerging electric vehicles. It is expected to support the deployment of 24.79 lakh e-2Ws, 3.16 lakh e-3Ws, and 14,028 e-buses, providing a significant push to India's EV ecosystem. A critical aspect of the scheme is the introduction of e-vouchers for EV buyers. At the time of purchase, an Aadhaar-authenticated e-voucher will be generated, which will enable buyers to avail of demand incentives. Additionally, the scheme allocates Rs 500 crore for the deployment of e-ambulances, marking a new initiative to integrate electric vehicles into essential public services. Another Rs 4,391 crore has been earmarked for the procurement of 14,028 e-buses, with a demand aggregation process led by CESL in nine major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Intercity and interstate e-buses will also be supported in consultation with states. Furthermore, Rs 500 crore has been set aside to incentivize the adoption of e-trucks, a critical move given that trucks are one of the largest contributors to air pollution. The scheme encourages those with a scrapping certificate from <keyword id="19897457" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ministry-of-road-transport" source="keywords">Ministry of Road Transport</keyword> and Highways-approved (MoRTH) vehicle scrapping centres to participate in this transition. With an allocation of Rs 2,000 crore, the scheme will support the installation of 22,100 fast chargers for four-wheelers, 1,800 fast chargers for e-buses, and 48,400 fast chargers for two- and three-wheelers. These chargers will be installed in cities with high EV penetration and along selected highways, making long-distance EV travel more viable.

Automobile industry hails PM e-DRIVE scheme to promote EVs

<keyword id="23188764" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="World-Tourism-Day-2024" source="Orion">World Tourism Day 2024</keyword> is celebrated every year on September 27 to show how important tourism is for the world. It focuses on how tourism helps bring people together, supports the economy, and shares cultures. This year <keyword id="22517201" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="World-Tourism-Day" source="keywords">World Tourism Day</keyword> is focusing on the connection between tourism and world peace. The United Nations is highlighting the importance of understanding different cultures and promoting sustainable tourism. <h2>History of World Tourism Day</h2>World Tourism Day has been celebrated on September 27 since 1980. This date marks the anniversary of when the Statutes of the UN's tourism organisation were adopted in 1970, an important step for global tourism. The timing of the day is perfect as it falls at the end of the busy travel season in the northern hemisphere and the start of the season in the southern hemisphere. In October 1997, the <keyword id="19949373" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="UNWTO" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="UNWTO" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="UNWTO">UNWTO</keyword> decided to have a different host country each year to partner in celebrating World Tourism Day. This day is important for raising awareness of how tourism affects social, cultural, political, and economic values around the world. <h2>Host country for this year</h2>In 2024, Georgia, a country known for its rich history, culture, and beautiful landscapes, will host World Tourism Day. Located between Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Georgia offers a unique mix of cultures. It is famous for its ancient churches, wine regions, and stunning mountains. Tourism in Georgia has been growing quickly, drawing millions of visitors from around the world. With its scenic beauty, Georgia is the ideal place to showcase how tourism promotes peace and cultural exchange. <h2>Theme for this year</h2>The theme for World Tourism Day 2024 is "<keyword id="23301034" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tourism-and-Peace" source="keywords">Tourism and Peace</keyword>." Tourism plays an important role in promoting peace by bringing people from different cultures together and helping the economies of host countries. As people travel and experience new cultures, it leads to more understanding and tolerance. Tourism can break down barriers and build strong connections between nations. It also helps local communities by creating jobs and encouraging sustainable practices, which supports peace and prosperity in the long run. <h2>Indian Government initiatives to promote tourism</h2>The Indian government is working to improve tourism with several initiatives and schemes. Some key efforts include: E-Visa Facility: Nationals from 167 countries can now apply for e-visas online under seven categories, like e-Tourist and e-Business visas. The fees have been lowered to make travel more affordable. Swadesh Darshan Scheme: Started in 2014-15, this scheme creates theme-based tourist circuits across India. By 2023-24, 73 projects have been completed, with a total investment of ₹5,294.11 crore. Swadesh Darshan 2.0: This updated scheme focuses on developing 57 destinations across 32 states and Union Territories for integrated tourism development. PRASHAD Scheme: Aimed at improving infrastructure at pilgrimage sites, 46 projects have been approved so far, with ₹1,621.13 crore set aside for their development. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/travel/international/webstories/world-tourism-day-2024-exploring-the-10-most-peaceful-countries-on-earth/slidelist/113590691.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">World Tourism Day 2024: Exploring the 10 most peaceful countries on Earth</a>

World Tourism Day 2024: All about the theme, host country, and tourism-boosting initiatives

<ul><li>The <keyword id="19955648" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Adani-Group" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Adani Group" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Adani Group">Adani Group</keyword> is looking to foray into the <keyword id="19990771" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="e-commerce" source="keywords">e-commerce</keyword> and payments segments in India.</li><li><keyword id="19929098" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gautam-Adani" source="keywords">Gautam Adani</keyword> is India’s second richest man, with just <keyword id="19916798" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mukesh-Ambani" source="keywords">Mukesh Ambani</keyword> ahead of him.</li><li><keyword id="19898586" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="adani" source="keywords">Adani</keyword> Group is reportedly planning on offering <keyword id="19900911" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="UPI" source="keywords">UPI</keyword> and e-commerce services through the Adani One app.</li></ul> Gautam Adani-led Adani Group has a diverse portfolio, from ports to energy and more. The conglomerate is now reportedly looking to enter the e-commerce and payments segments as the group diversifies. According to a report by Financial Times, the Adani Group is in talks to enter the e-commerce and payments segments as it wants to expand its digital business to take on Mukesh Ambani’s <keyword id="19896380" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Reliance-Industries" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Reliance Industries" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Reliance Industries">Reliance Industries</keyword> and Google in India. While the Adani Group has a stake in several businesses, it has yet to make its presence felt in consumer-facing segments. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Talks on for payments license, credit card" comment="subhead" text="Talks on for payments license, credit card">Talks on for payments license, credit card</cmsannotation> The Adani Group is reportedly considering applying for a license to operate on the country’s public digital payments network, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). The group is also in talks with banks to offer a co-branded Adani credit card to its customers. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Push for ONDC" comment="subhead" text="Push for ONDC">Push for <keyword id="19987599" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ONDC" source="keywords">ONDC</keyword></cmsannotation> The Adani Group is also reported to be in negotiations to enter the e-commerce segment through the government-backed Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). With ONDC’s interoperable networks, companies do not have to invest in developing their own e-commerce platforms or payment systems. The ONDC services will reportedly be available on the company’s Adani One app, which was launched in 2022. The Adani One app currently offers travel services such as flight and hotel bookings. The services will initially be aimed at the company’s gas and electricity customers, offering them incentives to use their app in the form of cashback and discounts. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="To take on Mukesh Ambani" comment="subhead" text="To take on Mukesh Ambani">To take on Mukesh Ambani</cmsannotation> Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani, who are the top two<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/top-25-richest-people-in-india-in-2024/articleshow/110149894.cms"> richest people in India</a> have been competing for the top spot, with Adani occupying the top spot for a while. Gautam Adani’s net worth took a hit after a sharp decline in Adani Group shares during the Hindenburg saga. US-based research firm Hindenburg had released a report on the Gautam Adani-owned companies in late January in 2023, alleging stock manipulation among others. Adani Group’s<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/gautam-adani-beats-mukesh-ambani-to-become-indias-richest-man/articleshow/106564235.cms"> shares rallied</a> after the country’s Apex Court passed a<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/adani-hindenburg-sc-verdict-sees-pack-rally-with-adani-energy-solutions-in-the-lead/articleshow/106505824.cms"> verdict</a> in favour of the group. Adani even went on to emerge as India’s richest man by adding $7.67 billion to his net worth in a short span. While Mukesh Ambani reclaimed the top spot, the gap is once again narrowing. According to the Bloomberg Billionaire’s Index, Gautam Adani’s net worth has now surged to $109 billion, just behind Mukesh Ambani who is valued at $114 billion, bringing down the gap to $5 billion. In the last year, Adani’s wealth has surged by $25 billion, while Ambani’s wealth has surged by $17.3 billion. Despite this surge, Adani’s wealth is yet to reach its peak of $119 billion. Adani’s new ventures will take on Mukesh Ambani’s JioMart and JioFinance, which is expected to soon begin offering payment services. Additionally, it will also take on Google Pay, one of India’s most popular UPI platforms. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/jiocinema-launches-new-annual-ad-free-subscription-plan-at-a-discount/articleshow/110486706.cms">JioCinema launches new annual ad-free subscription plan at a discount</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sports/webstories/ipl-2024-award-winners-orange-cap-to-emerging-player-of-the-season-here-are-the-winners/slidelist/110454525.cms">IPL 2024 award winners – Orange cap to emerging player of the season, here are the winners</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/awfis-space-solutions-ipo-allotment-how-to-check-allotment-gmp-listing-date-and-more/articleshow/110467409.cms">Awfis Space Solutions IPO allotment – How to check allotment, GMP, listing date and more</a>

Adani Group could soon enter e-commerce and UPI segments, to rival Mukesh Ambani and Google

The e-commerce market in India is projected to increase significantly to over USD 300 billion by 2030 as the country's <keyword id="20107419" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital-economy" source="keywords">digital economy</keyword> is set to reach a whopping USD 1 billion by the same year. According to <keyword id="19918506" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Invest-India" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Invest India" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Invest India">Invest India</keyword>, India's online shopper base will be the 2nd largest globally by 2030, with nearly 500-600 Mn shoppers. Even now, India has the 2nd largest Internet user-base globally with 881 million users. India is moving towards becoming a dominant force in global e-commerce by 2030, driven by a growing digital economy and an expanding internet user base. The data from the investment promotion and facilitation agency Invest India from shows India taking the lead in <keyword id="19957108" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="online-shopping" source="keywords">online shopping</keyword>, the e-commerce sector in India is valued at USD 70 billion at present. This makes up for just around 7 percent of the total retail market in the country. However, several factors are likely to contribute a bright future outlook for the sector. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Growing internet penetration and digital economy" comment="subhead" text="Growing internet penetration and digital economy">Growing <keyword id="20707509" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="internet-penetration" source="keywords">internet penetration</keyword> and digital economy</cmsannotation> Internet penetration across has seen substantial growth, with over 60% of the Indian population (918 million) using the internet by September 2023. Further, an estimated 87 percent of Indian households are projected to have internet access as early as 2025. The time spent accessing the internet via mobile devices has also increased by 21 percent compared to 2019. The affordability of data prices in India is a key factor, with one gigabyte of data priced at around USD 0.17 (Rs 13.5), encouraging a large portion of the population to go online. <keyword id="21457667" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mobile-data-traffic" source="keywords">Mobile data traffic</keyword> has tripled from 2018 to 2023, demonstrating the growing dependence on <keyword id="19979951" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital-platforms" source="keywords">digital platforms</keyword> for diverse requirements. It is projected that by 2026, 1.18 billion people across the country will have access to smartphones, over 80% of India's population. The increasing number of smartphone users along with higher average data consumption per user, boosts the digital economy. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has become a major player in digital payments, handling transactions worth USD 1.5 trillion in 2022. There has been a significant increase in the availability of local language and mobile-first content, with about 73 percent of India's internet users utilizing Indian languages. As a result, there is an estimated regional language user base of 540 million, creating a market worth USD 53 billion. Digital infrastructure like UPI, eKYC, and Aadhaar has cut down the consumer onboarding time by 80 percent, enhancing the digital experience. The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is another notable initiative by the Government of India, launched in 2022. It aims to provide equal opportunities to MSMEs to thrive in digital commerce and democratize e-commerce. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="A transition along with growth" comment="subhead" text="A transition along with growth">A transition along with growth</cmsannotation> In FY 2022-23, Government e-marketplace (GeM) registered its highest ever Gross Merchandise Value of $2011 Bn, shows data from Invest India. The projected growth in online shoppers in India is substantial, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22 percent to 88 million in rural India and 15 percent to 263 million in urban India from 2019 to 2026. There is a notable transition towards rural-focused value e-commerce, with more than 60 percent of demand anticipated to come from tier 2-4 towns and rural India by 2026. Government programs such as the National Logistics Policy are designed to streamline deliveries to remote areas, improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of logistics. The quick commerce market in India's hyperlocal mobility sector is also projected to grow exponentially to achieve a market size of USD 5.5 billion by 2025. Leading companies like Swiggy and Zomato are at the forefront of the market, while startups like Zepto are also gaining substantial market share. <keyword id="20873923" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="social-commerce" source="keywords">Social commerce</keyword>, a new trend that uses social networks and digital media to connect buyers and sellers, is also projected to achieve a market size of USD 70 billion by 2030, with small video applications gaining significant popularity. Significant mergers and acquisitions have been observed in the e-commerce sector, with companies such as Zomato and PhonePe making strategic decisions to enhance their positions. Government schemes like Jan Dhan Yojana, BharatNet Project, and the implementation of Goods &amp; Service Tax (GST) have been instrumental in shaping India's digital economy. (With inputs from ANI)

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