Multiple <keyword id="21655017" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NDRF-teams" source="keywords">NDRF teams</keyword>, two helicopters and other rescue efforts are on their way to <keyword id="22596329" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mundakkai" source="keywords">Mundakkai</keyword>, which has been totally cut off by devastating landslides that hit <keyword id="19896018" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kerala" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Kerala" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Kerala">Kerala</keyword>'s hilly Wayanad district, the state government said on Tuesday. State Revenue Minister K Rajan said one team of NDRF is working to clear the debris and create access as they progress towards Mundakkai. Three more NDRF teams from Kollam, Arakkonam, and Bengaluru are also on their way, Rajan said. "Mundakkai is in the foothills of a nearby mountain. The issue is that the area was totally cut off due to the destruction of a bridge. Now efforts are on to make a temporary bridge to facilitate the crossing of the rescue team," Rajan said. He also said the extent of the damage has not yet been determined. "One team of NDRF is clearing the way as they progress towards Mundakkai. Three more teams will arrive by afternoon. Two choppers of the Army will also reach soon," Rajan said. He further said bodies were recovered downstream of the Chaliyar river. "Nearly 70 people have been admitted to various hospitals in Kozhikode; at least 12 bodies are there in the hospitals," Rajan added. Ministers Rajan, P A Mohammed Riyas and O Kelu are expected to reach Wayanad soon. Minister A K Saseendran has already reached the place and is visiting the injured. Another state Minister, Ramachandran Kadannappally has also reached the place. Police and the Health department have started multiple call centres and control rooms. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held a high-level evaluation meeting and visited the State Disaster Management Authority office in the state capital to assess the situation. Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha villages were among the areas affected and cut off by the landslides, authorities said. Wayanad district Collector Meghasree D R said disaster relief work is progressing in affected areas and rescue operations are being carried out by the NDRF, Fire force, police and the Forest, Revenue and Local Self-government departments. Along with government agencies, volunteers and local residents are cooperating in the rescue operation, she said in a statement. According to district authorities, several families have been moved to the various camps or homes of their relatives in the wake of the landslides. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/ola-electric-ipo-mapmyindia-accuses-company-of-stealing-map-data-days-before-ipo-opens/articleshow/112109869.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/ola-electric-ipo-mapmyindia-accuses-company-of-stealing-map-data-days-before-ipo-opens/articleshow/112109869.cms" target="_blank">Ola Electric IPO – MapMyIndia accuses company of stealing map data days before IPO opens</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/redmi-pad-pro-5g-with-snapdragon-7s-gen-2-launched-in-india-starting-at-21999/articleshow/112105133.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/redmi-pad-pro-5g-with-snapdragon-7s-gen-2-launched-in-india-starting-at-21999/articleshow/112105133.cms" target="_blank">Redmi Pad Pro 5G with Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 launched in India starting at ₹21,999</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/iphone-price-cut-apple-announces-price-cut-after-reduction-in-customs-duty/articleshow/112100195.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/iphone-price-cut-apple-announces-price-cut-after-reduction-in-customs-duty/articleshow/112100195.cms" target="_blank">iPhone price cut – Apple announces price cut after reduction in customs duty</a>

Wayanad landslides: NDRF teams, Army choppers, Ministers rush to Wayanad

The <keyword id="20070916" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="GMR-Group" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="GMR Group" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="GMR Group">GMR Group</keyword>, co-owners of <keyword id="20150498" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="IPL-franchise" source="keywords">IPL franchise</keyword> <keyword id="19907060" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Delhi-Capitals" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Delhi Capitals" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Delhi Capitals">Delhi Capitals</keyword>, has agreed to a deal with <keyword id="22638160" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="English-county-team" source="keywords">English county team</keyword> <keyword id="22436824" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hampshire" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Hampshire" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Hampshire">Hampshire</keyword> to buy its major shares worth 120 million pounds (approximately Rs 1278 crore). Hence, Hampshire will become the first county side to be owned by an overseas entity, as the GMR Group will now have control over 51 per cent of the team's shares. "The Delhi part-owners are understood to have beaten a second bid from rival Indian Premier League franchise Lucknow Super Giants with an offer which values Hampshire at £120 million, although that price includes the club's debts of around £60 million," the Telegraph reported. Additionally, the GMR Group will also take control of the Utilita Bowl (cricket stadium at Hampshire), the Hilton hotel and a golf course at the same venue. Apart from being the co-owners of the Capitals, the GMR Group also has equal stakes in Dubai Capitals, the ILT20 side in the UAE, and Seattle Orcas, the Major League Cricket outfit in the USA. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the Hampshire club officials and the new owners are expected to make an official announcement soon about the deal. Besides the significant investment, the take over could also open up the possibility of Hampshire gaining access to some of Delhi Capitals' young players for domestic tournaments such as the Hundred. However, at present, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) does not permit active Indian cricketers to play in overseas tournaments. In another significant development, Yorkshire, another English county side, has reopened their talks with Rajasthan Royals for a possible takeover of the Headingley based club. However, this would require a consent from 6000 Yorkshire members through a ballot. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/ola-electric-ipo-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/112185870.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/ola-electric-ipo-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/112185870.cms" target="_blank">Ola Electric IPO – Price band to risk factors, all you need to know</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/nothing-phone-2a-plus-with-dimensity-7350-pro-chipset-launched-in-india-starting-at-29999/articleshow/112164963.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/nothing-phone-2a-plus-with-dimensity-7350-pro-chipset-launched-in-india-starting-at-29999/articleshow/112164963.cms" target="_blank">Nothing Phone (2a) Plus with Dimensity 7350 Pro chipset launched in India starting at ₹29,999</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/indian-smartphone-shipments-decline-by-2-in-q2-2024-xiaomi-retakes-the-throne/articleshow/112162312.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/indian-smartphone-shipments-decline-by-2-in-q2-2024-xiaomi-retakes-the-throne/articleshow/112162312.cms" target="_blank">Indian smartphone shipments decline by 2% in Q2 2024, Xiaomi retakes the throne</a>

Delhi Capitals owners agree to buy major share in Hampshire takeover

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

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

<keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword> and Maldives have signed an agreement to introduce the <keyword id="19998949" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Unified-Payments-Interface" source="keywords">Unified Payments Interface</keyword> in the archipelago nation, which will have a "very positive" impact on its <keyword id="20260982" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tourism-sector" source="keywords">tourism sector</keyword>, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Friday during Jaishankar's three-day official visit to the Maldives. "Witnessed signing of MoU between (the) National Payments Corporation of India and (the) Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Maldives on (the) introduction of (a) digital payment system in the Maldives," he said in a post on X. Developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (<keyword id="19998946" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NPCI" source="keywords">NPCI</keyword>), Unified Payment Interface (UPI) is an instant real-time payment system to facilitate inter-bank transactions through mobile phones. Addressing a press conference with his Maldivian counterpart Moosa Zameer after their "productive discussions", Jaishankar said that India, through its UPI, has "revolutionised digital transactions". Stressing that it has taken financial inclusion in India to new levels, he said "Today 40 per cent of the world's real-time digital payments take place in our country." "We see this revolution, every day in our lives. I am pleased to note that with the signing of the MoU today, we have taken the first step towards bringing this digital innovation to Maldives," he said. "I wish the very best to stakeholders on both sides and hope that we will soon see the first UPI transaction here. I should mention that it will have a very positive impact on tourism," he added. Tourism is the main source of economic activity for the Maldives, contributing nearly 30 per cent of the GDP and generating more than 60 per cent of foreign exchange. Jaishankar's visit aims to reset the bilateral relationship with the Maldives and is the first high-level trip from India after the archipelago nation's pro-China president, Mohamed Muizzu, assumed office last year. "India's partnership with the Maldives is based on our deep desire to work together for each other's welfare and interests. It is a partnership that has enabled us to always swiftly and effectively respond to challenges, as witnessed in the past," Jaishankar said. "It is a partnership that has enabled us to deliver results and bring tangible benefits to our people in accordance with their wishes, aspirations and priorities," he said. In a post on X, Jaishankar also said, "Jointly inaugurated six High Impact Projects in areas of street lighting, mental health, children speech therapy and special education." "Welcome renewal of MoU between National Centre for Good Governance and Civil Services Commission on (the) training of additional 1,000 civil services officers," he added. Addressing the joint press conference, Maldivian Foreign Minister Zameer said, "India has always been one of our closest friends and a vital development partner." He said the "enduring friendship" was built on a foundation of mutual trust and respect and has continued to flourish over the years. "High-level exchanges between our countries have deepened our dialogue and cooperation in areas of shared interest. We remain dedicated to strengthening and advancing this mutually beneficial partnership," he said. "Minister Dr Jaishankar and I agreed that much more needs to be done to promote trade and investment between the Maldives and India," he said, adding that both sides are committed to establishing "effective mechanisms to enhance economic cooperation, fostering a vibrant and prosperous partnership that will benefit both the nations." Zameer said he conveyed President Muizzu's proposal to begin negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement between the Maldives and India. "This agreement alongside other economic and trade-related agreements will facilitate trade liberalisation and ease the risks of doing business in both our countries," he said. Zameer said that India and Maldives have also mutually agreed to further strengthen their partnership by continuing joint exercises and expanding training opportunities for officers from both countries, asserting that this reflects "our commitment to working together to ensure the security of our nations as well as ensuring the safety and stability of the Indian Ocean region." India's relations with the Maldives suffered a major setback last year when President Muizzu demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel manning three aviation platforms in the Maldives. Subsequently, the Indian military personnel were replaced by civilians by May 10, the mutually agreed date. "On regional and multilateral issues of importance, our countries have a common understanding and are united in our efforts to resolve them. We agreed to continue our cooperation on issues ranging from combating terrorism, violent extremism, drugs, human trafficking and to the promotion and protection of human rights," Zameer said. In his press statement, Jaishankar said that India and the Maldives "are not just close neighbours, we are also natural partners." "Today, we are mutually invested in each other's development and progress. In a globalised and interconnected world, we see a lot of volatility and global tensions. Even as the world is recovering from the impact of the COVID pandemic, we have been confronted with new challenges arising from international conflicts," he said. In this tumultuous environment, India has been and will be, an anchor of stability for its friends, partners and neighbours. To the Maldives specifically, India has provided support to deal with economic challenges through financial assistance and budgetary support, and by ensuring an uninterrupted supply of critical items, he noted. India's actions have been and will continue to be guided by its firm commitment to the philosophy of 'Sabka Saath, Sabke Vikas - which is- Together, we prosper', Jaishankar said. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/brainbees-solutions-firstcry-ipo-allotment-how-to-check-allotment-ipo-gmp-listing-date-and-more/articleshow/112403576.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/brainbees-solutions-firstcry-ipo-allotment-how-to-check-allotment-ipo-gmp-listing-date-and-more/articleshow/112403576.cms" target="_blank">Brainbees Solutions (Firstcry) IPO allotment – How to check allotment, IPO GMP, listing date and more</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/indias-wearables-market-decline-for-the-first-time-as-smartwatch-shipments-fall/articleshow/112397246.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/indias-wearables-market-decline-for-the-first-time-as-smartwatch-shipments-fall/articleshow/112397246.cms" target="_blank">India’s wearables market decline for the first time as smartwatch shipments fall</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/ola-wants-to-re-enter-the-quick-commerce-business-to-take-on-blinkit-and-swiggy-instamart/articleshow/112364583.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/ola-wants-to-re-enter-the-quick-commerce-business-to-take-on-blinkit-and-swiggy-instamart/articleshow/112364583.cms" target="_blank">Ola wants to re-enter the quick commerce business to take on Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart</a>

India to introduce UPI payment service in Maldives

<ul><li>The <keyword id="11924074" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="shark-tank-india" source="Orion">Shark Tank India</keyword> judge says gatekeepers of the app ecosystem – Apple and <keyword id="19902762" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="google" source="keywords">Google</keyword> – are the new East India Company and they operate with complete arrogance and impunity.</li><li>Just as startup founders are coming under pressure, venture capitalists and auditors too need to be held accountable for their behaviour.</li><li><keyword id="20225195" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="shark-tank" source="keywords">Shark Tank</keyword> India has become a catalyst for driving entrepreneurship and giving it legitimacy. </li></ul> <keyword id="127971" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="anupam-mittal" source="Orion">Anupam Mittal</keyword> is India’s original internet entrepreneur, who is the founder and CEO of People Group. Way before platform economy became a buzzword, Mittal built a platform for Indians seeking life partners. And even today one million Indians find their partners on shaadi.com every year. Call him the OG of startups or a serial entrepreneur, he is a man who does not mince words. In a free wheeling chat with Business Insider’s Malini Bhupta, Mittal talks about unfair trade practices of Google, his investment in Ola’s Bhavish Aggarwal and what he thinks is the biggest achievement of Shark Tank India. Edited Excerpts: With some high profile startups like Paytm and Byju’s coming under lens, what do you think is wrong with the startup ecosystem? I think the Paytm issue is a little different. There are two issues there in my view – one is valuation. The company came out with its IPO at the height of the unicorn boom and as a result, their valuation was corrected when the pvt. market corrected. This is part of the pricing game and one can hardly blame them for it. Eventually, they would have grown into their valuation is what I believe. However, the second issue which is regulatory in nature is far more serious. Whether it is justified or not I don’t know. I think there is a little heavy-handedness here as what you are talking about is a payments bank KYC stuff being the reason to shut them down, which could be seen as over-reach since they are not a significantly important lending institution. Talking about what is wrong with India’s ecosystem and why founders are behaving badly is a common issue that occurs when there are high levels of greed. When there is massive liquidity in the system people think they can take advantage of the situation. In the US you have seen Theranos, crypto frauds and an industry that was created around SPACs. Billions of dollars have been lost on that. What is happening in India is a small reflection of that. Greed manifests in two ways – one is the founders who are ambitious who see the ecosystem celebrating unicorns and that gets weaponised. Over time a few start with minor refractions and very soon they start fabricating revenues and manipulating auditors to keep up with the image that has been created. They are riding tigers they can't get off. The venture capitalists too want to see their investments being marked up as their future fund raises depend on the portfolio's net asset value and so they play along and at times actually drive the founders at a velocity that is unsustainable. I think they need to be held accountable by their LPs. Auditors have a very important role here and are perhaps the ones who need to pay the highest price through government censures. They are market participants who have been entrusted with a certain job for which they get paid hefty fees. When they start looking the other way, the system breaks. You have been waging a pitched battle against the unfair trade practices of Big Tech companies in India. What, in your view, are the steps that need to be taken by the government to prevent such unfair practices by large global players? Fundamentally the experience of the internet is through apps – two companies control the entire app ecosystem Google and Apple. Both operate with complete impunity. Two years ago the CCI passed an order against Google around <keyword id="963171" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="google-play" source="Orion">Google Play</keyword> Billing System (GPBS). Now they have changed the name to User Choice Billing. If you look at the order CCI says there will be no discrimination at all. Being on the App Store means nothing unless you advertise on Play Store. Startups spend anywhere between 10-50% of revenue on advertising on these platforms already. Essentially, the app store is worth nothing if you don’t have content. What choice does a company have but to adhere to their unfair practices… Now they say that any transaction that happens on apps downloaded via the store will be subject to 15-30% tax/commissions. What this means is that they want 50% of the revenues of the startups. It is the new East India Company and they operate with complete arrogance and impunity. The problem is in getting these companies to comply. Their strategy is to stretch out the legal process and tire the system. Our government and regulators have the right intent but sometimes democracies are messy. As a government, we have to ensure that nobody becomes the gatekeeper to our economy which is what these companies are trying to do. There should be penal provisions for anybody who abuses the law or twists and turns it while violating the very spirit of it. Non-compliance with judicial orders is contempt of court and so there is an opportunity to send a very strong message. These bullies need one arm chopped off in the form of penalties, a rap on the knuckles will not work as they are too big to care about a couple of hundred million in penalties. What is the biggest achievement of Shark Tank, which has now become a huge hit in India? In life timing is everything. Shark Tank’s first season was in December 2021, which was the peak of the startup hype cycle, and it demystified the whole conversation around startups and funding. Shark Tank has become a catalyst for driving entrepreneurship and giving it legitimacy. India is a land of entrepreneurs with every second person running some small business, many from home. A decade ago, if you told someone you are an entrepreneur, you would be told to come back when you get serious. The show has played an amazing role in celebrating entrepreneurship and the startup ecosystem. A lot of companies have done very well. About 8-10 companies that got funded in Shark Tank are doing very well out of 180 companies that came to the show. This is an early stage game and will play out the same way. When you invest in 100 early stage companies, 4-5 will do very well and help recover the investments and some will become very big. A majority will fail. What I found amazing was that the companies that came to the show were not the elites who came from IIT or IIM. These are small businesses founded by housewives and family members. Entrepreneurship is not the reserve of the few. The next decade will be defined by Indian entrepreneurs globally and so there is no better time to be an entrepreneur than now. Shark Tank has put belief in every Indian that they can do it and that changes the game. Many of the founders that come to Shark Tank can do even better than the founders who have come from an IIT or an IIM. I believe that these people understand commerce and ‘dhandha’. The elitist founders are used to being served everything on a platter. Many professionals who come out of large companies or consulting firms cannot start without large funding. Out of the 100 unicorns we have, many will spectacularly fail in 2024 as they were built on the wrong foundations. These companies were built on a template of Ivy League founders and old school networks and so they got funded. Of the businesses that come to Shark Tank, what sectors can do well and stand a better chance of being funded? Indians now have the same aspirations as people in other parts of the world. Anybody who comes in and can bridge the gap between aspiration and affordability will do well especially in lifestyle. For example - Companies in the clothing and jewellery space will do well if they can deliver high aspiration at a value pricing. Last year a company called Snitch came with a revenue of Rs 60 crore and is now doing Rs 250 crore in sales. A company called Skippy, which makes ice pops was funded on Shark Tank too and has a run rate of Rs 50 crore from a few lakhs before ST. I funded a company called Sharmaji Ka Atta which has a revenue run rate of Rs 20 lakh a month in less than 12 months from less than 1 lakh. Another one called Whatsapp Wellness just got funded by HUL. Fundamentally, companies that can build premium products but don’t break the bank on affordability in categories like fashion, lifestyle and food will do well. People read labels now and the young generation is focused on what they are eating. Beauty and wellness products will do well as a secular trend for most of our history Lakme meant beauty, that’s how unbranded we were. Do you feel Shaadi.com is still relevant after Tinder and other dating apps came about? Let’s understand why Tinder is used, it is for hookups and is struggling to grow its revenue in India. Shaadi.com is not an arranged marriage platform. Shaadi.com is a planned marriage platform. Indian culture has four stages of life and marriage is one of the life stages. When you are planning to marry you look for compatibility and it is not about a chemical reaction. On Shaadi.com the family and parents collaborate to find a partner. The old community networks are now dying and we replace those networks. We are bringing together people in the same life stage to find a like-minded partner. The hook-up sites don’t do that and don't understand the Indian ethos. They are applying the same global model to India which does not work beyond a certain point. You were the original internet entrepreneur with a disruptive product. Why did you not create a large business that went on to become a decacorn or a unicorn? It depends on how you define success. If the definition is labels such as decacorn and unicorn, then that's not the game we are playing. Those are vanity labels that I would rather not pursue. Our definition of success is value creation and we are long-term compounders, much like Berkshire &amp; LVMH, so in a sense our ‘overnight’ success story is still waiting to become obvious to the world. From that lens, our ROCE is perhaps the best in the industry we have only ever raised about $20 mn but created several billion in value between our operated and invested cos. Our investee companies employ thousands, have raised over $20 bn and will go on to create $100 bn in value over time, in the bargain generating tremendous wealth for the country and hopefully for us too. We boast an IRR of 52% consistently for more than a decade which is extraordinary by any standards and a testament to our approach and story. Many people build businesses but we were fortunate to create entire industries such as online matchmaking via Shaadi.com, which we still run; proptech company Makaan.com which we sold to NewsCorp very handsomely; India’s first &amp; still the largest digital ad agency, Interactive Avenues, which we sold to IPG at a benchmark price that is yet to be crossed; India’s first mobile gaming company, Mauj Mobile which spawned a massive industry. So, whether it is our customers, employees, shareholders, the country or society at large, I think we have already impacted 10s of millions and while we don’t have a market listed entity like Jio or TCS to show for it, we have delivered massive national and global level impact. Keep in mind that we are most often the first to check into investee cost and every company we have founded has been the first in its industry. Our innovations have generated billions of dollars in wealth and given rise to innumerable founders and entrepreneurs who have learnt at our companies and gone on to build massive companies of their own. Further, I am still very young and the Indian opportunity is only now unfolding. In the next couple of years, you will see some of our other bets in space exploration, mobility real edtech, &amp; sustainable fintech come into the limelight besides something very special we are building on our own. So, in short, I still remain the OG and if you force me to use your labels we have birthed not one or two but several Unicorns &amp; Decacorns and that too with very limited capital. It is perhaps one of the most spectacular untold stories of value creation in the digital economy. Ola is one company that is headed for an IPO and you own 2% in the company. How did that happen? When we invested in Ola, there was not much of a concept of venture funding and the company did not have any suitors so we were able to get in at a very attractive valuation and hold an extremely healthy minority stake which obviously has been diluted over time. I think the network effects are so large that it is hard for others to get into it. I am still a shareholder and looking forward to the initial public offering. I invested in 2012 and when I met Bhavish first, I did not understand the problem he was solving as I live in Mumbai where cabs are available. So I did not think there was a problem. A few days later when I was in Delhi and needed a cab, I was told that they would call a taxi stand. After I came back from Delhi, I realised there was a problem everywhere. And I used to call the call centre and Bhavish used to answer the call centre, which showed me his commitment and reminded me of myself when I had started and so I invested.

Anupam Mittal hits out at Google — 'Tech bullies need one arm chopped off in the form of penalties'

<keyword id="45218" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="jlr" source="Orion">JLR</keyword> India on Monday said it has recorded its best ever first quarter sales in the country in April-June 2023. The company said its retail sales rose 102 per cent to 1,048 units in the June quarter as compared with the same period last year. The performance was enabled by a phenomenal growth of 209 per cent in <keyword id="91410" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="range-rover" source="Orion">Range Rover</keyword>, Range Rover Sport and Defender sales, JLR India said in a statement. The three models continue to see sustained demand, contributing 78 per cent of the current order book, it added. "This performance is testament to the exceptional equity of the JLR brands and our class-leading collection of modern luxury vehicles. Backed by the growing demand among our discerning clients, our order book remains strong and growing, and we are excited and confident of our India story ahead," JLR India Managing Director Rajan Amba stated. JLR said its pre-owned business grew 137 per cent in the first quarter of the current fiscal. The company stated that it has an impressive line-up of product initiatives scheduled for the year, starting with the enhanced Range Rover Velar - bookings for which commenced recently. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/netweb-technologies-ipo-how-to-check-allotment-gmp-listing-date-and-more/articleshow/102068898.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/netweb-technologies-ipo-how-to-check-allotment-gmp-listing-date-and-more/articleshow/102068898.cms" target="_blank">Netweb Technologies IPO allotment – how to check allotment, GMP, listing date and more</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/the-ola-s1-air-is-the-affordable-offering-from-the-company-and-will-soon-go-on-sale-in-india/slidelist/102074223.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/the-ola-s1-air-is-the-affordable-offering-from-the-company-and-will-soon-go-on-sale-in-india/slidelist/102074223.cms" target="_blank">Ola S1 Air to hit Indian roads soon – price, features and everything you need to know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-5-z-flip-5-galaxy-watch-series-6-and-more-set-to-launch-july-end/articleshow/101538049.cms">Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, Galaxy Watch Series 6 and more set to launch July-end</a>

JLR India reports highest ever first quarter sales

<ul><li>Ultrahuman and boAt have recently launched their <keyword id="2123001" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="smart-rings" source="Orion">smart rings</keyword> in India.</li><li>Noise has announced the Luna Ring, its premium <keyword id="2007826" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="smart-ring" source="Orion">smart ring</keyword> in the country.</li><li>Samsung is reportedly working on <keyword id="16668099" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="galaxy-ring" source="Orion">Galaxy Ring</keyword>, a smart ring in collaboration with Japan’s Meiko.</li><li>With increased interest among major companies, smart rings may soon become mainstream.</li></ul> <keyword id="1010975" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="smartwatches" source="Orion">Smartwatches</keyword> are essential devices that allow us to keep a track of several important health metrics, including heart rate and blood oxygen saturation. While smartwatches have been<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/india-dominates-smartwatch-market-accounts-for-over-a-quarter-of-global-sales-in-q1-2023/articleshow/100522354.cms%5d"> selling</a> like hot cakes, companies are now working on smart rings, which will be able to offer the same functionality in a smaller form-factor. While smart rings are not a new concept, the device is now coming into the limelight as major companies are looking to enter this segment. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Noise announces Luna Ring" comment="subhead" text="Noise announces Luna Ring">Noise announces Luna Ring</cmsannotation> Noise is the latest company to foray into the smart ring segment. The company has announced the Luna Ring, a premium smart ring with a titanium body. The ring is capable of tracking over 70 health metrics, include heart rate, temperature and SpO2 levels. The Luna Ring is compatible with both, Android and iOS devices and comes with a 7-day battery life. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Ultrahuman, boAt unveil their smart rings" comment="subhead" text="Ultrahuman, boAt unveil their smart rings">Ultrahuman, boAt unveil their smart rings</cmsannotation> Ultrahuman, a Bengaluru-based startup launched the Ring Air, the company’s smart ring in June 2023 and boAt recently entered the segment with the launch of the boAt Smart Ring. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Samsung is reportedly working on the Galaxy Ring" comment="subhead" text="Samsung is reportedly working on the Galaxy Ring">Samsung is reportedly working on the Galaxy Ring</cmsannotation> A Korean website, The Elec recently reported that Samsung is working on its own “Galaxy Ring”. The South Korean smartphone maker already has a popular Galaxy Watch line-up and is scheduled to launch the Galaxy Watch 6 series at its upcoming<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-5-z-flip-5-galaxy-watch-series-6-and-more-set-to-launch-july-end/articleshow/101538049.cms"> Galaxy Unpacked</a> event on July 26. While it may be too early, Samsung may reveal some information about the Galaxy Ring at its upcoming event. Samsung has reportedly partnered with Japan’s Meiko to develop the printed circuit board (PCB) for the smart ring. Finnish health tech giant Oura is well known for its smart rings that provide continuous health monitoring and activity tracking. Oura’s Ring is currently not available in India. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="How are smart rings different from smart watches?" comment="subhead" text="How are smart rings different from smart watches?">How are smart rings different from smart watches?</cmsannotation> The biggest difference between smartwatches and smart rings is the size. While smartwatches are usually the same size or even bigger than traditional watches, smart rings offer similar functionality in a compact form factor. At the same time, a smart ring misses out on a display, which allows users to get access to a lot of data by looking at their watch, without having to take out their phones. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/netweb-technologies-ipo-how-to-check-allotment-gmp-listing-date-and-more/articleshow/102068898.cms">Netweb Technologies IPO allotment – how to check allotment, GMP, listing date and more</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/the-ola-s1-air-is-the-affordable-offering-from-the-company-and-will-soon-go-on-sale-in-india/slidelist/102074223.cms">Ola S1 Air to hit Indian roads soon – price, features and everything you need to know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-5-z-flip-5-galaxy-watch-series-6-and-more-set-to-launch-july-end/articleshow/101538049.cms">Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, Galaxy Watch Series 6 and more set to launch July-end</a>

Noise joins the smart rings bandwagon as a new category emerges

Global investment firm Blackstone-sponsored <keyword id="15283412" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="nexus-select-trust" source="Orion">Nexus Select Trust</keyword> plans to double its portfolio of shopping malls in next 4-5 years to 20 million square feet through acquisition mode. <keyword id="6369814" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="nexus" source="Orion">Nexus</keyword> Select Trust has acquired 17 shopping malls since the 2015-16 fiscal year and intends to grow its business inorganically. The company has no plans to develop greenfield shopping malls. Nexus Select Trust has bundled all its 17 malls, including the 5 lakh square feet '<keyword id="146398" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="select-city-walk" source="Orion">Select City Walk</keyword>' in South Delhi, under REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) structure and will soon launch Initial Public Offer (IPO). According to sources, Nexus Select Trust is likely to hit the capital market in early May with India's first retail REIT IPO to raise up to Rs 4,000 crore. In November last year, Nexus Select Trust had filed the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with market regulator SEBI to launch its retail REIT. Nexus Select Trust has a portfolio of 17 operational shopping malls across 14 major cities, covering 9.8 million square feet area valued around Rs 23,000 crore. According to sources, Nexus Select Trust would continue its strategy to acquire Grade-A shopping malls to expand its portfolio. It also makes investment, if needed, to upgrade the facilities in malls. There are 100 premium shopping malls in the country, of which 40 are owned by large players. Therefore, the remaining 60 malls could be potential acquisition targets for Nexus Select Trust, sources said. Many mall owners are willing to put their assets under Nexus REIT, they added. Sources said Nexus Select Trust intends to double its mall portfolio to 20 million square feet in the next 4-5 years. <keyword id="48032" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="blackstone" source="Orion">Blackstone</keyword> spokesperson declined to comment. As per the sources, Nexus Select Trust is expecting to get Sebi approval for its IPO soon. The size of the IPO of Nexus Select Trust REIT will be around Rs 4,000 crore, of which Rs 1,600 crore would be the primary offering of shares. The part of the proceeds will be utilised to bring down debt, which stood at Rs 4,500 crore at the end of June quarter. This will be the third REIT sponsored by Blackstone. It launched India's first REIT named Embassy Office Parks REIT and then Mindspace Business Parks REIT. The REIT, a popular instrument globally, was introduced in India a few years ago to attract investment in the real estate sector by monetising rent-yielding assets. It helps unlock the massive value of real estate assets and enable participation of retail investors. At present, there are three listed REITs - Embassy Office Parks REIT, Mindspace Business Parks REIT and <keyword id="1424627" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="brookfield" source="Orion">Brookfield</keyword> India Real Estate Trust - on Indian stock exchanges but all these are of leased office assets. Nexus Select Trust will be the first REIT with rent-yielding retail real estate assets. There are around 3,000 stores across 17 shopping malls while the number of brands is nearly 1,100. On the operational front, the occupancy level in the malls currently stands at 94 per cent with annual footfall of over 130 million. The net operating income of Nexus Select Trust is projected to grow at nearly Rs 1400 crore during the last fiscal year. Blackstone has a big presence in the India market with an overall assets under management estimated to be USD 60 billion across various sectors. Real estate accounts for nearly USD 22 billion of this market value across over 40 investments. Blackstone is among the largest office owners in India with an office portfolio of around 100 million sq ft across 38 assets in 7 cities. Of this, around 13 million sq ft offices are under construction and 16 million sq ft is future development. Blackstone has created Nucleus Office Parks platform with 25 million sq ft for hosting 100 per cent owned commercial assets. Blackstone additionally owns over 10 million sq ft of retail space under the Nexus malls portfolio and 35.5 million sq ft of logistics space under Horizon Industrial Parks portfolio and Greenbase Industrial and Logistics Park. India's first REIT of Rs 4,750 crore issue size was listed in April 2019 by Embassy Office Parks, sponsored by Blackstone and realty firm Embassy Group. In August 2020, K Raheja and Blackstone-sponsored Mindspace Business Parks launched the country's second REIT to raise Rs 4,500 crore. Blackstone has exited Mindspace REIT now. Global investment firm Brookfield has listed the country's third REIT after raising Rs 3,800 crore through an IPO. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/xiaomi-13-ultra-with-support-for-camera-accessory-scheduled-to-launch-on-april-18/articleshow/99550135.cms">Xiaomi 13 Ultra set to launch on April 18: Flagship camera with 60-minute battery life at 1% charge</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/ather-finally-focuses-on-affordable-electric-scooters-after-losing-its-lead-to-ola-electric-and-tvs-motor/articleshow/99456189.cms">Ather finally focuses on affordable electric scooters after losing its lead to Ola Electric and TVS Motor</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/most-common-passwords-can-be-easily-cracked-by-ai-in-under-a-minute/articleshow/99379900.cms">AI chatbots are cracking the code: How PassGAN can break into 51% of common passwords in under a minute</a>

Blackstone-backed Nexus Select Trust plans to double shopping mall portfolio in 4-5 yrs

<keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>'s economic narrative paints a "much brighter picture" and the government's push towards infrastructure and pragmatic policies have led to a surge in capital expenditure by private sector, industrialist <keyword id="6354955" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="kumar-mangalam-birla" source="Orion">Kumar Mangalam Birla</keyword> said. In the grand theatre of global economic evolution, India stands not as a mere spectator, but as a charismatic lead, said <keyword id="39439" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="birla" source="Orion">Birla</keyword> in his address to shareholders of <keyword id="6355596" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="ultratech-cement" source="Orion">UltraTech Cement</keyword> in the company's latest annual report. "With a government-led push to infrastructure investments and pragmatic policies such as the production-linked incentives scheme, private capex has seen a surge. This rise triggers a multi-year boom, providing valuable support to economic growth in the face of softening global demand," he said. As global corporations start to look at countries across Asia as part of their '<keyword id="1334" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="china" source="Orion">China</keyword> plus one' strategy, India is well-positioned to benefit. "Supported by the dynamism of its tech-based 'new economy' enterprises and the expanding digitisation across sectors, India's growth momentum continues to strengthen," said Birla, who is also the chairman of UltraTech Cement. Now, a "decadal" reshaping of supply chains is underway, he said, adding that now inflation seems to have peaked globally and in India. "Easing inflation, robust foreign exchange reserves and improving bank assets quality provide a sizable cushion against potential destabilising events in global markets," he said. <keyword id="30067" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="rbi" source="Orion">RBI</keyword> has projected India's economy to grow at 6.5 per cent in FY24, which demonstrates the nation's resilience amidst subdued global economic conditions, he added. "A key component of the rise of any industrial ecosystem is the presence of a confident and skilled workforce. "This year, India surpassed China in population, and already has the largest and youngest working-age population globally," Birla said. The lessons learnt from the transformations of other economies through the last few decades point to the importance of this demographic dividend, he added. While talking about the global economy, Birla said it continues to pull itself out of the pandemic-triggered shock. "It does so amid a complex environment marked by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, geo-economic fragmentation, soaring interest rates, and looming risks of a banking contagion," he added. Reflecting these concerns, the <keyword id="6366068" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="international-monetary-fund" source="Orion">International Monetary Fund</keyword> (IMF) expects global economic growth to dip from 3.4 per cent in 2022 to 2.8 per cent in 2023. Developed countries are predicted to experience a more pronounced deceleration. On the brighter side, China's economy marches towards normalisation following the lifting of its Covid-related restrictions. "Both China and India are set to significantly contribute to global economic growth in CY23, providing a much-needed stimulus as developed economies grapple with challenges," the leading industrialist said. Over the performance of UltraTech Cement, Birla said it has recorded net revenues of Rs 63,240 crore (USD 7.9 billion) and achieved milestone of selling 100 million tonnes in FY23. It has "embarked on an aggressive capacity expansion path, including both greenfield and brownfield projects, addressing high-growth geographies across the country", he said. It has already kick-started work on the next growth phase of expansion and after completion of all ongoing projects, its capacity will soar to over 160 MTPA. "This growth will solidify our standing as the third largest cement company globally, outside of China, and the unrivalled leader in India," he said. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/netweb-technologies-ipo-how-to-check-allotment-gmp-listing-date-and-more/articleshow/102068898.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/netweb-technologies-ipo-how-to-check-allotment-gmp-listing-date-and-more/articleshow/102068898.cms" target="_blank">Netweb Technologies IPO allotment – how to check allotment, GMP, listing date and more</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/the-ola-s1-air-is-the-affordable-offering-from-the-company-and-will-soon-go-on-sale-in-india/slidelist/102074223.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/the-ola-s1-air-is-the-affordable-offering-from-the-company-and-will-soon-go-on-sale-in-india/slidelist/102074223.cms" target="_blank">Ola S1 Air to hit Indian roads soon – price, features and everything you need to know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/netflix-india-ends-password-sharing-outside-households/articleshow/101976844.cms">Netflix India ends password sharing outside households – Here’s how it will work</a>

India's economic narrative brighter; takes charismatic lead in global economic evolution: K M Birla

Myopia or near-sightedness is a condition in which near objects appear clear but objects farther away look blurry. It is the commonest refractive error typically affecting the younger population across the globe. With its rising numbers, it is estimated to affect half of the global population by 2050. Genetic and many environmental factors are responsible for developing Myopia. Myopia starts to develop during childhood and adolescent age. The older children may be able to tell the difficulties they are experiencing with their vision. Younger children might not express difficulty seeing but a change in their behaviour or other signs can direct us towards their vision difficulty. Dr Jitendra Jeth- MS, DO, DNB, FNB, PHD scholar Director, Baroda children eye care and Squint clinic, Baroda quoted "Progressive myopia occurs in school going children and the two major causes for progression are near work and indoor sitting.If parents have glasses, the children should be checked at a younger age for glasses. With newer drugs and interventions the progression can be slowed down" The most common sign you can see is, the child goes very close to the screen of the television or laptop. Similar behaviour is observed in school as well, the child goes very close to the board or screen or prefers to sit in the front row of the classroom to see things, clearly. Some children may complain of blurred vision or intermittent headaches. <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword> is the most populous country in the world with a greater number of young people. In this era of digitalization, the screen time of an individual has increased to a great extent. And kids are not exception. The use of smart phones, computers, laptops or TV screens have become a part of their daily routine. In past few years the kids are more home bound, involved in near work and their hours of outside playing has reduced significantly. Dr Lav Kochgaway - Senior Consultant and Executive Director <keyword id="18124710" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="netralayam" source="Orion">Netralayam</keyword>, Kolkata quoted "As we are heading towards a situation in which almost 50 percent of urban children may have minus power - mandatory eye check up at three years and annually thereafter becomes even more important. Awareness about reduced use of digital devices and more outdoor games in children will help". The pandemic of COVID has added to this increased exposure of screen as more time was spent on smart phones for online schooling. Excessive exposure to smartphone screen has posed a severe surge in cases of Myopia across the globe. This environmental risk factor is found to be associated with both development and Progression of Myopia as many studies have determined. The GenNext's inseparable connectivity to the devices is risking their vision multifold. Let's understand how these <keyword id="6354775" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="smartphones" source="Orion">smartphones</keyword> or screens are affecting the vision? It is the 'blue light emitted by these devices to be blamed. Dr Siddarth Kesarwani - Senior Consultant Pediatric Ophthalmologist, JNR Children Eye Care &amp; Squint Clinic, Mumbai quoted "An entire generation of children is at a high risk for getting progressive myopia due to excessive syllabus, early schooling, increased screen time and less time spent playing outdoors. Myopia is a lifestyle disease. Newer interventions like dilute atropine and novel spectacle designs can help slow the progression of myopia". Sunlight has a spectrum of light which contains red, orange, yellow, blue and green lights. But the light emitted by these devices is generally blue one which has high energy and short wavelength. Though blue light is naturally present in the environment, it is something in higher amounts from the screens of smartphones and is harming the vision. It was observed in a study that children's eyes absorb more blue light than the adult's eyes emitted by these devices. A study says, Myopic children use twice as much smartphone data each day as their non-myopic peers. This added blue light exposure from these devices lead to eye strain and more seriously a condition called macular degeneration. It was estimated in an article published in 2020 that, Myopia prevalence globally could reach 52% in the next 3 decades, which is alarming. Dr Ramesh Kekunnaya - FRCS, Network Director <keyword id="18124711" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="l-v" source="Orion">L V</keyword> <keyword id="178632" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="prasad-eye-institute" source="Orion">Prasad Eye Institute</keyword>, Hyderabad quoted "Overviewing / over usage of screens of smartphones and tablets could be a risk factor for the onset of myopia and its progression. Additionally, it can cause issues related to sleeping, eating, and other behavioural issues in children. So I urge parents to use all these gadgets wisely and keep the children away from using them unnecessarily and encourage /engage them in various outdoor activities and games". There has been found a steady growth in cases of Myopia or short-sightedness over last few decades. In Indian many studies had been conducted to assess the Myopia situation in rural and urban set ups. The prevalence of Myopia in kids in urban area was 8.5% while in rural area it was 6.1%, a study published in 2020 says. But the more concern has risen up with the figures of the recent study conducted by AIIMS which says over 13% of the school going children in India have turned myopic, and the number has doubled in the last decade due to excess usage of electronic gadgets. Early detection and timely intervention are effective in controlling development and progression of Myopia. Children's screen time should be restricted and they should be encouraged to play outdoors than playing with smartphones. (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by Mediawire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/netweb-technologies-ipo-how-to-check-allotment-gmp-listing-date-and-more/articleshow/102068898.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/netweb-technologies-ipo-how-to-check-allotment-gmp-listing-date-and-more/articleshow/102068898.cms" target="_blank">Netweb Technologies IPO allotment – how to check allotment, GMP, listing date and more</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/the-ola-s1-air-is-the-affordable-offering-from-the-company-and-will-soon-go-on-sale-in-india/slidelist/102074223.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/the-ola-s1-air-is-the-affordable-offering-from-the-company-and-will-soon-go-on-sale-in-india/slidelist/102074223.cms" target="_blank">Ola S1 Air to hit Indian roads soon – price, features and everything you need to know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-5-z-flip-5-galaxy-watch-series-6-and-more-set-to-launch-july-end/articleshow/101538049.cms">Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, Galaxy Watch Series 6 and more set to launch July-end</a>

Smartphones are making Indian kids myopic, numbers double in a decade

<ul><li><keyword id="6367708" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="best" source="Orion">BEST</keyword> has also become India’s first transport undertaking to sell its own <keyword id="8657823" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NCMC-card" source="Orion">NCMC card</keyword>.</li><li>This bus is exclusively for those who wish to make their travel absolutely cash-free.</li><li>Simply put, this is an introduction to the ‘Tap in and Tap out’ facility and Mumbai is the first city in India to come-up with this feature.</li></ul>Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has launched today, April 25, a pan-India BEST (<keyword id="424081" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="brihanmumbai-electricity-supply-and-transport" source="Orion">Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport</keyword>) card, also known as NCMC (national common mobility card) which can be used for travelling or purchasing all over the country. This card has typically been launched for the people who wish to travel in the <keyword id="1141598" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Red-Bus" source="Orion">red bus</keyword> named as BEST — <keyword id="13650240" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Digital-Bus" source="Orion">Digital Bus</keyword>. It has also become India’s first transport undertaking to sell its own NCMC card. “The card will be valid for any travel or purchases pan-India. A person can take the NCMC card of BEST available for an introductory price of ₹100 and use it for travel in Delhi Metro. One can also purchase groceries, buy from a retail showroom, and use it as a debit card across the country,” said Lokesh Chandra, manager of <keyword id="13700139" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="BEST-card" source="Orion">BEST card</keyword>, last week during the launch of NCMC card. “The card will have RuPay, which is valid at most NCMC-compliant establishments across the country. One can top it up online or with our bus conductor and this will be part of One Card One Nation”, he further added. This bus is exclusively for those who wish to make their travel absolutely cash-free. “After purchasing the NCMC card from BEST, commuters will soon be able to purchase bus passes, with 72 different options, through the same card. The NCMC card will also have the tap-in and tap-out facility in the 100% digital buses which were introduced by environment minister Aaditya Thackeray earlier last week,” said another BEST official in a statement. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="How will the NCMC card work in the red bus?" comment="subhead" text="How will the NCMC card work in the red bus?">How will the NCMC card work in the red bus?</cmsannotation> Simply put, this is an introduction to the ‘Tap in and Tap out’ facility and Mumbai is the first city in India to come-up with this feature. Identify the bus which facilitates the use of NCMC card, ‘Digital Bus’ should be written on the entrance of the bus.The passengers need to tap their smartcards on the digital machine or near the sensor area or can use the ‘<keyword id="20509" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="chalo" source="Orion">Chalo</keyword>’ app to enter into the bus. If a green tick appears on the screen that means your card or app has been identified and you can travel to your respective destination. After reaching the destination, the passenger has to exit from the rear gate where again a similar digital machine or sensor would be present. The passenger will have to again tap their smart cards or use the <keyword id="6341979" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chalo-app" source="Orion">Chalo app</keyword> to mark the end of their journey. After tapping, a green tick will again appear on the screen and a receipt will also be printed out for the passenger. To confirm the end of your journey, the machine will also audio readout saying ‘Chalo’ after a couple of beeps. Once this is done, the total amount for the journey will automatically be deducted through the app or the card. The passengers need to make sure that there is sufficient balance in their accounts to avail this facility. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/ola-pure-ev-and-okinawa-recall-nearly-6700-electric-scooters-after-nitin-gadkaris-warning-and-continued-fire-accidents/articleshow/91067732.cms">Ola, Pure EV and Okinawa recall nearly 6,700 electric scooters after Nitin Gadkari’s warning and continued fire accidents</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/campus-activewear-and-rainbow-childrens-medicare-ipo-open-this-week/articleshow/91066896.cms">IPOs are here again — Campus Activewear and Rainbow Children’s Medicare open this week</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/top-universities-producing-the-most-number-of-ceos-guess-which-indian-institute-is-included-in-the-list/slidelist/91066313.cms">top universities producing the most number of CEOs — guess which Indian institute is included in the list</a>

BEST National Common Mobility Card – all you need to know

<ul><li>LB Investments co-led the round, with participation from <keyword id="2441277" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Samsung-Ventures">Samsung Ventures</keyword> and others.</li><li><keyword id="8861782" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Trell">Trell</keyword> has raised $62 million since its launch in 2017.</li><li>The company has over 100 million downloads and 50 million monthly active users.</li></ul>Bengaluru-based video-focused discovery platform Trell has raised $45 million in a Series B funding round led by financial group Mirae Asset, clothing and fashion brand H&amp;M Group. LB Investments co-led the round, with participation from KTB Network, Samsung Ventures and Fosun RZ Capital. Trell had raised $11.4 million in Series A funding, in August 2020, as a aftermath of the growth momentum it had gained post the TikTok ban in India. The discovery platform had also launched a <keyword id="623994" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="social-commerce">social commerce</keyword> section on its app around the same time to enable users to watch personalised product recommendations across beauty, personal care and wellness categories. Trell, founded in August 2017 by a team of Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay alumni Pulkit Agrawal, Prashant Sachan, Arun Lodhi and NITIE alumnus Bimal Kartheek Rebba, has raised $62 million to date. It will use the latest fundraise to expand its social commerce operations by entering the apparel, home care, mom and baby-care categories in the months to come. The startup claims to have over 100 million downloads on its platform and over 50 million monthly active users (MAU). Its content library features videos in 8 regional languages garnering over 20 billion monthly views, Trell said in a press note. The company is now looking to launch in additional six languages and expand its footprint in over 2000 cities and towns of India. Over the last few months, Trell has on boarded over 500 personal care and beauty brands, including Maybelline, L'Oréal and Garnier. “Trell has become the launchpad for many up-and-coming D2C [direct-to-consumer] brands and advertisers, who are leveraging our community of regional content creators to advertise their products and services on the platform… Our aim is to enable over 2000 brands to penetrate the deeper pockets of the country and communicate with their potential customers through regional content creators by 2022,” the company’s chief operating officer and co-founder Rebba, said. Meanwhile, the company’s chief technology officer and co-founder Lodhi added that they have been leveraging on their artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technology and neural networks to create users’ psychographic profile of customers’ behavioural patterns on the platform. This allows the platform to provide personalised content and product recommendation for the customers. These developments have also led Trell to record 10-15 times year-on-year growth and 30% month-on-month growth since inception, the company said. Social commerce is still at a nascent stage in India, but the players in this segment have been growing at an exponential rate. Earlier in May, Meesho became the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/advertising/brands/article/meesho-the-latest-company-to-join-the-unicorn-club-aims-to-build-a-single-ecosystem-to-help-smbs/articleshow/81953840.cms">first social commerce</a> platform to enter the unicorn club. It has raised $515 million to date from <keyword id="163404" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Softbank">SoftBank</keyword>, FaceBook and <keyword id="270604" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sequoia">Sequoia</keyword>. DealShare, on the other hand, recently closed a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/social-commerce-startup-dealshare-raises-144-million-from-tiger-global/articleshow/84227890.cms">$144 million round</a>, taking its total fundraise to $183 million to date. Its investors include Tiger Global, <keyword id="678811" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Westbridge-Capital">WestBridge Capital</keyword>, Alpha Wave Incubation and Z3Partners. Other players in this segment are Glowroad,<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/citymall-a-startup-that-helps-budding-entrepreneurs-start-their-ventures-on-whatsapp-has-raised-over-22-million/articleshow/83741383.cms"> CityMall</a> and SimSim. SEE ALSO <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/ecommerce/news/flipkart-raises-3-6-billion-at-a-valuation-of-over-37-billion/articleshow/84338594.cms">Flipkart raises $3.6 billion at a valuation of over $37 billion, to focus on ‘millions of small and medium Indian businesses’</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/paytm-money-users-can-now-apply-for-zomato-ipo-from-today/articleshow/84334784.cms">Paytm Money now allows investors to apply for an IPO before opening, Zomato being the first</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/ola-electric-has-raised-100-million-in-debt-to-start-producing-its-electric-scooters-soon/articleshow/84338315.cms">Ola Electric has raised $100 million in debt to start producing its electric scooters soon</a>

Fashion retailer H&M has led a $45 million round in video discovery and commerce app Trell

<ul><li>Spencer's is trailing behind <keyword id="964794" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="BigBasket">BigBasket</keyword> in terms of revenue, despite its heavy offline presence.</li><li>Revenue of Spencer’s was 30% less than online grocery delivery startup BigBasket in the financial year 2020.</li><li>BigBasket may record its best financial performance in 2021, whereas Spencer’s has reported a decrease in sales.</li></ul>The year 2020 has been a game changer for India Inc. in many aspects. From shopping to working, everything has taken a digital spin and the debate of ‘online vs offline’ has been getting much stronger. Thirty two-year old Spencer’s Retail, one of the prominent retail chains in India ⁠— owned by RP Sanjiv Goenka group ⁠— reported its annual financial report and it was a fairly decent one. The business was surely affected by the Covid-induced lockdown in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 (FY21), but was flourishing the rest of the year. Yet, its revenue dipped 7% to ₹2,481 crore and losses widened to ₹163.8 crore. This really got us wondering how the company fares in comparison to other players in the grocery segment -- both online and offline. Online grocers are cumulatively the third largest player in the market behind DMart and <keyword id="58448" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Reliance-Retail">Reliance Retail</keyword>, according to a report dated June 4 from the broking firm Motilal Oswal. BigBasket is the biggest of that lot. What’s more shocking is the fact that BigBasket, just 10 years old in the market, earns more revenue than Spencer’s. The comparison between BigBasket and Spencer’s may be of apples and oranges, but it is definitely an interesting one. The three-decade-old Spencer’s, which has a strong presence across 191 stores across 42 cities, earned almost 30% less than a decade-old online grocery business BigBasket in FY20. A scan of the last three financial statements (between FY18 to FY20) of the companies, revealed that this gap in revenue is not a new one. This trend is expected to be carried forward in FY21 as well, especially with the sort of growth BigBasket has witnessed last year. Being the biggest player in the online grocery space, the company has doubled its daily deliveries to 3 lakh compared to pre-Covid days. The company claims to have clocked a gross sale of ₹8,000 crore ($1.1 billion) in FY21. Though BigBasket is yet to report its financial statement for FY21, Business Insider has mailed the company seeking more details of their financial performance. It is expected to be the strongest one yet at least in terms of the revenue growth. No wonder, Tata Group was <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/tata-tryst-with-e-grocery-starts-with-a-billion-dollar-acquisition-of-bigbasket-heres-why-it-could-be-a-sweet-deal-for-both/articleshow/81478849.cms">compelled</a> to acquire BigBasket in order to pursue its Super App dreams. Spencer’s, on the other hand, has reported receding revenue and widening loss during FY21. Though the company did test out a hybrid model by experimenting with online delivery in partnership with Dunzo and Uber last year, that doesn’t seem to have made much of a difference for the company either. Its revenue from sales (operating revenue) reported a 7% dip to ₹2,428 crore compared to ₹2,644.80 crore reported in FY20. Well, BigBasket is actually much worse than Spencer’s in terms of its losses. The company had been burning cash ever since its inception in 2011 and is nowhere close to profitability. Whereas, Spencer’s had hit profitability in FY19, but went back to reporting a loss soon after. According to stock broking house Motilal Oswal’s latest report on the retail segment, the online grocery segment has grown about 30 times over the last seven to eight years to reach $3 billion. Currently, India has about 154 million transacting households. Of which, 130 million are already using online grocery solutions, creating an addressable market of $293 billion. Historically, the e-grocery segment has garnered a single-digit share of the overall organised grocery market in India, but 2020 brought these online grocery solutions to the forefront as stepping out of the house was no less than a health hazard, due to the pandemic. Not only Spencer’s, but other traditional retail players like DMart and BigBazaar were compelled to take up an omnichannel approach and started taking online mode of ordering in partnerships with logistics and transportation players like Uber, Ola, Dunzo, Rapido and more. Besides this, Reliance’s JioMart expanded its presence from three cities to 200 cities in May 2020 in order to take a<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/ecommerce/news/heres-what-gives-jiomart-an-edge-over-its-competitors-according-to-goldman-sachs/articleshow/79054698.cms"> bigger share</a> of the market. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/sona-comstar-ipo-price-gmp-should-you-subscribe/articleshow/83505013.cms">Sona Comstar IPO worth ₹5,550 crore opens today – find out if this EV battery player has enough juice for a long ride</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/why-dodla-dairy-has-no-plans-to-expand-beyond-southern-india/articleshow/83503817.cms">Here’s why Dodla Dairy has no plans to expand beyond southern India for at least the next two years even with its IPO</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/adani-group-under-sebi-scanner-on-market-manipulation/articleshow/83501698.cms">Gautam Adani loses over $7 billion in net worth after questions over the meteoric rise in group stocks</a>

Did you know? BigBasket makes more revenue than 32-year old Spencer’s Retail

<keyword id="1042120" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Uber">Uber</keyword> received a lot of flak in India not too long ago. But the company could be looking to operate in the region through other ways. A new report from The Economic Times suggests that Uber is looking to acquire India based <keyword id="108722" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Meru-Cabs">Meru Cabs</keyword> service for an undisclosed amount. 
 
This move would help Uber build some marketshare in the region as Meru Cabs is a popular name in India. The report further suggests that Meru is looking for somewhere close to $400 million for the acquisition. This should be chump change for a company like Uber which had a recent valuation of $40 billion. 
 India Value Fund Advisors (<keyword id="1455666" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="IVFA">IVFA</keyword>) hold an 80% stake in Meru and it is said that they will look to hold a minority stake in the company even after the acquisition. The exact terms of the acquisition are not known yet, but it seems like the decision could be finalized very soon. 
 
The move makes sense considering that rival cab service Ola was believed to be planning the purchase of Taxi For Sure last week. So it is understandable why Uber would want to step in and join forces with Meru. 
 IVFA was said to be contemplating an IPO or <keyword id="35216" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="initial-public-offering">Initial Public Offering</keyword> for Meru Cabs in a bid to increase revenues. So it seems to be a win-win situation for both Meru and Uber if this acquisition does in fact goes through. 
 
Both Meru and Uber have denied to comment on these reports, so we'll have to wait for more information to pop up. [<a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/emerging-businesses/entrepreneurship/us-based-uber-in-talks-to-buy-meru-cabs/articleshow/46097673.cms">The Economic Times</a>]

Uber Believed To Be Keen On Acquiring Meru Cabs

2015 was the year that saw the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=startup">startup industry </a>in India come off age. While on the one hand, there were brave individuals starting up on their own, the year saw companies like Ola, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Snapdeal">Snapdeal</a>, Quikr, <keyword id="830092" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Zomato">Zomato</keyword> and Paytm crossing the $1 billion in valuation to join the Unicorn club on the other. The rise of startups also led the angel investment community to take more risks than before. However, most importantly, all along India witnessed a Prime Minister who went the extra mile in encouraging the startup community by announcing several government measures -‘Startup India, Standup India’ being the latest one – while also showing the world the power of entrepreneurs back home. 
 
<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/No-funds-for-your-start-up-Here-are-5-things-you-need-to-attract-angel-investors/articleshow/49323077.cms">ALSO READ: No funds for your start-up? Here are 5 things you need to attract angel investors</a> 
 
As the spectacular year draws to a close, imminent investors take us through the significant changes which both the startup as well as <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=investor+">investor </a>community witnessed in 2015. Read on: 
 
STARTUP ECOSYSTEM BUILDING IN INDIA 
 “2015 has been a watershed year because there has been huge growth in the quality of startups that have come in,” says Saurabh Srivastava, cofounder of the Indian Angel Network and Nasscom. Happy to see an ecosystem building, he says: The government is beginning to encourage startups like never before as they also believe that startups can build wealth and employment. Moreover, people are seeing so many other successful ones with innovative ideas which are making good amount of money, solving ground problems and attracting global interest that they feel encouraged to do startups themselves. Also, there is huge interest among <keyword id="6365770" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="angel-investors">angel investors</keyword> to come in, invest and take more risks.” 
 
ANGEL INVESTMENT BECOMING AN ASSET CLASS: 
 
Mrs Padmaja Ruparel talks about the growth of angel investing community in India and how it has become an asset class. 
 
“It really is a class where first generation entrepreneurs like Saurabh, Narayanan Murthy and the likes – all middle class entrepreneurs who created garage to IPO kind of companies - have had a passion for entrepreneurship and have wanted to remain engaged in new innovations. They do this today by not only investing in young startups, but by mentoring and providing market access through their global network. This asset class has now moved beyond entrepreneurs. So, we are seeing lot of professional class investing and lot of second generation business house people also investing.” 
 
“On the other side, I feel starting up will become a career option soon. We are seeing entrepreneurs’ freshly out of college increasingly doing startups. One of our companies Mukunda Foods making tabletop dosa making machines, have youngsters who came out of college, created a prototype and are now delivering across nearly 9 countries. This is not to say that others aren’t. It’s also true that several experienced professionals are also building startups,” she says. 
 
SHIFT IN TRADITIONAL MINDSET AND APPROACH OF INVESTORS 
 Saurabh, who has nearly two decades of experience in <keyword id="6357455" type="EVENT" weightage="20" keywordseo="Funding">funding</keyword> startups, admits there has been massive change in the way investors look at startups today. 
 
“Investors are willing to put their money in more and more startups these days. 15-20 years ago investments were made only in IT companies, particularly those which had global appeal because growth came from overseas market. Today, India itself is a big market and we now see high quality entrepreneurs across variety of sectors – healthcare, IT, education, semi-conductors, hospitality, medical devices, ecommerce etc. A big shift in the investor approach has been to take the risk of investing in companies which target only the domestic market. Some of our best successes at IAN have come from companies catering to the Indian market,” he says. 
 
GEOGRAPHY NO MORE LIMITING FACTOR, INVESTMENT HAPPENING OVERSEAS 
 
Meanwhile, Padmaja feels opportunities lay galore for startups everywhere in the world when it comes to raising funds. Why? She explains: 
 
“IAN has set up its angel investment office outside the country. We are not only seeing entrepreneurs there, but actively investing too. The reverse is true as a lot of overseas investors are investing with us in companies that we are bringing the opportunities from. Geography is thus not a limiting factor anymore and that’s where we are able to make IAN a global platform where people from around the world can invest and get good returns,” says Padmaja. 
 
INDIA IS BEGINNING TO ACCEPT FAILURES 
 
Both Saurabh and Padmaja are of the opinion that failing does not minimalize chances of getting money from investors as there is increasing social acceptance for failures in India unlike before. 
 
“I think the concept of accepting failure was not there in India, but it is starting to get accepted. You try your best but it may not have worked for various reasons. I feel people who have not succeeded can be very good entrepreneurs because they have learnt from mistakes and have the hunger to succeed,” says Padmaja. 
 
Saurabh joins in to conclude: “When somebody has tried failed and wants to do it again, it shows character. It shows passion and commitment. An entrepreneur doesn’t always fail due to incompetence, there could be several other reasons say their partners let them down. They want to come back again and show the world what they can do. There has to be social acceptance for them and it is happening within the investor community gradually.” 
 
(Image credit: Thinkstock)

Why 2015 was the year of Indian Startups, tell us imminent investors

Welcome to <keyword id="34991" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="transportation">Transportation</keyword> &amp; Logistics Briefing, a new morning email providing the latest news, data, and insight on how digital technology is disrupting transportation and delivery, produced by BI Intelligence.<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/intelligence/top-5-disruptive-trends-shaping-transportation-and-logistics?IR=T&amp;utm_source=businessinsider&amp;utm_medium=content_marketing&amp;utm_term=content_marketing_subscription_text_link_transportation-and-logistics-briefing-gms-first-self-driving-car-model-new-regulatory-guidelines-for-self-driving-cars-thermal-sensors-for-fully-driverless-vehicles-2017-9&amp;utm_content=content_marketing_subscription_text_link&amp;utm_campaign=content_marketing_subscription_link&amp;vertical=transportation">Get the free Top 5 Disruptive Trends Shaping Transportation &amp; Logistics report and start receiving our brand new Transportation &amp; Logistics newsletter.</a>Have feedback? We'd like to hear from you. Write me at: <a href="mailto:jcamhi@businessinsider.com">jcamhi@businessinsider.com</a>.RUMORS SWIRL AROUND NEW INVESTMENTS IN UBER AND LYFT: Last week, multiple media outlets reported ongoing discussions Uber and Lyft are each having with new investors at a pivotal moment in their competition. <ul><li>Japanese tech conglomerate SoftBank, US investment firm Dragoneer, and Chinese ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing are working on finalizing a major investment in Uber through a new joint venture, Tech Crunch <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2017/09/13/softbank-dragoneer-didi-close-to-finalizing-investment-in-uber/">reported</a>. The group - led by SoftBank - is looking to invest as much as $10 billion into Uber, which would be the largest investment in the ride-hailing company to date. The deal would involve both a direct investment in Uber, and a purchase of shares from existing investors and employees. However, SoftBank is reportedly looking to buy shares from investors and employees at a 30% discount from Uber's most recent valuation of $70 billion, <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/uber-shareholders-divided-over-softbanks-investment-offer-1505409810">according to</a> The Wall Street Journal. It's unclear if investors and employees are willing to part with their shares at that discount. Additionally, existing shareholders have reportedly expressed concern that such a discount could devalue Uber as it gears up for an IPO by 2020. SoftBank has already invested in several other ride-hailing firms, including Didi, as well as Ola and Grab, which compete head-to-head with Uber in India and Southeast Asia, respectively.</li><li>Meanwhile, Lyft is reportedly <a href="https://www.axios.com/google-in-talks-to-invest-in-lyft-2485369946.html">in talks</a> with Google's parent company Alphabet to inject a $1 billion investment in the ride-hailing player. The investment negotiations follow the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/lyft-moves-into-driverless-cars-with-new-division-and-building-2017-7">announcement</a> earlier this summer that Waymo, Google's self-driving spinoff, would partner with Lyft on developing autonomous technology. Google was also an early investor in Uber, but the two are now in the midst of a drawn-out <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/r-update-1-ubers-bid-to-move-waymo-court-fight-to-arbitration-denied-by-appeals-court-2017-9">legal battle</a>. </li></ul>Uber's recent scandals and leadership troubles have given Lyft's business a significant boost in recent months. Uber's share of the US ride-hailing market fell from 84% at the beginning of this year to 77% at the end of May, <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/b4fb76a6-52dd-11e7-bfb8-997009366969">according to</a> Second Measure, which analyzes anonymized credit card data. Meanwhile, Lyft booked more total rides in the first half of this year than in all of last year. It also grew its gross bookings by 25% sequentially in Q2, compared to Uber's 17% growth in the quarter.New funding could help Uber achieve its twin goals of both defending market share and cutting its losses, while Lyft could use a cash injection to press its advantage. The two companies have relied heavily on providing discounts and incentives to attract new riders and drivers, resulting in steep operating losses for both. Uber needs to improve its balance to steer towards a potential IPO, but cutting back on new user discounts could stall growth and further Lyft's momentum. Extra cash could provide a cushion, allowing it to continue attracting new users while it fills out its rather <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/uber-travis-kalanick-resignation-leadership-2017-6">empty</a> c-suite and formulates a strategy for long-term financial health. Lyft, meanwhile, could use new cash to expand geographically and put Uber on the defensive in more markets outside the US. Media outlets reported on Friday that Lyft plans to <a href="http://fortune.com/2017/09/14/lyft-canada-expansion/">enter</a> Canada by the end of this year, and is <a href="https://www.cnet.com/news/lyft-said-to-be-eyeing-international-expansion/?ftag=COS-05-10aaa0b&amp;linkId=42255887">exploring</a> other markets, including Australia and the UK.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table click-to-enlarge"><div><div class="image on-image"><a title_source="BI Intelligence" title_caption="" class="zoomin" href="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/59bc1e7038d20d2a008b6cc6-960/uber lyft rides updated logo.png"></a>BI Intelligence</div></div></div>AUTOLIV'S STRATEGY FOR THE ELECTRIC AND AUTONOMOUS AGE: Auto parts supplier Autoliv is mulling separating its electric and self-driving technology and its core safety businesses into two separate, standalone companies, according to <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/autoliv-considers-split-into-two-listed-companies-1505384846?mod=djemlogistics">The Wall Street Journal</a>. The firm's core safety business manufacturers parts such as seat belts and airbags, while its electric and self-driving technology arm makes radar and positioning systems for self-driving cars. The Swedish company supplies parts and components to some of the world's largest automakers, including Volkswagen and Ford. Company executives say the split would leave both groups well-positioned to maximize their revenue potential. CEO Jan Carlson argued that the move would allow the firm's electric and autonomous driving business to innovate and continue to improve its offerings without stealing too many resources from its core safety business. Further, having a business dedicated to electric and self-driving technologies might help the firm to attract top engineers and developers so it can out-innovate, and pull ahead of, competitors.That'll be valuable as growth in the electric and self-driving car market outpaces Autoliv's core safety parts market in the coming years. While industry experts <a href="https://poseidon01.ssrn.com/delivery.php?ID=25510008108711508212011212301501002301603906003901008710011509807006808902910106502201911710306100803002711211601810210409506404307507805105400500311002410309012010500307901608700808802410002212209300111">expect</a> individual car ownership to decline in the coming decades, which would cause car sales to plummet and dent Autoliv's core business, automakers are increasingly adding electric and semi-autonomous vehicles to their lineups. That trend that will only accelerate in the next few years - the head of the German automakers' lobby said last week that automakers and suppliers alone will devote about $47.6 billion for electric vehicles through 2020, and BI Intelligence forecasts that 2.4 million fully autonomous cars will be on US roads in 2025. A standalone company specifically devoted to building these technologies could allow Autoliv to capitalize on this forthcoming growth.That could also push other large auto suppliers to follow Autoliv's lead. Many other legacy automotive suppliers - including Bosch, Delphi, and Magna International - are also building technologies for electric and autonomous cars while also remaining committed to building the core legacy components that they've supplied for decades. If Autoliv indeed splits up its business and it proves to be valuable, that could prompt some of these other players to mimic the company's move.Enjoy reading this briefing? <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/intelligence/transportation-and-logistics-briefing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sign up and receive Transportation &amp; Logistics Briefing to your inbox.</a>THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE TO USING DRONES AT CONSTRUCTION SITES: Construction has been one of the foremost industries in adopting commercial drones, with the sector making up a significant <a href="http://www.constructiondive.com/news/construction-drone-use-taking-off-as-industry-scores-40-of-all-faa-exempti/417421/">portion</a> of commercial drone exemptions granted by the FAA. Drones have helped make construction sites safer by automating dangerous safety inspections, while also delivering real-time imaging that helps managers track a site's progress.Hensel Phelps, one of the largest construction management companies in the US, has used drones to improve safety and measure progress at several of its construction projects. The company has been using drones for nearly four years to survey its sites and perform safety inspections. Using drones has cut the time it takes to perform safety inspections at Hensel's sites from a week down to a matter of hours. It also takes away much of the risk of a worker getting injured in an accident while performing an inspection, which can be a dangerous task requiring inspectors to climb high scaffolding.However, regulatory requirements have posed a major challenge from the start, Richard Lopez, a virtual design and construction manager who leads Hensel Phelps' drone program, told BI Intelligence. Putting drones to use at Hensel's sites required gaining pilot certifications and <a href="https://www.faa.gov/uas/beyond_the_basics/section_333/">Section 333</a> exemptions from the FAA. It also required documenting every detail of every drone flight - including flight path, altitude, and duration - in order to show regulators that Hensel Phelps' drones were operating in full compliance with current regulations. The company partnered with Skyward, a commercial drone software and services provider acquired by Verizon earlier this year, to help plan and document all of its drone sorties. This has been vital to Hensel's drone operations - Lopez says the drone program probably would not have won approval without Skyward's tools for logging all of its drone flights.Despite proper licensing and all of the documentation Hensel and Skyward collect, compliance can still be a time-consuming and frustrating task, Lopez says. Many of Hensel's projects take place in controlled airspace. Getting permission to fly a drone around such projects can take up to 120 days, despite FAA <a href="https://www.uaslawblog.com/2015/03/10/faa-streamlines-coa-process-for-section-333-exemptions/">efforts</a> to streamline its approval processes, he reports. Additionally, Lopez says Hensel could derive more benefits from doing more drone flights during the day, but has to limit its flights to before work crews arrive for the day, or after they leave. That's because companies can't fly commercial drones over people under current regulations. While companies hope that the FAA will resolve some of these issues in updated commercial drone regulations the FAA is scheduled to release next year. However, there are growing concerns that the updates may not arrive on schedule, or may not address some of these issues, because of the intervention of law enforcement agencies.In other news…<ul><li>Renault-Nissan <a href="https://www.alliance-2022.com/news/alliance-2022-announcement/">announced</a> it will roll out 12 electric cars, 40 cars with autonomous driving technologies, and intends to become a global leader in ride-hailing services powered by autonomous cars by 2022. The company previously <a href="https://redirect.viglink.com/?format=go&amp;jsonp=vglnk_150549555939112&amp;key=5571228bb04e008b467a126d6af6bf81&amp;libId=j7m11tvn01011kx5000DAav8lkr0w&amp;loc=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnet.com%2Froadshow%2Fnews%2Frenault-nissan-to-start-autonomous-car-sharing-service-">said</a> it plans to launch a ride-hailing service rather than partner with an existing service, which is likely why it <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2017/01/12/karhoo-rides-again-nissanrenault-buys-failed-on-demand-ride-startup/">bought</a> the assets of failed ride-hailing startup Karhoo earlier this year. It's worth noting that these plans <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/companies-making-driverless-cars-by-2020-2017-1/#volvo-is-aiming-to-make-its-cars-deathproof-by-2020-by-rolling-out-semi-autonomous-features-in-its-cars-eventually-working-up-to-fully-driverless-ones-6">are slightly behind</a> many other automakers' - Audi, Daimler, and Honda all plan on bringing at least partially self-driving cars to market in 2020, while Tesla may <a href="https://www.tesla.com/blog/all-tesla-cars-being-produced-now-have-full-self-driving-hardware">issue</a> an over-the-air update to make many of its cars fully autonomous as soon as next year.</li><li>Alphabet has spent more than $1.1 billion on self-driving car technologies since it started working on the technologies in 2009, according to <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/cars-that-think/transportation/self-driving/waymo-vs-uber-8-things-i-learned-from-anthony-levandowski-taking-the-5th">court documents</a> filed in its lawsuit against ride-hailing giant Uber. This has vaulted the company's self-driving car project, now a standalone company known as Waymo, ahead of many automakers and arch rival Uber in terms of technological progress. This sheds light on just how expensive it is to build a self-driving system, a potential barrier to startups without the cash to spend that are eyeing the space.</li><li>Mitsubishi is bringing its Fuso eCanter electric delivery trucks to the US for the first time, according to <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2017/09/14/daimlers-electric-short-haul-city-trucks-are-coming-to-the-u-s/">Engadget</a>. The Daimler-owned company will first lease the trucks to UPS and a handful of non-profits in New York City, but plans on making them available to other companies later this year. The trucks can handle a payload of up to 10,000 pounds, but can only travel for 60 miles on a single charge - which makes them ill-suited for long haul trucking, and likely too large for last-mile deliveries. Instead, the trucks are designed for inter-city deliveries of heavy goods, such as between a storage facility and a distribution center. Such local and short-haul trips make up the <a href="https://www.rita.dot.gov/bts/programs/freight_transportation/html/length_of_haul.html">majority</a> of the US trucking industry.</li></ul><div id="categorypromo"><h2><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/intelligence/top-5-disruptive-trends-shaping-transportation-and-logistics">Click here to receive a FREE download of The Top 5 Disruptive Trends Shaping Transportation and Logistics from BI Intelligence, Business Insider's premium research service.</a></h2></div>

TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS BRIEFING: Uber and Lyft in talks with new investors - Autoliv to break off tech business - Barriers to drone adoption in construction

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