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With over 20 million cumulative installs and 5 million monthly active users, <keyword id="6433699" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ixigo">Ixigo</keyword> trains app has become India’s most used train travel app. It is currently helping close to 8 lakh train travellers every single day across 200+ Indian towns in checking train schedules, getting live train running status, getting PNR status predictions and in viewing crowdsourced platform numbers, coach positions and train ratings and reviews for all trains in India. Ixigo’s train app is rated 4.4 out of 5 based on 2.2 lakh user reviews on the <keyword id="6355629" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Google">Google</keyword> <keyword id="1470391" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Play-Store">Play Store</keyword>, and is growing 15% month-on-month. According to some of the train travellers using the app, it is helping them provide accurate train information in a user-friendly interface. The app consists of some unique features such as live running status, coach position and platform numbers, etc. ixigo trains also offers smart technology and data driven features such as highly-accurate PNR status prediction for wait-listed seats, station alarms and seat-maps to know your coach and seat location. Recently, the app has introduced a news, gaming and entertainment zone in the app to engage train travellers during the journey. Speaking on the big milestone, ixigo CEO and Co-Founder, Aloke Bajpai said, “As a company, we are the only online travel player deeply committed to understanding Indian train travellers and solving their pain points. The budget travel segment is the fastest growing segment of the online travel market, and ixigo is the clear market leader in this space when it comes to its user-base and engagement.” “With close to 10 years of technology and data expertise, we are now connecting 3rd party services and content to offer budget travellers a seamless door-to-door experience to keep them engaged and well-informed throughout their trip. At the current pace of growth, we are adding 2 million new users every month and will become India’s most used travel app in a few months. Our user retention rates are already as high as some popular social apps.” added <keyword id="254056" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rajnish-Kumar">Rajnish Kumar</keyword>, CTO and Co-Founder, ixigo. Over 25 million passengers travel on Indian Railways every single day, and the market size of train-related ancillary services is potentially $1 billion per year as per company estimates. Additionally, the ixigo trains app allows its users to book other modes of travel such as cabs, flights and buses through its app. Users can book Ola and Uber cabs in one-tap from inside the ixigo trains app, make a bus booking with RedBus, book hotels with Oyo &amp; Treebo as well as book flights from multiple online travel portals and airlines in case they are waitlisted. The ixigo trains app is available in 7 local Indian languages, and was recently named the “Best App of 2016” by Google Play Store under the “Made In India” category.

With 20 mn installs, this Indian app has become every traveller's absolute favourite. Here's what it can do for you

<ul><li>A survey by travel agency Agoda found wellness to be one of the top three motivations for Indians to travel in 2023. </li><li><keyword id="2808667" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="oyo" source="Orion">OYO</keyword> and EaseMyTrip shared that Gen Zs and millennials are pursuing spiritual pursuits, including trips to religious destinations. </li><li><keyword id="6357203" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="varanasi" source="Orion">Varanasi</keyword>, <keyword id="48458" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tirupati" source="Orion">Tirupati</keyword> and <keyword id="4903" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Puri" source="Orion">Puri</keyword> were some of the favoured destinations as per data shared by four different travel organisations.</li></ul>The pandemic turned the world digital but also led to multifold physical and mental health issues. Consequently, digital detox and regeneration have become <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/travel-trends-in-2023-digital-detox-regenerative-travel-and-inner-peace/articleshow/96281360.cms">increasingly</a> popular. In India, this has translated into an increased interest in spiritual and wellness tourism, including trips to religious destinations, according to travel agencies. And this interest has expanded to include GenZs and millennials. Travel agency Agoda conducted a survey and found wellness to be one of the top three motivations for Indians to travel in 2023. The survey was conducted with 10,000 travellers from across 12 countries, including India. As per Agoda, “Many (people) wish to embark on trips to recharge themselves, mentally and physically, with wellness contributing to the number two spot in the ‘reasons to travel’ ranking of Agoda’s Travel Trend survey. Countries with high inclination include India (20%), South Korea (24%), Singapore (25%) and Thailand (29%).” <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Spiritual tourism no longer restricted to senior citizens" comment="subhead2" text="Spiritual tourism no longer restricted to senior citizens">Spiritual tourism no longer restricted to senior citizens</cmsannotation> For the longest time, religious destinations were considered to be low on the travel bucket list — especially for GenZs and millennials, but that appears to have changed. “With the need for spiritual connect taking priority, millennials and GenZs are setting new trends for the industry. With every passing day, spiritual and self-care travel are catching pace, and the demand is growing,” said OYO in its Cultural Travel 2022 Roundup Report. As per the travel agency EaseMyTrip, there has been a 60% increase from 2019 in people in general are opting for holy destinations or spiritual or wellness tour packages. And, women aged between 30-35 are leading the search. “We’ve observed a sharp surge of 60% in the number of tourists opting for spiritual and wellness retreat packages as compared with pre-Covid. These are closely linked with religious pilgrimages and the various festivals prevalent across the subcontinent,” said Rikant Pittie, co-founder, EaseMyTrip. “More than ever, travellers are looking within, and often they are seen clubbing this journey within - with a trip to wellness or a spiritual retreat. Tending towards slow and spiritual travel formats, travellers opt for wellness or therapeutic retreats that allow them to disconnect and rejuvenate from their busy schedules,” said a spokesperson for MakeMyTrip. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Top favourite destinations" comment="subhead2" text="Top favourite destinations">Top favourite destinations</cmsannotation> In light of the rising interest in spiritual destinations, certain places are definitely enjoying more interest than others. Varanasi, Tirupati and Puri were among the top destinations as per data shared by four travel organisations — Ixigo, EaseMyTrip, OYO and Kayak. “Cultural destinations like Varanasi saw more than 50% rise in bookings for travel last year on our train apps. Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh witnessed one of the highest comebacks and was the most-searched spiritual hub in 2022 recording a 200% increase in train search queries,” shared Rajnish Kumar, co-founder, Ixigo. The increased interest in these destinations is also boosted by pent-up demand for travel and the availability of better facilities like hotels and good connectivity to reach the destination, said OYO in a report that was released in December 2022. Rishikesh, famous among Indians and foreigners alike, is known for its ashrams and adventure sports like river rafting. At the same, it’s home to India’s premium hotels, like Ananda wellness resort and Taj Rishikesh. Similarly, popular religious destinations like Tirupati and Puri offer luxury accommodations — Marasa Sarovar in Tirupati or the Mayfair Heritage in Puri. Ixigo and OYO also listed Mathura, Mahabaleshwar and Madurai as emerging spiritual tourism destinations in India. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/india-is-going-to-be-a-huge-paid-market-spotify-india/articleshow/98442816.cms">India is going to be a huge paid market: Akshat Harbola, head of strategy, Spotify India</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/wedding-bells-ring-in-16-rise-in-february-auto-sales-2-wheeler-sales-yet-to-hit-pre-pandemic-levels-fada/articleshow/98443213.cms">Wedding bells ring in 16% rise in February auto sales, 2 wheeler sales yet to hit pre-pandemic levels: FADA</a>

Gen Zs & Millennials aid spiritual & wellness-driven tourism recovery in India

If you have seen <keyword id="2201" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Kangana-Ranaut">Kangana Ranaut</keyword>’s latest <keyword id="143" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Bollywood">Bollywood</keyword> flick, <keyword id="6377522" type="POSITION" weightage="60" keywordseo="queen">Queen</keyword>, you are bound to agree that her trip abroad all by herself is the most intriguing part of the storyline and her <keyword id="6374782" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="journey">journey</keyword> of discovery keeps you hooked. But that’s hardly a rare phenomenon nowadays. Single or married, young or aged, on a <keyword id="1050408" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="business-trip">business trip</keyword> or on a <keyword id="2144547" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Dream-vacation">dream vacation</keyword>, more <keyword id="624" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Women">women</keyword> are travelling alone instead of taking their families in tow. Even those opting for <keyword id="2144575" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Guided-vacations">guided vacations</keyword> are mostly choosing like-minded women-only groups. 
 A recent survey jointly conducted by ixigo.com, India’s leading travel planning and search engine firm, and <keyword id="136437" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lemon-Tree-Hotels">Lemon Tree Hotels</keyword>, the country’s third largest hotel company by owned rooms, says that there has been a marked change in travel trends across the country. <keyword id="2144559" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Female-travellers">Female travellers</keyword> are now an increasingly important segment of the Indian travel market, for both leisure and business travel, and the country’s travel industry is just waking up to that fact. 
 
“With women climbing the corporate ladder and becoming more independent, travel is becoming an intrinsic part of their lives. Also, only-women travel groups offering interesting holiday destinations and packages are luring women to take up travel. Our survey indicates 26% women travel with their girl gangs to explore new places,” said Saurabh Srivastava, VP (marketing &amp; product strategy) at ixigo.com. 
 More than 550 women aged between 25 and 45 and hailing from different metros across the country, took part in <keyword id="2144531" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="The-ixigo-Lemon-Tree-Hotels">the ixigo-Lemon Tree Hotels</keyword> online survey. 
 
At present, women-only travellers don’t form too large a segment of India’s travel market but the concept of vacationing away from one’s family (to say nothing of business travel) is catching up fast. As per Trafalgar India, one of the leading guided holiday operators, there has been 22% rise in bookings by women’s groups and single travellers in India between October 2013 and February 2014, compared to last year. 
 While women now account for more than 23% of business travellers (both domestic and outbound), the number will grow significantly in the near future, with the rise in the number of women in mid-senior executive ranks where business travel is a necessity. Over the next 20 years, <keyword id="2144563" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="International-business-travel">international business travel</keyword> by Indian women could grow almost tenfold to more than 10 million annual business departures, according to industry estimates. 
 <keyword id="2144565" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Group-travel-by-women">Group travel by women</keyword> is also gaining in popularity, thanks to a growing number of social clubs offering secure and affordable women-only tours. The bottom line is quite simple here. In a fast-moving life ruled by many priorities, one is not always able to travel with <keyword id="343" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="80" keywordseo="Friends">friends</keyword>, family or relatives. But that should not hinder a woman from travelling at her convenience, to the destination of her choice. 
 
A separate survey by Trafalgar India indicates that 10% women prefer guided vacations for a guided experience, 30% for safety, 11% to meet new people, 26% for convenience and comfort while 23% women find it cost-effective. 
 
 
 
What women want The <keyword id="2144532" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="ixigo-Lemon-Tree-Hotels-survey">ixigo-Lemon Tree Hotels survey</keyword> has delved deep into women’s way of travelling and the comfort factors they look for. Here are the key findings when it comes to women wanting to travel safe and solo. 
 
Female travellers are tech-savvy: Indian women travel as frequently as once in two months (50%), with 43% booking their <keyword id="6368036" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Hotels">hotels</keyword> online and 65-76% saying they only read user reviews and endorsements to make their final choice, the survey says. <keyword id="383661" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mobile-Apps">Mobile apps</keyword> are clearly the way to go as 56% women use <keyword id="616640" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Smartphone-apps">smartphone apps</keyword> to find information about their destinations and plan their trips. 
 
Safety &amp; comfort top priority list: For 41% women, facilities and services are the top considerations while choosing a hotel while location, cost and security have come out as other important criteria. Although security as an independent variable does not top the priority list of solo women travellers/women-only travel groups, there are clearly other surrogate considerations that indicate that safety remains a big concern. For instance, 34% women prefer to have <keyword id="2144581" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Female-hostesses-for-room-service">female hostesses for room service</keyword> while others look for a wide range of <keyword id="2144582" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Women-friendly-amenities">women-friendly amenities</keyword> including <keyword id="2144583" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Call-screening-facility">call-screening facility</keyword> (20%), <keyword id="2144584" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Women-driven-cabs">women-driven cabs</keyword> (19%) and separate floors/wings for women (18%). Interestingly, more than 63% of the respondents say they need a companion to be able to feel comfortable enough to drink at a hotel bar. 
 
Feel-good add-ons matter: Well, that’s a given and who doesn’t love the nice, little extras? When asked about exclusive redemption options offered on loyalty programmes, <keyword id="2144587" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Shopping-vouchers">shopping vouchers</keyword> have come up as the most favourite (27%), closely followed by <keyword id="2144589" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Room-nights">room nights</keyword> (24%) and <keyword id="891808" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Spa-therapy">spa therapy</keyword> (22%) – clearly indicating that special benefits and exclusive offers go hand in hand with women. On the amenities front, 24x7 room service is the most important one (voted by 24% women) while <keyword id="6403839" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Free-Wi-Fi">free Wi-Fi</keyword> (18%), <keyword id="6354337" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="gym">gym</keyword>, <keyword id="50883" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Swimming-Pool">swimming pool</keyword>, <keyword id="5680" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="spa">spa</keyword> and <keyword id="34615" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="restaurants">restaurants</keyword> are some others factors that would make the stay memorable. 
 
End-note: Older women are travelling more 
This finding is not a part of the above survey but going by the fact that it has considered women aged between 25 and 45, instead of the 18-30 or 25-40 age bracket is a clear indicator that older women are calling the shots in travel space, making decision for themselves as well as for friends and families, and spending their own money for solo trips – be it a prestigious presentation, a professional seminar, visiting a beautiful place or simply chilling out to get the better of stress. According to Marybeth Bond of The Gutsy Traveller – The average adventure traveller is not a 28-year-old male, but a 47-year-old female. And she wears a size 12 dress. 
 Moreover, the findings from the above surveys amply tell us what <keyword id="625381" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="women-travellers">women travellers</keyword> expect and how fast the women-only travel market is growing in India. These surely promise more travel spend (both for business and leisure travel), better business across the country and an <keyword id="2144592" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Improved-travel-experience">improved travel experience</keyword> for women who love to do it solo and keep off the beaten path. 
 
Image credit: Thinkstock Photos/Getty Images

Footloose: Women Travelling Solo Are Set To Change The Face Of India’s Travel Industry

If you want to know your current <keyword id="1118594" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="PNR-status">PNR status</keyword>, download this <keyword id="235499" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="APP">app</keyword>. <keyword id="6433699" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Ixigo">ixigo</keyword> has launched a PNR prediction app to help train passengers know the status and other travel related details. 

	PNR prediction feature will let you know the probability of getting your ticket confirmed. The company claims ixigo’s app gives more accurate PNR prediction compared to all existing services as it has mined data from over 10 million PNRs over the last two years. 
 

	Rajnish Kumar, ixigo co-founder and CTO said: “It (ixigo) has always believed in simplifying the lives of travellers and one of the pain areas we wished to solve was to make it easier for them to decide whether they should book a wait-listed berth.”
 

	He added: “Over 50,000 PNR status checks and nearly 200,000 train information requests are done on our app every day. Our machine learning algorithms will keep improving the accuracy of the system with every new train PNR tracked inside our apps. We expect to go from the current 90% to 95% accuracy...”
 

	Apart from PNR prediction, ixigo's app already includes features such as budget hotel bookings, cab bookings, packages, station alarms, platform numbers and coach positions of trains.
 In a significant move, <keyword id="71696" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Micromax">Micromax</keyword> has recently made a strategic investment in ixigo which was launched in 2007 by Aloke Bajpai and Rajnish Kumar.

Now predict your train ticket confirmation using this app

<ul><li>The company’s stock was trading at around ₹714 in early trading hours on Friday.</li><li>The development comes a day after <keyword id="5030468" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="easemytrip" source="Orion">EaseMyTrip</keyword> expanded its international footprint to the US, Philippines and Thailand.</li><li>The company had doubled its net profit to ₹61.4 crore in the financial year 2021.</li></ul>Publicly-listed travel ticketing app EaseMyTrip has hit $1 billion in market capitalisation earlier on Friday, September 17. The company’s stock was trading at ₹714.15 at 9:38 a.m., on Friday. That’s when the company’s market cap crossed the ₹7,300 crore threshold. Shares of the travel tech startup, which goes by the name Easy Trip Planners, were trading at ₹663.55 at 11:10 a.m., on Friday as its market cap dropped to ₹7,215 crore ($981 million). The development comes a day after EaseMyTrip expanded its international footprint in the United States, The Philippines and Thailand. The company has forayed into new countries anticipating a huge pent-up global travel demand in the coming months, the company said in its regulatory filings. Aloke Bajpai, founder and chief executive of another travel tech startup ixigo, congratulated EaseMyTrip on achieving this benchmark. Like EaseMyTrip, rival ixigo is also planning to hit the public markets this year and has filed the preliminary papers for its<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/travel-app-ixigo-files-for-a-1600-crore-ipo/articleshow/85292327.cms"> ₹1,600 crore</a> initial public offering (IPO). <div type="twitter" handle="alokebajpai" handlename="Aloke Bajpai" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1285439472339791873/wki9K2bg_normal.jpg" favoritecount="78" retweetcount="16" status="Congratulations to @EaseMyTrip @nishantpitti @rikantpitti @ppitti for hitting $1 Bn market cap in the public market… https://t.co/Ow4gE1YSKW" createdat="1631853920000" id="1438725735686959106"></div> Earlier this month, Anand Rathi had issued a buy call on Easy Trip Planners with a target price of ₹550. At the time, the company’s stock was trading at ₹462.35. <div type="image" title="EaseMyTrip touches market cap of a billion dollars" msid="86285944" hostid="261"></div> Founded in 2008 by Nishant Pitti, Prashant Pitti and Rikant Pitti, EaseMyTrip offers deals on flight booking, hotels and holiday packages. The company has been one of the few bootstrapped startups to hit the public market and has been profitable as well. The company even doubled its net profit to ₹61.4 crore in the financial year 2021, when the entire travel segment was brought down to its knees due to COVID-19. Its revenue, however, declined to ₹150 crore from ₹181 crore reported in FY20. SEE ALSO <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/the-only-way-to-beat-the-bots-from-taking-your-job-is-to-be-more-human/articleshow/86282273.cms">Future of Work 2021: The only way to beat the bots from taking your job is to be more human</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/biocon-hero-motocorp-tvs-motor-banks-and-other-top-stocks-to-watch-out-for-on-september-17/articleshow/86281250.cms">Biocon, Hero MotoCorp, TVS Motor, banks and other top stocks to watch out for on September 17</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/biocon-biologics-to-offer-15-stake-to-serum-institute-life-sciences-at-valuation-of-4-9-billion/articleshow/86281318.cms">Biocon Biologics to offer 15% stake to Serum Institute Life Sciences at valuation of $4.9 billion</a>

EaseMyTrip touches market cap of a billion dollars

<ul><li><keyword id="11265795" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Windlas-Biotech-IPO">Windlas Biotech IPO</keyword> opens on August 4 and closes on August 6.</li><li>Demat account, trading application and UPI ID are mandatory if you are applying for an initial public offering (IPO).</li><li><keyword id="11265796" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Windlas-Biotech">Windlas Biotech</keyword> is looking to raise over ₹402 crore at the upper price band of ₹460.</li></ul>Another initial public offering (IPO) coming up this week is of Windlas Biotech. The company is a pharmaceutical formulations contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO). It provides pharmaceutical development services and large-scale manufacturing services. Windlas Biotech IPO has a price band of ₹448-460 and the company is looking to raise ₹402 crore on its upper price band. Here is a guide on how to apply in IPOs easily. Firstly, to invest in an IPOs, you need to apply to buy a ‘lot of shares’ from the market. The bidding for these IPOs is usually open for three days particularly during market hours. For Windlas Biotech IPO the bidding will open on August 4 and close on August 6. A Demat account, a trading application like Zerodha, Angel Broking etc and UPI ID on BHIM app are necessary if you want to invest conveniently in an IPO. Unified payment interface (UPI) is a banking system for money transfers on payment apps like Google Pay, PhonePe and so on. One of the simplest ways to track IPOs and invest in them is through trading platforms. Here’s how you can do it through Zerodha’s Kite application, which is meant for trading stocks and commodities. <ul><li>Login to the mobile app and select the IPO option under the console. If you’re logging in through desktop, then go to console -- portfolio -- IPO.</li><li>You will find a list of IPOs that are open for investment. Select the IPO you want to invest in.</li><li>Enter your UPI ID from the BHIM app. Ensure your UPI ID is mapped to your personal bank account.</li><li>Enter the lot size (number of shares required to buy in one lot) announced by the company.</li><li>Tick on the cut off price for more chances of allotment of shares as it indicates investor’s willingness to subscribe to shares at any price discovered within the price band. Cut off price is the issue price.</li><li>Retail investors can bid for a maximum of three lots.</li><li>After this step, click on the check box to confirm and submit.</li><li>The last step is to accept the mandate request for proceeding with IPO on your BHIM UPI app. Once you accept the mandate, the amount of funds for IPO will be blocked till the allotment.</li><li>Now wait till the allotment date of shares to see if you have received the lot size you bid for.</li></ul>If you have invested through broking firm like Upstox, here are the 5 simple steps to invest in an IPO: Step 1: Login to the Upstox application or website with your credentials. Step 2: Select the IPO that you want to invest in and create an IPO application. Step 3: Add up to 3 bids within the price range. Step 4: Confirm your application. Step 5: Accept the UPI mandate and block funds on your mobile UPI app Another way to invest is through your bank. This option is generally available between 5 a.m. and 11 a.m. on the bank’s website. Here’s how to do it: <ul><li>Log in to your bank’s net banking account.</li><li>Go to the investment section and select the IPO option.</li><li>Fill your investment and bank account details to complete the verification process.</li><li>Later select the IPO you want to apply for.</li><li>Enter the number of shares and bid price.</li><li>Read and accept ‘terms and conditions’ documents.</li><li>Submit your application.</li></ul>SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/travel-portal-ixigo-moves-a-step-closer-to-ipo/articleshow/85006033.cms">Travel portal Ixigo moves a step closer to IPO </a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/heres-why-nifty-broke-the-16000-barrier/articleshow/85004061.cms">Here’s why Nifty broke the 16,000 barrier ⁠— Titan, HDFC, Nestle and Ultratech tell the story of the euphoria in the Indian stock market</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/heres-why-nifty-broke-the-16000-barrier/articleshow/85004061.cms"></a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/heres-why-nifty-broke-the-16000-barrier/articleshow/85004061.cms"></a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/heres-why-nifty-broke-the-16000-barrier/articleshow/85004061.cms"></a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/heres-why-nifty-broke-the-16000-barrier/articleshow/85004061.cms"></a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/heres-why-nifty-broke-the-16000-barrier/articleshow/85004061.cms"></a>

Windlas Biotech IPO open today: Here’s how to apply via banks and apps like Zerodha, Upstox

Cupertino, June 16 (IANS) Apple App Store facilitated $519 billion in commerce and sales globally in 2019 and more than 85 per cent of the $519 billion total accrues solely to third-party developers and businesses of all sizes, a new study by Apple has revealed. The new study, conducted by independent economists at Analysis Group, found that the highest value categories were mobile commerce (m-commerce) apps, digital goods and services apps, and in-app advertising. "The App Store is a place where innovators and dreamers can bring their ideas to life, and users can find safe and trusted tools to make their lives better," Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a statement late Monday. "In a challenging and unsettled time, the App Store provides enduring opportunities for entrepreneurship, health and well-being, education, and job creation, helping people adapt quickly to a changing world," he added. Of the $519 billion, the study found that sales from physical goods and services accounted for the largest share, at $413 billion. Within that category, m-commerce apps generated the vast majority of sales, and of those, retail was the largest, at $268 billion. "Retail apps include those that digitally represent brick-and-mortar stores such as Target and Best Buy, as well as virtual marketplaces that sell physical goods, such as Flipkart, Lenskart and Myntra but do not include grocery delivery, which is its own category," the findings showed. Travel apps, including Ixigo, Cleartrip and Makemytrip, accounted for $57 billion. Ride-hailing apps, including Ola Cabs, comprised $40 billion in sales, and food delivery apps, including Zomato, Swiggy and Freshmenu, made up $31 billion. Billings and sales from digital goods and services comprised $61 billion, and this category included apps for music and video streaming, fitness, education, ebooks and audiobooks, news and magazines, and dating services, among others. Games, the type of app most downloaded in 2019, was the largest generator of billings and sales within this category. In-app advertising sales accounted for $45 billion, and of that, 44 per cent was derived from games. Non-gaming apps that generate substantial in-app advertising sales are often free to download and use, such as Twitter and Pinterest, though others also offer in-app purchases to access content, such as The New York Times. Launched in 2008, App Store is currently home to almost 2 million apps and visited by half a billion people each week across 175 countries. "We're committed to doing even more to support and nurture the global App Store community  from one-developer shops in nearly every country to businesses that employ thousands of workers  as it continues to foster innovation, create jobs, and propel economic growth for the future," said Cook. According to the study, the direct payments made to developers from Apple are only a fraction of the vast total when sales from other sources, such as physical goods and services, are calculated. Apple only receives a commission from the billings associated with digital goods and services. --IANS na/

Apple App Store drives $519bn in sales in 2019, mobile commerce leads

Freshworks, an Indian cloud-based <keyword id="9231180" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="SaaS-Company">SaaS company</keyword>, is organizing a summit to provide a deep dive into digital-first customer experience. Freshworks’ philosophy is simple — empower its customer to deliver delight with software that is simple, agile and intuitive. While larger companies can depend on IT teams to deploy CX solutions, smaller businesses face constraints of resources and budgets. And that’s where Freshworks steps in. The customer experience (CX) is the feeling that every customer takes away after an interaction with a brand. It’s a crucial part of the transaction that makes or mars the brand’s image. A strong customer experience is the best way to attract more consumers, ensure their loyalty and grow revenue through repeat sales. However, many organizations struggle to create that experience in a new digital-first world which has been disrupted by the pandemic and evolving consumers’ buying trends. Digital-led experiences will continue to grow in popularity even after the pandemic ends, and companies that act fast and innovate their operations will establish a superior advantage. Just as home-delivery has evolved from a ‘nice-to-have’ to a must-have, digital-first experiences are now integral to customer retention. Even if we forget about the pandemic for a second, the impact of poor CX goes beyond customer dissatisfaction. Negative CX leads to increasing support tickets, in turn increasing operational workload and unnecessary costs. In the new normal, CX isn’t limited to onboarding customers through various online channels but also integrating services and leveraging their potential. It’s essential for businesses to clearly understand their customers, their preferences, habits, and patterns to mould a perfect experience. At <keyword id="6474664" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Re">RE</keyword>:SOLVE, Freshworks will showcase how some of India’s most popular digital-first brands leveraged its tools to become digital-first and improve their customer experience. The future shall consist of contactless transactions powered by chatbots, omnichannel sales via multiple platforms, and close integration with chat apps like WhatsApp. Freshworks is bringing together some of India’s biggest digital disruptors to uncover what drives their success. Companies including Byju’s, Dunzo, Lenskart, and PhonePe will share their strategies and practices to inspire many more organisations. The conference shall be live-streamed globally and consists of three tracks — CX on mobile apps, optimisation of customer service, and modern stacks for customer support. Attendees can also benefit from live curated masterclasses that will help them take away actionable steps to evolve CX in their own organizations. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="RE:SOLVE, a summit on digital-first customer experience" comment="subhead" text="RE:SOLVE, a summit on digital-first customer experience">RE:SOLVE, a summit on digital-first customer experience</cmsannotation> With readily available tools, top-notch customer support, and minimal requirement of customisations, Freshworks is best suited to take the lead. With RE:SOLVE, it intends to show that the digital transformation of CX isn’t as difficult as it seems to be. For businesses considering a shift, RE:SOLVE is the perfect place to understand the nitty-gritty of digital CX, implementation of Freshworks software, and how it can permanently change its business model to embrace digital-first engagement channels. Right from sales to support, one can accomplish all under one roof. An added attraction for attendees will be the keynote session by cricketing legend Adam Gilchrist. In conversation with Freshworks’ Co-founder and CEO Girish Mathrubootham, Gilchrist will draw parallels between cricketing as well customer experiences by sharing how both involve learning, disrupting and winning. RE:SOLVE is scheduled for August 26 and is open to all. Just visit the<a href="https://bit.ly/BIxAr"> registration page</a> and fill-up the form to reserve your seat at the forefront of an ongoing digital revolution. Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post in partnership with Freshworks SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/infibeam-avenues-is-looking-to-acquire-a-point-of-sale-company/articleshow/85292156.cms">INTERVIEW: Infibeam Avenues is looking to acquire a point-of-sale company</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/travel-app-ixigo-files-for-a-1600-crore-ipo/articleshow/85292327.cms">Travel app ixigo files for a ₹1,600 crore IPO</a>

Freshworks announces RE:SOLVE, a summit for digital-first customer experience featuring prominent Indian brands

<ul><li><keyword id="4241922" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="altbalaji" source="Orion">ALTBalaji</keyword>'s Cartel is a story of a first family business, that rules the divided factions of the underworld in the city of Mumbai.</li><li>The multi-starrer release has bagged 13 brands. </li></ul>ALTBalaji has associated with numerous youth-centric brands for its thriller entertainment series, Cartel. The popular brands appeal perfectly with the show's message, which is for the youth and matches the target audience's interests. With 80% of ALTBalaji's audience less than 35 years of age, the partnership with youth-centric platforms helps brands reach out to their target audience. The brands that have tied up for the association include Ferns and Petals as official gifting partners who have signed in for a co-branded digital association by giving a 20% discount to ALTBalaji subscribers on their next billing. Invisible Lounge kept the Cartel theme alive by celebrating the launch with a Gangsta-party. Ixigo is associated with us as a travel partner for most of our shows as the audience of such shows are mostly the Indian youths of the country who love to travel, thereby allowing them 20% discount coupons exclusively for ALTBalaji subscribers. Growfitter, the show's fitness partner, is giving a free one-month Growfitter Premium Subscription for the audience who have watched the first episode on the very first day and, three lucky winners will also be gratified with Google home minis. Youth snackable branded concept video and social media association slated with Dunzo. While Ugaoo has gifted plants as Nature partners, Mission Green Mumbai has associated as the NGO partners who will undertake exclusive tree plantation activity to save Aarey in Mumbai, an area ruled by the fictional Angre family from the show. Apart from these, brands like Reliance, Voyage, Flyrobe, Ugaoo, USTREAK have also been associated with the show as accessories, digital, Esports, nature, and wardrobe partners. ALTBalaji has also been associated with Josh, India’s fastest-growing and most engaged short-video app, and will see multiple collaborated activities, including actor videos, social media content, contests, giveaways, and much more. Josh also started the #CartelChallenge for their users to generate uber-cool videos with Cartel dialogues. Multiple engaging partnerships also include brands like Reliance and Flyrobe have exclusive Cartel collections for the fans to flaunt their favorite actors' mannerisms. For youth who love gaming apart from Binge-watching ALTBalaji, USTREAK would be hosting tournaments by Gamers and ESPORTS CHAMPIONSHIP with the actors of Cartel. Voyage is also giving away Cartel Sunglasses as gift hampers (for Men and Women). Bollywoo has created merchandise featuring show dialogues for fans to join the Cartel fever. Commenting on multiple brand partnerships, <keyword id="3381161" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="divya-dixit" source="Orion">Divya Dixit</keyword>, SVP -Revenue &amp; Marketing at ALTBalaji, says, "Cartel is a tentpole property for us with a stellar star cast and storyline. The team went all out to promote this show and reach the intended audience via successful partnerships. All of these brands have been chosen carefully and are helping us gain maximum momentum. The brand associations purely depend on the show's content and target audience and how both the brands can benefit from each other's audience base." ALTBalaji's content bouquet includes premium, disruptive content and original series across genres. With originality, courage, and relentlessness at its core, ALT stands out for being avant-garde, non-conformist, inclusive, effervescent, and has something for every individual. With a vast library of 87 originals across genres that cater to all kinds of audiences, the shows at ALTBalaji are a mix of thriller, crime, drama, romance, youth drama, horror, comedy, amongst others.

ALTBalaji's Cartel partners with 13 youth-centric brands to engage with its target audience

<ul></ul><ul><li><keyword id="5325646" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ashok-Kumar-Saxena">Ashok Kumar Saxena</keyword>, who served as a director in <keyword id="2205155" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="One-97-Communication">One 97 Communication</keyword> between 2000-2004, alleged that he had invested in the company for a 55% shareholding. </li><li><keyword id="6357120" type="DEFINITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="paytm">Paytm</keyword> in its submission to police confirmed that such a ‘letter of intent’ was signed, but it never materialised into a ‘definitive agreement’ as Saxena ‘lost interest’. </li><li>The digital payments giant has also reportedly claimed that allegations against Paytm are attempts to harass the company. </li></ul>Ashok Kumar Saxena, a former director in Paytm’s parent company One 97 Communications, is now urging India’s market regulator to stall the digital payments giant’s $2.2 billion initial public offering (<keyword id="6354763" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="ipo">IPO</keyword>). Saxena alleges that he is the co-founder of One 97 Communications and had invested about $27,500 in the company about two decades ago. However, the company never transferred his 55% shareholdings to him, as per Saxena. At the centre of the argument is a one-page document signed by Saxena and Paytm founder and chief executive Vijay Shekhar Sharma in 2001. The document reportedly highlights that Saxena would get a 55% equity stake in Paytm's parent company One 97 Communications. The remaining 45% equity shares would be owned by Sharma. As per a media report, the former director of the company had reached out to market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). According to a media report, Saxena had also reached out to Delhi police to file a complaint against the company, but no case was registered. However, Saxena has now reportedly approached a New Delhi court, urging the judge to direct the local police to register a case on his complaint. The court had ordered the police to respond and the matter will be heard on August 23, as per the media report. Business Insider was not able to reach out to Saxena immediately. The development was first<a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/exclusive-ex-director-seeks-stall-2-bln-paytm-ipo-company-calls-it-harassment-2021-08-12/"> reported</a> by Reuters. Paytm, in a legal document submitted to the Delhi Police, claimed Saxena's allegations against Paytm are attempts to harass the company, as per the Reuters report. The company has listed the dispute under 'criminal proceedings' in its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) for its IPO. Paytm in the documentation submitted to the Delhi Police, has reportedly agreed that Saxena was one of the first few directors in the company who served between 2000 and 2004. However, a company source has denied that Saxena was the co-founder of One 97 Communications. The document was accessed by Reuters. Business Insider has reached out to Paytm seeking comments. We will be updating the copy if and when we receive a response. The digital payments giant states that Saxena did extend funds to the company, however, he gradually “lost interest”. The company also emphasised that the letter being referred above was merely a “letter of Intent” and not a formal agreement. Paytm has also mentioned this in its legal statement to the police. Saxena had started disassociating himself from the company after the document was signed and stopped attending board meetings, Paytm said in the legal statement. Therefore, the intent never reached a full agreement. Paytm in the legal document also stated that Paytm and Saxena had reached a private understanding and transferred the shares to an Indian firm. Saxena said he had never received any shares and there was no misunderstanding. "The shares and money are one thing, but I also want to be recognised as the co-founder," Saxena told Reuters. SEE ALSO <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/travel-app-ixigo-files-for-a-1600-crore-ipo/articleshow/85292327.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Travel app ixigo files for a ₹1,600 crore IPO</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/ecommerce/news/swiggy-reports-nearly-three-fold-increase-in-annual-revenue-in-neck-and-neck-race-with-zomato/articleshow/85233393.cms">Swiggy reports nearly three-fold increase in annual revenue, in neck and neck race with Zomato</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/lenskart-aims-to-hire-over-2000-employees-to-ramp-up-its-operations/articleshow/85235059.cms">Lenskart aims to hire over 2000 employees to ramp up its operations</a>

Paytm IPO: Former One 97 Communication director urges SEBI to stall the public issue

<ul><li>The debate is over the incoming rules on e-commerce.</li><li>Some of the most sticky issues in the rules include ‘fallback liability’ and the crackdown on flash sales and deep discounts.</li><li>Online retailers argue that the platform cannot be held responsible for deeds of the seller.</li><li>Check out the latest news and updates on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/">Business Insider</a>. </li></ul>The tussle between e-commerce giants ⁠— both existing ones like <keyword id="18635" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amazon">Amazon</keyword> as well as the ones like the over $120 billion Tata Group that is still building its online retail vertical ⁠— and India’s incoming regulations has burst out of closed doors. "When I see Tata Sons that they're objecting to some consumer benefit laws or regulations that I'm bringing in, then frankly it hurts," India’s Commerce and Industry Minister <keyword id="6355222" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="piyush-goyal">Piyush Goyal</keyword> <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/tatas-objecting-to-consumer-benefit-laws-hurts-goyal/articleshow/85283877.cms">reportedly</a> said on August 12. The comments were made during the event hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and has since been reportedly removed. Goyal was referring to pushback from the e-commerce players against the <a href="https://prsindia.org/files/parliamentry-announcement/2021-07-21/CommentseCommerce_Rules2020_upto_21July2021.pdf">incoming norms</a>, which the government says are intended to protect the consumers in e-commerce. The deadline for seeking comments on the rules ended on July 21. While the rules at the centre of this debate are called ‘Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020,’ Goyal’s comments largely reflect the fear of traders’ community, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) and Delhi Vyapar Mahasangh, lobbies that have been revolting against online retailers, particularly, foreign players like Amazon and Flipkart (now owned by US-based Walmart). “Six crore small shops, related to retail business and employing almost 12 crore people, are being threatened now,” he said. These are some of the rules that are making online retailers like Amazon, Flipkart and the 150-year old Tata Group ⁠— which is trying to <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">build its online retail empire</a> with the acquisition of startups like <keyword id="964794" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="BigBasket">BigBasket</keyword>, 1mg and curefit ⁠— nervous. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; table-layout: fixed; width: 468pt;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Rule proposed </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">E-commerce players’ argument </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Flash sales are not allowed </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Need more clarity </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Fallback liability </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">The platform can’t be penalised for a seller’s act </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Deep discounts </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Taking away discounts hurts consumers </td></tr></tbody></table> “Fallback liability” makes platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, or any other platform for that matter, liable to compensate the consumer if the seller registered with the entity fails to deliver the goods or services exactly in the way described on the platform. “The concept of "Fall Back liability" should be done away with because it dilutes the intermediary safe harbour under the provisions of the IT Act as well as the arm’s length requirements provided under the FDI [foreign direct investment] Policy," industry body Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) had <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/startup/consumer-protection-rules-customers-to-get-negatively-impacted-say-e-com-firms-seeking-changes-in-proposed-rules-7204161.html">said</a> earlier. Online retailers are also under the scanner on various other issues Another issue that Amazon is facing is the antitrust probe for having exclusive tie-ups with makers of products like smartphones as well as for offering deep discounts. The Supreme Court of India, last week, <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/sc-upholds-cci-probe-into-amazon-flipkart/articleshow/85197369.cms">allowed the probe</a> by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to continue and told the companies to join the probe in four weeks. The Minister, Goyal, cheered this. “These companies even tried with their legal tricks to halt the investigation against them but it’s with extreme pleasure that I inform you that on the anniversary of ‘Quit India Movement’, the Supreme Court has quashed their plea. The apex court decided that CCI should investigate them and the fraudulent and unfair trade practices used by the companies as informed by the government and small shopkeepers to CCI.” Other outfits rail against online giants The e-commerce rules have been creating a lot of furore in India. Other political outfits like the Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) have <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/rss-affiliate-suggests-changes-in-consumer-protection-e-commerce-rules/articleshow/84613325.cms">argued</a> that the rules are protecting only those who sell goods via online retail. The SJM wants the laws to protect service providers ⁠— the likes of hairdressers, plumbers and electricians who are employed via platforms like Urban Company. SJM is affiliated to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which is the ideological parent for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that is in power at the government in New Delhi. SEE ALSO <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/eruditus-is-indias-fourth-edtech-unicorn-valued-at-3-2-billion/articleshow/85267050.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Eruditus is India’s fourth edtech unicorn, valued at $3.2 billion</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/travel-app-ixigo-files-for-a-1600-crore-ipo/articleshow/85292327.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Travel app ixigo files for a ₹1,600 crore IPO</a>

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