Donald Trump appoints Sriram Krishnan as AI advisor. Photo Courtesy: Sriram Krishnan X page
US President-elect Donald Trump, on Sunday, named Indian-origin entrepreneur Sriram Krishnan as Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
In a statement published on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Sriram Krishnan will serve as Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.”
“Working closely with David Sacks, Sriram will focus on ensuring continued American leadership in A.I., and help shape and coordinate A.I. policy across Government, including working with the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. Sriram started his career at Microsoft as a founding member of Windows Azure,” he said.
Born in Chennai, Sriram Krishnan is an Indian-American Internet entrepreneur, venture capitalist, podcaster, and author.
He previously led product teams at Microsoft, X, Yahoo!, Facebook, and Snap.
According to reports, he worked with tech entrepreneur Elon Musk in 2022 to help rebuild Twitter (which is now known as X) after the Tesla chief acquired the platform.
He rose to prominence by co-hosting The Aarthi and Sriram Show podcast with his wife Aarthi Ramamurthy.
Following his appointment, Sriram Krishnan wrote on X: “I’m honored to be able to serve our country and ensure continued American leadership in AI working closely with @DavidSacks.”
23rd December 2024: Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and perseverance. Madhurima, a wonder girl from Tripura, has proven this truth in the most remarkable way by overcoming stage 4 cancer and securing admission to pursue MBBS in her very first attempt at NEET 2024.
Born in 2004 in a small village in Tripura, Madhurima’s life took a drastic turn in 2016 when she was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – DLBCL type, stage 4, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. She underwent intensive treatment at Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai. Despite the daunting challenges, Madhurima’s determination to continue her education never wavered. She appeared for her Class X board exams from the hospital itself, securing an impressive 96%, and later scored 91% in her Class XII exams.
Madhurima was a student of ALLEN Digital during Class XI and XII (NTE1S). With the unwavering support of her family, doctors, teachers, and the dedicated guidance from ALLEN Digital, she not only battled cancer successfully but also excelled academically. Today, she has cracked NEET 2024 on her first attempt and secured admission to Tripura Shanti Niketan Medical College.
Her sister, Hriturima, is another beacon of inspiration, currently interning at Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College in Delhi. The sisters’ stories reflect the transformative power of resilience and hard work.
Madhurima’s achievement, completing Class XII while preparing for and succeeding in NEET 2024, is a testament to her extraordinary determination. Her story is an inspiration for students and individuals across the globe, proving that with confidence and effort, one can overcome any obstacle.
Madhurima said, “My journey has been filled with struggles, but I’ve learned that with hard work and belief in yourself, no challenge is insurmountable. I hope my story will inspire others to never give up, no matter how tough life gets.”
India witnessing 30 mn new demat accounts annually, 1 in 4 now a women investorIANS
India is seeing at least 30 million new demat accounts being opened every year since 2021, and nearly every one in four is now a women investor, indicating an increasing prevalence of using capital market as a channel of financialisation of savings, SBI Research said on Monday.
The report from the State Bank of India’s Economic Research Department stated that owing to this, the total demat accounts in the country crossed 150 million (of which 92 million are unique investors on NSE) in FY24 as compared to a paltry 22 million in FY14.
“This year, the number of new demat accounts may cross the 40 million mark,” said Dr Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Group Chief Economic Adviser, SBI, adding that apart from a few states, the participation of women increased more than national average in FY25 as compared to FY22.
Delhi (29.8 per cent), Maharashtra (27.7 per cent) and Tamil Nadu (27.5 per cent) exhibit higher female representation than the pan-India average of 23.9 per cent in FY25, while states such as Bihar (15.4 per cent), Uttar Pradesh (18.2 per cent) and Odisha (19.4 per cent) had sub-20 per cent female share in their respective registered investor bases, the findings showed.
Mutual funds in financial savings has made them the most preferred instrument for financialisation of savingsReuters file
Declining mean/median age and increasing share of less than 30-year age individuals reflects the influx of relatively younger investors in the markets over the last few years, driven by technological advancements, lower trading costs and increased access to information.
According to the report, 1 per cent rise in market capitalisation leads to 0.06 per cent rise in GDP growth rate.
The increasing share of mutual funds in financial savings has made them the most preferred instrument for financialisation of savings. The new SIP registered increased fourfold since FY18 to 4.8 crore, leading to total SIP contribution of around Rs 2 lakh crore.
In the last 10 years, funds mobilised by Indian companies from capital markets has increased more than 10-fold, from Rs 12,068 crore in FY14 to Rs 1.21 lakh crore in FY25 (till October).
“The savings of households in ‘Shares and debentures’ has increased to 1 per cent of GDP in FY24, from 0.2 per cent in FY14 and the share in household financial savings has increased from 1 per cent to 5 per cent”, the report mentioned.
Meanwhile, in FY25 (till October), a total of Rs 1.21 lakh crore of capital was raised from equity markets from 302 issues.
“The NSE market capitalisation has increased by more than 6x to Rs 441 lakh crore in FY25 (so far) as compared to FY14.
“Owing to this, the average trade size in the equity cash segment has increased from Rs 19,460 in FY14 to Rs 30,742 in FY25 (so far),” the SBI Research report mentioned.
PPF Account- There are many facilities available on PPF account. In such a situation, if the account becomes inactive, then the loan facility and partial withdrawal also stops.
Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a major investment vehicle in India. Due to the excellent interest, tax savings and no risk of money sinking, people invest a lot of money in this scheme. Any Indian citizen can start investing in PPF with Rs 500 per annum. An amount of up to Rs 1.5 lakh can be deposited in a PPF account in a financial year.
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Tax exemption is available on investment in PPF under Section 80C. Apart from this, no tax is payable on interest income and the amount received at maturity. If the minimum amount of Rs 500 is not deposited in a financial year, the PPF account becomes inactive.
There are many facilities available on PPF account. In such a situation, if the account becomes inactive, then the loan facility and partial withdrawal also stop. If your PPF account is closed, then there is no need to panic. It can be easily reopened. PPF account is not only a safe investment, but it also provides many other benefits including tax savings and high interest rates. Therefore, make sure that your PPF account is not inactive and deposit the minimum amount in it every year.
Start the account like this
Go to the bank or post office : First of all, go to the bank or post office where your PPF account is opened.
Fill out the form : To reactivate the account, a form will need to be filled out.
Deposit the outstanding amount: The outstanding amount for the years in which you have not deposited money will have to be paid.
Paying a fine: A fine of Rs 50 will also have to be paid for each financial year.
How much will be the penalty?
Suppose your PPF account is inactive for 4 years, then you will have to deposit Rs 2000 (Rs 500 per year) for 4 years. Also, you will have to pay Rs 200 (Rs 50 per year) for four years.
Hyderabad: Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), in line with its commitment to enhancing customer reach and connect, is organising “Telangana Grameena Mahotsav” in collaboration with its authorised dealers across Telangana. The three-day ongoing event, held from December 20 to 22, 2024, brought Toyota’s comprehensive range of products and services closer to customers, ensuring convenience and accessibility at prominent locations of Telangana region.
The initiative, hosted by Harsha Toyota, Kakatiya Toyota, Mody Toyota and Fortune Toyota, took place at prominent locations such as Nalgonda, Suryapet, Kamareddy, and Shadnagar. The event was designed to provide customers with integrated experience covering sales, service (Toyota Service Express offering car service) and used car solutions (car exchange offers) and vehicles along with exclusive spot booking benefits of up to Rs10,000. Visitors explored popular Toyota models, including the Urban Cruiser Taisor, Glanza, Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Rumion, Innova Crysta, among others, tailored to meet diverse needs and preferences.
The event represented Toyota’s continued focus on customer centricity, providing them with the opportunity to experience its world-class vehicles and services firsthand. The company and its dealers welcomed the customers across Telangana to visit the event, explore its offerings, and make the most of exclusive benefits available.
23rd December 2024: The Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) marked a significant milestone by hosting a felicitation of MLIs and MSE Beneficiaries on approving #1 crore guarantees. The event was held at SIDBI Swavalamban Bhavan in the presence of Shri Manoj Mittal, Chairman & Managing Director, SIDBI & Chairman of CGTMSE, Shri Sudatta Mandal, DMD, SIDBI, Shri Manish Sinha, CEO CGTMSE along with distinguished guests from State Bank of India, HDFC Bank and Union Bank. The occasion celebrated the achievements of CGTMSE’s commitment to fostering financial inclusion and empowering small businesses.
The occasion was graced by the Chairman who felicitated the three Micro and Small Enterprises (MSE) borrowers – Ms. Gauri Deepak Samudre proprietor of UNIQUE DIGITAL PRINTING, Shri Meet Yogesh Sanghvi, promoter of KEMKO TITANIUM PRIVATE LIMITED and Shri MVGS Anil Kumar, CFO of HIGHNESS MICROELECTRONICS PVT LTD. These borrowers were supported by three leading Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) — Union Bank, State Bank of India, and HDFC Bank respectively, whose contributions were instrumental in making this accomplishment possible.
Speaking at the event, Shri Mittal emphasized the transformative impact of credit guarantees on the MSE ecosystem, enabling businesses to access funding without collateral, third party guarantee and achieve sustainable growth. Shri Anindya Sunder Paul, CGM, State Bank of India, Shri Sanjay D’Souza, Group Head, HDFC Bank and Shri G K Sudhakar, Rao, GM MSME, Union Bank also shared insights on strengthening the MSE sector and nurturing entrepreneurship through collaborative efforts.
The Event concluded with vote of thanks by Shri Dhiraj Kumar, DGM expressing his gratitude and noting that the felicitation ceremony was an opportunity to celebrate the partnership between CGTMSE, the lending institutions and the MSEs, all of whom are vital to the economic fabric of the nation.
A joint operation by Singapore Police Force, Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), Health Sciences Authority (HSA), National Environment Agency (NEA), Singapore Customs, Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA), led to the arrest of several individuals.
Police conducting anti-vice operation in the vicinity of Bukit Batok. Faces have been masked to keep identities hidden. Photo courtesy: www.police.gov.sg
As per an official news release from SPF, a total of 1,257 men and 616 women, aged between 15 and 85, are being investigated for various offences, following a month-long island-wide multi-agency enforcement blitz that was conducted from 16 November to 15 December 2024. These operations are part of SPF’s ongoing efforts to mitigate crime during the year end festivities.
It said more than 2,600 officers from all seven Police Land Divisions were deployed with over 1,180 operations conducted. Officers also conducted checks on more than 13,200 people, of which 610 were arrested.
“The enforcement operations were aimed to reinforce Police presence island-wide, by effectively targeting illegal and criminal activities,” it said.
Details of some of the operations
Between 25 and 30 November 2024, officers from Central Police Division conducted a series of joint enforcement operation involving officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Traffic Police (TP), CNB and SCDF. The operation targeted illicit activities at various massage establishments, public entertainment outlets, private residences and hotels located in the vicinity of Chinatown, Little India, Boat Quay and Bugis.
Cash seized as exhibit during anti-gambling operation in the vicinity of Yishun. Photo courtesy: www.police.gov.sg
A total of 54 men and 140 women, aged between 18 and 72, were arrested for various offences under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990, Gambling Control Act 2022, Women’s Charter 1961, Penal Code 1871, Misuse of Drugs Act 1973, Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958, Liquor Control Act 2015, and the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act 1993. A total of five public entertainment outlets were found to have contravened various licensing conditions. During the operation, Police also raided a shophouse in Little India targeting vice activities and arrested seven men, aged between 23 and 61, under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990.
On 5 December 2024, officers from Jurong Police Division raided two residential units in an anti-vice operation in the vicinity of Bukit Batok and Choa Chu Kang. Four women, aged between 36 and 46, were arrested for offences under the Women’s Charter 1961. Substantial amounts of condoms, bottles of massage oil, as well as handwritten and records of earnings were seized for investigations.
Between 20 and 23 November 2024, officers from Tanglin Police Division conducted enforcement checks at multiple massage establishments, hotels and public entertainment outlets in the vicinity of Balestier Road, Thomson Road, Robertson Quay, Selegie Road, Orchard Road, Wilkie Road, Whampoa Drive and Beo Crescent.
Exhibits seized during anti-gambling operation in the vicinity of Yishun. Photo courtesy: www.police.gov.sg
A total of 25 women and three men, aged between 18 and 85, were arrested for offences under the Women’s Charter 1961, the Gambling Control Act 2022, and for working without a valid work pass under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990. A 38-year-old woman is also being investigated for offences under the Custom Act 1960 and Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act 1993. Cash amounting to more than SGD 4,300, several mobile phones, gambling-related paraphernalia, seven e-vaporiser and four packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes were seized as case exhibits.
Two massage establishments and one public entertainment outlet are also under investigation for breaches under the Massage Establishment Act 2017 and Public Entertainment Act 1958, respectively.
On 22 November 2024, officers from the Clementi Police Division led a joint enforcement operation with officers from Singapore Customs in the vicinity of Jalan Papan. Seventeen men, aged between 20 and 55, were issued composition sums by Singapore Customs for the possession of duty-unpaid cigarettes. A 38-year-old man was arrested for the sale of duty-unpaid cigarettes under the Customs Act 1960. Another 15 men, aged between 25 and 44, were issued composition fines by HSA for the possession of e-vaporisers and smokeless tobacco.
Anti-vice operation in the vicinity of Geylang. Photo courtesy: www.police.gov.sg
On 29 November 2024, officers from Ang Mo Kio Police Division conducted joint operations with officers from LTA in the vicinity of Punggol and Upper Serangoon Road. A 15-year-old teenager was arrested for possession of a scheduled weapon, an offence under the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958.
LTA officers also detected offences under the Active Mobility Act 2017, including riding non-compliant Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) and riding bicycles without mandatory handbrakes on shared path and public roads. Two PMDs and eight bicycles were impounded by LTA.
From 30 November to 12 December 2024, officers from Bedok Police Division led a joint enforcement operation with officers from the CID, CNB, HSA, ICA, LTA, SFA, and Singapore Customs. The operation aimed to clamp down on illegal activities in Geylang, including illegal gambling, vice activities, and illegal touting.
A total of 15 men and 22 women, aged between 22 and 66, are being investigated for various offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1973, Gambling Control Act 2022, Women’s Charter Act 1961, Section 32 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act 1906, Massage Establishments Act 2017, Tobacco Act 1993, and the Customs Act 1960. A separate joint enforcement operation was conducted with the Singapore Customs, HSA and NEA in the vicinity of Tanah Merah Coast Road.
Anti-vice operation in the vicinity of Balestier Road. Photo courtesy: www.police.gov.sg
Summonses under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act 1993 and Customs Act 1960 for possession of smokeless tobacco, duty-unpaid cigarettes and possession of vaporiser devices were also issued.
On 14 December 2024, officers from Woodlands Police Division conducted an anti-gambling operation in the vicinity of Yishun Industrial Street 1. Five men and three women, aged between 44 and 70, were arrested for offences under the Gambling Control Act 2022. Cash amounting to over SGD 15,300, 12 computer terminals, and gambling-related paraphernalia were seized as case exhibits.
Police also continued our efforts to clamp down on drink driving. On 30 November 2024 and 13 December 2024, the Traffic Police conducted two anti-drink driving operations. A total of 48 vehicles were checked and six persons, aged between 28 to 63, failed the breathalyser tests and were arrested for the offence of drink driving under Section 67(1)(b) of the Road Traffic Act 1961.
Investigations against the 1,873 individuals are ongoing.
Director of Operations Department, Senior Assistant Commissioner (SAC) Gregory Tan, expressed his appreciation to all the agencies involved for their strong support and commended the officers for their professionalism and excellent teamwork during the enforcement blitz.
Director of Operations Department, Senior Assistant Commissioner Gregory Tan. Photo courtesy: www.police.gov.sg
He added, “The Police’s month-long anti-crime operation underscores our unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order. Through collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, we aim to send a clear message: criminal activities will be met with strong enforcement and all cases will be thoroughly investigated before we take the criminals to task.
“As we enter the festive season, we emphasise that celebration and safety can coexist. For instance, the risks of drink-driving can be easily avoided by choosing alternative transport options or using valet services. We call on the public to stay alert and report any suspicious or criminal activities promptly.
“Singapore’s safety and security are a testament to the strong partnership between law enforcement and the community. Your vigilance and support are crucial in our collective effort to deter and combat crime. Together, we can ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season for all,” Tan said.
Pan Card 2.0: In November, the government announced the launch of the PAN 2.0 project. Under this project, users can now easily get e-PAN cards. The new PAN card will be different from the old card because a special QR code has been added to it. In this article, we will tell you how and where to apply online for a new PAN card.
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Two agencies authorized for PAN card
The government has authorised two agencies to issue new PAN cards namely Protean e-Governance Technologies Limited (formerly known as NSDL) and UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited (UTIITSL). If you need a reprint of your PAN card with QR code, check the details on the back of your PAN card to know which agency to contact.
Application process for Pan Card with QR code
How to reprint PAN card from Protean (NSDL)
1. Open the website:
First of all go to
2. Enter the information:
Fill in the required details like your PAN number, Aadhaar (if available), and date of birth. Then select the required tick boxes and click on “Submit”.
3. Confirm the details:
Check your details on the next page. Then select the OTP option. The OTP can be sent to your registered mobile number, email ID, or both.
4. OTP Verification:
Enter the OTP received on the chosen mode and click on “Validate”. Note, the OTP will be valid only for 10 minutes.
5. Make payment:
Pay ₹50 for PAN card reprint with QR code. Tick “Agree to Terms of Service” and submit.
6. Receipt and download:
After payment, you will get an acknowledgement receipt. After 24 hours, you can download your e-PAN from the NSDL website. The physical PAN card will reach your address by post within 15-20 days.
How to get PAN card reprint from UTIITSL
1. Go to
2. Select “Reprint PAN Card” option.
3. Enter the required details like PAN, Date of Birth, and captcha code and click “Submit”.
4. After this the process of OTP verification and payment will be same as that of NSDL.
5. Make payment:
Pay ₹50 for PAN card reprint with QR code. Tick “Agree to Terms of Service” and submit.
6. Receipt and Download: After the payment, you will get an acknowledgement receipt. After 24 hours, you can download your e-PAN from the NSDL website. The physical PAN card will reach your address by post within 15-20 days.
Where to go for PAN card reprint from NSDL?
What information will have to be filled for the application?
PAN number
Aadhaar number (if available)
Date of birth
How will OTP verification happen?
OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number or email ID. Enter it and click on “Validate”
How much will the reprint cost
₹50 will have to be paid for reprint of PAN card with QR code
How to download e-PAN after payment?
You can download e-PAN from NSDL website within 24 hours after payment
In how many days will I receive the physical PAN card
Physical PAN card will reach your address via post within 15-20 days
How to apply?
Click on “Reprint PAN Card” option
Enter the PAN number, date of birth, and captcha code and click on “Submit”
How will OTP verification happen?
OTP will be sent to the registered mobile number or email, enter it and complete the verification
How to get e-PAN and physical PAN card
E-PAN can be downloaded within 24 hours of payment
Physical PAN card will be delivered via post in 15-20 days
What is the difference between e-PAN and physical PAN card?
E-PAN is available in digital form while the physical PAN card is available in hard copy form through post
Is registered mobile number required for reprint process?
Yes, registered mobile number is required for OTP verification
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Indian sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya flags off ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ initiative in New Delhi. Photo Courtesy: PIB
Keeping continuity with the Fit India Cycling Drive launched earlier this week by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, the ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ initiative was flagged off this morning at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.
Besides the Minister, the event saw presence of over 500 riders, ranging from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sports Authority of India campers and young gymnasts from the IG Stadium, senior officials and various cycling clubs in the national capital.
Sunday’s flag off ceremony also saw the presence of former WWE star Shanky Singh, revered for being a part of the tag team stable featuring former WWE champion Jinder Mahal.
Padma Shri and Arjuna Awardee Table Tennis player Mouma Das, meanwhile, flagged off the Sundays on Cycle event in Sports Authority of India National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) Kolkata.
Mentioning the wide impact of the Cycling Drive, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya said, “The Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative is being held simultaneously at over 1100+ locations in India. The launch of the cycling drive earlier this week has spread the awareness of cycling exponentially.”
“Cycling is the need today. The vision of Viksit Bharat needs a healthy individual, who in turn makes a healthy society and that ultimately results in a healthy nation. The benefits of cycling also uphold the message of the Fit India movement, launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in 2019,” the Sports Minister said.
The event in the national capital saw a lot of cyclists from the CRPF and ITBP, and they expressed happiness on being a part of the initiative that promotes fitness and environment protection both.
Anish Dayal Singh, IPS, DG CRPF, mentioned, “CRPF remains committed to maintaining peak physical fitness, as a fit Force only can serve our great nation best. Cycling is good for an individual’s health and the environment. We are excited to be a part of the Fit India Sundays on Cycle campaign, spreading the message of fitness and sustainability nationwide through today’s event.”
Former WWE pro wrestler Shanky Singh, who is currently trying out in Indie wrestling circuits across the globe, said, “Wherever I will go internationally from now on, I shall promote cycling, offline as well as on social media.”
Singh said: “I got a different type of energy being at the Fit India Sundays on Cycle event. I want more people to come forward to join this unique initiative started by the Hon’ble Prime Minister and Hon’ble Sports Minister.”
आज हमारे ITBP और CRPF के जवानों के साथ #SundaysOnCycle के पहले कार्यक्रम में भाग लिया।
प्रधानमंत्री श्री @NarendraModi जी के #FITIndia अभियान को आगे बढ़ाने में आज हमारे जवानों ने भी उत्साह से भाग लिया। मेरा सभी से आग्रह है की हर रविवार को आप भी साइकिलिंग करके इस मुहिम से जुड़े। pic.twitter.com/yYJUCqTZVp
BYCS India Foundation, a non-profit dedicated towards making India a cycling nation, also joined in. Dr. Bhairavi Joshi, CEO BYCS India Foundation, said, “BYCS India Foundation has supported the cycling initiative under the FIT India Movement by organizing local events independently and in collaboration with local chapters of SAI for Sundays on Cycle.”
“BYCS India Foundation believes that cycling is one of the simplest solutions to some of the world’s most complex urban challenges,” Joshi said.
“The Bicycle Mayors network in India will continue the cycling advocacy work through skill building and increased access to cycling in more than 50 cities across the country.”
The ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ is organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) and MY Bharat,” he said.
Events are simultaneously held across Sports Authority of India regional centres, National centres of excellence (NCOEs) and the Khelo India centres (KICs) across the country.
Direct-to-consumer (DTC) e-commerce has revolutionized how brands interact with customers by eliminating intermediaries and building direct relationships. While starting a DTC business may be straightforward, scaling it successfully demands strategic planning and execution. Growth in this sector implicates expanding customer reach, optimizing operations, and maintaining a strong connection with the audience. Each step demands careful analysis and adaptation to an ever-changing market. We will explore key strategies for scaling a DTC e-commerce business, focusing on customer acquisition, retention, logistics optimization, and leveraging technology for sustainable growth.
Key strategies for scaling a DTC e-commerce business
Expanding Customer Reach Through Multi-Channel Strategies
One of the first steps in scaling a DTC e-commerce business is expanding customer reach through diverse marketing channels with the help of Growthzacks. Relying solely on one platform for traffic, such as social media ads, can limit growth potential and increase risks if algorithms or costs change. Diversifying marketing efforts ensures stability and opens new avenues to connect with potential customers. A successful multi-channel strategy includes paid advertising on platforms like Google, Facebook, and TikTok and leveraging organic search through search engine optimization (SEO). SEO allows businesses to rank higher on search engines, driving long-term traffic without ongoing ad spend.
Creating high-quality content such as blogs, videos, and infographics helps engage audiences while boosting organic visibility. In addition to digital channels, expanding into offline marketing methods like direct mail or event sponsorship can attract customers who may spend less time online. Email marketing also remains a powerful tool for nurturing leads and driving repeat purchases, especially when personalized based on customer preferences. By reaching customers where they spend their time and diversifying marketing efforts, DTC brands can achieve broader visibility and unlock new growth opportunities.
Strengthening Customer Retention with Enhanced Experiences
While acquiring new customers is vital, retaining existing ones is equally critical for scaling a DTC e-commerce business. Returning customers often have a higher lifetime value and are likelier to advocate for the brand, driving organic growth through word-of-mouth. Building a loyalty program is an effective way to encourage repeat purchases. Rewarding customers with points, discounts, or exclusive perks fosters long-term relationships and motivates them to continue engaging with the brand. For example, offering early access to new products or free shipping for loyal customers creates a sense of exclusivity and appreciation.
Improving post-purchase communication also strengthens retention. Sending follow-up emails to thank customers, provide order updates, or suggest complementary products helps keep the brand top-of-mind. Personalizing these communications based on past purchases or browsing behavior enhances their impact. Another key to retention is ensuring a seamless customer experience, from easy navigation on the website to efficient problem resolution by customer service teams. Satisfied customers are more likely to return and recommend the brand to others, creating a sustained growth cycle.
Optimizing Logistics and Operations for Scalability
Efficient logistics and operations are foundational to scaling a DTC e-commerce business. As order volumes grow, managing inventory, shipping, and fulfillment becomes increasingly complex. Streamlining these processes ensures businesses can meet customer demand without compromising quality or speed. Investing in inventory management software helps track stock levels in real-time, preventing overstocking or running out of popular products. Accurate forecasting based on historical sales data and seasonal trends allows businesses to plan inventory effectively and reduce waste.
For shipping and fulfillment, partnering with reliable third-party logistics (3PL) providers can handle order processing and delivery efficiently. Offering multiple shipping options, including express and international shipping, caters to diverse customer preferences and expands the potential market. Automation is another valuable tool for scaling operations. Automating tasks like order processing, inventory updates, and email campaigns saves time and reduces errors, allowing the team to focus on strategic initiatives. DTC businesses can scale efficiently by optimizing logistics and operations while maintaining high customer satisfaction.
Leveraging Technology and Data for Growth
Technology is central to scaling DTC e-commerce businesses by enabling smarter decision-making and improved customer experiences. Data analytics, in particular, provides valuable insights into customer behavior, campaign performance, and operational efficiency. Businesses can use analytics tools to identify which marketing channels drive the most conversions and adjust budgets accordingly. They can also track customer lifetime value, average order value, and churn rates to measure the success of retention strategies. These metrics help refine campaigns and allocate resources to high-impact areas.
Customer relationship management (CRM) software enhances personalization by storing detailed customer profiles, including purchase history and preferences. This data allows businesses to create targeted campaigns that resonate with individual customers, boosting engagement and loyalty. Emerging technologies like augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) also offer opportunities for innovation. AR can enhance the shopping experience by allowing customers to visualize products in their space, while AI-powered chatbots provide instant support for common queries. Leveraging technology improves efficiency and creates a competitive edge in a crowded market.
Expanding Product Offerings and Markets
Another key strategy for scaling a DTC e-commerce business is expanding product offerings and entering new markets. Diversifying the product range attracts new customers and encourages repeat purchases from existing ones. For example, adding complementary products or launching limited-edition items keeps the brand fresh and exciting. Market expansion involves identifying untapped audiences or geographical regions. For international growth, businesses must adapt their websites to support multiple languages and currencies while considering shipping logistics and compliance with local regulations. Partnering with regional influencers or creating targeted campaigns can help establish a foothold in new markets. Market research before expanding ensures that the new offerings align with customer needs and preferences. By innovating thoughtfully, DTC businesses can capture new opportunities while maintaining their brand identity and values.
Scaling a DTC e-commerce business demands strategic planning, customer focus, and operational efficiency. Businesses can achieve sustainable growth in a competitive market by adopting multi-channel marketing strategies, strengthening customer retention, optimizing logistics, leveraging technology, and expanding product offerings. Each process step demands adaptability and a commitment to delivering value to customers while maintaining the brand’s integrity. DTC brands can successfully navigate scaling challenges through these strategies, ensuring long-term success and a loyal customer base.
23rd December 2024: The Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) marked a significant milestone by hosting a felicitation of MLIs and MSE Beneficiaries on approving #1 crore guarantees. The event was held at SIDBI Swavalamban Bhavan in the presence of Shri Manoj Mittal, Chairman & Managing Director, SIDBI & Chairman of CGTMSE, Shri Sudatta Mandal, DMD, SIDBI, Shri Manish Sinha, CEO CGTMSE along with distinguished guests from State Bank of India, HDFC Bank and Union Bank. The occasion celebrated the achievements of CGTMSE’s commitment to fostering financial inclusion and empowering small businesses.
