Tag: details

  • From Bengaluru to Siliguri, Flipkart rolls out same-day delivery to 20 cities [details]

    Flipkart Logo

    The logo of India’s largest online marketplace FlipkartReuters

    In a significant development that promises to redefine the e-commerce landscape in India, Flipkart, a leading e-commerce giant, has announced its plan to roll out same-day delivery of products across multiple categories in both metro and non-metro cities. This initiative, set to commence in February, will be scaled over the subsequent months to cater to a broader customer base across the country.

    The same-day delivery service will be available in cities including Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Bhubaneshwar, Coimbatore, Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, Patna, Raipur, Siliguri, and Vijayawada. Customers placing their orders by 1 p.m. can expect their products to be delivered before midnight.

    Hemant Badri, Senior Vice President, Head of Supply Chain, Customer Experience & ReCommerce Business, Flipkart Group, emphasized the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction. “Considering that customers not just from metro cities but non-metros cities love to shop on Flipkart, we are working to provide the same day delivery to 20 cities, reinforcing our commitment to staying at the forefront of customer satisfaction,” he said.

    Strategic move in e-commerce

    The company plans to expand this service to include more cities and categories, including large appliances, in the coming months. This initiative will enable customers to receive orders for products such as mobile phones, fashion, beauty products, lifestyle, books, home appliances, and electronics on the same day.

    Flipkart has made significant investments in infrastructure and transportation to scale same-day delivery across numerous cities, with a growing network of fulfillment centers. This move is reminiscent of Amazon’s early efforts to crack the e-commerce riddle in India, where strategic partnerships with stakeholders like the Indian Railways and courier companies played a crucial role in expanding the company’s network.

    The same-day delivery initiative by Flipkart is a significant step in the Indian e-commerce industry, reminiscent of the early days of Amazon’s entry into the Indian market. Amazon’s strategic partnerships with various stakeholders, including the Indian Railways and courier companies, played a crucial role in expanding the company’s network and establishing its dominance in the Indian e-commerce space.

    Future of e-commerce in India

    The introduction of same-day delivery by Flipkart is expected to significantly enhance customer experience and satisfaction, thereby strengthening its position in the competitive e-commerce market. This move is in line with the global trend of e-commerce companies striving to provide faster and more efficient delivery services to meet the growing customer demand for instant gratification.

    online shopping

    online shopping

    The e-commerce industry has witnessed significant growth in recent years, driven by factors such as increased internet penetration, smartphone usage, and digital literacy. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated this growth, with more consumers turning to online shopping due to lockdowns and social distancing measures.

    In this context, Flipkart’s same-day delivery initiative is a timely and strategic move that is likely to give it a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape. It also underscores the importance of logistics and supply chain management in the e-commerce industry, which is crucial for ensuring timely delivery and enhancing customer satisfaction.

    In conclusion, Flipkart’s same-day delivery initiative marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the Indian e-commerce industry. It reflects the growing importance of logistics and supply chain management in e-commerce and highlights the need for companies to continuously innovate and adapt to meet the changing needs and expectations of customers. As the e-commerce industry continues to grow and evolve, companies that can provide faster and more efficient delivery services are likely to emerge as the winners in this competitive market. This initiative by Flipkart is a testament to the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction and its ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the market.

    Highlights

    1. Flipkart plans to roll out same-day delivery across multiple categories in both metro and non-metro cities.
    2. The service will be available in 20 cities, with orders placed by 1 p.m. delivered before midnight.
    3. Hemant Badri, Senior Vice President of Flipkart, emphasized the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
    4. The company plans to expand this service to include more cities and categories, including large appliances, in the coming months.
    5. This initiative by Flipkart marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the Indian e-commerce industry.

  • Nifty records biggest single-day gain since Dec 4: RIL, ONGC biggest gainers [details]

    Nifty

    Nifty-50IANS

    Nifty ended the primary day of the week with its biggest single-day gain since December 4 with heavyweight Reliance Industries contributing essentially the most to the good points, Deepak Jasani, Head Retail Research at HDFC Securities, mentioned on Monday.

    At shut on Monday, Nifty was up 385 factors or 1.8 per cent at 21,737.60, whereas Sensex closed the day 1,240.90 factors or 1.76 per cent larger at 71,941.57.

    Cash market volumes on the NSE had been excessive at Rs 1.26 lakh crore. Broad market indices rose lower than the Nifty even because the advance-decline ratio remained up at 1.39:1, Jasani mentioned.

    The buildup forward of the vote on account appears to have began. This upmove can be utilized for selectively lowering weight in particular person shares which have run up too quick, he mentioned.

    Vaibhav Vidwani, Research Analyst at Bonanza Portfolio, mentioned Nifty Oil and Gas and Nifty Energy had been the sectors which outperform on Monday, up by 5.18 per cent and 5.17 per cent, respectively.

    markets, sensex

    Indian inventory market graphic (Infographics : Pinaki Paul)IANS

    Excitement among the many traders forward of the interim funds, which is more likely to embrace main allocations to infrastructure and power, is partly liable for the Nifty 50’s current rally, he mentioned.

    Government expenditure in these sectors often signifies sturdy development potential, which pulls curiosity from the traders, so this confidence isn’t unwarranted. Further upswings are additionally noticed in sure industries, such defence and railways, maybe on account of anticipations round focused fiscal help, Vidwani mentioned.

    ONGC, Reliance Industries, Adani Enterprises, Coal India, and Adani Ports had been the highest gainers on the Nifty on Monday, whereas Cipla, ITC, LTIMindtree, Bajaj Auto, and Infosys had been the highest losers.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Samsung off to terrific start; Galaxy S24 series receive 2.5 lakh pre-bookings in India [details]

    Samsung's Galaxy S24 series have the coolest features you didn't know you needed

    Samsung’s Galaxy S24 seriesSamsung

    Samsung’s newly-launched flagship Galaxy S24 series has seen a record 250,000 pre-bookings in India in just three days, making it the most successful Galaxy S series ever, the company said on Monday.

    In comparison, Samsung had secured 250,000 pre-bookings for its Galaxy S23 series over a three-week period last year in the country.

    The company launched the new Galaxy S24 series globally on January 17 and opened pre-bookings in the country on January 18.

    “Galaxy S24 series, powered by Galaxy AI, ushers in a new era of mobile revolution and puts the power of AI in the hands of consumers to open up new possibilities,” said Raju Pullan, Senior Vice President, MX Business, Samsung India.

    Customers pre-booking Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy S24+ will get benefits worth Rs 22,000 and those pre-booking Galaxy S24 will get benefits worth Rs 15,000.

    The sale of the Galaxy S24 devices will begin from January 31.

    Samsung Galaxy S24 series launched

    Samsung Galaxy S24 seriesSamsung

    According to Neil Shah, Vice President, Research at Counterpoint, the overall premium market is growing at a rapid clip, faster than overall market.

    “This will benefit Samsung to register some annual growth for the S Series and increase its market share from 26 per cent in 2023 to 28 per cent level against a ramping Apple,” Shah told IANS.

    The benefits of ‘Galaxy AI’ and how it can personalise, secure and optimise how you use your phone can be a great differentiator to excite the premium user base this year, Shah added.

    The ‘Made in India’ Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy S24+ and Galaxy S24 smartphones come with industry-first AI features like Live Translate, Interpreter, Chat Assist, Note Assist and Transcript Assist.

    AI built into Samsung Keyboard can also translate messages in real-time in 13 languages, including Hindi.

    With the gesture-driven ‘Circle to Search’ with Google, users can circle, highlight, scribble on, or tap anything on Galaxy S24’s screen to see helpful, high-quality search results.

    Galaxy S24 series’ ‘ProVisual Engine’ is a comprehensive suite of AI-powered tools that transform image capturing abilities and maximise creative freedom.

    “The huge success of Galaxy S24 series demonstrates that Indian consumers are early adopters of new technology. I would like to thank our consumers for their overwhelming response to the Galaxy S24 series,” Pullan noted.

    Prabhu Ram, Head, Industry Intelligence Group at CMR, said that Galaxy S24 series marks a pivotal shift in the smartphone landscape, prioritising AI for more purposeful and powerful consumer experiences.

    “The true incentive for upgrades will lie in the transformative capabilities that set the Galaxy S24 series apart, making it fundamentally distinct and more valuable to consumers,” Ram told IANS.

  • Apple’s green commitment shines in Bengaluru: LEED Platinum office unveiled [details inside]

    Apple's new office in Bengaluru

    Apple’s new office in BengaluruIANS

    Apple has recently made a significant move by expanding its footprint in India. The company announced the opening of a new office in Bengaluru, a key location in the city. This move is seen as a strategic step in strengthening Apple’s position in the Indian market, which is the second-largest global smartphone market.

    The new office, located at Minsk Square, is designed to accommodate up to 1,200 employees. Spread across 15 floors, the office features dedicated lab spaces, areas for collaboration and wellness, and an on-site Caffe Macs. The interiors are adorned with locally-sourced materials, including stone, wood, and fabric, used in the walls and flooring, and the office is filled with native plants.

    The new office is the latest addition to Apple’s corporate office footprint in India, which includes locations in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Gurugram. This expansion represents another important milestone in Apple’s more than 25-year history in the country. Apple currently employs nearly 3,000 employees in India, and its work with Indian suppliers of all sizes supports hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country.

    Sustainability at the forefront of Apple’s expansion

    Apple’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the design and operation of the new office. The building uses best practices in energy conservation, runs on 100% renewable energy, and aims to achieve a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum rating — the highest level of LEED certification. This aligns with Apple’s broader sustainability goals, as the company has been carbon neutral for its corporate operations since 2020 and has run all Apple facilities using 100 percent renewable energy since 2018.

    Apple iOS 12 USB Restricted Mode

    Apple store in BengaluruREUTERS/Mike Segar

    Apple’s teams in Bengaluru work across a wide range of the company’s business — from software, hardware, services, IS&T, operations, customer support, and others. As India doubles down on local manufacturing, Apple assembled iPhones worth more than Rs 1 lakh crore in India in 2023, according to industry data. However, industry sources suggest that the actual market value of the iPhones manufactured/assembled in India could be much higher, depending on taxes in other countries.

    The opening of the new office in Bengaluru is a clear demonstration of Apple’s growing interest in India. The tech giant is actively diversifying its operations beyond its traditional base in China. The new office is equipped with specialized lab spaces, collaborative work areas, wellness facilities, and an on-site Caffe Macs.

    The new office’s location near the Cubbon Park metro station provides employees with easy access to public transportation. The office also includes three floors for parking, accommodating as many as 740 cars. Apple’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its office spaces. The company works with partners across India that are advancing critical work to protect the environment and expand access to education and employment. One such partner is Frank Water, which helps empower communities to protect their own watersheds on the outskirts of Bengaluru.

    Apple’s expansion in India is not just about business growth; it’s also about contributing to the local economy and society. The company’s commitment to sustainability, local manufacturing, and community development sets a positive example for other multinational corporations operating in India.

  • India’s economic leap: Third-largest economy by 2027-28 [details]

    Union Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Nirmala Sitharaman.

    Nirmala SitharamanIANS

    India, presently the world’s fifth-largest economy, is on a fast-paced trajectory to grow to be the third-largest by 2027-28. The nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is projected to surpass $5 trillion throughout this era, as said by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. This projection is not only a quantity recreation, however a mirrored image of the nation’s dedication to inclusive development. “We usually are not solely aiming to grow to be a $30 trillion economy by 2047, but additionally intention to make sure inclusive development,” Sitharaman defined.

    The finance minister’s assertion signifies a long-term imaginative and prescient for the nation’s economic improvement, specializing in the welfare of all residents. This dedication to inclusive development is a testomony to the federal government’s dedication to making sure that the advantages of economic development are shared by all sections of society. The aim is not only to realize economic milestones however to foster inclusive development in the long run.

    India’s economic development has been considerably fueled by overseas direct funding (FDI). Sitharaman revealed that India acquired $919 billion in FDI within the 23 years main as much as 2023. A whopping 65% ($595 billion) of this funding got here within the final 8-9 years underneath the Narendra Modi authorities.

    Key Driver of Economic Growth

    The finance minister additionally highlighted the position of cooperative federalism in India’s economic improvement. Since 2014, the connection between states and the Centre has been characterised by cooperative, aggressive, and collaborative federalism. This strategy has led to states competing with one another to contribute in direction of India’s improvement, thereby fostering a spirit of wholesome competitors and cooperation.

    India’s present GDP stands at round $3.4 trillion, making it the fifth-largest economy on this planet after the US, China, Japan, and Germany. The nation can also be the fastest-growing main economy, with a GDP development of seven.6% within the July-September quarter this 12 months. This speedy development is a testomony to the nation’s strong economic insurance policies and the resilience of its economy.

    Historically, India’s economic development has been marked by important milestones. The nation’s GDP crossed the $1 trillion mark in 2007, and it’s anticipated to succeed in $3 trillion by 2023. This speedy development has been pushed by numerous components, together with economic liberalization, technological developments, and demographic dividends.

    Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

    Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.IANS

    India’s Economic Projections: A Global Perspective

    The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, the place Sitharaman made these projections, is a big occasion that brings collectively enterprise leaders, buyers, firms, thought leaders, and policymakers from all over the world. The summit gives a platform for brainstorming on agendas of world socio-economic improvement and for forging strategic partnerships and collaborations.

    The finance minister’s projections for India’s economy are in step with numerous studies and analyses. For occasion, a report by the World Bank in October 2023 projected that India can be the fastest-growing main economy on this planet for the following three years. Similarly, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its World Economic Outlook report launched in October 2023 projected that India would develop at 7.5% in 2023 and seven.2% in 2024.

    In conclusion, India’s economic trajectory is on an upward development, with the nation poised to grow to be the world’s third-largest economy by 2027-28. This development is pushed by important overseas direct funding, a dedication to inclusive development, and a spirit of cooperative federalism. As India continues on this path, it’s set to play an more and more important position within the world economy, thereby marking a brand new chapter in its economic historical past.

  • Love the Galaxy Z Flip? Wait till you see what Samsung has in store [details]

    Samsung's dual-folding display gives glimpse of next Galaxy Z Flip

    Samsung’s dual-folding display gives glimpse of next Galaxy Z FlipIANS

    Foldable smartphones, first launched by Samsung Electronics about five years ago, have undergone remarkable developments and innovations in both performance and technology to meet consumer demands for more functionality and convenience.

    The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is the latest clamshell-style foldable released last summer. Boasting a wider front cover display and a lighter, slimmer hinge, the Z Flip 5 makes it easier for users to fold flat compared to its predecessor Galaxy Z Flip 4.

    At CES 2024, which kicked off a four-day run in Las Vegas this week, Samsung Display, the exclusive supplier of foldable screens to its brother Samsung Electronics, introduced groundbreaking concepts that push the boundaries of foldable smartphone design and provided a glimpse at where foldable smartphones are heading.

    One of the standout innovations showcased at CES is the new Flex In&Out Flip concept, reports Yonhap news agency.

    Samsung Galaxy Z Flip

    Samsung Galaxy Z FlipSamsung

    This foldable smartphone display boasts a 360-degree folding capability, allowing users to fold the device completely backward.

    This unique feature enables users to utilise the phone’s full screen even when closed, facilitating activities such as taking selfies with the main high-definition camera.

    Another Flex Liple concept device features an extended dual-folding panel with one side shorter than the other when bent backwards. The larger side accommodates several icons in the phone’s quick setting menu, media playback controls, and displays the battery level and time.

    A staff member at Samsung Display’s showroom at Encore hotel in Las Vegas described it as “a new foldable display with an edge panel.”

    While Samsung Display did not comment on plans to supply the new dual-folding display to Samsung Electronics, these innovative concepts showcased at CES 2024 offer a glimpse into the world’s largest smartphone maker’s vision to create a more versatile and useful lineup for future foldable smartphones.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • CES 2024: Acer unveils new AI-led PCs with Intel Core Ultra processors [details]

    Acer unveils new AI-led PCs with Intel Core Ultra processors at CES 2024

    Acer unveils new AI-led PCs with Intel Core Ultra processors at CES 2024IANS

    Taiwanese electronics company Acer on Monday unveiled new AI-powered ‘Swift’ laptops with new Intel Core Ultra processors.

    The Swift family laptops include three models — Swift Go 16, Swift Go 14, and Swift X 14.

    The laptops will be first available in EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) and North America regions starting in February.

    “Through our deep, technical collaboration with Acer, we are building beyond the CPU focusing on power efficiency, graphics, and AI usages. The Acer Swift Go and Acer Swift X 14 laptops are excellent examples of AI PCs being delivered to market, powered by Intel Core Ultra processors, and featuring an all-new NPU (neural processing unit) to enable AI on client,” James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, IT Products Business, Acer, said in a statement.

    Acer is not giving up on PCs

    AcerReuters

    Moreover, Acer announced its collaboration with chip maker Qualcomm to launch two new gaming routers.

    The company will leverage the power of the Qualcomm Immersive Home Platform and tri-band Wi-Fi 7 for stable connections and enhanced wireless gameplay.

    The two routers include — Predator Connect X7 5G CPE and Predator Connect T7 Wi-Fi 7 Mesh Router.

    According to the company, the Predator Connect X7 5G CPE stands out as the first to combine 5G and Wi-Fi 7 tri-band BE11000 throughput, offering 3.5 Gbps over 5G and an extremely low latency of 1 ms.

    The Predator Connect T7 Wi-Fi 7 Mesh Router, with support for Wi-Fi 7 tri-band throughput, keeps up with the combined throughput of BE11000 and can be effortlessly integrated with multi-unit mesh systems.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Qualcomm to open new design centre in India, to generate 1,600 jobs [details]

    Savi Soin, President, Qualcomm India

    Savi Soin, President, Qualcomm IndiaIANS

    Chip-maker Qualcomm on Sunday announced a significant expansion in Chennai with a new facility for their design centre, allocating a proposed investment of Rs 177.27 crore, that is likely to generate 1,600 jobs.

    The Qualcomm design centre will specialise in wireless connectivity solutions, with a focus on innovations that complement Wi-Fi technologies, the company announced during the ‘Global Investors’ Meet’ in Chennai.

    Additionally, it will actively contribute to Qualcomm’s global research and development endeavours in 5G Cellular technology, reinforcing the company’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the wireless communications industry.

    A sign on the Qualcomm campus is seen in San Diego

    A sign on the Qualcomm campus is seen in San Diegoreuters

    “The new design centre is a critical asset to support Qualcomm’s commitment to ‘Make in India’ and ‘Design in India’. This will expand our collaboration with India technology partners and accelerate the market adoption of new technology,” said Savi Soin, President, Qualcomm India.

    The design centre is expected to generate jobs for up to 1,600 skilled professionals, further contributing to the growth and development of Chennai’s vibrant workforce.

    “We are excited about the opportunities the new Design Centre will bring to the local community,” said Mahesh Moorthy, Vice President, Engineering and Qualcomm Chennai Design Center Head.

    “Tamil Nadu, with its rich pool of skilled professionals, outstanding educational institutions and focus on innovation, holds the key to propelling Qualcomm’s technological advancements to new heights,” he added.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • L’Oreal heiress is first woman to amass a fortune of $100bn [details inside]

    L'Oreal Heiress Is First Woman To Amass A Fortune Of $100bn

    L’Oreal Heiress Is First Woman To Amass A Fortune Of $100bnIANS

    The L’Oreal heiress and businesswoman, Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, has turn out to be the first woman to amass a fortune of $100bn, media reviews stated.

    Bettencourt Meyers, who is French, broke by means of the barrier on Thursday thanks to a rise within the share worth of the cosmetics empire she inherited from her mom, who additionally held the title of the world’s richest woman till her dying in 2017.

    L’Oreal was based in 1909 by Eugene Schueller, Bettencourt Meyers’s grandfather, to manufacture and market a hair dye he had invented, The Guardian reported.

    Based within the north-western Parisian suburb of Clichy, within the area of Hauts-de-Seine, it has grown into a globe-straddling colossus valued at €241bn (£209bn) on the Paris inventory alternate.

    The famously reclusive Bettencourt Meyers, 70, and her household, stay the biggest shareholders with a stake of practically 35 per cent, the worth of which has helped her wealth balloon by $28.6bn this yr to attain $100bn, in accordance to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

    L'oreal

    L’oreal

    Bettencourt Meyers was removed from alone in rising richer throughout a yr through which the fortunes of billionaires typically elevated considerably, whilst the fee of dwelling disaster affected international locations the world over.

    Of the world’s 50 richest folks, 12 misplaced cash in 2023 whereas the rest watched their piles develop, albeit with out adjusting for inflation.

    In a listing dominated by males, largely from the US, Bettencourt Meyers stays twelfth in a rating topped by Elon Musk, the Tesla and SpaceX founder.

    Bettencourt Meyers was not the highest-placed French particular person. Bernard Arnault, the luxurious items tycoon, has a $179bn fortune that has grown by $16.9bn in 2023, thanks to the efficiency of his LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) group.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Zomato delivered over 10 crore biryanis in 2023; enough to fill eight Qutub Minars [details]

    Zomato App

    Zomato users ordered biryani the most in 2023, the online food platform said on Monday.

    According to Zomato’s annual report on ordering trends, over 10.09 crore biryani orders were placed through the platform in 2023 – enough to fill eight Qutub Minars in Delhi.

    Biryani was also the most-ordered dish for the eighth straight year on Swiggy. India ordered 2.5 biryanis per second in 2023. For every 5.5 chicken biryanis, there was one veg biryani ordered, the food delivery platform said.

    The love for biryani expanded, with 2.49 million users making a debut on Swiggy with a biryani order.

    Mutton biryani

    Hyderabadi mutton biryani [Representational image]Wikimedia Commons

    On Zomato, biryani was followed by pizza with over 7.45 crore orders in 2023 that can cover an area of more than five Eden Gardens cricket stadiums in Kolkata, the report said.

    Noodle bowls with over 4.55 crore orders, which stood third, was enough to wrap the circumference of the earth 22 times, the delivery giant said.

    While Bengaluru placed the maximum breakfast orders on Zomato in 2023, Delhi made the most late-night orders. The company’s biggest order of the year came from Bengaluru, where a user placed a single order worth Rs 46,273, the report said.