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  • Meta Unveils New WhatsApp Features for Indian Businesses

    Meta Verified, customised messages arrive on WhatsApp for businesses in India

    IANS

    Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has announced a slew of new features and updates for the popular messaging app. These updates, aimed at millions of small businesses across the country, are designed to help them grow and thrive, particularly in the lead-up to the festive season. The announcement was made at the inaugural ‘WhatsApp Business Summit’ held in the country.

    One of the key features introduced is the ‘Meta Verified’ feature, now accessible to all eligible small businesses in India using the WhatsApp Business app. Businesses that opt to subscribe and prove their authenticity will receive a verified badge, protection against impersonation, account support, and premium features. These features are designed to enhance their online brand presence and streamline communication with customers.

    The verified badge will also be visible on their WhatsApp Channels and Business pages, facilitating easy sharing on social media platforms and websites. This move is expected to instill a sense of trust and credibility among customers, thereby enhancing the business’s reputation and customer base.

    Sandhya Devanathan, VP, Meta in India, emphasized the central role of WhatsApp in India’s digital transformation. She stated, The ubiquity and ease of WhatsApp places it at the centre of India’s transformation, helping businesses fuel compelling ideas and new models of growth. This statement underscores the potential of WhatsApp as a powerful tool for business growth and innovation.

    watsapp

    IANS

    In addition to the ‘Meta Verified’ feature, Meta is also introducing the ability for small businesses to send customized messages to their customers. This feature allows businesses to send personalized messages such as appointment reminders, birthday greetings, or updates on a holiday sale, all in a faster and more efficient way. This feature, available for a fee, not only enhances customer engagement but also allows businesses to schedule the day and time the messages are sent, thereby offering greater flexibility and control.

    In a pioneering initiative, Meta will soon launch the ‘WhatsApp Business Yatra‘ in India. This initiative will see the social media giant reaching out to small businesses in tier 2 and 3 cities, providing on-ground, in-person training. This move is expected to empower small businesses with the knowledge and skills to leverage the new features effectively.

    The introduction of these features comes at a time when about 60 per cent of WhatsApp users are interacting with businesses every week. Overall, around 92 per cent of users are using messaging apps to interact with the businesses. This data underscores the growing importance of digital platforms like WhatsApp in business communication and customer engagement.

    Historically, Meta has always been at the forefront of digital innovation. The company’s focus on small businesses is not new. In 2018, WhatsApp launched the WhatsApp Business app, designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses. The app provided businesses with tools to automate, sort, and quickly respond to messages. The latest updates can be seen as a continuation of Meta’s commitment to supporting small businesses and fostering their growth.

  • Indian Communist leader Sitaram Yechury dies, aged 72

    Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader and general secretary Sitaram Yechury passed away at the age of 72 on Thursday, September 12, following prolonged illness.

    Sitaram Yechury. Photo courtesy: Free Press Journal
    Sitaram Yechury. Photo courtesy: Free Press Journal

    The CPI(M) had said in a statement on Tuesday (September 10) that the 72-year-old leader was being treated for an acute respiratory tract infection at the ICU in AIIMS, Delhi.

    Yechury was admitted to the AIIMS on August 19 for treatment of a pneumonia-like chest infection.

    Sitaram Yechury took over as the general secretary of the CPM from Prakash Karat in 2015.

    Yechury was active in politics since his student days and was an important face of the Left politics in the country for long.

    Congress leader and LoP Rahul Gandhi paid rich tribute to Yechury and called him “a friend” and “a protector of the Idea of India with a deep understanding of our country”.

    Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu said, “Deeply saddened by veteran CPI-M leader, Sitaram Yechury Ji’s passing. He was a stalwart who rose from the ranks to become one of the most respected voices in Indian politics. He was known for his intellectual take on issues, and connection with the people at the grassroots level. His insightful debates with leaders across the political spectrum earned him recognition beyond his party. My heartfelt condolences to his family, comrades, and followers. May his soul rest in peace.”

    (The article is published under a mutual content partnership arrangement between The Free Press Journal and Connected to India)

  • Indian Electric Vehicle Market Projected to Grow 40% by 2027

    Industry hails extension of FAME II scheme to bolster EV infra

    Industry hails extension of FAME II scheme to bolster EV infraIANS

    India’s Electric Vehicle (EV) market is poised for a significant surge, with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 35-40% until 2027, according to a recent report by Niveshaay. This growth is expected to be driven by government incentives, rising fuel prices, and increased consumer awareness. The report, which was released on Wednesday, predicts that EV sales volume in India could reach around 3-4 million units by 2025, and 10 million by 2030. This is a significant increase from the current market, which is primarily concentrated on the two and three-wheeler EV segment, accounting for about 80% of the vehicle market.

    Arvind Kothari, smallcase Manager and Founder of Niveshaay, highlighted the Indian government’s efforts to boost local manufacturing and reduce import dependency. The Indian government has introduced Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes and reduced customs duties on critical minerals to boost local manufacturing, Kothari said. The government’s balanced approach to policy support and market development is facilitating India’s emergence as a remarkable contender in the global EV landscape. This is despite challenges like limited charging infrastructure, which the government is actively working to address. By 2030, EVs are expected to represent approximately 10-15% of new vehicle sales in India, including two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and passenger vehicles. This is a significant increase from the current market penetration of EVs. The report further predicts that by 2030, annual EV sales are projected to surpass 10 million units, with substantial growth in the deployment of electric buses, commercial vehicles, and private cars. EVs could represent 30-40% of new vehicle sales in the market.

     The study also predicts a strong EV Infrastructure, with more than two million public charging stations projected nationwide. This increase in EV Adoption, infrastructure, as well as manufacturing, can also be attributed to growth in Budget allocations for the EV sector. From Rs 10,000 crore allocated in FY2019-20 (FAME II scheme), it has increased to 19,744 crore (for Green Hydrogen mission) and 2,908 crore (continued FAME II Support) in FY2023-24. The Union Budget 2024-25 has allocated Rs 2,671.33 crore under the FAME scheme, primarily to cover remaining liabilities from FAME II. In addition, the government has introduced the Rs 500 crore Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) to boost electric two- and three-wheelers. The increased PLI Scheme for automobiles and auto components to Rs 3,500 crore and the exemptions in customs duty on lithium, cobalt, and other rare minerals to reduce battery production costs, via the Union Budget, make electric vehicles more affordable.

    Electric vehicle

     Government initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes and reduced customs duties are boosting local manufacturing and reducing import dependencyIANS

    Driven by key government initiatives like the FAME and the EMPS scheme, India is poised to become a major player in the global EV market, specifically amongst the emerging markets. While China dominated with 60% of global EV sales as of 2023, India’s large population and urbanisation are driving demand for affordable electric mobility. In contrast, the US and Europe, with EV penetration rates of around 7% and 14% respectively as of 2023, are focused on passenger vehicles and infrastructure development. Indian EV market is on the cusp of a significant transformation, driven by government initiatives, rising fuel prices, and increased consumer awareness. With the projected growth rates, India is set to become a major player in the global EV market. The government’s efforts to boost local manufacturing and reduce import dependency, coupled with the projected increase in EV infrastructure, are expected to drive this growth. This report serves as a testament to India’s potential in the EV market and the country’s commitment to sustainable and renewable energy.

  • Indian EV Market Projected To Grow At Over 40 pc CAGR Till 2027: Report

    Mumbai, Sep 11: The Indian Electric Vehicle (EV) market is expected to grow in the range of 35-40 per cent CAGR till the year 2027, according to a report on Wednesday.

    The report by Niveshaay, which manages the Green Energy smallcase (a portfolio of stocks, which will benefit from the renewable energy sector development), showed that EV sales volume in India could touch around 3-4 million units by 2025, and 10 million by 2030.

    Currently, the Indian EV market is concentrated on the two and three-wheeler EV segment, which accounts for about 80 per cent of its vehicle market.

    “The Indian government is aiming to boost local manufacturing and reduce import dependency. It has introduced Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes and reduced customs duties on critical minerals to boost local manufacturing,” said Arvind Kothari, smallcase Manager and Founder of Niveshaay.

    “The balanced approach to policy support and market development is facilitating India to emerge as a remarkable contender in the global EV landscape, despite challenges like limited charging infrastructure,” he added.

    The new report further stated that EVs are expected to penetrate the market with approximately 10-15 per cent of new vehicle sales in India (including two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and passenger vehicles), driven by government incentives, rising fuel prices, and increased consumer awareness.

    By the year 2030, annual EV sales are projected to surpass 10 million units, with substantial growth in the deployment of electric buses, commercial vehicles, and private cars. EVs could represent 30-40 per cent of new vehicle sales in the market.

    With more than two million public charging stations projected nationwide, the study predicts a strong EV Infrastructure, the report said.

    The increase in EV Adoption, infrastructure, as well as manufacturing, can also be attributed to growth in Budget allocations for the EV sector.

    From Rs 10,000 crore allocated in FY2019-20 (FAME II scheme), it has increased to 19,744 crore (for Green Hydrogen mission) and 2,908 crore (continued FAME II Support) in FY2023-24.

    Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) was introduced in 2015 to encourage the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles by offering upfront incentives on purchase.

    The Union Budget 2024-25 has allocated Rs 2,671.33 crore under the FAME scheme, primarily to cover remaining liabilities from FAME II.

    In addition, the government has introduced the Rs 500 crore Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) to boost electric two- and three-wheelers.

    The increased PLI Scheme for automobiles and auto components to Rs 3,500 crore and the exemptions in customs duty on lithium, cobalt, and other rare minerals to reduce battery production costs, via the Union Budget, make electric vehicles more affordable.

    Driven by key government initiatives like the FAME and the EMPS scheme, India is poised to become a major player in the global EV market, specifically amongst the emerging markets.

    While China dominated with 60 per cent of global EV sales as of 2023, India’s large population and urbanisation are driving demand for affordable electric mobility.

    In contrast, the US and Europe, with EV penetration rates of around 7 per cent and 14 per cent respectively as of 2023, are focused on passenger vehicles and infrastructure development, the report said.

  • Apple iPhone 16 being launched globally from Indian factories: Ashwini Vaishnaw

    Apple iPhone 16 being launched globally from Indian factories: Ashwini VaishnawIANS

    Union Railways and Electronics and IT Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, on Tuesday said that Apple’s latest iPhone 16 is being produced and launched globally from the Indian manufacturing plants.

    The ‘Make in India’ new iPhones will be available in the country on September 20, and will be exported to other nations as well.

    “Apple’s latest iPhone 16 being produced and launched globally from Indian factories,” said Minister Vaishnaw.

    “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India‘ initiative is now driving the creation of iconic products for the world,” the minister posted on X social media platform.

    iPhone exports continue to clock around $1 billion each month thanks to the government’s production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme. According to the government, in the ecosystem of Apple alone, more than 2 lakh people have got employment and there is good amount of growth.

    The iPhone exports from India surged sharply to $12.1 billion in 2023-24 from $6.27 billion in 2022-23. Overall, the company’s India operations reached 23.5 billion dollars in value in the last fiscal (FY24).

     Tata Electronics, which runs two plants for Apple, is the biggest job creator in the Apple ecosystem, along with Foxconn and PegatronApple

    iPhone factories in the country are set to hire more than 10,000 people directly in the peak festival period. Apple aims to manufacture more than 50 million iPhones in India per year, as it aims to shift some of the production out from China.

    Tata Electronics, which runs two plants for Apple, is the biggest job creator in the Apple ecosystem, along with Foxconn and Pegatron.

    As tech giants like Apple continue to shift iPhone manufacturing to India amid political stability and friendly government policies, the country captured almost half of the lost market (40.5 per cent) from China and Vietnam in the last fiscal year.

    Mobile phone exports from the country touched nearly $16 billion in FY24 from $11 billion in FY23. The overall electronic manufacturing in the country is expected to reach around $250 billion in the next five years.

    (With inputs from IANS)

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  • Indian space startup Pixxel bags NASA contract to support Earth science research

    Indian space startup Pixxel bags NASA contract to support Earth science research

    Indian space startup Pixxel bags NASA contract to support Earth science researchIANS

    Indian space startup Pixxel has bagged a NASA contract to support Earth science research using the hyperspectral technology.

    The Bengaluru-based company has become part of NASA’s $476-million commercial smallsat data acquisition programme — a first for an Indian startup after the space sector was opened to private companies in 2020.

    Co-founder and CEO Awais Ahmed called the award a “monumental achievement for Pixxel”.

    He said the contract, valid till November 2028, “validates that hyperspectral imaging will be integral to the future of space-based Earth observation and enable us to truly build a health monitor for the planet”.

    As per the contract, Pixxel will provide NASA and its US government and academic partners with hyperspectral Earth observation data. This will help empower the administration’s Earth science research and application activities.

    Pixxel hyperspectral can capture data across hundreds of narrow wavelengths. Its datasets can also unravel granular insights on climate change, agriculture, biodiversity, and resource management, among others.

    Pixxel is also making significant strides toward launching six satellites shortly

    Pixxel is also making significant strides toward launching six satellites shortlyIANS

    Building on this momentum, Pixxel is also making significant strides toward launching six satellites shortly. Fireflies — its 5-metre resolution hyperspectral satellites — will be the highest-resolution hyperspectral satellites ever launched.

    These satellites will capture data across over 250 spectral bands, offering more comprehensive coverage with a 40 km swath width and a 24-hour revisit frequency anywhere on the planet.

    In addition, Pixxel also plans to expand its constellation to 24 satellites to make hyperspectral data commercially. This will make it more broadly available and accessible to stakeholders across industries and governments.

    Pixxel has a constellation of the world’s highest-resolution hyperspectral imaging satellites that are designed for 24-hour revisits anywhere on Earth.

    The satellites can help detect, monitor, and predict critical global phenomena across agriculture, oil and gas, mining, environment, and other sectors in up to 50 times richer detail.

    Pixxel has also launched its in-house Earth Observation Studio, Aurora, to make satellite imagery analysis easily accessible.

    The company has also raised over $70 million from Google, Lightspeed, Radical Ventures, Relativity’s Jordan Noone, Seraphim Capital, Ryan Johnson, Blume Ventures, Sparta LLC, Accenture, and others.

    (With inputs from IANS)

     

  • EVs can drive Indian automotive industry; reach Rs 134 lakh crore by 2047

    Toll fee collection on national highways reached Rs 54,811 crore in FY24: Nitin Gadkari

    EVs can drive Indian automotive industry reach Rs 134 lakh crore by 2047IANS

    The domestic automotive industry has crossed Rs 20 lakh crore mark in FY24 and has the potential to be worth $1.6 trillion (about Rs 134 lakh crore) by 2047, driven by electric vehicles (EVs), according to industry leaders.

    The automotive industry in the country is poised to be one of the key growth engines in towards achieving a $32-trillion GDP by 2047, according to Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe at the Department of Space.

    Addressing the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA) event in the national capital, he said that the automotive industry has the potential to contribute $1.6 trillion by 2047.

    The auto sector also contributes significantly to the direct and indirect employment generation in the country, Goenka further said, adding that the auto industry will contribute more and more to the GDP of the country from the current level of around 6.8 per cent. Over the last two decades or so, the industry has grown by 17 per cent CAGR.

    The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) President Vinod Aggarwal said that the domestic auto industry has identified 50 critical components for local production in order to reduce import dependence.

    Electric vehicle

    Automotive industry in the country is poised to be one of the key growth enginesIANS

    As most of these items are electrical or electronics, there is a need to develop capabilities and capacities in India for such high tech items, he added.

    Aggarwal told the gathering that the Indian automotive industry has crossed a landmark figure of Rs 20 lakh crore in FY24 and is contributing almost 14-15 per cent of the total GST collected in the country.

    SIAM, along with ACMA, has voluntarily set targets for increasing localisation. The industry bodies are committed to reduce import content by 60 per cent to 20 per cent by 2025 from the base 2019-20 levels, thereby targeting the reduced reports to the tune of Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 crore in five years.

    The country has become the third largest passenger vehicle market, the largest two and three wheeler market and third largest commercial vehicle market.

    As the adoption of EVs increase in the country, the cost of EVs will almost match petrol and diesel vehicles within the next two years, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, earlier said at the event.

    (With inputs from IANS)

     

  • From surviving a landmine blast to Paris Paralympics bronze: Indian shot putter Hokato Sema’s inspirational journey

    On a quiet October day in 2002, a young soldier’s dreams were shattered in a heartbeat in the volatile terrain of Jammu and Kashmir’s Chowkibal. An unexpected explosion ended the ambition of Havildar Hokato Hotozhe Sema to join the Special Forces.

    Indian para-athlete Hokato Sema. Photo courtesy: x.com/TheKhelIndia
    Indian para-athlete Hokato Sema. Photo courtesy: x.com/TheKhelIndia

    That landmine blast during an anti-terrorist operation claimed his left leg below the knee, inflicting immense physical pain and mental trauma. Sema’s world went dark, or everyone thought so. But for Sema, it was the beginning of an extraordinary journey of resilience, courage, and fierce determination to rebuild life — a process he went through at the Army Paralympic Node, BEG Centre in Pune.

    Twenty-two years later, at the swank State de France, the 40-year-old Indian shot-putter came up with his career-best throw of 14.65 metres to secure a bronze medal in the men’s F57 category at the Paralympics to swell the country’s medal haul to 27 (six gold, nine silver and 12 bronze).

    His rise in para-athletics has been nothing short of inspiring.

    He quickly distinguished himself with his sheer willpower in the F57 category, which includes athletes with limb deficiencies and impaired muscle power. Sema was encouraged by senior army officials at the Pune-based Artificial Limb Centre to take up shot put after seeing his fitness as he embraced the sport in 2016 at the age of 32.

    A bronze medal followed a silver at the Morocco Grand Prix in 2022That year, he travelled to Jaipur to compete in the National Para Athletics Championships. A silver at the Morocco Grand Prix in 2022 was followed by a bronze medal at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou.

    Also read: Paralympics: Praveen Kumar clinches gold medal in men’s high jump T64 event

    He narrowly missed a medal at the 2024 World Championships, finishing fourth. But Sema’s determination never wavered. The defining moment came during his Paralympics debut, when he battled against a fiercely competitive field.

    Strapped to a throwing chair, each of his six throws was a manifestation of grit and physical strength. He touched the 14m mark on his second throw and then improved further with a heave of 14.40m.

    Sema achieved his best throw in his fourth attempt, bettering his personal best to 14.49m en route to the bronze.

    Iran’s Yasin Khosravi, the 31-year-old two-time para world champion, clinched the top spot with a Paralympic record of 15.96m, while Brazil’s Thiago Dos Santos took the silver with a 15.06m throw.

    Read more: Paralympics: India’s medal tally touches 25 as Kapil Parmar clinches historic judo bronze

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Sema’s win a “proud moment” for the nation while hailing his incredible strength and determination.

    “A proud moment for our nation as Hokato Hotozhe Sema brings home the Bronze medal in Men’s Shot Put F57! His incredible strength and determination are exceptional. Congratulations to him. Best wishes for the endeavours ahead,” PM Modi wrote on X.

    Sema has been supported by the Khelo India initiative and his training, boarding, and lodging were taken care of by the National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) scheme.

  • Indian hospitality investment market projected to reach $413 million in 2024

    Indian hospitality investment market projected to reach $413 million in 2024

    Indian hospitality investment market projected to reach $413 million in 2024IANS

    Buoyed by overall infrastructure growth and expanding commercial market, the hospitality investment sector in the country showed robust growth in the first half this year, according to a new report.

    Hotel investment transactions reached $93 million and are expected to reach $413 million by year-end — a 22 per cent increase compared to last year, according to latest data from JLL Hotels and Hospitality Group

    Top hotel companies led by contributing 44 per cent of the total transaction volume. It was followed by owner-operators at 30 per cent and high-net-worth individual (HNIs), family offices, and private hotel owners at 26 per cent.

    According to the report, the positive momentum is set to continue throughout the second half of the year.

    Key markets, including Mumbai, Hyderabad, Pune and Chennai, remain dominant, accounting for 78 per cent of the projected transaction volumes.

    Tier 2 and 3 markets are likely to contribute the remaining 22 per cent.

    Leela Group

    Top hotel companies led by contributing 44 per cent of the total transaction volumeIANS

    Notably, JLL has already facilitated two significant transactions at the onset of the second half of 2024, comprising an operational hotel in Mumbai and a premium hotel land sale in Goa.

    “The surge in investor interest for both – operating assets and land sales illustrate the attractiveness of the investment landscape, bolstered by favourable macroeconomic factors, an expanding commercial market, and improved air connectivity,” said Jaideep Dang, Managing Director, Hotels and Hospitality Group, India, JLL.

    This positive outlook is further reinforced by the substantial hotel development activity witnessed across various tiers, with over 19,440 keys signed in the first half of 2024 alone, the report mentioned.

    Another report earlier this month said that 2,706 new rooms were added in the upscale and premium segment in the first half of this year, amid a notable growth in infrastructure development. Out of these, 994 rooms (37 per cent) were upscale while the remaining (63 per cent) consisted of premium inventories.

    Indian hospitality industry is on a strong footing marked by a rise in occupancy, new projects opening and a bullish pipeline for the future, according to Skye Hospitality.

    (With inputs from IANS)

     

  • Indian startup ecosystem witnesses 13 large funding rounds in 2024

    Start-up

    Indian startup ecosystem witnesses 13 large funding rounds in 2024twitter

    The Indian startup ecosystem witnessed a surge in large funding rounds (over $100 million) in 2024, as startups’ focus has shifted to profitability along with growth.

    In 2024 so far, there have been 13 funding rounds valued at over $100 million. Startups like Zepto, Rapido, Lenskart, Flipkart, Meesho and PharmEasy have raised funding in these rounds.

    Quick e-commerce company Zepto has raised two rounds of funding of one billion dollars ($340 million + $665 million) in 2024. The company had last raised $340 million in funding at a valuation of $5 billion.

    Funding of $200 million has been raised by Rapido, a taxi service providing company. The latest valuation of the company is $1.1 billion.

    An eyewear startup, Lenskart has also raised funding of $200 million so far in 2024. The valuation of the company is around $5 billion.

    Funding of $350 million, $275 million and $216 million has been raised so far in 2024 by Flipkart, Meeso and PharmEasy respectively.

    Lenskart

    31 homegrown startups raised more than $466 millionIANS

    The government also abolished angel tax in Budget 2024-25 to help startups to raise funds from foreign investors.

    Around 31 homegrown startups raised more than $466 million in 22 deals last week.

    The number of fintechs in the country has grown fourfold in the last four years, with a three-time surge in unicorns and soonicorns in the same period.

    The government has recognised 1,40,803 entities as startups (as of June 30). More than 55 regulatory reforms have been undertaken by the Central government since 2016 to enhance ease of doing business, ease of raising capital and reduce compliance burden for the startup ecosystem.

    Meanwhile, the Centre approved four startups in the field of technical textiles with a grant of Rs 50 lakh each, along with new courses in various applications. The approved startup projects are focused on key strategic areas of composites, sustainable textiles and smart textiles.

    (With inputs from IANS)