PowerMax, India’s leading fitness equipment brand, has expanded globally to countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UK, and Dubai. Renowned for its unwavering commitment to innovation, PowerMax has come up with leading-edge fitness solutions that have transformed many homes and gyms. With a reputation built on quality, performance, and customer satisfaction, the brand is poised to redefine the global fitness landscape.
PowerMax has a strong foundation in India and has offered nothing but the best in terms of fitness to millions of gym enthusiasts. Keeping this successful story in mind, PowerMax is very well equipped and primed for entry into the global markets with its range of fitness equipment par excellence. However, the current global expansion plans that focus on key markets like Germany, Canada, the US, and Mexico are areas that have shown great development in the fitness industry, and PowerMax is ready to tackle these discerning customers. In addition to a physical store presence, PowerMax will further enhance its online reach by partnering strategically with Amazon, Noon and Carrefouruae.
This expansion marks another significant milestone for PowerMax. Through this partnership, a fitness enthusiast anywhere in the world can easily buy a PowerMax product from the comfort of his home. By sharing its excellence and passion for fitness globally, the brand aims to empower people worldwide to transform their bodies through exceptional exercise equipment.
“We are beyond thrilled for this new chapter that PowerMax is writing,” said Sanjay Goyal, Managing Director at PowerMax. “Entering global markets for us demonstrates not only the strength of our brand but, more importantly, our commitment to world-class fitness solutions. We have no doubt that our products will speak to fitness enthusiasts from around the world and that we shall continue to empower people in attaining their fitness goals.”
PowerMax is dedicated to the best customer experience and long-term relationships with people passionate about fitness. With its world-class equipment and exceptionally manifold customer support system, PowerMax empowers people all around the world to engage in physical fitness as a means to attain a much healthier lifestyle.
Air India Flight Ticket Sale : Air India has come up with a great sale offer. Air India is offering flight tickets for Rs 1,037. The benefit of Air India’s sale offer can be availed only till tomorrow. Air India Express is a subsidiary of Air India and part of the Tata Group.
Air India has started a ‘flash sale’. Under this sale, passengers can book tickets at fares starting from just Rs 1,037. This offer is available under the Xpress Lite category. The benefit of this sale can be availed for booking till 25 August 2024. Passengers can travel between 26 August and 24 October 2024.
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Offer available on domestic flights
The sale is offering cheap fares on domestic routes across the country. Xpress Lite fares start at Rs 1,037, while Xpress Value fares start at Rs 1,195. Processing fees will also be waived for passengers who book tickets through the Air India Express website or mobile app.
Also Read:- RBI’s New Rule: Your bank account will be automatically debited to replenish FASTag balance
Discount will be available on check in bags
Passengers taking Xpress Lite fare can travel without check-in bags. Apart from this, they can pre-book an additional cabin bag of up to 3 kg for free. There is also a discount for check-in bags of 15 kg on domestic flights and 20 kg on international flights.
You will get these special benefits
Loyalty members of Air India Express will also get special benefits. Like up to 8% NeuCoins will also be available on the website. Apart from this, students, senior citizens, doctors, nurses, and members of the armed forces can also avail special discounts. The airline’s Xpress Biz category offers business class-like service, with seat space up to 58 inches. Air India Express is rapidly expanding its fleet and adding 4 new aircraft every month.
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Godrej targets 100% localization of Li-Ion cells by the end of next year- a first in India
MUMBAI: Amid India’s rapid infrastructure development and the pressing need for green energy solutions, Godrej & Boyce, part of the Godrej Enterprises Group, has once again taken the lead with its latest innovation. The Material Handling Business of the conglomerate, today announced the launch of lithium-ion battery-powered forklifts featuring an indigenously developed Battery Management System (BMS). This will be the first offering of this kind by an Indian manufacturer. The solution addresses a critical need in the Indian material handling sector by providing a self-reliant and secure Li-Ion battery system.
The benefits of Li-ion technology are extensive and transformative, offering more than 4 times longer battery life compared to traditional lead-acid batteries. Li-ion batteries provide 5,000 charge cycles versus 1,200 for lead-acid, reducing long-term investment. They enable opportunity charging, zero emissions during charging, and reduced maintenance needs. Charging from 20% to 80% takes only 2.5 hours for Li-ion compared to 6 hours for lead-acid, with 30% less energy consumption. Li-ion batteries offer upto 15% more run time to 2 and 3-tonne forklifts. The modular design also allows for scalability. Godrej & Boyce plans to extend this technology to other material handling equipment. Industries set to benefit include automotive, FMCG, consumer durables, retail including e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and other major manufacturing sectors.
Anil Verma, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer, of Godrej & Boyce, part of the Godrej Enterprises Group said, “India’s logistics sector is at a pivotal juncture, experiencing robust growth driven by infrastructure advancements across sectors such as automotive, FMCG, consumer durables, retail including e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, fueled by rising consumer demand. At Godrej & Boyce, we are committed to ‘Make in India’ strategies, playing a vital role in driving this growth. Our focus on integrating cutting-edge, technology-enabled solutions remains a key priority, addressing the complex challenges of modern supply chains. These innovations are crucial for enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring the sector’s continued evolution. The future of India’s logistics will be shaped by this commitment to nation-building and innovation, securing a more resilient and adaptive industry.”
Anil Lingayat, Executive Vice President & Business Head of the material Handling Business of Godrej & Boyce, part of the Godrej Enterprises Group said, “We are delighted to introduce our Li-ion powered forklift trucks featuring indigenously developed Battery Management System. This launch underscores our commitment to ‘Make in India’ and building self-reliant capabilities in critical technologies for the material handling industry. By leveraging our engineering expertise, we have created a solution that enhances safety and optimizes performance. We believe this is the start of a transformative journey that will revolutionize material handling and inspire industries nationwide to reimagine what’s possible when we commit to self-reliance.“
Developed in partnership with Log9 Materials, the new battery systems integrate lithium-ion cells with 30% localized production with a proprietary Battery Management System (BMS) fully designed and made in India. The business has set a target of 100% localization for the cells by next year.
Traditionally, the Indian market has heavily relied on imported batteries and BMS systems, primarily sourced from China. Localizing this technology underscores the business’s unwavering commitment to the “Make in India” vision and its dedication to fostering a resilient domestic supply chain.
India’s mobile phone exports have reached a new high, with a significant contribution from Apple’s iPhone exports. According to industry data, exports of mobile phones from India reached $6.5 billion in the April-July period of the fiscal year 2025 (FY25), marking a nearly 40% surge from the same period in the previous fiscal year (FY23). This growth has been led by iPhones, which surpassed $1 billion in exports in July alone, maintaining a similar month-on-month performance as seen in the first quarter of FY25.
The production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme has played a significant role in this surge. The scheme, introduced by the Indian government, aims to boost domestic manufacturing and exports, turning India into a global manufacturing hub for mobile phones. As a result, iPhone exports now constitute about 70% of the total mobile exports from the country.
Apple’s performance during the April-July period has been marked by contrasting fortunes. However, experts believe that the company’s long-term growth outlook remains positive. Apple is well-positioned to capitalize on India’s growth trajectory in the coming years, with significant local manufacturing plans in place.
In the four-month period, online sales improved for iPhones, with the iPhone 15 remaining the top seller due to significant upgrades over previous generations. Apple’s operations in the country reached $23.5 billion in value in the last fiscal year (FY24), with the Cupertino-based giant clocking nearly $8 billion in revenue in India in the last fiscal year.
Reuters file
Key Apple suppliers, including Foxconn, Pegatron, and Tata Electronics (formerly Wistron), have ramped up the assembly of iPhones as the country prepares to enter the crucial festive season. This move is expected to further boost iPhone exports from India.
Apple’s decision to manufacture its high-end iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models in India for the first time is a significant development. This move is expected to reduce manufacturing costs by 10%, although it is uncertain whether this reduction will translate into lower prices for customers due to high component costs and local taxes.
The Indian government’s efforts to boost the mobile phone industry have been successful, with a three-fold increase in domestic production and an almost 100-fold jump in exports of mobile phones over the last six years. The electronics sector has experienced rapid growth, reaching $155 billion in FY23. Production nearly doubled from $48 billion in FY17 to $101 billion in FY23, driven primarily by mobile phones, which now constitute 43% of total electronics production.
India has significantly reduced its reliance on smartphone imports and is now manufacturing 99% of devices domestically, according to the government. This achievement is a testament to the success of the government’s initiatives, such as the PLI scheme, which have encouraged domestic manufacturing and exports.
The decision to shift production from China to India is largely driven by geopolitical tensions between the US and China. As a result, Apple aims to increase its iPhone production in India from the current 10% to 25% by next year. For FY24, Apple reported around ₹68,000 crore in domestic sales, while the value of exported iPhones was ₹66,000 crore for FY23.
New Delhi, Aug 23: The government is committed to advancing India’s electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem, fostering local manufacturing and promoting sustainable growth, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, has said.
During a post-budget webinar in the national capital, Kumaraswamy said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ and achieving net zero by 2070 guides our mission at the Ministry.
“We are committed to advancing India’s EV ecosystem, fostering local manufacturing, and promoting sustainable growth through key initiatives such as PLI, FAME, EMPS, and advanced capital goods schemes. These efforts will accelerate India’s journey towards greater self-reliance and enhanced Aatmanirbharta,” the minister emphasised.
Minister of State Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma said that India is on track to become a $5 trillion economy, with the automotive sector playing a pivotal role.
“The Ministry of Heavy Industries is driving innovation and self-reliance through initiatives such as the PLI Scheme for Automobiles and Auto Components. Together, we can create a sustainable and prosperous future for India,” Varma added.
The Union Budget 2024-25 focused on expanding and strengthening the electric vehicle ecosystem, including manufacturing and charging infrastructure.
Among the key initiatives of the ministry are the PLI-Auto scheme with an approved outlay of Rs 25,938 crore to boost domestic manufacturing and promote localisation, and the PLI Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) scheme with an approved outlay of Rs 18,100 crore for 50 GWh to enhance India’s ACC manufacturing.
The Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) scheme has an outlay of Rs 778 crore to support EV manufacturing, particularly for 2Ws and 3Ws, and the SMEC initiative is aimed at attracting global EV investments with a minimum commitment of Rs 4,150 crore.
By 2030, India is projected to have around 50 million EVs on its roads, with a market size expected to reach $48.6 billion. To achieve a ratio of 1-40 EVs to charging infrastructure, the country will need to install over 400,000 chargers annually, totalling 1.32 million chargers by 2030.
Mumbai, 22 August 2024: The AD Design Show is back and set to elevate the design landscape like never before! This year’s event promises an exhilarating showcase of groundbreaking designs, innovative solutions, and unparalleled creativity. Taking place from the 20th to the 22nd of September at the NSCI Dome in Mumbai, we are delighted to announce Artize, Obeetee Carpets, Pidilite and ULTRAVIOLETTE AUTOMOTIVE as the esteemed Associate Partners and BMW India as the exclusive Luxury Mobility Partner, adding significant value to this year’s highly anticipated event.
In its fifth year, Associate Partner JSW Foundation will be back with the Karigar Pavilion – a special interactive section, dedicated to handmade crafts and innovation, where visitors can watch how artisans give form to objects, engage in a dialogue with them and even learn their techniques through observation.
Continuing to set new benchmarks in design innovation, this year’s AD Design Show promises to be even more spectacular. The event will gather the most talented designers and visionary brands from around the world, offering attendees an unparalleled opportunity to discover cutting-edge trends and engage with industry leaders. Some of the brands set to come on board are Merino, Milaaya Embroideries, Jain Handicrafts, LittleBird, STAX LIVING, Bespoke Art Gallery, SquareFoot, PRITYAANSHI AGARWAL (ART+DESIGN), India Circus by Krsnaa Mehta A Godrej Enterprises Brand, Glass Forest, Godrej Interio, LAKO LAKO, Studio Aurawala, Loops by LJ, Schueco India, Souk, AADYAM HANDWOVEN – AN ADITYA BIRLA INITIATIVE, The Ambiente, Handcrafted Rugs, GJ Studio, Sevā Home, Beyond Square, Udaipur, IKKIS, KUNAL MANIAR AND ASSOCIATES, StoneLuxe by RSG, TOI HAUS, Trésor House, Masha Art, Yura Rugs, Specta Quartz Surfaces and Parman Designs. Prepare to immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of creativity and explore the future of design at this year’s show.
We are also excited to announce AD DISCOVERIES as a part of the ADDS 2024 line up—a special curation of 25+ designers across design, homes, sculpture, lighting, textiles and furniture. AD Discoveries is a special new section at this year’s AD Design Show, meant to spotlight a cross-section of brands, products, objects that are independent, relatively new, emerging and promising shown along with strong established names. The section brings together a range of objects from ceramics to textiles to lighting to furniture, and beyond, curated by an advisory board comprising Khushnu Panthaki Hoof, Samir Wadekar, Prateek and Priyanka Raja, Arun Shekar and Mohammed Afnan of Humming Tree, Rajiv Saini, and Nisha Mathew Ghosh, along with AD’s editorial team.
“The speciality of the AD Design Show is that it brings a diverse set of people together. We have previously created an AD Museum that curated a short history of design in India. The Lal Dera last year — inspired by a mughal tent— was based on a narrative of textiles. Our constant endeavour is to bring diversity to design. This year’s AD Discoveries section is essentially to encourage such diversity. Designers, makers, artists, small independent brands as well as leading architects with a one-off furniture piece, this pavilion is for them.” – Komal Sharma, Head of Editorial Content, AD India
Since its inception in 2018, it has drawn connoisseurs, patrons, and practitioners from around the globe. It is a community event that provides a glimpse into the interior and design industry in India. The 2023 edition solidified its reputation as a must-attend event in the art and design calendar, and this year, we plan to finetune the curation and programming even more.
Join us for an unforgettable celebration where creativity meets innovation, and discover the future of art and design! Relive last year’s edition HERE.
WHERE: NSCI Dome Mumbai WHEN: 20 – 22nd September, 2024
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE!
Architectural Digest (AD) is the international authority on design and architecture. Part of the Condé Nast portfolio, AD offers exclusive access to the world’s most beautiful homes and the fascinating people who live in them.
Flipkart, a leading e-commerce platform in India, recently celebrated the five-year milestone of its Samarth initiative, a program dedicated to empowering artisans, weavers, self-help groups, women, and rural entrepreneurs. The event, attended by over 250 industry leaders, artisans, and dignitaries, underscored Flipkart’s commitment to preserving India’s cultural heritage while fostering sustainable livelihoods.
A significant highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Flipkart’s Supply Chain Operations Academy (SCOA) and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). This partnership, in line with the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0, aims to upskill thousands of Indian youth, equipping them with the necessary skills for careers in the e-commerce and supply chain sectors. The program offers a comprehensive training module, combining seven days of classroom instruction with 45 days of hands-on experience at Flipkart facilities.
Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, emphasized the government’s focus on aligning youth skills with global demands, contributing to the vision of a developed India by 2047. He praised Flipkart’s efforts, stating, The collaboration between MSDE and Flipkart’s SCOA is a significant step toward equipping our youth with the skills to thrive in the modern marketplace. By integrating traditional crafts into the digital space through the Samarth program, we are paving the way for the growth of India’s MSME sector.
Flipkart’s Supply Chain Operations Academy signed a MoU with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, to upskill thousands of employable youths across India, in the presence of Rajneesh Kumar, SVP, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Flipkart Group; Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State, Ministry of Education, Govt of India; Shri. Atul Kumar Tiwari (IAS), Secretary, MSDE; Smt. Sonal Mishra (IAS), Joint Secretary, MSDE; Shri. Sunil Kumar Ranjan, Director, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship as part of the celebrations marking 5 years of Flipkart Samarth [From L to R]
The Impact of the Samarth Initiative
Rajneesh Kumar, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Flipkart, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the company’s impact on preserving over 100 traditional art forms and positively affecting 1.8 million livelihoods through the Samarth initiative. As we celebrate this 5-year milestone, our partnership with the Ministry of Skill Development will further equip India’s youth with the skills necessary to thrive in the digital economy, Kumar said.
The event also featured a panel discussion on the future of artisan empowerment, with industry leaders discussing the role of skill development and e-commerce in expanding market access for India’s artisan community. To support artisans ahead of the festive season, Flipkart unveiled the ‘Samarth storefront’ Indian Roots on its app, providing a platform for artisans, weavers, and MSMEs to reach over 500 million customers nationwide.
This celebration underscored the importance of integrating traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, ensuring that India’s rich cultural legacy continues to flourish in the digital age. The event was a testament to the strides made in integrating traditional crafts into the digital marketplace, with the Samarth initiative positively influencing 1.8 million livelihoods, preserving over 100 traditional art forms, and supporting the growth of thousands of sellers over the past five years.
A thought-provoking panel discussion on the future of artisan empowerment featuring distinguished industry leaders such as Shri. Girish Nair, Associate Director, Corporate Affairs, Flipkart Group; Smt. Meenu Chopra, Executive Director – All India Artisans & Craftworkers Welfare Association; Smt. Simmi Nanda, Co-Founder, Director, BeUnic; Shri. Ateesh Kumar Singh, Joint Secretary, Ministry of MSME; and Shri. Mahendra Payaal, Chief Program Officer, National Skills Development Corporation [From L to R]
The Significance of the Partnership
The partnership between Flipkart and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship is significant as it aligns with national skill development goals. It integrates traditional artisans into the digital economy, supports sustainable livelihoods, and furthers the government’s vision of empowering artisans and promoting India’s cultural heritage.
The Samarth initiative is reminiscent of similar efforts in the past where technology has been leveraged to empower artisans and small businesses. For instance, the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign launched by the Indian government aimed at promoting local businesses and artisans. Similarly, e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Walmart have also launched initiatives to support MSMEs and drive e-commerce exports across districts.
In conclusion, the Samarth initiative by Flipkart marks a significant milestone in the journey of empowering artisans and entrepreneurs in India. By integrating traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, it not only preserves India’s rich cultural heritage but also provides sustainable livelihoods to millions. The partnership with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship further strengthens this initiative, equipping the youth with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital economy. As India continues to progress towards a digital future, initiatives like Samarth play a crucial role in ensuring that no section of society is left behind.
Warsaw: Narendra Modi, who is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Poland in more than four decades, said his government’s policy, in a marked departure from the past, is now one of building close ties with different countries instead of keeping distance from them.
PM addressing a Community Event in Warsaw, Poland on August 21, 2024 Photo credit: PIB
“For decades, India’s policy was to maintain distance from all countries,” PM Modi said on Wednesday in Warsaw while addressing the Indian community at an event.
“Today, India’s policy is to maintain close ties with all countries. Today’s India wants to connect with everyone,” he said in a subtle jab at the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) of the 70s under the then Congress government.
On his visit to Poland, he said this string of firsts, was due to a 180 degree shift in foreign policy. Ahead of his much-anticipated visit to Ukraine, Modi said this is not an era of war and pledged to campaign for a peaceful resolution of Russia’s invasion.
Indian diaspora – a crucial pillar of 🇮🇳-🇵🇱 partnership!
A vibrant Indian diaspora in Poland welcomed PM @narendramodi with great joy and fervour.
In his address, PM shared his thoughts on the transformative progress achieved by the country and outlined his vision for Viksit… pic.twitter.com/UyWlBG0blj
“India is an advocate of permanent peace in this region. Our stand is very clear – this isn’t an era of war. This is the time to come together against those challenges which threaten humanity. Therefore, India believes in diplomacy and dialogues,” PM Modi said.
PM Modi, 73, will be the first Indian Prime Minister to make a Ukraine trip and is the first in 45 years to travel to Poland, Kyiv’s close ally and a key transit for foreign leaders heading to its war-torn neighbour.
The Prime Minister spoke about the transformative progress achieved by India in the last 10 years. He expressed confidence that India will become the third-largest economy in the next few years.
Landed in Poland. Looking forward to the various programmes here. This visit will add momentum to the India-Poland friendship and benefit the people of our nations. pic.twitter.com/KniZnr4x8g
He also spoke about his vision for the country to become a developed nation – Viksit Bharat – by 2047. He stated that Poland and India were enhancing their partnership in areas of new technology and clean energy and driving green growth.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi paid tributes to Kolhapur Memorial in Warsaw.
Paid homage at the Kolhapur Memorial in Warsaw. This Memorial is a tribute to the great Royal Family of Kolhapur. This Royal Family was at the forefront of giving shelter to Polish women and children displaced due to the horrors of World War II. Inspired by the ideals of… pic.twitter.com/Nhb9flvqmH
He said that this Memorial is a tribute to the great Royal Family of Kolhapur. “This Royal Family was at the forefront of giving shelter to Polish women and children displaced due to the horrors of World War II,” he added.
He was also given a grand welcome by the Indian community on his arrival in Poland.
Deeply touched by the warm welcome from the Indian community in Poland! Their energy embodies the strong ties that bind our nations. pic.twitter.com/mPUlhlsV99
PM Modi also laid a wreath and paid tribute at the Monument to the Battle of Monte Cassino in Warsaw earlier. This Monument commemorates the sacrifice and valour of soldiers from Poland, India and other countries who fought alongside each other in the famous Battle of Monte Cassino in Italy during the second World War. The Prime Minister’s visit to the Monument underscores the shared history and deep-rooted ties between India and Poland that continue to inspire many.
India’s urea industry, a significant contributor to the country’s chemical fertilizer demand, is on the brink of a significant shift. The industry, which currently relies on imports for 30% of its needs, is expected to reduce this dependency to 10-15% in the near-to-medium term. This change is primarily driven by the commencement and stabilization of new capacities, marking a robust stride towards self-sufficiency.
The government’s New Investment Policy 2012 (NIP 2012) has been instrumental in this transition. Over the past five fiscal years, six plants with a combined capacity of 7.62 million tonnes, accounting for 25% of domestic capacity, have been gradually commissioned. These new plants are expected to operate at full capacity this fiscal year, up from 85-90% in the previous fiscal year.
The urea industry’s heavy reliance on government subsidies, which typically make up 80-85% of sales, is another crucial aspect of this sector. Nitin Bansal, Associate Director, Crisil Ratings, stated that the budgetary allocation of Rs 1.19 lakh crore for urea will be adequate, and hence no major build-up of subsidy receivables is expected this fiscal.
internet
The industry’s shift towards self-sufficiency is further supported by the government’s focus on boosting domestic production. The likely commissioning of another plant by the next fiscal year will further enhance domestic production, leading to steady regulated returns as utilization improves.
In addition to the urea industry, other sectors in India’s energy sphere are also undergoing significant changes. The Ministry of Coal’s year-end review for 2023 highlighted significant growth in India’s coal sector, with production likely to cross one billion tonnes in 2023-2024. This growth aligns with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and contributes considerably to the nation’s progress towards self-sufficiency and energy security.
However, the renewable energy sector faces challenges. Solar installations in India plunged 52% to 1,599 MW during the second quarter of 2018, mainly due to uncertainties around trade cases and module price fluctuations. Despite these challenges, the Indian government is making strides in this sector, proposing the construction of the Lower Arun Hydropower Project in Nepal with a capacity of 400 MW.
India’s digital sphere has witnessed a significant spike in the past year, with an addition of 73 million internet subscribers and 78 million broadband users. This substantial increase has brought the total number of telephone subscribers in the country to a staggering 1.199 billion, as reported by the Centre on Tuesday.
The period between March 2023 and March 2024 saw a remarkable growth in the number of internet users in the country. The total number of internet subscribers rose from 881 million at the end of March 2023 to 954 million at the end of March 2024, marking an annual growth rate of 8.3%. This growth is a testament to the increasing digital penetration in the country, and the expanding reach of internet services to the farthest corners of the nation.
Broadband services, too, have been on a steady rise, mirroring the upward trajectory of internet usage. The number of broadband subscribers increased from 846 million in March 2023 to 924 million in March 2024, according to the latest data released by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
The robust growth rate of 9.15%, coupled with the addition of 78 million broadband subscribers, underscores the importance of high-speed connectivity in today’s digital age. The telecom regulatory body emphasized the significance of this growth, stating, This robust growth rate of 9.15% with a massive addition of 78 million Broadband subscribers underscores the importance of high-speed connectivity.
[Representative Image]Reuters
The telecom sector’s financial health also improved during this period. The adjusted gross revenue (AGR) increased from Rs 2,49,908 crore in the year 2022-23 to Rs 2,70,504 crore in the year 2023-24, marking a yearly growth rate of 8.24%. This increase in revenue is indicative of the sector’s resilience and its ability to adapt to the changing market dynamics.
The overall tele-density in India, which is a measure of the number of telephone connections for every hundred individuals living within an area, increased from 84.51% at the end of March 2023 to 85.69% in March 2024. This growth, at an annual rate of 1.39%, reflects the increasing accessibility of telecommunication services in the country.
The number of wireless data subscribers also saw a significant increase, rising from 846 million at the end of March 2023 to 913 million at the end of March 2024. This increase, at an annual growth rate of 7.93%, is indicative of the growing preference for wireless connectivity among Indian consumers.
Moreover, the total volume of wireless data usage saw a substantial increase during this period. It rose from 1,60,054 PB (petabyte) during the year 2022-23 to 1,94,774 PB during the year 2023-24, marking an annual growth of 21.69%. This data, as revealed by TRAI, is a clear indication of the increasing reliance on wireless data for various digital activities.
The number of telephone subscribers in India also increased from 1.172 billion at the end of March 2023 to 1.199 billion at the end of March 2024, registering a yearly growth rate of 2.3%. This growth in telephone subscribers is a reflection of the expanding telecommunication network in the country.
Furthermore, the average minutes of usage (MOUs) per subscriber per month increased from 919 during the year 2022-23 to 963 in 2023-24, marking a yearly growth rate of 4.73%. This increase in MOUs is indicative of the growing usage of telecommunication services by Indian consumers.