NewsBizkoot.com

Tag: report

  • India to shift to ‘smartphone era’ for cars embracing 5G, advanced AI in 2025: Report

    New Delhi: India is set to enter a transformative “smartphone era” for cars in 2025, with the introduction of vehicles featuring 5G M2M connectivity and advanced AI technologies, according to the latest findings from Techarc’s India Connected Consumer Report 2025.

    The report said the automotive sector will skip 4G and will enable connectivity using the latest 5G cellular technology. It observed that consumers are interested in spending money on improving the value proposition in terms of features, quality and experience rather than exploring too many smart devices. “22 per cent of the respondents shared about considering optimising their smart devices portfolio. Among the new set of categories, smart/connected cars is generating high interest among consumers. 55 per cent of the respondents said that they have come across news or information about smart/connected cars in recent times,” it said.

    Starting in 2025, passenger cars in India will be equipped with 5G M2M connectivity, on-device GenAI, and cloud connectivity, making advanced technologies accessible across various price segments, it added. In-vehicle computing and artificial intelligence (GenAI), along with cloud applications, will become essential components of cars, enabling real-time data processing to support drivers effectively. Most cars priced at Rs 20 lakh and above will feature these technologies as standard. The cumulative revenues from automotive chipset companies have already surpassed $1.5 billion, with companies like Qualcomm and MediaTek leading the market. Some of the familiar applications that consumers will be able to use while driving include communication apps for audio/video conferencing, OTT entertainment apps, music streaming, podcasts, online shopping, vehicle maintenance, and servicing. “With connectivity and the technologies it brings to the cars, the future of the automobile sector will be fundamentally determined by the auto-technologies that will influence the overall experience, performance, comfort, safety and entertainment available to the drivers as well as the passengers. “So far, such features were seen as luxury or high-end experiences. But starting 2025, many of these will become mainstream for cars in India,” Techarc AutoTech Analyst Sadat Ahanger said.

    With 22 automobile manufacturers producing nearly 5 million passenger vehicles annually in India, the country is poised to become a leader in the global 5G M2M market within the next few years, the report said. About 21 per cent of respondents said MG Motors is the leader in providing connected cars in India, followed closely by Kia Motors at 18 per cent and Tata Motors at 15 per cent, it added. Hyundai and Maruti Suzuki also ranked among the top-five brands in this category. The report draws insights from a survey of 4,500 “connected consumers” across metro and non-metro cities. The report defined a connected consumer as one owning at least 3 smart devices in addition to a smartphone.

  • IMD Weather Report: Yellow alert in 18 districts of this state on November 16-17, heavy rain warning from November 22

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for 18 districts of Tamil Nadu on November 16 and 17, predicting heavy rains. The affected districts include Kanyakumari, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Ramanathapuram, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, Sivaganga, Pudukottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Cuddalore, Villupuram and Chengalpattu. According to the Meteorological Department, this rain is due to cyclonic winds in and around South Tamil Nadu.

    – Advertisement –

    Heavy rain warning from November 22

    The RMC has also warned that the northern coastal districts of the state, such as Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu and Kanchipuram, may receive heavy rains from November 22. Above normal rainfall is expected in these areas from November 22 to 28.

    Monsoon and fall in power consumption

    From October 1 to November 15, Tamil Nadu has recorded 276 mm of rainfall during the northeast monsoon, with Coimbatore recording the highest rainfall with 418 mm. The heavy rains have led to a drop in power consumption, which was earlier 380 million units per day, to 302 million units now.

    The risk of seasonal diseases increased

    At the same time, cases of viral diseases are also increasing due to heavy rains. There has been an increase in cases of fever, influenza and malaria in Chennai and surrounding districts. The health department has advised people to take precautions, especially to protect children and the elderly from infection.

    Overall, the weather is expected to worsen further in Tamil Nadu in the coming days, and the impact of the monsoon could lead to serious health problems.

    Related Articles:-

    Vande Bharat ticket cancelling Charges: How much money is deducted on cancelling a confirmed ticket of Vande Bharat train ?

    Employees Salary Hike: Govt increased the salary of these employees again after Diwali gift. Check Details

    Govt Holiday Alert! Government has declared a public holiday on November 20 in 9 districts of this state


    – Advertisement –

  • Indian student numbers in the UK drop by 20.4 percent amid financial and safety concerns: Report

    Indian students are being put off applying to UK universities, adding to their financial woes at a time when education institutions are already coping with constrained budgets, a new report into the stability of the higher education sector in England has revealed.

    Representational image. Photo courtesy: Unsplash
    Representational image. Photo courtesy: Unsplash

    Based on UK Home Office data on confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) by UK providers from 2022-23 to 2023-24, an Office for Students (OfS) analysis released on Friday, November 15, shows a 20.4 percent drop in Indian student numbers – down from 139,914 to 111,329. Indian student groups in the UK said the fall was to be expected amid limited job prospects and also safety concerns following recent anti-immigration riots in some cities.

    “There has been a considerable decline in student visa applications from prospective non-UK students in some major source countries,” notes the report by OfS, a non-departmental public body of the government’s Department for Education.

    “This data shows an 11.8 percent decline in the total number of sponsor acceptances issued to international students, as well as considerable variation for students with different nationalities, with the largest declines reported in the number of CAS issued to Indian and Nigerian students, down 28,585 (20.4 percent) and 25,897 (44.6 percent) respectively,” it said.

    It warns that universities with financial models that depend heavily on students from countries such as India, Nigeria and Bangladesh are likely to be significantly affected due to this downward trend.

    “The number of international students from certain countries that send significant numbers to study in the UK has decreased significantly,” OfS cautions.

    “By 2025-26, based on current trends and not taking into account significant mitigating action, we estimate a net income reduction for the sector of GBP 3,445 million, and, without significant mitigating actions, a sector-level deficit of minus GBP 1,636 million, with up to 72 percent of providers being in deficit, and 40 percent having low liquidity,” it adds.

    The Indian National Students’ Association (INSA) UK said it was not surprised with the significant decrease in students from India given the government’s clampdown on foreign students being allowed to bring along their dependent partners and spouses.

    “Students are not allowed to bring their partners to the UK under the new policy and given the economic conditions here and recent rioting stories, unless the government addresses this issue the outlook for UK universities is bleak as they rely heavily on Indian students,” said INSA UK President Amit Tiwari.

    Indians overtook the Chinese in recent years as the leading nationality granted study visas to the UK and are the largest cohort to access the Graduate Route post-study work visa, which was thrown into disarray due to a review which has since concluded it is here to stay.

    ALSO READ: British Indians one of the most successful groups in the UK: Report

    “Many reasons contribute to the decline in numbers, including the Conservative ban on dependents, confusion around post-study work visa, increase in skilled worker salary thresholds and an apparent lack of jobs in the UK,” said Sanam Arora, chair of the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK.

    “We discovered the scale of misinformation that continues to persist; for the first time, safety is also being raised as a concern… Universities need to ensure that they are communicating the UK offer adequately and at scale in India to address the confusions that persist,” she said.

    “Universities also need to invest significantly in their employability support in order to stay competitive and provide a wholesome, outcome-oriented offer for students,” she added.

  • FedEx ‘Effect’ Accelerates India’s Economic Growth, Emphasizes Sustainability in New Report

    FedEx Economic

    Mumbai,15th November 2024– FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) released its annual economic impact report, analyzing the company’s worldwide network and role in building prosperity in local communities during its 2024 fiscal year (FY 2024). Produced in consultation with Dun & Bradstreet (NYSE: DNB), a leading provider of business decisioning data and analytics, the study underscores the ‘FedEx Effect’—the impact FedEx has on accelerating the flow of goods and ideas that generate economic growth globally, including substantial contributions in India.

    “At FedEx, we have a vision to make supply chains smarter for everyone by leveraging advanced data and technology to better serve our customers and their customers, thereby extending our reach and impact,” said Raj Subramaniam, president and CEO, FedEx Corporation. “The ‘FedEx Effect’ represents our relentless commitment to excellence, economic growth, and the communities where we live and work.”

    The report highlights FedEx’s role in strengthening India’s logistics infrastructure and promoting seamless global trade. FedEx directly contributed 0.1% to net economic output in the Transportation, Storage, and Communications sector in the region. In addition, FedEx indirectly contributed an estimated USD 280 million to the region’s overall economy in FY 2024. Key investments included modernizing the gateway facility at the New Delhi Cargo Complex, which enhanced export capabilities and reduced transit times for Indian exporters, helping them reach global markets in just two to three days. FedEx introduced the FedEx Import Tool (FiT), a centralized digital platform that streamlines document management and customs clearance, empowering Indian businesses with more efficient import processes. FedEx further demonstrated its commitment to innovation by investing USD10 million in Centers of Excellence at IIT Bombay and IIT Madras, utilizing India’s technological expertise to build smarter, more resilient supply chains.

    “At FedEx, we’re proud to be part of India’s aspiration to lead on the global stage,” said Kami Viswanathan, regional president, FedEx MEISA. “Whether it’s helping businesses diversify into emerging technologies, supporting India’s dynamic youth, or connecting the country’s digital innovations to the world. Through sustainable solutions and our enhanced infrastructure, we are committed to contributing to both India’s economic and environmental progress.”

    FedEx is actively supporting the Government of India’s sustainability goals through partnerships that foster positive change in communities. Through support of the World Resources Institute (WRI) and its Mobility and Access Program (MAP), FedEx is helping public transportation systems in India become more efficient, safer, and more sustainable—aligning with the country’s goal of deploying 50,000 electric buses by 2027.

    Additionally, by donating electric vehicles to the Akshaya Patra Foundation, FedEx helps the NGO save on fuel costs, allowing them to provide meals to 550,000 additional children throughout the academic year. FedEx also promotes circularity by upcycling old uniforms into school bags for underserved communities.

    Globally, in FY2024, FedEx contributed over USD 85 billion in direct economic impact and its indirect contributions to total worldwide net economic output reached an estimated $39 billion. FedEx contributions accounted for approximately 0.9% of overall net economic output in the Transportation, Storage, and Communications sector, as defined by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). These contributions demonstrate the company’s broad-reaching impact across various sectors, creating value and fostering growth around the world.


    Joseph Andrew

  • Demat accounts in India reach 179 million in October: Report

    Demat accounts rise to 171 million in August, up 4 million

    Demat accounts in India reach 179 million in October: ReportIANS

    As Indian stock markets continue to outperform compared to a global market, the number of total demat accounts increased to 179 million in October, from 175 million in September, a report showed on Monday.

    The Motilal Oswal Financial Services report, however, also said the new account additions declined to 3.5 million in October, with average monthly additions of 3.9 million in the current fiscal to date. It is the first time in the last four months when demat addition is below 4 million.

    The number of active clients on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) increased 2.4 per cent (month-on-month) to 48.9 million in October.

    As per the report, CDSL continued to gain market share in terms of the total number of demat accounts as well as incremental demat accounts in October.

    personal finance trading demat nsdl csdl trading shares bse nse sensex nifty closing price index gains losses retail investors numbers results bse nse

    The number of active clients on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) increased 2.4 per cent (month-on-month) to 48.9 million in OctoberReuters file

    On a YoY basis, NSDL lost 400bp/210bp market share in total/incremental demat accounts.

    Currently, the top five discount brokers account for 64.5 per cent of the total NSE active clients vs 61.4 per cent in October 2023. Online brokerage firm Zerodha reported a 1.2 per cent MoM increase in its client counts to 8.1 million, with a 0.15 per cent fall in the market share to 16.5 per cent. Groww reported a 2.8 per cent MoM increase in its client count to 12.6 million, with a 0.20 rise in the market share to 25.8 per cent. Angel One reported a 2.4 per cent MoM increase in its client count to 7.5 million, with a consistent market share of 15.4 per cent. Upstox reported a 1.4 per cent MoM increase in its client count to 2.9 million, with a 0.05 per cent fall in the market share to 5.8 per cent.

    Traditional brokers like ICICI Securities reported a 0.7 per cent MoM increase in its client count to 1.9 million, with a consistent market share of 4 per cent. Kotak Securities reported a 2.8 per cent MoM increase in its client count to 1.5 million, with a consistent market share of 3 per cent. HDFC Securities reported a 3.2 per cent MoM increase in its client count to 1.3 million, with a consistent market share of 2.7 per cent.

    (With inputs from IANS)

     

  • Rural consumption of FMCG goods surged 60 pc over last 2 years: Report

    Rural consumption of FMCG goods surged 60 pc over last 2 years: Report

    IANS

    There has been a 60 per cent rise in the average FMCG basket size among India’s rural consumers in the last two years, driven by a growing preference for convenience products, according to the latest Group M and Kantar report released on Monday.

    “Rural India has seen a marked increase in the average basket size from 5.88 in 2022 to 9.3 in 2024, driven by higher consumption in convenience categories like RTE, beverages etc,” the report states.

    This reflects the evolving lifestyle and rising purchasing power in rural areas.

    Regional variations exist, with states like Jammu & Kashmir (39 per cent), Maharashtra (41 per cent), and Odisha (26 per cent) showing moderate growth in the FMCG basket despite lower financial worries. This positive trend in the expansion of the FMCG category basket is accompanied by growing rural incomes and a diversity of income sources including salaried income, the 2024 Rural Barometer report states.

    Market

    IANS

    The report highlights a significant divide between rural individuals with only agricultural income, who make up 19 per cent of the population compared to those with diverse income sources, comprising the balance 81 per cent. Those relying solely on agricultural income face higher financial concerns, affecting 82 per cent of these, while those who have diverse income sources demonstrate less stress and enjoy larger basket sizes, the report says.

    In terms of media consumption, rural India is increasingly adopting a hybrid model that combines traditional and digital media, with 47 per cent of the population engaging in this trend.

    This shift is more pronounced in regions with better digital infrastructure. However, states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh remain less digitally connected, necessitating targeted media strategies, the report adds.

    Ajay Mehta, Managing Director, GroupM OOH Solutions in India, said: “The rural landscape is no longer just a geographical space; it’s a digital frontier ripe with opportunities. As rural consumers embrace online platforms.”

    As rural India continues to evolve, digital platforms are playing an increasingly vital role in reaching and engaging consumers. From payments and e-commerce to gaming and lifestyle content, the digital landscape is expanding rapidly. While traditional media remains influential, a hybrid approach that leverages both online and offline channels is key to effectively connecting with rural audiences. By understanding the evolving needs and preferences of rural consumers, brands can capitalise on the immense growth potential of this market, the report points out.

    Rural consumers are increasingly drawn to lifestyle-focused content such as fashion, health, and travel, reflecting a growing interest in topics that enhance their daily lives and align with their aspirations, the report adds. Additionally, the report underscores a significant shift in rural India towards digital payments, which now reaches 42 per cent of active internet users and e-commerce, representing 23 per cent of active internet users This shift reflects growing financial and digital inclusion in Rural India.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • India leads global AI adoption, 30pc firms maximising AI value: Report

    Artificial intelligence (AI)

    India leads global AI adoption with 30pc companies maximising AI valueIAN

    India leads Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption with 30 per cent of companies in the country having maximised AI’s value potential — surpassing the global average of 26 per cent, according to a report.

    The report from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) showed that Indian companies prioritise fewer, high-impact AI initiatives, scaling these efforts 1.7 times more effectively than others. These companies achieved a remarkable 2.1x Return on Investment (ROI) compared to global peers.

    With 100 per cent of companies actively experimenting with AI, India stands out for its readiness to harness AI’s potential, revealed the report based on a comprehensive survey of 1,000 CxOs and senior executives from over 20 sectors, spanning 59 countries in Asia, Europe, and North America, and covering ten major industries.

    The report showed that even with the widespread implementation of AI programmes across industries, only 26 per cent of companies globally developed the necessary set of capabilities to move beyond proofs of concept and generate tangible value.

    Artificial Intelligence

    With 100 per cent of companies actively experimenting with AI, India stands out for its readiness to harness AI’s potentialPublic Domain Pictures

    “India’s swift adoption of AI is redefining its competitive edge globally, with 30 per cent of Indian companies having maximised AI’s value potential – – surpassing the global average of 26 per cent,” said Saibal Chakraborty, India Leader, Technology and Digital Advantage Practice, BCG.

    Chakraborty noted that the “maturity of India’s AI leaders spans both traditional and digital sectors”. This signals “a broad-based adoption that drives value beyond typical tech-driven industries”.

    “As India’s AI leaders go beyond productivity to reshape and invent new business models, India is poised to lead not only in AI adoption but in generating substantial, and measurable value,” Chakraborty added.

    The report said that just 4 per cent of companies have developed cutting-edge AI capabilities across functions and consistently generate significant value. About 22 per cent have implemented an AI strategy, built advanced capabilities, and are beginning to realise substantial gains, the report said. However, 74 per cent of companies are yet to show tangible value from their use of AI, it noted.

    (With inputs from IANS)

     

  • Over 3 in 10 Indian buyers looking for ultra-luxury homes: Report

    5 year-old Indian kid falls to death from Dubai high-rise.(REPRESENTATIONAL PHOTO /FACEBOOK)

    Over 3 in 10 Indian buyers looking for ultra-luxury homes: ReportIANS

    More than three in 10 (35 per cent) Indian property buyers are now interested in luxury and ultra-luxury homes, nearly double the 18 per cent recorded in the previous quarter (Q2), according to a report on Thursday, as disposable incomes rise amid overall economic growth.

    This notable shift reflects growing confidence in the luxury housing market, according to the survey by real estate platform Magicbricks.

    The findings showed that 25.5 per cent of prospective buyers are considering properties priced above Rs 1 crore, with significant interest in the Rs 3.5–Rs 5 crore segment.

    The survey also underscores a strong preference for larger living spaces.

    Around 45 per cent of respondents are seeking homes above 2,000 square feet, driven by post-Covid lifestyle changes and rising disposable incomes.

    Additionally, 56 per cent of buyers favour configurations of 3BHK or larger, emphasizing a demand for more spacious and functional homes.

    “These insights underline a dynamic shift in consumer preferences, reinforcing the luxury segment’s prominence in India’s real estate landscape,” said the report.

    Meanwhile, a majority of homebuyers in India expects property prices to rise by 6-15 per cent over the next 12 months, citing capital appreciation and rental yields as key motivators.

    OYO founder Ritesh Agarwal's father falls to death from Gurugram high-rise

    Survey also underscores a strong preference for larger living spaceIANS

    Those with annual household incomes between Rs 20 lakh-Rs 30 lakh are showing strongest preference for purchasing homes, signalling rising aspirations within the middle-income segment. These buyers are mainly considering investments in the Rs 75 lakh to Rs 1 crore range, according to a recent report by Magicbricks.

    About 35 per cent view return on investment (ROI) through property appreciation as their primary reason for buying, while 22 per cent are motivated by rising rental yields. Notably, most homebuyers did not see inflation as a deterrent in their purchasing decisions.

    For households with an annual income exceeding Rs 1 crore, the preferred budget is typically between Rs 3.5-Rs 5 crore. More Indians are now opting for “lifestyle residences” and real estate remains the most preferred asset class for investment, especially premium properties.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • India’s smaller cities drive online sales during festive season: Report

    E-Commerce

    India’s smaller cities drive online sales during festive season: ReportIANS

    There has been a 49 per cent surge in online sales during the festive season this year driven mainly by purchases from smaller cities (Tier-II and Tier-III) in the country, which account for over 60 per cent of sales, according to a report compiled by logistics intelligence platform ClickPost.

    The high growth comes on top of a 39 per cent growth in sales recorded in 2023 which reflects the growing personal consumption that is driving India’s economic growth.

    The ClickPost report analysed data from 61 million shipments across six major categories — cosmetics, electronics, fashion, furniture, home decor, and jewellery — for September, October, and November in both 2023 and 2024.

    According to the report, with 85 per cent of Amazon’s shoppers in the Great Indian Festival coming from non-metro areas, direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands are capturing a larger share of the metro market than large marketplaces.

    online shopping

    Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) rose by 23 per cent in the run-up to Diwalionline shopping

    This increase was driven by efforts to connect more Indians to digital marketplaces, including improved internet access, targeted promotions, and a significant rise in participation from Gen Z and women shoppers.

    Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) rose by 23 per cent in the run-up to Diwali, with the biggest gains in electronics, fashion, and home decor. Electronics had an average order value (AOV) of Rs 38,000, driven by personal tech and smart home gadgets. Festive apparel lifted the AOV to Rs 4,000 in the fashion category, while in home decor, an AOV of around Rs 7,900 reflected a push for better, longer-lasting purchases. Promotional offers such as cashbacks and no-cost Equated Monthly Instalment (EMI) options also fuelled the rise in sales, according to the report.

    Japanese brokerage firm Nomura also stated in a report that rural areas and smaller cities (Tier-II and Tier-III) maintained steady demand during the festive season showing a higher growth than metropolitan areas in festive consumption across India.

     (With inputs from IANS)

     

  • Elon Musk lays off more employees from X: Report

    Population collapse is accelerating: Elon Musk

    Elon Musk lays off more employees from X: ReportIANS

    Elon Musk, who is busy promoting Donald Trump for the keenly-watched US presidential election on November 5, has reportedly laid off more employees from his X social media platform.

    According to a report in The Verge, a new wave of layoffs has hit X, primarily affecting its engineering department, citing sources inside X and posts on the workplace forum Blind.

    “The exact scale of the job cuts remains unknown. These cuts come just two months after staffers were required to submit a one-page summary telling leadership their contributions to the company,” the report claimed.

    Must or X were yet to comment on the report.

    Recently, the tech billionaire had reportedly sent an email to X staff about their much-anticipated stock grants — although with a catch.

    Fidelity reduces value of Musk's X by 79 pc, platform likely worth $9.4 bn

    Musk bought X (then called Twitter) in 2022IANS

    In an email to staff seen by The Verge, the social media paltform planned to award stock options based on the anticipated impact of employees.

    “That means staff have to submit a one-page summary telling leadership their contributions to the company in order to get their stock,” said the report.

    Keeping in mind how the company has continued to struggle under Musk’s ownership, employees have been bracing for more layoffs.

    Musk bought X (then called Twitter) in 2022 and laid off more than 6,000 employees- roughly 80 per cent of the company’s staff.

    The workforce was forced to justify their roles and even judge whether their own colleagues should be retained.

    The job cuts affected departments like diversity and inclusion teams as well as product development and design. Even, Twitter’s content moderation team was not spared.

    In January this year, X reportedly fired 1,000 employees from its ‘safety’ staff which was responsible for stopping abusive content online. Out of these 80 per cent were software engineers that were focused on “trust and safety issues”.

    (With inputs from IANS)