Silhouette of mobile user is seen next to a screen projection of Youtube logo in this picture illustrationReuters
Some YouTube users in India reportedly experienced trouble uploading videos on the app and website of the Google-owned platform on Monday.
This comes after a major global outage of Microsoft and its services on Friday, following a Crowdstrike application update.
According to the DownDetector app, YouTube faced issues since 1.30 p.m. on Monday.
While 43 per cent of users reported an issue with the app, 33 per cent faced trouble uploading the video. About 23 per cent also had issues with the YouTube website.
People are silhouetted as they pose with mobile devices in front of a screen projected with a Youtube logo, in this picture illustrationREUTERS/Dado Ruvic
YouTube has yet to make an official statement on the issue.
While many netizens took to X.com to report the matter “#youtube is down. It’s not uploading videos,” said a user. “YouTube is Down … uploaded videos are not showing in the feed,” said another. Meanwhile, some users also made humorous comments on it. “Youtube uploads down. Is that Microsoft behind?” said one user on X.com
The business-to-business software-as-a-service (B2B SaaS) market is more challenging than ever, and companies must deal with it with resilience and strategic agility. Prateek Panda, a leader in the industry, shares his insights on how the key to weathering these storms lies not in the marketing budget size but in the foundational strategy’s efficiency and strength.
Panda’s extensive background as a founder, advisor, and marketing leader is rooted in B2B SaaS marketing. He founded The TechPanda, a digital media publication covering startups and venture capital in India, which was later acquired.
He also co-founded Appknox, a security solution that helps companies secure their mobile apps worldwide. Over the past several years, Panda has led marketing efforts for high-tech startups. His blend of hands-on leadership and track record of driving business growth positions him as a valuable resource for companies navigating the complexities of the current environment.
Establishing a Robust Foundation
A product’s value proposition must shine in challenging markets to address the specific pain points or needs of target audiences. The essence of this feat is to demonstrate unequivocally how SaaS solutions can make a difference for customers facing their own challenges.
Panda recommends deeply understanding the market and its problems by conducting customer interviews, analyzing market trends, and gathering feedback to refine positioning. “Companies must aim to create a value proposition that strongly resonates,” he states.
For Panda, companies navigate by setting realistic goals as their guiding stars. These goals must align with the current state of the market and the brand’s capabilities. They should be ambitious enough to drive growth but attainable enough to keep the team motivated and focused.
Breaking down overarching objectives into specific, measurable targets also helps. Whether it’s a certain number of new customers, a target revenue figure, or a desired level of engagement, having clear goals provides a roadmap for marketing efforts. Remember, it’s better to set achievable goals and overperform in tough times than to aim too high and fall short.
Companies should regularly check metrics and KPIs to ensure the results are on track and adjust strategy if necessary. To monitor progress, they should use tools like marketing analytics platforms, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and project management software.
Set up regular reporting and review sessions to keep teams aligned and accountable. By consistently measuring performance, companies can make data-driven decisions and adapt quickly to changing market conditions.
Cost-Effective Marketing Strategies
High-value content is the currency of credibility for all industries. Brands can establish themselves as authorities by prioritizing thought leadership. Panda cites HubSpot, a company that built a strong brand presence through its inbound marketing blog and educational resources.
“It’s obvious that the brand (HubSpot) wants to provide valuable content to its target audience,” he explains. “This enables it to attract and engage potential customers, even during economic downturns.”
Social media platforms also provide a cost-effective way to reach and engage target audiences. Being active and strategic on the platforms where potential customers congregate can maximize impact with minimal expenditure.
Furthermore, companies should not take search engine optimization (SEO) for granted since this is a long-term investment that can pay significant dividends. Optimizing websites and content for relevant keywords can attract organic traffic and build brand visibility over time.
For Panda, partnering with complementary businesses can also be a powerful way to expand reach and build credibility. This can be done by collaborating on content, events, or product integrations.
A Culture of Innovation and Experimentation
Keeping marketing fresh and agile is a non-negotiable for companies. Implementing a quarterly innovation cycle to test new ideas and strategies can help brands stay ahead of the curve and identify new growth opportunities. These experiments could be as simple as testing a new email subject line, piloting a new content format, or experimenting with a new social media channel.
While being pragmatic in tough times is essential, keeping sight of the big picture is equally crucial. According to Panda, encouraging the team to think big considering the “moonshots” that could significantly transform businesses can lead to breakthroughs.
A compelling example is Canva’s “What Will You Design Today?” campaign, which showcased top brands using Canva templates to create incredible designs. The campaign aimed to champion Canva users from small and large businesses and unite them to forward their mission through beautiful design.
Strategic Sales and Marketing Alignment
Sales, marketing, and product teams must also be aligned and working towards common goals. Panda cites the importance of a unified go-to-market strategy in ensuring everyone is rowing in the same direction, maximizing the impact of collective efforts.
Sales and marketing should agree on what constitutes a qualified lead, what the handoff process looks like, and how success will be measured. Cross-functional meetings and open communication channels help ensure everyone stays on the same page.
Acquiring new customers in a challenging market requires a strategic and creative approach. “Tactics like free trials, freemium models, and consultative selling can effectively lower barriers to entry and demonstrate value to potential buyers,” he shares.
It’s not enough to get potential customers in the door companies need to wow them with an exceptional product experience. Designing an engaging demo or trial that showcases the product’s value and ease of use can be the difference between a prospect and a paying customer.
Finally, consider the product onboarding flow. Is it intuitive and user-friendly? Does it quickly demonstrate the key benefits and use cases? Tools like in-app guides and video tutorials can facilitate a smooth and impressive introduction to offers.
Building Resilience Through Strategy
Dealing with a challenging market is undoubtedly demanding, but it’s also an opportunity for growth and learning. Great minds like Panda attribute success to a marketing strategy focused on efficiency and customer value. Through this, B2B SaaS companies can weather the storm and come out stronger on the other side.
The key is to stay agile and data-driven. “Remember, companies that succeed in tough times can innovate under pressure and find creative solutions to their customers most pressing challenges,” Panda reminds us.
He encourages B2B SaaS companies to embrace these challenges and learn from successes and failures. When economic winds are against companies, their well-defined compass allows them to steer with precision to emerge even stronger.
In an era where technology permeates every aspect of our lives, the role of tech giants such as Google, Facebook (Meta), Amazon, and Microsoft has become both indispensable and contentious. These companies wield unprecedented power, shaping public discourse, influencing economies, and affecting the democratic processes of nations. However, with great power comes great responsibility, and it is time we critically examine the accountability of these corporations and their implications for society.
The Rise of Tech Giants: A Double-Edged Sword
The meteoric rise of tech giants has transformed the global economy. Collectively valued at over $8 trillion, these companies have revolutionized industries, created jobs, and provided services that many consider essential. For instance, as of 2023, Apple became the first company to reach a market valuation of $3 trillion, while Microsoft and Amazon consistently hover above the $1 trillion mark. Yet, this dominance raises critical questions about market competition, consumer choice, and ethical responsibility.
The concentration of market power among a few tech companies has led to concerns about monopolistic practices. According to a 2020 report by the House Judiciary Committee, companies like Amazon, Apple, Google, and Facebook have significant control over their respective markets, limiting competition and innovation. This monopolistic behavior stifles smaller competitors and leads to higher prices and fewer choices for consumers. For example, Google and Facebook control over 60% of the global digital advertising market, which limits opportunities for smaller players and raises costs for advertisers, ultimately impacting consumers. As Gregory F. Treverton, a senior fellow at the Global TechnoPolitics Forum, noted, “The emergence of tech giants has blurred the lines between political and commercial realms, creating a new landscape where accountability is paramount.”
The Need for Accountability Laws
As tech giants accumulate vast amounts of user data, their ethical responsibilities regarding data privacy and security have come to the forefront. High-profile data breaches, such as the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica scandal, have highlighted the potential for misuse of personal information. A 2022 Pew Research Center survey found that 79% of Americans are concerned about how companies use their data, underscoring the urgent need for transparency and accountability in data handling.
Regulatory bodies are struggling to keep pace with the rapid evolution of technology and the complex nature of data collection and usage practices. Legislative frameworks can serve as powerful tools for accountability, but they must be carefully crafted to avoid unintended consequences. While laws can incentivize compliance, they can also be misused to suppress dissent or violate privacy rights. The European Union’s Digital Markets Act, for example, aims to enhance competition in the digital sector by mandating significant tech firms to revamp certain aspects of their products to facilitate smaller competitors’ access to their user base. As Professor Shunyu Wang states, “Governments must strengthen their oversight of technology firms to ensure they contribute positively to the sustainable development of global society.”
The Importance of Non-Unified Systems and Data Localization
The influence of tech giants extends beyond individual countries, making global accountability a critical issue. Reputational risks can incentivize digital platforms to act differently in various contexts, but the transparency surrounding their practices is often inadequate. Countries like India, Brazil, and Vietnam are beginning to implement regulations aimed at curbing unethical practices, yet the effectiveness of these measures remains in question.
The importance of data sovereignty has been underscored by recent global disruptions. Countries are increasingly recognizing the need for data localization—requiring that data be stored within national borders to protect national interests and enhance security. For example, India’s Competition Commission has been investigating tech giants to ensure compliance with local data protection laws, emphasizing the need for these companies to adapt their practices to the local context. This shift promotes self-reliance in technology and mitigates risks associated with foreign dependency. As noted in a recent article, “Big Tech firms have become indispensable for the reconstruction of economic and social order, yet their influence must be balanced with national interests.”
Ethical Responsibilities: Beyond Profit
As tech giants continue to shape public discourse, their ethical responsibilities have come under scrutiny. Their platforms can amplify misinformation and influence elections, as seen during the 2016 U.S. presidential election. The algorithms that curate content can create echo chambers, reinforcing existing beliefs and polarizing public opinion. This raises critical questions about the responsibility of tech companies to regulate content and prevent the spread of harmful misinformation.
MicrosoftIANS
Moreover, the expectation for tech giants to adopt corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices is growing. Companies like Microsoft and Google have begun to implement ethical frameworks guiding their operations. Microsoft’s AI Principles emphasize fairness, reliability, and transparency in AI development, while Google focuses on socially beneficial applications. Such initiatives reflect a growing recognition of the need for ethical considerations in technology development. As Salomon Kisters, a tech ethics expert, states, “The immense power held by tech giants raises concerns about their influence on political and social issues. If not wielded responsibly, this power can undermine democratic processes.”
The Need for Techassurance
The rapid advancement of technology has created a skills gap in the workforce. A report by the World Economic Forum predicts that by 2025, 85 million jobs may be displaced by automation, while 97 million new roles may emerge. This shift necessitates a focus on reskilling and upskilling workers to meet the demands of a changing job market.
Partnerships between tech giants and educational institutions can help bridge this skills gap. Initiatives like Google’s Career Certificates program provide training in high-demand fields, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills needed for the future. However, these partnerships must prioritize inclusivity to ensure that all students, regardless of background, have access to these opportunities. As Eric Schmidt, former chairman of Google, emphasized, “We must ensure that our workforce is prepared for the jobs of the future, which increasingly rely on technology and digital skills.”
Business Implications: A Balancing Act
The practices of tech giants have significant implications for businesses across various sectors. Many companies rely on platforms like Google and Facebook for advertising and customer engagement. However, this dependency can lead to vulnerabilities, as changes in algorithms or policies can significantly impact visibility and revenue. For instance, Facebook’s algorithm changes in 2020 led to a 30% drop in organic reach for many businesses, prompting calls for greater transparency in platform operations.
Furthermore, the dominance of tech giants can stifle innovation among smaller competitors. Startups often struggle to compete with the resources and market reach of established companies. The acquisition of potential competitors by tech giants further consolidates their market power, limiting competition and hindering innovation. As noted by the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence (NSCAI), “For the first time since World War II, America’s technological predominance is under threat, and we must act to protect our innovation ecosystem.”
The Way Ahead
As we stand at the intersection of technology and society, the imperative for accountability among tech giants has never been clearer. It is crucial for stakeholders—governments, businesses, and civil society—to engage in constructive dialogue and develop frameworks that promote ethical practices, competition, and innovation.
The future of technology depends on finding the right balance between fostering innovation and ensuring that the interests of society are prioritized. By addressing these challenges collaboratively, we can create a more equitable and sustainable digital future that benefits all stakeholders. The time for action is now; we must hold tech giants accountable for their role in shaping our world.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author only
Major General Dr Dilawar Singh is an Indian Army veteran who has led the Indian Army’s Financial Management, training and research divisions introducing numerous initiatives therein. He is the Senior Vice President of the Global Economist Forum AO ECOSOC, United Nations and The Co President of the Global Development Bank. He is passionate for advocacy for Fintech incorporation for enhancement of financial transparency, efficiency of finmanagement and societal inclusive banking.
Microsoft Teams suffers mega outage, company says fixingIANS
As millions of Windows computers were left crippled for hours, disrupting the services of airlines, banks, hospitals and stock exchanges worldwide, cyber-security platform CrowdStrike on Saturday tried to explain what actually went wrong at their end.
According to the company which provides third-party security updates to the Satya Nadella-run tech giant, on July 19, at 9.30 a.m. (India time), it released a sensor configuration update to Windows systems.
Sensor configuration updates are an ongoing part of the protection mechanisms of the Falcon platform.
“This configuration update triggered a logic error resulting in a system crash and blue screen (BSOD) on impacted systems,” said CrowdStrike.
Microsoft outrageIANS
In a technical blog, the company said the sensor configuration update that caused the system crash was remediated at around 10.57 a.m.
“This issue is not the result of or related to a cyberattack,” it said.
Millions of customers running Falcon sensor for Windows version 7.11 and above that were online were impacted.
“Systems running Falcon sensor for Windows 7.11 and above that downloaded the updated configuration from 9.30 a.m. to 10.57 a.m. — were susceptible to a system crash,” the company said.
According to it, this is not a new process and the architecture has been in place since Falcon’s inception.
The update that occurred at 9.30 a.m. was designed to target newly observed, malicious named pipes being used by common C2 frameworks in cyberattacks.
The configuration update triggered a logic error that resulted in an operating system crash.
“CrowdStrike has corrected the logic error by updating the content in Channel File 291. No additional changes to Channel File 291 beyond the updated logic will be deployed. Falcon is still evaluating and protecting against the abuse of named pipes,” the company explained.
Systems that are not currently impacted will continue to operate as expected, continue to provide protection, and have no risk of experiencing this event in the future.
“We understand how this issue occurred and we are doing a thorough root cause analysis to determine how this logic flaw occurred. This effort will be ongoing,” said CrowdStrike.
Microsoft Teams suffers mega outage, company says fixingIANS
Hitting hard at Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella, tech billionaire Elon Musk has said that the mega Windows outage “gave a seizure to the automotive supply chain”.
Although systems at his companies Tesla, SpaceX and X social media platform were working, several of Tesla’s suppliers were badly hit by the Crowdstrike-Microsoft outage.
“We just deleted Crowdstrike from all our systems, so no rollouts at all,” said Musk.
Musk on microsoft outrageIANS
“Unfortunately, many of our suppliers and logistics companies use it,” he added.
In the latest update, CrowdStrike said it is actively working with customers impacted by a defect found in a single content update for Windows hosts.
“As CrowdStrike continues to work with customers and partners to resolve this incident, our team has written a technical overview of today’s events. We will continue to update our findings as the investigation progresses,” George Kurtz, President and CEO of CrowdStrike, said on X on Saturday.
The global outage of the US tech giant Microsoft affected millions of users across the world, including in India, where airlines and airport services were majorly hit.
Millions of Microsoft Windows users experienced the ” error that caused their computers to shut down or restart.
India’s leading cryptocurrency exchange WazirX on Thursday said it has suffered a massive data security breach, resulting in the alleged transfer of about $234 million worth of digital assets to a different address, as crypto exchanges continue to face the regulatory heat.
The crypto platform confirmed the security breach on social media platform X and has temporarily paused customer withdrawals from the exchange.
“We’re aware that one of our multi-sig wallets has experienced a security breach. Our team is actively investigating the incident. To ensure the safety of your assets, INR and crypto withdrawals will be temporarily paused,” said the company.
A multisig wallet is a crypto wallet that requires two or more private keys to unlock and withdraw funds.
In another X post, the company acknowledged a cyber attack occurred in “one of our multisig wallets involving a loss of funds exceeding $230 million”. This wallet was operated utilizing the services of Liminal’s digital asset custody and wallet infrastructure from February 2023.
According to WazirX, the cyber attack stemmed from a discrepancy between the data displayed on Liminal’s interface and the transaction’s actual contents.
Last December, the crypto exchange WazirX saw its trading volume nosedive to $1 billion in 2023 — a massive 90 per cent drop from 2022 — amid regulatory pressure from the government and a heavy crypto tax regime. In 2022, the Indian government introduced a 30 per cent tax on virtual currencies and a 1 per cent deduction for every crypto transaction. In the same year, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigated several cases under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) and the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) related to cryptocurrencies.
WazirX’s accounts worth Rs 64.67 crore were frozen in August 2022 after the ED launched a money laundering investigation into the crypto exchange’s alleged role in assisting 16 Indian fintech firms and loan apps by transferring money for them to unknown foreign wallets, according to reports. The ED later lifted the ban on WazirX accessing its bank accounts, allowing the crypto exchange to resume its banking operations.
From daily office management services to flights to supermarkets to banking operations, the global Microsoft outage is disrupting multiple sectors and threatens to lead to massive issues if it is not resolved soon.
Both the US and India reported flights being grounded and airlines facing massive disruption in their services. Almost all Indian air carriers — Vistara, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Akasa Air — are facing technical issues that are affecting booking, check-in and flight updates.
Now, these airlines are checking in passengers manually.
Global Outage Hits
Windows 10 users worldwide are experiencing massive outages following a new CrowdStrike update that causes PCs to get stuck on the recovery screen. The issue has severely impacted operations in airports, companies, banks, and government offices globally.
Social media is flooded with images of screens frozen on the recovery page, displaying the message, “It looks like Windows didn’t load correctly. If you’d like to restart and try again, choose Restart my PC below.”
CrowdStrike has acknowledged the problem in a recent support page update, attributing the crashes to issues with the Falcon sensor. “CrowdStrike is aware of reports of crashes on Windows hosts related to the Falcon Sensor. Symptoms include hosts experiencing a bugcheck/blue screen error related to the Falcon Sensor. Our Engineering teams are actively working to resolve this issue and there is no need to open a support ticket,” the company stated.
Bill Gates Visits Microsoft India Development CentreIANS
Reports from around the globe indicate that the blue screen issue is widespread and not confined to any specific region. Airports in Mumbai and Delhi have reported significant disruptions due to the global outage.
Social Media Outburst
One user on X (formerly Twitter) highlighted the widespread nature of the issue, posting, “Something super weird happening right now: just been called by several totally different media outlets in the last few minutes, all with Windows machines suddenly BSoD’ing (Blue Screen of Death). Anyone else seen this?”
Another user from shared on Reddit, “Malaysia here, 70% of our laptops are down and stuck in boot. HQ from Japan ordered a company-wide shutdown. Someone’s getting fireblasted for this!”
In the midst of the chaos, some users are finding temporary fixes. A Reddit user suggested, “Update: Can confirm the below stops the BSOD Loop. Go into CMD from recovery options, change to C:WindowsSystem32Drivers, rename Crowdstrike to Crowdstrike_Fucked, and start Windows. It’s not great but at least that means we can get some Windows back.”
The incident highlights the significant impact of software updates on global IT infrastructure and the urgency for swift resolutions in such scenarios.
The Centre on Friday issued an advisory on the outage of Microsoft Windows owing to CrowdStrike agent ‘Falcon Sensor’ update.
Union Minister for Railways, I&B, Electronics & IT Ashwini Vaishnaw informed about the advisory on X social media platform, saying “CERT-In advisory on the outage of Microsoft”.
The CERT-In said it has been reported that Windows hosts related to Crowd strike agent “Falcon Sensor” are facing outages and getting crashed due to a recent update received in the product.
IANS
The concerned Windows hosts are experiencing a “Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)” related to Falcon Sensor.
“The issues occurred in the latest update of CrowdStrike and the changes have been reverted by the CrowdStrike Team,” said the cyber security agency, suggesting steps for customers to mitigate the issue.
Meanwhile, former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar told IANS that he hopes Microsoft will restore its services soon. “Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Suite are used by millions of Indians. Any disruption on this platform disrupts the business and operations of many companies. The government will work with Microsoft to ensure that services are restored as soon as possible,” he said.
A massive Microsoft outage disrupted flights, banking and other institutions today with airlines like Indigo and SpiceJet issuing statements.
Windows laptops also reportedly have crashed for many users in India. Users reported seeing the Blue Screen of Death error messages across different regions worldwide and in India.
As many Microsoft Windows users are facing the Blue Screen of Death, many reports have flooded social media to report the issue. Many users in India have also reported an outage in Microsoft services on Downdetector. Thousands of reports spread across Microsoft products ranging from Teams, Azure, Store have been reported on Downdetector.
What has caused the widespread Microsoft outage?
MicrosoftIANS
While the exact cause is currently unconfirmed, “cybersecurity software firm Crowdstrike has reported blue screens of death and has said that the cause is currently under investigation.” Microsoft has stated that it is taking mitigation action.
What is the impact of the Microsoft outage?
Several large multinational companies and IT services in India are reporting this problem across facilities. It has been reported that computer users across their networks are witnessing the problem. “The problem seems to be confined to Windows-based desktop and laptops.”
Globally, various sectors have also experienced the impact, including the London Stock Exchange and 911 services in the USA.
The Microsoft Cloud outage has resulted in many flight cancellations and delays across India. Spicejet’s statement said “A global technical outage has affected the aviation industry. SpiceJet is ensuring that all its flights scheduled for today will depart. We are working closely with airports and relevant authorities to minimize disruptions and ensure the safety and comfort of our passengers. We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time.”
More information as to the cause of this massive outage and further developments are awaited.
How CEO Kalyan Krishnamurthy balances e-commerce market with welfare and nation-buildingIBT Creative
Kalyan Krishnamurthy’s tenure as CEO of Flipkart has not only marked a period of significant growth for the company but also earned him the prestigious IBT CEO award. This accolade sets the context for exploring how Flipkart, under Krishnamurthy’s leadership, is revolutionizing the e-commerce segment while balancing community-building and profitability.
In 2007, India’s virtual landscape was vastly different. Sure, Google existed, but nothing like how it does today. High-speed internet, 4G, and unlimited data were terms yet to debut in the public sphere and online shopping was frowned upon. The idea of online shopping met not just with ardent criticism, but a very generous dose of pessimism. Who’s going to buy online when people can just walk into a store, see live demonstrations, and experience things before deciding to spend?
This was not going to work in India, after all, they are people with the famous Indian penchant for ‘touching and feeling things’ before buying them. But shrugging off sarcasm, laughs and raised brows, founders Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal went ahead and launched Flipkart in 2007. An e-commerce website today headquartered in Bengaluru has stupendous success, a steep rise and a successful business model to look back on.
Kalyan Krishnamurthy takes over as CEO
It is not easy taking over the reins of a company that boasts over 100 million registered users, 100+ thousand sellers, and over 21+ state-of-the-art warehouses. It also boasts about 10+ million daily page visits and over 8 million shipments per month. These incredible numbers that would have been unimaginable back in the day.
However, when Kalyan Krishnamurthy took over as the group CEO in 2017, the online space had already become unrecognisably competitive. Responsible for driving growth and operations across the country, he further propelled the company by focusing on the consumer shopping experience, ad retail, voice assistants and regional language interfaces. Sensing the need to constantly innovate, he expanded the company into significant new categories like grocery and fintech.
By 2022, Flipkart clearly had transformed into a company that was not merely looking at just being a retail giant delivering everything from laptops to shoe laces. By 2022, Cleartrip was acquired and Shopsy was launched, along with Flipkart Health+. While eKart and Jeeves go B2B, Flipkart Foundation also was launched, apart from Green e-store and Samarth Krishi.
Shopsy is a zero commission pan India marketplace with 1300+ categories of products and Flipkart Health+ offers genuine, reliable medicines and healthcare products in sync with the needs of the times. The company is clearly eyeing a bigger piece of the pie, with eyes on the bigger picture.
Nation building, a role starkly missing from other e-commerce giants in the market, is a part of the company’s integral portfolio.
Sustainability efforts
Flipkart Group has pledged to reduce 100 per cent of emissions from its operations by 2030 and work with sellers, consumers, and partners to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2040. The company has defined a clear decarbonization pathway, focusing on increasing energy efficiency at its corporate office and supply chain facilities and powering its operations through renewable sources such as solar.
Flipkart curbs over-packaging menace
Flipkart’s sustainability initiatives also addressed the biggest pain point in the e-commerce sector the right way by tackling the menace of excessive packaging way back in 2021. The e-commerce giant vowed to eliminate single-use plastic from its packaging and adopted sustainable alternatives across its supply chain by introducing scalable sustainable alternatives such as eco-friendly paper shreds, replacing poly pouches with recycled paper bags, replacing bubble wraps with carton waste shredded material and 2-Ply rolls.
Grocery business milestone
In May, Flipkart announced a significant milestone in its grocery business, recording 1.6X year-over-year growth. This achievement underscores Flipkart’s commitment to providing a premier online shopping experience across India, offering a wide selection of daily essentials at competitive prices and convenience. As a customer-first organization, Flipkart Grocery ensures the provision of fresh produce at affordable prices, with transparency in manufacturing and expiration dates.
The company is expanding its reach in Tier 2 and beyond cities across India, driven by consumer demand in locations such as Aurangabad, Bankura, Bokaro, Chhatarpur, Guwahati, Jamshedpur, Krishnanagar, and Visakhapatnam.
Advanced supply chain
A powerful supply chain is essential for a sustainable business model. Flipkart’s tech-enabled supply chain network enables the delivery of millions of shipments daily, efficiently serving customers even in the remotest parts of the country. This network also helps sellers control and anticipate delivery timelines, reducing returns and enhancing customer experience.
Earlier this year, Krishnamurthy discussed testing Flipkart’s own offering on the Unified Payments Interface with a closed user group, paving the way for the firm to enter the digital payments sector. He emphasizes innovation and expansion, along with the significance of talent and values in the workplace. Flipkart’s inclusive FlexBen policy covers LGBTQAI+ employees and their partners and employs individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds and people with disabilities.
Kalyan Krishnamurthy, with an MBA from the Asian Institute of Management, Philippines, has driven meaningful change at Flipkart through sustained efforts. His vision and leadership have made him a disruptive force, balancing innovation with community building.
