Author: News Desk

In a clash between Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) distributors and Hindustan Unilever (HUL), distributors express discontent and resistance against the company’s recent adjustments to the margin structure. Allegations are rife that HUL is pursuing a profit-centric agenda at the expense of its distributors. The All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF) has raised concerns about HUL’s decision to reduce distributor margins, particularly in the face of sluggish sales growth and challenging market conditions. According to reports, HUL, the conglomerate behind popular brands like Lux, Lifebuoy, Surf Excel, Rin, Pond’s, and Dove, has implemented a 60 basis points reduction in fixed…

In a landmark decision signalling a commitment to environmental conservation, Dubai has announced a comprehensive ban on single-use plastic bags and products within the emirate, effective January 1, 2024. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, issued the resolution on the eve of the new year, emphasising the emirate’s dedication to fostering sustainable practices. Extensive Ban Coverage The ban is not limited to traditional single-use plastic items but extends to include a broad spectrum of disposable and recycled products, encompassing both plastic and non-plastic materials. This progressive move encompasses…

As the world celebrated the arrival of the new year, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) marked the occasion with a significant milestone – the launch of its inaugural X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite, XPoSat. In its 60th mission, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C58) lifted off from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh, carrying XPoSat as its primary payload, along with 10 other satellites destined for low earth orbits. Unveiling the Cosmic Mysteries ISRO’s XPoSat is not just another satellite; it represents India’s first dedicated polarimetry mission designed to unravel the mysteries surrounding black holes and other celestial objects. The mission focuses on…

Prabhas’ latest blockbuster, “Salaar: Part 1-Ceasefire,” has taken the Indian box office by storm, achieving a blockbuster start and maintaining its momentum even after ten days of release. The film, directed by Prashanth Neel, is not only dominating the domestic market but has also garnered substantial global success. Unprecedented Box Office Success: In its first week, Salaar raked in an impressive Rs 308 crore, setting the stage for its continued triumph. As of its 10th day in theatres, the film added Rs 9.62 crore on its second Friday, Rs 12.55 crore on Saturday, and approximately Rs 14.50 crore on Sunday.…

The Indian startup ecosystem has witnessed a turnaround in the year 2023, where December 2023 emerged as the most funded month of the year, surpassing the $1.6 billion mark, signaling a thaw in what was termed as the funding winter. Market intelligence platform Tracxn and Business Standard reported that the surge in funding was predominantly fueled by substantial late-stage investment rounds led by industry giants like Flipkart and Udaan. Flipkart, a key player in the Indian e-commerce landscape, secured a staggering $600 million in funding from its parent company Walmart, while Udaan raised $340 million from investors M&G Prudential and…

India’s cybersecurity market has witnessed remarkable growth, reaching a staggering $6 billion in earnings this year. Demonstrating a consistent Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 30% from 2019 to 2023, the cybersecurity sector has proven to be a robust and expanding industry. The Data Security Council of India reports that the market has experienced a significant boost, with cyber products and services sales amounting to $1 billion in 2019 and surging to $3.7 billion in the current year. The production and distribution of cybersecurity products have played a pivotal role in this success story, contributing to similar growth rates in…

In 2023, a year marked by unprecedented challenges and breakthroughs, startups witnessed significant highs and lows. The year saw fluctuations in funding, profits, and exits, resembling a rollercoaster ride for these entrepreneurial ventures. As the year draws to a close, startups are gearing up for a promising 2024, leaving behind the uncertainties and setbacks of 2023. The year 2023 proved to be a period of stable growth and strategic alignments for startups, setting the stage for their entry into 2024. With the disruptions caused by the geopolitical tensions of 2023 now in the past, startups are anticipating a more favorable…

A discerning reader of financial news throughout 2022 would have observed a prevailing narrative of challenges and setbacks for startups. Themes such as employee layoffs, delayed capital infusions, reduced marketing spends, and diminished valuations became recurrent headlines, all pointing to a common underlying issue – the onset of a ‘Funding Winter.’ Understanding Funding Winter Funding Winter refers to an extended period of reduced capital inflows into startups, a global phenomenon that persisted throughout 2022 and into 2023. This trend, reflective of the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world, India, has seen a significant impact on capital flows to startups within…

As 2023 comes to a close, the once-promising aspirations of EdTech startups like XYZ Learning Hub, EduCompliance Solutions, and BYJU’S face the stark realities of a rapidly changing industry. The optimistic narrative of revolutionising education has shifted, prompting a detailed exploration of the numerous factors contributing to the decline of EdTech startups. This analysis delves into a complex web of challenges that have defined the year. The Overcrowded Arena The promising landscape of educational technology (EdTech) turned into a fiercely competitive arena due to a surge in startups like BYJU’S,Vedantu, upGrad, etc vying for a share of the e-learning market. This led to overcrowding and intense competition, making it challenging for…

The Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya Dham, also known as the Ayodhya Airport, is set to become the fifth airport in Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state. Developed under the Regional Connectivity Scheme, the estimated cost of the project is Rs 350 crore. Once completed, UP will be the only state in India with five international airports. Currently, the state has two operational international airports – Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (Lucknow) and Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (Varanasi). Construction is also underway for Kushinagar International Airport (Gorakhpur) and Noida International Airport (Jewar). Several states have expressed interest in acquiring…