Logistics Sector Investing Billions to prep for festive E-Commerce Bonanza

Bengaluru India 25th October 2023- Speaking on the festive preparations Venu Kondur CEO of Bengaluru-based Lobb Logistics in an interaction gives a detailed reply to a few interesting questions on festive spirit.

LOBB TEAM

1. With the festival season around the corner, how much more demand (orders placed) than usual is expected by e-commerce companies? Does it differ region-wise? In what ways?

A) During the festival season, both e-commerce companies and retailers typically witness a significant surge in demand, often ranging from 20% to 100% or even more, compared to non-festive periods. The exact increase can differ regionally based on cultural significance. Region-specific promotions, discounts, and the cultural relevance of the festival play a significant role in driving this demand.

2. How has the festival demand pattern changed after the pandemic? Is there any difference? If yes, what contributed to it? If no, why none?

A) Post-pandemic, we have observed an even greater surge during festival seasons. The reasons include:
• A shift in consumer behaviour towards online shopping due to health concerns and lockdowns.
• Physical retail stores faced restrictions, leading to more people resorting to online platforms.
• E-commerce platforms offered aggressive promotions and discounts to capitalize on this trend.

3. Online shopping creates demand for logistics in a big way. How are the e-commerce companies sorting their logistics in this regard? How strong are the supply chains?

A) Logistics giants have been bolstering their operations in multiple ways:
• Predicting demand and optimize inventory placement.
• Partnering with logistics providers to ensure timely deliveries.
• Strengthening supply chains by working closely with suppliers and vendors, ensuring stock availability, and reducing lead times.

4. In such instances of a peak demand, how do e-commerce companies create the infra to balance the demand and supply? By what percentage does this infra expansion happen, and what kind of investments would a company like yourself put in for this?

A) Logistics companies often scale up their infrastructure, both in terms of warehousing and technology. Investments typically go into:
• Renting additional warehouse space.
• Upgrading IT systems to handle increased traffic.
• Hiring temporary staff.
For us, the focus is about 50% on operational efficiency and 40% on enabling our matchmaking technology to help prioritise express trips. And 10% to focus more on the vendor relationship to be able to better forecast supply-side impacts if any.

5. Any latest tech applications- such as AI, ML etc.? What is the use case of such tech in handling online shopping/delivery of goods?

A) AI and ML have become pivotal. Use-cases include:
• For us machine learning-driven matchmaking is key to help the goods match with the right truck and get it moving sooner.
• Predictive analytics for demand forecasting.
• Optimising the delivery routes.
• WhatsApp-based Chatbots for customer service.

6. Could you tell us more about what are the costs involved behind the infra push, going beyond labour cost and tech upgrade cost?

A) Apart from labour and tech, costs involve:
• Transportation and fuel costs.
• Additional packaging materials.
• Marketing and promotions.
• Costs associated with returns and reverse logistics.

7. What’s the measure of delivery efficiency? How do you try to maintain/ensure it in cases of such peak demand?

A) Delivery efficiency can be measured by metrics like:
• On-time delivery rate.
• Demand to fulfilment time.
• Average delivery time.

Maintaining efficiency involves:
• Accurate demand forecasting.
• Efficient Supply and Demand Visibility
• Proper training of operational personnel.
• Stocking products closer to demand hubs.

8. To cater to demand in smaller cities and towns, there is an obvious increase in the hiring of delivery agents and other logistics support people. By what % has this gone up in recent years? How does the hiring pattern vary from those in bigger cities? Any % / numbers to quantify that?

A) The hiring in smaller cities has seen an uptick as both e-commerce and retailers penetrates these markets. It might have increased by around 15% or more in recent years. The pattern in smaller cities might be more contractual or seasonal compared to bigger cities. Precise numbers would vary by company and region.

Issued by Social Amplifiers
Bengaluru

HOP Electric Mobility Unveils Festival Season Dhamaka with Unbeatable EV 2-Wheeler Deals

HOP Electric Mobility

Mumbai: 25th October 2023 HOP Electric Mobility, a leading electric two-wheeler company, has announced Festival Season Dhamaka on the auspicious occasion of Navratri, offering customers a reason to celebrate by announcing special discounts during this period. HOP Electric is ushering in the festive season with incredible offers on its electric scooters and motorcycles. The deals will be available from the Navratri Festival.

Aspiring customers can now own an HOP Electric e-scooter for as low as Rs 69,000, and the deals get even better with their monthly EMI options – the LYF model for just Rs 1,899 per month, and the LEO for Rs 2,199 per month; while the high-speed e-motorcycle OXO for Rs 3,499 per month. What’s more, these fantastic offers come with a 0% down payment, benefits of up to Rs 5,100, and flexible EMIs.

Mr. Rajneesh Singh, Chief Marketing Officer of HOP Electric Mobility said, “The festive season presents a unique opportunity for people to embrace indulgence. Our exclusive scooter offers not only make it an exciting time for personal enjoyment but also an ideal moment to join the green revolution. By taking advantage of these incredible deals, individuals can actively participate in reducing carbon emissions, promoting eco-friendly transportation, and contributing to a sustainable future for our planet.”

HOP e-vehicle solutions are the result of extensive research & development and engineering efforts. In their connected stack named ‘HOP Nuron’ for OXO – the high-speed electric motorcycle, customers have dedicated support features in the application. They can call an RSA, book a service, or find a charging station /service station in the ‘Nuron Mobile App’. HOP Nuron connected platform also enables the company to run a remote diagnosis and over-the-air support. Upgraded HOP OXO with top speed of 95 kms/h prices start at Rs. 1.33 lakh ex-showroom onwards.

The e-scooters boast distinctive features that set them apart from other electric two-wheelers. These include an impressive range of up to 125 km, a robust 72V architecture, high-performance motors capable of tackling steep slopes with a loading capacity of 180 kg for both HOP LEO and LYF models, a spacious 19.5-liter boot, connectivity features such as Internet, GPS, and a mobile app, and much more. HOP LEO e-scooter comes in High-Speed registered and low-speed non-registered variants priced at Rs. 96,000/- and Rs. 83,250/- ; while HOP LYF comes in low-speed non-registered – priced at Rs. 70,875/-.

Additionally, HOP LEO and HOP LYF offer premium features like park assist, a reverse gear with a speed of up to 5 kmph, a side stand sensor, three ride modes including a reserve mode, an LED console, dual disc brakes, USB charging, a remote key, and security features like an anti-theft alarm and anti-theft wheel lock.

KFintech Delivers Strong Quarterly Performance | PAT for the Quarter up 28.1% Y-o-Y

KFintech Delivers Strong

Bangalore,25th October 2023 : KFin Technologies Limited announced its financial results for the quarter and period ended 30th September 2023 today.

Financial Highlights – Q2FY24

  • · Revenue from operations stood at ₹ 2,089.7 million, up 16.0% y-o-y
  • · Total income stood at ₹ 2,152.7 million, up 17.9% y-o-y
  • · EBITDA stood at ₹ 936.7 million, up 31.8% y-o-y, EBITDA margin at 44.8% in Q2FY24 vs. 39.4% in Q2FY23
  • · PAT at ₹ 613.8 million, up 28.1% y-o-y, PAT margin at 29.4% in Q2FY24 vs. 26.6% in Q2FY23
  • · Diluted EPS stood at ₹ 3.58, up 26.2% y-o-y

Financial Highlights – H1FY24

  • · Revenue from operations stood at ₹ 3,904.8 million, up 12.0% y-o-y
  • · Total income stood at ₹ 4,020.9 million, up 13.7% y-o-y
  • · EBITDA stood at ₹ 1,640.9 million, up 22.9% y-o-y, EBITDA margin at 42.0% in H1FY24 vs. 38.3% in H1FY23
  • · PAT at ₹ 1,047.5 million, up 22.7% y-o-y, PAT margin at 26.8% in H1FY24 vs. 24.5% in H1FY23
  • · Diluted EPS stood at ₹ 6.11, up 21.0% y-o-y
  • · Cash and cash equivalents at ₹ 3,742.3 million as on September 30, 2023
  • · Non-domestic mutual fund revenue share in overall revenue is at 31% in H1FY24

Business Highlights – Q2FY24

  • · Overall AAUM1 growth at 20.5% y-o-y vs. 20.3% for the industry, market share1 at 31.5%
  • · Equity AAUM1 growth at 20.2% y-o-y vs. 24.5% for the industry, market share1 at 34.0%
  • · Added 172 new corporate clients and four million investor folios under issuer solutions; Won RTA mandate from State Bank of India Limited; Market share2 in NSE500 companies at 47.3%
  • · Revenue from younger and faster growing international and other investor solutions businesses grew at
  • · 48.3% y-o-y, aided by growth in the international, alternate investment funds and pension businesses
  • · Number of international clients3 increased to 50; First client in Singapore went live during the quarter
  • · Executed maiden fund administration agreement with Bank of Ayudhya Public Company Limited, fifth largest bank in Thailand; Won the contract4 for system application and managed services for IUTA distribution system from an existing client in Malaysia
  • · No of alternate funds3 at 434; Market share3 at 37.2%; Won first general insurance client for fund
  • · administration under Hexagram; Won the fund administration contract from LIC Pension Fund4; Launched front office order management system for portfolio managers (PMS) during the quarter
  • · NPS subscriber base3 grew to 1.04 million, up by 24.0% y-o-y vs. 11.4% y-o-y growth for the industry

Commenting on the company’s performance, Sreekanth Nadella, Managing Director and CEO, KFin Technologies Limited said, “Our focus on creating a global fund administration business at scale is helping us to grow at a faster pace and build solutions of choice for the global asset managers aided by nimble technology deep-stack, strong delivery model and well-planned execution strategies. Our investment in next generation technology and talent in the last four years is facilitating new client wins and process efficiencies across business segments which continue to aid faster growth in sales, expansion in margins and profitability. We are committed and excited to pursue our global fund administration plan by targeting the growth in global alternative asset management industry. Our younger and faster-growing business segments will continue to outperform the growth in traditional domestic investor solutions and issuer solutions businesses leveraging our superior product-suite and strong business development efforts.”

KEY FIGURES      ₹ Million

  Q2 FY24 Q1 FY24 Q2 FY23 H1 FY24 H1 FY23 FY23
Revenue 2,089.7 1,815.0 1,801.6 3,904.8 3,487.7 7,200.3
EBITDA 936.7 704.3 710.7 1,640.9 1,335.0 2,980.4
EBITDA margin % 44.8% 38.8% 39.4% 42.0% 38.3% 41.4%
Profit After Tax (PAT) 613.8 433.8 479.2 1,047.5 853.5 1,957.4
PAT margin % 29.4% 23.9% 26.6% 26.8% 24.5% 27.2%
Diluted EPS (₹)* 3.58 2.51 2.83 6.11 5.05 11.52

Main Shayar Toh Nahi’ with Manhar Seth at Prestige Srihari Khoday Centre for Performing Arts

Main Shayar Toh Nahi

Mark your calendars for a mesmerizing evening with the slam poet, Manhar Seth, as he weaves poetic melodies in “Main Shayar Toh Nahi.” Enjoy this poetic brilliance at Prestige Srihari Khoday Centre for Performing Arts and immerse yourself in the world of Hindi poetry.

Get ready to be enchanted by soulful verses and captivating storytelling as Manhar Seth weaves words and emotions together with his “Main Shayar Toh Nahi.” Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a soulful time and be part of this unforgettable evening!

Details:

When: October 28, 2023

Where: Prestige Srihari Khoday Centre for Performing Arts, Kanakapura Road

Timings: 7 PM Onwards

Entry Fee: INR 499 Onwards

To Book: https://bit.ly/3RP4Ul4

Humans of Digital Marketing – launches India’s First Practical Digital Marketing Program for Undergraduates

New Delhi, 25th October 2023 – HODM, a leading digital marketing education provider, is set to revolutionize the digital marketing landscape with a two-pronged approach: an ambitious investment initiative to support 50+ digital marketing startups or agencies founded by HODM alumni and the launch of India’s first practical digital marketing program designed specifically for undergraduate students.

HODM’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of digital leaders extends beyond the classroom. The organization is taking a bold step to empower its alumni by investing in 50+ digital marketing startups or agencies founded by HODM graduates. This initiative reflects HODM’s belief in the potential of its students and its dedication to fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem within the digital marketing industry.

“We are incredibly proud of the talent and drive of our alumni, and we want to provide them with the support they need to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality,” said Mahesh Gaur, Head of Digital Marketing of HODM. “Our investment initiative is not just about funding; it’s about providing mentorship, guidance, and access to industry networks that can help these startups succeed.”

In parallel with its investment initiative, HODM is launching India’s first practical digital marketing program tailored specifically for undergraduate students. The program aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, equipping students with the hands-on skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the dynamic digital marketing arena.

“The digital marketing industry demands more than just theoretical knowledge,” said Brigadier Suresh K Sareen, Chief Strategy Officer of HODM. “Our program is designed to provide students with real-world experience through hands-on projects, case studies, and mentorship opportunities.”

The program’s curriculum is crafted by a distinguished panel of faculty from India’s top-ranked universities, including Strathclyde University, University of Denver, IIT, NIT, and many more. This academic expertise is complemented by the insights of industry veterans, including top executives from top multinational corporations.

In a unique collaboration, HODM has also incorporated the expertise of top leadership from the defence sector, including senior defence officers. This initiative will provide students with valuable insights into leadership strategies, crisis management, and effective communication, further enriching their professional development.

The 4-month practical digital marketing course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the core elements of digital marketing, including SEO, SEM, social media marketing, content marketing, email marketing, and analytics. HODM’s network of 50 hiring partners and 10+ experienced trainers ensures that students receive the latest industry insights and gain exposure to potential employment opportunities.

“Our goal is to equip the next generation of digital marketers with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in this dynamic and ever-evolving industry,” said Brig Sareen, CSO, HODM.

Zee Cinema announces the World Television Premiere of Gadar 2 in a grand way!

Zee Cinema

An epic battle, a mega-blockbuster, and a film that brought the country together – ab fir machega gadar as Zee Cinema announces the World Television Premiere of Gadar 2 on Saturday, November 4th at 8 pm. A film made for the people, loved by the people, a film that surpassed all box office collections, bringing people back to theatres – Gadar 2 became more than a film, it became an emotion, a movement.

In a remarkable event that preceded the grand television premiere, Zee Cinema brought the world of Gadar 2 to life in an unprecedented manner. A special tank, a symbol of the movie’s larger-than-life appeal, was showcased at Carter Road in Mumbai, creating an immersive experience that allowed viewers to step into the grandeur and world of the film itself. Utkarsh Sharma, Simrat Kaur, and Manish Wadhwa, the stars of the film, graced the occasion, further igniting the excitement. The evening was nothing short of spectacular, with fans creating a frenzy as they witnessed their beloved actors up close. We saw fans screaming dialogues, performing the steps of the film, and reminding us of the craze that was Gadar. That’s not all – the cheer as the cast climbed onto the tank was unprecedented! The event truly set the stage for an unforgettable experience that awaits viewers when Gadar 2 premieres on Zee Cinema.

Zee Cinema has gone all out to make people experience the film, bringing an entire tank to the city, no compromises!

On the announcement, Utkarsh Sharma said, “It is heart-warming to see how people are coming together to show us their love. That only goes to show how connected they are to the film. Gadar 2 is India’s blockbuster and you can see it with all the adoration it is still receiving from the public and now that it’s going to premiere on TV, I’m sure it’ll become every home’s blockbuster. Ab har ghar mein machega gadar!”

Simrat Kaur added, “Gadar 2 is not a film anymore, it has now become the audience’s emotion. I am truly lucky to have had my debut with this film, a special thanks to everyone who gave me a chance. People don’t know me as Simrat, they only know me as Muskaan, there isn’t a bigger success for any actor. I made my debut in the world of cinema with Gadar 2, and now it’s time to make my television debut. Please join us once again on Zee Cinema on 4th November”

Manish Wadhwa said, “People have created gadar in theatres. I am confident, the ones who have seen it will watch it again and the ones who haven’t yet, tune in to Zee Cinema on 4th November at 8pm! With the television premiere, phir se gadar machegi, I’m sure”

Director Anil Sharma said, “Gadar 2 has had an incredible journey since its release, and it’s amazing to see its appeal with the audiences. Gadar 2 only proves how the magic of cinema and storytelling binds us all together. Gadar has lived in people’s hearts for years now, it was a privilege to have a chance to take the values and the emotions of Gadar ahead with Gadar 2 and I’m delighted that Zee Cinema is bringing this film to a wider audience with its World television Premiere. This is not only our movie, ‘yeh janta ki movie hai’ and Zee Cinema is bringing iss janta ki movie ko janta ke ghar”

Directed by Anil Sharma, starring the stellar cast of Sunny Deol, Ameesha Patel, Utkarsh Sharma, Simrat Kaur, Manish Wadhwa, and Luv Sinha, this sequel carries forward the legacy of Gadar – Ek Prem Katha, now highlighting the essence of love, family, and the enduring bond between a father and his son.

Prepare yourself to be part of an ongoing historic journey in cinema with a film full of emotions, love, values and of course, the legendary Sunny Deol! Experience the grandeur of Gadar 2, a film that has already captivated the hearts of millions, only on Zee Cinema!

26-30% of women come in a later stage for breast cancer treatment

Pune: Breast cancer is a widespread issue that affects women from all walks of life, including those living in rural areas. Without adequate knowledge or access to regular check-ups, women living in rural areas remain ignorant about simple practices like self-breast examinations that could potentially save lives. Women in rural areas should be encouraged to perform self-breast examinations at least once a month after turning 25. Timely detection of breast cancer and prompt treatment are key to saving the lives of women.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), breast cancer in India varies from as low as 5 per 100,000 female populations per year in rural areas to 30 per 100,000 female populations per year in urban areas. When compared to urban areas, women in rural areas are unaware of breast cancer leading to loss of life due to ignorance.

Dr. Jaypalreddy Pogal, Surgical Oncologist, TGH-Onco Life Cancer Center, Talegaon says, “Breast cancer affects millions of women not only in India but globally, and continues to claim lives due to lack of awareness in rural areas. The disparity between urban and rural communities when it comes to access to information and healthcare services is striking. In rural areas, the limited availability of health facilities and resources hinders early detection and treatment for breast cancer. More than 80% of women living in rural areas are more likely to be unaware of symptoms such as lumps in their breasts, changes in breast size or shape, redness or thickening of the skin, nipple inversion or discharge, and sudden pain in the breast. They often land up in hospital in later stages when their condition worsens. This leads to poor prognosis of the cancer and higher morbidity and mortality rates. 26-30% of women who came in later stages. Fear of judgment or stigma acts as a significant barrier preventing women from seeking help or getting screened for this deadly disease. Many women are simply unaware of risk factors such as family history, obesity, or smoking that can increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer.”

Dr. Jaypalreddy Pogal added, “By organizing small workshops or health camps tailored specifically for these communities, information about breast cancer can be disseminated effectively. Promote early detection methods to help women understand the symptoms. Educating women about self-examination techniques and the importance of regular check-ups can significantly improve detection rates, and help with prompt treatments. Women in rural areas should be encouraged to perform self-breast examinations at least once a month after turning 25. Also, help women with training sessions, pamphlets, and educational videos on how to perform self-examinations at home.”

“Women who receive timely interventions, such as surgery or radiation therapy, have a higher chance of survival compared to those with late-stage diagnoses. When breast cancer is caught early, it can be managed with breast-conserving surgery. Breast-conserving surgery is surgery to remove the cancer as well as some surrounding normal tissue. Only the part of the breast containing the cancer is removed. How much breast is removed depends on where and how big the tumor is, as well as other factors. This surgery is also called a lumpectomy, quadrantectomy, partial mastectomy, or segmental mastectomy. By intervening in a timely manner, women can potentially avoid more extensive procedures and their associated complications. It is vital for rural women to prioritize regular screenings and seek medical attention if any suspicious symptoms or changes are noticed in order to battle breast cancer. added,” Dr Prasad Kulat, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Ankura Hospital, Pune

Biswa Kalyan Rath takes the stage at Prestige Srihari Khoday Centre for Performing Arts

Biswa Kalyan Rath

Prepare to have your funny bone tickled and your spirits lifted as the incredibly talented comedian, Biswa Kalyan Rath graces the stage for a night of side-splitting comedy at Prestige Srihari Khoday Centre or Performing Arts. Get ready for an uproarious night of laughter and entertainment with his witty humour and unique storytelling.

Known for his razor-sharp wit, relatable anecdotes, and unique take on everyday life, Biswa is set to leave the audience in splits with his stand-up comedy. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to laugh your heart out with a memorable night of comedy, and get ready to laugh like you’ve never laughed before!

Details:

When: October 27, 2023

Where: Prestige Srihari Khoday Centre for Performing Arts, Kanakapura Road

Timings: 3 PM & 7 PM

Entry Fee: INR 799 Onward

British Paints revolutionizing Interior Wall Finishes with Advanced Anti Stain formula

5th October 2023, Delhi – British Paints, a leading name in the realm of home décor, is proud to unveil its latest product launch – Glamour Mystique Anti Stain Interior Emulsion with Added fragrance. This cutting-edge product sets a new standard in interior wall finishes, boasting a remarkable combination of Anti Stain and water resistance, exceptional washability, enduring longevity, anti-fungal and bacteria properties, clubbed with a delightful fragrance.

Designed to meet the diverse needs of modern living, Glamour Mystique stands as the ideal choice for high-traffic areas, family homes, commercial spaces, and environments where durability and aesthetics merge seamlessly. Its impeccable washability ensures that walls stay fresh and vibrant, maintaining their original charm even after repeated cleanings. The water resistance feature adds an extra layer of protection, making it suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, and other moisture-prone areas.

Mr. Yogesh Bhatia, President, British Paints, expressed his excitement about the new product, saying, “Glamour Mystique exemplifies British Paints’ commitment to innovation and quality. Our team has worked tirelessly to create a product that not only elevates the visual appeal of spaces but also offers practical benefits that simplify maintenance. We’re confident that Glamour Mystique can redefine the way people see and think about interior wall finishes.”

With each application, Glamour Mystique whispers sophistication, narrates tales of resilience, and fills the air with an exquisite, enduring essence. It’s not just a product; it’s a testament to the artistry of design and the science of endurance, offering a truly extraordinary canvas for your imagination. It’s a transformative experience that turns your walls into a masterpiece, embodying sophistication and resilience. Discover a new realm of interior design possibilities with Glamour Mystique.

Shri Gauranga Das Prabhu Ji Receives The Prestigious ‘Pride of India’ Magna Award

Shri Gauranga Das Prabhu Ji

Mumbai, 25th October 2023 — Shri Gauranga Das Prabhu Ji, a distinguished spiritual leader and humanitarian, has been conferred with Magna Award presented by Society Achievers, a renowned lifestyle and success stories magazine, to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to society.

In recognition of his unwavering commitment to community service, spiritual wisdom, yogic science, and environmental sustainability, Shri Gauranga Das Ji was presented with the Pride of India Honour at the Society Achievers Awards. As the Guest of Honour, Prabhu Ji shared his insights on the virtues of compassion and giving. His remarkable journey, from humble beginnings to becoming a renowned spiritual teacher, author, and a driving force behind humanitarian and environmental initiatives, based on the spiritual teachings of Bhagavat Gita in the form of Govardhan Ecovillage initiatives in Palghar district, is a source of inspiration for many.

The award celebrates not only the accomplishments of individuals but also their significant contributions to society. The magazine covers a wide range of subjects, from business icons, and sports heroes to philanthropists, social changemakers, and more. The award was issued under the Society Achievers Giving Back Forum & Felicitations event – an initiative that aims to recognize and applaud the efforts of individuals and organizations who have dedicated their time, resources, and expertise to create model institutions and inspire others to do the same.