Archive: November 30, 2024

What’s Next for Q-Commerce? Industry Highlights for 2024

The quick commerce industry has seen remarkable growth, with a 20% sequential rise in hiring during Aug-Oct and a 25-30% workforce increase compared to non-peak months, driven by consumer demand and the festive season. The number of dark stores has reached 2,200, with personnel working within these facilities increasing by 50%, from 40,000 to 60,000. Most of this workforce comprises contractual employees assigned to roles such as pickers, packers, and loaders. Similarly, the delivery workforce has expanded significantly, rising from 1.2 lakh to 2 lakh delivery personnel.

Balasubramanian A, Senior VP and Business Head at TeamLease Services Ltd. shares that quick commerce companies have diversified offerings beyond groceries to include electronics, beauty, home decor, wellness, general merchandise, and festival-specific products, functioning as online supermarkets catering to varied consumer needs. Achieving a milestone of 20 lakh orders per day in March 2024, the industry grew further by 30-40% during the festive season, with the Diwali period alone contributing to a 20% business uptick and 50% of logistics hiring focused on quick commerce and hyperlocal operations.

Quick Commerce platforms plan to increase their dark store counts by March 2025, targeting tier 2 and 3 locations and expanding categories. This is expected to boost the demand for both dark store and delivery personnel, marking a pivotal phase for scaling operations and strengthening market presence.

Shoulder Arthritis Is Not a Myth

by Dr. Banarji B. H, Senior Consultant – Orthopedics, Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru

Shoulder arthritis is the wear and tear  of the cartilagenous lining of the  shoulder joint bones, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Arthritis can affect any joint in the body, knee and hip being more commonly affected as they are weight bearing joints, shoulder arthritis more oftenly goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as frozen shoulder and patients might end up suffering, on this world arthritis day, we are making an effort to spread awareness about shoulder arthritis.

There are different types of shoulder arthritis depending upon the cause of the disease,

1. Osteoarthritis (OA): Wear and tear of cartilage, leading to bone-on-bone contact.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Autoimmune disease causing inflammation and joint damage.
3. Post-traumatic Arthritis: Arthritis developing after a shoulder injury.
4. Rotator Cuff Arthropathy: Arthritis caused by rotator cuff tears.

Symptoms:

1. Pain and stiffness in the shoulder and upper arm
2. Limited mobility and range of motion
3. Grinding or clicking sensations
4. Weakness and fatigue, difficulty in elevating the arm.

Causes:

1. elderly age – Age related degeneration
2. Wear and tear- heavy manual labour and high intensity workouts and overhead sports
3. Injury or trauma
4. Autoimmune disorders
5. chronic low grade Infections like tuberculosis
6. Genetic predisposition

Treatment Options:

Home Remedies as below might  be tried initially

1. Rest and ice
2. Gentle exercises (e.g., shoulder rolls)
3. Heat therapy
4. Assistive devices (e.g., canes)
5. Over-the-counter pain relievers

When to Seek Medical Attention:

1. Severe pain or swelling
2. Limited mobility
3. Difficulty performing daily activities
4. disturbed sleep due to pain or night pain

1. Medications: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroid injections.
2. Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve mobility and strength.
3. Lifestyle Changes: Weight management, regular exercise, and activity modification.
4. Surgery: Total shoulder replacement and Reverse shoulder replacement.

Shoulder arthroplasty, also known as shoulder replacement surgery, is a procedure where a damaged or arthritic shoulder joint is replaced with an artificial joint made of metal and plastic components. The goal is to alleviate pain, restore mobility, and improve overall shoulder function.

Shoulder replacement surgery is a highly effective treatment option for individuals suffering from severe shoulder pain and mobility issues due to arthritis,  While it’s a major surgery, advances in technology and surgical techniques have made it safer and more successful

If you’re considering shoulder replacement surgery, consult with an Shoulder specialist to discuss your options and determine the best course of treatment for your specific condition.

Samsung Expands Premium Retail Footprint with New Experience Store in South Extension II, New Delhi

Gurugram, India – November 30, 2024: Samsung, India’s leading consumer electronics brand, has inaugurated a premium experience store at South Extension (Part II), which is the largest in South Delhi.

This flagship store, located at one of the Capital’s most high-end shopping districts, is designed to provide a unique experience, combining cutting-edge technology with personalized services tailored to meet the diverse needs of tech enthusiasts and everyday consumers.

Covering an expansive area of around 3,400 sq. ft., the Samsung Experience Store will help consumers explore dedicated zones featuring the latest in smartphones, tablets, laptops, audio devices, and the innovative SmartThings ecosystem. Here, customers can see firsthand how Samsung’s connected devices can transform everyday life into smarter, more convenient experiences.

As New Delhi’s fourth premium experience store after Vasant Kunj, Connaught Place and Saket, this store will be a one-stop solution for consumer needs around sales, innovative products and customer service. Samsung has exciting offers for this launch, including the Galaxy Fit3 available for just ₹1,499, and Paytm first membership with rewards worth ₹1,00,000 with select Galaxy device purchases.

“With the launch of our Samsung Experience Store at South Extension (Part II), we are excited to build on the tremendous success of our stores in Vasant Kunj, Connaught Place and Saket. Each of these stores has become a favourite destination for consumers, providing them with immersive technology experiences and exceptional customer service. Our new flagship store, spanning 3,400 sq. ft., is poised to elevate this experience even further by offering innovative zones where customers can interact with the latest Samsung products and explore our SmartThings ecosystem. We are committed to enriching the lives of our customers through technology, and we look forward to building deeper connections with them through these stores,” said Sumit Walia, Vice President, D2C Business, Samsung India.

The store will also provide a seamless omnichannel shopping experience that will help customers browse over 1,200 Samsung products through the Samsung Store+ platform. This innovative solution enables shoppers to access product information in-store and have items delivered directly to their homes.

In addition to immersive product displays, the store will feature the ‘Learn @ Samsung’ initiative, offering a variety of workshops designed to empower consumers, especially millennials and Gen Z with knowledge and skills in using technology effectively. By focusing on local culture and interests, these workshops aim to create a meaningful connection between Samsung and the community.

Moreover, customers can benefit from Samsung Care+ plans for enhanced support of their Galaxy devices. The store is fully equipped to provide after-sales service, including convenient booking for home service calls, reinforcing Samsung’s stringent commitment to customer satisfaction.

BPCL Shines Bright at FIPI Awards 2023

Mumbai, November 30, 2024: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a Fortune Global 500 company and proud Maharatna, achieved a remarkable recognition at the prestigious Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI) Awards 2023. BPCL was honoured with multiple awards, reaffirming its leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence in the energy sector.

The awards were received by Shri Sukhmal Jain, Director (Marketing), Shri Sanjay Khanna, Director (Refineries), and Shri Aniruddha Kulkarni during a ceremony graced by the Hon’ble Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, and esteemed dignitaries from the oil and gas sector.

BPCL has been recognized with prestigious awards in categories such as ‘Oil Marketing Company of the Year,’ ‘Oil & Gas Retailer of the Year,’ and ‘Digitally Advanced Company of the Year.’ These awards highlight the company’s unwavering commitment to operational excellence and its focus on delivering value to stakeholders. The recognition also highlights BPCL’s remarkable achievements in driving digital transformation throughout its operations. By adopting cutting-edge technologies, BPCL has enhanced efficiency, elevated customer experiences, and set new standards in the energy sector’s digital evolution.

BPCL also secured the award for ‘Best Managed Project of the Year’ for its Mumbai Refinery Project: Enhancing Production of Lube Oil Base Stock. Adding to this achievement, Shri Aniruddha Kulkarni, Manager – R&D, received the prestigious ‘Young Achiever of the Year’ award in the Oil & Gas Industry. This honour recognizes his pioneering contributions to research and innovation, reflecting BPCL’s dedication to fostering talent and advancing breakthroughs in the energy sector.

As BPCL continues to set benchmarks in the industry, these recognitions highlight the company’s unwavering dedication to excellence, innovation, and impactful communication. BPCL remains committed to pushing boundaries, driving positive change, and strengthening its position as a trailblazer in the global energy landscape.

Goa’s Real Estate Market Booms as the Ideal Destination for Second Homes

Goa, which has long been welcomed as one of India’s most popular travel destinations, is now becoming a leading market for second homes. The state draws a wide range of visitors, from families and seasoned corporate executives to adventure-seeking millennials, thanks to its turquoise blue waters, tranquil Konkan scenery, lively social scene, and varied gastronomic choices.

According to recent research by Axon Developers, Goa is evolving into a market for high-end real estate and second homes. The demand for luxury villas, condominiums, serviced apartments, and second houses is being driven by India’s wealthy elite’s growing desire for premium properties in the state as part of their lifestyle upgrading. C-suite executives, self-made business owners, creative professionals, and family business heirs are among the increasing number of high-net-worth individuals actively investing in Goa’s premium real estate.

As per the report, “Vagator is a notable North Goan real estate hotspot and is a favorite destination for luxury real estate purchasers because of its charming Portuguese-style districts, well-known eateries, and close proximity to well-liked beaches. In the last three years, the average price of real estate in Vagator has increased by 76% to INR 24,100 per square foot. A variety of standalone homes, villas, and bungalows in the neighbourhood range in price from INR 5 crore to INR 35 crore.

Morjim is also becoming more popular nearby, especially for its gated flats and upscale villas. Morjim, which is separated from Vagator by a bay, is well-known for its beach shacks, cafes, and exciting nightlife. It is also close to the Chapora nature reserve. In the last three years, the average price of real estate in Morjim has increased by 21% to over INR 20,000 per square foot. The long-term rental market is being further supported by its popularity among digital nomads and remote professionals.

Speaking on the report Ankit Kansal, Managing Director of Axon Developers said, “People are choosing to stay in rental villas and second houses instead of traditional hotels. This is opening up sources of steady rental income. According to our analysis, one may easily earn close to 6-8% of the rental income by investing in the sweet region of INR 2-3 crores. In a similar vein, the last 12 months have seen an increase in home prices of between 30 and 45 percent.”

He further added, “Property possibilities in Sindhudurg range from INR 6,000 to 7,000 per square foot. Over the last three years, average costs have increased by roughly 65–70%. About 20 to 25 kilometers from the Goa border, Sindhudurg offers a wide range of attractive real estate alternatives, from upscale houses to branded land tracts. Compared to the main Goa, it is comparatively less visited and has more reasonably priced options. Additionally, it has the potential to emerge as India’s next wellness and rejuvenation destination.”

Sharing his views on the report, Umesh Bhati, Director of Bayside Corporations said, “Goa’s rise to prominence as India’s top second-home market is not surprising. It would not be long before the city became a desirable place to live, as it was already a well-liked vacation and leisure destination. A large portion of it can be attributed to a specific shift in perspective during the pandemic and the rise of a wealthy class that put wellness first. Additionally, it’s a great financial opportunity. Prominent areas of the city including Vagator and Morjim are among the most sought-after locations.

Vansh Kataria, Co-founder of Tirasya Estates said, “The potential buyers in India who are searching for expensive second homes are becoming interested in Goa’s real estate market. Goa offers a distinctive investment opportunity that blends pleasure with long-term value thanks to its picturesque coastline settings and high-end real estate options. It also provides a high rental yield for those who wish to live there. Goa’s real estate hotspots, especially in the north, are an alluring option for clients looking for both a promising return and a haven for their lifestyle.”

White Gold Eyes RS. 500 Crore Goal in FY 2024-25, Transforming India’s Traditional Gold-buying Landscape

Bengaluru, 30th November 2024: White Gold, a Bengaluru-based gold-buying platform shares its plans of closing the financial year 2024-2025 at an ambitious 500 crore mark. Launched in 2017 as Aadhya Gold, from a modest five-shop setup, White Gold has scaled significantly as a bootstrapped enterprise disrupting the traditional gold buying marketplace with an organised & scalable approach.

In a market where services in the gold–buying category/ segment are largely fragmented and unorganised, White Gold establishes itself as a reliable entity promoting transparency through its live gold rates, use of advanced machinery for correct detection of metal purity, and highly trained professionals addressing every customer’s needs.

Speaking on White Gold’s values and what led to the growth of the brand Mr Rahul Joseph – Founder and CEO shared, “At White Gold, we believe in valuing service transparency, fair pricing, and putting customer service first. With live gold rates sourced from MCX India, the entire process of selling gold is executed in an organised & transparent manner, nurturing trust at the very ground level with the customers. We are the change-makers in the industry who are operating at this scale to enable immediate solutions for the immediate needs of the customers.”

“The trust seeded in our valuable customers has helped us grow exponentially as a business & as value partners helping de-stigmatise the idea of selling gold in India. In the last 8 years, since we started, we have been able to introduce our services to both Tier 1 & Tier 2 markets in Karnataka and Kerala and have received overwhelming support from each of these zones. We have aggressive expansion plans in the coming year consolidating Karnataka as a market followed by Kerala.”

White Gold’s journey in the recent years has also witnessed some strategic partnerships with key regional sports teams such as Bengaluru FC and Bengaluru Bulls to promote regional talents and strengthen presence in the southern market increasing its overall recall value.

With more than 50 outlets in Karnataka and Kerala alone, White Gold stores are designed to provide a safe, welcoming, and comfortable environment, ensuring a pleasant and dignified experience for every customer while selling their gold. The company has plans to expand the team size in the coming months with opening 3-4 retail outlets every month as part of their rigorous expansion plans, this includes a focus on Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. White Gold also intends to recruit 50 new staff members in the near future mainly in the areas of sales, customer care and operations.