Latest news with #IBEF
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
How Amazon Business is enabling MSMEs to be part of the $200 billion opportunity in B2B e-commerce
B2B e-commerce is eyeing the next level of growth in India, with an IBEF report estimating it to be a $200 billion opportunity by 2030. With an increasing shift being seen by businesses from offline to online procurement for access to a wider selection, bulk deals and transparent pricing, the India market is gearing up to be digitally well equipped for a makeover. B2B e-commerce platform, Amazon Business, aims to be at the forefront of this digital transformation , with a specific focus on the MSME sector . Mitranjan Bhaduri, Director, Amazon Business says that procurement often feels like a navigating maze for MSME buyers due to multiple vendors, inconsistent pricing, and lengthy processes. 'Take, for instance, an artisanal food producer located hours away from the nearest city. Earlier MSMEs struggled with basic procurement of farming equipment and supplies. Today, they can source everything from seedling trays, coco peat to cleaning supplies through our marketplace, eliminating geographical barriers,' he states. For the 16 lakh sellers, the platform offers access to varied business customers. Approximately 31.5% of the platform's sales come from sellers based in Tier 2+ cities, and over the past 3 years, sales have grown 1.4 times from sellers in Tier 1 cities and metros. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Her body cannot endure this level of pain; please help her. Donate For Health Learn More It simplifies selling for MSMEs through three key solutions – firstly, connecting sellers to business buyers through the B2B marketplace, secondly a B2B Central tool which helps sellers handle bulk orders. Sellers can manage price quotes, negotiate terms with buyers, and track large business orders in real-time through the tool. Thirdly, tax compliance is streamlined through automated monthly reports, which track all B2B transactions and compile the necessary documentation for GST filing. Such digital solutions also sync up with The Digital India programme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 01, 2015 with an aim to transform India into a knowledge-based economy and a digitally empowered society. 'The programme is centred on three key vision areas–digital infrastructure as a core utility to every citizen, governance and services on demand and digital empowerment of citizens. The overall goal is to ensure that digital technologies improve the life of every citizen, expand India's digital economy, create investment and employment opportunities, and create digital technological capabilities in India,' a PIB release elucidates. Live Events Since financial constraints continue to be a roadblock for the MSME sector, Amazon Business looks at addressing this credit gap through financial solutions. 'Through Amazon Pay Later, eligible businesses can access 30-day interest-free credit, which can be extended to 12 months at minimal interest rates. This has helped them to make procurement decisions based on actual business needs instead of waiting for cash availability,' Bhaduri adds. In terms of critical challenges faced by businesses in procurement, he says that some of the main ones include lack of a consolidated source of selection, leading them to manage a long tail of offline suppliers; getting compliant GST invoices across such fragmented suppliers; geographic and supply chain limitations and language barriers that restrict digital adoption. The platform seeks to address such gaps by creating a transparent marketplace where businesses can compare prices, access bulk discounts as well as be a part of a widespread delivery network where location ceases to be a barrier for quality supplies. There have been other noticeable trends, too. 65% of the orders on the platform now come through mobile, especially in tier II and III cities. Voice shopping and enabled buying experience in seven regional languages have accordingly been introduced to make procurement more inclusive for businesses across the country. Going forward, Amazon Business is looking at expanding their selection, accelerating delivery speed, and enhancing pricing via advanced AI and digital tools. 'Our goal is clear – helping Indian businesses improve profitability, reduce working capital strain and scale faster in a digitally driven economy,' Bhaduri states.
Entrepreneur
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Entrepreneur
Is Battery Swapping The Way For EV Two-wheeler Adoption in Rural India?
Battery swapping is exactly what it sounds like. Instead of plugging in your vehicle to charge for hours, you simply swap your depleted battery for a fully charged one at a station. This idea isn't new, but its appeal is growing rapidly in semi-urban and rural areas where consumers lack access to dedicated home chargers or stable electricity connections. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. India's EV stride has already kick started in the urban areas, with cars, scooters and, to an extent, bikes as well. The country is slowly understanding the value of an electric vehicle -– its environmental impacts as well as the impact it has on one's wallet going forward — as compared to ICE vehicles. As per a report by IBEF, the shift towards electric vehicles on a global scale will create fresh opportunities for automotive suppliers. The Indian EV battery market is projected to surge from $16.77 billion in 2023 to $27.70 billion by 2028. Dinesh Arjun, co-founder & CEO, Raptee, lays the foundation, stating, "When it comes to switching to electric two-wheelers, range anxiety is just the starting point. Under the surface, customers are equally concerned about vehicle safety, reliability, and the strength of after-sales support—especially with EVs being a new and unfamiliar technology." Arjun is certain that the customers want to know if the vehicle will hold up to daily use, if service and spares will be easily accessible, and if their investment will retain value over time. "These aren't just product concerns; they reflect trust in the entire ecosystem," he concludes. This brings us to the evolving narrative in India's Tier II and Tier III cities, where a different kind of solution is quietly gaining traction, i.e., battery swapping. Battery swapping is exactly what it sounds like. Instead of plugging in your vehicle to charge for hours, you simply swap your depleted battery for a fully charged one at a station. This idea isn't new, but its appeal is growing rapidly in semi-urban and rural areas where consumers lack access to dedicated home chargers or stable electricity connections. "Battery swapping as a solution is an attractive proposition not just in Tier II-III towns but also in Tier I cities," says Chetan Maini, co-founder and vice-chairman of SUN Mobility. He notes that even in urban areas, the lack of space or home ownership makes it hard to install home chargers. Moreover, these users often travel longer distances daily, making swapping a fast, low-downtime alternative. "As electric 2-wheeler adoption in Tier I cities rises above the first 20 per cent customers, they start facing challenges related to availability of charging infrastructure in their vicinity," he concluded. In smaller cities and towns, the case is even more compelling. "Most consumers in these cities reside in shared premises or rented homes with no private parking, which makes it difficult to fit home chargers," explains Mukesh Gupta, marketing head, MaxVolt Energy Industries. "Battery replacement is becoming increasingly popular as a viable option," he adds, citing solutions to problems such as unstable electricity supply and the establishment cost of a charging point. Mohal Lalbhai, co-founder and group CEO of MATTER, catches the economic pulse of the matter. Battery swapping models separate battery ownership from the vehicle, dramatically lowering the total cost of ownership (TCO). This makes EVs more financially accessible to India's vast middle and lower-middle-income demographics. "It also eliminates the long-term burden of battery degradation and replacement costs," he says. Sodium-ion batteries have long been perceived as less efficient than lithium-ion batteries due to their lower energy densities. As per a report by EY, with recent sodium-ion batteries reaching energy densities of 160 Wh/kg, they are becoming a more viable option. The Indian market for electric two and three-wheelers, which requires smaller batteries with energy densities between 130-150 Wh/kg, presents a significant opportunity for sodium-ion batteries. Sodium-ion and lithium-ion batteries are similar in cell construction, so production will need only slight assembly-line modifications, making it easier to switch. Overall, a sodium-ion battery is 20 to 30 per cent cheaper than an LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery. As a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to LFP batteries, sodium-ion technology could play a crucial role in India's electric vehicle landscape. However, not everyone agrees that battery swapping is the answer for personal users. Madhumita Agrawal, founder & CEO, Oben Electric, sees the glass half full. She feels that for individual buyers in Tier II and III cities, home charging is still the most practical solution, thanks to India's improving electricity grid. "New Bharat is emerging with steady and widespread electricity access," she says. Oben Electric is banking on this shift by offering plug-and-play chargers compatible with standard 15-amp sockets and faster proprietary chargers for quicker refueling at home. The truth is, India's EV future won't rest on a one-size-fits-all solution. A hybrid model where portable charging and battery swapping co-exist is likely to dominate. Urban delivery riders might lean on swapping for speed, while a salaried commuter in a Tier II town may prefer the convenience of home charging overnight. However, for now, battery swapping may just be the bridge that helps India's next 100 million riders cross into the electric age.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Guwahati traders feel the heat as e-commerce platforms take precedence
For the past two months, traders and shopkeepers in Guwahati's bustling commercial hubs, including Fancy Bazar and Paltan Bazar, have been increasingly vocal about boycotting major e-commerce platforms. They contend that the surge in online shopping has led to a noticeable decline in foot traffic and a subsequent drop in their revenue. "The online giants, who source products directly from factories, are employing aggressive pricing strategies to attract customers. We simply cannot compete with these discounts and still remain viable," said Nekib Saikia, the secretary of the Lakhtokia Merchants' association. He said store owners in Fancy Bazar, a vital commercial centre, have experienced business losses ranging from 20% to 30%. This decline has ben largely attributed to the growing preference of customers for online shopping platforms and the convenience of quick-commerce services. "E-commerce platforms have become incredibly diverse, selling everything from electronics and clothing to groceries and meat. It's pervasive. While the govt collects a fair share of revenue from local traders, allowing online platforms to operate without adequate regulation poses a significant threat to our livelihoods," Saikia said. Prantosh Roy, general secretary of the All Assam Traders Union (AATU), too voiced a similar sentiment. Explaining that they have been actively raising public awareness through seminars and meetings across Assam, Roy said thaty have urged the public to exercise caution when relying on e-commerce platforms. "People are often swayed by mere product images online, and this is problematic because there's often no recourse when a product turns out to be faulty," Roy said. The growth of technology in India has indeed accelerated dramatically, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), an initiative under the ministry of commerce and industry, the number of internet connections in the country had reached 895 million by June 2023, largely fueled by the 'Digital India' programme. IBEF also reported that India's e-commerce sector had achieved approximately $14 billion in gross merchandise value (GMV) during the 2024 festive season, marking a 12% increase compared to the previous year. Diganta Saikia, who operates an online meat retail business, acknowledged the profound transformation in consumer habits, driven by the rapid technological advancements. "People in major metro cities have grown accustomed to the convenience of doorstep delivery and this trend is now taking hold in Assam as well," he said, highlighting convenience as a primary driver of online purchases. However, Saikia also noted the increasing competitiveness of the online retail space, with numerous new players entering the market. To remain relevant and retain customer interest, many businesses, including his own, are adopting innovative strategies such as subscription models, personalized services and hyperlocal delivery solutions.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Guwahati traders feel the heat as e-commerce platforms take precedence
1 2 Guwahati: For the past two months, traders and shopkeepers in Guwahati's bustling commercial hubs, including Fancy Bazar and Paltan Bazar, have been increasingly vocal about boycotting major e-commerce platforms. They contend that the surge in online shopping has led to a noticeable decline in foot traffic and a subsequent drop in their revenue. " The online giants, who source products directly from factories, are employing aggressive pricing strategies to attract customers. We simply cannot compete with these discounts and still remain viable," said Nekib Saikia, the secretary of the Lakhtokia Merchants' association. He said store owners in Fancy Bazar, a vital commercial centre, have experienced business losses ranging from 20% to 30%. This decline has ben largely attributed to the growing preference of customers for online shopping platforms and the convenience of quick-commerce services. "E-commerce platforms have become incredibly diverse, selling everything from electronics and clothing to groceries and meat. It's pervasive. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo While the govt collects a fair share of revenue from local traders, allowing online platforms to operate without adequate regulation poses a significant threat to our livelihoods," Saikia said. Prantosh Roy, general secretary of the All Assam Traders Union (AATU), too voiced a similar sentiment. Explaining that they have been actively raising public awareness through seminars and meetings across Assam, Roy said thaty have urged the public to exercise caution when relying on e-commerce platforms. "People are often swayed by mere product images online, and this is problematic because there's often no recourse when a product turns out to be faulty," Roy said. The growth of technology in India has indeed accelerated dramatically, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), an initiative under the ministry of commerce and industry, the number of internet connections in the country had reached 895 million by June 2023, largely fueled by the 'Digital India' programme. IBEF also reported that India's e-commerce sector had achieved approximately $14 billion in gross merchandise value (GMV) during the 2024 festive season, marking a 12% increase compared to the previous year. Diganta Saikia, who operates an online meat retail business, acknowledged the profound transformation in consumer habits, driven by the rapid technological advancements. "People in major metro cities have grown accustomed to the convenience of doorstep delivery and this trend is now taking hold in Assam as well," he said, highlighting convenience as a primary driver of online purchases. However, Saikia also noted the increasing competitiveness of the online retail space, with numerous new players entering the market. To remain relevant and retain customer interest, many businesses, including his own, are adopting innovative strategies such as subscription models, personalized services and hyperlocal delivery solutions.
Times of Oman
16-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
India ranks among top six nations globally in 6G patent filings
New Delhi: India entered amongst top six countries globally in 6G patent filing, said Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, the Minister of State for Communications at the BHARAT 6G 2025 conference. The country has sanctioned over Rs 300 crore (USD 35.14 million) for over 111 research projects, marking a significant milestone in pursuing 6G technology. "6G will operate on TeraHertz frequency bands, enabling data rates up to one terabit per second, 100 times faster than 5G," the minister added. According to a release by the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the adoption of 6G technology will "create entirely new industries and revolutionise existing ones" and is expected to contribute Rs 85,37,000 crore (USD 1 trillion) to India's economy by 2035. The minister, during the conference, showed confidence in India's vast talent pool and emphasised that "there is no reason the country should not lead in 6G." "He also noted that indigenous 6G development will ensure secure communications, developed and managed within India, further strengthening the nation's position in the global technology landscape." Additionally, this year's Convergence India & 10th Smart Cities India Expo features advancements in 5G & 6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, IoT, Cybersecurity, Augmented & Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Embedded Tech, Fintech, Urban Mobility, and Smart City Solutions. Meanwhile, during the Indian Mobile Congress (IMC) telecom industry leaders discussed India's tremendous opportunity in advancing 6G technology at the 8th Edition of Indian Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024. And the event saw the inauguration of International 6G Symposium, launch of Telecom Smart Cities Index by OpenSignal and Workshop with Academicians of 5G Test Labs among other major activities.
