Category: Conversations

If there is one business which has distinctly gained during the unprecedentedCovid-19 pandemic, it is e-commerce. And this gain has occurred across product categories and sectors. Building on this advantage, there would be only more traction for e-commerce in the coming year. What will particularly be more noticeable is the entry of a whole lot of new players, both big and small, democratizing the e-retail marketplace. However, this expanded and democratized e-commerce marketplace would co-exist with the physical brick-and-mortar retail spaces. These kirana stores significantly enough would forge partnerships with online delivery services while also digitally upgrading themselves with the help of the latter. Therefore, apart from the regular retail formats, there would be more tie-ups with different brands on e-com platforms.

The extraordinary growth of e-commerce

In a report, the Indian e-commerce industry has been projected to grow by 40% in 2020 as compared to 23% in 2019.  In fact, it has even been reported elsewhere how during the Covid-19 months, a decade of growth has been registered within just a few months this year. Andin terms of cross border growth, the country’s e-commerce sector has been ranked 9th globally. Around the festival season in the second half of the year, major players such as Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, and Snapdeal made sales worth $3.1 billion in the first 4-5 days of the festive season sale. And this growth has not remained confined to metros and big cities. An online player reported that 70% of its orders were received from tier II and III towns during Diwali. Once we have seen the last of Covid-19 which is expected in 2021, these figures would grow to become even more impressive. In fact, the e-commerce penetration in the country is expected to cross 10% in the coming five years from the current 4-5 percent.

Emerging new players are intensifying competition

While Covid-19 did pose a stupendous challenge to many small players in the early phases, several of those same affected players soon enough turned this adversity into an opportunity by upgrading themselves digitally and even recasting their product portfolios. While staying at home, a new generation of entrepreneurs has emerged now called ‘homepreneurs,’ offering competition to existing players. This will only get bigger and a more competitive retail marketplace including both online and offline will emerge in the coming year.

Kirana stores taking the digital leap

At the same time, demonstrating massive momentum on the B2B front, several new players as well as existing players reinvented their business processes by forging links with other players and bigger and stable e-commerce businesses. Many new e-commerce start-ups have come up helping kirana stores or mom-and-pop stores digitize and expand their operational footprints. A cash and carry store had offered digitization services to kirana stores promising complete digitization in a span of 24 hours.  So a vigorous drive for development of e-commerce platform for local retailers and grocery stores underpinned by digital payment mechanisms has been underway. This trend is expected to continue in the present year democratizing the marketplace further.

Contactless delivery of ready-to-eat and packaged food to acquire permanence

During Covid months, the trend towards partnerships between online delivery behemoths and FMCG companies including food brands has been a notable phenomenon. Also, the tie-ups between local food businesses and local e-commerce startups for final delivery of products have been equally noteworthy. In light of Covid-dictated explosion of cloud kitchens and food delivery apps, the near-institutionalization of highly-sanitized kitchen environment, double-layer packaging of food products, deployment of all-round safety gear equipped-delivery personnel, and contact-less delivery services would acquire a more permanent feature. The ripple effect of this new delivery culture would be seen even for the delivery of packaged food for final consumers.

Trends in shopping spend across categories

According to market research, in terms of average spend by online shoppers, electronics and accessories (39%) had emerged as the largest product category followed by mobile and accessories (12%); fashion, including apparel, footwear, and accessories (10%); and appliances such as TV, washing machines, refrigerators (9%) in the aftermath of Covid-19 outbreak.  However, a management consultancy white paper has revealed that food, grocery, consumer electronics and apparel will be the top e-commerce product categories contributing to sales in the coming five years.  Then based on a report by Goldman Sachs, online grocery and fashion/apparels are set to be the biggest drivers of incremental growth in e-commerce in the country.

M&As and investments to impact domestic e-commerce space

The last few months have seen considerable investment by foreign social media behemoths such as Facebook into domestic giants such as Reliance Industries which could allow the latter to play a bigger role in the e-commerce market. Then Reliance retail buying out Future Group has been another significant development.

Therefore, while 2020 was a year of crisis-driven instant improvisations and restructuring in a broadly subdued business environment, the coming year would see more stability and consolidation of the e-market space. Essentially, 2021 will see businesses adopting more of an omni-channel approach.

 

Nikki Khanna is surely one of the God’s blessed children who merely at the age of 15 years has written the same number of books as well. With her first Book printed already, She has become the talk of the town.

In words with brightest and youngest author-Nikki Khanna

 

 

About Yourself

 

I’m Nikki and I’m a writer of many romance novels, as well as a recently published author. I really enjoy writing, merely as a hobby as well as a career and I’m really interested in makeup as well but as of now I’m really just exploring my hobbies and enjoying my time doing what I like.

 

How Did The Booking Passion Started?

It first started off just by reading loads of books which are similar to the ones I write, mainly focusing on the romance, YA novels, and seeing how I much I would enjoy reading those, I thought to try writing one and then another and eventually writing became something I do regularly and enjoy doing a lot.

 

Tell Us About Your Books And Synopsis Of Each?

So, I have a lot of books, some of them include a book named Stuck In Paris which we recently got published. This book focuses on two very distant characters who go to Paris for a school trip and then blossom a romance from there on. I have another book named Perfect Strangers, which follows the storyline of two strangers meeting in a cafe and stirring up feelings for each other, and also a book named When in Rome which focuses on two strangers meeting in Rome and knowing each other from there.

 

Of All Your Books Which Is Your Favourite One ?

One of my favourites is definitely Stuck In Paris because I came up with the idea while I was on vacation with my family there and that’s also one of my first books that got really popular with my readers, so it’s a little special.

 

Who Inspires You To Write?

I read a lot of romance books myself, so definitely a lot of known authors such as Christina Lauren and Colleen Hoover. Both authors write romance novels and I take a lot of inspiration from them.

 

What Next Are You Writing On?

I’m currently focusing on exploring different tropes within romance, so as of now I’m writing a book on royalty and a prince meets princess sort of romance. It’s a new field for me and I’m really excited to try it and see how my readers respond.

 

How Does It Feel To Be One Of The Youngest Authors Of India?

It definitely feels great. I have been writing simply because it makes me happy and is a hobby, but knowing that what I do is appreciated and known by so many people definitely makes me feel proud of myself and keeps me motivated to continue.

 

Who Is Your Support System?

It’s definitely my parents Mr. Anuj Khanna & Mrs. Suruchi Khanna. They are encouraging, when I first told my dad about my passion for Writing- He told me Power of Pen is the biggest power in the world. He advised me to use it wisely, and my mother encouraged me. They are my first readers and the reason for me to be able to publish my first book at the age of 15.

 

How Many Books Have You Written So Far?

I have written about 15 books in total as of now which one can read on an app by the name of Wattpad. Few of my written books are Seven minutes in hell, The wedding in Miami, Saviour, What happens in Vegas, Addicted to you and more. However Stuck in Paris is my first published book. selling through Amazon in 8 countries.

By Aseem Sood, Managing Director – Proveda Marketing India Pvt. Ltd.

 Direct selling has been one of the oldest and the most traditional forms of selling platform globally. Today, it is a successful industry operating in over 80% of countries worldwide with a market size of $200 billion. The World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA) states that approximately 117 million people around the world are involved in the industry, out of which a staggering 74% are women. At present, India has 5.1 million people associated with direct selling of which 60% of them are women. We are seeing growth in terms of direct sellers in India, 2016-17 there were 5.1 million direct sellers that rose to 5.7 million in 2018-19. This is figures indicates that almost 800 people join the industry every day. This business model is one of the major contributors to the economic development of most of the developed countries majorly in India. In more than 20 years+ of its existence in India, the Direct Selling industry has been able to make a meaningful contribution to society. Direct Selling’s key factor ‘low investments and high returns’ – makes it a key driver of balanced growth in the country. It is estimated that by 2025, the direct selling industry in India will be worth INR 645 billion.

 

WHY DIRECT SELLING IS GAINING POPULARITY.

• Upsurge in income level: Employed as well as non-employed people are opting for direct selling business as it is a good source to make decent income.
• You own the business: Most of the people like to be the owner of their own business and above that the USP of direct selling – ‘low investment and low risk’ makes it more popular and attracts a huge number.
• Extra Savings: This platform enables members to earn fixed plus variable incomes by which they can save more money for themselves. This helps in improving their financial conditions.
• Connect Socially: This platform gives opportunities to be well connected with the society as it is focused on making more and more networks for the business which at last results in the development of society.

 

DIRECT SELLING IN INDIA

The direct selling concept is considered to have been kick-started in India in the late 1980s. Post-liberalisation, the industry witnessed major growth with many global players entering the Indian market. Today, the direct selling market in India is estimated to be around INR16 billion. Industry investors has seen how this platform created a positive impact on several other social and economic parameters:

1). An added income source: Direct selling is one platform that offers opportunities for additional income to a significant number of people and promotes micro-entrepreneurship. At present, over 5 million direct sellers are estimated to be connected with the industry. Besides, direct selling also imparts handy skills in sales and management, which can be used in general life routine, as well.

2). Promoting women empowerment: Women have gained significantly from the direct selling business as it offers self-employment opportunities. Around 2.1 million women have now become a successful entrepreneur in the direct selling industry.

3). Growth of the SME sector: Many direct selling companies bank on SMEs for manufacturing their products. In many cases, the direct selling companies help the SMEs with the manufacturing know-how, technology and processes to enable them to manufacture world-class products. Some of these companies also provide the right equipment and machines to the SMEs for production. Driven by these initiatives, many SMEs have now developed capabilities to cater to the needs of other MNCs and have commenced supplying to them, and thus promoting India as a manufacturing destination.

4). Generating employment: Besides offering an additional source of income to direct sellers, the industry also generates employment. The majority of the direct selling companies outsource the production, packaging and distribution of their products, which creates direct employment across the value chain. Every year 8 million newly graduates are looking for jobs but only 10% will get the job and many of them are underpaid. Direct Selling allows them to enhance their skills and develop a mindset of an entrepreneur.

5). Initiates CSR acts: In terms of serving the society, direct selling companies have been at the forefront. Many of the companies involved in direct selling actively contribute towards social activities like providing food, clothes, education and sanitation to the needy.

6). Contribution to the government treasury: The operating model for direct selling generates tax contributions to the government across its value chain. This comprises of direct and indirect tax contributions through corporate income taxes, import duties and VAT. These has created a significant social and economic impact in India. As mentioned earlier, that the industry is likely to become a worth of INR645 billion by 2025, driven by growth in consumer markets.

In summation, the industry has been helping the Indian economy since its inception, but last year, the industry grew manifolds. Other initiatives like ‘Vocal for Local’ and Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ has encouraged people to purchase locally made products this has given a boost to the industry as well and motivated upcoming entrepreneurs to succeed. Players like Proveda India has seen a great number of people joining and benefiting from the business. Direct selling has indeed emerged as a feasible option for those who seek flexibility and work-life balance while still enjoying the financial freedom the sector offers.

When it comes to Astrology, accuracy in predictions is extremely important. Since this is a science that is accepted both in India and across the world, very few individuals make a breakthrough on the same. One such individual is Dr. Acharya Vinod Kumar Ojha. He is a native of Allahabad which is known as the hub of learned men in the field of Astrology. Dr. Acharya Vinod Kumar Ojha was born on the 14th of August. His family is well known for their knowledge and he was inspired by his grandmother to a large extent.

 

PERSONAL HOROSCOPE

He was placed under the tutelage of the Great Maharishi Shri Shri Mahesh Yogi Ji. Here he learned all the nuances of Gemology, Panchang, Vastu, Numerology and Astrology. He was also educated in the art of reading horoscopes and understanding the timeline of different events in a person’s life as charted by the stars during his or her birth.

 

Once he was well versed in the different aspects, he sought the blessings of his teacher to share his knowledge with those in need. He started his mission in the year 1990 with the specific aim of bringing a change in the common man’s life. His ability to study the situation and analyze the same in a short period has helped many people to overcome the hurdles placed due to planetary positions. His success rate has ensured that people come to him and help him in his mission long after he has solved their problems.

 

He has a very pleasant personality and deals with people in a calm and assured manner. He ensures that the people who consult him are never alarmed by his predictions and are able to overcome the same in a smooth manner.

 

PAST CHANNELS WORKED WITH

He has given his expertise in a number of different shows which was coming at Sanskar, Divya TV, Sony Pal, Sab TV, UTV Bindaas, Zee Jagran, Darshan24, Shakti TV, Sadhna, Shraddha TV and many more.

 

He has also setup the Adyatmik sewa mission . This is a Non Government Organization or NGO that looks after those forgotten by society. They provide assistance to those who are destitute, those suffering from mental health issues, those who are unwell, those without any home and even those elders who have nowhere to turn to in their old age. The mission takes care of every aspect like medical care, rehabilitation and food .The focus is to provide them with the help required while restoring their dignity. So please contact him for any issues faced in your life. This can be financial, marriage related, job related, health related or every family related. You will never walk away disappointed.

 

When it comes to Astrology, accuracy in predictions is extremely important. Since this is a science that is accepted both in India and across the world, very few individuals make a breakthrough on the same. One such individual is Dr. Acharya Vinod Kumar Ojha. He is a native of Allahabad which is known as the hub of learned men in the field of Astrology. Dr. Acharya Vinod Kumar Ojha was born on the 14th of August. His family is well known for their knowledge and he was inspired by his grandmother to a large extent.

 

PERSONAL HOROSCOPE

He was placed under the tutelage of the Great Maharishi Shri Shri Mahesh Yogi Ji. Here he learned all the nuances of Gemology, Panchang, Vastu, Numerology and Astrology. He was also educated in the art of reading horoscopes and understanding the timeline of different events in a person’s life as charted by the stars during his or her birth.

 

Once he was well versed in the different aspects, he sought the blessings of his teacher to share his knowledge with those in need. He started his mission in the year 1990 with the specific aim of bringing a change in the common man’s life. His ability to study the situation and analyze the same in a short period has helped many people to overcome the hurdles placed due to planetary positions. His success rate has ensured that people come to him and help him in his mission long after he has solved their problems.

 

He has a very pleasant personality and deals with people in a calm and assured manner. He ensures that the people who consult him are never alarmed by his predictions and are able to overcome the same in a smooth manner.

 

PAST CHANNELS WORKED WITH

He has given his expertise in a number of different shows which was coming at Sanskar, Divya TV, Sony Pal, Sab TV, UTV Bindaas, Zee Jagran, Darshan24, Shakti TV, Sadhna, Shraddha TV and many more.

 

He has also setup the Adyatmik sewa mission . This is a Non Government Organization or NGO that looks after those forgotten by society. They provide assistance to those who are destitute, those suffering from mental health issues, those who are unwell, those without any home and even those elders who have nowhere to turn to in their old age. The mission takes care of every aspect like medical care, rehabilitation and food .The focus is to provide them with the help required while restoring their dignity. So please contact him for any issues faced in your life. This can be financial, marriage related, job related, health related or every family related. You will never walk away disappointed.

 

BRIJESH GOYAL CHAIRMAN, CHAMBER OF TRADE & INDUSTRY

There is plenty of evidence that concerned consumers prefer localisation, promoting products which are distinctive goods made with local ingredients, creating sustainable local employment and reducing the need for transport.

On the other hand, globalisation has led to global supply chains which enable specialisation, more jobs in low-skilled assembly lines in low-cost emerging economies, economies of scale due to access to much larger markets, and consumers benefit from much lower prices for better products.

Excerpts from an interview with Brijesh Goyal, Chairman Chamber of Trade & Industry (CTI)…

In the wake of corona crisis and the escalated tensions at the borders, it becomes the need of the day to hit China economically and give boost to the Indian Manufacturing and Trade by simultaneously ensuring no harm to the Indian economy. CTI has written a letter to Hon’ble PM Modi and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal and President, Subhash Khandelwal said that China is not only the creator of the Corona pandemic but is also the biggest enemy of our country.

Brijesh Goyal said weakening Chinese economy and reducing the dependence of Chinese goods in India is very important. In 2019-20, India has imported goods worth about 65 billion dollars from China. India is a very big export market for China. This is something, which cannot be done overnight but a long term and a strategic plan has to be drawn. This has to be done in 3 phases.

Short Term

• Restricting Chinese goods that are already made in India or goods that can easily made in India with existing facilities or goods whose import restrictions won’t have any impact on the Indian economy.
• There are many such items that are imported in large numbers from China. But, these items are already made in India and the Indian manufacturer needs little support to substitute the Chinese Import for these specific items.
• Toys, Textiles, Footwear, Electronic & Electric Items, Cosmetic, Gift Items, Watches, Clothing, Furniture, Lighting, Furnishing Items, Kitchen Goods, Hand Bags, Fashion Apparel, Gems & Jewelry, Stationery, Health Products, Holi Items, Diwali items etc.
• Import on these items should be immediately prohibited.

Medium Term

• Goods that can be manufactured by upgrading the existing facilities or by importing the required machinery or by technology transfer.
• In this context all local industries falling under MSME categories should be supported for the required technology, finance and support required enhancing the scale.
• Upgrading the existing facilities for achieving the required technology levels and the economies of scale like auto components, machinery, engineering goods etc.

Long Term

• Special trade specific groups to be formed that should include senior Bureaucrats & representatives of specific trade to have in-depth study of the trade and its potential.
• It involves making India a big-manufacturing hub for domestic & export requirements. To Encourage the Local manufacturing Government should simplify the norms that create ease in doing business.
• There should be trade specific zones to enable suitable infrastructure according to the needs of the industry.

 

CTI General Secretary Vishnu Bhargava & Vice President Navdeep Malhotra recommends few immediate steps that need to be implemented at the earliest:

• If India starts discouraging Chinese goods, it can come with hidden routes in the market. Thus, it requires a law to strictly mention “COUNTRY OF ORIGIN” on the packaging of products, as this will create transparency. This will prevent European & American brands to dump “Made in China” products in India.
• There should be difference in import tariff between the goods that are completely packed, printed or branded against the semi knockdown kits. This will encourage assembling of the components in India thereby reducing the import bills and will create employment for Indian labor.
• Stop giving Roads; Rail & Infrastructure projects to Chinese companies stop giving construction projects to Chinese companies. BNB

Dr Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson and Managing Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, has been conferred with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star. She is the first Indian woman to have received the Imperial honour, since its commencement for foreign nationals in 1981. She received the prestigious award from the Japanese Prime Minister, Mr. Shinzo Abe, in the presence of His Majesty, The Emperor at The Imperial Palace on 7th November 2019.

The Order of the Rising Sunwas instituted by Japanese Emperor Meiji in the year 1875 and awarded for exceptional services in civil and military fields.

The award is in recognition of Dr Suri’s contribution to strengthening strategic ties between India and Japan in economic and tourism sectors.

As the Co-Chair of FICCI Forum of Parliamentarians Council, she has been actively involved in the activities of the India-Japan Parliamentarians Forum. Her initiatives led to the resurrection of the India-Japan forum with the Parliamentarians visit to Japan in 2017, after a gap of 6 years.

Dr. Suri has been the Chairperson of FICCI Tourism Committee since 2006 and instrumental in organising the India Tourism Conference held in Tokyo in 2007. She also took a lead in pushing the Japanese tourism companies’ participation in the Great Indian Travel Bazaar being held annually. Dr. Suri’s persistence helped realise the first India-Japan Tourism Meet in 2016. Subsequently, this meet has been held three times so far. Due to Dr. Suri’s continuous efforts to promote India-Japan tourism relations, the number of Indian people visiting Japan is increasing every year.

Dr. Suri has been instrumental in strengthening the people-to-people connect between Japan and India. The India-Japan friendship forum, of which she is an Executive Committee member, was launched in January 2019 by the Foreign Minister of Japan and the Commerce Minister of India. The objective of the forum is to promote and increase cultural exchange between two countries.

Dr. Suri’s engagement with Japan goes back almost 35 years as promoter director of Subros Limited. Established in 1985, Subros Limited, a joint venture between the Suris, Denso Corporation Japan and Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, is a leader of thermal products for automotive and other applications manufactured in India.

Beauty & The Best Magazine recently interviewed Rashi Gupta Virmani who has established herself as an astrologer and vastu expert. She speaks on different related topics and is consulting people from past 10 + years now. She is Delhi University graduate and her spiritual journey started in her late teens.

Tell us about your journey till now?
I never believed in theory of destiny when I was young. I was doing my regular studies and wanted to make my name in corporate world but things changed completely when suddenly one day I started reading astrology related books. Firstly, it was my hobby and never in my wildest dreams I have thought of being an astrologer or making occult as my profession. It all happened unplanned and unknowingly, so from then only I started believing in destiny and karmas. I practiced and learnt a lot to gain more and more.

Do you think stars can make any difference and how?
Our solar system is aligned in a very special manner. Whenever one gets birth that time place and date makes a special combination to form a birth chart. By looking at birth chart one can find secrets and can know what lies ahead. Astrology consultation should be taken as a guiding tool and not superstition. It is same like preparing yourself for a bad or good weather.

What scope do you see for astrologers in future?
As I always say astrologers can be wrong with their predictions but astrology never. Actually people think it as very calculative subject but along with, it is more of intuitive subject. You should escape from your seat and go with whatever intentions you receive. Right now people are behind money and are taking this subject as business but always remember if you are true and honest to your subject, money is by product.

Is it challenging for you to always predict right? Is there always a burden?
I do not feel any kind of burden while seeing anyone’s chart or making any prediction. I believe that I am just a medium between him (God) and client. Whatever flows through me I pass on without any ifs and buts.

What advice would you like to give to readers of our magazine?
I would like to say to follow a routine. Each and every person in this universe is here to create something so why not useful. Also, I always suggest ladies to learn this spiritual science, as females are very good consultants and this can be used for their families. I also wish all the luck to magazine for future projects.

For more info:
Divine Path, B-10/10, Ground Floor, Sec-3, Rohini, Opp. Punjab & Sindh Bank (Ho), Delhi-110085,
Email; rashiastrology13@gmail.com,
Follow; Youtube/Astrocafe by Rashi Gupta
www.rudragtaan.com,
Ph: 011-41562701, 9899923051, 8076321400