2014: The Year of Elections and E-commerce

Another year is on the end and India is on the positive side of the growth bench. The year was more of the E-commerce, Elections, Digitalization, and their advertisement on Social Media. E-commerce sector got Billions of funding from other countries whereas Elections in India were the example of role of Social Media in attracting, delivering message, and knowing people. In both areas, Advertisement on social media played a big role. In my opinion advertisement, growth in 2014 was more than any other year.

This year, according to an estimate, advertising spends were increased by 12.5%. E-commerce was clearly the dominant category that showed significant increase in spending. Instead, the business ended up growing 10%. E-commerce companies including companies those that run popular sites Flipkart, Snapdeal, Jabong, Olx, and Quickr spend around Rs. 750 Crore in advertisement. These companies launched TV commercials, and in the un-up to the festive season that started in October, many companies went into advertising drive. It is not sure if e-commerce companies will remain as aggressive with their advertising in 2015.

It is a small component of India’s Rs.38 Trillion overall retail trade industry. Yet the, e-commerce format with sales of Rs. 1 Trillion managed to create the buzz in 2014. The year highlights were, Amazon raised $2 Billion in Indian e-commerce space followed by Softbank invests $627 Million in Snapdeal and $210 Million in Ola cabs. Flipkart also gets $1.7 Billion funding, taking valuation at $7 Billion. Footfalls in shops during festive season drop in favor of e-commerce and many more in the sector.

Advertising in Elections came on the back of a Rs. 300-350 Crore blitz by BJP in the parliamentary elections it won and another Rs. 200 Crore by the Congress. This year was more into Digitalization in India. Digital Advertising was more than the print advertising. Government spent Rs. 251 Crore on print advertising between April and November, 20.3% lower than the same period a year ago. Between April and November, Spending on Television advertisement also declined by 8.43%. Digital advertising grow by 30%.

Except ads, Elections in India saw a major change. People came into engagement through Social Media, Radio ads, and all the campaigns launched by PM were successful in making some impact. Everyone was aware of the activities of PM and other leaders. On the other hand, Indian Economy holds a momentum of growth. Inflation came into control at the end of the year. Oil price saw major decline after a decade and decline of $1 in Oil price, save India Rs. 3500 Crore.

Investors and businesses from other countries are investing in India because they find a promising and consistent government in country. PM vision of converting cities into smart cities and bringing in technology in every sector will improve work environment in India. Small businesses will grow and more business will emerge. Agriculture sector will also be benefitted, which holds the 52% contribution to Indian GDP. After so much in 2014, experts see better times ahead. There is high probability of Interest rates being cut. More spend on advertising will be there and everybody is hoping that more money will come in the country.

Chef and Food Truck in India

Over the past five years, the food truck sensation has spread across America serving consumers everything from Japanese Pizza, grilled cheese sandwiches with truffle oil and too many other versions of comfort with a gourmet twist to count. Few days back, I came to know the about the same thing in India. It is India’s first Mexican Food truck introduced by five-star Lalit Hotel Chain ‘The Lalit Food truck Company’.

I saw Lalit Food truck at my college fest serving delicious, cheap, and diverse food. I could not stop myself without ordering and interacted with the chefs preparing food. When I read about the Food truck in India, I was so excited and suddenly it reminds me of a movie named ‘Chef’. It is a comedy genre movie released in 2014, where the man does the same type of business. It is the story of a chef Carl Casper who quits his job at a restaurant and launches a food truck business.

The same movie story I shared with the Lalit Food truck chefs. The reason because in the movie ‘Chef’, Carl Casper son, make use of Twitter to go viral in United States. His son was a young teenage kid who knows how to operate Twitter. He clicked photographs of people eating food, make trend on Twitter, and tweet regularly whenever they sell food. This helps his father Food truck business to go viral and increase his business sales. Customers were tweeting back to him, asking him to visit their area, gave him feedback on tweets.

This is a good movie, which tells about the use of Twitter for a Business. I shared the same story with the Chef of Lalit Food truck and told them that they can also go viral by social media. Social Media will help them to increase their business awareness and go viral in the country. In a country like India where people are food savvy, they will surely read and go for it. The best thing about the Food was it was ready in two minutes and it was affordable too. Food was so delicious that now I had an option of eating irrespective of outlets like McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, and other places.  

I found five items on their menu i.e. Crispy Veggie Taco, Falafel, Vegetable Tortilla Wrap, Vegetarian Burger, Churros, and French Fries. Next time, I am going to order again and this time I will order and taste something new from last time.

Mobile Technology will charge Indian Economy

Over the last few decades, the Indian Economy has witnessed a significant transformation. From being primarily an agricultural economy, the services sector has overtaken and has become the leading contributor to growth. E-commerce sector is also emerging as the largest contributor to growth of Indian Economy. Within the services sector, the communication sector has grown at an astonishing 25.7% from 2000-01 to 2008-09. Even during the financial crisis year of 2008-09, while other sectors slowed down, communication sector continued its forward march.

Since then, the importance and role of telecom sub-sector and services is well known. Rising per-capita income and introduction of affordable handsets and lowest call rates have all led to an explosion in the subscriber case. India is the second largest user of mobile in the world with 900 Million users in the world, it accounted for 12% of world’s online population. Findings reveal that every 10% increase in mobile penetration rate leads to a 1.2% increase in GDP.

In last 2-3 years, e-commerce sector emerged as the astonishing business sector. E-commerce companies revealed that maximum number of users explore and order products from mobile. Therefore, companies are shifting their marketing focus towards mobile technology. In the next five years, E-commerce sector will contribute up to 2% to Indian Economy. Mobile apps are becoming the key thing for every company and business today.

For developing markets, basic mobile services still dominate and mobile data is the next wave of development. A doubling of mobile data use leads to a growth in the GDP per capita growth rate of 0.5 percentage points. Telecom companies are coming with 4G penetration in the market, which will be new boost to economy. Research said that, a 10% rise in 3G-penetration increases GDP per capita growth by 0.15 percentage points.

Next thing, which will charge Indian Economy, is the Internet. Every business is dependent on Internet these days. No apps, no site can run without Internet. It has become the necessity of human being today. Mobile phones are more useful when they are connected to Internet. India lacks behind in providing good internet connectivity to its citizens. However, government and big firms like Google, Facebook are working on drones project to provide Internet connection to all citizens across the world.

There are several other benefits of mobile phones. They significantly help to maintain physical and psychological health when family members move away from home. In addition, they enable women to maintain three roles within the household, simultaneously being wives, mothers, and wage earners. More mobile phones subscriptions are correlated with more democratic participation, less gender inequality and longer time spent in education. In all three areas, the impact of mobiles on social development indicators is stronger in developing countries. All these benefits of Mobile technology will charge Indian Economy. 

Bhopal Gas Tragedy – The Disaster of 1984

Thirty years have been passed since a poison gas leaked from the Union Carbide Pesticide plant in Bhopal killed thousands of people and left Lakhs survivors. It was the night of 2 December 1984, when 40 tons of toxic methyl isocyanate leaked from the plant. Many people died instantly and around 150,000 have been seriously affected.

After three decades, Lung and Eye complications are common among people in this area. Many also suffer from loss of limb function along with severe palpitations and recurring chest pain. Most victims have received 25,000 to 50,000 rupees in compensation, an amount that is far too small for medical treatment. The effect of this disaster can be measured until today. Thirty years before on the same day, suddenly a peaceful night was turned into people voice asking for help. This disaster is an example of poor Project Management.

The complaints started in 1976 when two workers complained about pollution inside the plant. Following this, in 1981, a worker was splashed with phosgene. When he removed his mask in panic, he ended up inhaling large amount of phosgene gas. He died 72 hours later. American experts visited the plant in 1981 and warned the UCC about a ‘runway reaction’ in the MIC storage tank. Local Indian authorities also warned UCIL about the same problem however, no constructive and preventive measures were implemented by UCIL, nothing from UCC either. After the plant was closed India also suffered a huge economic loss.

After so much of repeated warnings, authorities took no steps. Things would have been different if the project and factory works were processed properly. Plant was located closed to city because of transportation facility. A chemical plant should be located far from city. This incident changed the course of industries in India. A plant near to city is can be dangerous sometimes. Waste emitted by factories and harmful gases directly effects the internal organs of human beings and animals. This is also a reason why most of the river channels in India are polluted and animals suffer the most from it.

In my opinion, chemical plants must be built far from living areas and far from riverbanks. Industrialists should take proper steps in dumping waste and control on harmful gases, which effects living beings and humans. Then only a healthy and safe environment can be built. Projects are successful if they do not affect environment and living beings and then only a country economic conditions will improve. 

Memories of My College Life

I still vividly remember my first day in college. There was an excitement of meeting new people, new teachers and professors, a place to explore, and it was far away from home. I started my college life in August 2009 and it was like liberation for me. I was very happy because from now on I could make my own decisions. It was a bit difficult at first to be with people I never knew. I did not know how I should have behaved just to fit in. There was always fear of ragging inside me. However, eventually, everything went smoothly.

College is a dry run of the rest of our lives. It is a training ground on how to be successful and become good people. My college was full of memories, which I can never forget. There were memories of parties in hostel and clubs, achievements in class and academics, outings with friends, fights with best friend, college fests, silly jokes, and many more. I still remember my first birthday party in hostel, which I think I will never see it again.

Time goes on and in mean time, a window of professional life opens. There came a moment of living away from friends, leave city, and a small moment to see tears in your loved ones eyes. I still remember tears in best friend eyes and I too had in my eyes. Nevertheless, life is so beautiful that it makes everything smooth as silk. The reason I am writing this blog because recently I celebrated my last day of college life and thanked everyone who had made every moment beautiful. Because of them, I am able to make some memories, which I will always remember in my life while travelling or in office. I may not be able to cover all my memories here because it is not possible for me to write memories of five years in a blog.

Life is beautiful when one takes out positive things from it. Presently, I feel so happy when I look back in my life. The day I celebrated my last day of college life, a different feeling was there inside me and a voice deep inside me saying that it is over now, it is last day. These moments will never again and all I end up with is memories and a beautiful career ahead. I also thanked my parents who did all this for me. Everyone has memories in life but the college memories are always special in one’s life. 

“E” Emerges Everything

Many important things, without which we cannot live, surround life. I was thinking about certain important things in one’s life and then suddenly I realize something. I asked my friend about it and start writing on a piece of paper. I appreciate the way she thinks and how fast she thinks. She said many words and I wrote them on paper. What I find is the importance of alphabet “E” in life. I thought that it is the power of “E” which drives everyone life. I will share every word here and will share my views on it. There are many more words but I felt these play an important role or meaning.

The first word came to my mind was Electricity and Electronics items. It is very difficult to live without electronics items these days. With increase in use of electronics items, digitalization is increasing in the world. Soon, India will emerge as the world power in Digitalization. Next is E-commerce. We all know how fast e-commerce business is growing in India. It is expected to reach $11.8 Billion by next year. EBay is among one such company. This year e-commerce businesses all over the world broke many records.

Environment is another word on which major countries of the world are keeping their focus. Increase in global warming and disasters are a major concern. Carbon emission from industries is also an issue. In G20 Summit 2014, President Obama talked about the need of control on Carbon emissions. Then we have the role of Engineers in the world. They are the ones who develop this world.

In life, Entertainment is also necessary. With increase in Sports events, Media, Television channels, and movies, entertainment industry emerges as a new developing industry in the world. Inside the corporate world, ethics of an employee play an important role in driving an organization. Education, Enthusiasm, Eagerness, Emotions are important in life.

Employment level of a country always affects an Economy. More Employment is generated more number of people will earn and spend money which is good for an economy to grow. This is the major concern in Europe since last three-four months. Increase in Empowerment is must for a country. The last and most interesting is the Entrepreneurs. There had been many entrepreneurs in the past and many more are emerging. India will produce the maximum number of entrepreneurs in the world. For me Entrepreneurship is living a lifestyle and creating employment for others.

There are many more words, which start from “E” and are important in life. These are Endurance, Enemy, Example, Everlasting, Excitement, Easy, Emergency, Exercise, Equipment, Europe and many more. All of us use one of these words daily. The idea behind this article was to look out for important words or terms used by people around us and most of them start from “E,” and I realized the power of “E” in one’s life.

The Celebration of Wall Fall

Yesterday was the 25^th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, an act that symbolized the end of tyranny and oppression that kept people apart. Communist government of the German Democratic Republic in 1961 built the wall. The purpose of the wall was to keep western “fascists” from entering East Germany and undermining the socialist state. In 1989, ecstatic crowds swarmed the wall and crossed the border. Many people met their families after a long time. To this day, the wall remains one of the most powerful and enduring symbols of cold war.

After the World War II, German Territories divided into two parts. The Eastern part of the country went to the Soviet Union and the western part went to the United States, Great Britain, and France. In 1949, Russians began to move in Western part out of the city for good. Western countries supplied goods and commodities to their allies in East from the Air. This was called as Berlin Airlift. In 1961, Eastern Government gave permission to stop the flow of emigrants by closing its border. Within two years, a concrete wall was built, which divided the city into two parts.

Many people died in practice of crossing the border. However, in 1989 people tried to cross by hot air balloons, crawling through the sewers, and driving through unfortified parts of the wall at high speeds. On November 9, 1989, East Berlin communist party leader announced a change in his city’s relation with the west. Start at midnight, more than 2 Million people from East Berlin visited West Berlin and met their families and friends. Their joy of going back to their old places was termed as the greatest street party in the history of the world. Yesterday, people and celebrities performed at concerts and celebrated the anniversary. They performed Wall Anthem Heroes and display fireworks.

There are many other walls or boundaries around the world, which were built after big wars to restrict people from crossing the country. India-Pakistan border fence is one among them. In August 1947, partition was done between India and Pakistan. Overnight, people lost their families and jobs. Border wall in Israel-Palestine is another barrier. US-Mexico border tries to keep illegal migrants out of country. Border between North Korea and South Korea is a cold war symbol in Asia. Saudi Arabia border with Yemen, Iran-Pakistan Border, Northern Ireland peace lines, China great Firewall and Western Sahara wall keep people out of their country.

These walls not only restrict people but also give birth to terrorism. This collapse would lead to demolition of barriers everywhere and healing schisms. The celebration for fall of Walls around the world will be immense if it happens. Many people will have joy to visit their homes, streets, meet friends, and families. Still there are people who are away from their homes because of the borders disputes and restrictions in going into other countries. Germany Berlin wall fall remains fresh on the minds.

Importance of Sports for Economy

Today sport emerges as an important component of Socio-economic development of a country. The active participation in sports improves community health and productivity, reduces medical expenses, imbibes discipline in character, generates great leaders, and enhances social cohesion. The execution of a mega sporting event helps in developing infrastructure, generates employment, secure inflow of foreign capital, generates players and athletes, and thus contributes significantly to the economic development of a country. Therefore, it can be said that the impact of sports on economy and society is multi-dimensional.

There are many sports played in India but cricket is most famous game in India. Since a decade, Indian sports ministry is well focused on increasing the sports facility in India. India has hosted several international sporting events after Independence including 1982 Asian Games to ICC Cricket world Cup in 2011. India is rich in giving great athletes to the world. In sports such as Cricket, Hockey, Wrestling, Shooting, Chess, Badminton, Football, Golf, Kabaddi, Races, Billiards, Baseball, Boxing, Tennis, Formula 1, Polo, and Rock Climbing. Still, India needs to work more on infrastructure and other facilities. In the 11^th Five Year plan, government allocated INR 46,360 Million for development of sports in country. Since then India had hosted Formula 1 Races, Hockey World Cup, Common Wealth Games, and Cricket World Cup.

Businesspersons and celebrities in India also worked with government to promote and develop different sports in India. IPL in Cricket, IBL in Badminton, PKL in Kabaddi, ISL in Football, IHL in Hockey, and IPTL in Tennis, all these leagues in India worked in creating sports hype in the country. Social Media had also played a very important role. Whenever any major sport event occurs in a country then it gives benefit to different sectors. People spend more on tickets, purchase sports brand products, visit restaurants and clubs, watch TV, and many more. Travel Company, Beverages Company also makes huge profits at the time of events.

However, there are certain incidents where government ended up in making loss. Terrorists attacks in Pakistan in 2008, forced ICC to ban cricket matches in Pakistan because of which economy shrinks of that country. Recently in India, West Indies left the tour in between leaving behind loss for sponsors, state sports authorities, BCCI, and other major partners. This forced BCCI to impose a fine of $42 Million to WICB. This may also let BCCI to ban West Indies players play in IPL. Sports contribution in England reached to 1.9% of their total GDP in 2010. FIFA world cup 2014 in Brazil raised business for local players by double.

Hence, it can be seen that sports play an important role in shaping up an economy and government to promote sports in country. This will increase the business for local players who make sports equipments; it will also provide business to airlines and other transport business, media, brokers, and a medium of creating platform for young generation. Adventurous sports like Mountain Biking, Rafting, Cycling, Kayaking, are also positioning in India now. This all will led to increase in employment and will increase money in the economy. 

Indian government will have to make more efforts to promote every sport in India. For this first, the allocation of funds, such as the percentage of budget, should increase to broad base sports. Secondly, sports should be made as an integral part of education system. Third, effectiveness of developmental projects should evaluate periodically. Fourth, Uniformity should be maintained in sports activities of various states of India to provide equal participation opportunity to its citizens. Finally, a structure of good government should incorporate to make the system transparent and accountable. Government should revisit the sporting framework of India. Otherwise, the immense potential of country in sports can never be realized. 

50 companies that changed the world

Over the past 200 years, many companies had the most impact on our world, and on the way, the business is done today. The same thing Howard Rothman takes up in this fascinating, easy reading jaunt through business history. I finished reading in this book and I found it a historical book with histories of all companies that changed or made impact in this world. This book contains a list of 50 Companies that had the most profound impact on the world around them.

The author ranked the firms according to their influence and contributions. International in scope, the selections range from obvious choices like Microsoft, AT&T, Toyota, and McDonald’s, to more provocative selections like CNN, the Walt Disney Company, and Ben & Jerry’s homemade. For each company the author presents a lively, historical sketch and discusses its strengths and weaknesses in the context of each company’s individual operations. It also tells about their size, capitalization, and information about their current leadership. It is both an entertaining read and a handy reference work. It is fun to read this book because it takes me to history of companies from all sectors.

If one is interested in, knowing the histories of famous, old companies that this is the perfect book to read. It mainly consists of companies that were established in 20^th century. One time I feel that these are not the companies that are affecting world today as Google and other big firms are missing out in this book. However, the collection of companies is relevant to history of the world. This book makes me learn how some of the greatest companies of all time achieved their success, stayed on the top of trend, and fell from pinnacle when they failed to follow the path that made them successful.

A management student, a businessperson, an employee should add this book into their library. In short, it is an historical book with consists of names of companies, leaders who drove them, obstacles they faced, their capitalization, number of employees, sales, changes they made to be on top, their acquisitions, and how they begin to produce. Read it once, it will add value to your knowledge. 

World in September

In the history of the world, September seems to be an important month. From developing nations to developed nations, most of the changes in the past and present occurred in the month of September. In 2014, many events took place in the emerging countries of the world. India, Europe, and USA all three countries saw major changes. Let us look in the past events and changes in this year.

It was September 2001, when Islamic Terrorist group attacked upon the United States in New York and Washington. Two towers of World Trade Centers were attacked and US Pentagon was attacked. Many people died in the attacks. Few years later, on September 15, 2008, Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. was filed under Bankruptcy. As the fourth largest investment bank of US, this crime led to 2007-08 financial crises in the world. Last year in 2013, India GDP fell down to a lower rate and currency exchange rate touched the highest point-making rupee weakest in history.

Year 2014 brought out many other changes in Indian History. After completing 100 days in office, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Japan for five days. Both the countries build Special Strategic Global Partnerships. Modi statement of “No red tape, but red carpet” was signs of investment from foreign countries. After that, Australian Prime Minister visits India for Nuclear deal. In mid of the month, Chinese President visit India for trade relations between both countries. MoU was signed for building Smart cities, SEZs, Chinese Development Bank, and manufacturing goods in India. Soon after some days, PM launches “Make in India” campaign to attract businesses from around the world to invest and manufacture in India.

In the end of the month, PM visit US to attend UN General Assembly council, to address Indians in USA, and to meet US President Barack Obama. Modi speech in Madison Square made him most searched person on Google and Tweets on Twitter. Both countries agreed to help each other in Defence and India to import technology from USA. These were some changes in India in September, which will drive India’s growth largely.  

On 24 September 2014, India became the first country in the world to reach the Mars orbit in its first attempt. The Mars Orbiter Mission was launched by ISRO. The total cost of the mission was approximately $70 Million and it is the cheapest inter-planetary mission ever to be undertaken since Martian exploration began. In corporate world, Alibaba IPO breaks the record of becoming the largest company in e-commerce sector by market share. Its value reaches $230 Billion after IPO in month of September.

After some peace talks between Israel and Palestine, Russia and Ukraine, tensions start between UK and Scotland. Scottish Independence referendum on Scottish Independence in September was another important day in history. The decision of Scotland to remain in Great Britain not only saved UK but some other countries like Tibet, India, China, and Pakistan. If the results turned out to be opposite then there might be chances of voting in for Kashmir and Tibet.

In September 2014, ISIS members began attacks on journalists from different countries, forcing US and EU forces to launch air strikes. These strikes are still in process. The 2014 Hong Kong protests also known as Umbrella movement, began in the same month. The cause behind the protest is that Chinese Central government decision on electoral reform regarding future Hong Kong chief executive and Legislative Council elections. The protests are still going and there are no negotiations between the protestors and the government. In Business news, all light was on Apple new iPhone and watch. However, there may be more things going around or took place in between years in same month but these are some, which remains in light and make it a big month in the history of the world.

 

Jack Welch & the GE Way

Recently, I finished reading this book and it is the most interesting book on Management Insights and Leadership secrets of the Legendary CEO Jack Welch. Robert Slater has contributed so well and it is his second book on Jack Welch. GE is the most valuable company in the world and Jack Welch, GE’s CEO is the most acclaimed CEO of the world. This book tells in details the Welch Strategies and Management Secrets. Under his leadership, GE became the first company in the world to apply six-sigma strategy in their work.

This book also offers a rare look into the mind of Jack Welch illuminating his vision and prescriptions for the future of business. Slater has highlighted the GE revolution of achieving double-digit growth in a boundary less organization and feature over 30 of Jack Welch’s leadership secrets. Jack Welch does not believe in sitting still. His innovative, breakthrough leadership strategies as CEO have transformed GE into a highly productive and labor efficient powerhouse. One of the good quotes in this novel is “Act like a leader not a manager.”

One of the Welch strategies that I like in this book is – “Welch was open to take feedback from every employee of his organization, starting from a labor employee to a General Manager.” Companies will do well to with this advice on how to foster an open ended, informal work atmosphere that will encourage employees to speak out, breaking down the walls of hostility between managers and subordinates.

His commitment towards the organization motivates his employees. Welch commitment and dedication for the company came when he said, “GE will be the top most production company in the sector, otherwise GE will stop producing products.” This statement and vision of Jack Welch drives GE into the top Fortune 500 companies. In 1997, GE led Business week list of all companies worldwide in market value for the second consecutive year and achieved near top ranking of the most profitable companies in the U.S.

This book gives an overview of Welch philosophy on how to manage and how not to manage and covers topics such as building a market-leading company, forging the boundary less organization, harnessing people for competitive advantage, pushing service, and globalization for double-digit growth. 

Indian E-commerce Train

Indian e-commerce is projected to explode from $10 Billion to $43 Billion in the next five years. There are eleven categories and within them 42 players that are poised to shape this blazing path. Let us look at e-commerce industries in different categories, their investors, and funding raised by them.

The first in the category of e-commerce is Market Place. This multi category segment is on fire this year. The largest pie of the line retail ecosystem is drawing the maximum risk capitals and eyeballs. The top three players – Flipkart, Snapdeal, and Amazon are expected to do $4 Billion in sales this fiscal. All multi category players are on the Inventory less market place model. They are all investing heavily in warehouses and delivery. They are making acquisitions. Their focus is now on growth and less on profitability. Investors in Flipkart are Accel and Tiger Global. Investors in ShopClues are Nexus Venture and Helion Ventures. Snapdeal investors are Kalaari, Nexus Venture, Intel Capital, Bessemer, eBay, and Premji Invest.

The second category in the list is Travel. If multi product players have the eyeballs then travel portals have the wallet. At around $8 Billion, online travel accounted for 70% of the overall Indian e-commerce market in 2013. Three shifts are underway, one with air tickets becoming a staple, travel portals are turning their focus to hotel bookings and travel packages. There is a growing emphasis on smartphone traffic and applications. Big players are Cleartrip, Expedia, Ibibo, IRCTC, Makemytrip, RedBus, and Yatra. Investors in Cleartrip are Concur Technologies and Reliance Ventures. Investors in Makemytrip are SAIF partners, Tiger Global. Investors in RedBus are Naspers. Yatra investors are Capital 18, Norwest, Intel Capital, IDG Ventures, Vertex, and Valiant Capital.

The other category in Indian e-commerce is Fashion. After electronics, fashion and lifestyle is the largest industry in online retail with a 25% share. Myntra and Jabong are the leaders competing fiercely with discounts and for exclusive brand partnerships. Myntra is launching private labels including Roadster and Dressberry. With external brands give up to 35% and in house labels go up to 60%. Jabong is in partnerships with international brands and designers. Other players are Yepme, Fab Alley, and Zovi. Investors in Jabong are Rocket Internet. Investors in Myntra are Kalaari, Accel, Tiger Global, IDG Ventures, and Premji Invest. Investors in Yepme are Helion Ventures. Investors in Zovi are SAIF Partners and Tiger Global.

Furniture is the third largest segment in e-commerce. The value of goods sold by leading players is on course to increase 3-4 times this fiscal. Pepperfry and Urban Ladders are the leaders. Among market places, Snapdeal has launched and Flipkart, Amazon are exploring. In this industry, players need to build a specialized supply chain and help in building the manufacturer ecosystem. Pepperfry is working with manufactures to build furniture that can be assembled on delivery. Other players are FabFurnish and Zansaar. Investors in FabFurnish are Rocket Internet. Investors in Pepperfry are Norwest and Bertelsmann. Investors in Urban Ladder are Steadview, SAIF Partners, and Kalaari Capital. Investors in Zansaar are Accel and Tiger Global.

With an estimated market of $350-400 Billion, the grocery segment is larger than anything else is. It is also challenging. One needs to build Hyper-local sourcing, warehouses, and supply chain. Expansions across regions are staggered. The exception is BigBasket, which is in three cities. Other players are Ekstop, LocalBanya, IndiaMart, Homogennie, and Zopnow. Investors in BigBasket are Ascent Capital and K Ganesh. Investor in Ekstop is Unilazer. Investor in LocalBanya is Karmvir Avant Group. Zopnow investors are Accel Partners, Qualcomm, and Times Group.

Hyper-local market is the other growing category in India. Even if big players enter into market then also small shops and establishments will make a large percentage of sales. Platforms like Just Dial, Findable, PriceBaba, and Zopper are looking to bring them online in multiple ways. BookMyShow is doing the same with ticket bookings in arts and entertainment. Just dial the largest local search player with revenues of Rs. 561 crore in 2013-14 extended into transactions this January, enabling services like doctor appointments and flower deliveries. Zopper and PriceBaba are also expanding quickly. With smartphones and data connections, their numbers are expected to increase. Investors in Just Dial are Tiger Global, SAIF Partners, and Sequioa. Investors in Zopper are Tiger Global, Nirvana Ventures, and Blume.

Some e-commerce websites are differentiating by targeting niche customer profiles. GreenDust sells factory second and refurbished consumer electronic products at a 10% - 76% discount to market price. Limeroad is a social shopping platform focused on women that also offers users tools to curate and share collections offline. Onemi sells products only on equated monthly installment even to customers who do not have a credit card. Overcart is also a new startup. Investors in GreenDust are Lightbox Ventures, Vertex, and Reliance. Investors in Limeroad are Tiger Global, Matrix Partners, and Lightspeed. Investor in Onemi is VenturEast. Investor in Overcart is K Ganesh, and GSF Superangels.

Other than these, there are some smaller specialists in different categories. First is the Babycare category. Babycare and kids wear products categories are emerging. The leader is Pune based FirstCry. FirstCry is flanking its online presence with stores – 70 running and 30 more coming this year. It is collaborating International brands to provide free hospital kits to parents of newborns in about 6,000 hospitals in top 18 cities. Other players are Babyoye and Hopscotch. Investors in Babyoye are Tiger Global, Accel, and Helion Ventures. Investors in FirstCry are SIAF Partners, IDG Ventures, and Unilazer. Investors in Hopscotch are Lion Rock Capital, and Nisaba Godrej.

Healthcare is one segment where niche portals have managed to build strong franchises. While focus of Healthkart is protein supplements and personal care, that of Lenskart is eye care. It expects post revenue of Rs. 100 crore this fiscal. Other startups in this segment are Healthadda, Helathgenie, and Saralhealth. Investors in Healthkart are Intel Capital, Sequoia, and Kae Capital. Investors in Lenskart are Unilazer Ventures and IDG ventures.

Stores in general, have failed to offer Indian women a wide choice of products or a comfortable shopping experience. Online players are stepping in, offering wide variety of products, new categories like shapewear and the privacy to shop without human contact. China largest category in e retailing is apparel. Online players are PrettySecrets, Koovs, and Zivame. Large players like Flipkart, Myntra could acquire them to make these brands anchor tenants on their website. Investors in PrettySecrets are Rehan Yar Khan. Investors in Zivame are Unilazer Ventures, IDG Ventures, and Kalaari Capital.

India’s appetite for jewellery is growing every year. Players are entering into online platforms and Bluestone, Caratlane are some established players. Investors in Bluestone are Accel Partners, Kalaari Capital, and K Ganesh. Investors in Caratlane are Tiger Global. Online business is also growing in Food Chains sector. Platforms like Zomato and TastyKhana are offering in wide categories. While Zomato is into restaurants chains and it is Google of Food, TastyKhana delivers your food in quick span of time. Medical shops are also entering into online selling and delivering of medicines. Apollo Pharmacy, 98.4, and local keepers are entering. In flower delivery service, Ferns & Petals, and other players are emerging. Taxi and Ride booking is also emerging at a rapid pace. Electronic stores, customize printing business, fruits and vegetables,  are some other categories where business is growing. It is expected that after five years everything in India will be available online.

Breakout Nations

Ruchir Sharma is a head of Emerging Markets and Global Macro at Morgan Stanley Investment Management. He generally spends one week per month in a developing country. He has been a contributing editor with Newsweek and has penned essays for publications such as Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, New York Times, Foreign Affairs, and Economic Times. He is the writer of Best International Economic Book “Breakout Nations.” Recently, I finished reading this book and it is the most interesting book on economic landscape.

The book takes on a life of its own as it delves in depth into each country and its economic drivers. China, India, Brazil, Russia, Mexico, Europe, Turkey, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, USA etc all find a mention and an analysis. This book tells the in depth economic conditions of every country. It also covers past crisis of Asia, USA, Europe, and ASEAN countries. This book is also a revelation as well as treasure trove of information and ideas. In this book, Country Specific notions, are challenged and disproved such as in the section of consumer demand in China. Country specific problems that can hold it back are analysed in short and power pack sections like welfare, investments of Indian Businesses abroad in a time when the home country is in urgent need of capital.

It also contains graphs and numerical which tells comparisons and analytic view of each country. Each nation’s problems as well as enablers find adequate mentions giving a nice balance and flow to the analysis, as well depth and convincing power. Economic, political, crimes, as well as other problems find adequate coverage. Some problems like crony capitalism in India, welfare state in Brazil, political situation in Russia, olipolistic nature of Mexico, and rising inflationary trends in India are covered in depth. Each factor that can affects growth are looked at.

The objective of this book is to identify Breakout Nations- the nations most likely to succeed. Both conventional factors and unconventional factors approach in this book is right. For example, the analysis of number of Billionaires in a nation is a revelation. Overall, this book first, teaches one how to properly analyse a market or a nation. Second, it is a handbook of emerging markets. It gives a perspective of entire emerging market in a short.

A word on writing style, it is simple and easy to understand. One does not need to be a professional economist to understand the book. This is perhaps the most powerful plus point of this book. It makes the entire pitch in very simple, easy to understand and comprehend prose. It avoids needless details and voluminous analysis. The analysis is short and up to the point. This makes for a fast read and it makes for easy absorption of the material presented in the book.

As the Breakout Nations identified, be prepared for a surprise. Read the book to learn more, and open your mind to new ideas and thoughts.

Wealthiest women in Technology Industry

It is not secret that men dominate Silicon Valley. The technical community has finally realized it has a diversity problem. However, women have been in the technology industry for some time now. Many of them are on the top most positions and are among the richest women in the world. Women Entrepreneurship is on a big roll these days. Starting from Oprah Winfrey in US to Ekta Kapoor in India, women’s are doing best in business. In addition, not in Business Industry there are women in Technology Industry who have risen up to lucrative leadership positions.

After a long research, I found some of the wealthiest women in Technology industry. Meg Whitman, she made her fortune at eBay before becoming CEO of HP in 2011. She is the only female tech executive to crack Forbes list of 400 richest Americans. She is reportedly worth $1.9 Billion. Sheryl Sandberg, she made her mark as Facebook Chief Operating Officer. She is also famous for her bestselling book Lean In: Women, Work, and The will to lead. Her net worth hovers $1 Billion. Marissa Mayer, she was the 20^th employee at Google and sits on Wal-Mart’s Board of directors. She became CEO of Yahoo in July 2012. Her net worth estimated at $300 Million.

Ginni Rommety, she became CEO of IBM two years ago. It is very tricky to estimate her net worth. She is worth less than $1 Billion. In 2012, her total compensation was $16.1 Million. Safra Catz, she became an Oracle executive in 1999 and has since then worked her way up and is now the President and CFO. She reports to founder and CEO, Larry Ellison. In 2013, she earned over $44 Million in stock and options. Ursula Burns, she became the first African-American woman in July 2009 to lead a Fortune 500 Company as Xerox CEO and Chairwoman. She started out as an Intern in 1980. Her compensation in 2013 was over $7.5 Million. Susan Wojcicki, she became YouTube CEO after becoming SVP of advertising at Google. Founder Sergey Brin and Larry Page rented her garage as Google’s first Office. Her position at YouTube guarantees her a fortune upwards of $10 Million.

Renee James, she became the president at Intel in 2013 and instantly becoming the most powerful woman in Business and Technology. Before becoming president her total compensation in 2012 was over $15 Million. Amy Hood, she became Microsoft CFO last May and reports to CEO Satya Nadella. Before Transitioning to CFO, Hood led Microsoft’s business team in acquiring big names like Skype and Yammer. Her total compensation neared $7.5 Million. Angela Ahrendts, she became CEO of Burberry and this year joined Apple as Head of Retail and Online Stores. She is the first woman to join CEO Tim Cook’s executive team. She has been awarded $76 Million in stock. Lucy Peng, she is the founder of Alibaba, became the CEO in June after successfully growing its small lending and microfinance operations. The e-commerce company recently announced an initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange, claiming a value of around $120 Billion. Her fortunes will skyrocket when the company completes its IPO.

These days industries are looking for motivating woman to become Entrepreneurs or hiring women’s for top positions in their companies. To solve diversity problem in Industries, these steps are must to take and not only men’s are good managers; women’s too are good managers. The only difference is their way of working is different.

Pyramid Productions

Entertainment is the part of life. Everywhere around, everyone needs entertainment in some form. It has become the necessity of every individual, in such a hectic work schedule of offices and business. Modes of entertainment are also changing these days. Some are limited to televisions, radio, and at last Internet. A sport is also an entertainment for people in India. However, in present scenario people tend to travel a lot with families to enjoy. Therefore, as a whole travel and entertainment is must in these days. In corporate, Companies take care of entertainment of their employees in order to boost their energy and revive their performance. Award ceremonies, parties, festivals, sports events, and adventurous trips are part of their engagement.

To fulfill this part of companies and colleges, companies are managing events in corporate. I came to know about one such company named “Pyramid Productions.” Young Entrepreneur Ankur Kakkar is the founder of this organization. It is an initiative of expert Event and Travel management, which provide services such as Event Management Services, Creative Communication Services, Corporate Meetings, and Incentive. Pyramid Productions has a dedicated experienced team for specialized services to handle large events. Their team has event management expertise in terms of strong planning, and conceptualizing.

Some of their challenging work highlights are MetLife Family Day 2013, Hotelier Awards 2013, CPA Global Meet 2013, Agilis Family Day 2013, and many more. Other than these, company also handles sports events, promotional events, streets events, awareness programs, and college fests events. Pyramid Production is a regular partner of many companies like MetLife, Agilent Technologies, and Agilis International etc. Recently, concert of Pankaj Udas was organised by Pyramid Production in Delhi.

Organizing an event is not an easy task. It requires a lot of effort to complete a task. From planning to execution, there are ample numbers of works to be completed. Arrangements of goods, completing work within deadline with productivity and most important is planning budget. Pyramid Production has achieved success in many of their projects as named above. They are one of the emerging and top most travel and event management company. Many more events and projects are coming under them and Pyramid Production with Innovative Ideas, Production and Quality will achieve success.

Value of Sports in Life

Past few weeks I have seen many sports being played all around the world. In my opinion, a sport is an organized, competitive, entertaining, and skillful activity requiring commitment and fair play. We learn about sportsmanship, teamwork, and work ethic. Sports play an important role in everyone’s life. It requires lot of effort and practice to be a good sportsman. I believe that participating in sports activities can teach value and life lessons that one can use in life. Behind every sportsman, coaches and parents play an important part. Their guidance and reinforcement will build character instead of creating character.

Leaders are not born they are made and they are made just like anything else, through hard work.

Value of sports is very important. Sports teach us lot of things in life. First is Discipline. Sports can teach a child discipline in a practical way, to learn the skills and maximize performance. It teaches us to do hard work and reach our potential. It also teaches us Sacrifice. There can be instances that one needs to give up in order that someone else will contribute better for the team.

The difference between impossible and possible lies in a man’s determination.

Sports teach us importance of our role in team and life. Single talent in a team cannot lead to victory and it is important in life to work with other’s talent too. It also makes us learn how to build and work in a team. Sports kept political difference aside. It makes us self-reliance and Motivated. It makes us prepare how to achieve goals. It makes us learn what planning to do before competing. Sports also teach us to become good coaches and mentor in one’s life. This is possible by the role of a father, coach, and friend.

Do not measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished by your ability.

Sports makes us know how to prepare and practice. Winning is not important always and sports teach us how to deal with success and failure. One can win only if he knows the taste of lose. This makes him striving for goals and result. Sports also teach us how to overcome adversity and temporary failures through situations faced during competition and in preparing for competition. Each one of us must play a single sport with complete dedication. This will create a better person inside us. It will keep us physically and mentally fit. Before doing any work in life, one must think of Never Giving Up.

Never Give Up! Failure and rejection are only the first step to succeed.

Earthship

Earthship is a type of passive solar house made up of natural and recycled materials. It is an organization, where people work as volunteer to build 100% sustainable homes that are both cheap and awesome to live in. Mike Reynolds who is the founder of Earthship Biotecture, a company that specializes in designing and building Earthships, started it in 1970. Mike wanted to create a home that would do three things; first, it should be sustainable architecture, using waste material to entire planet as well as recycled materials wherever possible. Second, the home should rely on natural energy sources, free from electrical, and water lines. Finally, it should be economically feasible for the average person with no specialized construction skills to be able to create.

Mainly the walls of Earthship homes are designed by Tires and waste Bottles. These homes are successfully built in UK, Argentina, and Africa. This organization works with unskilled labor and mainly people volunteer to make such homes. They completely work on one aim i.e. Sustainability. There are many reasons that these homes are successful. When people hear about Sustainability, they usually picture primitive homes divorced from comforts of 21^st century. Earthships, offer all of the comforts of modern homes and more. Each home is outfitted with one or two greenhouses that grow crops year round, no matter the climate. One can feed himself with vegetables and fruits inside his home. Earthship home have water-recycling systems inside. Waste and Toilet water is again recycled for other use. Most brilliant piece of Engineering is their ability to sustain comfortable temperatures inside homes. Even in cold or blistering hot, Earthships constantly hover around 22 degree Celsius.

Solar panels on the roof and optional wind turbines provide the Earthship with all power it needs. One will never be short of power until one greedily chews electricity. It also provides complete freedom. With no bills and all basic needs provided in the home, one does not have to work a job just to survive. It is easy to build and Earthships are cheap too. The most basic cost is $7000 i.e. in maximum 5 Lakhs one can build a home with all facilities and with no bills for life time. In India, one home is already made in Rishikesh with name “Yogashram.” One can apply and work with this organization by clicking on this link “http://earthshipnetwork.com/.”

Earthships homes are made of waste and recycled materials. The structure is built with tires filled with dirt. The walls are created by placing plastic and glass bottles in concrete. There is a documentary movie, which tells how these homes are built, and what is the concept behind. The movie name is Garbage Warrior. This movie tells how Mike Reynolds struggle the law. The most powerful thing Earthship do is force people to think differently about how we live. If housing can be this awesome, and be beneficial to the environment, then what else can we change? What else can become simpler, cheaper, and better at the same time?

It is time for us to re-think of what we must consider normal.

Life is a Journey

Life is a journey filled with learning’s, fun, excitement, lessons, celebrations, and special moments, which will lead to our destination, our purpose in life. Road to our destination will never be smooth and one has to face many challenges in between. Some of these challenges will test our courage, faith, strengths, and weaknesses. We may stumble in between but to take right path one has to overcome obstacles. One needs to stay positive and overcome his fear to reach his goal.

When things are not in our favor we can do two things, one we sit back and let life pass by or another is we can take out the best from that situation and find lessons to learn. Time stops for no one, and if we focus on negative things then we may miss out many opportunities in life. We cannot go back in past and change situations. We can take out lessons from the situations and can make best out of it.

In our journey, we meet many people. Those people are destined to meet. Everybody comes in our life for some reason whether it is a friend, teacher, mentor, or any other person. We do not know their purpose in our life until it is too late. They play some kind of role in our life. Some people remains forever in our life and some stay for a short while. However, people who stay for a short period in our life can sometimes makes lasting impression in our life. We may not realize at that time but it will make a change in our life.

I meet many people in my life. Some of them remain for a short time and some become close friends. There is a bitter truth in life we enjoy companies of those people, who we may think has a purpose in our life. As a human we should thank each person we meet in our life because every aspect in life teach a lesson and that is how our life is a journey.

Memories are priceless treasures that we can cherish in our heart. They also enable us to continue in our journey. Throughout your journey in life, people will give advice, share things with you, hurt you, love you, and it is the way to reach destination. There are people in our life that will make us to learn to overcome fear and give respect. At that time, one could not realize that lesson but its effects will come later on in our life and then we will say thank you to those people in our heart. There is one of my favorite dialogues from a Bollywood movie- “kahin par pahuchne k lei kahin se nikalna both jaruri hota h.” To reach a destination it is important to get out from a situation and we should do it on time. That is how life goes on and completes a journey.