Employees of Provident Housing Flock to Lalbagh for 4th Annual Clean-up Drive
Bengaluru, 4 February 2025: Over 200 employees of Provident Housing Limited, one of India’s leading large-scale community developers, held a clean-up drive at Lalbagh on 27th January 2025. The drive commenced just hours after the end of the popular Lalbagh Flower Show, held every year in January. This year, the 217th edition of the show saw over 4.75 lakh visitors, with 37,890 visitors on the last day.
Speaking about the initiative, Mallanna Sasalu, CEO of Provident Housing Limited, said,” This is the fourth consecutive year that Provident Housing employees have gathered at Lalbagh, one of our city’s most important lung spaces, to clean up the garden after the hugely popular flower show. Through efforts like this, we aim to create a meaningful impact and inspire communities to embrace sustainable practices.”
Volunteers collected discarded wrappers, plastic bottles, and other non-biodegradable waste through the afternoon, after which the collected garbage was handed over to the Lalbagh cleaning staff for segregation and disposal as per guidelines. The entire drive was conducted in coordination with Dr. M Jagadeesh, Joint Director of Horticulture (Parks and Gardens), Lalbagh, Bengaluru, and his team.
“The efforts made by the Horticulture Department in curbing the entry of plastics and other non-biodegradable waste into Lalbagh is laudable. This was apparent during the drive as we witnessed reduced amounts of litter on the premises,” Sasalu added.
Through initiatives like the Lalbagh clean-up drive, the company continues to lead by example, championing environmental conservation as a responsible corporate citizen.
Prime Video to Stream ‘Game Changer’ with Ram Charan & Kiara Advani on Feb 7th
MUMBAI, India, February 04, 2025- Prime Video, India’s most loved entertainment destination, today announced the exclusive global streaming premiere of Global Star Ram Charan’s latest film, Game Changer. Directed by widely acclaimed filmmaker S Shankar, in his Telugu debut, this high-octane political actioner is produced by Dil Raju under his banner, Sri Venkateswara Creations. Headlined by Ram Charan in a promising dual role, the star-studded cast also boasts Kaira Advani, Anjali, S.J. Suryah, Srikant, Sunil, Jayaram, and Samuthirakani in pivotal roles. The big-ticket movie will be available to stream exclusively on Prime Video in India and across 240 countries and territories worldwide from February 7 in Telugu, with dubs in Tamil and Kannada. Game Changer marks the latest addition to the Prime membership. Prime members in India enjoy savings, convenience, and entertainment, all in a single membership year.
Game Changer follows Ram Nandan, a principled IAS officer from Visakhapatnam who takes on the herculean task of uprooting the deep-seated corruption within the political system. But his efforts pit him against the formidable Bobbili Mopidevi, a ruthless and power-hungry politician determined to become the Chief Minister by any means necessary. As Ram delves deeper into the web of corruption, he uncovers the vast and sinister nexus of those who will stop at nothing to protect it. With constant threats and danger at every turn, Ram remains undeterred in his mission to expose the rot and ensure justice prevails. Packed with high-stakes action, gripping drama, and a fierce battle between power and principle, the film explores one man’s unshakable will to rewrite the rules.
Rockwell Automation Releases 2024 Sustainability Report
New Delhi, February 4, 2025 – Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, published its 2024 Sustainability Report, which highlights the company’s sustainability strategy, outcomes, and progress to help build sustainable customers, a sustainable company, and sustainable communities.
“Sustainability is core and central to our vision to drive innovation and create long-term value for our stakeholders in India. We are dedicated to aligning our efforts with global sustainability goals to contribute to a better future. By promoting collaboration and utilizing advanced technology, we aim to create lasting positive impacts on Indian industries and communities,” said, Dilip Sawhney, Managing Director, Rockwell Automation India.
In India, Rockwell Automation is empowering rural communities through the “Economic and Social Development of Indian Village Through Technology-Enabled Dairy Farming” project, launched in partnership with ISAP India Foundation and eVerse.AI in Antargaon, Maharashtra. In its first year, the initiative led to a 15%-20% increase in milk production, improved milk quality, and higher household incomes, showcasing the impact of climate-resilient and water-conscious practices.
Additionally, the “Re-Establish” initiative for promoting workplace diversity in India, has supported women in restarting their careers after a hiatus by providing training, mentorship, and workplace collaboration. Over six years, the program has increased the representation of women in Rockwell’s workforce from 16% to 25%, fostering diversity and innovation.
The report underscores Rockwell’s broader sustainability efforts, including investments in local communities and support for manufacturers to reduce energy use, optimize water resources, and minimize waste, enabling operational efficiency and environmental stewardship.
RBL Bank Launches Shiksha Scholarship Program for Undergraduates
Mumbai, February 04, 2025: RBL Bank, one of India’s leading private sector banks, proudly announces the launch of RBL Bank Shiksha Scholarship 2024-25, an initiative aimed at providing financial support and mentorship to students from economically weaker sections pursuing full-time undergraduate courses across India.
The Shiksha Scholarship Program addresses critical barriers to education by offering financial assistance of up to INR 20,000 per student per year, or the actual course fees, whichever is lower. Over a three-year undergraduate program, eligible students can receive up to INR 60,000, based on their annual performance evaluation.
The program will empower up to 300 students over three years. In addition to financial assistance, the scholarship includes a structured mentoring program where RBL Bank employees and external mentors will guide students and offer professional insights to support their growth and future career readiness. The scholarship amounts will be disbursed directly towards tuition fees
Speaking on the launch, R. Subramaniakumar, Managing Director and CEO, RBL Bank, said, “At RBL Bank, we believe in the power of education to transform lives and create a brighter future for individuals and communities. The RBL Bank Shiksha Scholarship program is a step forward in supporting deserving students across India in their educational journey. By providing financial assistance and mentorship, we aim to empower the next generation of leaders who will contribute to the country’s growth and development. We are proud to play a role in shaping the future of education in India and are committed to making a meaningful impact through this initiative.”
Avantika Gupta, CEO of OPG Power Ventures, Highlights Government’s Vision for ‘Viksit Bharat 2047
Avantika Gupta, CEO, OPG Power Ventures
“The Government has presented a pragmatic roadmap that builds a robust foundation for a ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ while also deploying stringent guardrails to ensure a low carbon output.
The emphasis on fortifying India’s energy security while also realizing committed decarbonization goals, shall accelerate India’s sustainable growth paradigm in the decades to come.
Focus on innovation, and strengthening domestic manufacturing in critical areas such as grid-scale batteries, electrolyzers, solar cells, wind turbines, and nuclear power will be instrumental in shaping India’s energy future. The establishment of five National Centres for Excellence in Skilling, incentives for electricity distribution reforms, and strategic amendments to the Atomic Energy Act will further enable a robust, self-reliant energy ecosystem.
By incentivizing states to drive reforms and expanding intrastate transmission capacity, we are moving toward a stronger, more efficient power sector. The additional borrowing allowance for states committed to these reforms reflects the government’s dedication to long-term stability and sustainability. These measures shall strengthen the financial health of power companies and pave the way for a resilient energy infrastructure that supports economic growth and industrial expansion across the country.
The launch of the Nuclear Energy Mission, with a ₹20,000 crore outlay for Small Modular Reactors, and the vision to develop 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047, marks a transformative step towards a clean energy transition. Additionally, the exemption of critical minerals like cobalt, lithium-ion battery waste, and zinc from basic customs duty will enhance domestic supply chains and accelerate India’s energy security.”
Ankush Bahuguna Wows at Spoken Fest Mumbai with Teri Favourite Kaun Hai
Asia’s largest spoken word festival, Spoken Fest by Kommune, unveiled its much-anticipated 7th edition in Mumbai, this weekend. The mega event honours the power of words, combining diverse forms like stories, music, poetry, theatre, Shayari, comedy, creative workshops, art installations, and immersive experiences—fostering a dynamic and inclusive space for fans across the spectrum. Among the many celebrated artists gracing the stage was digital sensation and content creator Ankush Bahuguna.
The festival took the city by storm, filling the air with raw energy, unfiltered stories, and voices that demanded to be heard. At the Spoken Fest, Ankush delivered a deeply personal and poignant tale about the unbreakable bond between siblings. His story, titled “Teri Favourite Kaun Hai?”, was a heartfelt tribute to his two elder sisters—Badi Didi and Chhoti Didi—who shaped his life in more ways than he ever imagined.
Ankush began by painting a vivid picture of his childhood—a constant tug-of-war for attention in a household where comparisons between siblings were part of the daily routine. “Life in the Bahuguna household was chaotic and melodramatic. Aur ek sawaal tha jo us ghar mein har waqt goonjta tha; at least mere kaanon mein goonjta tha. Dono didiyon ka mujhse poochhna: ‘Anki, bata teri favourite kaun hai?’” (Translation: Life in the Bahuguna household was chaotic and melodramatic. And there was one question that always echoed in that house; at least it echoed in my ears. Both my sisters would ask me: ‘Anki, tell me, who’s your favourite?’). Ankush recalled this with a laugh, setting the tone for a narrative brimming with humour.
He shared that his sisters (Teena and Cheena) turned their winter holidays into a full-fledged radio war, with their makeshift show, Bahuguna Ki Awaaz. “Pehle dono didiyaan ladti thi ki kal tu RJ bani thi, aaj main RJ banungi.”
(Translation: First, both my sisters would fight over who got to be the RJ that day).
But the real battle wasn’t over the mic; it was over his loyalty. Despite being the unwitting celebrity guest of their show, they still expected Ankush to pick a side. “Aur guts dekho, yeh sab karne ke baad bhi they expected me to have a favourite out of them! Mera favourite toh aam papad tha bhai! Because … You see, saste nashe run in the Bahuguna blood”, he declared with a grin.
(Translation: And look at their guts—after making me do all this, they still expected me to have a favourite among them! My favourite was aam papad, because… you see, cheap thrills run in the Bahuguna blood.)
Yet, no amount of dodging could save him from the inevitable question that loomed over his childhood. “Seriously though! Yeh sawal tha mera poora bachpan. ‘Who is your favourite one?’ And even at that age, my inner voice was like ‘Chup kar chup kar! Matt jawaab de, tu phasega’”, he admitted.
(Translation: Seriously though! This question haunted my entire childhood. ‘Who is your favourite one?’ And even at that age, my inner voice was like ‘Shut up, shut up, don’t answer—you’ll get trapped.’)
After that life became more complicated and so did the competition between his sisters. First, his elder sister, Teena, boldly declared she wanted to marry a man she liked, and while their parents initially opposed, citing their stance against love marriages —she eventually got her way. But the competition didn’t stop there. His younger sister, Cheena, eager to outdo her elder sibling, converted to another religion and planned an interfaith marriage. With their parents firmly against it, Ankush and his elder sister secretly helped her marry in court, making sure she tied the knot without anyone’s knowledge.
Just as the dust was settling from the previous drama, Ankush’s elder sister dropped a bigger bomb—she got divorced, becoming the first in the family, throwing the household into chaos. And that’s how, his younger sister, who had once been the rebellious one, suddenly became the favourite child, but that didn’t last long. A heated argument on Facebook over a family issue quickly had her dethroned from the top spot.
Things took a darker turn when Ankush’s mom discovered that their elder daughter, Teena also consumes alcohol. And as if that wasn’t enough, in true ‘MY TURN’ fashion, his elder sister declared she was remarrying, delivering a double strike in the ongoing competition of life between the two. Now, to top it all off, Ankush’s younger sister, always with fragile health, found herself battling kidney failure at just thirty-five, and was hospitalized.
Cheena’s illness became a harsh reminder of how quickly life could change. She moved back in with Ankush’s family, and once again, the two siblings found themselves roommates. But this time, life had altered them in ways they could never have anticipated. He reminisced, “I used to notice unki skin har baar thodi aur different lagti thi. But smile same thi! Aur pata hai kya same tha? Hum dono ka memes mein taste. Din bhar hum faltu ke memes dekh ke hanste. I told you! Saste nashe, melodrama, aur faltu memes, run in the Bahuguna blood.”
(Translation: I noticed her skin seemed a little different every day, but her smile never changed. And, you know what stayed the same? Our shared love for memes. We spent hours laughing at silly memes together. I told you! It’s the same cheap thrills, melodrama, and silly memes that run in the Bahuguna blood.)
Before the elder one could make her next move, Cheena played her trump card. Ankush was away for a shoot and that’s the day she left. He didn’t even get to meet her.
A month before Rakhi, Cheena had told him, “Anki, mujhe pahad dekhne hain…mujhe pahad dekhne le jaa.” (Translation: Anki, I want to see the mountains… take me to the mountains.) And, something in him had said, “Anki, karle yeh trip. Yeh wali mat postpone karna.” (Translation: Anki, just do this trip. Don’t postpone this one.) They planned the Rakhi trip to Dehradun, but Cheena didn’t make it that far. Maybe a month was just too long a wait for her.
But Chhoti and Ankush still went. His younger sister wasn’t there, but her Janamaz was. They laid it out in a valley with the most breathtaking view. Ankush recalled, “Us trip par kisi ne nahi poochha, ‘Anki, bata teri favourite kaun hai?’”— a question that had once been inescapable now felt hollow, lost into the silence.
And yet, suddenly, he still hears her – “’Sunn, Bittu ki shaadi mein Teena kya pehen ke aayi thi?’ Ab DNA thodi badlega…..Kyunki saste nashe, melodrama, faltu memes aur endless gossip run in the Bahuguna blood. And so does smiling in the face of tragedy.”
(Translation: ‘Hey, what did Teena wear at Bittu’s wedding?’ Now, the DNA isn’t going to change, right? Because cheap thrills, melodrama, silly memes, and endless gossip run in the Bahuguna blood. And so does smiling in the face of tragedy.)
Bahuguna’s story, rich in humour, vulnerability, and raw emotion, reminds us that life is a series of unexpected twists. It often leaves us without closure, but it gifts us with moments, voices, and laughter that linger. Perhaps that’s how love endures—through the echoes of shared joy and sorrow.
Top Property Investment Hotspots in MMR for 2025
As the Indian real estate market continues its upward trajectory, 2025 is expected to be a landmark year for property investments. With growing infrastructure developments, improved connectivity, and evolving buyer preferences, certain locations in Mumbai stand out as top investment destinations. Industry leaders share insights on why these areas are poised for significant growth.
Mulund: The Gateway to Luxury Living
Known as the ‘Prince of the Suburbs,’ Mulund offers a perfect mix of connectivity and lifestyle amenities. Mr. Nishant Deshmukh, Founder and Managing Partner of Sugee Group states, “Mulund’s proximity to both Thane and Mumbai’s central areas, along with its green surroundings and premium residential projects, makes it highly attractive for those seeking a balance between luxury and convenience. Further, its strong social infrastructure and upcoming projects are reshaping it into a hub for modern urban living.”
Borivali: The Urban Oasis
Borivali’s seamless connectivity and thriving social infrastructure have made it a favorite among investors. Mr. Rohan Khatau, Director of CCI Projects notes, “Borivali’s proximity to Sanjay Gandhi National Park and its excellent connectivity to the rest of Mumbai and Thane make it a hotspot for families looking for a balanced lifestyle. The steady development of retail and recreational spaces in Borivali enhances its appeal as a vibrant urban oasis.”
Malad-Goregaon: Western Suburbs on the Rise
The Malad-Goregaon belt continues to see an uptick in demand, driven by infrastructure advancements and lifestyle enhancements. Ms. Shraddha Kedia-Agarwal, Director of Transcon Developers shares, “The area’s connectivity via the Western Express Highway and metro lines has drastically improved, enhancing its appeal. It’s a perfect blend of residential and commercial growth. With new-age developments, this area is becoming a preferred choice for young professionals and families alike.” Mr. Umesh Jandial, Chief Business Officer of Omkar Realtors adds, “Malad-Goregaon offers excellent rental yields and long-term value due to its growing IT, corporate and entertainment industry presence. The steady influx of working professionals ensures sustained demand for high-quality housing in this region.”
Panvel: The Emerging Investment Hotspot
Panvel has emerged as a prime destination for property investments, thanks to its strategic location and burgeoning infrastructure projects. Mr. Sandeep Sonthalia, CEO of Wadhwa Wise City, explains, “With the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport and the now operational Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, Panvel is becoming a hub of connectivity. The area offers a blend of affordability and future appreciation potential, making it an ideal choice for investors and end-users alike. We foresee Panvel evolving into a self-sufficient ecosystem with a balanced mix of residential, commercial, and retail spaces.”
Chembur: A Neighborhood of Transformation
Chembur’s transformation into a premium residential and commercial hub is undeniable. Mr. Govind Krishnan Muthukumar, Managing Director & Co-Founder of Tridhaatu Realty comments, “With excellent road and metro connectivity, Chembur offers a mix of modern housing and traditional charm. The area’s redevelopment projects and enhanced infrastructure make it a promising destination for long-term investments.”
Sion: Central Location with High Potential
Sion’s strategic location in the heart of Mumbai makes it a sought-after area for real estate investments. Mr. Samyak Jain, Director of Siddha Group remarks, “Sion offers unmatched connectivity to major parts of the city and is witnessing a steady rise in premium residential developments. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking central living with modern amenities. The area’s ongoing transformation into a premium real estate destination is attracting a new wave of discerning buyers.”
With a mix of established hubs and emerging hotspots, Mumbai’s real estate market in 2025 promises diverse opportunities for investors. Whether it’s the affordability of Panvel, the luxury of Mulund, the convenience of Malad-Goregaon or the connectivity of Sion, each location offers unique advantages that cater to varied preferences and investment goals. As the city continues to evolve, these areas are set to redefine urban living and investment potential.
Britannia Launches Harry Potter Themed Biscuits with Warner Bros
National, 04 February 2025: Attention, witches, wizards, and Muggles alike! It’s time to fasten your seat belts and prepare to be spellbound—because Britannia is bringing magic to your snack time, giving you a chance to celebrate your love for Harry Potter in the most delicious way possible. Introducing Britannia’s Pure Magic Choco Frames – a Limited-Edition Harry Potter-inspired open choco biscuit crafted to delight your taste buds and transform everyday moments into indulgent celebrations inspired by the enchanting world of Hogwarts.
In a first-of-its-kind collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBGCP), Britannia has curated a sensory experience to delight all Harry Potter fans. Each of the five biscuits in a pack is inspired by the world of Harry Potter, bringing back fond memories of Hogwarts and featuring intricate designs of the four iconic houses: Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff. But the magic doesn’t stop there— you may uncover a rare treasure: a biscuit embossed with the iconic Platform 9¾. With Britannia Pure Magic Choco Frames every bite takes you deeper into the world of choco indulgence.
Every Pure Magic Choco Frame is a delightful combination of textures and flavours—a crisp biscuit topped with a luscious bar of velvety chocolate. This limited-edition collection isn’t just a treat; it’s a collectible, perfect for gifting to fellow Harry Potter fans or indulging yourself.
Siddharth Gupta, General Manager – Marketing, Britannia Industries, says “At Britannia, we are committed to constantly innovating and finding new ways to delight our consumers while evolving our portfolio to meet changing preferences. Our collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBGCP) marks a significant milestone as we bring a Harry Potter-inspired indulgence for fans through our Pure Magic Choco Frames. This strategic partnership is an attempt to bring the iconic legacy Harry Potter together with Britannia’s expertise in crafting indulgent treats for everyone. It’s more than just a product; it’s an opportunity to create a memorable moment, that resonates with fans across generations”
Harry Potter fans, don’t let this extraordinary opportunity vanish! The Britannia Pure Magic Choco Frames is available only for a limited time on Blinkit or your nearest Reliance stores. Grab your pack now, and let the magic unfold—because when it comes to Harry Potter, the magic is forever.
Zebra Study Finds 77% of Indian Shoppers in APAC Prefer Retailers Providing Tailored Recommendations
New Delhi, India – February 04, 2025 – Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), a global leader in digitizing and automating frontline workflows, today announced the findings of its 17th Annual Global Shopper Study. The study clearly reflects Indian consumers’ expectations from retailers to embrace AI / GenAI to transform their shopping experiences. Retailers recognize the potential of this technology to revolutionize customer engagement and enhance personalization, highlighting a clear demand for innovative and tailored retail solutions.
Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are currently viewed as the most helpful with loss prevention, closely followed by cameras, sensors, and RFID. A significant majority of retail associates (84% globally, 72% in APAC, including India) are concerned about the lack of technology to detect safety threats or criminal activity. In response, 78% globally and 80% in APAC (including India) are investing in technology tools to support frontline workers and monitor operations from behind the scenes.
While only 3-in-10 retailers (38% globally and in APAC, including India) currently use AI-based prescriptive analytics for loss prevention, more than half surveyed (50% globally, 52% in APAC, including India) plan to use it in the next 1-3 years for this purpose. Over three in 10 retailers say they also plan to use self-checkout cameras and sensors (45% globally, 52% in APAC, including India), computer vision (46% globally and in APAC, including India), and RFID tags and readers (42% globally, 38% in APAC, including India) within the next three years, specifically for loss prevention.
This should come as a relief to shoppers, as 78% say it is annoying when products are locked up or secured within cases. Adding to that frustration is that it is hard to find an associate while shopping in stores these days, according to 70% of consumers. This resonates with 79% and 70% of APAC shoppers, including India, respectively.
Increasingly over the past two years, the reason why one in five shoppers (21% globally, 22% in APAC, including India) left a store without getting what they needed was due to a lack of available retail associates to help. Other Issues Contributing to Associate Frustration, Decline in Shopper Satisfaction
Although consumers are still generally satisfied with their shopping experience and global consumer spending is holding steady, fewer shoppers overall are satisfied with their shopping experiences this year. In 2023, 85% were satisfied with both the in-store and online experiences – this stood at 81% and 80% respectively for APAC shoppers, including India. This year, only 81% are satisfied with the in-store experience and 79% with online shopping. Satisfaction similarly decreased for APAC shoppers, including India, to 78% for in-store experience and 75% for online shopping.
Generally, most shoppers expect retailers to offer easy click-and-collect and returns options, yet retailers (79% globally, 85% in APAC, including India) and associates (85% globally and in APAC, including India) admit challenges with both. Most retailers also say it is a struggle to confirm current inventory and pricing. Plus, with more shoppers returning to stores, lingering labor shortages and increasing loss incidents are having a greater impact on service levels. For example:
- 78% of global shoppers (81% in APAC, including India) say self-checkout options improve their shopping experience, yet 68% of global shoppers (67% in APAC, including India) identify that self-checkout (SCO) lanes are lacking, with some reporting they have left a store without making a purchase because there were no SCO (shelf-checkout kiosks) or contactless payment options.
- 71% of global shoppers (70% in APAC, including India) are concerned about the lack of help associates can offer, while 82% of global associates (76% in APAC, including India) say it is even difficult for them to find help or ask for timely support when needed.
Nearly 90% of retail associates believe they can provide better customer experience when they have mobile technology tools to help simplify real-time communication and prioritize tasks as well as check prices and inventory. Most retailers agree technology enables associates to do their jobs better, and as a result, 75% of global retailers (79% in APAC, including India) say they plan to increase their technology investments in 2025.
“Many retailers are laying the groundwork to build a modern store experience,” said Subramaniam Thiruppathi, Director of India sub-continent business, Zebra Technologies. “By investing in mobile and intelligent technologies to provide greater visibility, help inform operational decisions and enable great mobility for associates, this ladders up to elevate the customer experience for retail’s long-term longevity.”
Along with enhancing customer experience, the study shows retailers’ top priorities include improving mobile workforce efficiency and productivity along with inventory management. More than one-third of them (39% globally, 41% in APAC, including India) believe that GenAI will have an extremely significant impact on inventory management and demand forecasting. They will also be automating product locating and item-level RFID (46% globally and in APAC, including India), video monitoring (45% globally and 36% in APAC, including India), and stock-out alerts (45% globally, 49% in APAC, including India) to give associates and shoppers real-time inventory visibility, which is a leading profitability driver.
Retailers can exceed shopper expectations, drive profitability and empower engaged associates if they:
- Get to know their customers. Three-quarters (75% globally, 77% in APAC, including India) of shoppers are more willing to try and buy items when retailers know their personal preferences and associates make recommendations.
- Make it easier to find, pay for, and return items and find item–related information. Shoppers want associates to be available, and they are driven to retailers who can help them more easily find or return items.
- Keep shelves stocked. While fewer shoppers are complaining about out-of-stocks, this remains the top reason why over half (57% globally, 49% in APAC, including India) of shoppers leave a store without items they want, and more associates (86% globally and in APAC, including India) are now struggling with real-time out-of-stock tracking.
- Protect shoppers without over-indexing on loss prevention. Most shoppers (71% globally, 65% in APAC, including India) are concerned about the stores at which they shop are experiencing high levels of theft and crime. Like associates, they worry threats can’t be spotted or stopped. However, 77% of global shoppers (68% in APAC, including India) are also concerned retailers may raise prices to cover the cost of increasing theft and crime.
- Avoid passing operational costs onto customers. Shoppers are more price sensitive than ever, with over three-quarters (between 71% to 86% of those surveyed) worried inflation will drive up the prices of both everyday essentials and big-ticket items and force them to reduce overall spending.
- Give associates more technology. Most associates (85% globally, 82% in APAC, including India) feel strongly that their store needs more associates, and majority of retailers agree (81% globally, 85% in APAC, including India). Associates also believe stores that leverage retail technology and mobile devices attract and retain more associates, and shoppers have a better experience when associates use the latest technology to assist them.
Gopal Vittal appointed as Acting Chair of the GSMA Board
Bangalore, February 3, 2025: Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman & MD, Bharti Airtel and Deputy Chair GSMA has been appointed as the Acting Chair of the GSMA board following the resignation of José Maria Álvares-Pallete, Chairman & CEO, Telefónica from the company. By virtue of this resignation, he is no longer able to continue in the position of the Chair of the GSMA.
Gopal was recently re-elected as the Deputy Chair of the GSMA board. He has also served the board as a key member for the term 2019-2020.
GSMA represents the global telecommunications industry with over 1100 companies from the telecom ecosystem across the world including telecom service providers, handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and internet companies, as well as organizations in adjacent industry sectors.