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Hospitality major <keyword id="7036155" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="OYO-Hotels-Homes">OYO Hotels &amp; Homes</keyword>' valuation has reached the $9 billion-mark, according to industry sources. The development comes after the latest fundraise of ₹54 crore or $7.31 million from <keyword id="145884" type="DOMAIN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hindustan-Media-Ventures-Ltd">Hindustan Media Ventures Ltd</keyword>. In a regulatory filing with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, OYO said that it has raised ₹54 crore ($7.31 million) at a share price of $58,490 as part of its <keyword id="10872902" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="series-f1-round">Series F1 round</keyword>. With over 50 products and more than 500 microservices, the company plans to utilise the capital in strengthening its technology stack for delivering an improved partner and customer experience. <keyword id="183958" type="DOMAIN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hindustan-Media-Ventures">Hindustan Media Ventures</keyword> subscribed to OYO's Series F1 Compulsory Convertible Cumulative Preference Shares (Series F1 CCCPS) for cash at an issue price of ₹43.20 lakh per Series F1 CCCPS for an aggregate consideration equivalent to ₹54 crore to Hindustan Media Ventures Limited on a private placement basis. The growth in valuation comes after it dropped to $8 billion last year from $10 billion in November 2019. OYO Hotels &amp; Homes is also backed by investors including the SoftBank Vision Fund, <keyword id="122716" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sequoia-Capital">Sequoia Capital</keyword>, <keyword id="860456" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lightspeed-Ventures">Lightspeed Ventures</keyword>, Airbnb, and Hero Enterprise, amongst others. In October 2019, OYO announced that it had raised $1.5 billion, as part of its Series F funding round. As a part of this round, RA Hospitality Holdings' infused approximately $700 million as primary capital in the company, with the balance of $800 million being supplemented by other existing investors. When contacted Abhishek Gupta, Chief Financial Officer, OYO Hotels &amp; Homes told: "We are delighted to welcome HT <keyword id="283616" type="DOMAIN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Media-Ventures-Ltd">Media Ventures Ltd</keyword>. as an investor in OYO. Their support will help us to further build on our unique technology stack for small hotels and homeowners across the world." He said that OYO is on a steady path of resurgence in 2021, the company is seeing signs of recovery in its core markets of India, Europe, and Southeast Asia while sustaining gross margin dollars at pre-Covid levels. "Despite the pandemic, the company's valuation has held through and we believe this will only improve as the guests across the world gradually begin to travel again," Gupta said. Piyush Gupta, Group CFO, HT Media Ventures Ltd, said: "We are extremely excited to partner OYO in its mission of supporting owners and operators of small and independent hotels and homes through its pioneering technology. We look forward to working with the company's management as it continues to add value to the experience of its asset partners and guests alike." Hindustan Media Ventures is promoted by HT Media Ltd which holds 74.4 per cent stake in the company. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/apple-find-my-stalking-airtags-item-safety-alerts/articleshow/81342449.cms">Apple’s new Find My feature updated to prevent stalking as launch of the rumoured AirTags nears</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/regulating-digital-news-is-important-but-freedom-of-press-is-precious/articleshow/81341289.cms">OPINION: Regulating digital news is important but freedom of press is precious</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/heranba-industries-ipo-makes-a-bumper-debut-on-stock-exchanges/articleshow/81342578.cms?upcaceh=2">Heranba Industries makes a bumper debut on stock exchanges — shares soar 44% over the issue price band</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/banks/news/ignore-low-cibil-score-for-street-vendor-loans-work-on-holidays-and-other-diktats-from-indian-government-to-banks-rushing-to-meet-march-target/articleshow/81223572.cms">EXCLUSIVE: Bankers may be working all 31 days of March with the government looking to double the loans doled out under the PM SVANidhi scheme</a>

OYO's valuation climbs again — hits $9 billion after its latest fundraise of $7 million

<keyword id="29913" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="hospitality">Hospitality</keyword> major <keyword id="7036155" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="OYO-Hotels-Homes">OYO Hotels &amp; Homes</keyword>' Singaporean subsidiary has received a term loan from <keyword id="163404" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Softbank">SoftBank</keyword>. A regulatory filing showed that <keyword id="4964826" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="OYO-hotels">OYO Hotels</keyword> (Singapore) Pte Ltd has secured a loan of $200 million from SB Investment Holdings (UK), an affiliate of <keyword id="3749718" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="softbank-vision-fund">SoftBank Vision Fund</keyword>, for enhancing liquidity through the pandemic and strengthening its balance sheet. The transaction was planned for 2020 and is being consummated now. <keyword id="2808667" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="OYO">OYO</keyword> has started recording steady signs of recovery across the globe led by its business in India, Europe and Southeast Asia while sustaining its gross margin to 100 per cent of pre-COVID levels. According to people in the know, a significant part of the funds will be diverted towards technology and data analytics. Recently, OYO's valuation reclaimed the $9 billion-mark after <keyword id="145884" type="DOMAIN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hindustan-Media-Ventures-Ltd">Hindustan Media Ventures Ltd</keyword> invested Rs 54 crore or $7.31 million into the company. OYO Hotels &amp; Homes is present across 800 cities in 80 countries, including the US, Europe, UK, India, Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Japan. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/checkout-review-of-oppo-fitness-band-related-to-design-performance-price-and-battery-life/articleshow/81423414.cms">Oppo Band Style review – getting the basics right with a twist of flair</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/narendra-modi-joe-biden-yoshihide-suga-and-scott-morrison-are-set-to-meet-for-the-first-ever-quad-leaders-summit-on-march-12/articleshow/81424117.cms">The first-ever leaders summit of the QUAD may be another signal that it's ready for something more formal</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/how-to-check-share-allotment-status-of-mtar-technologies-ipo/articleshow/81424102.cms">MTAR Technologies IPO: Here is how to check share allotment status</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/enterprise/news/tcs-cfo-explains-how-the-role-of-a-finance-head-has-been-changed-by-the-pandemic/articleshow/81423884.cms">EXCLUSIVE: TCS CFO explains how the role of a finance head has been changed by the pandemic</a>

OYO's Singapore arm secures $200 million loan from SoftBank

<ul><li><keyword id="8058818" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Unstereotype-Alliance">Unstereotype Alliance</keyword>'s India National Chapter Founding Members include Hindustan Unilever Limited , Diageo, WPP, Publicis Groupe, Havas Group, Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI), The Advertising Club and Samhita Social Ventures.</li><li>This new coalition of partners, championed by Hindustan Unilever will focus on broadening the representation of women and men in non-traditional roles in media and advertising. </li></ul>Today, the <keyword id="11017647" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="unstereotype">Unstereotype</keyword> Alliance launches the India national chapter with a coalition formed to tackle <keyword id="11017648" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="harmful-stereotypes">harmful stereotypes</keyword> advertising with support from EU funded WeEmpowerAsia Programme. The Alliance will center its work in India on broadening the representation of women and girls in non-traditional roles in advertising with a focus on women returning to the workforce.. Convened by UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, the Unstereotype Alliance is a thought and action platform that seeks to eradicate harmful stereotypes from advertising and media. India is the ninth national chapter to launch worldwide, and the second in Asia. The Unstereotype Alliance’s India National Chapter Founding Members include: Hindustan Unilever (Champion), Diageo, WPP, Publicis Groupe, Havas Group, Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI), The Advertising Club and Samhita Social Ventures. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director of UN Women, commented: The launch of the India national chapter is a significant milestone for the Unstereotype Alliance. It shows that the India advertising and media industry is coming together in all its strength and diversity to tackle the harmful stereotypes that hinder progress towards gender equality. This is critical to addressing the drivers of inequality such as violence against women and girls, intergenerational poverty and the lack of women in leadership and decision-making roles. We hope that you will join us in making unstereotyped advertising and content the norm rather than the exception. Stereotypes in advertising perpetuate negative social norms and hinder progress of gender equality. Harmful social norms contribute to increased acceptance of gender-based violence, lack of economic decision-making for women and constricted opportunities in the job market. The chapter has defined strategic priorities to address gender stereotypes with a focus on harmful patriarchal traditions and norms to broaden the representation of empowered and autonomous women in private and public life, including in business leadership; and to ensure progressive representation in media and advertising. Unstereotype Alliance research into gender equality attitudes shows that there is a clear role not only to remove stereotypes in advertising and media, but to challenge widely-held beliefs and norms in society. Data from the Gender Equality Attitudes study, conducted across 10 countries including India, shows that whilst many Indians recognize the importance of women’s rights, outdated beliefs persist. Specifically: <ul><li>87% believe that it is essential for society to treat women as equal to men, yet</li><li>39% believe that there are acceptable circumstances for someone to hit their spouse or partner </li><li>39% believe that a woman should not earn more than her husband </li><li>49% believe that for the same job, men should be paid more than women </li><li>75% believe that when a mother works for pay, the children suffer </li></ul>Susan Ferguson, Country Representative, UN Women India: "UN Women India is excited to launch the India chapter of the Unstereotype Alliance. I am confident with the support of such committed partners, we will generate a positive and enduring impact in the advertising and media industry and contribute to shaping a gender-equal world." Priya Nair, Executive Director,-Beauty &amp; Personal Care, Hindustan Unilever: "Across the globe, consumers are increasingly expecting brands to take a stand on the issues they care most about – gender stereotype has been one such issue. At HUL, we are committed to driving gender equity, including stepping up of brand programmes, advocacy to challenge the status quo and #unstereotyping advertising. With one billion people using our products every day and even more seeing our advertising, we know we have the power to make a real difference. Various organisations need to come together to bring about this systematic change and set new standards of empowerment and equality. As a founding member of the Unstereotype Alliance, we look forward to supporting UN Women, to drive social change, encourage action, and put an end to gender stereotypes and discrimination” CVL Srinivas, Country Head, WPP, India: WPP is delighted to be a founding member of the Unstereotype Alliance – India Chapter. We look forward to working with the Alliance to bring about positive change to the issue of Gender Equality through the creative use of our skills and the passion of our people in this area.” Deepika Warrier, CMO, Diageo India: “Diageo India is proud to be associated with The Unstereotype Alliance – India Chapter, which will work to accelerate progressive gender portrayal in advertising. Together, we will lead the creation of a framework that encourages increasingly progressive codes with themes ranging from empowerment to celebrating the power and imperfections of womanhood to challenging stereotypes to ultimately moving beyond gender codes. We hope our efforts would contribute to empowering women regardless of their race, class, age, ability, religion, sexuality, language, education etc.” Anupriya Acharya, CEO, Publicis Groupe South Asia: “Publicis Groupe through Viva la difference is a company that celebrates talent, inclusivity and diversity. Our core values and people-first culture synergise seamlessly with the Unstereotype Alliance’s larger mission and objectives and we are pleased to be a part of its India Chapter. Publicis Groupe India looks forward to collaborating with other future-facing companies in building narratives that are progressive, purposeful, gender-equal, human and authentic.” Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas Group India: “We are delighted to be coming on board at a crucial time as a member of the UN Women Unstereotype Alliance as they begin their chapter in India. At Havas Group, we are clear on driving gender diversity and want to bring about a cultural transformation and mindset shift that will encourage many more women leaders in the group. Our alliance with UN Women Unstereotype Alliance will surely help us in this journey.” Manish Kapoor, Secretary General, Advertising Standard Council of India: "Positive gender portrayals and depictions in advertising are high on ASCI’s agenda, and we aim to shape this narrative in the coming months through different initiatives. Partnering with the Unstereotype alliance is an important step in this journey. Working together helps synchronise voices of different stakeholders and we are very pleased to be a part of the alliance.” Sudhesh Kapoor, Secretary General, AAAI: “We are sure that this Alliance will go a long way in taking down some popularly held myths about genders which are consciously or sub-consciously propagated by popular media and advertising.” Namrata Tata, The Advertising Club: "While many organizations are taking initiatives to drive gender diversity &amp; equality, collaboration at an industry level is needed to see the needle movement. As an integral part of the advertising industry ,The Advertising Club believes in driving real change when it comes to the portrayal of gender norms. We are delighted to join The Unstereotype alliance convened by UN women , which aims at removing negative gender stereotypes in Advertising and Media" Priya Naik, Founder and CEO, Samhita Social Ventures: "Companies, media and content companies, advertisers, and creative agencies have a social and ethical responsibility to break gender stereotype, as well as the capability to do so on a large scale. I am proud to be a part of the Unstereotype Alliance movement to dismantle traditional gender roles and their related conventions."

UN Women launches Unstereotype Alliance's India Chapter to eradicate harmful gender stereotypes from advertising and media

<keyword id="19971628" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="electric" source="keywords">Electric</keyword> two-wheeler firm Pure EV on Monday said it has raised USD 8 million (around Rs 66 crore) from a consortium of investors. The funding was led by <keyword id="20642225" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bennett-coleman" source="keywords">Bennett Coleman</keyword> and Company Ltd, Hindustan Times Media Ventures, alongside <keyword id="20642226" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ushodaya-enterprises-pvt-ltd" source="keywords">Ushodaya Enterprises Pvt Ltd</keyword>, existing investors and high net-worth individuals, Pure EV said in a statement. The Hyderabad-based company said it is currently in the final stage of concluding its Series A1 funding round, amounting to USD 25 million with the participation of a foreign institutional investor. Concurrently, ongoing discussions are taking place with potential investors from Dubai, Hong Kong, and Singapore for Series A2 funding, targeting an infusion of USD 15 million, it added. "We will be rapidly expanding our pan-India sales network from 140 to 300 dealers in the next six months," Pure EV Co-Founder &amp; CEO <keyword id="20642224" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rohit-vadera" source="keywords">Rohit Vadera</keyword> stated. The company sells a range of electric motorcycles and scooters and has already sold over 70,000 units. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/webstories/retro-turned-electric-after-chetak-kinetic-luna-also-gets-a-new-lease-of-life/slidelist/107523076.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/webstories/retro-turned-electric-after-chetak-kinetic-luna-also-gets-a-new-lease-of-life/slidelist/107523076.cms" target="_blank">Retro turned electric – After Chetak, Kinetic Luna also gets a new lease of life</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/mg-comet-price-slashed-indias-most-affordable-ev-gets-cheaper/articleshow/107451916.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/mg-comet-price-slashed-indias-most-affordable-ev-gets-cheaper/articleshow/107451916.cms" target="_blank">MG Comet price slashed – India’s most affordable electric car gets cheaper</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/ola-electric-continues-to-lead-the-segment-in-electric-scooters-in-january-2024/articleshow/107424791.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/ola-electric-continues-to-lead-the-segment-in-electric-scooters-in-january-2024/articleshow/107424791.cms" target="_blank">Electric scooter sales grow 26% in January as Bajaj, Ather jostle behind TVS and Ola</a>

Pure EV raises $8 million in latest funding round

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The CEO of Pankhuri died at 32 from sudden cardiac arrest, the company said.</li><li>Pankhuri Shrivastava founded Pankhuri in 2019 as a women-centric social-media platform.</li></ul>Pankhuri Shrivastava, an Indian entrepreneur and the founder of the woman-centered social platform Pankhuri, died at age 32 on Friday after experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, her company announced in <a href="https://twitter.com/askpankhuri/status/1475361649871577090">a tweet</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CX-imvRNqt8/">an Instagram post</a> this week.Shrivastava founded multiple startups, including Pankhuri, in 2019, and Grabhouse, a rental company that was sold to the online marketplace Quikr in 2016, <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/business/pankhuri-shrivastava-founder-of-grabhouse-and-pankhuri-dies-at-32-101640592929976.html">according to the Hindustan Times</a>.Pankhuri's <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.pankhuri">description in the Google Play store</a> says it's a social platform where women can watch livestreams, take educational courses, communicate, and shop, among other things.Shrivastava's <a href="https://twitter.com/pankhuri16/status/1474038642943221763">last tweet</a>, posted Thursday, was about the challenges of discerning a job candidate's skills through a brief interview. Earlier this month she <a href="https://twitter.com/pankhuri16/status/1471438599547617287">tweeted photos of Pankhuri employees</a> working in an office.Shrivastava was born in the city of Jhansi, in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, and earned an engineering degree from the State Technological University of Madhya Pradesh, <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/india/pankhuri-shrivastava-cause-of-death-b1983274.html">according to The Independent</a>.She got married in late 2020, sharing <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CKzAjg4HcVj/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;ig_rid=e60eed77-8274-465e-9bb1-d3b0453fb0d0">a celebratory post on Instagram</a> in February."Amidst all the variables out of my control, I chose a beautiful constant for life," she wrote.Shrivastava's loss has been felt across the Indian digital-startup community.Surge, a rapid-scale-up program launched by the venture-capital firm Sequoia Capital <keyword id="11892747" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword> that <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/funding/social-community-platform-pankhuri-lands-3-2-million-from-sequoias-surge-others/articleshow/84367946.cms?from=mdr">led a $3.2 million funding round for the Pankhuri platform</a> in July, mourned the CEO <a href="https://twitter.com/_surgeahead/status/1475031140293496833">in a tweet</a> on Sunday.Shailendra Singh, a managing director of Sequoia Capital, <a href="https://twitter.com/singh_sequoia/status/1475037026277756930">tweeted on Sunday</a> that Shrivastava "had so many ideas, insights" and was "full of enthusiasm and creativity as a founder."Rajan Anandan, another Sequoia managing director, <a href="https://twitter.com/RajanAnandan/status/1475059976460640261">tweeted</a>, "We loved having Pankhuri in our Surge family and will miss you so dearly."The venture capitalist Vani Kola called Shrivastava a "vivacious bright woman full of ideas and full of life.""We lost a bright and young founder, but I know her legacy will live on," Kola <a href="https://twitter.com/VaniKola/status/1474963216392658944">wrote on Twitter</a>. "It was truly a privilege to know Pankhuri."Shrivastava's company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The founder of Pankhuri, a women-centric social-media platform, has died at 32 of cardiac arrest, company says

<ul><li><keyword id="6355199" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="reliance-industries">Reliance Industries</keyword> - <keyword id="32848" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="BP">BP</keyword> to launch 2,000 <keyword id="4869" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Fuel">fuel</keyword> <keyword id="6354851" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="retail">retail</keyword> outlets across India over the next three years. </li><li>The move will set off alarm bells for India’s state-owned fuel giants, given their already-declining share of the fuel retail market. </li><li>As private companies gain a larger share of the fuel retail market in urban areas and highways, public-sector retailers will be forced to redirect their focus to rural and semi-urban areas. </li></ul>Reliance Industries, India’s largest company by market capitalisation, and global oil and gas supermajor BP are planning to launch 2,000 fuel retail outlets across India by 202, according to <a href="https://www.livemint.com/Companies/k2rv0minKHjw2lexia1x1H/Reliance-BP-to-jointly-set-up-2000-petrol-pumps-in-India.html">media reports</a> citing company insiders. A formal announcement is expected in the next few months after the specifics of the joint venture are hammered out. The news is likely to send India’s state-owned fuel giants into a tailspin. Their share of the rapidly-growing market has already been on a decline owing to the deregulation of fuel prices, which allows private companies to compete with state-owned ones. The Indian government has made a conscious decision to encourage the entry of private and foreign fuel retailers in recent years, in a bid to promote competition and attract foreign dollars. To that end, the government solicited <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-global-oil/oil-little-changed-despite-saudi-pledge-to-boost-output-idUSKCN1MW02C">a joint investment </a>by Reliance and BP in the fuel retailing sector in June 2017. The move followed the two companies’ decision to develop <a href="https://www.bp.com/en/global/corporate/media/press-releases/bp-reliance-industries-to-progress-partnership.html">a series of deepwater gas fields</a> off India’s eastern coast. In October 2016, BP also secured a license to open <a href="https://in.reuters.com/article/bp-jet-fuel-india-idINKCN1260GE">3,500 fuel retail outlets</a> across India. The government’s open-market agenda is slowly paying off. Private fuel retailers are slated to hold as much as 15% of the market in 2021 compared to 1% in 2010, according to <a href="https://www.crisil.com/content/dam/crisil/our-analysis/reports/Research/CRISIL-Research-fuel-retailing-15May2017.pdf">a report</a> by CRISIL, a ratings agency. As private companies gain a larger share of the fuel retail market in urban areas and highways, public-sector retailers will be forced to leverage their distribution network and focus on rural and semi-urban areas. Reliance likely sees a joint venture with BP as a way of cementing its comeback in the sector. After making large strides in the fuel retailing sector in the early to mid-2000s, the Mukesh Ambani-owned conglomerate was forced to bow out after being unable to match the subsidised prices of state-backed fuel retailers like <keyword id="6354412" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="indian-oil">Indian Oil</keyword> Corp, Hindustan Petroleum and Bharat Petroleum Corp. The company’s re-entry comes on the heels of the deregulation of <keyword id="6367091" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="petrol">petrol</keyword> prices in 2010. It has since grown its market share of petrol retail from less than 1% to <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/energy/oil-gas/private-fuel-retailers-nibble-away-at-indias-booming-market/articleshow/63379804.cms">nearly 7%</a>. But to be sure, state-run retailers still hold 90% of the market. BP and Reliance, along with other private retailers, will continue to be wary of government intervention with respect to prices, especially given their significant capital costs. Following weeks of pressure over high prices, for instance, India’s Finance Ministry announced a ₹2.50 per litre reduction in the prices of petrol and diesel on Oct. 4. BP’s chief executive, Robert Dudley, was quick to voice <a href="https://in.reuters.com/article/energy-india-bp/bp-criticises-price-controls-days-after-india-cuts-cost-of-fuel-idINKCN1MP1QR">his disapproval</a> of the move, saying that it did not bode well for the sector. He did, however, maintain that BP’s play in India was one for the long term, adding that BP and Reliance aimed to meet <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Companies/BP-and-Reliance-aim-to-meet-10-of-India-s-gas-needs-by-2022">10% of India’s fuel needs</a> by 2022.

India's Reliance is teaming up with BP in a move that could send the country's state-owned fuel giants into a tailspin

Want to revive your long-lost <keyword id="627738" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="hobbies">hobbies</keyword>? Need a few sessions with a pro to hone your work skills? Or are you just plain bored and looking for some offbeat experience? People never stop grumbling how painful it is to find awesome things to do or learn, especially in their own city. <keyword id="180251" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="trainers">Trainers</keyword>, too, often find it difficult to reach out to an audience who is keen to learn a specific skill. 
 To bridge this gap, <keyword id="1921192" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="SkillKindle-com">SkillKindle.com</keyword> has come up with an <keyword id="533344" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="online-marketplace">online marketplace</keyword> where <keyword id="1236881" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="extracurricular">extracurricular</keyword> is the name of the business game. Simply put, one can search and select from hundreds of <keyword id="1921200" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="fun-skills">fun skills</keyword> listed here (pro topics are also available in plenty) and book great classes/novel <keyword id="49370" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="experiences">experiences</keyword>. The start-up also equips trainers with a platform to reach new customers and manage existing ones. In addition, SkillKindle works with corporate houses (SkillKindle Pro) to bring them high quality employee engagement programmes. 
 But is there an online market for selling offbeat and offline workshops? According to <keyword id="170488" type="POSITION" weightage="60" keywordseo="co-founder">co-founder</keyword> <keyword id="1921193" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tanuj-Choudhry">Tanuj Choudhry</keyword>, the market it is operating in is worth $150-200 million across the top 10 metros in India. Globally, this number could be in the range of $25-30 million per city, especially in cities like Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, London and Melbourne. Besides Delhi-NCR, the start-up has made forays into Mumbai and Bangalore, and tied up with celeb trainers, as well as reputed institutions such as Inlingua and BAFEL. Here is a snapshot that captures SkillKindle’s vision and viability. 
 
Who runs SkillKindle.com: A 10-member team. While Tanuj Choudhry heads business operations, the other co-founder, Amit Kumar, leads product and <keyword id="6355118" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="technology">technology</keyword>. Tanuj has done his MBA from INSEAD and prior to starting up, he was a consultant with McKinsey &amp; Company in South Africa. Earlier, he had helped build an 85-member analytics team at the McKinsey Knowledge Centre. Amit joined the start-up a few months after SkillKindle v1.0 was launched. 
 
What inspired the venture: A strong desire to ensure that people can find things to do and enrol as easily as they can buy shoes or book flight tickets online. Tanuj, along with two friends, Cedric and Alejo, came up with the concept back in June 2011, when they were in the sleepy French town of Fontainebleau. But the other two had post-MBA commitments and only Tanuj returned to India to test the idea. His background gelled well too, as his mother is a trainer and his father is a skill-hacker. During Aug-Nov 2011, he put together a small team, researched the market, built a prototype and went live in Delhi. The site was formally launched in March 2012. 
 
What’s the pitch: SkillKindle is an online marketplace to list, discover and book great <keyword id="6405739" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="classes">classes</keyword> and experiences. But more than that, it kindles in one the passion to learn and share new skills. As the name suggests, it is a platform to reach the curious, across categories as diverse as <keyword id="6354530" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="music">music</keyword>, <keyword id="6355317" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Dance">dance</keyword>, <keyword id="27178" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="cooking">cooking</keyword>, <keyword id="18974" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="fitness">fitness</keyword>, <keyword id="6356028" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sports">sports</keyword>, <keyword id="6359225" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="adventure">adventure</keyword>, <keyword id="7982" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="art-Craft">art &amp; craft</keyword> and <keyword id="6354777" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Media">media</keyword>. 
 
How it works: If you are looking to learn a new skill or pursue a passion, you can hit the site and check out hundreds of great classes and experiences happening in your city and around you. Browse through reviews, schedules, pricing, photographs and venue details to find and book something that works for you. One can also contact a trainer directly to know more. As a trainer (for instance, a salsa teacher) or <keyword id="1921201" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="experience-organiser">experience organiser</keyword> (say, a trekking expedition captain), one can list, promote and manage online the entire offline business. Trainers can also use the site’s payment gateway to set up online bookings, collect and display student reviews, and reach out to target customers. 
 “But the most crucial thing in this business is finding the right trainers,” adds Tanuj. “Our trainer acquisition team ploughs through gigabytes of online content (reviews, social media Twitter handles, websites) and also gets recommendations from our existing trainer base. We combine this with our standard trainer on-boarding process to get a large yet cred-checked set of people,” he explains. <keyword id="1921203" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="user-rating">User rating</keyword> is another helpful tool and the company is monitoring it for quality assessment. 
 
Claim to fame: It has 800-plus strategic partners/trainers on board and hosts 800-1,000 activities in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai and Bangalore at any given point. SkillKindle has also hosted 70-plus corporate workshops since June 2012 and catered to some big names. Key clients include Microsoft, Accenture, Godrej, Ikea, Hero Eco, Bajaj Financial Services, Hindustan Coca Cola, Philip Morris, Motilal Oswal, School of Inspired Leadership and Educational Initiatives. 
 
Show me the money: Unlike many others, this start-up has managed to monetise every possible channel. Revenues are generated through trainer subscription plans, corporate membership and class bookings/ticket sales. SkillKindle is pushing hard to enter other cities and city-level profitability is the first goal. Operational break-even has been reached in Delhi-NCR but break-even as a whole is still 12-18 months away. Last year, the start-up raised an undisclosed amount in <keyword id="6364511" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="angel-funding">angel funding</keyword> from Sandeep Uppal and Abhishek Gupta, both former McKinsey employees and now managing directors of Gurgaon-based i3 Consulting. 
 
Biggest challenge: To scale up and expand to more cities in India and abroad. Also, tough competitors are around. One can’t ignore the likes of Justdial (it is going deeper into categories now, but might not do it with the same intensity and rigour of a vertical player like SkillKindle), MyCity4Kids and the global competition Yelp. Going forward, the start-up wants to bring in more disruptive products that will make the discovery journey even more personalised for users. “But stay tuned to this one,” insists Tanuj. “We are about to launch something crazy for trainers and activity organisers!”

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<ul class="summary-list"><li>India has long been one of the world's biggest arms buyers, relying on others to equip its forces.</li><li>But New Delhi is investing heavily in domestic production to arm itself and export to the world.</li></ul>India has long been the world's largest arms importer, relying on other countries to supply it with <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-china-buying-new-light-tanks-for-himalayan-mountain-warfare-2023-6">tanks</a>, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/first-jet-landing-on-vikrant-reflect-indian-aircraft-carrier-ambitions-2023-2">warships</a>, and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/indian-air-force-modernization-not-only-because-of-china-2021-9">fighter jets</a>. But it has been investing heavily in its domestic arms industry with the goal of equipping its own forces and increasing its arms sales around the world.New Delhi has made headway toward that goal with its "Make in India, Make for the World" initiative, launched in 2020, and by forging closer defense relationships with other countries.India's need to wean itself off its heavy dependency on arms imports became more apparent after Russia attacked Ukraine in 2022. New Delhi still has close ties with Moscow but the war has made the Russians less dependable suppliers.Recent arms sales and exercises illustrate how India seeks to turn that domestic arms production into foreign sales and perhaps even take some of that market away from its biggest supplier.<h2>Shopping around</h2><div type="image" title="India army soldier Pinaka rocket launcher parade" height="1333" width="2000" msid="104092852" hostid="261" sizebytes="141000"></div>In September 2022, India agreed to sell its powerful Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers to Armenia — the first foreign export of the Pinaka — along with anti-tank missiles and assorted ammunition in a $260 million deal.That sale came two and a half years after Armenia bought four of India's Swathi counter-battery radars, which track incoming artillery and rockets and plot return fire, for $40 million, choosing the Indian option over equivalent Polish and Russian systems in what was considered <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-pips-russia-and-poland-for-40m-armenia-defence-deal/articleshow/74432148.cms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a big achievement</a> for the then-nascent Make in India program.New Delhi's aspirations for <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/centres-new-plan-to-boost-exports-of-made-in-india-weapons-to-africa-middle-east/articleshow/100054640.cms?from=mdr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a foothold in the African and Middle East arms markets</a> would undoubtedly get a boost from a sizable arms deals with Egypt. Over the past decade, Egypt has spent large sums on high-end weapons systems, primarily from France and Russia. Between 2015 and 2019, <a href="https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/egypt-and-allure-military-power" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Egypt was the world's third-largest arms importer</a>.India has been improving its ties with Egypt, as seen in their expanded military exchanges.<div type="image" title="India Narendra Modi Egypt Abdel Fattah al-Sisi Cairo" height="1479" width="1977" msid="104092853" hostid="261" sizebytes="91154"></div>India's air force and navy participated in Egypt's Bright Star-23, a multilateral military exercise, in September. It was the first time India had joined, and during the drills, an Indian air force Il-78 tanker <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/exercise-bright-star-23-indian-air-force-refuels-egyptian-rafale-fighters/articleshow/103603060.cms?from=mdr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">refueled</a> Egyptian MiG-29M and Rafale fighters — Russian- and French-made jets, respectively.That refueling underscored the degree of interoperability the militaries have developed and illustrated the countries' rapidly growing defense ties — ties that may translate into arms sales, particularly of India's domestically developed weapons.In January, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi visited New Delhi and met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The leaders <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-01-25/india-hosts-egypt-s-sisi-as-it-looks-to-increase-defense-sales" target="_blank" rel="noopener">discussed</a> "defense platforms" and "equipment-related linkages" and <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-egypt-will-seek-deepen-military-co-operation-foreign-secretary-2023-01-25/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">deepening cooperation</a> between their militaries and defense industries.In June, Modi visited Egypt, the first visit to Cairo by an Indian leader <a href="https://www.newarab.com/analysis/why-india-and-egypt-are-forging-new-strategic-relationship" target="_blank" rel="noopener">since 1997</a>, where the two leaders decided to boost cooperation in several fields, <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/modi-meets-egypt-s-sisi-to-deepen-bilateral-ties-101687718543603.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">including security and technology</a>. During Modi's visit, a former Indian Air Force chief <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-egypt-can-cooperate-in-field-of-military-rd-manufacturing-former-iaf-chief-on-pm-modis-state-visit/articleshow/101245090.cms?from=mdr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told Indian media</a> that the countries were eager to cooperate on military research, development, and manufacturing.<div type="image" title="Egypt air force fighter jet India tanker refueling" height="1000" width="1500" msid="104092854" hostid="261" sizebytes="39568"></div>"There is a very significant possibility of exporting weapon systems, sensors and platforms and also supporting Egypt" in its efforts to "building up their own industrial complex," the former air force chief was quoted as saying, noting their "commonalities of equipment, and thinking."There have been reports that India is interested in <a href="https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2023/02/14/hal-pushing-for-lca-tejas-deal-with-malaysia-argentina-and-egypt-show-interest.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">selling Egypt about 20</a> its Tejas light multi-role combat jets and in setting up production lines for that aircraft and for Indian-made helicopters in Egypt.In February, the chairman of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, which makes the Tejas, <a href="https://www.egyptdefenceexpo.com/news/hal-egypt-tejas-aircraft-contract-works" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> the company was in talks to supply 35 Tejas Mk-1As to Egypt alongside a complete technology transfer that would enable Cairo to build the aircraft locally. (Egypt and India collaborated on development of the Helwan HA-300 light supersonic interceptor in the 1960s, but that project was ultimately canceled.)India has also shown interest in exporting its domestically developed Akash medium-range air-defense system and the BrahMos cruise missile to a number of countries, <a href="https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2021/02/egypt-india-russia-made-brahmos-missile-system-weapons.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">including Egypt</a>. Brahmos is a joint Indian-Russian venture and officials are now <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/india-russia-joint-venture-hopes-5-bln-supersonic-missile-exports-by-2025-2022-10-18/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">angling for billions</a> in foreign sales of it.<h2>Cashing in on the value market</h2><div type="image" title="India Narendra Modi helicopter factory" height="1157" width="2000" msid="104092855" hostid="261" sizebytes="138288"></div>While some of these deals could undoubtedly boost India's defense exports, it is still early days. After all, Indian defense exports in recent years were negligible compared to heavyweights like the US and France, and New Delhi remains heavily reliant on imports.In the coming years, India could carve out a sizable place for itself in the <a href="https://warontherocks.com/2022/05/helping-india-replace-russia-in-the-value-arms-market/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">growing market for "value arms,"</a> which caters to countries looking for a better deal on older or slightly less capable hardware.With a bigger share of that market, India could replace Russia and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-arms-sales-may-get-boost-from-russia-war-ukraine-2023-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">compete with China</a> for exports, profits from which would also help Indian firms develop indigenously made equipment to fulfill domestic requirements.While selling arms to Armenia may eventually be seen as the start of the Make in India initiative's ambitious effort to take New Delhi from the being the world's largest arms importer to a significant exporter, making that transformation is much easier said than done.Securing even bigger deals with Egypt and other countries, and sweetening the pot with technology transfers and other incentives, might get that effort farther off the ground, helping India stand out in a crowded marketplace.Paul Iddon is a freelance journalist and columnist who writes about Middle East developments, military affairs, politics, and history. His articles have appeared in a variety of publications focused on the region.

India is a growing defense powerhouse, and now it's looking to cash in on it

Ever dreamt of owning a property in the uber chic locales of South Mumbai, or maybe the posh Lutyens estates in Delhi or even the residential stronghold of Indiranagar in Bangalore? For most, it remains a pipe dream. It’s one thing to have the financial muscle to afford real estate in these localities, but you have to even pull strings, know the ‘right’ people and have a social standing to be considered a candidate for developers. For the majority of the aspirational middle class who dream of bolstering their financial and personal portfolio, is there then a different approach that could bring them closer to this dream? 
 
One place to begin with is the up and coming localities outside your mainstream metropolitan cities, which could result in substantial returns and also form a good future residential option. But buyers typically display hesitancy towards purchasing land in the outskirts of the cities. The primary reasons for their uncertainty are availability of basic amenities, the scope of economic and business growth, lack of entertainment and community options and the value of the investment. 
 
If chosen right, these typically off beat options can provide a double benefit of being affordable due to low rates now and would provide a substantial return on investment. Most of these locatlities are undiscovered location and have the huge potential for profits. Developers with a keen eye for future development plan projects accordingly and identifying them and choosing your localities well will define the success of your real estate endeavour. Be first to recognise the growth potential of these areas and invest wisely. We try and make it simpler for you through this article on some of the hottest investment destinations across 4 states of India. 
 
1.Lepakshi, Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh 
 
Lepakshi is a charming area in the Southern state of Andhra Pradesh, 15 km east of Hindupur and 120 km north of Bengaluru. Not only is Lepakshi deep rooted culturally, but it is making a mark economically as well. Due to its proximity to important metros and industrial hubs combined with ease of accessibility, this area has great scope for real estate investment. The area is very close to the national highway, adjacent to the upcoming Lepakshi knowledge hub and only 50 minutes away from Bengaluru international airport. The unique point of this area is the fertility of land, development in nearby sectors and convenience as basic civic amenities are available. Lepakshi knowledge hub, which is a key highlight of the growing economic prowess of this area includes an Aerospace and Defence centre, education and innovation hub, free trade warehouses, health and wellness centres, a media and entertainment city, global village to name a few. 
 
The area is viable second home option for developers who already have projects or land in Lepakshi as it has availability of underground water pipe, electricity lines, fencing and fertile land. The Indian Institute of Science, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bharat Electronics Ltd, DRDL, Bharatiya Agro Industries Foundation and Electronics Corporation India Limited are proposing to set up their units within the Lepakshi Knowledge Hub. Airbus, commercial aircraft manufacturers, also have proposed to set up shop in the area. Anantapur has potential of becoming an industrial hub for aircraft parts and maintenance. The growth rate of the location is promising as the scope of further development is high. 
 
2.Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu 
 
Dharmapuri is a district situated in the northwest corner of Tamil Nadu, which came into existence in the year 1965. The present Dhramapuri was part of Salem district and even under British rule it was part of Taluks of Salem District. Investing in this location promises high returns, because of several places of interest like Hogenakkal Falls is 46 km away from the district. 
 
The location is currently under the Free Zone until explicit permission is being granted by the government to change it. The unique aspect of this area is the affordable rates. Investing in this area is easier because of clear titles and the land is close to major economic growth zone. Coupling this with the choice of an experienced and trustworthy developer will more or less ensure that the investment will be fruitful due to the massive scope of development. 
 
The NH 7 road is also being upgraded which will impact the connectivity and the road will bypass Dhrampuri, Kaveripattanam and Periyampatti on its way to Salem. Tanflora Infrastructure Park promoted by the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation adds another dimension to Dharmapuri. The venture promotes floriculture near Hosur and Tamil Nadu area, providing infrastructure, post harvest logistics and marketing facilities. 
 
3.Bagepalli Taluka, Chikaballapur District, Karnataka 
 
Bagepalli is a municipal town situated 100 km north of Bangalore and located in Chikballapur district. The destination is perfect for a weekend getaway with rich historical significance. Gummanayakana Palya, 20 km from Bagepalli, is comprised of Bagepalli Taluka portions of Hindupur and Kandukur in the Presidency state of Madras. 
 
Investing in this location will lead to good returns with purchase at low prices. All the basic amenities like water, electricity, medical centre and others along with infrastructure necessities are present in the town. The location is a mere 6 km away from Bengaluru- Hyderabad highway (NH-7) and 75 km away from Bengaluru international airport. 
 
KIADB (Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board) has already acquired approximately 1000 acres for a major industrial plant in the vicinity which will lead to the rise of a prominent industrial hub in the future. The area has promising investing options for land, residential and vacation homes. Purchasing or investing a project in this area makes sound investment sense as the area is on the verge of industrial and government development. Connect with a developer who has a presence in the area as they can provide more amenities and fencing. 
 
4.Pavlani, Ratnagiri District, Mandangad Taluka, Maharashtra 
 
Pavlani Village is located in Ratnagiri district of Mandangad Taluka. The area is a popular tourist belt with a rich heritage. One of the favourite attractions is Harihareshwar beach which is surrounded by four hills. The primary rationale behind investing in this location is the threshold of developmental activities going around the area and around Dapoli. With the building of the Mumbai Sawantwadi Expressway going on, the proximity and connectivity will enhance. 
 
Another growth trigger is Dapoli place, which is few hours away from the location. The location of hills gives opportunity for adventurous sports and camping. The amenities are present and the land is suitable for agriculture. It is an ideal investment option, especially for those looking for investments close to Mumbai and Pune cities in Maharashtra. 
 
Dapoli is another town near Pavlani village, which has one of the oldest schools and notable agricultural university, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth. The area is undergoing development plans by the government and private players. The prices are low and have great potential for profits. 
 
Conclusion 
While there are many such hidden real estate gems across India with high growth potential, it takes an experienced eye to identify potential before it becomes mainstream knowledge and reaches saturation point, a feature you may have experienced regularly with suburbs outside the metros. Apart from identifying these locations, it is imperative that you choose a developer who is trustworthy by virtue of experience and past credentials in these locations so they know market movements and trends early on. Choose well on both fronts and there could be a financial windfall coming your way. 
 
(This article is written by Lansel D`souza, Senior Vice President, Expat Projects and Development Pvt. Ltd.) 
 
(Image : Thinkstock)

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