The New MINI Family Is All-Electric, Digital And Distinctive

MINI is consistently pursuing its path towards an all-electric model range and will be presenting two members of the new MINI family at the IAA (International Motor Show) in Munich (5 - 10 September 2023).

Munich. As a 3-door model in its fifth generation, the all-electric MINI Cooper underscores the brand’s tradition with its hallmark MINI design and stands for urban driving fun. The new MINI Countryman has grown in external dimensions and offers its passengers even more space, comfort, and safety – even beyond paved roads thanks to all-wheel drive. The new MINI Cooper and the new MINI Countryman are both fully electric, guaranteeing locally emission-free driving and emphasising the exceptional position the MINI has in its respective segment by combining distinctive design, advanced drivetrain technology and an immersive digital experience.

Electrified go-kart feeling and an immersive user experience take the MINI DNA to a new level. The new MINI models are characterised by a modern and purist design that focuses on the essentials. The core of the brand is also embodied in the fifth model generation of the MINI Cooper 3-door – all-electric and consistently geared towards urban driving fun. The new all-electric MINI Countryman has grown and emphasises its suitability for setting out on adventures beyond the city limits. In addition, the MINI Aceman will premiere in April 2024 as a crossover in the premium small car segment.

“The continued high demand for our locally emission-free vehicles confirms our path to a fully electric future. It demonstrates the openness of our global MINI community to electric mobility, and I am confident that the new generation of MINI models will inspire even more people. Thanks to our electrified go-kart feeling, an immersive user experience and a responsible attitude, the new MINI family is tailor made for urban target groups all around the world,” explains Stefanie Wurst, head of the MINI brand.

Consistently advancing the all-electric model portfolio.

Since the relaunch of the brand at the turn of the millennium, the MINI has not only developed into a premium vehicle, but it has also reinvented itself time and again without neglecting its own origins and tradition. This constant development and the ability to regularly set new trends have established a large fan base for MINI worldwide. On its way to becoming an all-electric brand, MINI is now presenting two of its most important models.

The new vehicles enable locally emission-free mobility and allow MINI drivers to adapt them to their different lifestyles and requirements. The hallmark MINI creative use of space offers maximum flexibility as well as enabling a high degree of variability in terms of interior design. The user experience takes a noticeable technological leap with the MINI Operating System 9, which has been optimised for touch and voice control. The round OLED display, the MINI Interaction Unit, is both an instrument cluster as well as the centre of experiences and comfort. Textile surfaces revolutionise the aesthetic appeal of the interior by reducing it to the essentials and adding a new level of well-being and warmth.

The new MINI models interpret design features with impressive clarity.

The new MINI family takes driving fun, the user experience, and the responsible attitude of the brand into a new era, a comprehensive transformation that is reflected in the new design language “Charismatic Simplicity”. This combines the traditional MINI values with progressive innovations in a particularly authentic way, reducing the vehicle design to the essentials.

The new models of the MINI family share a purist design that takes equal account of the urban character of MINI and the innovative spirit of the MINI community.

Short overhangs, a short bonnet, a long wheelbase, and big wheels – the proportions of the new model generation are typical MINI. The visual three-part division into the vehicle body, the surrounding window area and the contrasting roof also ensures the new MINI models are instantly recognisable. The surfaces of the all-electric MINI Cooper and the MINI Countryman look particularly exciting thanks to the integrative treatment of details. Flush door handles, the absence of fender flares and side scuttles underline the clear and modern overall impression. The clearly defined shoulder area gives the new MINI models a decidedly athletic vehicle body.

The vehicle's character, which is as agile as it is compact, is reinforced by new daytime running light elements for the LED headlights and the Matrix LED taillights with three different settings on all new vehicle models. These individual light signatures each support different aspects of the car body design and interact with the environment by means of a special welcome and farewell light animation.

The all-electric MINI Cooper: the reinvention of the original.

Going into its fifth model generation, the MINI Cooper 3-door still embodies the core of the brand. As an all-electric vehicle, the new MINI is available in the Cooper E variant and as the Cooper SE, featuring higher output and range. Within the new MINI family, “Cooper” refers to all MINI 3-door and 5-door models, and also the MINI Convertible. It is no longer used as an engine specification. The classic round headlights and the striking octagonal grille are the dominant features of the front section, making the model the characteristic face of MINI.

The distinctively structured bonnet contributes to the intriguing surface design. Black side sills visually move the all-electric MINI Cooper closer to the road. Four different trims – Essential, Classic, Favoured and JCW – serve the purpose of differentiation, each giving the new MINI its own distinct character.

The 135 kW/184 hp electric motor in the MINI Cooper E generates a torque of 290 Nm and accelerates the vehicle from standstill to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. With an output of 160 kW/218 hp, the MINI Cooper SE sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds with a maximum torque of 330 Nm. The range determined in the WLTP test cycle is 305 kilometres for the MINI Cooper E and 402 kilometres for the MINI Cooper SE. *

The interior: minimalist, digital, immersive & warm.

In the interior, the design of the front section harks back to the elegantly minimalist design of the classic Mini with a slim and generous dashboard and a multifunction steering wheel for hallmark MINI go-kart feeling. The central OLED display, the MINI Interaction Unit, sets a new standard with its high resolution and contributes to the heightened presence of the circular instrument, which has a diameter of 240 millimetres.

The new MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant can be activated by saying the words “Hey MINI”. Being able to control numerous functions with voice control increases comfort, facilitating greater concentration on driving. The newly designed reduced toggle bar with five switches includes all driving functions and is ideally positioned for the driver below the circular instrument. The gearshift has been eliminated to create additional storage space between the front seats. In the wireless charging area in this storage space, mobile devices can be charged and conveniently accessed at any time.

The new interior experience is mainly created by the textile surfaces. A specially developed knitting process is used to create the easy-care, versatile structure of the two-colour textile. Optionally, up to seven MINI Experience Modes bring the dashboard to life. Special light projections extend the colours of the round instrument across the dashboard, expanding the overall experience of the user interface in the interior. The new cockpit customisation options add a personal feel-good factor to the interior of the new MINI Cooper.

All trims of the all-electric MINI Cooper feature seats in high-quality Vescin artificial leather, while all textiles and yarns for the seat, knitted surfaces, vehicle headliner and floor are made from recycled materials.

The new MINI Countryman: all-electric and adventurous.

Higher, longer, MINI – with an additional six centimetres in height and thirteen centimetres in length, the new MINI Countryman has grown noticeably compared to its predecessor, offering even more space and comfort. Wider wheel arches and a clear, modern design enhance the crossover aesthetic appeal of the rugged MINI adventurer. The elegant design of the C-pillar differs according to the vehicle trim and is based on one of the vehicle’s four roof colours. The upright shape of the new Matrix taillights frame the rear of the vehicle. Below the model lettering, the body tapers across the entire width and, together with the striking, all-round vehicle band in black, emphasises the enhanced presence of the new MINI Countryman.

The 150 kW/204 hp electric motor in the MINI Countryman E generates a torque of 250 Nm and accelerates the car from standstill to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds. With 230 kW/313 hp, the electric motors of the all-wheel drive MINI Countryman SE ALL4 generate a combined torque of 494 Nm in total and accelerate the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. The range determined according to the WLTP test cycle is 462 kilometres for the MINI Countryman E and 433 kilometres for the MINI Countryman SE ALL4. *

The interior: individual, multifunctional and full of high-level comfort.

In the interior, the versatile new MINI Countryman is the largest and most spacious MINI model available thanks to its high degree of adaptability. The clearly designed dashboard and the door panels are covered with woven textile surfaces. Their design is coordinated with eight different MINI Experience Modes: these maximise the options for individualising the interior by means of light projections, a customisable user interface and new engine sounds.

The MINI Operating System 9, which has been optimised for touch and voice control, together with the central OLED display with a diameter of 240 millimetres and many new, digital additional functions in the MINI Connected Package, noticeably raises the level of hallmark MINI driving fun in the cockpit of the new MINI Countryman. This also becomes apparent in the newly designed multifunction steering wheel with two-spoke design and optional textile strap instead of the classic lower spoke. Compared to the MINI Cooper, the air outlets in the cockpit are arranged vertically and, together with the upright dashboard, emphasise the character of the new MINI Countryman.

As in the exterior, the vertically mounted door handles in the interior are integrated flush with the surfaces. In combination with the tinted panoramic glass roof and the clear, reduced shapes of the front seats and rear seat, the ambience in the new MINI Countryman is particularly bright and spacious. The increased body size provides additional headroom and legroom, expanding the space options in the compact premium Crossover. The four available trims – Essential, Classic, Favoured and JCW – offer different design and equipment levels and give the new MINI Countryman a distinctive character.

*All specified technical Data are preliminary.

Inauguration Of MedOrient MBBS Batch Of 2023-24 At KMC Manipal

The MedOrient (orientation program MBBS Batch of 2023-24) was officially inaugurated at Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal, in a ceremony graced by esteemed dignitaries, Parents of newly joined MBBS students and marked by significant moments.

The event commenced with the symbolic lighting of the lamp by Dr. Padmaraj Hegde, Dean of KMC Manipal, accompanied by Lt. Gen. (Dr) M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Dr. Giridhar Kini, Registrar of MAHE, and Dr. HS Ballal, Pro Chancellor of MAHE. Top ranked in NEET students also participated in this ceremony and offered a floral tribute to Dr. TMA Pai, the visionary founder of KMC Manipal.

Lt. Gen. (Dr) M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, delivered a motivational speech emphasizing the significance of being a doctor and a leader. He stressed the importance of clinical skills, punctuality, commitment, and dedication towards patients, studies, and fellow colleagues. Humility and effective communication were highlighted as key attributes for success in the medical profession, along with the fundamental values of "do no harm."

Dr. Giridhar Kini, Registrar of MAHE, released the Student Handbook for 2023-24 and congratulated all the students for choosing KMC Manipal as their institution of learning. He emphasized the importance of discipline, maturity, time management, and overall well-being in achieving their goals.

Dr. Anil Bhat, Associate Dean, emphasized the significance of the white coat and administered the Charaka Shapath (oath) to the new students, underscoring the ethical responsibilities of medical practitioners.

Dr. HS Ballal, Pro Chancellor of MAHE, paid tribute to the visionary Dr. TMA Pai and spoke about his pioneering efforts in skill education. He also congratulated top ranked in NEET students Dr. Rayhan Hassan and Dr. Meher Batterywala.

Dr. Padmaraj Hegde, Dean of KMC Manipal, extended a warm welcome to the incoming students and provided an orientation to set the tone for their academic journey. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Krishnananda Prabhu, Associate Dean of KMC Manipal. Dr. Sushma Prabath and Dr. Anna Dsouza served as the Masters of Ceremonies throughout the event.

In a symbolic gesture, all the newly joined students planted saplings at Endpoint Manipal, signifying the commencement of their journey in the field of medicine and surgery at Manipal.

For media inquiries and further information, please contact: Deputy Director PR and Communications Ph: 7338625909: dpr.mu@manipal.edu

About Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal: Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, is one of India's premier medical institutions, known for its commitment to excellence in medical education, research, and healthcare delivery. Established by the visionary Dr. TMA Pai, KMC Manipal has consistently produced skilled medical professionals who make a significant impact in the healthcare sector worldwide.

Muthoottu Mini Financiers Reports 103% Qo Profit Growth For Q1FY24

Muthoottu Mini Financiers, one of India’s leading NBFCs, has today reported strong profit growth of 103% quarter-on-quarter for the quarter that ended on June 30, 2023. Depicting a growing demand for gold loans in the market, Muthoottu Mini Financiers, which hails from the renowned Muthoottu family, also reported a robust quarter-on-quarter revenue growth, reporting a total revenue of INR 156.20 Crores during the quarter, compared to INR 114.07 Crores during the previous year Q1.

During the quarter, the company's asset quality remained robust with net NPA at 0.44%. The company’s profit after tax (PAT) increased by 103% from 10.82 Crores in Q1 FY23 to 21.98 Crores in Q1 FY 24, while the profit before tax (PBT) stood at INR 30.43 crore. The firm's consolidated Assets under Management (AUM) also rose significantly by INR 593 crore from Q1 of the previous fiscal.

Over the course of the last year, Muthoottu Mini Financiers expanded its footprint across the country by opening 50 new branches. As a result, the company's network now spans an extensive footprint with a total of 871 branches, enabling greater accessibility to its financial services for customers across various regions. The company aims to mark the milestone of having 1,000+ branches by the end of FY24.

Commenting on the result, Mr. Mathew Muthoottu, Managing Director, Muthoottu Mini Financiers, said, “We are delighted to see Muthoottu Mini achieve a remarkable start to the FY24 fiscal year. Our quarterly profit increasing by 103% is a testament to the dedication of our team and our customer-centric approach. The gold loan sector in India is currently experiencing a major growth, driven by the increasing popularity of gold loans as a convenient and affordable way to meet short-term financial needs. Muthoottu Mini is well-positioned to capitalise on this growth, given our strong brand reputation and wide network of branches across the country. We are committed to providing our customers with the best possible gold loan experience, and are confident that we will continue to be a leader in the market. We are confident that we can continue to provide our customers with outstanding financial services by being innovative and adaptable.”

P E Mathai, Chief Executive Officer, Muthoottu Mini, added, “We are pleased with the growth numbers of this quarter, as they augur well with our plans to record substantial growth for this financial year. We have taken steps to improve our digital platform and customer service, and the strong growth in our key metrics is a testament to our customers' trust in Muthoottu Mini. We are committed to providing our customers with the best possible experience, and remain committed to continuously innovating and improving our services”.

AG-365S Of Marut Drones becomes first DGCA Type Certified Drone For Dual Sector Usage: Agriculture And RPTO Training

“AG-365S kisan drone is India’s first Multi-utility Agriculture small Category Drone to receive the prestigious DGCA approved type certificate. AG-365S has highest endurance of 22 minutes, equipped with high end sensors for smooth operations and tested extensively for best quality. Marut Drones already boasts a Multipurpose Medium category agricultural drone and multiple RPTOs in partnership with prestigious institutions across India.” 

India’s leading drone manufacturer “Marut Drones” has become the first player to have DGCA type certification in both small and medium category battery operated drones. Marut Drones received the Type Certification approvals from the Director General of Civil Aviation for their extensively tested and robustly designed multi-utility agricultural drone in small category (less than 25kg) AG-365S. As per UAS Rules-2021, Drones with UIN numbers are only allowed to fly in Indian Airspace. 

DGCA certification is provided based on quality checks and is issued after a rigorous testing process of unmanned aerial vehicles in various NABL accredited testing labs. This makes UAV go through a series of material, environmental, operational tests for safe, secured and reliable operations. The certification enables the Hyderabad-based firm to bring the users their agricultural drone technology which can revolutionize Indian Agriculture.  

Marut Drones Founder, Mr Prem Kumar Vislawath, said, “Marut Drones has been taking steps in line with its vision of Advancing Agriculture. Manual spraying in agriculture have caused huge negative health impact on operators. And a mindless repetition of these sprays is inhumane exposing the operator to chemicals and leading to cancers. With both type certification and RTPO approvals by DGCA for small category drones, the manual inhumane operations can be easily performed by drones making it safe to the operator. This also creates new job opportunities in rural areas. A drone entrepreneur using this drone can earn anywhere between Rs.40000 to Rs.90000 enabling him to work at comfort of his home making a positive impact on farmers". 

AG-365S is designed and developed for Indian conditions and can be used for multiple purposes giving a higher RoI to the user. AG-365S drone is compact in size yet delivers, with 22-minute endurance ensuring users maximum returns. AG-365S is equipped with advanced obstacle and terrain sensors which enables safe and smooth operations even in rough and patchy terrains. 

AG-365S is equipped with multiple payloads and one AG-365S can be used for spraying pesticides, granular spreader and also for running RPTO drone training academies. AG-365S is extensively tested for more than 1.5 lakhs acres and optimized for performance to be used in agriculture. Further, extensive research is undergone with AG-365S for development of crop specific drone spraying SOPs in collaboration with prestigious agriculture universities and research institutes.   

Having been awarded type certificate for AG-365S model, Drone is now eligible for ? 10 lakh unsecured loans from the Agri Infrastructure Fund at a minimal 5-6% interest. Further, AG 365S is covered by comprehensive insurance protecting the customers from any unforeseen incidents giving them peace of mind. 

Marut Drones have been accorded RPTO approvals which enables training and capacity building of drone pilots focused on safe agriculture operations, repair and maintenance. Marut Drones has trained more than 800 pilots through its academies and tying up with major universities and establishing training academies to enable drone pilots with highest quality training and with this, it sees a vision of development of 5 lakh drone entrepreneurs in countryside.  

Currently Marut has Pan India presence and partners with exclusive dealers across country in order to reach its vision of serving kisan across country. The extensive dealer network supports Marut to take its products to the end farmers and provide highest support to the customers with warranty, repair and maintenance. The partnerships ensure Marut to take its technology across country and reach its vision of building the agricultural infrastructure of the next 100 years that will provide the world with sufficient, diversified, and safe food. As a Research focused company, Marut is also establishing multiple R&D partnerships with likes of IIT Guwahati, IIIT Hyderabad, IIITDM Kurnool, IIT Hyderabad on product development and ICRISAT, PJTSAU and ICAR institutions on agriculture application development. To take the drone technology to India’s powerful youth, Marut is entering partnerships with premier educational institutes to establish training academies and Center of Excellence (CoEs) in Drone Technology. 

About MARUT DRONES:  

Marut Drones is India’s leading drone technology manufacturer with a focus on developing drone based solutions to persistent societal problems. Established in 2019 by three IIT graduates, Marut Drones has a vision to Advancing Agriculture. It aims to build the agricultural infrastructure of the next 100 years that will provide the world with sufficient, diversified, and safe food.  

https://www.marutdrones.com/ 

Marut Drones recently commenced its $4 million investment round for rapid adoption of this technology in agriculture and help farmers.  

Photo Caption:  Co-founder, Marut Drones  - Co-founder Mr. Suraj Peddi; CEO & Founder Marut Drones - Mr. Prem Kumar Vislawath and Mr. Sai Kumar Chinthala, Co-founder

Mahindra Logistics And Flipkart Collaborate For Integrated Line Haul Solutions

Mahindra Logistics Limited, one of India's largest integrated third-party logistics service providers, today announced its collaboration with Flipkart for integrated line haul solutions that will enhance operational efficiency and consistency as well as reinforce both companies’ shared commitment to innovation.

Mahindra Logistics will provide a dedicated fleet of Heavy Commercial Vehicles, assistance in route management and network operations, and advanced analytics for Flipkart’s pan India operations. Mahindra Logistics will operate 32ft single axle heavy commercial vehicles for Flipkart in collaboration with Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, which will run on multiple national routes, across the country. In line with commitment to safety, all vehicles will have Advanced Driver-Assistance systems (ADAS), and various other vehicle security as well as driver safety & comfort related advance features.

The fleet deployed by Mahindra Logistics will primarily facilitate Flipkart's e-commerce parcel movements through hub-to-hub operations. The improvement in TAT, higher safety levels, and fleet management underline Flipkart’s commitment to raising standards in the Indian e-commerce industry.

Commenting on this collaboration, Mr. Rampraveen Swaminathan, MD & Chief Executive Officer, said, “We are pleased to collaborate with Flipkart and provide these Pan-India dedicated line haul transportation solutions. These solutions expand our current line haul offerings for Flipkart enabling them to reduce their total cost of operations and improve service. Our enhanced fleet management standards, integrated with a focus on driver wellness and diversity, will serve to deliver higher standards of operational quality.”

Flipkart has embarked on a transformative journey to enhance the efficiency and consistency of its Line Haul operations. This collaboration with Mahindra Logistics will help leverage company's capabilities in integrated logistics.

Speaking about the collaboration, Hemant Badri, Senior Vice President and Head of Supply chain, Customer Experience, and ReCommerce, Flipkart Group, said, "As India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace, we have always believed that our actions should resonate beyond operational excellence and benefit the larger supply chain and logistics ecosystem in India. This collaboration with Mahindra Logistics will

help in enhanced reliability and efficiency in our long haul operations. Their dedicated fleet management, expert route management, and advanced analytics will enable an optimal way of load consolidation, route planning enabling efficient, faster, and sustainable deliveries.”

The integration of connected vehicle technology empowers the Mahindra Logistics control tower to monitor fleet efficiency. The solution helps improve turnaround times and service quality, reducing the Total Cost of Operations and customer service levels.

Photo Caption: From Right to Left - Mr. Rampraveen Swaminathan, MD & Chief Executive Officer, Mahindra Logistics and Hemant Badri, Senior Vice President and Head of Supply chain, Customer Experience, and ReCommerce, Flipkart Group flags off 32ft single axle  heavy commercial vehicles in Chennai as a part of their collaboration for integrated Line Haul Solutions for Flipkart’s pan India operations.

Pure-play BPC Brands Fuel The US$ 30 Billion Indian BPC Markets: Redseer And Peak XV Report

Globally, BPC (Beauty and Personal Care) is the most attractive sizable consumption category, projected to be a US$ 660 billion market and US$ 2.2-2.7 Tn market capitalization by 2027.

India is a shining star with the highest BPC growth rate (CAGR of 10% 2022-27) vs. comparable countries (the next best is Indonesia at 8% and China at 7%).

The Indian market is expected to contribute $30 billion to this figure, amounting to about 5% of the global opportunity.

The Indian pure-play BPC players’ combined revenue is growing at a rate twice as fast as that of the FMCG-led BPC brands, reinforces the significance of specialized, pure-play BPC brands globally wherein average revenue growth (2017-22) for major pure-play BPC players was 5x of FMCG-led BPC players (10% vs 2%).

Globally, pure-play BPC players are valued better than the FMCG-led BPC players with the P/E ratio of ~1.8x of FMCG-led BPC players (51 vs 28 respectively).

According to the report launched by Redseer Strategy Consultants in Collaboration with Peak XV, titled, “Beauty unveiled - Decoding the success of pure-play beauty companies”, the Beauty and Personal Care (BPC) industry is set to experience a meteoric rise, with projections indicating a total market size of $660 billion corresponding to a total market capitalization of $2.2-2.7 trillion by 2027. The BPC market has been on a resilient path in the face of global disruptions brought about by the 2020-21 lockdowns. Industry was affected marginally while the broader economies were much more severely affected. This underlines BPC’s role as a fundamental human need.

“Globally, there's a growing need among consumers for products 'made for them', tailored to individual skin or body types. They are increasingly willing to pay premiums for effective and safe solutions, leading to rapid growth in the masstige and premium categories. While consumers use the internet to research products, they are willing to shop across both online and offline channels.”, said Rohan Agarwal, Partner, Redseer Strategy Consultants.

Brands focused solely on BPC (pure-play BPC brands) have disrupted the market by targeting specific use-cases, leading to higher growth rates, gross margins, and profitability compared to FMCG-led BPC players. Average revenue growth of the largest pure-play BPC players was 5x of the largest FMCG-led BPC players (2017-22)

Indian BPC Market

Turning its gaze to the Indian market, the report reveals that India is a shining star with the highest BPC growth rate (CAGR of 10% 2022-27) vs. comparable countries (the next best is Indonesia at 8% and China at 7%). The Indian BPC market is projected to be US$ 30 billion by 2027, making up about 5% of the global opportunity. The growth prospects of the Indian BPC industry are further strengthened in light of how underpenetrated the Indian BPC market is. On per capita BPC spends, while the U.S. leads at $313, and China at $38, India lags significantly at just $14. Online is a significant channel for BPC in India as it projected to become a US$ 10 billion market by 2027, accounting for roughly 33% of the market then.

Similar to the global market, pure-play BPC brands are leading the disruption in India. The report revealed that the Indian BPC market is growing at a rate twice as fast as FMCG-led brands, signaling the significance of specialized, BPC-focused players. As the Indian BPC market matures, the report anticipates the emergence of multiple hundred-million-dollar pure-play BPC brands.

Pure-play BPC players creating exceptional value

The BPC landscape's transformation has also birthed a slew of innovative brands like L'Oréal, Nykaa, Honasa, and Pure Play Skin Sciences with niche offerings. These players, wholly dedicated to BPC, are more agile in responding to evolving consumer needs, positioning themselves as leaders in this dynamic market.

"From acne management to anti-ageing solutions, specialized use cases are where we're seeing a lot of the action. Brands are spending a significant portion of their resources and organisation bandwidth on new product development, R&D, and customer insights to drive more efficacious products to a targeted audience," says Sakshi Chopra, MD, Peak XV.

The pure-play BPC players are performing well in terms of growth and margins, therefore, are valued better. In 2022, the average gross margin for major pure-play BPC companies globally was significantly higher (72%) than that of FMCG-led BPC companies (44%). Despite their heavy investments in research and development and customer education, these pure-play companies maintain bottom lines that are competitive with FMCG-led companies. The average EBT (Earnings Before Taxes) stands at 12% for large pure-play BPC companies globally, compared to 14% for FMCG-led companies.

This results in pure-play BPC companies being valued better. The Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio for the large pure-play BPC companies globally is approximately 1.8 times that for FMCG-led BPC companies (51 vs. 28).

About Redseer Strategy Consultants:

Redseer Strategy Consultants is a leading strategy consulting firm that has been at the forefront of shaping the new age business landscape in India for the past 14 years. Redseer’s relentless focus on innovation, deep consumer understanding, and strong entrepreneurial mindset has established it as the go-to advisory firm for new-age consumer-focused businesses. Redseer is the # 1 advisor to new age firms planning IPO strategy, a leading advisor to PE on making the right investment calls and works closely with the founders and board on long-term sustainable businesses. Redseer & and its partner OC&C, with over 1000 + consultants, creates a positive impact for their clients from 22 cities across 5 continents.

About Peak XV

Peak XV (formerly Sequoia Capital India & SEA) is a leading venture capital firm investing across India, Southeast Asia and beyond. Peak XV (pronounced Peak Fifteen) was the name used for Mount Everest before it was called that. Over the last 17 years of our operations in the region, Peak XV has grown to manage over USD 9 billion in capital across 13 funds and invested in over 400 companies.

To know more, visit: www.peakxv.com.

IIM Sambalpur Hosts Special Lecture On G20 Presidency

* Organized under 'G20 University Connect' Lecture Series

IIM Sambalpur, one of the premium B-schools in the nation, hosted a special thought-provoking lecture on the G20 Presidency under the G20 University Connect Program, propelled by the visionary leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister. The purpose of this initiative is to nurture global awareness and cultivate the leadership potential of B-school students on matters of worldwide significance since they will be the leaders of tomorrow. Spearheaded by RIS (Research and Innovation System), the G20 University Connect lecture series has already made a significant impact by involving 65 Universities across diverse States and Union Territories, actively engaging numerous students in the process.

the event began with an official video, introducing the overarching theme of India’s G20 Presidency for 2023.

Followed by the Special Lecture, by the keynote speaker, Former Ambassador J.K. Tripathi, IFS (Retd.)  Diplomat, the Government of India, elaborated on the importance of the G20 Presidency. He said that through this platform India can show the way to the world in various sectors, like we are the pioneers of the digital economy. Less than 50 countries in the world can have access to a digital economy or digital payment system. Furthermore, we can share our experience in solar power, clean energy and experience in startups. Mr Tripathi further said that as part of the G20 Summit, there have been a number of meetings on trade practices and supply lines, supply chain which have given a very sound implementation of such issues. Not only that, India has also suggested at various levels that there has to be a change in the practices rules and regulations of the World Trade Organization (WTO) which has to directly and especially assist the emerging market and developing countries as well as developing economies. The former Ambassador also threw light on the brief history of the G20 and said that it is the only international organization that includes members of the G7, BRICS, and other important international bodies, allowing it to serve as a bridge between affluent and developing nations.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, emphasized the significance of the event. Prof. Jaiswal informed that according to the IMF report, India has become the fifth-largest economy in terms of GDP and is currently the fastest-growing economy in the world. He said, as per the report, if the growth trend continues over the next few years, India will become one of the top three GDP countries globally, along with the US and China. Prof Jaiswal elaborated that as per the report, female participation in higher education in India is below 15%. And if it improves by about another 20 points, India will become the third-largest GDP. Therefore, if we further strengthen the diversity index and make ourselves among the top 40 the way we have done the innovation index, the Indian economy will surpass the US economy. Prof. Jaiswal proudly shared that IIM Sambalpur has already taken the initiative in terms of improving its gender diversity. With 60% gender females percentage in the recent MBA batch, the institute has achieved the highest female ratio among the top schools in India.

The event concluded with the Q&A session, moderated by Mr Ali Syed, RIS, followed by a vote of thanks by Prof. Padmavathy Dhillon, Faculty IIM Sambalpur. The event served as a platform for interactive discussion on the G20 Presidency and its broader implications in terms of education, research, and other diverse perspectives on a global level. 

It is to be recalled that the initiative has been collaborative research between the Research and Innovation System for Developing Countries and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). 

About IIM Sambalpur:

Welcome to Indian Institute Of Management SambalpurIIM Sambalpur is one of the premier management institutions in the country and is widely known for its quality education. Located in Sambalpur, Odisha, the institute is committed to providing excellent management education, harbouring a sense of entrepreneurship, and developing socially responsible leaders.  IIM Sambalpur is known for its 2-year flagship MBA programme and admissions are held via CAT along with 8 other IIMs. IIM Sambalpur cut-off is 92 percentile. IIM Sambalpur MBA fee is INR 13.04 Lakh, whereas IIM Sambalpur's average package stood at INR 16.64 LPA and IIM Sambalpur's highest package stood at INR 64.61 LPA for the 2023 batch.