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Economic Times
a day ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Amazon India plans Rs 2,000 crore investment in 2025 to enable faster deliveries
Amazon India said Thursday that it will invest Rs 2,000 crore this year to expand and upgrade its operations infrastructure, aiming to make ecommerce deliveries 'faster and more reliable'. This has come when horizontal ecommerce marketplaces are facing stiff competition from 10-minute delivery platforms.'These latest investments reflect our commitment to continually expand and upgrade our operations across our fulfilment, sortation, and delivery network,' said Abhinav Singh, vice-president-operations, Amazon India and Australia. Amazon recently rolled out its quick commerce offering, Now, across select pin codes in Bengaluru, and plans to expand the 10-minute delivery network to Delhi-NCR and Mumbai as well. With this, Amazon has entered a buzzy space where players such as Blinkit, Swiggy's Instamart, Zepto, BigBasket, Flipkart Minutes and Reliance Retail's JioMart are already operating. In 2023, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy had said that the company, which had already invested $11 billion in India cumulatively at the time, plans to increase the total investment to $26 billion by 2030. The latest announcement of Amazon investing in its operations infrastructure has come at a time when the broader ecommerce sector has been witnessing a slowdown in growth. In the calendar year 2024, growth in India's e-tail market slowed down to 10-12% from over 20% in the previous years, as per a Bain & Company and Flipkart report. In fiscal 2024, Amazon Seller Services, the Indian marketplace entity of the US ecommerce giant, posted a 14% rise in operating revenue at Rs 25,406 crore. While revenue growth outpaced the 3% increase in FY23, it lagged rates seen during the pandemic period. Revenue had grown 32% in FY22 and 49% in FY21. Its net loss narrowed in FY24 by 28% to Rs 3,469 crore. In a December 2024 interview with ET, Amazon's senior vice president for India and emerging markets, Amit Agarwal, had said that the company wanted to make sure that the growth it's driving is towards a profitable business. 'We've been thoughtful in how we make our investments. We've made significant improvements in reducing the cost structures for our businesses so sellers can add more selections at lower prices,' he had company said on Thursday that it was investing in tools that measure 'route complexity and ensure equitable distribution of delivery routes, while allowing adequate time for each delivery'. Among other steps, Amazon India said it is streamlining its delivery operations by enhancing its app to simplify the process for delivery personnel. The company is introducing improved navigation tools to help locate unstructured or hard-to-find addresses more efficiently. Amazon also operated its in-house logistics service Amazon Transportation Services (ATS) – but this is being merged into Amazon Seller Services, as reported by ET in May.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Munster Supporters Club ‘post' cheeky reply to Johnny Sexton after he claimed he'd ditch Leinster over Rieko Ioane beef
MUNSTER Supporters Club "posted" a response to Johnny Sexton after he joked about becoming a Reds season ticket holder. The 39-year-old Advertisement 2 The 2025 British and Irish Lions tour will begin on Friday at the Aviva Stadium Credit: PA 2 Sexton has quipped about becoming a regular at Thomond Park Credit: @MRSC16 Speaking at his first appearance as a member of When asked on Monday about Now, the good folk at the province's official club fan club have responded by taking Sexton up on his remark. They shared a mock-up of a season ticket pass with his name on it. Advertisement Read More On Irish Sport The amusing social media post was captioned: "Great to hear from official Lions Rugby that we have a new member for next season. Your card is in the post Johnny. SUAF." In his autobiography, Sexton He wrote that, after referee Wayne Barnes blew the final whistle, Ioane said to him 'Don't miss your flight tomorrow. Enjoy your retirement you c***'. Sexton responded by calling him 'a fake-humble f*****'. Advertisement Most read in Rugby Union Auckland native Ioane reignited the row after the All Blacks beat Ireland last November with an Instagram post with the caption 'Put that in the book'. And Ioane admitted that he might have to win over a few people when he lands in Dublin later this summer. 'I live life on the edge' - Watch Peter O'Mahony storm off after wife Jessica startles him while gardening He said: 'By all my friends' accounts, it's about 50-50 at the moment. We'll try to get that to 60-40 in my favour.' At that same press briefing, the longtime Irish 10 Advertisement Sexton knows a thing or two about the level of scrutiny which comes from the territory, from his tussle with The attention on SOCIAL SEWER The Rathgar man emphasized: 'They're just so young. You've got to give them a chance to learn and experience these things, but the level that they are producing already in their careers is amazing really. 'They're so far ahead of where I was and they've got the world at their feet with the work ethic that they have. Advertisement 'They're humble guys, they do want to learn, they want to practise hard and that's the thing that you look at the most as a coach. 'One thing I disagree with is some of the narrative around it in terms of there's obviously a split in the country in terms of Munster-Leinster and I've been there before. 'I've been in that situation and with social media getting bigger and bigger it's tough on them at times and it shouldn't be like that. "We should be supporting whoever's picked and getting fully behind them. I told them to delete social media.' Advertisement
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
Fed is likely to keep rates unchanged but commentary will be crucial for markets: Experts
By Nikhil Dedha New Delhi, June 18 (ANI): As the US Federal Reserve gears up for its latest policy announcements, economists and market experts believe that the central bank is likely to keep interest rates unchanged, while keeping the door open for future rate cuts later this year. The federal funds rate currently stands in the range of 4.25 per cent to 4.50 per cent, and the Fed has consistently signalled caution in changing its stance amidst global uncertainty and domestic fiscal challenges. Sonal Badhan, Economics Specialist at Bank of Baroda, told ANI, 'We expect Fed to keep rates unchanged as it has guided on multiple occasions that the central bank will keep a watchful eye on impact of tariffs and its impact on inflation before cutting rates. We expect next rate cut by Fed in Sep'25.' Recent auctions of long-term US Treasury bonds have shown weak investor interest, raising questions about the fiscal outlook of the United States. Addressing this, Badhan added, 'Weak demand from investors is mainly reflective of lower confidence in fiscal health of the government and growth scenario. Inflated debt levels of the US government and recent tax bill is a major point of contention between investors and the government. Even Fed has highlighted concerns regarding the same as it has an inflationary impact on the economy'. She also pointed out that the ongoing tariff war uncertainty has lowered growth prospects, prompting foreign investors to diversify their portfolios. However, she clarified, 'We do not see movement in yields to have an impact on Fed's decision.' For India, the implications of Fed's decision are significant. 'We are currently seeing a spread of around 180-190 bps between India and US 10-year g-secs. Historically, on average we have seen a 300-400 bps gap. If Fed decides to cut rates, the spread will increase and help support capital inflows and the rupee,' Badhan noted. Banking and market expert Ajay Bagga in an exclusive conversation with ANI also echoed the view that a rate cut is unlikely in the ongoing Fed meet. 'No rate cut but two months of slow retail consumption numbers may lead to a more dovish commentary. Dot plot will be watched for hints towards rate cut timing and magnitude. Markets are factoring in September and December cuts,' he said. Bagga pointed to robust Q2 projections and said, 'Atlanta Fed GDP Now is showing a 3.5 per cent yoy growth projection for Q2 US GDP. So Powell will not be in a rush to cut, given energy cost spikes due to Iran conflict could yet reverse the inflation trajectory.' He added, 'Expect Powell to be more dovish in his press conference than the one-page policy statement. Trump is putting a lot of pressure on Powell to cut rates but policy uncertainty is holding back the Fed.' However Debopam Chaudhuri, Chief Economist at Piramal Group, expects a rate cut in this cycle. He told ANI 'I expect the FOMC to deliver at least two rate cuts of 25 bps each over the next five meetings scheduled in 2025, including the one in June.' However, he added that 'While June presented a favourable window for the first cut, given easing inflation and slowing growth, the renewed Iran-Israel conflict and its potential impact on energy prices may prompt the Fed to defer action until the July meeting.' Chaudhuri highlighted that by the end of 2025, the upper bound of the Fed funds rate could ease to around 4 per cent. The Federal Reserve's decision will come late on Wednesday, while most of the experts expects the rate to remain steady for now, but the commentary will be crucial not just for the US economy, but also for global markets, including India's monetary and capital flow dynamics. (ANI)
India.com
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Not Salman Khan, but this superstar was the first choice of Bajrangi Bhaijaan, he walked away from the film due to...
A film that made us go all emo at the end — the one that crossed borders and melted hearts with the sweetest on-screen chemistry of Mamu-Bhanji! By now, you must have guessed which film we're talking about. Ok, no more guessing! The story that lives in our hearts rent-free — wo bhi permission lekar ! Yes, we're talking about Bajrangi Bhaijaan !' What if we tell you, Salman Khan was not the first choice for it? Who was the first choice for Bajragi Bhaijaan? Imagine turning down a film that would go on to become one of Bollywood's biggest blockbusters. That's exactly what Aamir Khan did with Bajrangi Bhaijaan — and not because he didn't like the script, but because he believed only one man could do it justice: Salman Khan. Why did he not accept the offer? Aamir Khan spilled the beans In a recent conversation with Mashable India , Aamir spilled the lesser-known truth behind the making of Bajrangi Bhaijaan . The 2015 Kabir Khan directorial, celebrated for its emotional storytelling and soul-stirring music, was originally offered to Aamir. But rather than snapping it up, the perfectionist star did something surprising — he passed. 'The moment I heard the story, I told Vijayendra ji (Rajamouli's father and the writer), 'Sir, this is Salman's film,'' Aamir revealed. Instead of claiming the role for himself, Aamir suggested taking the script to Salman via director Kabir Khan. His instincts turned out to be spot-on: Bajrangi Bhaijaan became one of Salman's most iconic performances, capturing hearts and smashing box office records. Aamir's candid admission shows the rare integrity behind the scenes — an actor who knew the story was meant for someone else. 'I said no, I won't be able to do it. Take it to Salman,' he recalled with a smile. Other films that he turned down But this wasn't the only major film Aamir had let go. During the same interview, he was also asked about other famous films he reportedly turned down — like Josh and even Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge . While laughing off some of the rumours, he didn't deny that there were multiple missed (or rather, redirected) opportunities. Aamir Khan's upcoming project Now, after nearly three years off the silver screen, Aamir is gearing up for a powerful comeback. His next film, Sitaare Zameen Par , is slated for release on 20 June 2025. Dubbed a spiritual sequel to his beloved 2007 film Taare Zameen Par , the new project is expected to strike a similarly emotional chord with audiences. So while Aamir may not have played the role of the silent, soft-hearted hero crossing borders for a little girl, he played a different role behind the scenes. The man who gave Bajrangi Bhaijaan to Salman may just prove, once again, that choosing the right story doesn't always mean starring in it.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
EastEnders fans work out the ‘real reason' Zoe Slater is back as she returns to Walford after 20 years
EASTENDERS fans reckon they've worked out the real reason behind Zoe Slater's shock comeback. The iconic character made her 2 EastEnders fans reckon Zoe Slater's shock return ain't about Kat - but all about a bombshell link to troublemaker Joel Marshall Credit: PA 2 Joel's secrets are beginning to unravel - but who is his real mum? Credit: BBC Zoe, played by Instead, they think she's got unfinished business with Ross and stepson Joel, who rocked up alongside Vicki Fowler earlier this year for Since landing on the Now, viewers reckon Zoe could be hiding the ultimate bombshell. read more on eastenders Taking to the Instagram, one fan wrote: "We reckon she's Joel's mum!" Another added: "Omg it will be crazy if she is acc Joel's biological mum!" A third penned: "You ain't my mother' to be recreated with Zoe & Joel, I predict." Viewers will see Zoe in two further episodes this week - but she will be on board full-time this summer. Most read in Soaps Speaking on her return to the BBC soap, Michelle said: 'It feels like coming home. 'After doing my first few scenes, it was like I'd never been away. EastEnders' Michelle Ryan reveals emotional secret reunion with soap cast before Zoe Slater's bombshell return 'It all happened at the right time. ' 'It just so happened that at the same time, EastEnders had announced a new Exec who was keen to explore the potential of a return as he was such a massive fan of Zoe and the Slaters, so both of our worlds aligned at the right time, and I'm so excited to be back. 'When I was pitched the storylines, and when I read the scripts, I knew it was the right decision.' EastEnders new boss, Executive Producer Soap's most harrowing teen storylines We take a look at other harrowing teen soap storylines from soaps Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks. Belle Dingle's schizophrenia in Emmerdale - Belle's (Eden Taylor-Draper) traumatic journey in Emmerdale took a dark turn when, after accidentally killing her best friend Gemma at just 16, her mental health began to spiral. The storyline, which saw Belle struggling with her grief and guilt, showcased her battle with hearing Gemma's voice inside her head, leading to a dramatic decline in her well-being. Hannah Ashworth's anorexia in Hollyoaks - Viewers were horrified as they watched Hannah ( As Hannah's condition worsened, the storyline became more intense, culminating in her being hospitalised for two months as she fought for her life. Bethany Platt's grooming ordeal in Coronation Street - Vulnerable schoolgirl, played by The controversial scenes saw Nathan groom and manipulate the 16-year-old before coercing her into sleeping with his friends, with one of them raping her. Whitney Dean's abuse from Tony in EastEnders - Since the age of 12, she had been in a twisted relationship with her stepmum Bianca's boyfriend, Tony King. The predator had groomed young Whit (Shona McGarty), making her believe she was in love and planning to run away with him. On her 16th birthday, the traumatised teen finally revealed the years of abuse to Bianca. Tony was swiftly sent to prison sentenced for 13 years.
