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Mamaearth Partners with Meesho to Expand Reach in Tier 3 and Semi-Urban Markets

Mamaearth, one of India’s fastest-growing personal care brands, has announced an exciting partnership with Meesho, a leading e-commerce platform, to expand the accessibility of high-quality, toxin-free personal care products in deep-penetrated regions across the country. The collaboration targets the growing demand for premium natural products in Tier 3 towns and semi-urban areas, where e-commerce is on the rise.

With Meesho’s extensive network, Mamaearth has already seen impressive growth, achieving a fivefold sales increase during Meesho’s recent sale period. Building on this momentum, the brand aims to reach ₹100 crore in annual recurring revenue (ARR) on Meesho in the next 12 months. Mamaearth’s ability to tap into markets across Bharat—including Belgaum, Kashipur, Bokaro, Sivakasi, and Kushinagar—has been key to its success, particularly during Meesho’s Mega Blockbuster Sale, where orders spiked by 226%.

Varun Alagh, Co-Founder and CEO, Honasa Consumer Limited, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “At Mamaearth, we have always strived to be present where our consumers need us the most. We have been witnessing a greater demand for quality and toxin free beauty and personal care products from Tier 3 and smaller markets and this partnership with Meesho will help us bridge this gap further.”

Popular products such as the Mamaearth Rice Face Wash, Vitamin C Daily Glow Face Cream, and The Derma Co Hyaluronic Sunscreen have been driving this surge in demand. Alongside its digital expansion, Mamaearth is also focusing on enhancing its offline presence with new partnerships, including collaborations with the Canteen Stores Department (CSD) under the Ministry of Defence, Reliance Retail, and Apollo Pharmacy.

This multi-channel growth strategy positions Mamaearth to further solidify its foothold in India’s evolving personal care market, catering to a broadening customer base with its commitment to natural, eco-friendly products.

The Role of AI in Creating Jobs and Upskilling the Workforce

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the global economy by revolutionizing industries and creating new opportunities. While there are concerns about AI eliminating jobs, it is important to recognize the significant role AI plays in job creation and workforce upskilling. By automating routine tasks, AI enables workers to focus on more complex and creative roles, ultimately driving productivity, innovation, and the demand for new skills.

Job Creation Through AI-Driven Industries

AI is a major driver of growth in emerging sectors. In fields such as data science, machine learning, and robotics, AI has opened up new career opportunities. For instance, the demand for AI specialists, data analysts, and engineers is growing as companies leverage AI technologies to optimize their operations. In healthcare, AI is driving advancements in personalized medicine and diagnostics, creating jobs in areas like medical imaging and health data analysis. Similarly, the retail and logistics sectors are seeing new roles in AI-powered supply chain management and customer service automation.

As AI becomes integrated into various industries, the need for AI-related research and development has surged. Governments and businesses are investing heavily in AI research, leading to the creation of jobs in AI laboratories, start-ups, and tech hubs worldwide. The ripple effect of AI’s influence extends beyond technology roles, impacting marketing, finance, and human resources departments as companies seek to adapt AI tools for better decision-making and strategy development.

Upskilling the Workforce

As AI reshapes the job market, upskilling the workforce has become essential. Rather than simply replacing human labor, AI encourages the development of new competencies and skills. Workers are increasingly required to collaborate with AI systems, analyze large datasets, and apply critical thinking in tech-enhanced environments. This shift toward a more advanced skill set is prompting industries to invest in training and development programs.

Many companies have recognized the need for reskilling their employees to work alongside AI systems. For instance, major corporations in manufacturing and logistics are training their workers to oversee AI-powered machinery and analyze output data, improving both efficiency and job security. Online platforms and educational institutions are also playing a key role, offering courses in AI-related skills such as coding, data analysis, and AI ethics. This shift is equipping the workforce with the tools necessary to remain competitive in an evolving job market.

The Role of AI in Enhancing Productivity and Innovation

AI’s ability to handle repetitive tasks frees up human workers to engage in more meaningful, strategic activities. In industries like finance and law, AI algorithms assist with analyzing data, reviewing contracts, and identifying trends, allowing employees to focus on problem-solving, creative thinking, and building client relationships. This results in increased productivity and opens up opportunities for innovation, as workers can direct their attention toward higher-level tasks.

In the creative industries, AI is enhancing job roles rather than replacing them. Designers, artists, and marketers can use AI tools to analyze consumer behavior, predict trends, and personalize content. For example, AI can automate parts of the creative process, such as generating design mockups or tailoring marketing campaigns, while allowing professionals to maintain their artistic direction and vision.

Addressing the Skills Gap

Despite the opportunities AI creates, the shift to AI-driven workplaces poses challenges, particularly for those who lack access to digital education or training. The skills gap is a major hurdle in fully realizing the potential of AI, as workers without the necessary technical knowledge may find themselves displaced. However, governments, educational institutions, and companies are increasingly stepping in to address this gap.

Policymakers are encouraging lifelong learning initiatives, and businesses are offering in-house training programs to prepare employees for AI’s integration. Collaboration between public and private sectors is essential in creating accessible education that equips workers with future-ready skills. Through scholarships, apprenticeships, and other forms of financial support, these efforts are helping to bridge the divide between workers and emerging AI technologies.

Conclusion

The rise of AI is not simply about job replacement; it is about transformation. AI is creating jobs in emerging industries, encouraging the development of new skills, and enhancing the productivity of existing roles. By investing in upskilling and addressing the skills gap, workers can adapt to the demands of an AI-driven future. Ultimately, AI is driving both job creation and workforce evolution, ensuring that humans remain at the center of innovation and progress.

Author: Mr. Manikanth Challa, Founder & CEO, Workruit

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of ObserveNow Media. The author is solely responsible for ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and validity of the information presented, encouraging readers to independently verify and seek professional advice if needed.

Karan Agarwal joins DeHaat’s as its new Chief Product & Technology Officer

DeHaat, a leading agritech startup, announced the appointment of Karan Agarwal as its new Chief Product & Technology Officer. With over 13 years of experience in technology, logistics, and SaaS, Karan brings a wealth of expertise in building automation platforms, digitizing financial systems, and driving SaaS adoption.

With over 13 years of experience in technology, logistics, and SAAS, Karan has a strong track record of delivering impactful solutions and driving business growth. During his tenure, Delhivery witnessed exponential growth, from 10 thousand orders per day back in 2012 to 5Mn+ orders per day today, covering 18,000+ pin-codes across 2500 cities in India. He has been instrumental in building automation platforms, setting up the digital payment infrastructure & digitizing the financial systems as part of the pre-IPO journey of Delhivery. At DeHaat, he will lead the development and implementation of technology across the entire DeHaat ecosystem, including analytics, data science, product engineering & strengthening the tech-stack of DeHaat.

Amrendra Singh, Co-founder & Director, DeHaat, commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Karan as our Chief Product & Technology Officer. His extensive experience and innovative mindset align perfectly with our mission to drive technological and product excellence to the last mile. Karan’s leadership will be crucial in advancing our technology strategy and driving our mission to transform the Indian agricultural landscape.”

At DeHaat, Karan will spearhead the development of its technology ecosystem, focusing on analytics, data science, and product engineering. His leadership is set to enhance DeHaat’s mission of empowering smallholder farmers through cutting-edge innovation.

Karan expressed his enthusiasm for joining DeHaat, stating, “Joining DeHaat as CPTO provides an excellent opportunity to bring innovation to the AgriTech industry using data and AI-driven approach. DeHaat’s all-in-one platform transforms how farmers access agricultural inputs, advisory services, market connections, and financial support. I am eager to contribute to DeHaat’s goal of empowering farmers with scalable, tech, and AI-enabled solutions that tackle critical challenges in the agriculture sector and advance our mission of creating a global Agri SaaS and Intelligence platform.”

Thales to provide smart digital platform to improve security at Adani airports

Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL) has entered into a partnership with global technology leader Thales to modernise airport operations with smart technologies across India. This collaboration aims to elevate passenger experience and streamline airport management using advanced digital solutions.

The core of this partnership lies in the deployment of Thales’ innovative Fly to Gate solution and the Airport Operation Control Centre (APOC), both of which promise to transform how passengers navigate through airports while enhancing overall operational efficiency. These solutions will be implemented across the seven AAHL-managed airports, aligning with India’s growing ambitions to become a global aviation hub.

Thales’ Fly to Gate solution, already operational at select AAHL airports, is a self-servicing system designed to simplify and accelerate the passenger check-in and boarding process. By utilizing advanced biometrics and identity management technologies, the system creates a digital identity token for passengers, eliminating the need for repeated document verification at various checkpoints. Thales claims that this technology can reduce passenger processing times by up to 30%, providing a seamless and hassle-free airport experience.

The Fly to Gate system is also integrated with India’s DigiYatra initiative, which uses facial recognition technology to digitally verify passengers’ identities at airports. While this system has been praised for improving operational efficiency, it has also faced scrutiny over concerns related to data privacy. Nevertheless, Thales emphasized that the platform is designed with robust security measures to protect user data and ensure compliance with privacy standards.

Ashish Saraf, Director of Thales India, highlighted the significance of this partnership in supporting India’s aspirations to become the largest aviation market in the world by 2047. “We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Adani Airport Holdings Limited to bring innovative technology solutions to revolutionise airport operations and the passenger experience in India. Our Fly to Gate biometric solution for DigiYatra and the smart Airport Operation Control Centre (APOC) will enable AAHL to streamline operations and also ensure a secure and simplified journey for millions of passengers. Together, we are committed to support India in its vision of becoming the largest aviation market in the world by 2047,” said Mr. Ashish Saraf, VP and Country Director for India, Thales.

In addition to enhancing passenger experience, the collaboration will see the deployment of Thales’ Airport Operation Control Centre (APOC) at all AAHL-managed airports. APOC is a cloud-based digital platform that centralizes airport management by integrating data from various subsystems. It processes this data using artificial intelligence and advanced analytics to identify potential resource shortages, predict operational disruptions, and improve overall airport efficiency.

The solution, which will be deployed soon, will anticipate and reduce unplanned resource shortages, hence increasing predictability and global efficiency. The APOC platform is designed to ensure seamless coordination among different airport departments, including security, ground handling, and passenger services, providing a more cohesive and efficient airport operation.

NetApp appoints Ganesan Arumugam as APAC Senior Director

NetApp appoints Ganesan Arumugam as its Senior Director for APAC Channel Sales & Alliances. With nearly 30 years of experience in the technology sector, Ganesan is set to play a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth across Asia Pacific by expanding its partner sphere program and enhancing regional market outreach.

As a seasoned professional, Ganesan’s vast expertise in managing channels and sales at renowned global enterprises like Symantec, VMware, Hitachi Data Systems, IBM, and Novell will be instrumental in shaping NetApp’s regional channel strategy. Ganesan will oversee the expansion of the company’s Partner Sphere program, which is designed to promote the adoption of unified data storage, integrated data services, and CloudOps solutions.

Andrew Sotiropoulos, Senior Vice President and General Manager for NetApp Asia Pacific commented, “Our channels and partner ecosystem remains the foundation for our Go-to-Market strategy and overall growth for APAC. Previously as our India Channel lead, Ganesan played a key role in building up a strong and reliable ecosystem made up of NetApp-managed and Distributor-managed partners, that extended well across the market and delivered consistent revenue growth. He will now step up to the APAC region and I am confident he will replicate his success here.”

Reporting directly to Andrew Sotiropoulos, Senior Vice President of APAC at NetApp, Ganesan will operate out of Singapore, a crucial hub for the company’s operations in the region.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Ganesan Arumugam stated, “We have on board the best partners that can bring NetApp’s intelligent data management solutions to the market. When our partners succeed, we succeed. I look forward to engaging more of our partners in my new role, and am honoured for the opportunity to deepen NetApp’s relationships with them across APAC.”

Zell Education and ITM University Gwalior partner to offer fast-track ACCA programmes for B.Com & BBA students

Zell Education, India’s leading finance and accounts Ed-tech platform, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ITM University Gwalior to offer ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) certification to students pursuing B.Com and BBA degrees at the university. This collaboration aims to provide students in Madhya Pradesh with access to top-notch education in Accounts & Finance, coupled with a globally recognised certification

The MoU was signed on 10 July 2024 by Anant Bengani, Co-Founder & Director of Zell Education, and Dr Omveer Singh, Registrar of ITM University Gwalior, in the presence of Prof Yogesh Upadhyay, Vice-Chancellor of ITM University Gwalior, and other distinguished guests.

This strategic partnership will enable students enrolled in the B.Com and BBA programmes at ITM University Gwalior to simultaneously pursue the ACCA certification, commencing with the batch starting in 2024. The collaboration offers students a unique opportunity to obtain a globally recognised professional accounting qualification alongside their undergraduate degrees.

A key advantage of this initiative is that it provides students with nine exemptions from ACCA papers, effectively saving more than two years of study time. This integration of the ACCA curriculum with the university’s degree programmes ensures that students graduate with both academic knowledge and professional certification, enhancing their employability in the global job market.

Anant Bengani, Co-Founder and Director of Zell Education shared his thoughts on the collaboration, “The collaboration with ITM University Gwalior concerning the ACCA certification is really exciting for us. This MoU is another milestone towards making finance and accounting education recognised globally more accessible across India. Combining ITM’s academic prowess with our expertise in ACCA training creates a compelling educational proposition that will place students ahead in their professional pursuits.”

By combining academic rigour with practical, industry-recognised certification, graduates will be well-positioned to pursue diverse career opportunities in accounting, financial management, auditing, and other related fields.

Prof Yogesh Upadhyay, Vice-Chancellor of ITM University Gwalior, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership. “At ITM University Gwalior, our focus has always been on upskilling our students for the global job market. This initiative with Zell Education offers our students a unique opportunity to gain globally recognised skills alongside their degrees. Integrating ACCA certification within our BBA and B.Com programmes equips our learners to excel in finance and accounting worldwide. This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision of providing world-class education that prepares students to embark on their career journey right after they graduate”

The partnership between Zell Education and ITM University Gwalior marks a significant milestone in enhancing the quality of finance and accounting education in Madhya Pradesh. It reflects both institutions’ commitment to providing students with industry-relevant skills and qualifications that are recognised and valued worldwide.

A recent study conducted by Zell Education, India’s leading finance and accounts Ed-tech platform, has uncovered a significant increase in the number of students expressing interest in pursuing careers in finance after completing their 12th grade. The study, which compared data from 2023 and 2024, reveals a 15% year-over-year increase in finance career aspirations among high school graduates.

The study revealed several noteworthy trends in finance career aspirations among Indian students. A significant shift in career preferences was observed, with the percentage of surveyed students aspiring for finance careers after 12th grade increasing from 35% in 2023 to 50% in 2024.

This change was reflected in enrollment patterns, with overall enrollments in finance-related courses rising by 5% compared to the previous year. Notably, the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) course experienced the most substantial surge, likely due to recent changes in eligibility criteria.

The research also highlighted a demographic shift, with a consistent increase in the percentage of female students aged 18-21 from non-metropolitan cities in India enrolling in finance courses. Additionally, the study identified emerging areas of interest among students, particularly in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting, indicating an awareness of evolving industry trends.

Anant Bengani, Co-Founder & Director of Zell Education, commented on the findings: “The finance industry has always been a coveted career destination, but we are delighted to see an unprecedented level of interest from students fresh out of high school. This trend highlights the evolving mindset of our youth, who are eager to embark on rewarding and challenging careers in finance from an early stage.”

The Zell Education study highlights a significant shift in career aspirations among Indian high school graduates, with an increasing number recognizing the diverse opportunities in the finance sector. This trend, coupled with the diversification of the student population pursuing finance education, suggests a bright future for the industry in India.

Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by Zell Education. ObserveNow holds no responsibility for its content in any manner.

Akash Parwal has been appointed as CEO & Co-Founder at Square Insurance

Square Insurance has appointed Akash Parwal as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Co-Founder. This leadership shift comes at a pivotal moment for the company as it seeks to cement its place in the insurance sector to stay competitive.

With nearly 20 years of experience in the financial services and insurance sectors, Parwal brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership expertise to his new role. His career has seen him rise through the ranks of prominent companies, including HSBC Innovation Banking, ICICI Lombard, Tata AIG, and, most recently, Reliance General Insurance, where he served as Vice President.

CEO and Co-founder of Square Insurance, Akash Parwal, said, “I am honoured to take on this responsibility at such an exciting time for Square Insurance. As CEO, my goal is to accelerate the company’s growth by leveraging cutting-edge technology, expanding our product portfolio, and enhancing customer engagement. We have a clear roadmap for the future, and I’m confident that with our team’s dedication and the support of our partners, we will achieve significant milestones in the coming years. Together, we will shape Square into a leading force in the industry.”

As the newly appointed CEO, his primary focus will be on increasing product penetration, scaling up the company’s technological capabilities, and broadening its customer base. By leveraging digital solutions, Parwal plans to drive accessibility and convenience for customers, all while ensuring that Square Insurance stays at the forefront of product innovation. His leadership aims to align the company’s operations with the fast-paced changes reshaping the insurance landscape, particularly the growing emphasis on digital-first approaches.

Square Insurance Founder Rakesh Kumar shared, “We are pleased to welcome Akash as CEO at this critical stage of our growth. His vast experience, innovative mindset, and commitment to excellence make him the ideal leader to guide Square Insurance into its next phase. As Co-Founder, Akash’s collaboration will help refine our strategy and execution, ensuring that we continue setting industry standards while delivering value to our customers.”

JSW Energy appoints Anushree Singh as Head of Human Resources

JSW Energy has appointed Anushree Singh as the new Head of Human Resources, effective October 7, 2024. With nearly two decades of extensive experience in HR leadership, Singh will drive critical initiatives in talent management, organizational development, and workforce transformation for the company.

Before her role at JSW Energy, Anushree Singh served as the Director of HR for Avery Dennison’s Aftermarket division, where she played a pivotal role in shaping HR strategies. Her career also includes significant HR leadership positions at prominent organizations such as AkzoNobel, Aditya Birla, Aircel, Xerox, and Standard Chartered Bank.

Over her 19-year career, Singh has excelled in managing large-scale HR operations across various global and multicultural organizations, successfully navigating periods of growth and transformation. She holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management, specializing in Human Resources, from the Indian Institute of Planning and Management, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Delhi University. Her educational background complements her vast professional experience, equipping her to handle the complexities of HR in diverse corporate environments.

End of an Era, Ratan Tata Passes Away at 86

India is in mourning following the death of Ratan Tata, the former chairman of Tata Sons, who passed away on Wednesday night at the age of 86. Tata, an icon of industry and philanthropy, leaves behind a legacy that not only transformed the Tata Group into a global powerhouse but also reshaped the Indian business landscape forever.

He was admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital earlier this week for a series of medical check-ups and had sought to reassure the public amid viral reports of his hospitalisation. In a message shared on social media, he stated, “There is no cause for concern. I remain in good spirits.” However, the situation deteriorated by Wednesday, & led to a loss.

N Chandrasekaran, the current chairman of Tata Sons expressed sorrow saying, “It is with profound sorrow that we bid farewell to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, an extraordinary leader whose contributions have shaped both the Tata Group and the nation. More than just a chairperson, he was a mentor, guide, and friend. Under his stewardship, the Tata Group expanded globally while maintaining a steadfast commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation. His dedication to philanthropy touched millions, leaving a lasting impact in areas like education and healthcare. His genuine humility in every interaction will be remembered. On behalf of the Tata family, we extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones, and his legacy will continue to inspire us”.

Tata’s influence extended far beyond the confines of his business empire. He was born into the illustrious Tata family on December 28, 1937, the great-grandson of Jamsetji Tata, the founder of the Tata Group. After completing his education in Mumbai, he moved to the United States, where he earned a degree in Architecture from Cornell University in 1962, followed by the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School in 1975.

Upon his return to India in 1962, Ratan Tata joined Tata Steel, where he would eventually rise to succeed JRD Tata as chairman of Tata Sons in 1991. His tenure, which lasted until 2012, was marked by a series of groundbreaking initiatives that expanded Tata’s reach on the global stage. Notable among these were the acquisitions of Corus Steel in 2007 and Jaguar Land Rover in 2008, moves that positioned Tata Steel and Tata Motors as major players in their respective industries. Tata also launched the Tata Nano, a car aimed at providing affordable transportation to millions of Indians, embodying his vision for inclusive progress.

Beyond his contributions to the automotive and steel industries, Tata’s leadership of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) was instrumental in establishing India’s dominance in the global IT sector. TCS’s public listing in 2004 helped it become one of the largest IT services companies in the world, solidifying India’s reputation as a technology hub.

Tata’s legacy was not limited to business. His philanthropy played a crucial role in areas such as education, healthcare, and rural development. His genuine humility and quiet strength were admired by all who knew him, traits that made him a respected figure in both industry and society. Even after stepping down as chairman in 2012, Tata continued to serve as chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, Tata Motors, Tata Steel, and Tata Chemicals, staying deeply connected to the group he helped shape. His passing is not only the end of an era for the Tata Group but also a moment of profound loss for India as a whole.

Ratan Tata’s life was one of vision, compassion, and unyielding commitment to the betterment of society. His departure marks the end of a remarkable chapter in India’s history, but his legacy will undoubtedly inspire generations to come.

IIT Madras launches Cybersecurity Centre to boost fundamental, applied research

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) inaugurated a Centre for Cybersecurity, Trust and Reliability (CyStar) on 8th October, aimed at enhancing fundamental and applied research to drive innovation in the nation. This initiative seeks to spearhead advancements in various critical areas, including blockchain technology, AI model security, cryptography, quantum security, and IoT security.

CyStar’s mission, as outlined by IIT Madras, is to expand the frontiers of cybersecurity through pioneering research and comprehensive education. Understanding that cybersecurity necessitates a multi-disciplinary approach, the centre boasts a diverse research team with a broad spectrum of expertise, as highlighted in the official press release.

The Centre aims to expand collaborations both locally and globally with academic institutions, industry players, and research organizations. By doing so, it seeks to equip students, professionals, and researchers with the skills necessary to confront the intricate security challenges of today and tomorrow, thereby fostering a safer digital landscape. CyStar’s focus will encompass various sectors, tackling pressing security issues in industries such as finance, healthcare, automotive, and electronics.

During the launch event, Prof V Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, “With the growth of cyber threats, not just for financial gains but also targeted sector-wise attacks on critical infrastructure, it is very important that we arrive at proactive cyber defence mechanisms to protect our Nation. In this context, such efforts are extremely crucial.”

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