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  • Earn While You Learn: Womenist Empowers Financial Independence on Your Terms

    Noida (Uttar Pradesh) [India], June 12: A study found that 34% of Indian women leave jobs in India due to work-life balance. These women face an uphill battle every day. They juggle demanding careers with family responsibilities, all while navigating a system that often undervalues their contributions. It’s a constant struggle, leaving them feeling burnt out and unsupported. But there’s hope. Womenist, a revolutionary platform designed specifically for the needs of Indian women, understands these challenges firsthand. They’re on a mission to redefine financial independence for the women of India.

    Launched on 16th June 2023 by Jyoti Tripathi, Womenist breaks the mold by offering a unique opportunity: earn while you learn. She says, “ You can access high-quality daily-use products while simultaneously building a successful business on your terms. This eliminates the need to choose between financial security and personal growth.”

    Women lead busy lives. The women-led organization recognizes it. Their work-from-home opportunities, available full-time or part-time, fit seamlessly into a woman’s existing schedule. There’s no sacrificing precious time with family or personal commitments. It welcomes all women, regardless of background or experience. Students, fresh graduates, seasoned professionals, and homemakers alike can find a path to financial independence and personal fulfillment.

    Empowerment is at the heart of Womenist’s philosophy. They provide not just a way to earn, but also a platform for personal development. It helps women in gaining valuable skills, building confidence, and unlocking full potential.

    Imagine achieving financial goals and living the always-dreamed life, all without sacrificing the daily routine. A future where financial freedom and personal growth go hand-in-hand. Organizations like Womenist are making it a reality by shattering limitations and supporting women.


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  • Literary Odyssey: Author Tomson Robert’s Thrilling Book Tour in India

    New Delhi (India), June 12: Summer got off to a thrilling start for book lovers when author Tomson Robert embarked on a much-anticipated book tour for his latest novel, The Celebrity CEO. The corporate thriller made waves among the readers due to the author’s genre-bending approach to storytelling. The tour offered a chance for readers to delve into the inspiration behind the story and get Robert’s insights into the narrative and the corporate world.

    Author Tomson Robert’s book tour in Kolkata was a resounding success, highlighted by a vibrant event at the Storyteller Bookstore. Co-hosted by two enthusiastic book communities, Kolkata Bookworms and Read with Us Book Club, the event drew a considerable crowd of eager readers. The three-novel-old author has a charismatic presence and he ensured that the attendees had an excellent time discussing books and reading in general. In addition to the main event, Robert visited various bookstores across the city, leaving behind signed copies of The Celebrity CEO.

    The excitement continued in Delhi, where Robert held a similar event at Bahrisons Booksellers, Saket, in collaboration with Foster Reads. The event saw a strong turnout, with Robert’s approachable and friendly demeanour captivating the audience. Readers appreciated the opportunity to interact with the author, discussing his work and gaining insights into his creative process. Like in Kolkata, Robert toured several bookstores in Delhi, ensuring readers had the chance to purchase signed copies of his book, further solidifying his connection with his audience. The list of the bookstores that have the signed copies can be found on his Instagram handle @authortomson.

    The Celebrity CEO is the third novel by the new-age author who started his publishing journey with a collection of 10 semi-autobiographical stories in 2016, Stories of Work, Life & the Balance in Between. His narratives are crisp, easy to read and tackle contemporary themes such as work culture, work-life balance, giving meaning to life and mental health which have resonated well with young professionals.

    While we wait for the author’s next work, The Celebrity CEO continues to entertain and engage even more readers. The novel is available to buy in major bookstores and ecommerce platforms.


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  • Poet Turned Author Reaches Top 10 on Amazon

    New Delhi (India), June 12: All eyes are on literary wunderkind Shuchi Batra this week! Her novel, You Belong With Me, has skyrocketed to the number two spot on Amazon’s bestseller list, making her a major force to be reckoned with.

    Shuchi Batra isn’t exactly a new name though, at least not in the world of poetry. She’s already established herself as a social media sensation with a massive Instagram following of around 95k, captivated by her insightful and beautifully crafted verse. Her captivating reels, where she blends spoken word poetry with stunning visuals, have garnered thousands of views and solidified her reputation as a master storyteller.

    But You Belong With Me marks a whole new chapter for Shuchi Batra. This isn’t just a solo effort either. She collaborated with a dream team of award-winning poets and screenwriters to bring her vision to life. The buzz surrounding this powerhouse collaboration is undeniable, and it’s clearly translating into phenomenal sales success.

    There’s no doubt that Batra is a talent to watch. Her ability to weave words that resonate deeply with readers, both online and in print, is simply captivating. With You Belong With Me sitting pretty at number two, the question isn’t if it will reach the top spot, but when.

    Also, Batra’s narrative explores the age-old question: is love predetermined, or do we forge our path? As Sid and Alia’s connection deepens, the lines between chance encounters and a destined union blur. Their story will leave you pondering the role of fate in love, making “You Belong With Me” a thought-provoking read alongside its romantic charm.

    At the heart of the novel lies the unique dynamic between Sid and Alia. Their contrasting personalities create a tension that fuels their connection. This exploration of opposites attracting each other reminds readers that love can bloom in the most unexpected places and that true partners can challenge and enrich each other’s lives.

    “You Belong With Me” is more than just a love story; it’s a testament to the enduring power of human connection. So, grab a cup of tea, curl up with this captivating novel, and discover how love and fate can rewrite your life’s narrative.

    About the publisher: NuVoice Press, a haven for aspiring authors, believes in nurturing unique voices. They provide a platform and guidance to turn budding authors’ novels into bestsellers, making their publishing dreams a reality.


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  • Taking the Plunge into Travel Fiction: Bungee Jumper-Entrepreneur Turned Author Niharika Nigam

    New Delhi (India), June 12: In an industry almost saturated by self-help books, Niharika Nigam’s soul-searching travel fiction is an impossible breath of fresh air. Perhaps it is her own experience of bungee jumping that she weaves into the story, or her immaculate depiction of the vacuum and trepidation of the Pandemic years, now conveniently forgotten by most, that make reading “Joy of Missing Out” an experience one must not miss.

    Elaborating on the catchy and witty title, Niharika says, “We’re always going to be missing out. There’s always other places to be, people to meet, and things to do. But maybe one of them is here, maybe the game is to truly be present and to juice as much life there is to juice out of it.”

    The author channels the spirit of adventure and being in the moment in her own life as the Director of Business Development at Jumpin Heights, a Ministry of Tourism-certified bungee jumping collective in Rishikesh and Goa. Her passion for adventure sports is visible in the articles she writes on major media websites. Follow her Instagram handle @the_nimki and you can see snippets of her taming wild heights along with curated lessons on all things life and lifestyle. Currently, on tour for her book, her tour schedule can also be spotted on her feed.

    When it comes to writing, Niharika already has articles on adventure sports published in various major media websites under her belt. But the pandemic, with its solitude and introspection, fueled her creative fire in another direction. As the world grappled with uncertainty, Niharika found solace in writing fiction—a sanctuary where she could explore love, loss, and the human spirit.

    “Joy of Missing Out” beautifully captures the essence of purpose-driven work, the longing for belonging, and the meaning of home. Nanki Mehta, our relatable protagonist, grapples with a perfectly average life—a job she is good at, a cozy South Delhi abode, and a loving husband. But beneath the surface, she yearns for something more. The pandemic lockdown amplifies her existential questions, especially in the face of tragedy and the demise of a world she once used to know. The lockdown world brings fear and insecurity on a level she hadn’t seen before and jolts her out of the matrix.

    Through Nanki, we find ourselves asking and answering questions that haunt us – am I truly meant for what I am doing? Am I making the difference I want to make? Niharika Nigam shows us a possible future through Nanki, and indeed if we are brave enough to follow that path not often taken, the world might become a better place.

    Curious readers can find her excellent book online on Amazon and in major bookstores. The author herself is far from elusive, a blessing for anyone who wishes to debate life with her on DMs, just as Nanki does with River. Catch Niharika Nigam on tour if you can and get a copy of “Joy of Missing Out” signed.


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  • Why did the Original Concorde Supersonic Jet fail?

    All the credit goes to the collective effort of France and the United Kingdom for the birth of Concorde. It was a commercial revolution that amazed the aviation industry. Concorde was the world’s first supersonic aircraft to exist. Its introduction was decades ahead of its time. And yet, it failed. Why? What brought an end to Concorde’s reign?

    Concorde supersonic jet had a good run for decades. It had a glorious flight from 1976 to 2003. It was one of the most expensive forms of air travel of its time. The aircraft went from collecting $1,500 in the first year’s round trip to $12,000 in its last. The supersonic jets saw an exponential rise in popularity. And its fame came to an unfortunate retirement after a marvellous reign.

    Concorde Aircrafts: A Great Aviation Success
    Concorde’s Successful First Flight: Reminiscing the Old Days
    What Led to the Unfortunate Downfall of Concorde After Its Successful Reign?
    Unwanted Surge in Operation and Oil Prices
    Infamous Concorde Air France 4590: Beginning of Its End
    Safety Features of Concorde: Were There Signs of Technical Failure?
    Concorde Commercial Flights: From Losing Trust to Becoming an Inefficient Fleet
    Concorde’s Downfall: A Unfortunate Story
    Concorde’s Failure: Retirement of the Might Supersonic Jet

    Concorde Aircrafts: A Great Aviation Success

    Concorde Supersonic Jet at Intrepid Museum (New York City)
    Concorde Supersonic Jet at Intrepid Museum (New York City)

    Concorde brought about revolution when it first made a trip in the air. It was nothing less than an iconic fleet that changed the aviation landscape forever. No wonder passengers have loved travelling ever since it first went up in the air.

    It flew at twice the speed of sound. Concorde recorded a speed of 2,179 km/h as the fastest commercial airline. Although it was an immediate success, Concorde faced retirement at the end. Unfortunately, Concorde never went up in the air after October 24, 2003.

    Concorde’s Successful First Flight: Reminiscing the Old Days

    Concorde could fly faster than sound. Its first-ever successful flight was on March 2, 1969. The jet crossed the transatlantic at 1,375 miles per hour in 1973 for the first time. Concorde made history when it flew commercial in collaboration with British Airways and Air France.

    It had a scheduled flight from London to Bahrain and Paris to Rio de Janeiro. The popularity rose when Concorde took regular flights to and from New York City and Washington D.C.

    What Led to the Unfortunate Downfall of Concorde After Its Successful Reign?

    Concorde thrived when passengers were fine with paying a hefty amount for air travel. Putting prestige over efficiency, Concorde was successful in that era. However, in modern times, this commercial supersonic jet never would leave the ground.

    The Concorde dealt with distance issues. It struggled with flying from the UK to the US East Coast. Not to forget that Concorde has an incredible amount of noise. The aircraft consumed as much fuel as the Boeing 747. However, it only had a capacity for 100 passengers. On the other hand, the Boeing 747 flew four times the number and twice its distance.

    Most argue that the infamous 2000s crash brought the end of Concorde. But its inconvenient aspects led British Airways and Air France to decide to retire it for good.


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    Unwanted Surge in Operation and Oil Prices

    Fuel efficiency was never a strong forte of Concorde. It is common knowledge. It consumed approximately 25,629 litres of fuel per hour. And a full flight fuel consumption reached a number close to 112, 000 litres per hour.

    Such numbers do not look good for the aviation industry. Tackling such surges in fuel consumption can be quite a problem. Especially in the 1970s, the inconvenience increased given the inflammation of oil prices. Moreover, the expensive tickets with cargo restrictions could have gone better with passengers. Consequently, the company incurred losses given the aircraft rarely flew at full passenger capacity.

    Infamous Concorde Air France 4590: Beginning of Its End

    Concorde Air France 4590
    Concorde Air France 4590

    Air France 4590 was about to make a trip from Paris to New York City. It was an Air France Concorde, a commercial supersonic charter jet. There were a majority of German tourists onboard. It was on the 25th of July, that Air France 2590 left the Charles de Gaulle Airport. However, the jet caught fire within minutes of its take-off. 

    The crash killed 109 people on board along with four others in Gonesse, a Parisian suburb. This was an unfortunate accident that took place in the 24 years of Concorde’s commercial run.

    Safety Features of Concorde: Were There Signs of Technical Failure?

    There were no signs of any technical mishaps until the fatal Air France 4590 crash in July 2000. The reason was debris on the runway that interfered with the aircraft’s left wing. This led to the rupture of the plane’s left fuel tank. As a result, there was a fire that damaged several parts of the plane.

    Before the crash, the Concorde aircraft had a successful run for about three decades. There were less than eight thousand takeoffs and landings during its reign. So the crash made a significant dent in Concorde’s safety record.

    Customers lost their confidence in the Concorde air travel. Even though the aircraft underwent $93 million in safety upgrades, air travellers did not seem convinced. The financial burden increased with the piling maintenance costs.

    Concorde Commercial Flights: From Losing Trust to Becoming an Inefficient Fleet

    The rising Concorde supersonic jets saw a magnificent rise in the aviation industry. However, an unfortunate and fatal accident brought an end to its glorious rule. With a lack of customers’ faith in the increased maintenance billings of an ageing fleet, Concorde’s doom was inevitable.

    Concorde aircraft was an excellent display of engineering wonders. It had an air of exclusivity. The luxury the flight offered outdid the expensive, noisy inconveniences.

    Concorde’s Downfall: A Unfortunate Story

    • Commercialised in 1976, Concorde was the result of the British and French aviation Industry.
    • It had headquarters in France, the UK, London and Toulouse.
    • Although Concorde was supersonic, it could not outdo the subsonic aircraft.
    • Killing 109 people onboard and 4 on the ground, July 2000 saw a fatal Air France Concorde crash.
    • Eventually, in 2003, Concorde faced retirement after three decades of service.
    • People did not enjoy the noise population these supersonic jet engines were responsible for.
    • From high costs to the public’s loss of confidence, Concorde’s commercial failure was inevitable.

    These aircraft had high maintenance values. Given its high cost, Concorde had narrow flight availability. Any passengers could not afford the expensive tickets. The Concorde airways had New York City as their regular destination. This exclusivity led the company to incur heavy financial losses.

    Concorde’s Failure: Retirement of the Might Supersonic Jet

    The Concorde Supersonic Fleet was a beauty indeed. It was nothing short of an engineering marvel. However, the noise it made, the inflammation of oil, and operation prices, were all disadvantages that made it inconvenient. The aviation industry could not afford to keep these flights air-bound.

    The aviation business felt the compulsion to look for a better replacement for Concorde. Dealing with its high energy consumption was getting difficult day by day. However, the aircraft survived the downfall and made a comeback in 2001. Unfortunately, British and French Airlines relieved Concorde of its service in 2003.


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    Conclusion

    Concorde Supersonic Jets are a great attraction for tourists and aviation enthusiasts across the world. Its display is one of the most loved tourist attractions. The plane came back to Bristol, the birthplace. Today, the aircraft rests at the Hangar facility built exclusively for Concorde. The fleet came much ahead of its time and took the world by storm. Even if it came to an end, Concorde’s rule was nothing but legendary!

    FAQs

    What is the fastest plane in the world?

    Some of the fastest planes in the world are NASA X-43, Lockheed YF-12, Bell X2 Starbuster, etc.

    Where are the 20 Concordes now?

    Even though concordes were discontinued in 2003, they were not fully deleted from the world. They are placed at several museums across the globe so visitors can have a good look at them.

    Why was Concorde so fast?

    Concorde was fast enough because of the special consideration of its Aerodynamic designs. Its wings and body shape were made in a way that reduced resistance while improving operating speed.

  • Outsourcing for Your Startup: How to Organise Your Staff Effectively

    Establishing a new business is a thrilling adventure, but it’s also fraught with difficulties. One of the most daunting obstacles on the path to startup success is effective resource management, particularly when it comes to staffing.

    This is precisely why outsourcing has become so popular as a solution that provides startups with the flexibility and expertise they need and frees them from the burdensome overhead costs associated with hiring a full-time team.

    In this article, we will explore how to organise your outsourced staff effectively, ensuring your startup runs smoothly and efficiently.

    1. Leverage Technology for Seamless Collaboration
    2. Define Clear Goals and Expectations
    3. Build a Strong Onboarding Process
    4. Foster a Culture of Open Communication
    5. Monitor Performance and Provide Feedback
    6. Cultivate a Positive Working Relationship

    1. Leverage Technology for Seamless Collaboration

    Good communication and collaboration form the foundation of successful outsourcing and leveraging appropriate technology makes a huge difference in how efficiently people work together. This is where tools like online PDF converters can be a godsend. If your outsourced staff handle a lot of documents, all they have to do is use an online PDF converter to streamline their processes.

    When working with a design team, for example, you will need to send drafts, contracts, or feedback, all of which require a standardised format. An online PDF converter allows your outsourced workforce to change documents into and from PDF files quickly and efficiently, ensuring that the formatting is preserved and can be properly viewed on any device. This reduces the risk of miscommunication that comes with different people having different types of software and file format preferences.

    Other tools like Slack, Trello, and Zoom can also improve real-time communication and aid in tracking projects. Slack is a great instant messaging platform for keeping the whole office in the loop, while Trello’s boards and lists can help you visualise project stages and tasks. Video calls via Zoom or a similar platform allow you to hold meetings with your freelancers, no matter where they live.

    Incorporate these tools into your workflow for an efficiently outsourced workforce.

    2. Define Clear Goals and Expectations

    The first rule of outsourcing is to clearly define your goals and expectations. This is a fundamental stage in building a harmonious and successful relationship with an outsourced team. After all, even the most experienced professionals can become burnt out and demotivated if they don’t have any guidance on what they’re supposed to do.

    This all starts with identifying the areas you require assistance in. Is it customer support, content production, marketing, or IT? Establish specific goals for each sphere after you’ve determined what you need. For instance, if you’ve decided to outsource marketing, goals might include boosting social media engagement by 10% in 6 months.

    It’s also important to be transparent about your expectations for quality, deadlines, and communication. This way, you avoid miscommunication and misunderstanding early in the game. By defining clear goals and expectations, you give your outsourced team the opportunity to succeed and create a frame of responsibility.


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    3. Build a Strong Onboarding Process

    Having a well-structured onboarding system in place is key to integrating outsourced staff. A startup’s onboarding system educates new team members about the culture, values, and operational practices of a company, ensuring they can hit the ground running.

    First and foremost, prepare a list of what new employees should learn about during their first weeks of employment. Make an overview of your company, the people they’ll be working with, a detailed explanation of their roles and responsibilities, and access information to the tools and resources they need.

    Secondly, schedule one-on-one meetings between new hires and key team members. This facilitates a personal relationship and gives new hires a glimpse of how the various departments function. Furthermore, consider giving them an official mentor or buddy. This helps new team members adjust and provides them with a go-to person for any questions or concerns.

    Training is another vital aspect of onboarding. Depending on the nature of the tasks your staff will engage in, they may need to first undertake some form of training to ensure they are equipped with the requisite knowledge and skills. This form of training may include technical skills training on the use of specific software and training in communication and customer service.

    A well-structured onboarding strategy will not only help cut down the time it takes for new employees to become productive team members but also increase their job satisfaction and retention rate, helping your startup succeed.

    4. Foster a Culture of Open Communication

    Communication is important for any team, especially when part of your staff is outsourced. Without much physical interaction, it can be easy to misunderstand information or feel disconnected from the rest of the company. This is where creating an environment of open communication is paramount.

    An idea would be to establish regular team meetings, both formal and informal, where everyone has the chance to talk. These meetings can be used for discussing project progress, brainstorming new ideas, and addressing any challenges that might arise. One-on-one check-ins in addition to team meetings can also be helpful. These are opportunities to address specific issues by offering specialised advice and feedback and chances to develop closer ties.

    Finally, it’s important to establish strong contact channels and protocols. Communicate what channels the team should use and when — for example, emails should be used for official communications, Slack for short updates, and Zoom for group calls. You should ensure that everybody understands the protocols and abides by them.

    By fostering a culture of open communication, you can ensure that your outsourced staff feels integrated with your startup, leading to better collaboration, higher morale, and, ultimately, greater productivity.

    5. Monitor Performance and Provide Feedback

    Regular monitoring of performance and feedback is necessary to ensure your outsourced team is on the right track and continues to meet your expectations. Not only does this help you maintain high work standards, but it also encourages team members to learn and grow professionally.

    To accomplish this, you must first set up a tracking system to monitor metrics related to the work in question. The metrics that you can track include project completion timelines, work quality, response speed, and client satisfaction scores. To do this, project management software or CRMs can be helpful. When you have all the information you need, arrange performance reviews at regular intervals. Make sure you provide specific and actionable recommendations during performance reviews.

    In addition, make it a point to recognise and reward outsourced staff when they exceed expectations. Doing so will lift their spirits and motivate them to accomplish even more. By regularly monitoring performance and providing constructive feedback, you can ensure that your outsourced team remains aligned with your business goals and continues to deliver high-quality work.

    6. Cultivate a Positive Working Relationship

    Finally, the success of an outsourced team is determined by whether you view your outsourced workers as an integral part of your workgroup or simply individual contractors or “outsiders” to the core team.

    You can promote integration by incorporating your outsourced team members into shared activities and decision-making. This can take the form of asking them to participate in meetings, holding interactive sessions, or organising social events to form a mutual connection between them and your core team. You can also thank them for their work by either sending notes of gratitude or rewarding them. Rewarding employees for hard work elevates their self-esteem and commitment to achieving shared objectives.

    Lastly, ensure that your team has a healthy work-life balance by being mindful of workload and respecting their working hours and time zones. Prioritise their mental and physical health.

    By cultivating a positive working relationship, you create a supportive and collaborative work environment that enables your outsourced team to thrive.

    Outsourcing can be a game changer for many startups. It gives you access to expert skills and knowledge without the added weight of a large in-house team. However, you can only make it work if you organise your staff in the best way possible.

    By taking these tips on board, you can create a cohesive, motivated, and high-performing team that drives your startup towards achieving its goals. We wish you all the success in the world! 


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  • VIDEO: Paper Boat Ex-Founder Finds “Mind-Boggling” Changes in Startups Today

    Former founder of Paper Boat and current Co-founder of Asaya Skincare Neeraj Biyani finds “mind-boggling” changes within the startup ecosystem, which is necessary for entrepreneurs to progress.

    “But when I started, none of this used to exist. Like the ecosystem was not there. Failures were not celebrated enough, failures, in fact, were looked down upon. But today that has completely changed…the whole ecosystem is supporting…That mindset is very, very important, you know, to progress,” said Biyani in an exclusive podcast interview with StartupTalky.

    Biyani also spoke about the kind of communication and marketing strategies that the brand is using to create brand awareness about Asaya, a skincare range for the melanin-rich skin type.

    Speaking about his experience with Paper Boat, Biyani said he continues to carry forward the value of “learning from the customer and what the customer wants” something he learned from his earlier beverage venture.

    Excerpts of the StartupTalky Podcast Interview:

    StartupTalky: Your brand Asaya Skincare is catering to unique shades of

    Neeraj Biyani: So, first of all, I wanted to do this because I felt it’s unfair the way we’ve been treating melanin skin type. Today, if you look at the number of consumers who embrace their skin color, that seems to be on the lower end. But the data speaks for itself. 85% of the world population is melanin-rich skin type. But if you look at the global R&D dollars spent on formulations for the skin type was less than 14% in 2017. So there is a huge mismatch because I believe that it’s not only in India but across the world.

    While it seems niche today because there are only a few consumers or a cohort of consumers who embrace their skin and identify themselves as people of color, this number is going to increase significantly as the country progresses, as the consumers are more confident of themselves, as we embrace our color, as we embrace our own culture. But even for this 20% of the consumer base, which seems small today, there was no inclusive skincare brand, which is kind of unfair.

    StartupTalky: Can you explain what made you get into skincare and Asaya?

    Neeraj Biyani: Yeah, there’s a personal story to it. You know, I and my wife moved to the US in 2019. At that time, my wife started to have adult acne and she is a melanin-rich consumer like me and you. And then she tried to solve for those using OTC products in the US and ended up burning her entire skin. And we had to go to a dermatologist. That’s when we realized how different melanin skin types are and how different differentiated approaches to skincare one needs to have if you have that kind of skin.

    When we shifted to India, we were looking for, you know, what is the underlying trend in India? Do we have such products in India? To our shock and surprise, we realized that there were no such products even in India. And in India, people of color are like 85% of the population, right? So here, even in this country, we are so obsessed with a non-inclusive approach to beauty that the beauty standards are unrealistic where, you know, people are just looking at lighter skin tones and trying to become one of those which, by the way, is not possible.

    So, you know, you have a very narrow segment of products and a narrow segment of consumers who are asking for this product. That’s unfair. And because my wife has gone through this whole, I don’t want any such consumer to go through the same ordeal that she had. My daughter has a melanin skin type and we don’t want her to be growing up in a country that is obsessed with whitening.

    To catch the entire conversation, watch the video below:

    StartupTalky x Asaya Skincare Co-founder, Neeraj Biyani

    Do subscribe to the StartupTalky YouTube channel for more such content.

  • 2024 T20 World Cup: How Does the ICC Make Money?

    The location and often poor quality of the cricket stadiums used for the Twenty20 Men’s World Cup 2024, particularly in the United States, have already drawn criticism. The International Cricket Council (ICC) planned the Twenty20 World Cup 2024 in the United States and the West Indies to boost cricket in the United States, but the choice has been heavily questioned due to concerns over the quality of the venues and facilities. Regardless of their fruitless choice of host country, the ICC is still making money off of cricket because it is one of the most watched sports in the world. India is the largest market for cricket in terms of market size, viewership, sponsorships, and advertisements. As a result, last year at the ICC Annual Conference in Durban, South Africa, the governing body proposed a revenue model for the 2024–27 cycle that would see India receive nearly 40% of its event’s share. An estimated $230 million would be distributed to the Indian board from the $600 million yearly pot for the next four years, while the exact amount was not specified by the ICC. This works out to about 38.5% of the ICC prize going to the BCCI.

    T20 World Cup Schedule Designed Keeping India at Centre
    India vs Pakistan Matches: The Biggest Money Minter for ICC
    Sponsorships
    Media Rights
    Tickets and Merchandising Adding More to the Revenue

    T20 World Cup Schedule Designed Keeping India at Centre

    Being the revenue center of ICC, India enjoys the privilege of being a prime focus. The USA and West Indies are co-hosting the T20 World Cup right now, and games happen at different times of the day. In an interview with a well-known news outlet, West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) CEO Johnny Grave said that the schedule was made with the Indian time zone in mind because “majority of the revenue from ICC event comes from one market.”

    In addition, he discussed the many advantages for the West Indies and its associate nations of hosting important ICC events and the assurances offered to Windies players that they will not play international cricket during their busy schedules with the Indian Premier League and the Champions League. Only the top three nations have hosted the major men’s events over the past eight years. Currently, the majority of the world’s best cricketing nations are hosting ICC men’s events. The T20 World Cup is being hosted by the United States and the West Indies, while the Champions Trophy will be hosted by Pakistan. Tri-nation India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh will co-host New Zealand and Australia later this year. The men’s Cricket World Cup of 2027 will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Africa will play home to the 2027 Men’s Cricket World Cup, according to the International Cricket Council (ICC). This means a significantly larger number of members will get a portion of the host board’s revenue compared to the last eight-year cycle. Before, the top three would keep the money they earned from their host broadcasters and use it to further their already substantial economic advantages in their home regions.

    Revenue of the International Cricket Council Distributed to National Cricket Boards Worldwide From 2016 to 2023
    Revenue of the International Cricket Council Distributed to National Cricket Boards Worldwide From 2016 to 2023

    India vs Pakistan Matches: The Biggest Money Minter for ICC

    Although many sports fans claim that the Ashes is the most profitable competition for the ICC, this is completely untrue. When two archrivals like India and Pakistan square off, it’s guaranteed to be a great matchup for spectators and sponsors alike. 

    As a financial spectacle, these matches showcase the economic powerhouse they have become in the world of cricket, with figures approaching billions of dollars. At the Asia Cup in 2023, both teams played against each other, and the game was shown on TV after buying television rights worth about $100 million. The enormous significance of these matches was highlighted by the fact that a 10-second advertisement during the India vs. Pakistan match cost over INR 25-30 lakhs. As the tournament approached, rumors began circulating that the most expensive ticket to the Twenty20 World Cup 2024 match between Pakistan and India had risen to an astounding $22,000.

    Sponsorships

    A wide range of sponsors, including worldwide sponsors, social media sponsors, and category-specific sponsors, are secured by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for their yearly events.

    It is projected that each sponsor will give anywhere between $30 and $40 million to the ICC.

    The logos and adverts of the sponsors are displayed prominently in a variety of spots throughout the stadium as well as on the ground.


    Top Sponsors of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024
    Discover the top sponsors of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, including global brands driving the excitement and innovation in cricket.


    Media Rights

    A large fee is paid to the media for them to telecast ICC matches. The company then generates revenue through ad sales or partnerships with other businesses. Many companies have put a lot of money into getting media rights for the Indian market because most Indians love cricket. Fantastically, this could lead to even bigger revenues for them.

    Advertising revenue for Disney Star, the official media rights holder for the ICC Men’s T20 cricket World Cup this season, is projected to be about INR 1,600-1,800 crore, which is similar to what they made for the previous event in Australia two years ago. All signs point to the broadcaster’s advertising roster reflecting the present Indian Premier League. Despite still being in the process of finalizing arrangements and having sold approximately 40% of its advertising spot inventory, Disney Star expects to attract big sponsors such as those seen in the BCCI-backed cricket competition IPL.


    ICC T20 2024 World Cup’s Media Rights: A Money-Minting Entity to Hold On To
    How companies earn by paying hefty amounts to acquire media rights for ICC T20 World Cup 2024, let’s find out in this article.


    Tickets and Merchandising Adding More to the Revenue

    Thanks to its worldwide fan base, the ICC World Cup has generated a tonne of money for brands. Beyond the cricket pitch, the tournament has a wide appeal, and fans are searching high and low for mementos that will allow them to cheer on their favorite teams and players. The World Cup has sparked a massive demand for items, which is great news for businesses, cricket fans, and the economy as a whole.

    World Cup apparel gives fans a physical way to show their support and enthusiasm since they want to feel like they’re a part of the event. Fans are lining up in droves to get their hands on official team jerseys and hats with emblems so they may proudly represent their team during games.

    The fluttering of flags and banners is another trademark of the games. In a vibrant display of support, fans can be seen adorning stadiums, homes, and even cars with these icons of national pride and team love. There is a wide selection of flags sold by stores near stadiums, from huge national flags to smaller ones with team emblems.

    FAQs

    What are the revenue streams for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024?

    The main revenue streams for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 include sponsorship, Merchandising, ticket sales, and India Vs Pakistan Matches.

    Who is the official media rights holder for the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2024?

    Disney Star is the official media rights holder for the ICC Men’s T20 cricket World Cup this season.

    What is the prize money for the winners of the ICC T20 World Cup?

    The winners of the ICC T20 World Cup to get at least $2.45 million (INR 20.36 cr).

  • ‘Crafting Bharat – A Podcast Series,’ Premieres Its First Episode With Vinayak Bhavnani, Co-Founder and CTO of Chalo

    Vinayak Bhavnani, co-founder and CTO of Chalo discusses his entrepreneurial journey, building bus transport technology and trends in the Mobility industry with host Gautum Srinivasan.

    India has emerged as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem over the last decade. Startups play an active role in surging innovation and job creation in India. The pandemic exposed the flip side of all sectors, but it accelerated digitization globally, and even more so in India.

    The “Crafting Bharat – A Startup Podcast Series” powered by AWS, and an initiative by NewsReach, in association with VCCircle, unlocks the secrets behind these successful entrepreneurs’ journeys aiming to equip aspiring entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts with invaluable insights. The podcast series is hosted by Gautam Srinivasan, famed for hosting a diverse range of TV and digital programs, currently consulting editor at CNBC (India), CNN-News18, Mint, HT Media, Forbes India, and The Economic Times.

    India’s rapid population growth and urbanization are creating blind spots for innovation, but a curious and passionate founder Vinayak Bhavnani, co-founder and CTO of Chalo, is digitizing the public transport system of India. In the Crafting Bharat Podcast Series, Bhavnani talks about his entrepreneurial journey, building a bus transport technology company, and trends in the Mobility industry.

    Explore the tales of Indian startup founders’ transformation from dreams to reality, navigating challenges to seize opportunities through the Crafting Bharat Podcast Series.

    Crafting Bharat, Episode 1 With Vinayak Bhavnani, Co-Founder and CTO of Chalo

    Segment 1: The Incubator

    Preference for public transport in India is reduced by reliability issues.  Take us through the phase where customers started to see the benefits of using Chalo in terms of reliability and convenience. What did they really like?

    From a customer’s standpoint, there are two key value propositions that we offer. First, being live tracking, bus passengers on average end up waiting for 15-20 minutes per bus ride, leading to 40 minutes of time wasted every day. Our live tracking solution has brought down this time to less than 2 minutes which is a massive delight. And second, is that back in 2018-2019 a couple of years after the demonetization we introduced tap-to-pay payments and we saw another surge of customer delight. I think these are some of the unlocks which we were able to leverage.

    Digitizing and transforming public transportation, the gaps are significant. So, why do you believe the challenge of urban public transportation has persisted without a satisfactory solution. A lot has happened including digital payments, digital infrastructure, consumer awareness, consumer habits have changed but still those gaps exist. Your thoughts on this?

    This is a great question and one which needs a lot more reflection. As a fact, the majority of our cities are built for cars and not for public transport. We got it wrong by prioritizing private vehicles over public transport.

    Beyond this, there are 3 more reasons I can think of:

    1. Lack of focus on this category. Most companies would rather build for the top of the pyramid, for the more affluent high LTV users. So we have products for air travel, intercity luxury bus travel but not as much for intra-city bus commute. These bus passengers unfortunately are the lower end of the pyramid. 
    2. Second is the blindspot. Most people think that buses are run only by Governments, and usually there is hesitation to build a business completely dependent on the government. But beyond our metros, most buses serving daily commutes are run by small private operators. 
    3. And the third is complexity. People logistics is complex and already underserved, hence it will take both time and massive innovation.

    You operate in more than 50 cities across India and are present in 5 international locations. All together a lot of scaling up and your cloud ops are powered by AWS. Take us through the cost savings and operational efficiencies unlocked for Chalo with AWS.

    Our vision is to solve end-to-end mobility, we want to make sure that your travel is hassle-free and while the bus is the best main mile or the anchor mile, you need to solve for more accessibility to bus networks or Metro networks and hence, first and last mile must be solved. I personally believe in long-term partnerships and AWS has been one true partner. The biggest test is when adversity strikes, back during COVID time all mobility was at a standstill and we were on a very tight spot. AWS helped us out massively by helping us reduce cost and to extend our commitments, so from a cash flow perspective we are better off as a company. These simple gestures go a long way to build trust and respect which are essential for any partnership.


    Story of Chalo – An App that Simplifies Bus Travel Like Never Before
    Read all about Chalo app that is helping people from buying bus tickets and bus passes, to tracking bus timing, Chalo app is making bus travel smooth.


    Segment 2: The Accelerator

    Technical founders need to know when to take off their developer hat and when to put on their business hat. Your thoughts? 

    I follow this one principle which I also preach a lot, and that is to maximize the value that you create. Every time you look at a problem or an opportunity, Think about what’s the best way of solving, and not necessarily the best tech way of solving. In simpler words, we are biased to use our own tools vs the best solution possible. So one always needs to see things from a founder’s perspective vs. a techie perspective.`Tech is a subset – it’s a means and not the end. `

    Your view on traffic in Mumbai versus Bengaluru?

    That’s a controversial question. But traffic is on the rise in all the cities Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai. If you look at the number of cars on the road in all these cities in the last decade, it has rammed up. For example, 50% of road space is consumed by cars in Mumbai. And Bangalore has seen a 2x increase in the number of vehicles on the road over the last decade, with almost no increase in the number of buses. So traffic is a nightmare everywhere. We need to solve this. None of us deserve to lose our time and well-being in the middle of congested roads. And I’m hopeful that it will be solved.

    The startup ecosystem of India has been growing leaps and bounds with exceptionally great innovations by visionary entrepreneurs. The increasing adoption of digitization across sectors has created avenues for various budding startups.

    Stay tuned to the Crafting Bharat Podcast Series as we bring you these inspirational entrepreneurs for insightful and candid discussions with Gautam Srinivasan.

    Focusing on maximizing value and finding optimal solutions instead of fixating on familiar paths leads to better outcomes.


    How to Use Podcasts to Elevate Your Brand and Connect With Audiences
    Podcasting has emerged as another marketing tool to engage customers. Learn how to use podcasts to elevate your brand and connect with audiences.


  • Top Companies Showcasing Creativity in T20 World Cup 2024 Commercial Ads

    Cricket is now much more than a game played with a ball and bat. A lot of major corporations have been interested in being involved with this sport because of how powerful it has become as a commercial entity. Many corporations have showcased their creative side in their commercial efforts throughout this T20 World Cup as well. These companies are aiming to do double duty by increasing their profits and reaching a wider audience with these creative and interesting advertising efforts.

    Some of the interesting ad campaigns that have gained popularity in T20 World Cup 2024 are listed below:

    Dream 11’s Yeh Sabka Dream Hai
    Britannia’s Hilarious Jab at Oreo
    Star Sports’ Deep-Rooted Love for Cricket

    Dream 11’s Yeh Sabka Dream Hai

    Dream11: #MummyKaMagic, Team India ke saath kyunki #YehSabkaDreamHai

    Dream11, a platform for fantasy sports, has debuted a new campaign for the Twenty20 World Cup called “Yeh Sabka Dream Hai”. DDB Mudra was responsible for both the concept and production of the campaign. With this campaign, the entire nation stands in solidarity with Team India, sharing their dreams of a successful ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024.

    ‘Mothers of India’ are spearheading the effort to rally support for the team, which is putting the call to action in a fresh perspective. The campaign highlights the fact that cricket is a deeply held passion in India, with supporters spanning all demographics – men, women, children, moms, and the young and elderly alike.

    In Dream11’s most recent advertising campaign, the figure portrayed by Ayesha Raza, “Mummyji,” champions the dream of winning the T20 World Cup. Using the Indian Cricket Team as an example, the films show how a mother’s special kind of touch can help her children succeed.

    The campaign was unveiled on May 30, 2024, and it features Ayesha Raza alongside cricketers from Team India like Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Yashaswi Jaiswal, and Washington Sundar.


    Dream11 Company | Founders | Business Model | Success Story
    Dream11 is the first Indian gaming company to enter unicorn clubs. Know about Dream11 history, founder, Funding, growth, revenue model and more.


    Britannia’s Hilarious Jab at Oreo

    New Britannia Jim Jam Pops – First Open Creme Biscuit – No Twist. Just Lick. Pop.

    In their most recent advertisement, Britannia pokes fun at Oreo with the help of actors Varun Sharma and Kunaal Roy Kapur. 

    The Oreo cream biscuit from Mondelez is the target of the ad’s playful jab. The actor rails about Oreo’s use of “twists” in their advertising, citing the company’s World Cup advertisements as an example.

    Recalling about Oreo’s previous campaigns, Sharma and Kapur find it humorous. They bring up the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, which was all about reintroducing the biscuit to the Indian market, much like it was when it was first introduced in 2011. Also, the characters make fun of Oreo’s other ad campaign for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, which takes a different approach and tells fans to calm down before their side brings home the title. The ad spoof from Britannia is most effective when it asks Oreo not to run commercials during the forthcoming Men’s Twenty20 World Cup. Joining the 1.4 billion Indians in their intense desire for a successful tournament, the performers playfully reference India’s past World Cup defeats and beg Oreo not to introduce any “twists” to this year’s event.


    Britannia Industries History | Founder | Business Model
    Britannia is a trusted food brand. Read the success story of Britannia company. Know about its business model, history, owner & company profile.


    Star Sports’ Deep-Rooted Love for Cricket

    Star Sports, the official tournament broadcaster, has dropped a promotional video that captures the passion that millions of Indians have for cricket and the World Cup.

    People of different ages, from kids to adults, are shown in the film passionately practicing cricket, which perfectly reflects the spirit of dedication.

    The footage shows that the countrymen are improving their skills in preparation for the ICC Twenty20 World Cup, whether by hitting an imaginary ball, running through bowling run-ups, or doing fielding drills. If you’re a cricket fan in India, Star Sports wants you to come out and support Team India. India is in Group A with the United States, Ireland, Canada, and Pakistan.

    FAQs

    How many total teams are participating in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024?

    20 teams are participating in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 which are divided into 4 groups.

    What is the format of T20 WC 2024?

    In the first round, 20 teams will compete, divided into four groups of five teams each. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super 8 round, where the eight qualifying teams will be split into two groups of four teams each.

    How to watch the ICC T20 World Cup 2024?

    The T20 World Cup 2024 match will be streamed live on Disney plus Hotstar app and Star Sports Network.