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Luggage upstarts make a dent as young travellers shed their parents’ old baggage

Livemint

Livemint · 1y ago

Luggage upstarts make a dent as young travellers shed their parents’ old baggage

A wave of new luggage brands has disrupted India's traditional luggage market by targeting young, style-conscious travelers with innovative designs and sustainable materials. However, these new brands face challenges in scaling up due to the industry's heavy reliance on Chinese manufacturing. Established players like VIP Industries and Safari continue to dominate the organized luggage market in India, which accounts for around 40% of the industry. Nonetheless, the new entrants are successfully appealing to consumers with a focus on design and adaptability to changing preferences.

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Albania shuts down TikTok at least for a year: PM

Economic Times

Economic Times · 10m ago

Albania shuts down TikTok at least for a year: PM

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced that the government will be shutting down TikTok for at least one year starting in 2025. Rama referred to the social network as the "thug of the neighbourhood" and expressed concerns about its impact on young people. The decision comes after a 14-year-old student was killed in a fight that started on social media. Rama stated that the government will implement programs to support education and help parents monitor their children's online activities. TikTok has faced criticism and investigations in various countries, including allegations of espionage and election interference.

How to protect your child against identify theft

Livemint

Livemint · 1y ago

How to protect your child against identify theft

Identity theft is a growing problem that can affect even young children. Thieves can obtain children's information through various means, such as social media, data breaches, or purchasing it on the dark web, and then use it to open fraudulent lines of credit or claim government benefits. Parents are urged to be proactive in protecting their children's identities by freezing their credit, securing important documents, and educating them about online safety. If identity theft is suspected, parents should take immediate action by contacting relevant companies and reporting the fraud.

Junio receives RBI approval to issue prepaid payment instruments

Entrackr

Entrackr · 6d ago

Junio receives RBI approval to issue prepaid payment instruments

Junio Payments, a subsidiary of FirstPay Technologies, has received in-principle authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to issue Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs). According to Junio Payments, this marks a significant milestone in its journey to expand access to secure and innovative digital financial solutions designed especially for teenagers and young adults. With this authorisation, Junio will soon introduce a digital Wallet linked to UPI, allowing users to scan UPI QR codes and make payments even without a bank account. This capability aligns closely with the UPI Circle initiative launched by NPCI, enabling youngsters to make UPI payments using their parents’ linked UPI accounts. Founded by Ankit Gera and Shankar Nath, Junio has been at the forefront of creating a unique digital ecosystem tailored for young users. The Junio app, along with its RuPay co-branded physical and virtual prepaid cards, empowers parents to transfer money, set spending limits, assign tasks or allowances, and monitor financial activity in real time. “Prepaid wallet is more powerful now as it can be linked for UPI payments. Our focus is on innovation that balances freedom with guidance—ensuring every digital transaction becomes a step toward independence, literacy, and trust,” said Ankit Gera, co-founder of Junio Payments. The Junio app, trusted by over 2 million students and young professionals, creates a safe, cashless, and educational payment environment for India’s digital-native youth. It supports online and offline purchases, tap & pay, and NCMC-enabled transit payments.

Micro-retirement is Gen Z's solution to burnout

Livemint

Livemint · 2m ago

Micro-retirement is Gen Z's solution to burnout

Many young professionals in India are intentionally taking career breaks to focus on their well-being and prevent early career burnout. Individuals like 24-year-old Suraj Menon have chosen to pause their careers temporarily, prioritizing mental health and personal relationships over the relentless pace of work. These breaks, termed "micro-retirements," aim to provide time for self-care and recovery, as young adults strive to maintain a healthy work-life balance in today's demanding professional environments.

This Senator Wants to Know What Meta and TikTok Are Doing About Parent-Run Girl Influencer Accounts

Wired · 1y ago

This Senator Wants to Know What Meta and TikTok Are Doing About Parent-Run Girl Influencer Accounts

Democratic Senator Maggie Hassan is calling on tech companies, including X, TikTok, and Meta, to address the issue of child exploitation on their platforms. The concern lies with parents who manage social media accounts for their young children and post suggestive images to gain thousands of followers. These accounts can attract predators and even generate revenue from individuals seeking sexual material about young girls. Senator Hassan is demanding that tech companies be accountable for these accounts and take measures to protect young women and girls from exploitation. The companies have until April 8th to respond to her request.

The men who use Instagram to groom child influencers

Economic Times

Economic Times · 10m ago

The men who use Instagram to groom child influencers

The article from The New York Times investigates the exploitation of child influencers on Instagram. It uncovers how some parents are manipulated by predators posing as photographers or social media experts into producing and selling sexualized images of their daughters. The platform's mechanics make it easier for such exploitation, as some parents form inappropriate, financial relationships with predators. Despite some legal actions, many accused individuals continue without facing consequences, leaving victims traumatized and unprotected within this dangerous online environment.

Families with young kids interact with Alexa two times more than other users, says Amazon

Startup News FYI

Startup News FYI · 1y ago

Families with young kids interact with Alexa two times more than other users, says Amazon

According to Amazon, families with young children in India interact with Alexa twice as much as other users. Parents find Alexa to be a helpful companion in their parenting journey, as it offers kid-friendly experiences like bedtime stories, nursery rhymes, and educational information. Alexa has been found to reduce screen time among kids and help them stay mentally active and independent. To celebrate Alexa's 6th anniversary, Amazon is offering up to 50% off on Echo smart speakers, Fire TV Stick, and Alexa smart home combos.

P2P payments being evaluated for UPI One World: sources

Economic Times

Economic Times · 10m ago

P2P payments being evaluated for UPI One World: sources

The UPI One World service in India, currently used by foreign travellers for merchant transactions, may soon be expanded to include interpersonal transactions. Once approved, users will be able to make payments to small merchants, public transporters, and tourist guides using this service. Currently, only five players are enabled on UPI One World, but the potential for growth is hindered by the requirement for physical KYC and the restriction to only merchant transactions. Suggestions have been made to allow P2P transactions with a limit of Rs 5,000 initially. The volume of UPI One World transactions remains relatively small compared to overall UPI payments. Efforts are being made to facilitate digital verification of visas and travel permits. Enabling international travellers to experience UPI during their stay in India is seen as a way to showcase the technology.

Sonata Software stares at revenue dent as Microsoft eyes direct licence sales

Livemint

Livemint · 4m ago

Sonata Software stares at revenue dent as Microsoft eyes direct licence sales

Sonata Software faces a potential revenue impact as Microsoft plans to sell licenses directly, affecting Sonata's sales of Microsoft product licenses, which currently contribute over $500 million to its $1.2 billion revenue. As one of the largest IT outsourcers selling these licenses, the direct sales approach by Microsoft might reduce Sonata’s business. This shift could make Sonata an unexpected casualty in Microsoft's strategy transition.

ICON raises $1.2 Mn in seed round from DSG Consumer Partners, others

Entrackr

Entrackr · 1y ago

ICON, an internet-first direct-to-consumer luggage and travel accessories (LTA) startup, has raised $1.2 million in its seed round led by DSG Consumer Partners with participation by a clutch of angel investors. The proceeds will be used to ramp up ICON’s existing product line, expand its team, strengthen its distribution network, and boost its innovative portfolio. Founded by Mohammad Patel, Poojan Shah, Fazal Lakhani, and Aakash Mehta, ICON’s product portfolio consists of hard luggage, backpacks, and handbags. The tiro’s previous venture MyFitness was acquired by Mensa Brands in 2022. Through innovative products, ICON aims to capitalise on the post-pandemic travel renaissance, which is driving a luggage revolution. As per an industry report, the Indian tours and travel industry is poised for a growth of 12–15% in fiscal 2025, and the Indian luggage market is estimated to be Rs 20,000 crore where branded players are expected to make up about 54% of the market.

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