hindustanexaminer.com

Blog

  • Fire breaks out at Hyderabad hotel hosting SRH players, no injuries reported- Watch video

    Fire breaks out at Hyderabad hotel hosting SRH players, no injuries reported- Watch video

  • Ayush Mhatre is who? A 17-year-old Mumbai opener is signed by CSK to replace Ruturaj Gaikwad.

    Ayush Mhatre is who? A 17-year-old Mumbai opener is signed by CSK to replace Ruturaj Gaikwad.

    Ruturaj Gaikwad will be replaced in the Chennai Super Kings team for the rest of the season by 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre. Gaikwad’s elbow fracture has forced him to miss the game, and Mhatre will start for CSK against the Mumbai Indians on April 20.

    Who is Ayush Mhatre?

    Ayush was born in Virar, a small village outside of Mumbai, in 2007. Ayush is a gifted cricket player who regularly puts on impressive performances for Mumbai on the first-class circuit. Notably, he became the youngest player to score 150 or more runs in Men’s A cricket when he hit 181 runs against Nagaland in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

    Ayush recounted his early cricket career in an interview with Indian Express last year: “My grandfather, Laxmikant Naik (Nana), took on the duty of driving me to Don Bosco High School in Matunga every day when I was accepted. I used to practice in Matunga first thing in the morning, go to school, and then practice again in Churchgate. My family used to be concerned about sleep deprivation, but they can now understand the benefits of making the effort.

    Ayush started playing professional cricket when he was six years old, but he was certain he wanted to make cricket his job by the time he was fifteen. Since then, his impressive numbers have demonstrated his ability and promise.

    Ayush Mhatre’s Stats:

    504 runs in 9 first-class matches

    2 centuries in the Ranji Trophy

    458 runs in 7 50-over games with an average of 65.42

    Strike rate of 135.50

  • With milestone moments, Dhoni gives a masterclass in finishing! Supporters refer to it as “Captain Cool’s Comeback.”

    With milestone moments, Dhoni gives a masterclass in finishing! Supporters refer to it as “Captain Cool’s Comeback.”

    How has MS Dhoni arrived? As Chennai Super Kings (CSK) defeated Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by five wickets at the Ekana Stadium in the 2025 Indian Premier League, the cricket player turned back time with an incredible all-around performance on Monday, winning Player of the Match.

    Dhoni wins Player of the Match

    At 43, Dhoni played a crucial role behind the wickets with three dismissals and finished strong with an undefeated 26 off just 11 balls, reminding supporters of his classic genius. Dhoni won his first Player of the Match award in five years with this game-winning effort; his last one was in 2019.

    Dhoni acknowledged CSK’s dismal IPL season, saying, “It is good to win a game.” Sadly, the games have not gone our way, but this boosts the team’s confidence greatly.

    Fans were reminded why Dhoni remains one of the most reliable finishers in the game with his undefeated 57-run partnership with Shivam Dube, who stayed not out at 43, which was essential in securing CSK’s second victory of the season.

    In keeping with his modest demeanor, Dhoni acknowledged after the match that there were others who might have been better deserving of the honor. After the game, Dhoni expressed his opinion that other players on the team deserved the Player of the Match award more.

    The squad performed especially well during the new ball stint and the phase where Noor and Jadeja bowled four to five overs together, he said, praising Noor Ahmad in particular for his bowling effort. “Even today, I questioned why I was receiving the prize. Dhoni remarked, “I think Noor Ahmad bowled well.”

    Dhoni becomes first wicketkeeper to record over 200 dismissals in IPL

    In the current 18th season of the IPL, Dhoni was also pleased to finally end the Chennai Super Kings’ losing skid. He also achieved a significant milestone in the match against the Lucknow Super Giants, becoming the first wicketkeeper in IPL history to record more than 200 dismissals.

    He claimed that the victory was crucial for the team’s self-esteem, particularly following a string of unsuccessful games. Dhoni believed that this win would give the team a boost and enable them to focus on their areas of weakness.

    CSK remains at the bottom of the points standings despite this victory. On April 20, 2025, they will play the Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium.

  • Via his CHAMPS Foundation, Sunil Gavaskar provides sick Vinod Kambli with financial and medical assistance.

    Via his CHAMPS Foundation, Sunil Gavaskar provides sick Vinod Kambli with financial and medical assistance.

    Vinod Kambli, a former batter for India, has been dealing with serious health issues lately. He was admitted to the hospital in December for cramps and urinary tract infections, and after receiving medical attention for two weeks, he was released on January 1. Kambli has publicly acknowledged that he has struggled financially in addition to his health issues.

    Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has now come forward to support Kambli in an encouraging gesture. In keeping with his earlier pledge, Gavaskar has given Kambli financial support through his CHAMPS Foundation, a group that aids former international athletes in need.

    According to reports, Kambli will begin receiving a monthly financial help payment of Rs 30,000 for the remainder of his life on April 1. In order to help him manage his medical costs, he will also receive an annual medical support package worth Rs 30,000.

    What Gavaskar said?

    Gavaskar has earlier voiced his worry for cricket players like Kambli who have fallen on bad times in an interview with India Today. He emphasized that the senior players and the 1983 World Cup-winning squad still have a close bond with their juniors and treat them like sons and grandsons.

    “I dislike the word assistance. Gavaskar said, “What we want to do is take care of him,” highlighting the fraternity’s dedication to helping other cricket players in need. He reiterated that after their playing days are over, the cricket community is prepared to help individuals whose fortunes may falter.

  • Amid new tensions between China and the US, Shein’s Reliance transaction is tense at the edges: Report

    Amid new tensions between China and the US, Shein’s Reliance transaction is tense at the edges: Report

    As Beijing advises domestic companies to refrain from moving production abroad in the wake of escalating trade tensions with the US, Chinese fast fashion giant Shein is reconsidering and potentially reducing its global sourcing partnership with Reliance Retail, according to the Economic Times (ET), which cited people familiar with the situation.

    Announced in 2023, the partnership sought to establish India as a manufacturing hub for Shein’s worldwide supply chain. But after Washington increased taxes on Chinese imports, China pushed to keep production in the country, and the strategy is now being reviewed. Beijing was worried that manufacturers would move their operations to lower-tariff nations like India after the former US President Donald Trump’s administration imposed a high 145% tariff on Chinese goods.

    The initial agreement between Shein and Reliance is being reevaluated because of the changing geopolitical landscape, an executive with knowledge of the ongoing discussions told ET. The relationship was created with the intention of using India to create a worldwide supply base. “That is now in jeopardy,” the individual stated. Another source claims that both businesses are looking into possible ways to get around new Chinese government advisories that discourage offshore manufacturing.

    Shein was previously banned in 2020 as part of a larger crackdown on Chinese apps due to border tensions. Shein returned to India early this year through a standalone app run by Reliance Retail Ventures. Its return was seen as a calculated move that would allow Indian MSMEs to access Shein’s global fashion supply chain in addition to being a strategic move for retail. Up to 25,000 Indian MSMEs were to be onboarded as part of the strategy, which also called for sharing Shein’s manufacturing technologies and knowledge. But the most recent events raise questions about how much Shein has committed to procuring from India.

    Shein still depends mostly on Chinese manufacturing even after moving its headquarters to Singapore. Even if they manufacture in India for the home market, Chinese electronics businesses like Oppo and Vivo have not made the same worldwide shifts as Western corporations like Apple, who are increasingly shifting production to India. Strict data separation guidelines were incorporated into the Shein-Reliance agreement. Earlier this year, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal made it clear that Shein has no access to or control over customer data and that the app infrastructure is wholly controlled by India.

    Shein’s recent decline in profitability serves as the context for this development. International reports peg its net profit at $1 billion in 2024, down about 40% from the previous year, but revenues grew 19% to $38 billion. Meanwhile, India’s fast fashion business is undergoing tremendous expansion. The business, which is currently valued at about $10 billion, could quintuple to $50 billion by 2030–31, according to a report by Redseer Strategy Consultants. In FY24, fast fashion alone expanded 30–40%, exceeding the meager 6% increase in the fashion industry as a whole.

  • Crisil predicts that bank credit will increase by 100–200 basis points year over year to 12–13% this fiscal year. Here are three explanations for

    Crisil predicts that bank credit will increase by 100–200 basis points year over year to 12–13% this fiscal year. Here are three explanations for

    According to a research by Crisil Ratings, bank credit is predicted to increase by 100–200 basis points (bps) year over year to 12–13 percent during this fiscal year, compared to 11.0–11.5% predicted for fiscal 2025. It further stated that three tailwinds are driving this: reduced interest rates, tax cuts that increase consumption, and recent helpful regulatory actions. But according to the brokerage firm’s study, deposit growth—a key pillar supporting credit growth—is worth keeping an eye on.

    The Crisil report states that two significant regulatory adjustments are anticipated to promote the expansion of bank credit. First, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reversed the 25 percentage point (pps) increase in risk weights for bank loans to specific non-banking financial company (NBFC) categories that was announced in November 2023, effective April 1, 2025. The credit flow to NBFCs will improve as a result. The exposure of the banking system to NBFCs increased at a compound annual growth rate of about 21% during the fiscal years 2023 and 2024, but it dropped precipitously to an estimated 6% in fiscal 2025.

    Second, the RBI has postponed by a year the adoption of the stricter liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) standards. Most banks’ LCRs would have decreased by 10–30 percentage points if they had been implemented as suggested. According to the report, the money that was supposed to be saved to build the LCR buffer can now be used for credit expansion.

    The income tax benefits provided in this fiscal year’s Union Budget, along with the anticipated benign inflation, may further increase demand for retail loans by boosting consumption, according to the Crisil research. The demand for loans should also be supported by lower lending rates, which have been reduced by 50 basis points since February 2025 and are expected to be reduced by another 50 basis points this fiscal year.

    As lending to NBFCs, one of the largest sub-segments of corporate credit (~18 percent) and a key contributor to growth prior to fiscal 2025, improves with the rollback of higher risk weights, credit growth in the corporate sector, which accounts for approximately 41% of bank loans, is expected to be 9–10%, compared with ~8% estimated for fiscal 2025, according to Subha Sri Narayanan, Director, Crisil Ratings. However, because banks will be more selective moving forward, this expansion in lending to NBFCs may still be below historical levels.

    The downstream demand from the continuous infrastructure buildout, which should continue to propel investments in the cement, primary steel, and aluminum sectors, will also help corporate credit growth. However, the continuous tariff-related uncertainty are still observable for a large number of other sectors. Generally speaking, businesses are supposed to exercise caution while using leverage.

    The possible impact of the corporate bond market replacing bank loans for higher-rated borrowers, given the quicker re-pricing there as they factor in impending rate reduction, will be worth monitoring as well, according to Crisil, even if lower interest rates will be advantageous.

    Retail loans, which make up approximately 31% of bank lending, are predicted to increase by 100–200 basis points to 13–14% this fiscal year from roughly 12% in fiscal 2025. Home loans continue to make up 45–50% of retail credit, and growth in this sector should be aided by increased affordability under a reduced interest rate regime. Even while banks will continue to exercise caution when it comes to unsecured lending, sustained demand and improved performance of the more recent portfolio as a result of stricter underwriting standards may cause growth to rise up a bit in the second half of fiscal 2026 from its low base.

    With the help of government initiatives, the MSME segment’s (16 percent of total credit) growth is expected to remain stable at 16–17 percent this fiscal year, as opposed to roughly 15 percent in fiscal 2025. The industry has become more formalized and digitalized, and data has become more accessible, which has allowed banks to improve their MSME lending strategies and better serve the significant demand in this market.

    According to Crisil, the tariffs will have a modest to low impact on the 11 major sectors. The impact is anticipated to be lower for two sectors (textiles and cellphones) and higher for one (diamond polishing) in comparison to its prior assessment. It further stated that the growth of agricultural credit will remain dependent on the monsoon and is anticipated to be rangebound at 11–12% this fiscal year. All things considered, obtaining deposits will continue to be essential to fostering the expansion of credit.

    Although the difference between credit and deposit growth has decreased to less than 100 basis points in recent months, Vani Ojasvi, Associate Director at Crisil Ratings, stated that this is due to a slowdown on the asset side. Tight systemic liquidity has limited deposit growth, but by the end of March 2025, liquidity turned to surplus and has stayed that way in April. As long as the RBI guarantees sufficient liquidity, the situation should improve. This should encourage the expansion of deposits, which will boost the growth of credit.

  • As the US crackdown continues, here are 10 warning flags for F-1 students, H-1B visa holders, and Green Card holders.

    As the US crackdown continues, here are 10 warning flags for F-1 students, H-1B visa holders, and Green Card holders.

    The Trump administration’s immigration policies target foreign workers, international students, and those with green cards. Green card holders are being asked to relinquish their immigration rights, students’ visas are being revoked, and their legal authorization to be in the nation is being canceled.

    As the Trump administration continues its crackdown, these are seven warning signs for overseas students and workers.

    1. Marco Rubio’s Warning

    As the Donald Trump administration cracks down on foreign students, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that US visas are a “privilege, not a right.”

    Rubio stated in a Fox News opinion piece that U.S. law clearly defines who is permitted to enter the country and who is not. Each year, the State Department’s consular personnel must apply these regulations to each of the millions of visa applicants worldwide. Foreign nationals who assist terrorist organizations, like Hamas, or encourage others to support terrorist organizations are prohibited from obtaining U.S. visas under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

    Rubio gave the following example of how visas can be canceled: If the holder of a visa has committed violent crimes or drunk driving, supported terrorism, overstayed their visit, engaged in illegal work, or done anything else that goes against the conditions under which we granted them this privilege or jeopardizes the safety of our fellow citizens, their visa may be revoked.

    2. Student Visa Revoked

    Due to the revocation of their student visas, international students studying in America are suffering. The government has strengthened its attack on overseas students, revoked entry visas, and terminated their residency status without prior notice.

    Their legal status in the US is revoked, which raises the possibility of deportation. Under the current administration, visas are being revoked within hours, whereas previously they weren’t.

    The immigration authorities delete the record from the SEVIS system but do not notify universities before canceling visas. A web-based system called SEVIS is used to keep track of data on exchange visits and nonimmigrant students studying in the US.

    It is recommended that all overseas students contact the university and request that they proactively monitor the SEVIS system for any updates regarding the revocation of their student visas. If a student’s visa is revoked, they are notified via email. Revocations of visas may be brought about by small infractions, such as drunk driving, or by prior offenses.

    3. US F-1 visa Denial Rate Soars

    As denial rates rise, the United States has denied a record number of international student visas. In the most recent fiscal year, 41% of US student visa applications were rejected, which is nearly twice the percentage from 2014. This represents a ten-year high. 2.79 lakh (41%) of the 6.79 lakh applications for F-1 student visas that the US received in 2023–2024 were rejected. Compared to 2022–2023, when 2.53 lakh (36%) of 6.99 lakh applications were denied, this is an increase.

    4. Post Study Work to End

    Optional Practical Training (OPT), which permits foreign students to remain in the nation for up to three years following graduation, is under danger of being discontinued under the Trump administration.

    Because of its programs, such as Optional and Curricular Practical Training, which provide brief employment options after graduation, the United States is a popular study location for overseas students.

    Since OPT was never formally approved by Congress, policy specialist Jessica Vaughan filed a study to Congress calling for stronger immigration laws, including the potential abolition or tighter regulation of OPT.

    Additionally, a measure called the “Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act of 2025” has been presented in Congress by US politicians to terminate the Optional Practical Training Program. The Optional Practical Training Program, managed by the US Citizenship and Immigration Service, is expected to be ended if authorized by Congress.

    5. H-1B Visa and F-1 Visa Revocations

    The Trump administration’s recent visa cancellations threaten long-term foreign hiring and international student enrollment, both of which are critical for US firms and universities.

    Significant similarities exist between the H-1B and F-1 visas. International students need to apply for an F-1 visa in order to study in the United States. They need to apply for an H-1B visa in order to work for US companies after completing their studies.

    If students’ status is revoked and they become immediately unemployed while in the US, it will affect American enterprises.

    6. Travel Warnings

    Indian nationals, including H-1B employees, overseas students, and Green Card holders, have received a warning from US immigration officials not to travel abroad. After earlier directives to compel older Indian Green Card holders to voluntarily relinquish residency at US airports, US officials are now targeting those who spend the winter months in India.

    7. Watching Social Account Activities

    The well-known line from George Orwell’s classic 1984, “Big Brother is watching you,” appears to be making a comeback. According to U.S. authorities, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has instructed ambassadors overseas to closely examine the social media posts of specific applicants for student and other types of visas.

    8. Green Card Holders

    During green card interviews, spouses of US citizens and green card holders are now subject to more stringent scrutiny. Both adjustment-of-status interviews within the United States and consular interviews for spouses residing abroad are being evaluated for more in-depth inquiry, according to immigration lawyers. The legitimacy of the connection, including how the two met and their future plans together, is of particular importance to the officers.

    9. Drop Box Applications

    The requirements for “dropbox” applications, which forgo visa interviews, have been modified by the US State Department. Previously, if a non-immigrant visa holder’s last visa expired within the last 48 months, they may renew their visas without being interviewed. This time frame has been reduced to 12 months for those renewing a visa in the same category. Due to this change, there are more in-person interviews, which delays the stamping of visas.

    The new rules have had the biggest impact on F-1 student visa holders converting to H-1B work visas and H-1B holders requesting an extension if their previous visa expired more than a year ago.

    In the past, these people could renew their visas without having to appear in person for an interview. The procedure is now longer, more complicated, and more likely to be delayed because they must schedule an in-person appointment.

    10. Immigration Ombudsman Office Closed

    The Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman, ( CIS Ombudsman) which has assisted thousands of immigrants in resolving issues with their visa and green card applications, has essentially been shut down as a result of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) placing employees on administrative leave.

    When delays threatened their legal position, holders of H-1B visas turned to the Ombudsman for help. The Ombudsman was consulted by international students who were experiencing difficulties getting extensions for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Even for the green card holders who encountered delays owing to complicated background check issues or procedural faults gained support from the Ombudsman.

    As a public-USCIS connection, the CIS Ombudsman helped people and employers resolve difficulties, engage the public, and uncover flaws with the immigration system. The Ombudsman also made recommendations to improve these concerns. Green card holders, H-1B visa holders, and international students are now at sea.

  • Foreigners are invited by Canada to apply for permanent residence.

    Foreigners are invited by Canada to apply for permanent residence.

    Invitations to apply for permanent residency under the Provincial Nominee Program were sent by the IRCC after over a month of waiting.

    Foreigners are encouraged to seek for permanent residence in Canada. Through the Provincial Nominee Program of the Express Entry system, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended an invitation to foreign nationals to apply for permanent residency.

    The Canadian government holds selection events for applicants using the Express Entry system every two weeks. The results of the Express Entry draw have been delayed significantly this time.

    On April 14, after almost a month of waiting, IRCC invited 825 people to apply for the Provincial Nominee Program. The final Provincial Nominee Program was held on March 17, 2025, while the final Express Entry draw for the French language proficiency category was performed on March 21, 2025.

    Through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), foreigners who wish to reside in Canada can apply for Canadian Permanent Resident status. People can live, work, and reside in a specific province or region thanks to this scheme.

    In Canada, provinces and territories have the authority to choose which immigrants will be granted permanent residence through the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). In Canada, there are multiple PNP streams. Candidates who meet certain requirements—such as having a job offer in the province, working in a field that is in high demand, having prior work or study experience in the province, or having the funds to launch a business there—are chosen by PNPs.

    825 eligible foreign nationals received invites to Express Entry on April 14, 2024, with the lowest-ranked applicant having a CRS score of 764. The tie-breaking rule date was August 17, 2024, at 18:35:52 UTC, and the round date and time was April 14, 2025, at 13:49:47 UTC.

    The cut-off is determined by the time and date on which the candidates submitted their Express Entry profiles if several candidates have the lowest score.

    With the lowest-ranked candidate obtaining a CRS score of 736, 536 Express Entry invitations were sent to qualified foreign nationals placed among the first in the preceding draw under the Provincial Nominee Program, which took place on March 17, 2025.

    The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is designed for workers who have the skills, training, and work experience needed to contribute to a province or territory’s economy and become permanent residents of Canada. Each province and territory has its own distinct immigration programs targeted at specific groups, such as skilled workers, entrepreneurs, students, or workers with some level of expertise.

    In order to modify the threshold for each Express Entry draw, the Canadian federal government uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank candidates based on factors like age, educational background, work history, and language competency. The cumulative score is impacted since even the candidate at the bottom of the list is assured an immigrant visa for permanent residency.

    Determine your eligibility and the requirements for any available PNPs, then fill out the application, send it to the territory or province, and if you are eligible, obtain an official Provincial Nomination certificate to move on to the next step in the process of obtaining a Canada PR through PNP.

    Under several programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Provincial Nominee Program, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) oversees the Canada Express Entry program for skilled immigrants looking to obtain permanent residency in Canada.

  • ITC’s Sanjiv Puri said India is in a lot better position to handle Trump’s tariffs.

    ITC’s Sanjiv Puri said India is in a lot better position to handle Trump’s tariffs.

    ITC Chairman Sanjiv Puri stated that India is in a far better position to handle the disruptions caused by Trump’s tariffs because talks are moving quickly to conclude an FTA with the US. With the exception of China, which is subject to a 125% duty, US President Donald Trump placed reciprocal duties on a number of nations, including India, which he later delayed by three months. Nonetheless, there will still be an extra 10% tax on shipments to the US. Now, on July 9, the reciprocal tariffs will go into effect.

    Puri responded, “It will be difficult to say how it will evolve, but India will be much better placed in this,” when asked how such tariffs would affect the home business. “It is hard to predict how it will develop, but I believe that India will be in a much better position at the end of it because we do see the possibility of several FTAs being inked, which industry has been looking forward to for some time, hopefully during the year, whether it is the EU, UK, and, of course, the US, where there is, dialogue, discussions, happening at a faster rate,” he said.

    Since March, the US and India have been discussing a bilateral trade agreement (BTA). In order to more than double bilateral commerce to USD 500 billion by 2030, both parties have set a goal to complete the first phase of the agreement by fall (September–October) of this year.

    Although there may be some short-term challenges facing India’s consumption-driven economy, Puri pointed out that the country’s competitiveness, digitization, and future-ready portfolio have a lot to offer.

    Therefore, while short-term uncertainty and unpredictability may have an effect on global growth as well,Consequently, there would be a minor impact on India as well,” he stated during a fireside conversation at the AIMA summit titled “Resilience and Growth in the New World Disorder.”

    Puri stated that the ITC is a “more domestic-focused industry” and that the US tariffs may have some effect on it. In order to handle the swift changes in the tariff structure, he emphasized the necessity of agility and empowered teams.

    Diversifying its business, making investments in environmentally friendly packaging, and utilizing innovation and digitization are all part of ITC’s uncertainty management plan.The business prioritizes climate-proofing infrastructure, agile, empowered people, and supply-side resilience.

    Vocational training and integrated rural development hubs are the main priorities of ITC’s human capital development. Green infrastructure and Climate Smart Agriculture are two examples of how corporate strategy incorporates sustainability.

    According to him, the corporation seeks to strike a balance between social, economic, and environmental objectives.

    Puri also emphasized how traditional FMCG firms are facing challenges from the rapid commerce revolution, which calls for new operational strategies and skill sets.

  • Pet ownership becomes popular: in FY25, online orders increased by 95%.

    Pet ownership becomes popular: in FY25, online orders increased by 95%.

    According to ecommerce enablement platform Unicommerce, the country’s growing demand for specialized pet food and grooming goods, as well as increased pet ownership, drove a 95% year-over-year increase in online orders for pet care products in FY25.

    Based on transactions completed on the site, the data indicates a high demand for food items high in nutrients as well as hygiene-related products including chicken sticks, pet broths, deep-cleaning shampoos, deshedding conditioners, and grooming supplies.

    The market experienced noteworthy rise in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, which saw year-over-year growth of 75% and 60%, respectively, while metropolitan and Tier-I cities continued to account for a significant share of the demand, reporting a 120% increase in order volumes. Indore, Surat, and Vadodara were important Tier-II cities, whereas Udupi, Panjim, and Rupnagar were areas with high Tier-III demand.

    A change in customer behavior coincided with the increase in order volumes; prepaid purchases on brand websites increased by more than 300% in the preceding year. On the other hand, marketplace cash-on-delivery orders increased by about 200%. The segment’s growth has been aided by the increase of product offerings, which now include everything from pet apparel and accessories to organic food and dietary supplements. To accommodate changing pet parenting practices, a number of digital-first pet care companies are also providing subscription-based services, personalized goods, and veterinary necessities.

    The trend shows that pet owners are becoming more diverse and that wealthy households in large cities are no longer the only ones who have pets. Younger customers and middle-class groups in smaller areas are increasingly driving pet care spending.