Gaurav Sharma is a force to be reckoned with. Born into a lower-middle-class family in the tier-4 city of Khatauli in western Uttar Pradesh, he epitomizes the quintessential story of struggle and ultimate success. His early life was far from easy; with a family of seven to support and being the only son, he had to start working at the age of 12.

Gaurav’s early jobs were humble, he delivered newspapers in the morning, worked in a public STD PCO, and spent his lone day off laboring in a fruit wholesaler’s market. Despite these difficulties, Gaurav managed to complete his graduation by the age of 35, a testament to his determination and resilience.

Gaurav’s first break came when he joined Palco, a manufacturing firm, as a warehouse storekeeper. This was where he started to shine, moving from a storekeeper to the firm’s best-selling Area Sales Manager in just a few years.

His stellar performance didn’t go unnoticed. Through his childhood friend Shrey Joshi, Gaurav secured an interview with Sony India for the post of Regional Sales Officer, a position he not only secured but also excelled in. During his stint of three years at Sony, he shattered all LED sales records and developed a robust distributor network in western UP.

Gaurav’s next move was to join Amazon, where he made significant contributions in establishing IHS stores throughout UP and the NCR, building a capacity to handle 15,000 packages per day. After a successful three years with Amazon, he ventured into the startup world, joining the early phase stealth startup Wheelseye, where he achieved multiple top performer awards.

But Gaurav had a larger vision for his life. He launched his own company, Road Vision Pvt Limited, that scaled up to monitor 1,000 vehicles. However, the advent of COVID-19 posed challenges that led to the company’s downfall.

Undeterred, Gaurav channeled his entrepreneurial spirit into a new venture – ‘Apni Bakeri.’ Launched in his hometown of Khatauli, ‘Apni Bakeri’ offers 100% eggless and many sugar-free products, maintaining a product line of 21 SKUs with exceptional quality, backed by FSSAI certification.

Today, Gaurav is looking to expand his bakery chain to 25 physical touchpoints within the next six months. He’s inviting investment with starting amounts ranging from 35K to 99K, promising impressive margins and returns. His focus is now on expanding within the northern states of India.

Gaurav Sharma’s journey is a shining example of how grit, determination, and perseverance can turn even the toughest situations around. From the streets of Khatauli to the boardrooms of multinational companies and finally at the helm of his own business, Gaurav has truly proved that the spirit of hustle and hard work can lead to success, irrespective of one’s background.

The recent announcement by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regarding the discontinuation of the ₹2000 denomination banknote has sparked discussions about the implications and underlying motives of this decision.

Addressing to this move, former finance minister P. Chidambaram tweeted:

"As expected, the government/RBI have withdrawn the Rs 2000 note and given time until September 30 to exchange the notes The Rs 2000 note is hardly a popular medium of exchange. We said this in November 2016 and we have been proved correct The Rs 2000 note was a band-aid to cover up the foolish decision of demonetizing Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes which were popular and widely exchanged currencies A few weeks after Demonetisation, the government/RBI were forced to re-introduce the Rs 500 note I shall not be surprised if the government/RBI re-introduced the Rs 1000 note as well Demonetisation has come full circle!"

In this article, we delve deeper into the impact and rationale behind the RBI’s move. Let’s explore the potential consequences and underlying economic principles, and understanding of this policy change.

Unraveling the Purpose and Impact:

The introduction of the ₹2000 banknote in 2016 served as a quick response to the sudden demonetization of ₹500 and ₹1000 banknotes. However, as the availability of banknotes in other denominations improved over time, the RBI has deemed the ₹2000 banknote’s original objective fulfilled. From Rajan’s viewpoint, this move represents a strategic step towards optimizing the currency mix and enhancing the efficiency of monetary transactions.

Currency Integrity and Counterfeit Concerns:

By discontinuing the ₹2000 banknote, the RBI aims to mitigate counterfeiting risks and promote the circulation of banknotes that possess enhanced security features. This aligns with the global best practices followed by central banks to safeguard economies against fraudulent activities. A robust currency system is vital for public confidence in the financial system, which, in turn, fuels economic growth.

The “Clean Note Policy” and Operational Convenience:

The RBI’s decision reflects its commitment to the “Clean Note Policy,” which prioritizes the availability of good quality banknotes for the public. By discontinuing the ₹2000 banknote, the RBI aims to streamline currency operations, minimize disruptions, and improve the efficiency of banking activities.

While the immediate impact on the public may include the need to exchange or deposit these banknotes, the long-term effects are expected to be positive. The withdrawal of the ₹2000 denomination aims to ensure that currency transactions are smoother, minimize counterfeit risks, and align with the RBI’s overarching objective of maintaining the integrity of the Indian currency system.

While short-term inconveniences may arise due to the need for individuals to exchange or deposit these banknotes, the long-term benefits are likely to outweigh the initial challenges.

Conclusion:

The discontinuation of the ₹2000 banknote, as viewed through the lens of economist Raghuram Rajan, represents a forward-thinking step towards optimizing the currency mix and strengthening the integrity of India’s monetary system. By mitigating counterfeit risks, improving operational convenience, and fostering financial inclusion, the RBI aims to enhance public confidence and facilitate smoother transactions. While acknowledging the short-term adjustments required, Rajan underscores the long-term benefits that this policy change will bring, paving the way for a more efficient and secure financial landscape.

In today’s digital age, scams and frauds have become more sophisticated and prevalent than ever before. Even the most unsuspecting and educated individuals can fall prey to these elaborate schemes, as we see in the case of a friend who lost a significant amount of money in a crypto scam.

It all started innocently enough, with an offer for a part-time job on WhatsApp. The tasks seemed simple, leaving fake reviews for resorts and restaurants, but little did my friend know that this was just the beginning of a cleverly crafted trap.

Soon, a Telegram group was created, and others were brought in to perform mock crypto trades. These trades seemed harmless at first, with no real money involved, but slowly, the group was urged to transfer real funds to generate higher returns.

As greed took over and peer pressure mounted, my friend found themselves in deep trouble, transferring Rs 5 lakh to the scammers. They were offered a loan when they said they had no more money to add, but it was then that they finally confided in their spouse, who quickly realized it was a fraud.

The police were contacted, and it was discovered that the entire crypto account, ledger, and P&L were all fake, manipulated to deceive unsuspecting victims. The scammers had used crypto tokens whose prices they could easily manipulate, sowing greed and deception from the start.

This cautionary tale serves as a reminder that there is no easy way to make a lot of money quickly. As we embrace new technologies and platforms, we must also be vigilant and aware of the risks they pose. It’s important to educate ourselves and our loved ones about the dangers of these sophisticated scams and stay one step ahead of the scammers.

Losing your job can be a devastating experience, but it’s important to remember that you have rights and options after a layoff. In this guide, we’ll explore what you can do to protect yourself and your future.

Understanding Your Rights

First and foremost, it’s essential to understand your rights as an employee. Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to various benefits, including severance pay, unemployment insurance, and continued healthcare coverage.

Severance Pay: Severance pay is a one-time payment that an employer may offer to employees who have been laid off. This payment is usually based on the length of service with the company and can help bridge the gap between your last paycheck and your next job. According to a recent study, about 54% of companies offer severance pay to their laid-off employees.

Unemployment Insurance: If you’ve been laid off, you may be eligible for unemployment insurance. This program provides temporary financial assistance to help you pay for basic expenses while you search for a new job. In the United States, the unemployment rate as of March 2023 was 3.9%, indicating that there are opportunities available for job seekers.

Continued Healthcare Coverage: Losing your job also means losing your healthcare coverage, but there are options available to continue your coverage. Under COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act), you may be able to continue your healthcare coverage for up to 18 months after your job loss. However, it’s important to note that you will be responsible for the entire cost of the premium.

Exploring Your Options

After a layoff, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about your future. However, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and explore new opportunities.

Network: Networking is an essential part of job searching. Reach out to former colleagues, friends, and family to let them know you’re looking for a new job. Attend networking events and join professional groups to expand your network.

Upgrade Your Skills: Take advantage of your free time to upgrade your skills. Consider taking online courses or attending workshops to learn new skills that can make you more marketable to employers.

Consider Self-Employment: If you’re having trouble finding a new job, consider starting your own business. Entrepreneurship offers many benefits, including the ability to set your own schedule and work on projects that interest you.

In conclusion, losing your job can be a difficult experience, but it’s important to remember that you have rights and options. Understanding your rights as an employee and exploring your options can help you protect your future and find new opportunities. By taking proactive steps, you can turn a layoff into a new beginning.

Jack Dorsey is a name that has become synonymous with entrepreneurship and innovation. He is the co-founder of Twitter and the founder and CEO of Square, a financial services and mobile payments company. Dorsey has been recognized as one of the most influential people in technology and business, and his journey to success is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs around the world.

Early Life and Education

Dorsey was born on November 19, 1976, in St. Louis, Missouri. His parents divorced when he was young, and he was raised by his mother in a suburb of St. Louis. Dorsey showed an early interest in computer programming, and he began teaching himself how to code when he was just 13 years old.

Dorsey attended Bishop DuBourg High School in St. Louis, where he continued to develop his programming skills. He also became interested in the punk rock music scene and began playing in local bands. After high school, Dorsey attended the University of Missouri-Rolla, where he studied computer science and economics.

The Birth of Twitter

In 2006, Dorsey co-founded Twitter with Biz Stone and Evan Williams. The idea for Twitter came to Dorsey when he was working on a project that allowed dispatchers to communicate with couriers using text messages. He realized that the same concept could be applied to a social media platform, where people could share short, real-time updates with their friends and followers.

Twitter quickly became one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, and Dorsey became known as a tech visionary. However, he was eventually forced out of the company due to disagreements with the board of directors.

Square and Beyond

After leaving Twitter, Dorsey founded Square in 2009. The company’s first product was a small, square-shaped device that could be plugged into a smartphone or tablet to process credit card payments. Square was an instant success, and the company has since expanded to offer a range of financial services to small businesses.

Dorsey’s success with Square has made him one of the most influential people in fintech, and he has continued to be an advocate for innovation and entrepreneurship. In addition to his work with Square, Dorsey has also invested in a number of other startups, including Uber and Airbnb.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Dorsey’s success as an entrepreneur is a testament to his vision, persistence, and dedication. For aspiring entrepreneurs, he has several key pieces of advice:

Start small: Dorsey believes that the best way to get started as an entrepreneur is to focus on solving a small problem that you are passionate about. This can help you build momentum and gain valuable experience before tackling larger challenges.

Be transparent: Dorsey believes that transparency is key to building trust with customers and employees. He recommends being open and honest about your goals, values, and challenges.

Embrace failure: Dorsey acknowledges that failure is a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey. He encourages entrepreneurs to learn from their mistakes and use them as opportunities for growth and innovation.

Stay focused: Dorsey believes that it is important to stay focused on your core mission and values, even in the face of distractions and setbacks. He recommends setting clear goals and staying disciplined in your approach.

In conclusion, Jack Dorsey’s journey to success is a testament to the power of innovation and entrepreneurship. As an SEO-friendly article, this profile of Dorsey highlights his accomplishments, key moments in his life, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Dorsey’s legacy as a tech visionary and business leader will continue to inspire generations of entrepreneurs for years to come.

India’s mobile payment market has been expanding at an astonishing rate, and global players are scrambling to establish themselves in the country. WhatsApp Payment, backed by Facebook’s Meta, was one of the most promising contenders, with over 400 million users in India. Despite this vast user base, WhatsApp Payment contributed to only 0.01% of transactions, lagging far behind competitors like PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the reasons behind WhatsApp Payment’s failure in India and the lessons learned for other players looking to enter this lucrative market.

Poor Marketing Strategies

One of the key reasons for WhatsApp Payment’s failure in India was its lackluster marketing strategy. The payment system was only marketed in the initial stages, resulting in low adoption rates. Users were not aware of its existence, leading to skepticism and a lack of trust. In contrast, competitors like Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm had highly effective marketing campaigns that targeted Indian users’ preferences and habits. WhatsApp Payment failed to differentiate itself from the competitors, resulting in low adoption rates.

Discoverability Issues

Unlike other mobile payment apps, WhatsApp Payment did not have a dedicated payment interface within the app. This made it difficult for users to locate the payment option, and they had to go on a treasure hunt to find it. Having a dedicated payment interface within the app could have made it easier for users to use the service. WhatsApp Payment also lacked compatibility with many smartphones, limiting its adoption. Competitors like PhonePe and Google Pay, on the other hand, had a user-friendly interface that made it easy for users to use their services.

Privacy Concerns

Data privacy is a significant concern for Indian users, and WhatsApp Payment failed to address this concern effectively. Facebook’s Meta has had a controversial history of data privacy issues, which eroded Indian users’ confidence in the payment system. This lack of trust resulted in low adoption rates for WhatsApp Payment. Competitors like Google Pay and PhonePe have established trust among Indian users by addressing their concerns regarding data privacy effectively.

Government Regulations

The Indian government has stringent regulations regarding data storage, and WhatsApp Payment faced challenges due to these regulations. WhatsApp was required to store data in India, which resulted in a delay in launching the payment system. This delay gave competitors like PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm a head start in capturing the Indian market. Additionally, the Indian government has a strict policy on data localization, which has made it difficult for foreign companies to establish their presence in the Indian market.

Lessons Learned for Succeeding in India’s Mobile Payment Market

WhatsApp Payment’s failure in India serves as a reminder that a vast user base alone cannot ensure success. Companies must adapt to the needs and expectations of their target market. Proper marketing, a dedicated payment interface, data security, and government approvals are essential for success in the Indian mobile payment market. For example, companies can partner with local firms to comply with local regulations and build trust among Indian users.

Moreover, companies should focus on creating a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for users to use their services, even if they are not tech-savvy. Proper localization, incorporating local languages and payment methods, is also crucial for success in the Indian market.

In conclusion, entering the Indian mobile payment market requires careful planning and execution. WhatsApp Payment’s failure in India highlights the importance of effective marketing, discoverability, data privacy, and government approvals. By learning from WhatsApp Payment’s mistakes, other players can adapt to the needs and preferences of Indian users and thrive in this lucrative market. With PhonePe currently dominating the market, it’s an exciting time for companies to enter the market and compete for a share of the growing digital payments pie. However, success will depend on understanding the local landscape, building trust with consumers, and delivering a seamless user experience.

LinkedIn, the professional networking site, has released its annual list of top companies to work for in India for 2023. This year’s list includes a mix of well-established companies and up-and-coming players, with TCS, Amazon, and Morgan Stanley taking the top three spots.

LinkedIn’s Top Companies 2023 list for India is based on a number of factors that are important to job seekers and employees, including:

Job Demand: The number of job openings available at a company on LinkedIn.

Engagement: The amount of interest and interaction that LinkedIn users have with a company on the platform, including views of company pages, followers, and employee engagement.

Employee Retention: How long employees stay at a company, and the company’s ability to retain its talent.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): The company’s efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within its workforce and the communities it serves.

Financial Performance: The company’s financial stability and growth, including factors such as revenue, stock performance, and investor confidence.

Growth Potential: The company’s potential for growth and expansion in the future, based on its market position, product or service offerings, and overall industry trends.

Based on these criteria, LinkedIn evaluated companies across various industries and sizes, ultimately selecting the top 25 companies that demonstrated the strongest performance and potential for growth in India’s job market.

Let’s take a closer look at each company:

TCS: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is an Indian multinational IT services company that provides consulting, software development, and business process outsourcing services. With over 500,000 employees across 46 countries, TCS has been a consistent performer in LinkedIn’s top companies list.

Amazon: Amazon is an American multinational technology company that specializes in e-commerce, cloud computing, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence. The company has a significant presence in India, with over 200,000 employees across the country. Amazon is known for its employee-friendly policies and strong focus on customer satisfaction.

Morgan Stanley: Morgan Stanley is an American multinational investment bank and financial services company. The company has a strong presence in India, with over 20,000 employees across various locations in the country. Morgan Stanley is known for its employee-friendly policies and strong culture of collaboration and teamwork.

Reliance Industries: Reliance Industries is an Indian conglomerate that operates in a wide range of sectors, including petrochemicals, refining, oil and gas exploration, and telecommunications. The company has been a dominant player in the Indian economy for decades and has a reputation for being a highly innovative and progressive company.

Macquarie Group: Macquarie Group is an Australian multinational investment bank and financial services company that operates in over 30 countries worldwide. The company has a significant presence in India, with over 3,000 employees across various locations in the country. Macquarie Group is known for its employee-friendly policies and strong focus on diversity and inclusion.

Deloitte: Deloitte is a multinational professional services network that provides audit, consulting, tax, and advisory services to clients around the world. The company has a strong presence in India, with over 70,000 employees across various locations in the country. Deloitte is known for its employee-centric culture and strong focus on learning and development.

NAV Fund Administration Group: NAV Fund Administration Group is a global fund administrator that provides a range of services, including fund accounting, administration, and reporting. The company has a significant presence in India, with over 2,000 employees across various locations in the country. NAV Fund Administration Group is known for its employee-friendly policies and strong focus on work-life balance.

Schneider Electric: Schneider Electric is a multinational corporation that specializes in energy management and automation solutions. The company has a significant presence in India, with over 22,000 employees across various locations in the country. Schneider Electric is known for its strong culture of innovation and its commitment to sustainability.

Viatris: Viatris is a global healthcare company that specializes in the development and manufacture of generic drugs and biosimilars. The company has a significant presence in India, with over 6,000 employees across various locations in the country. Viatris is known for its employee-friendly policies and strong focus on diversity and inclusion.

Royal Caribbean Group: Royal Caribbean Group is a multinational cruise company that operates a fleet of ships around the world. The company has a significant presence in India, with over 7,000 employees across various locations in the country

Vitesco Technologies: Vitesco Technologies is a German automotive technology company that specializes in developing electric powertrain systems for vehicles. The company has a significant presence in India, with over 3,000 employees across various locations in the country. Vitesco Technologies is known for its innovative solutions and strong focus on sustainability.

HDFC Bank: HDFC Bank is an Indian banking and financial services company that provides a range of products and services to customers across the country. The company has over 5,000 branches and 13,000 ATMs in India, and is known for its strong customer service and employee-friendly policies.

Mastercard: Mastercard is an American multinational financial services corporation that provides payment processing and technology solutions to customers around the world. The company has a significant presence in India, with over 3,000 employees across various locations in the country. Mastercard is known for its innovative solutions and strong focus on diversity and inclusion.

Yubi: Yubi is an Indian fintech startup that provides digital payment solutions to customers across the country. The company has been in business for just over five years and has quickly established itself as a major player in the Indian digital payment space.

ICICI Bank: ICICI Bank is an Indian banking and financial services company that provides a range of products and services to customers across the country. The company has over 5,000 branches and 14,000 ATMs in India, and is known for its strong customer service and employee-friendly policies.

Zepto: Zepto is an Indian technology startup that provides digital payment solutions to customers across the country. The company has been in business for just over three years and has quickly established itself as a major player in the Indian digital payment space.

Expedia Group: Expedia Group is an American multinational travel technology company that provides a range of services, including online travel bookings and reviews, to customers around the world. The company has a significant presence in India, with over 4,000 employees across various locations in the country.

EY: EY (Ernst & Young) is a multinational professional services network that provides audit, consulting, tax, and advisory services to clients around the world. The company has a strong presence in India, with over 34,000 employees across various locations in the country. EY is known for its employee-centric culture and strong focus on learning and development.

JPMorgan Chase: JPMorgan Chase is an American multinational investment bank and financial services company. The company has a strong presence in India, with over 40,000 employees across various locations in the country. JPMorgan Chase is known for its employee-friendly policies and strong culture of collaboration and teamwork.

Dream11: Dream11 is an Indian fantasy sports platform that allows users to create their own virtual teams and compete in various sports leagues. The company has been in business for just over 10 years and has quickly established itself as a major player in the Indian sports tech space.

Synchrony: Synchrony is an American consumer financial services company that provides a range of products and services, including credit cards and banking solutions, to customers around the world. The company has a significant presence in India, with over 5,000 employees across various locations in the country.

Goldman Sachs: Goldman Sachs is an American multinational investment bank and financial services company. The company has a significant presence in India, with over 5,000 employees across various locations in the country. Goldman Sachs is known for its employee-friendly policies and strong culture of innovation.

Verint: Verint is an American customer engagement and security intelligence company that provides solutions to customers around the world. The company has a significant presence in India, with over 3,000 employees across various locations in the country. Verint is known for its innovative solutions and strong focus on customer satisfaction.

Games24x7: Games24x7 is an Indian online gaming company that provides a range of games, including rummy and poker, to customers across the country. The company has been in business for just over 15 years and has quickly established itself as a major player in the Indian gaming industry.

Teachmint: Teachmint is an Indian edtech startup that provides a platform for teachers to conduct online classes and manage their students. The company has been in business for just over two years and has quickly established itself as a major player in the Indian edtech space. Teachmint is known for its innovative solutions and strong focus on improving the quality of education in the country.