Amazon has significantly strengthened its cross-border logistics capabilities by expanding its Global Selling Seller Exports and Delivery (SEND) program. This initiative is designed to simplify overseas shipping for Indian exporters while providing cost-effective solutions for inventory storage and distribution.

Key Enhancements to SEND

Launched in 2022, the SEND program has already supported thousands of exporters with reliable shipment tracking and on-time delivery. In its latest expansion, Amazon has added three new carriers to its air and ocean lanes connecting India to major markets, including the US, the UK, and Germany. This enhancement allows exporters to choose from multiple shipping options, improving flexibility and efficiency.

To further support Indian exporters, SEND now integrates with Amazon Warehousing and Distribution (AWD), a bulk storage solution that enables more efficient inventory management at reduced costs. Exporters can access competitive shipping rates, seamless booking, and tracking features directly through the Amazon Seller Central platform.

Export Navigator: Simplifying Compliance for Exporters

In addition to SEND, Amazon has introduced the Export Navigator, a comprehensive dashboard aimed at assisting sellers with compliance and regulatory requirements for international shipments. This tool is available to all Indian exporters, regardless of whether they are registered with Amazon. It provides guidance on various aspects of cross-border trade, including:

• Export registration and product certification.
• Licenses and taxation guidelines in India and destination countries.
• Shipping requirements across courier and cargo channels.
• Payment reconciliation and government export incentives.

The Export Navigator also connects exporters to a curated network of third-party service providers offering faster service level agreements (SLAs) and competitive rates.

Amazon’s Commitment to Indian Exporters

The SEND program and Export Navigator are part of Amazon’s broader efforts to boost e-commerce exports from India. “We remain committed to expanding e-commerce export opportunities for entrepreneurs across India as we work towards enabling USD 20 billion in cumulative exports from the country by 2025,” stated Bhupen Wakankar, Director of Global Trade at Amazon India.

This commitment is reflected in Amazon’s strategic initiatives aimed at empowering small businesses by simplifying international trade processes. The integration of SEND with AWD allows for better inventory management, thereby enhancing operational efficiency for exporters.

The Growing E-Commerce Landscape in India

India has emerged as a significant player in the global e-commerce landscape, with a rapidly growing base of exporters leveraging platforms like Amazon to reach international markets. The recent enhancements to SEND coincide with the upcoming holiday shopping season, including major sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This timing presents a pivotal opportunity for Indian sellers to showcase their products globally.

Amazon’s efforts are further supported by its extensive logistics network, which includes partnerships with local postal services like India Post, enhancing last-mile delivery capabilities across the country. This collaboration aims to democratize e-commerce access, especially in remote areas where traditional logistics may fall short.

Conclusion

By enhancing its logistics program and launching tools like Export Navigator, Amazon continues to simplify international trade for Indian sellers. These initiatives not only empower small businesses but also position Amazon as a key facilitator in India’s burgeoning export economy. With ambitious goals set for 2025, Amazon is poised to play a crucial role in enabling Indian entrepreneurs to tap into global markets efficiently and effectively.

CoinSwitch, a prominent crypto exchange, has unveiled a new initiative aimed at guiding first-time investors into the world of virtual digital assets. The platform recently introduced SmartInvest, a service designed to provide smart investment strategies for early crypto adopters. This launch aligns with the Indian IT Ministry’s commitment to fostering the nation’s Web3 ecosystem, as highlighted by MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan.

SmartInvest: A Simplified Approach for New Investors

The newly introduced SmartInvest section on the CoinSwitch app offers curated investment strategies developed by experienced traders. These strategies are tailored for beginner investors, allowing them to evaluate options based on historical performance, minimum investment requirements, and adoption statistics.

Once users select a strategy, SmartInvest’s algorithms automatically execute trades on their behalf. The profits are then shared with the strategy developers, creating a mutually beneficial system. According to the Bengaluru-based company, this feature eliminates the complexities of crypto trading, such as asset selection, timing entries and exits, and identifying profitable opportunities.

“Many potential investors have highlighted the challenges of starting their crypto journey. With SmartInvest, we aim to simplify this process by providing expert-driven strategies that require no coding or technical expertise,” said Balaji Srihari, Head of Business at CoinSwitch.

India’s Growing Crypto Adoption

Despite regulatory uncertainties, India has emerged as a leader in crypto adoption. According to Chainalysis, India ranked first among 151 nations for crypto adoption in 2023, maintaining its top position for the second consecutive year. While cryptocurrencies are not recognized as legal tender in India, they are widely viewed as investment and trading tools.

Customized Solutions for a Diverse User Base

With a customer base exceeding two crore users, CoinSwitch is committed to making crypto investing more accessible. In addition to SmartInvest, the platform previously launched services tailored for high-net-worth individuals (HNIs), which include personalized investment advice, risk management solutions, professional tax filing, and exclusive market access.

Through initiatives like SmartInvest, CoinSwitch aims to onboard new users and address the concerns of investors who may lack the time or expertise to create effective trading strategies. The platform’s focus on simplicity and expert-driven solutions is expected to attract a broader audience to the crypto space.

Features of SmartInvest

• Curated Investment Strategies: Users can choose from various strategies created by expert traders based on their historical performance.

• Automated Trading: Once a strategy is selected, SmartInvest’s algorithms handle all trading activities automatically.

• Profit Sharing: Profits generated from trades are shared with strategy developers as compensation for their expertise.

• User Control: Users retain control over their accounts; developers cannot access wallets or withdraw funds.

The feature aims to bridge the gap between novice investors and complex trading systems by providing an intuitive interface that requires no prior experience in coding or trading.

Advisory and Market Outlook

CoinSwitch’s launch of SmartInvest comes shortly after it introduced futures and options trading with zero brokerage on its platform. The company has recognized that many users lack the skills or time to create their own strategies, making SmartInvest an essential addition to their offerings.

The pilot program for SmartInvest launched in September received overwhelmingly positive feedback from users, with creators reportedly earning an average of ₹2 lakh per month through the platform.

As India’s crypto community continues to grow amidst evolving regulations and market dynamics, CoinSwitch’s initiatives reflect its commitment to empowering users with tools that simplify crypto investing while enhancing market participation.

Conclusion

With SmartInvest, CoinSwitch aims to demystify crypto investing and empower users with expert-driven tools that facilitate seamless entry into the cryptocurrency market. By addressing common challenges faced by new investors and providing tailored solutions, CoinSwitch is positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s burgeoning Web3 ecosystem and promoting wider adoption of digital assets among mainstream users.

A Bengaluru auto driver, Samuel Christy, has captured the internet’s attention with his innovative approach to raising funds for his startup. This creative initiative highlights the entrepreneurial spirit that Bengaluru is known for, often dubbed India’s startup capital.

Innovative Fundraising Approach

Samuel Christy, a graduate, has placed a poster behind his auto’s seat inviting passengers to discuss his business idea. The poster reads:

“Hi passenger, my name is Samuel Christy. I’m a graduate looking to raise funds for my startup business idea. If you’re interested, please talk to me.”

This unique fundraising strategy was shared on Reddit, where a user posted a photo of the poster with the caption, “Yet another Peak Bengaluru moment.” The post quickly gained traction, resonating with many users who applauded Christy’s bold initiative and entrepreneurial spirit.

Social Media Reaction

The Reddit post garnered widespread attention and sparked a flurry of supportive comments. Many users praised Christy for his determination and creativity. One user commented, “I think it’s a great effort. Hope he is doing something good and hope he succeeds.” Another user even offered assistance, stating, “If he’s interested, I could help him for a price.”

However, the post also attracted skepticism. Some users expressed caution about potential scams, referencing past experiences with auto drivers in Bengaluru. One comment warned, “This could be a scam too; the auto drivers are the biggest scamsters in Bengaluru,” reflecting mixed sentiments towards such entrepreneurial efforts.

Previous Innovations by Auto Drivers

This isn’t the first time an auto driver in Bengaluru has made headlines for creative solutions. In September, another driver went viral for installing an office chair in his vehicle to enhance passenger comfort. Such initiatives showcase the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Bengaluru’s auto drivers.

Additionally, another driver gained attention for distributing a leaflet titled “Learn Kannada With Auto Kannadiga,” which featured common Kannada phrases translated into English. This thoughtful approach aimed to help non-Kannada speakers learn the local language during their commute and was widely praised on social media.

Conclusion

Samuel Christy’s story exemplifies the innovative spirit that thrives in Bengaluru, inspiring conversations across social media platforms. His initiative not only highlights the challenges faced by aspiring entrepreneurs but also showcases the potential for creativity in unconventional settings. As discussions around his pitch continue to unfold online, Christy’s determination serves as a reminder of the vibrant entrepreneurial culture that characterizes Bengaluru.