#Parking Management Market Growth

[ict-marketresearch-reports]

Parking Management Market Share, Growth Prospects and Key Opportunities by 2025

MarketsandMarkets forecasts the "Parking Management Market Growth by Offering (Solutions (Parking Guidance, Parking Reservation Management, Parking Permit Management) and Services), Deployment Type, Parking Site (Off-street and On-street), and Region - Global Forecast to 2025",size to grow from USD 3.8 billion in 2020 to USD 5.4 billion by 2025, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.4% during the forecast period. Parking management solutions have spurred tremendous growth opportunities for technology vendors and various associated service providers. With the growing number of government initiatives toward the development of smart cities, parking management vendors taking center stage; technology providers and consultants have aggressively started simulating innovative solutions based on conceptual modules for the designing and development of urban infrastructure.

Expanding urban agglomerations and predictions for a rapid rise in urban population over the next decade further enunciates the need for adequate parking management solutions. However, factors such as lack of high implementation costs, data security and privacy issues related to IoT devices, and disruption in logistics and supply chain of IoT devices, have posed major challenges for the parking management market, globally.

The solutions segment to hold a larger market size during the forecast period

Based on offering, the solutions segment of the parking management market is projected to hold a larger market size during the forecast period. The solutions segment in the parking management market comprises six major components, viz., parking guidance solution, parking reservation management, parking permit management, parking enforcement management, Parking Access and Revenue Control (PARC), parking security and surveillance, and parking analytics. The growth of this segment can be attributed to the rising adoption of advanced technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), IoT, and cloud and the increasing traffic congestion on the road due to irregular parking practices.

 By parking site, off-street parking segment to record a higher growth rate during the forecast period

Off-street parking refers to parking facilities that are made available by parking operators in various areas, such as parking lots, garages, or private driveways in shopping malls, commercial buildings, hotels, and residential buildings. Off-street parking sites are highly effective in terms of vehicle holding capabilities and are generally controlled by commercial agencies. Off-street parking involves proper designing and construction to provide a safe and secure vehicle parking experience for drivers. The segment focuses on ensuring security, pre-booking of parking spots, and parking fee management. This segment has witnessed several innovations to enable efficient parking; for instance, nowadays, advanced garages are equipped with robotic valet systems that help in parking management. Off-street parking solutions are expected to experience a high growth rate due to the huge investments by authorities in multi-level parking, and also by the private sector in its parking facilities.

Asia Pacific to record the highest growth during the forecast period

The APAC parking management market is estimated to have strong growth in the future. The APAC region is witnessing high growth due to increasing global competition, growing penetration of smart devices, connected machines, and rising investments in smart cities. This region comprises more than 40% of the world’s population and has some of the fastest-growing economies. Urbanization is on the rise in several countries across the region. According to the UN database, around 2.5 billion people are expected to move to urban areas from 2018 to 2050, and 90% of urbanization is expected to happen in Asia and Africa. Thus, APAC is a current hotspot of the parking management market and attracts many companies.

Market Players

Major vendors in the parking management market include GROUP Indigo (France), Amano (Japan),  Siemens (Germany), Bosch Group (Germany), Conduent (US), APCOA PARKING (US), Precise ParkLink (Canada), SWARCO (Austria), SKIDATA (Austria), T2 Systems (US), FlashParking (US), Passport Labs (US), Flowbird Group (France), ParkMobile (US), SpotHero (US), Get My Parking (India), INRIX (US),  IPS Group (US), Smart Parking (Australia), Chetu (US), TIBA Parking Systems (US), Q-Free (Norway), Streetline(US), ParkOffice (US), Urbiotica (Spain), and CivicSmart (US).

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[tixerasblog]

Explore Tixera's insightful blog on Queue Management Systems, where we delve into optimizing customer flow and enhancing service efficiency. Discover innovative solutions, industry trends, and practical tips to streamline queues at your venue. Stay informed and empowered with Tixera's expertise in creating seamless and engaging customer experiences.

[market-insider]

Parking Management Market Growth Contributed To Growing Demand For Smart Parking Sensors And Parking Spaces

The global parking management market size is expected to reach USD 10.14 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 11.1% from 2022 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Growing demand for smart parking sensors, increasing need for parking spaces, and favorable government initiatives are some of the factors contributing to the market growth.

Smart technologies are experiencing tremendous growth in the parking management system, including parking guidance systems, automated parking, and parking reservation systems. In addition to these technologies, the demand for security and safety of parked vehicles is also increasing rapidly among vehicle owners, which is propelling the procurement of a parking surveillance system. This will create a substantial market space for parking management companies to grow over the years.

Gain deeper insights on the market and receive your free copy with TOC now @: Parking Management Market Report

Several car park mobile applications have included the feature to reserve a vehicle park space and make payments through mobile wallets. It allows users to save meaningful time spent searching for vacant spaces and provides parking enforcement options, such as adding remote parking spaces and providing parking information to users. For instance, in December 2021, T2 Systems, a parking management solutions provider, implemented T2Mobile Pay, a browser-based parking solution, in Houston City Center, so that the visitors could pay for parking quickly and easily on their mobile phones using this solution. This solution will increase mobile payment adoption and customer satisfaction. These features are anticipated to further increase the demand for parking management solutions over the forecast period.

The increasing availability of integrated automated solutions and advancements in wireless technology are anticipated to drive the adoption of parking management solutions.  Moreover, parking management systems aid in increasing mobility in cities and offer a dependable revenue model. These systems use data analytics, wireless communication technology, and sensors to address parking issues in cities and metros. Furthermore, these solutions can be used to locate available parking spaces with the help of sensors and mobile applications, thereby saving customers time and minimizing the waste of fuel spent looking for available parking spaces.

[breelandwalker]

Buck Moon - July 3, 2023

Put on your flower crowns and your dancing shoes, it's time for the Buck Moon!

Buck Moon

The Buck Moon is the name given to the full moon in the month of July and is called this because at this time of year, the antlers on male deer are at the height of growth and impressiveness. This month also marks the first supermoon of the year!

Other European names for the July moon include Hay Moon and Wort Moon. North American Indigenous names for this moon include Salmon Moon (Tlingit), Berry Moon (Anishinaabe), Month of the Ripe Corn Moon (Cherokee), and Raspberry Moon (Algonquin, Ojibwe).

The West Abenaki also call this the Thunder Moon in reference to the often-stormy summer weather. (This one is my personal favorite and the name appears in lunar calendars just as often as the Buck Moon.)

What Does It Mean For Witches?

The July full moon continues June's template of planning for the future, this time with a focus on your passions and ambitions. Reflect on what you've accomplished so far this year and plan your next step.

Dream big and plan big, but don't give in to reckless urgency. Summer (and capitalist grind culture) gives us the urge to Go Go Go. Despite all this, it's important to take time to rest and recharge, lest we find ourselves burning out and losing our motivation.

What Witchy Things Can We Do?

Celebrate your victories and revel in the abundance of the summer season. If you're inclined to do so, take a page from the deer and do a bit of prancing around a bonfire or your favorite flower arbor with some festive flowery headgear.

Go exploring! Find a local park or garden and take a stroll among the greenery, or use TV and the internet to explore and learn about faraway places. This is another opportune time to go and check out pick-your-own farms and farmers markets as well. Sharpen your foraging and plant identification skills while you're out and about!

If you're tending a garden, harvest some herbs and investigate what you can make with them. Whether it's seasoning for meals, homemade botanical products, or just helpful spell ingredients, many herbs and flowers have a plethora of uses. As an exercise, select three plants growing in your garden, research their magical correspondences and botanical properties, and try to think of as many ways as possible to use each one for witchcraft and for practical purposes.

(Safety Note: Always clean and prepare home-harvested herbs properly before using them for kitchen, bath, or medical preparations. Always consult a doctor before trying an herbal treatment and take all allergies, medications, and pre-existing conditions into account. Please also note that while herbal treatments can be helpful, it can have negative interactions and side effects just like any other medication, and it is not meant to be a replacement for modern medical care.)

Apart from the usual full-moon festivities, I've always found this is an excellent time for weather-witching. Summer weather is notoriously fickle, but it is also highly malleable - one recalls that old American Southern epithet of, "If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes."

If you're hoping to bring some rain to water your garden or break the back of a heat wave, this may be the time to do it. My personal favorite folk magic ritual for rain-calling involves going outside with a broom and a bucket of water, using the broom to scatter drops of water over your yard, and shouting up to the clouds, "SEE? IT'S NOT HARD!"

Make sure you take local weather patterns into account and try to draw on existing fronts and nearby precipitation to get the desired result. And keep in mind that with weather magic, less is more and one casting is enough. Asking for too much or asking too often can produce undesirable results. And if you manage to make it rain, be sure to collect some for moon water!

If you're interested in weather-witching, I highly recommend checking out this masterpost by @stormbornwitch for a number of excellent articles and suggestions.

Happy Buck Moon, witches! 🌕🦌

Further Reading:

Buck Moon: Full Moon in July 2023, The Old Farmer's Almanac

Buck Moon 2023: The Awesome Spiritual Meaning of July's Full Moon, Amanda Brethauer, The Peculiar Brunette

The Hearth Witch's Garden Herbal, Anna Franklin, Llewellyn Publications, 2023.

Everyday Moon Magic: Spells & Rituals for Abundant Living, Dorothy Morrison

(If you're enjoying my content, please feel free to drop a little something in the tip jar or check out my published works on Amazon or in the Willow Wings Witch Shop. 😊)

[smallgodseries]

[image description: A handsome green-eyed man with a well groomed black mustache. He wears classic western togs, A dark violet jacket, a blue vest, a nice green shirt, and a red tie with a pearl-topped stickpen. His head is round, and he's a ripe rich berry color. The background is bright green foliage. Text reads, “19, Gay Lussacia, the small god of HUCKLEBERRIES”]

This isn’t what he expected his life to look like, but he’s not complaining.

Harvest gods are quite literally a dime a dozen, or a dollar for a bushel, and as a god of bilberries, Gay had never aspired to much beyond a place at the farmer’s market, a warm spot of sun, and maybe occasionally being part of the kind of pie that inspired someone to moan his name in between bites of flaky crust and vanilla ice cream.  He was comfortable with his lot in divinity.  He was content. He was never going to be important or essential, but he was going to grow in his own small way, and that would be enough.

That would have to be enough.  Those who reach too far find their boughs broken and their leaves wilted, and he had no desire to lose his growth in such a way.

When European colonists reached North America, they found bushes growing there which fell under Gay’s domain, and called their fruit huckleberries.  Tart and sweet and delicious, they expanded his profile, and filled his pie pans with fresh harvest.  As time passed, he became known more and more by his new name, and less and less by the old.

Well, that was fine.  “Huckleberry” sounded better anyway.  It ran trippingly off the tongue, it tasted sweet against the back of the throat.  And so he was content with what he was and what he had, until the day someone invoked him when what they meant was “I love you.”

It was a sweeter shock than all the sugar in all the pies in all the world.

And it began to happen more and more, people invoking him because they loved, because they wanted, because they needed.  And as this happened enough to be common, his hands spread wide to grant his benedictions, and his blessing.  He is a god of a small and specific love, and he treasures it all the more because it is less common than some other kinds.

Only call upon him, if you need him.  He’ll gladly be your huckleberry.

.........................................................................................

Artist Lee Moyer (The Doom That Came to Atlantic City, Starstruck) and author Seanan McGuire (Middlegame, Every Heart a Doorway) have joined forces to bring you icons and stories of the small deities who manage our modern world, from the God of Social Distancing to the God of Finding a Parking Space.

Join in each week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for a guide to the many tiny divinities:

Tumblr: https://smallgodseries.tumblr.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallgodseries

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallgodseries/

Homepage: http://www.smallgodseries.com/

[swan-of-sunrise]

Taking Care of Business (Chapter Forty-Four)

Summary: Clan Mudhorn enjoys the quiet calm of their homestead on Nevarro, and Din and (Y/N) discuss an important decision for the future of their little family.

Pairing: Din Djarin X Fem!Reader

Word Count: 1.7k

Warnings/Disclaimers: None

A/N: And here we’ve arrived at the end of Season 3 with a short but super-sweet ending! Thank you for reading, I hope you all enjoy!

Chapter Forty-Four The Homestead (Previous Chapter)

Although Din had visited Nevarro more times than any other planet in the galaxy, it wasn’t until the three of them moved into the cabin on the modest tract of land gifted to them by High Magistrate Karga that he realized just how beautiful the planet was. They lived on the very outskirts of town – close enough to hear the comings and goings of freighter and trade ships by the city gates but far enough away to maintain their much-needed privacy – and from his chair on the porch, Din was able to admire their sprawling tract of land; the land was interspersed with several trees and bushes that provided the wildlife with shade, and there was even a little pond by the cabin’s foot path, where Grogu was currently playing with one of the many frogs.

Din took a deep breath, enjoying the feel of the gentle breeze caressing the bare skin of his face and ruffling his hair, and leaned back in his chair as he crossed his legs and propped them up on the porch rail. “Mesh’la…” He smiled when he noticed the child using the Force to levitate the frog, but the familiar gleam in his son’s wide eyes suddenly gave him pause and caused him to call out, “No, Grogu, you’ll spoil your dinner! (Y/N)’s bringing home dinner from the market, remember?” His resolve started to crumble when a dejected Grogu lowered the frog back into the pond and he heaved a relenting sigh. “How about a cookie instead?” Grogu let out a happy coo and leapt through the air, landing on Din’s outstretched legs with a toothy smile on his face; Din chuckled before reaching into his trouser’s pocket and carefully withdrawing one blue cookie from the packet he kept from the mischievous child. “All right, kid, take the cookie.” In the blink of an eye, the cookie flew out of Din’s hand and he snatched it out of the air, taking a big bite of the sweet treat while Din watched with a grin. “Good job, ad’ika! Just don’t tell your mother about this, okay?” Grogu nodded as he enjoyed his cookie, and Din’s smile grew when he heard the hum of a familiar engine in the distance. “Speaking of your mother…”

Leaving Grogu on the porch to finish up his contraband, Din walked around the cabin’s corner and leaned against a stack of cargo crates as he watched the approaching land-speeder. Thanks to (Y/N)’s bartering skills, they obtained a secondhand land-speeder for traveling to and from the city with ease; Din and Grogu spent time tuning up the engine while (Y/N) worked on hand-sewing a commission from Bo-Katan – new flight suits for the dozen Mandalorian survivors and the covert’s foundlings who found themselves going through sudden growth spurts – and in the process, Din learned the hard way that Grogu preferred to play with the tools over learning how to make repairs. They usually kept their land-speeder docked beside the N-1, which was where (Y/N) parked before jumping out and walking up to him with her arms laden with canvas bags. “Hi, sweetheart! Did you have a good day?”

“Mm-hmm, I finally got the kriffing water pump working again and Grogu helped me clean up the garden.” Din leaned down to give her lips a quick peck and took the bags from her. “How was the market, alor’ad?”

“It was great!” They walked into the cabin and when Din set the bags down onto the kitchen counter, (Y/N) began to unpack them as she continued. “I picked up more thread and even found a vendor selling buttons, so I’ll be able to finish Bo-Katan’s order and we can drop it off on Mandalore on our way to meet Captain Teva on Adelphi next week. The port manager told me that Boba’s shipment of sewing equipment from Tatooine is halfway through the Hydian Way, and she told me that we can borrow a port cart to transport the shipment home when it arrives the day after tomorrow. Oh, and the Anzellans said that we can pick R5 up tomorrow; his tune-up went very well, but he’s really looking forward to coming home with us.”

Hearing his wife call their tract of land home sent a feeling of warmth throughout Din’s body and he took a moment to admire her; the light filtering through the kitchen window from planet’s setting sun illuminated her stunning features, and the combination of the happy sparkle in her (Y/E/C) eyes and the beautiful smile gracing her face made him once again thank the Maker for placing her in his path all those cycles ago. “I’m glad that you’ve had such a productive day, but it sounds like you could use a little relaxation. How about we crack open that bottle of Coruscant mead after the kid falls asleep tonight?”

“Mmm, I knew that I married a brilliant man,” The captain replied with a grin, curling her fingers around the collar of his tunic and pulling him down to capture his lips in a passionate kiss. Din hummed in pleasure but just as he placed his hands on her waist and started to deepen their kiss, a cheerful coo sounded throughout the cabin and they separated to see Grogu jump up onto the counter beside them. “Hi, little guy! Did you have a nice day here with your father?” The child gave her an emphatic nod, and Din’s eyes widened as (Y/N) reached over to gently brush several blue crumbs off the collar of his robe. “Ah, I see that someone let you have a cookie before dinner…”

Din quickly rearranged his expression into one of innocence when (Y/N) gave him a pointed glare. “Who, me? Ner cyar’ika alor’ad, that doesn’t sound at all like something I’d do.”

Unconvinced, (Y/N) scooped Grogu up into her arms and pressed a kiss onto his wrinkled head. “Well, since you managed to get yourself messy, little guy, you’ll have to have a bath before dinner…” Grogu grunted in displeasure, having never been too fond of baths, and (Y/N) smiled sweetly up at Din before placing the disgruntled child into his arms. “And you’ll be giving him his bath, sweetheart. Have fun!”

The captain disappeared into their bedroom to change and Din watched her saunter away for a moment before heaving a half-amused, half-exasperated sigh. “Okay, kid, let’s get this over with. And no Force-tricks with the water this time, got it?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Later that evening, after the three of them had eaten their dinner together and they’d put Grogu to bed, Din and (Y/N) found themselves lying on the flat roof of their cabin and drinking Coruscant mead while they watched meteors streaking across the starry night sky high above them.

“You know,” Din’s fingers drummed against his stomach as his eyes followed the flashes of light dancing across the sky. “Mandalorians have a phrase for this.”

With her arms folded to cushion the back of her head, (Y/N) glanced over at him and arched a curious brow. “A word for getting tipsy off of expensive mead and watching a meteor shower?”

“Mir’sheb.” He smiled and shook his head in loving exasperation as his wife giggled. “It’s a phrase that encapsulates the state of peace and rest: Suum ca’nara.”

They both returned their gazes to the night sky and (Y/N) hummed to herself. “Summ ca’nara. It’s a beautiful phrase, sweetheart…but I’m not sure that we’ve achieved it just yet.”

Din’s brow furrowed and he rolled onto his side so that he could see the captain’s face; her expression was nothing but pensive as she stared transfixed up at the meteors and stars above, but there was something lingering in her voice that told him she was deep in thought. “The Mandalorian factions have united as one, Mandalore has been reclaimed from Imperial control, and Moff Gideon is dead. We’re working as independent contractors for the New Republic, our clan has a home to call our own, and you can finally work towards your dream of owning your own seamstress shop. What more could we possibly want?”

“It’s just…” (Y/N) bit her lip and took a deep breath before meeting his eyes. “I was thinking that maybe…well, maybe Grogu would like having a little brother or sister someday. What do you think?”

Din could feel his heart hammering away in his chest as he processed his wife’s words and while she waited for him to reply, he envisioned the remarkable future she presented him with. A baby who resembled both of their parents was peacefully sleeping in a floating pram while (Y/N) worked on a half-finished gown to rival the very best that royal Naboo seamsters could offer, and Din was hard at work training Grogu the Way of the Mandalore outside their modest cabin; Clan Mudhorn would expand from three to four and thanks to their hard efforts, Din and (Y/N) would raise their children in a galaxy that was safer than ever before. It was the sort of future that Din never allowed himself to long for before meeting (Y/N) and even after marrying her, it was one that always seemed impossible for them to achieve. But as he looked down into her (Y/E/C) eyes and saw all the happiness glimmering within them despite living a life filled with sacrifice, hardships and loss – a life so similar to the one he’d lived before crossing paths with the captain and the child – Din realized that as long as (Y/N) and Grogu were by his side, they could achieve the future he’d always dreamed of.

As a smile slowly spread across his face, Din leaned down and gently cradled the hopeful captain’s cheek with a steady hand. “We’re gonna have our hands full, you know.”

“Mm-hmm. Any baby of ours is bound to inherit their father’s bounty hunter’s stubbornness.”

“And they’re certainly gonna be as intelligent as their smuggler mother.”

“A baby that’s a perfect blend of the two of us being raised alongside a Force-wielding Mandalorian apprentice,” (Y/N) mused, a playful gleam in her eyes brought on by their rapport. “Sounds like one hell of an adventure to me.”

Din nodded as his thumb caressed the soft skin of her cheek. “An adventure I’d only ever go on with you by my side, alor’ad.”

Beaming with happiness, (Y/N) flung her arms around his neck as their lips soon met in a kiss filled with burning desire, the pair of them spending the evening locked in a passionate embrace as the stars shone high above and the promise of their suum ca’nara filled the warm night air.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Mando’a Translations:

Ad’ika-Son Alor’ad-Captain Ner cyar’ika alor’ad-My darling captain Mir’sheb-Smart-ass Suum ca’nara-The state of blissful rest and peace

A/N: And there we have it! Once again, I'd like to thank you all for reading, commenting and reblogging of this fic, it means so, so much to me! The adventures of the Mandalorian and the Captain will continue once Season 4 is released but until then, I'll try my best to update with deleted/extended scenes or small blurbs, so stay tuned for that!

Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2KuSKJhVOPPvxdJ9YHeo4M?si=2977ff31bf0c4bdd

Chapter Forty-Five Taking Care of Business Masterlist

Tagging: @remmysbounty​ @sinon36​ @seninjakitey​​ @thatonedindjarinfan​​ @ginger-swag-rapunzel​​ @mostclevermiss​​ @momc95​​ @welcometothepedroverse​​ @sarahjkl82-blog​​ @elinedjarin​​ @ccomandercody​​ @crowleysqueenofhell​​  @goldielocks2004 @wondergal2001​​ @groovyqueer​​ @impala1967666​​ @fluffy-canada-pancakes​​ @icee228​​ @siimiasoi​​ @uncle-eggy​​

[dandelionsresilience]

Good News - April 1-7

Like these weekly compilations? Support me on Ko-fi! Also, if you tip me on here or Ko-fi, at the end of the month I’ll send you a link to all of the articles I found but didn’t use each week - almost double the content! (I’m new to taking tips on here; if it doesn’t show me your username or if you have DM’s turned off, please send me a screenshot of your payment)

1. Three Endangered Asiatic Lion Cubs Born at London Zoo

“The three cubs are a huge boost to the conservation breeding programme for Asiatic lions, which are now found only in the Gir Forest in Gujarat, India.”

2. United Nations Passes Groundbreaking Intersex Rights Resolution

“The United Nations Human Rights Council has passed its first ever resolution affirming the rights of intersex people, signaling growing international resolve to address rights violations experienced by people born with variations in their sex characteristics.”

3. Proposal to delist Roanoke logperch

“Based on a review of the best available science, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has determined that the Roanoke logperch, a large freshwater darter, is no longer at risk of extinction. […] When the Roanoke logperch was listed as endangered in 1989, it was found in only 14 streams. In the years since, Roanoke logperch surveys and habitat restoration have more than doubled the species range, with 31 occupied streams as of 2019.”

4. Fully-Accessible Theme Park Reopens Following Major Expansion

“Following the $6.5 million overhaul, the park now offers [among other “ultra-accessible” attractions] a first-of-its-kind 4-seat zip line that can accommodate riders in wheelchairs as well as those who need extra restraints, respiratory equipment or other special gear.”

5. ‘The Javan tiger still exists’: DNA find may herald an extinct species’ comeback

“A single strand of hair recovered from [a sighting] is a close genetic match to hair from a Javan tiger pelt from 1930 kept at a museum, [a new] study shows. “Through this research, we have determined that the Javan tiger still exists in the wild,” says Wirdateti, a government researcher and lead author of the study.”

6. Treehouse Village: Eco-housing and energy savings

““The entire place is designed and built to meet the passive house standard, which is the most energy-efficient construction standard in the world,” says resident Wayne Groszko, co-owner of one of the units at Treehouse.”

7. 50 rare crocodiles released in Cambodia's tropical Cardamom Mountains

“Cambodian conservationists have released 50 captive-bred juvenile Siamese crocodiles at a remote site in Cambodia as part of an ongoing programme to save the species from extinction.”

8. The Remarkable Growth of the Global Biochar Market: A Beacon of Environmental Progress

“Biochar, a stable carbon form derived from organic materials like agricultural residues and forestry trimmings, is a pivotal solution in the fight against global warming. By capturing carbon in a stable form during biochar production, and with high technology readiness levels, biochar offers accessible and durable carbon dioxide removal.”

9. 'Seismic' changes set for [grouse shooting] industry as new Scottish law aims to tackle raptor persecution

“Conservation scientists and campaigners believe that birds such as golden eagles and hen harriers are being killed to prevent them from preying on red grouse, the main target species of the shooting industry. […] Under the Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill, the Scottish grouse industry will be regulated for the first time in its history.”

10. White House Awards $20 Billion to Nation’s First ‘Green Bank’ Network

“At least 70 percent of the funds will go to disadvantaged communities, the administration said, while 20 percent will go to rural communities and more than 5 percent will go to tribal communities. […] The White House said that the new initiative will generate about $150 billion in clean energy and climate investments[…].”

March 22-28 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[beardedmrbean]

GERB unveiled its management program, with party leader Boyko Borisov expressing readiness to negotiate with any party that acknowledges GERB's agenda after the June 9 elections. During the event, Borissov emphasized that the political crisis should be resolved with a comprehensive management mandate and a prominent political leader heading the cabinet.

Raya Nazaryan, the deputy chairperson of the GERB parliamentary group, described Borissov as the "brightest political figure," implying his candidacy for prime minister. This message is a key component of GERB's pre-election campaign, alongside the need to end "unsuccessful experiments," as stated by Tomislav Donchev. He reiterated that the leading political force would establish a government.

The management program highlights four factors for effective governance:

Ending the political crisis with a full management mandate

Establishing a government with political accountability

Ensuring reconciliation, stability, and consistent effort

Providing authentic leadership capable of making sound decisions

GERB's program focuses on six main areas: education and labor market, healthcare, modernization and digitalization, industrialization and infrastructure, security and defense, and legal reform.

Former Education Minister Krasimir Valchev declared education as the main priority, emphasizing the need for a long-term commitment. Key proposals include promoting dual education, funding student internships, and increasing student classes in businesses. Valchev stressed the importance of long-term parliaments to implement these reforms.

Other educational priorities include raising salaries for teachers and university professors above the national average, expanding nursery and kindergarten places, and renovating educational facilities.

In healthcare, GERB plans to establish a National Center for screening and preventing significant diseases, create a new National Program for transplants, and introduce telemedicine, mobile medical teams, and mobile pharmacies.

With a full four-year mandate, GERB promises full membership in Schengen, the Eurozone, and the OECD, GDP growth to 120 billion euros, and income growth to 75-80% of the European average. They propose a new Public-Private Partnership Law, 15 industrial parks, and easier land expropriation processes.

In digitization, GERB advocates for a digital identity law to replace electronic signatures, improved e-ticket sales services, and using artificial intelligence to address traffic congestion.

GERB also aims to introduce the concept of "water poverty," support for those in need, improve water quality, and encourage investments in renewable energy installations.

In legal reform, GERB pledges to continue anti-corruption efforts, adopt a new Penal Code, and introduce more restrictions for young drivers.

At the end of the program presentation, Boyko Borissov noted that the plans would remain unimplemented without clear governance partners. Although he didn't specify potential partners, DPS chairman Delyan Peevski later discouraged Borissov from planning to govern with "We Continue the Change," accusing them of financial misconduct.

Borissov criticized his former partners from "We Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria," accusing them of seeking new elections in the fall. He called for post-election unity among parties to advance the country's development, warning against continued political fragmentation.

[tradedmiami]

SALE IMAGE: Ronald Simkins, Alan Leon, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, David Kreps & Michael Simkins DATE: 01/15/2024 ADDRESS: 2800 Northwest 39th Avenue MARKET: Miami ASSET TYPE: Industrial ~ ACRES: 11.5 BUYER: Mayor Daniella Levine Cava - The Miami-Dade County Aviation Department SELLER: Michael & Ronald Simkins BROKERS: Alan Leon (@Noelnala) - Keller Williams (@KellerWilliamsRealty); David Kreps (@DaveKreps) SALE PRICE: $45,000,000 SF: 198,500 ~ PPSF: $227 NOTE: Miami-Dade County Aviation Department has purchased a Park 'N Fly and car rental facility near Miami International Airport for $45 million. The acquisition, made for potential future airport growth, includes leasing part of the property to Budget Rent a Car while retaining Park 'N Fly under a five-year agreement with management fees and revenue sharing. #Miami #RealEstate #tradedmia #MIA #Industrial #AlanLeon #KellerWilliams #DavidKreps #MichaelSimkins #RonaldSimkins #MayorDaniellaLevineCava #TheMiamiDadeCountyAviationDepartment

[mariacallous]

Bank of Japan scraps radical policy, makes first rate hike in 17 years

TOKYO, March 19 (Reuters) - The Bank of Japan (BOJ) ended eight years of negative interest rates and other remnants of its unorthodox policy on Tuesday, making a historic shift away from its focus on reflating growth with decades of massive monetary stimulus.

While the move was Japan's first interest rate hike in 17 years, it still keeps rates stuck around zero as a fragile economic recovery forces the central bank to go slow on further rises in borrowing costs, analysts say.

The shift makes Japan the last central bank to exit negative rates, and ends an era in which policymakers around the world sought to prop up growth through cheap money and unconventional monetary tools.

"We reverted to a normal monetary policy targeting short-term interest rates, as with other central banks," BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda said at a press conference after the decision.

"If trend inflation heightens a bit more, that may lead to an increase in short-term rates," Ueda said, without elaborating on the likely pace and timing of further rate hikes.

In a widely expected decision, the BOJ ditched a policy put in place since 2016 by former Governor Haruhiko Kuroda that applied a 0.1% charge on some excess reserves financial institutions parked with the central bank.

The BOJ set the overnight call rate as its new policy rate and decided to guide it in a range of 0-0.1% partly by paying 0.1% interest to deposits at the central bank.

"The BOJ today took its first, tentative step towards policy normalisation," said Frederic Neumann, chief Asia economist at HSBC in Hong Kong.

"The elimination of negative interest rates in particular signals the BOJ's confidence that Japan has emerged from the grip of deflation."

The central bank also abandoned yield curve control (YCC), a policy in place since 2016 that capped long-term interest rates around zero, and discontinued purchases of risky assets.

But the BOJ said it will keep buying "broadly the same amount" of government bonds as before and ramp up purchases in case yields rise rapidly, underscoring its focus on preventing any damaging spike in borrowing costs.

In a sign future rate hikes will be moderate, the BOJ also said it expects "accommodative financial conditions to be maintained for the time being."

Japanese shares rose after the decision. The yen fell below 150 per dollar, as investors took the BOJ's dovish guidance as a sign the interest rate differential between Japan and the United States likely will not narrow much.

'A NORMAL COUNTRY'

With inflation exceeding the BOJ's 2% target for well over a year, many market players had projected an end to negative interest rates either in March or April.

Expectations for a shift this week heightened significantly after unions' annual wage talks with major firms delivered the biggest pay hikes in 33 years.

The end of the Kuroda era stimulus now swings the focus for markets, analysts and the wider public to when the BOJ will raise rates further.

Already on Tuesday, commercial banks flagged plans to raise some of their deposit rates for the first time since 2007. Nomura and BNP Paribas both expect the BOJ to hike rates again before the end of the year.

"Essentially we're a normal country," said Bart Wakabayashi, State Street Tokyo Branch Manager.

"How does this impact households locally and their spending power? I think that's going to be the next big discussion and with an eye to that I don't think the BOJ can do anything beyond what they've announced."

Under Kuroda, the BOJ deployed a huge asset-buying programme in 2013, originally aimed at firing up inflation to a 2% target within roughly two years.

The central bank introduced negative rates and YCC in 2016 as tepid inflation forced it to tweak its stimulus programme to a more sustainable one.

As the yen's sharp falls pushed up the cost of imports and heightened public criticism over the demerits of Japan's ultra-low interest rates, however, the BOJ last year tweaked YCC to relax its grip on long-term rates.

There are still risks. A spike in bond yields would boost the cost of funding Japan's huge public debt which, at twice the size of its economy, is the largest among advanced economies.

An end to cheap funds could also jolt global financial markets as Japanese investors, who amassed overseas investments in search of yields, shift money back to their home country.

Even as it rolled back stimulus, the BOJ downgraded its assessment on the economy and warned of consumption weakness.

Ueda said inflation expectations have yet to be anchored at 2%, which means the BOJ can raise rates at a slower pace than other central banks did in recent years.

"If our price forecast clearly overshoots or, even if our median forecast is unchanged, we see a clear increase in upside risk to the price outlook, that will lead to a policy change," Ueda said on the likely threshold for further rate increases.

[jordanianroyals]

27 April 2023: Queen Rania visited the Jordanian offices of Flat6Labs on Wednesday, where she spoke with a number of local entrepreneurs and startup owners about the opportunities and challenges faced by their growing businesses.

Upon her arrival at Flat6Labs’ offices at the King Hussein Business Park, Queen Rania joined General Manager Rasha Manna, Founder Hany Al Sonbaty, and other members of the firm’s management team for a conversation on its operations, services, and plans for the future.

A regional startup accelerator and seed fund management firm, Flat6Labs works directly with promising entrepreneurs as a corporate partner, helping them expand their companies and target markets across the Middle East and North Africa, Sonbaty explained.

Since it was first established in Cairo in 2011, the firm has expanded to six more locations, and plans to enter additional emerging markets in the future. (Source: Petra)

According to Manna, the firm’s Amman chapter, launched in 2021, provides early stage funding and support services to promising Jordanian businesses, with a particular focus on technology and innovation. During its first five years, Flat6Labs Jordan aims to invest in more than 90 early-stage startups in technology-driven fields such as education, healthcare, gaming, electronics, renewable energy, manufacturing, agriculture, and finance.

Manna also briefed Her Majesty on Flat6Labs’ training and support programs, which provide non-financial services to help accelerate startups’ growth. The firm connects participating entrepreneurs with a network of hundreds of business mentors, investors, and corporates, facilitating business and learning opportunities to promote their advancement.

During her visit, the Queen met with a number of entrepreneurs and startup owners who have previously benefited from Flat6Labs programs to hear about their experiences as business owners in the kingdom. She also sat in on a training session attended by the firm’s current cohort of entrepreneurs.

In addition to its Cairo and Amman chapters, Flat6Labs operates in Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, Beirut, Tunis, and Bahrain. Managing a number of seed funds valued at 85 million USD, the firm has supported more than 370 startups and 1,000 entrepreneurs across the region to date.

Flat6Labs is supported by more than 25 institutional investors across the Middle East, allowing it to provide startups with funding ranging from 50,000 USD to 500,000 USD to support them through the early stages of their businesses.

[suncity-industrial-park]

Suncity Industrial Park: Driving India Towards Prosperity

The development of India into an economic powerhouse on a worldwide scale is largely attributable to the country's proliferation of industrial parks. Among these, Suncity Industrial Park stands out as a major factor that contributes to India's rising standard of living. This industrial park is in a prime location and features infrastructure on par with the best in the world, making it an ideal setting for the development of successful firms. In this article, we will delve into the essential features and benefits of Suncity Industrial Park, highlighting its crucial role in advancing India's economic development and attracting investments. Choose the strategic location of the Industrial area near Ahmedabad for your industry and take the next step towards success!

Specifically, we will focus on the role that Suncity Industrial Park plays in this process.

Strategic Location:

The Suncity Industrial Park is situated in an ideal location, making it an ideal entry point for companies that are looking to establish a significant presence in India. The park provides seamless connectivity through well-developed road, rail, and air networks. It is located in close proximity to major transportation hubs and vital cities. This strategic advantage allows for the efficient delivery of goods and raw materials, which in turn reduces the obstacles and costs associated with logistical operations. In addition, the proximity of the park to consumer markets gives firms an advantage over their rivals by lowering the amount of time it takes to distribute their products and bring them to market.

State-of-the-Art Infrastructure:

Suncity Industrial Park is home to cutting-edge facilities that have been built specifically to meet the various requirements of contemporary businesses. The park features industrial facilities that are at the bleeding edge of technology, expansive warehouse areas, and research and development centres that are outfitted with the most recent cutting-edge technology. These facilities have been painstakingly built to improve operational efficiency, productivity, and quality. As a result, firms are able to accomplish higher levels of output and are more competitive. In addition, the park offers a dependable source of power, technologically advanced waste management systems, and stringent security measures, all of which contribute to the creation of an atmosphere that is safe and beneficial to the growth of businesses. Unlock the potential of the thriving Industrial area in Gujarat. Establish your business and get pinned at the nearest proximity to DMIC Corridor, Vadodara.

Supportive Business Ecosystem:

Suncity Industrial Park is aware of the value of a hospitable environment in promoting the growth of enterprises and takes steps to maintain such an environment. The park provides a variety of services and amenities for the purpose of assisting businesses in their objectives for growth and expansion. This includes having access to a trained and talented workforce, training programmes, and aid in acquiring relevant permissions and licences. Moreover, this involves having access to a qualified and talented workforce. In addition, the park makes it easier for enterprises to collaborate and network with one another, which in turn encourages innovation, the exchange of knowledge, and the formation of partnerships that are mutually beneficial. In addition to further strengthening the support ecosystem, the presence of financial institutions, legal services, and business advisors within the park provides comprehensive solutions for enterprises that are operating within the industrial park.

Embracing Sustainability:

Suncity Industrial Park is dedicated to ecological preservation and responsible growth. To reduce its impact on the environment and highlight green causes, the park uses sustainable methods and cutting-edge technology. To lessen the need for traditional energy and cut down on emissions of greenhouse gases, renewable energy sources like solar power are being utilised. The park has effective waste management systems and water conservation methods to reduce its negative influence on the environment. Suncity Industrial Park also promotes a culture of responsible and ethical business practices by providing its tenants with awareness campaigns and incentives to implement green policies and procedures. The park's commitment to sustainability helps it achieve its goals and attracts companies that share India's commitment to environmental protection. Don't miss out on the Industrial plots for sale near Halol at Suncity Industrial Park. Seize the opportunity and invest in your business growth today.

Economic Growth and Job Creation:

The importance of Suncity Industrial Park to India's economic development is beyond dispute. The park invites investments and boosts economic activity by providing a welcoming setting for enterprises to flourish. The park's manufacturing facilities and research centres will have a multiplicative effect, resulting in both high- and low-skilled employment opportunities. This boosts the economy in the area and also improves the quality of life in the neighbouring neighbourhoods. The park's emphasis on innovation and technology developments also supports growth across a variety of sectors, encouraging enterprise and developing the country of India's human resource potential.

Final Thoughts:

Suncity Industrial Park is a symbol of India's march towards economic success. Because of its convenient location, cutting-edge infrastructure, thriving business ecosystem, and dedication to sustainability, it is a top choice for companies wishing to take advantage of India's rapid economic development. Suncity Industrial Park is crucial in propelling India's economy forward and establishing the country as a global economic powerhouse because it fosters innovation, investment, and employment opportunities. As companies within the park achieve success, they boost India's economy as a whole and cement India's status as a top investment destination. Capitalize on the opportunities of tapping into the potential of the strategic Industrial area near Vadodara - Suncity Industrial Park.

[rashigr]

Best Property in Joka Kolkata: Unleashing Potential

Kolkata, the cultural capital of India, is a city steeped in history, art, and a vibrant spirit. As the city continues to grow and expand, new areas are emerging as promising hubs for real estate investments. Among these, Joka in Kolkata has captured the attention of property in Joka Kolkata enthusiasts and investors, offering a multitude of opportunities and untapped potential. Located in the southwestern part of the city, Joka stands at the threshold of transformation, poised to become a thriving real estate destination.

With its strategic location, excellent connectivity, and ongoing infrastructure development, Joka has all the ingredients necessary for a flourishing market of property in Joka Kolkata. The area enjoys proximity to key neighborhoods like Behala, Alipore, and New Alipore, making it well-connected to the rest of Kolkata through major roads and upcoming metro lines. This accessibility not only ensures convenience in daily commuting but also provides easy access to essential amenities, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and entertainment zones.

One of the standout features of Joka is its status as an educational hub, boasting prestigious institutions, and esteemed engineering and management colleges. This concentration of educational institutions not only attracts students but also creates a demand for rental properties, making Joka an excellent investment opportunity.

Moreover, Joka offers a range of affordable housing options, making it an attractive destination for first-time homebuyers and investors alike. With a mix of apartments, villas, and plots, the area caters to diverse budget ranges and preferences, ensuring that there is something for everyone.

Some Interesting features of the best property in Joka Kolkata

1. Strategic Location: Situated in the southwestern part of Kolkata, Joka enjoys proximity to key areas such as Behala, Alipore, and New Alipore. It is well-connected to the rest of the city through major roads, including the Diamond Harbour Road and the upcoming Joka-BBD Bagh flat near joka metro line. The area's accessibility makes it convenient for daily commuting and provides easy access to essential amenities, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and entertainment zones.

2. Educational Hub: Joka is renowned for being an educational hub, housing prestigious institutions, and several renowned engineering and management colleges. The presence of these esteemed institutions not only attracts students but also creates a demand for rental flats in Joka, making it an excellent investment opportunity.

3. Affordable Housing Options: Compared to other prime locations in Kolkata, Joka offers relatively affordable housing options. The area features a mix of apartments, villas, and plots, catering to various budget ranges. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or an investor looking for long-term capital appreciation, Joka provides a range of options that suit diverse requirements.

4. Future Growth Potential: Joka's real estate market is poised for significant growth in the coming years. The area's proximity to the upcoming Joka-Airport Metro line proposed IT hubs and commercial developments indicates a promising future. As more infrastructure projects materialize and economic activities flourish, property in Joka Kolkata prices are likely to appreciate, ensuring attractive returns on investments.

5. Green Spaces and Serene Environment: Joka offers a peaceful and green environment, away from the bustling cityscape. The area is surrounded by lush greenery, with parks and open spaces providing a refreshing escape from the urban chaos. The presence of serene surroundings adds value to residential properties in Kolkata, providing a serene and healthy lifestyle for residents.

6. Upcoming Commercial and Retail Developments: Joka is witnessing the emergence of commercial and retail developments, making it an ideal location for businesses and entrepreneurs. The growing presence of shopping complexes, office spaces, and commercial hubs creates opportunities for entrepreneurs to establish their ventures and cater to the needs of the expanding residential population.

7. Cultural and Artistic Significance: Kolkata is known for its rich cultural heritage, and Joka is no exception. The area is home to the Alipore Mint and the famed Sabarna Roy Choudhury family's ancestral estate, known as the "Sabarna Sangrahashala." This cultural significance enhances the overall appeal of Joka, attracting individuals who appreciate history and arts.

8. Well-Planned Residential Complexes: Real estate developers in Joka are focused on creating well-planned residential complexes that offer modern amenities and a comfortable living experience. These complexes often include facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, community halls, landscaped gardens, and 24/7 security, providing a convenient and luxurious lifestyle for residents.

9. Growth in Rental Demand: Joka's proximity to educational institutions and employment hubs has led to a growing demand for rental properties. Investors have the opportunity to earn a steady rental income by investing in 1, 2, and 3 BHK flats in Joka. The demand from students, working professionals, and young families seeking affordable housing options ensure a consistent rental market.

10. Infrastructure Development: Joka has witnessed substantial infrastructure development in recent years, attracting attention from real estate developers and investors. The area boasts well-planned residential complexes, modern commercial spaces, and upcoming shopping malls. The expansion of the Joka-BBD Bagh Metro line and the proposed flat near joka metro line will further enhance connectivity, making Joka a preferred choice for homebuyers and investors alike.

Conclusion:

With its strategic location, infrastructure development, affordability, educational institutions, and future growth potential, Joka, Kolkata offers an enticing landscape for investment for property in Joka Kolkata. The area's green surroundings, upcoming commercial developments, cultural significance, and well-planned residential complexes make it an attractive destination for individuals and families looking for a thriving community to call home.

Whether you are an investor seeking returns or a homebuyer searching for a comfortable and affordable lifestyle, Joka has the potential to exceed your expectations. Embrace the possibilities and explore the real estate opportunities that await you in Joka, Kolkata!

[aman-acan-andacityplan]

One unfortunate effect of the sprawl paradigm on Cleveland is that while population growth in Cuyahoga County has effectively been stagnant since 1948, the urban footprint has expanded significantly. This means that new development is subject to the forces of obsolescence much more quickly than if there were modest amounts of incoming residents that could sustain new commercial corridors and activity nodes. This might explain why the greater Cleveland area seems to have a rather large abundance of dead mall properties. Aside from the two I visited downtown (The Galleria at Erieview and Tower City Center) there was also the massive Randall Park Mall in the village of North Randall, as well as the infamous Rolling Acres Mall and the newly defunct Chapel Hill Mall, both located in the nearby city of Akron.

The decline of the Galleria is understandable, due to its less than ideal location and limited retail offerings, but Tower City Center has the most desirable address in downtown Cleveland. To enter the retail complex one has to go through the Terminal Tower, the opulent 1920′s landmark, which effectively functions as one of Cleveland’s most important architectural features. The terminal tower also fronts Cleveland’s main square and is the hub for all local bus and interurban rail service in Cleveland. Even in its moribund state, the Tower City Center presents an interesting blend of modern retail design and 1920′s opulence. Glass openings above you provide for interesting views of the beautiful Terminal Tower and the large opening on the back side offers nice views out to the Ohio City neighborhood on the other side of the river. The property also boasts a casino and luxury hotel, so with all that going for it why is it dying? 

The shutdown landed a mortal blow to the mall’s viability, as the various synergistic activities (sports, transit, gambling) that brought sustained traffic were put out of commission and proved to be too much for the ailing retail property to handle. I suppose one could also lay blame on the property managers or the city for lack of adequate oversight and long-term planning for the property’s future, but the unfortunate truth is that few cities have been able to sustain large, indoor retail ventures. San Diego, Baltimore and Minneapolis are just a few cities I can name offhand that have seen significant reversals in their urban retail market.

The mall property is slated for redevelopment, but a slick rebranding can only accomplish so much. Urban malls are dying off quickly and even the newer, urban entertainment centers built in the aughts are openly struggling. Some of the more successful instances of urban retail seem to be in repurposed warehouse districts or in simple urban arcades like the 5th Street Arcade found in Cleveland. By now the lesson should be clear: single-owner, mall-style retail ventures, whether they are indoor or outdoor, will FAIL in a large urban setting and it is in a city’s best interest not to pursue them. The traditional urban retail paradigm of a few main street storefronts, punctuated by maybe a small, arcade-style, retail complex are the proven strategies for fostering an urban retail environment.       

[blowhorn39]

2023 Wrapped: Here Are Top 10 Logistics Trends That Defined The Year

2023 has been a year of new beginnings for the Indian logistics industry. It is the year logistics companies bounced back from the post-pandemic slump and set out to recover from their losses. The year also witnessed a steady growth in eCommerce, with the spotlight on quick commerce and last mile logistics. The later part of 2023 saw the government extending generous support to digital commerce and logistics, through initiatives like Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and National Logistics Policy (NLP).

Looking back, we can confidently assert that 2023 has been a good year for India’s logistics sector. From the increased focus on supply chain sustainability to extensive experimentation with drone deliveries, here are the top trends that defined logistics this year.

1. Greener transportation and supply chain

The amount of greenhouse gases generated by India’s transportation sector has nearly tripled since the 1990s, accounting for over 14% of our total energy emissions. The problem is quite severe if we take into account the massive carbon footprint left by India’s booming supply chain.

In 2022, there was a rise in awareness around cleaner and greener logistics practices, with a nudge on electrifying India’s cargo transportation. Logistics and transportation startups unveiled their fleet of electric (EV) and clean energy vehicles. At Blowhorn, we converted 30% of our fleet to clean fuels and took the pledge of running 100% of our fleet on clean energy by 2025.

In addition, other green practices like solar-powered warehousing, eco-friendly packaging and paperless invoicing were also adopted widely.

2. Third party logistics

The concept of third-party logistics (3PL) took off in India only a few years back. In 2022, India’s 3PL market reached a staggering $58.4 Bn in valuation, with a projected annual growth of 7.42%.By 2027, the market is estimated to reach more than $83.53 Bn.

The 3PL market is primarily driven by manufacturing, FMCG, retail and eCommerce sectors — all of which experienced commendable growth this year. Keeping in mind the needs of the modern Indian entrepreneur, 3PL service providers are also improving their operational speed with the incorporation of technology.

In the coming days, development of infrastructures like logistics parks, dedicated freight corridors, free trade warehousing zones, and container freight stations are expected to improve the efficiency of the Indian 3PL market.

3. Higher investment in technology

With higher investment technology seeping into eCommerce, retail, education, hospitality, finance, and all other sectors, why should logistics be left behind? With increasing market demand for superfast delivery, Indian logistics startups invested more on modern technology to boost their operations.

Experts believe that India is headed towards a technological revolution in logistics. Tech like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT) are optimally benefitting the supply chain in terms of seamless management, improved route planning, warehouse automation, digital payments and much more.

At Blowhorn, we are already speeding up our deliveries with AI-powered route optimization software. Our automated warehouse management system helps in seamless handling of stored inventory and order dispatch, while we offer a real-time tracking system for all our orders. We have also adopted novel technologies like geo-fencing to reduce the menace of fake delivery attempts.

4. LaaS (Logistics as a Service)

We are well-acquainted with Software as a Service (SaaS) companies. This year saw the emergence of companies following a similar model in fulfillment, offering Logistics as a Service (LaaS). Ideally, this presents a plug and play model for your business’s logistics needs, which you can avail via a simple integration with your 3PL partner.

Blowhorn has set the ball rolling for LaaS in India, offering end-to-end logistics solutions with warehousing, transportation and hyperlocal delivery.

5. Greater supply chain transparency

With rising consumer concerns, logistics stakeholders worked towards improving supply chain visibility and transparency in 2023. Companies are striving to become more transparent with regards to the sustainability of their supply chains. Globally, 2023 saw more companies offering insights on their labor practices, job creation, sourcing methods and compliance with regulatory requirements — in a bid to enhance their brand image among the conscious modern consumer.

6. Blockchain in last mile logistics

While AI is helping to improve speed and efficiency, blockchain has been deemed as a viable solution for more transparency and visibility in last mile logistics. In India and abroad, companies have started incorporating blockchain to optimize the last mile deliveries. The technology has found best use in high value inventory tracking, secure invoicing and payments, fraud detection, improved supply chain transparency, dispute resolution and creating a fair freight marketplace.

With the launch of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) by the Indian government, there is hope that we will witness further adoption of blockchain in the digital commerce and logistics space. In fact, ONDC itself is a blockchain-based protocol which aims to create a fair and transparent marketplace for small and medium-sized businesses across India. With Blowhorn being one of the early participants of ONDC, we too are waiting and watching the best use case for blockchain in our fulfillment services in the near future to help our customers.

7. Micro-fulfillment > Traditional Warehousing

2022 saw a rise in demand for same day delivery, which is quite difficult to fulfill if your inventory is stocked in a warehouse far away from the customer's location. The longer the delivery distance, the more the delivery time — a simple thumb rule to keep in mind.

This is why top in 2023 opted for micro ecommerce-fulfillment centers or micro-warehouses. The concept of micro-warehousing follows a just-in-time inventory management approach, with goods never staying here for more than a day. The limited inventory is stocked in a network of collocated storehouses at high-demand pincodes. Not only does the process help in reducing a brand’s capital spend on inventory, but it also improves efficiency and decreases resource wastage.

Much before the pandemic, we launched India’s first micro-warehouses or micro-fulfillment centers as an experiment in 2018. Now we maintain an expansive network of micro-warehouses across 28 cities of India. Read this article to find out why more eCommerce startups are choosing micro-fulfillment in 2023-24.

8. Automation in shipping

When it comes to automation in shipping, the process works on a predefined pathway involving packaging, warehousing, material handling and security. In India, the adoption of automation in logistics and shipping has been steadily increasing since the pandemic.

In 2023, 3PL fulfillment companies like Blowhorn incorporated automated solutions to boost efficiency by** reducing overhead costs** and time, streamlining the supply chain and minimizing the chances of manual errors.

9. Extensive focus on hyperlocal logistics

2023 saw a high growth in the hyperlocal space with the emergence of newer players in the quick commerce sector. Meanwhile, eCommerce giants and existing logistics players focused more on faster deliveries to not miss out on their customer needs.

Improved internet penetration led to the growth of fast fulfillment in suburbs and rural belts, thus creating a need for hyperlocal elements like dark stores, micro-ecommerce fulfillment centers along with local delivery jobs.

At Blowhorn, we have developed a platform-agnostic technology to be able to integrate with a wide range of businesses ranging from D2C, marketplaces and omni channel players. Our hyperlocal strategy is defined by AI-based dynamic route planning, real-time order clubbing, automated warehousing, blockchain and even drone deliveries. We are aiming to build a sustainable hyperlocal delivery system to tackle small profit margins, high overhead costs and ever-evolving consumer expectations.

10. Experimentation with Drone Deliveries

Delivery by drones is not new. The idea has been widely explored by logistics providers across India but is yet to be adopted at scale. The idea of mapping a three-dimensional delivery route via drones holds immense potential and has excited the Indian government authorities as well. Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Union Minister for Civil Aviation, has stated the administration’s objective to turn India into a major drone hub by 2030.

Leading logistics players like Blowhorn and others are already chalking out the blueprint to make drone delivery an everyday reality. Gartner predicts that by 2026, more than one million drones will be carrying out retail deliveries, up from 20,000 today. Last year, the Indian government also released the draft of The Drone Rules, 2021, aiming to liberalize drone delivery while fulfilling the safety regulations. Autonomous last-mile delivery via these mini flying machines will significantly determine the growth trajectory of Indian logistics in the upcoming future.

[impactfulpitch]

Top 10 Challenges Faced by Startup Founders in India

Starting a business has its own challenges, but it can also be like living your dream every day. In 2020, more than 800,000 brilliant ideas began their path as startups or small enterprises in the United States.

So, do all of these startups succeed?

No. Obviously not. In fact, the majority of them might not get through the first year. As fascinating and attractive as the concept of a startup may be, there are many difficulties to overcome. Your business idea is put to the test at each crucial decision-making stage. Ask any successful startup and they would describe their success tale, studded with challenges.

So, What does it take to go from having a great concept to building a brand worth a billion dollars? Just the determination to overcome challenges. Then, what are the difficulties? Read this article to learn about the difficulties startups faces in their initial phase.

Financial Resources

Starting up a business requires capital, but for entrepreneurs who are new to this industry becomes difficult to acquire it. There are various funding sources available such as family members, friends, loans, grants, angel investors, venture capitalists, crowdfunding, etc. The aim to expand the business demands active cash flow from time to time and as the business starts to grow, the need to have capital rises rapidly. In order to have a successful startup, one must have a command of effective cash management. According to a recent survey, 85% of new companies are apparently underfunded, which indicates a possible failure.  

2. Revenue Generation

One of the main reasons behind the failure of many startups is insufficient revenue generation. The focus on the core mission and vision gets diluted as the company grows and expenses rise alongside declining revenues. This leads companies to focus more on fundraising. As a result, producing revenue is crucial, demanding good burn rate management, which is just the pace at which businesses spend money initially. The process of developing and keeping growth is more challenging than finding enough funding.

3. Team Members

It is a crucial step which decides that whether your startup will reach the IPO stage. One must hire a team that understands your vision and mission in order to help you in your startup expansion. One should start by recruiting a team of reliable individuals with complementary skill sets. Having a team of people, where everyone is specialized in their area of work is a bonus for a startup. But not having a strong team can be one of the reasons for startup failure.

4. Strong Support System

In the lifecycle of startups, there are multiple support mechanisms that play an important role in startup success such as incubators, science and technology parks, business development centers, and many more. When these support systems are not available, there are high chances of startup failure.

5.Increasing Market Awareness

We often neglect the market barriers or sometimes unintentionally forget to take a detailed look at the market limitations. This becomes the major cause of startup failure. When you are trying out a new product, the environment for a startup becomes more challenging than for a well-established company. 

6. To Match Customers’ Expectations

Another major challenge is to understand the market’s need for the product, current trends, demand for the product, etc….In order to satisfy the customers’ expectations, one needs to come up with new changes in their product offerings and that demands innovation. If you want to stand up differently from your rivals, you need to be well-versed in your sector. As new technologies are coming continuously, it has become very important to create something that surpasses the previous innovation.  

7. The Founders' Tenacity

Startup founders need to be strong when times are difficult. Setting up a business is difficult, especially during the initial phase. The beginning process is filled with delays, setbacks, and issues that can’t be resolved. In order to pursue their goals, entrepreneurs must be tenacious and should be ready to cope with upcoming situations.

8. Rules and Regulations

One has to go under several government approvals in order to start their own business. Registering an office is difficult, even if you see noticeable improvement during the approval process. India has strict regulations governing labour laws, intellectual property rights, dispute settlement, etc.

9. Lack of Mentorship

Having appropriate guidance during the initial phase of your startup is a must. One of the main issues in the Indian startup environment is a lack of appropriate guidance and mentoring. There are many entrepreneurs out having the best ideas/concept, but the main reason that most startups fail is the lack of mentorship, lack of proper guidance, and lack of market, commercial, or industry knowledge to get their products to customers. It is a well-known fact that a great concept only works when it is immediately put into action. The largest challenge that could put a potentially good idea to rest is a lack of sufficient mentoring or coaching.

10. An Inadequate Branding Strategy

Another problem that prevents startups from thriving more quickly is the lack of an effective branding strategy. According to Hemant Arora, Business Head-Branded Content at Times Network, branding is extremely important since it provides a product with an identity and takes up space in customers' minds.

Conclusion:

The startup industry has numerous difficulties ranging from finances to human resources and from launch to tenaciously sustaining the expansion. As a country with a huge population, there are numerous opportunities open for startups selling goods and services ranging from food, retail, and hygiene to solar and IT applications for everyday problems that could be provided at reasonable pricing. It is appropriate to point out that some of these firms might turn into unicorns and establish themselves as household names if they extend into other emerging and underdeveloped nations.