UniBlurb #17

Good morning! and welcome to the seventeenth edition of UniBlurb - Your Weekly Dose of Management. Today, we will be going over:

#Higher Mobile Tariffs
#Homecoming of Indian Startups
#Adani once again the richest in Asia
#Internships, Competitions & Events

MONDAY MOTIVATION

OUR TWO CENTS
Airtel’s Bold Leap: Balancing Affordability and Viability in the Telecom Landscape

In the bustling telecom sector, Airtel has been a beacon of innovation, yet it faces the same challenge that plagues the industry: a low return on capital. Sunil Bharti Mittal, Airtel's chairman, candidly expressed this concern at the Mobile World Congress. Despite a robust balance sheet, the telecom business's return on capital remains disappointingly low, necessitating a strategic tariff hike mid-year.

Airtel's decision to increase tariffs is a reflection of the broader economic landscape where costs are climbing, yet telecom prices have remained stagnant. The hike is modest compared to everyday expenses, and it's a step towards rectifying the disproportionate value customers receive – vast data at minimal costs. It's a balancing act between affordability and the company's viability, ensuring Airtel continues to thrive without compromising service.

The tariff adjustment is also a strategic push towards an ambitious ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) goal. Airtel's recent price adjustments have already borne fruit, with ARPU climbing to ₹193 in the December quarter. The target is a sustainable ₹300 ARPU, a necessary leap for the industry's health. It's a bold stride, but one that promises to fortify Airtel's position in the digital race, ensuring it remains a key player in India's telecom narrative.

OUR TWO CENTS
The Strategic Homecoming of Indian Startups for IPOs and Regulatory Compliance

In the bustling streets of Mumbai, a remarkable trend is emerging among Indian startups. They're coming home. It's a reverse flip, a journey back to Indian shores, driven by the allure of robust stock market valuations and the desire to sidestep regulatory hurdles. Companies like PhonePe and Groww have led the charge, with others like Razorpay and Meesho not far behind.

The exodus to foreign lands was once fueled by the promise of easier access to capital and the comfort of tax incentives. Startups sought to nest in places like Singapore and the US, where contract enforcement and exit strategies were more investor-friendly. The pursuit of affluent customers in the West, who equate geographical origins with quality, also played its part.

Now, the tide has turned. India's regulatory landscape has evolved, making it imperative for companies targeting the Indian consumer to be within arm's reach. The IT rules and data localization norms are reshaping the business environment, compelling these digital ventures to anchor themselves in Indian waters. It's a strategic homecoming, one that secures intellectual property and taps into the vast potential of the Indian market.

OUR TWO CENTS
Adani Surpasses Ambani: The New Apex of Asia’s Wealth

Gautam Adani's ascent to become Asia's richest individual is a testament to the dynamism of the entrepreneurial spirit. With a net worth of $111 billion, he has edged out Mukesh Ambani, who stands at $109 billion. This isn't just about numbers; it's a narrative of relentless ambition and strategic acumen. Adani's journey mirrors the ethos of seizing opportunities and scaling new heights in the corporate world.

The Adani Group, under Gautam's leadership, has expanded its footprint across critical sectors, contributing significantly to India's infrastructure and energy landscape. This diversification and expansion have been pivotal in his rise to the top. It's not merely a financial triumph but a milestone that underscores the potential of India's business landscape on the global stage.

INDUSTRY CONNECT
Internship opportunities

1. Unacademy (Growth Consultant Intern)
   
   As an intern, you will be responsible for generating leads and promoting Unacademy's UPSC courses to prospective students. You will drive course sales through effective communication and marketing strategies, and form and maintain partnerships with student groups and communities to facilitate broader engagement.
   Apply Here!

2. Cloud Counselage Pvt. Ltd. (Business Analyst Intern)
   
   Cloud Counselage Pvt. Ltd. are looking for Interns, with an interest in Business Analysis, who can collect and analyze data, identify trends and areas for improvement, and propose solutions to business problems.
   Apply Here!

3. Mondelēz International (Finance Intern)
   
   At Mondelēz International you will be encouraged to step outside your comfort zone– you may even surprise yourself! Will ensure you are given the support you need to be at your best and enable you to be yourself and bring passion and personality. Here you can lean in and speak up and bring your own flavour.
   Apply Here!

EVENTS ON THE RISE
Best events and competitions in the upcoming week

1. AceTheCase : The Ultimate Case Competition Mastery Program’24 (Qareer)
   
   Case studies are a cornerstone of every B-Schooler’s journey. They don’t just hone your structured thinking and problem-solving abilities—they open doors to PPIs from top-tier companies, offer huge cash rewards of up to 10 Lakhs per competition, and put you in the spotlight on campus!
   Register Here!

2. Decision Science Track - The American Express Campus Challenge 2024 (American Express)
   
   The Decision Science Track of The American Express Campus Challenge 2024 will enable the students to apply decision science and predictive modelling skills, learn on the way from the data, try out new ideas to produce the most accurate prediction model for matches.
   Register Here!

3. Business Brilliance: Illuminating the Entrepreneurial Journey: Season 3.0 (PGGC Chandigarh)
   
   Get ready to participate in "Business Brilliance: Illuminating the Entrepreneurial Journey Season 3.0" - a competition where creativity meets impact. In this exciting competition, you unleash your ingenuity and address real-world challenges with groundbreaking solutions.
   Register Here!