MAM
India remains optimistic in April 2024 amid global pessimism: Ipsos What Worries the World global monthly survey
Mumbai: About three in four urban Indians (73 per cent) believe India is moving in the right direction in April 2024. Though there has been a four per cent dip over the previous month. The good news is, India continues to rank among the top three most optimistic markets and largely driven by global south, with the markets in the pecking order including Singapore (77 per cent), Indonesia (75 per cent), India (73 per cent), Thailand (64 per cent) and Argentina (62 per cent). In sharp contrast, only 38 per cent of global citizens said their country is on right track, with the markets at the bottom of the heap led by Peru (13 per cent), Hungary (17 per cent), France (20 per cent) and South Africa (20 per cent).
Ipsos’ What Worries the World survey tracks public opinion on the most important social and political issues across 29 countries, covering 25,302 adults, apart from the direction of travel, of how confident citizens are about their country and its future.
What worries Indians?
The top issues worrying urban Indians included inflation (41 per cent), unemployment (37 per cent), education (25 per cent), crime and violence (23 per cent) and financial and political corruption (21 per cent). While most global citizens were worried about inflation (34 per cent), poverty and social inequality (30 per cent), crime and violence (30 per cent), unemployment (27 per cent) and financial and political corruption (26 per cent).
Interestingly, 19 per cent urban Indians claimed to be worried about taxes.
Elucidating on the findings of the Ipsos Global Advisor What Worries the World global monthly survey, Ipsos India CEO Amit Adarkar said, “There is stability in the country and the nation is being steered responsibly, by surmounting global and local challenges – whether showing resilience to global challenges arising out of war in Ukraine and Israel, or combating rising cost of living, fuel prices, law and order and corruption, government has taken concrete steps to address some of these issues. With the election season in India in April and May, there will be a status quo on decision making by the incumbent government to address some of the issues impacting the citizens. Though the issues notwithstanding, unlike high level of pessimism rampant across global markets and the frustration and angst seen, three fourths of Indians polled are positive about how we are doing as a country. Though redressal of these issues can further elevate the mood of the masses and improve the quality of living. Month on month, Ipsos captures this pertinent information about 29 markets (including India) from their citizens, which provides local governments views of citizens and their top concerns.”
MAM
Ameya Velankar steps down as Uber’s head of marketing for India & South Asia
Veteran marketer exits after more than seven years with the ride-hailing giant.
MUMBAI: After more than seven years of steering Uber through the bumpy roads of India’s mobility market, Ameya Velankar has decided to change lanes. Ameya Velankar has stepped down as Head of Marketing for India and South Asia, marking the end of a significant chapter at the ride-hailing company. He had been with Uber since 2019, taking on multiple roles in product and category marketing before rising to lead the marketing function for the region in 2021.
During his tenure, Velankar played a key role in strengthening Uber’s positioning in one of its most competitive and dynamic markets. He helped drive localised marketing strategies and scale adoption across key offerings such as Auto, Moto, Rentals and Intercity, tailoring global platforms to Indian consumer needs.
Prior to joining Uber, Velankar built his marketing expertise at leading consumer companies including SC Johnson and Marico, where he handled category and product leadership roles. His career began at RPG Enterprises.
Details of his next professional move have not been disclosed.
In a fast-evolving mobility landscape where brands constantly battle for attention, Ameya Velankar helped Uber stay relevant and resonant with millions of Indian users. As he moves on from the driver’s seat of marketing, the company will now look for fresh ideas to keep its wheels turning smoothly.
