Modernization of 10% of the 13 million kiranas in India could boost retail consumption by more than 5% and generate 3.2 million new jobs in the country, according to a latest report from Accenture and Trust For Retailers and Retail Associates of India (TRRAIN).

“The rapid changes in consumer behavior and acceleration of online commerce, mandate that the Indian retail ecosystem transform to meet emerging consumer needs,” said Piyush N Singh, India market unit lead.

“As the lifeline of the Indian retail sector, a digital led transformation of Kirana stores can result in significant economic gains, including nearly 1% employment growth in India. The transformation process needs to be expedited with comprehensive policy intervention, technology support, and, most importantly, collaboration between key ecosystem players,” he said.

Sameer Amte, managing director in Accenture’s Strategy & Consulting business in India, said the modernization of Kirana stores will not only help improve consumption and local employment but will also have a positive impact on the retail ecosystem in terms of new growth opportunities.

“We believe with an improved, intelligent supply chain infrastructure, easier access to technology and funds, these stores can redefine the future of the Indian retail landscape,” he said.

Amongst the modernization initiatives, the focus areas should be location assessment of the store, funding assessment whereby the rent should not be more than 3% of sales or one-fifth of the gross profit, store layout which influences the customer’s perception of the store, technology, product placement practices and customer engagement.

TRRAIN founder B.S. Nagesh said kirana stores play a crucial role in the Indian retail sector, which in turn contributes nearly 11% of the nation’s gross domestic product and 8% of its total workforce. “Kirana transformation will not only help store owners improve profitability but also add value to the customers and overall ecosystem,” he said.

UP Board has released the list of exam centres for high school or class 10 and intermediate or class 12 annual board exams 2021. As per the provisional exam centre list released by the UP Board, the 2021 UP Board exams will be held at 8497 examination centres located across the state.

The board has directed all the district school inspectors to submit objections, if any, related to the exam centres by February 18, 2021. After the review of the objections, the Board will release a final list on February 22.

Keeping the Covid-19 safety guidelines in mind, the UP Board has increased the exam centres by 10 per cent compared to the previous year. Last year, the UP state board exams were conducted at 7783 centres whereas this year, the number of exam centres has been increased to 8497.

BENGALURU: One more person has been arrested for his alleged role in Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) first-division assistant question paper leak case.

According to police officials, the arrested person has been identified as Basavraj, who was working in the accounts section of KPSC.

“Basavraj is the roommate of Ramesh. He is involved in the case and also got the question paper,” an official told on Wednesday.

Earlier on January 26, the police arrested two KPSC employees — stenographer Sana Bedi from Belgaum district, and Ramesh Herakal from Bagalkot district who worked as a second-division assistant.

“Sana Bedi had access to the question papers and she leaked it to Ramesh, who further gave to accused Chandru and others,” police said.

KPSC had postponed the first-division assistant examination, which was scheduled to be held on January 24 after six people were arrested and question paper was seized from their possession.

Earlier, Sandeep Patil, Joint Commissioner of Police, (Crime) Bengaluru said that 14 people have been arrested and Rs 35 lakhs in cash have been seized from the possession of the accused.

“Total 14 people arrested so far, Rs 35 lakhs in cash seized,” said Sandeep Patil, Joint Commissioner (Crime) Police, Bengaluru, on Sunday.