Category Archives: News

Onix Identifies Breakthrough Trends Defining AI, Data, and Cloud in 2025 and Beyond

Pune, India – January 08, 2024 – Onix, a global leader in data, cloud, and AI solutions powered by IP-powered technologies and innovation, today shared comprehensive trends shaping the future of technology in 2025. These insights reveal the convergence of technologies as a driving force behind industry innovation and digital transformation.

AI: From Potential to Practicality
In 2025, AI will evolve into a practical tool for addressing complex challenges. The focus will shift from generalized applications to highly specialized, industry-specific use cases powered by Generative AI and multimodal capabilities. These advancements will empower sectors like healthcare, finance, and supply chain management with tailored solutions.

Simultaneously, augmented intelligence, where humans and AI collaborate to enhance decision-making, will redefine how businesses operate. By automating routine tasks and delivering actionable insights, AI will enable professionals to focus on creativity and innovation.

“AI is no longer just a possibility—it’s an imperative for solving real-world problems. 2025 will be about integrating AI into practical, secure, and transparent implementations across industries,” said Niraj Kumar, CTO of Onix.

The Trifecta Powerhouse

The integration of data, generative AI, and search will emerge as a transformative force in 2025, redefining how businesses unlock value from their data and deliver impactful solutions. Generative AI, data, and search will combine forces and evolve as a disruptive technology for the businesses. This trifecta will enable businesses to make smarter decisions, hyper-personalization, precise customer targeting, and faster discovery of new opportunities. This trifecta will complement the developing technologies like Enterprise Search.

Data: Ready to be Productized
Data will solidify its role as a strategic asset, fueling AI advancements and enabling businesses to compete effectively. In 2025, organizations will increasingly treat data as a product, prioritizing data augmentation and synthetic data technologies to address scarcity and privacy concerns. This approach will empower enterprises to monetize and democratize their data assets, unlocking new growth opportunities.

With real-time analytics and context-aware systems, businesses in the near future will anticipate trends and drive decision-making with greater accuracy.

Cloud: The Backbone of Transformation
Businesses that have not yet moved to the cloud will fast-forward their planning and ramp to the cloud platform in 2025. Organizations will prefer cloud-native platforms that have AI readily available or hybrid cloud solutions that offer a balance between flexibility and security. Advanced AI services from cloud providers will simplify the deployment of intelligent solutions, ensuring that even late adopters can integrate cutting-edge technologies seamlessly.

Localized processing through small language models and edge computing will enhance security while enabling businesses to extract valuable AI-driven insights without compromising sensitive data.

Building Trust in Technology
As AI and cloud technologies become more pervasive, ensuring transparency, security, and fairness will be critical. The rise of explainable AI and advancements in cybersecurity will help address concerns, fostering trust and enabling responsible innovation.

Looking Ahead
Onix envisions a future where the trifecta of AI, data, and cloud technologies converge to create transformative solutions that enhance productivity and creativity. By prioritizing practical applications and trust in technology, 2025 promises to be a year of meaningful progress for industries worldwide.

What Design Can Do announces dynamic line-up at its first South Asia festival in Delhi on March 08, 2025

New Delhi — January 08, 2025

What Design Can Do (WDCD) will host its first-ever event in South Asia with WDCD Live Delhi 2025. On March 08, 2025, a dynamic crowd of designers, innovators and changemakers will gather at the vibrant cultural complex of India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. At the heart of the one-day festival is a packed programme of talks, exhibitions and workshops that address urgent issues in South Asia today, using creativity and design.

In partnership with Unbox Cultural Futures, Quicksand, and The Design Village, WDCD Live Delhi 2025 will explore innovative and regenerative solutions for a better world, and empower those who dare to build it.

Join us on 8 March 2025 for WDCD Live Delhi 2025!
For more information and to register, visit What Design Can Do, Delhi

Leading the conversation is a line-up of creative forces, from foundation heads, industry leads, design innovators, to social design practitioners — working across policy, material innovation, community engagement etc: Deepali Khanna, Head of The Rockefeller Foundation’s Asia Regional Office (IN) and a leading voice for climate action in the region; Somnath Ray, innovator, serial entrepreneur & CEO of CLIP (US); the visionary, Shashank Mani, Member of Parliament & Founder of Jagriti Yatra (IN); the innovative architect and founder of Ant Studio, Monish Siripurapu (IN); Kailash Nadh CTO of Zerodha and Founder of Rainmatter Foundation— a philanthropic initiative that works on climate change projects (IN); fashion designer, trend forecaster and waste textile artist, Femke van Gemert (NL); and Depanshu Gola and Abhimanyu Singhal from Breathe Easy (IND) to combat air pollution.

Joining the dynamic line-up are also Emma Van Der Leest, Bio Designer and Researcher (NL) who creates crossovers with craft, scientific research and new production techniques and Thomas Rau, Architect (NL), known for his innovative ideas including Light as a Service, Material as a Service, the Material Passport and the Turnaround Terminal; and more to be announced soon.

A CALL FOR URGENCY AND OPTIMISM

With each passing year, it becomes clearer that all of humanity’s most pressing problems are deeply interconnected. Fortunately, the same holds true for the best of our solutions.

“This is a must-attend event for anyone passionate about using design as a tool for good, and we are confident our program will provide the knowledge and inspiration needed to drive real-world change”, explains WDCD co-founder and creative director Richard van der Laken.

“What Design Can Do Delhi 2025 will be a powerful convergence of minds—designers, activists, funders, and policymakers—uniting to confront climate challenges with creative solutions that center people’s lived experiences of climate change. We are proud to bring this conversation to South Asia and to rally for designers & creative change-makers to have a seat at the table”, said Ayush Chauhan, Co-Founder — Unbox Cultural Futures.

“This festival is an opportunity to put our heads together, to discover fresh co-operations and foster existing ones, reinforcing design’s role for social impact”, said Mridu Sahai Patnaik, Co-Founder, The Design Village.

To explore the full range of creatives’ capabilities, the festival will dive into some of the greatest ecological and social issues of our time, as well as the threads that connect them:

Circular Planet: Rethinking design, production, and consumption through nature-inspired cycles.

The Power of Community: Radical collaboration across sectors to deliver impactful solutions.

Rethinking Technology: Exploring emerging technologies for social and environmental change.

A DAY DESIGNED FOR IMPACT

In a nutshell, here are the main components of WDCD Live Delhi 2025:

● A main stage programme featuring illuminating talks by thought-leaders in the creative industries.

● A parallel programme that invites visitors to dive deeper; featuring exhibitions, panel discussions, project showcases, immersive experiences and workshops & labs, on themes like circularity, radical community solutions and technology.

● The chance to collaborate and grow your own impact in a range of interactive workshops, breakout sessions and networking sessions.

● An after hours for visitors to raise a glass together and close the festivities in style, curated by Eyemyth Festival bringing Audio Visual experiences by D-fuse, a UK based art collective and performances.

Bank of Baroda: Analysis of FY25 GDP Numbers

By- Jahnavi Prabhakar, Economist

NSO has estimated that Indian economy is expected to clock a growth of 6.4% in FY25 growth compared with a growth of 8.2% in FY24. GVA growth is also estimated lower at 6.4% (previously 7.2%). Softer growth is expected across the industry sector in FY25 with manufacturing and mining sector to grow at 5.3% and 2.9% in FY25, much slower than last year. The agriculture sector is expected to record robust growth supported by recovery in rural demand and improvement in rabi sowing. Given the ongoing geopolitical conflict and threats of tariff war, the global headwinds signal weakness in global economy. On the other hand, India’s economy is expected to perform much better in H2FY25. The attention will now shift towards Union Budget and corporate performance for Q3 and Q4. For FY26, we expect the nominal GDP growth at 10.5% and real GDP growth at 6.8%.

 1 st Advance Estimate of FY25 GDP
GDP growth for FY25 has been estimated at 6.4% against an increase of 8.2% in FY24 on a YoY basis. This moderation is led by expectation of slower pace of growth in investment demand at 6.4% against a growth of 9% in FY24. Moreover, contraction in import (-1.3% versus 10.9% in FY24) growth is likely given the weakness in global economy. However, on the bright side both private and government consumption is expected to register strong growth of 7.3% (4% in FY24) and 4.1% (2.5% in FY24) respectively in FY25. Furthermore, in a positive surprise, the export growth is likely to register a strong growth of 5.9% against a growth of 2.6% in FY24.

 GVA to moderate
GVA growth is expected to moderate to 6.4% in FY25 compared with a growth of 7.2% in FY24. This was lowerthan our expectation of 6.6%. Tepid growth across manufacturing (5.3% from 9.9% in FY24), mining (2.9% against 7.1% in FY24) and electricity sector (6.8% from 7.5% in FY24) is expected in FY25 and the same has been reflected by YTD estimates of industrial production data. Growth in construction sector is expected to moderate down to 8.6% from 9.9% growth registered in FY24.

 Within services, trade, transport and hotel industry is likely to grow at a slower pace at 5.8% against a growth of 6.4% in FY24 reflecting slower demand in tourism and hospitality industry. Financial services sector is also expected to record marginally slower growth of 7.3% in FY25 (8.4% in FY24). On the other hand, in line with expectation of a steady pickup in government spending in H2, higher growth is expected for public admin at 9.1% (7.8% in FY24). Even agriculture growth is expected to register robust growth at 3.8% in FY25 (1.4% in FY24) supported by higher rabi sowing.

 Outlook for FY25
A range of economic and strategic risk prevails post the imposition of the tariff polices by the incoming US President Mr Trump. This could be far reaching impact on global trade, with any retaliatory measures pushing towards the possibility of a tariff war. This remains as a global risk and will adversely impact the global economies. Indian economy remains resilient on the back of the strong festive demand and steady improvement in economic activity. The same has already been reflected by some of the high frequency indicators witnessing an uptick in Q3, these include air passenger traffic, services PMI and a jump in GST collections. Additionally, higher rabi sowing bodes well for agriculture growth.

However, some downside risk to these estimations emerge due to global headwinds, especially the threat of tariff war. Investment and Consumption continues to remain critical factors supporting the growth in the coming months. Focus would also move towards the Union Budget, corporate performance in Q3 and Q4 and RBI’s rate decision, we expect the rate cut action in the next meeting scheduled in Feb’25. For FY26, we expect the nominal GDP at 10.5% and real GDP at 6.8%.

Birlasoft Joins UK Government’s G-Cloud 14 Framework to Drive Public Sector digital transformation

Noida, Pune (India), and London (UK), January 08, 2025: Birlasoft Ltd, part of the USD 3 billion diversified C.K. Birla Group, has been officially recognised as a supplier on the UK Government’s G-Cloud 14 Procurement Framework. This achievement reinforces Birlasoft’s commitment to advancing digital transformation and innovation within the public sector.

As an approved supplier under Lot 3 Cloud Support, Birlasoft will offer a wide range of cloud support and testing services tailored to meet the unique needs of public sector organisations. These services encompass our cloud migration, modernisation frameworks, security, assurance services (CloudOps), and financial operations (FinOps). Additionally, Birlasoft’s specialised offerings, such as advanced testing solutions including test consulting, automation, and quality engineering, along with enterprise systems and next-generation digital testing, will further bolster its capabilities.

Commenting on this milestone, Mr. Manju Kygonahally, CEO – Rest of the World Region, Birlasoft said, “Joining the G-Cloud 14 framework is a significant achievement for Birlasoft as we expand our presence in the public sector and align with the UK Government’s vision for digital transformation. At Birlasoft, we recognise the unique challenges that government organisations face on their path to modernisation and innovation. Our selection for the G-Cloud 14 framework gives us the opportunity to provide secure, scalable, and high-quality cloud solutions to help address these challenges. We are looking forward to demonstrating our capabilities to UK public sector organisations.”

The G-Cloud 14 Procurement Framework, overseen by the Crown Commercial Service (CCS), facilitates access to cloud-based computing services for public sector organisations. The framework simplifies procurement processes, providing a transparent and scalable platform for hosting, software, and support solutions. By including trusted suppliers, it ensures that public sector entities can leverage the latest cloud technology and innovation.

Birlasoft’s inclusion in the G-Cloud 14 framework aligns with its strategic objective of promoting digital transformation within the public sector. By providing secure and efficient cloud capabilities, Birlasoft aims to improve accessibility, streamline operations, and support the modernization of government services.

Bangaloreans Stunned as Fashionable M-Now Delivery Riders Take Over the City

Bengaluru, January 07, 2025: The city was recently taken by surprise as Myntra’s M-Now delivery riders, dressed in the latest fashion trends, zoomed through the city’s streets. This unique on-ground activation, launched to celebrate the launch of M-Now, caught the attention of fashion enthusiasts leaving social media abuzz.

This unexpected and eye-catching sight had Bangaloreans sharing videos and photos across social media platforms, expressing their admiration for the innovative approach. Filled with excitement over the concept, with numerous users expressing admiration for the campaign’s innovative approach. One user posted: “Why does my Myntra delivery guy have better rizz than me  I need to know M-Now” – Srishti Pandey

The campaign, aimed at highlighting the speed and style of M-Now, featured delivery riders sporting the latest fashion trends.

Myntra’s M-Now service—currently covering Bengaluru—is setting a new benchmark in fashion shopping by offering deliveries starting 30 minutes across a wide collection of 10k styles, across fashion, beauty, accessories and home. The one-of-its-kind expedited delivery feature is slated to be scaled to over 1 lakh styles in the next 3-4 months.

Myntra plans to expand M-Now to other major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, and more in the near future. This initiative by Myntra bridges the gap between shopping and the instant gratification of getting the delivery.

Acies Wins ET Now Best Brands Award 2024 – Celebrating Innovation and Excellence in Technology-Led Transformations

Acies is proud to announce that it has been recognized as one of ET Now’s Best Brands for 2024, a prestigious honor that highlights the firm’s dedication to delivering innovative, technology-driven solutions and transforming businesses worldwide.

The ET Now Best Brands Conclave is an annual event that recognizes brands excelling in innovation, resilience, and customer connection. The 7th Edition of the Conclave, held on December 19, 2024, at Mumbai’s iconic ITC Maratha, brought together industry leaders to celebrate brands that are setting new standards in their fields.

Acies received this recognition for its exceptional approach to driving business growth and transformation. By combining high-performance no-code enterprise applications with impactful advisory services, Acies empowers institutions to achieve measurable outcomes and adapt to the rapidly evolving business environment.

 “This recognition is a testament to the vision we have at Acies—to enable businesses to stay ahead by leveraging the power of technology. It represents our commitment to delivering solutions that are not only innovative but also create lasting value for our clients and partners. We are honored to be acknowledged as a leader in democratizing technology and successfully delivering technology-led transformations, and this motivates us to keep raising the bar.” said Muzammil Patel, Chief Executive Officer of Acies.

 “This award reflects the hard work and dedication of our team in helping businesses achieve meaningful transformation…” said Arindam Banerjee, Head of Business Development at Acies. “By blending advanced technology with deep functional expertise, we deliver solutions that create real impact and help organizations overcome complex challenges.”

 Abhinava Bajpai, Head of Acies TechWorks, added, “Being named ET Now’s Best Brand for 2024 is an incredible achievement for us. It highlights the value of our no-code enterprise applications in providing flexible and scalable solutions that help institutions succeed in today’s dynamic market.”

This milestone is a reflection of the trust and support of our clients and partners. At Acies, we believe in working together to deliver meaningful results, and this recognition is a celebration of the strength of our collaborations.

Acies remains committed to empowering businesses with innovative solutions that address their unique challenges. By continuing to expand the capabilities of our no-code platforms and adopting cutting-edge technologies, Acies aims to set new benchmarks and enable sustainable growth for our clients.

Pre-Budget Insights from Experts

Mr. Pankaj Panjwani, CEO and Founder, KeenSemi

As we approach the Union Budget 2025, the semiconductor and technology sectors stand at a critical juncture. To propel India towards becoming a global semiconductor hub, it is essential for the budget to introduce comprehensive measures that strengthen the entire value chain—from design and R&D to manufacturing and talent development.

India’s National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) requires additional impetus, including increased funding for the homegrown development of high-performance computing semiconductor chip architecture, design, and ecosystem. In 2015, ₹4,500 crore was allocated to NSM for seven years. This year’s budget is expected to allocate over ₹5,000 crore for the next five years to drive HPC and GPU development in India.

Schemes such as the Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) must be made more attractive by integrating larger imperatives for startups and companies developing designs tailored to indigenous needs and customers.

Enhanced incentives for domestic chip production, along with robust support for advanced research in AI, IoT, microcontrollers, and high-performance computing, will be crucial for achieving this vision.

Investments in digital infrastructure, particularly in the expansion of 5G networks and the establishment of robust data centers, are vital to meet the growing demand for connected devices and services. Additionally, fostering industry-academia collaborations can help bridge the skills gap and ensure a workforce proficient in cutting-edge technologies.

We remain optimistic that the forthcoming budget will establish a strong foundation for sustainable growth, innovation, and self-reliance in India’s semiconductor and technology landscape.

Mr. Srinivas Rao Ravuri, Chief Investment Officer, Bajaj Allianz Life

“Amidst a mixed global and domestic economic environment, India’s financial markets displayed resilience in 2024. While the large cap Nifty 50 index delivered a modest ~9% return during the year, mid and small cap indices delivered ~24% return for the second successive year. Inflation so far this year averaged at ~5%, staying above the RBI’s 4% target, which led the central bank to hold policy rates steady while easing liquidity through a reduction in the cash reserve ratio.

GDP growth for FY24-25 is projected at 6.6%, slightly moderating as inflationary pressures impacted consumption and economic expansion. The consumption sector faced headwinds, with subdued demand growth, while corporate earnings in reflected muted growth amid challenging conditions.

Globally, with inflation moderating in the U.S., the Federal Reserve started cutting rates, providing relief to financial markets and improving sentiment. However, domestic headwinds, including a slowdown in consumption and tepid earnings growth, highlighted vulnerabilities in India’s recovery. Despite these challenges, strong government spending and robust economic fundamentals continue to position India as one of the fastest growing economies, offering long-term potential for wealth creation.”

Gopal Jain, Managing Partner & CO-Founder, Gaja Capital & Co-Chair of Regulatory Affairs Committee, IVCA

“At the pre-Budget consultation with Hon’ble Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, we emphasized the need to build on the positive policy momentum from the previous Union Budget to further strengthen the Indian alternate capital ecosystem. Additionally, unlocking pools of domestic capital remains critical.

By implementing these measures and modernizing regulatory frameworks, India can pave the way for a robust and globally competitive alternative investment landscape. We remain optimistic about the government’s continued support in the upcoming Union Budget.”

Mr. Pankaj Panjwani, CEO and Founder, KeenSemi

As we approach the Union Budget 2025, the semiconductor and technology sectors stand at a critical juncture. To propel India towards becoming a global semiconductor hub, it is essential for the budget to introduce comprehensive measures that strengthen the entire value chain—from design and R&D to manufacturing and talent development.

India’s National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) requires additional impetus, including increased funding for the homegrown development of high-performance computing semiconductor chip architecture, design, and ecosystem. In 2015, ₹4,500 crore was allocated to NSM for seven years. This year’s budget is expected to allocate over ₹5,000 crore for the next five years to drive HPC and GPU development in India.

Schemes such as the Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) must be made more attractive by integrating larger imperatives for startups and companies developing designs tailored to indigenous needs and customers.

Enhanced incentives for domestic chip production, along with robust support for advanced research in AI, IoT, microcontrollers, and high-performance computing, will be crucial for achieving this vision.

Investments in digital infrastructure, particularly in the expansion of 5G networks and the establishment of robust data centers, are vital to meet the growing demand for connected devices and services. Additionally, fostering industry-academia collaborations can help bridge the skills gap and ensure a workforce proficient in cutting-edge technologies.

We remain optimistic that the forthcoming budget will establish a strong foundation for sustainable growth, innovation, and self-reliance in India’s semiconductor and technology landscape.

Simranjeet Singh, Director, CYK Hospitalities

“The upcoming Union Budget 2025 is quite expected to have reforms for innovation. For start-ups and food and beverage (F&B) sectors, there is also great hope for simplified taxation, namely GST rate cuts on small eateries and essentials-those will ease financial stress. A very strong push has been made towards subsidies on packaging that preserve the environment so that food becomes scarce, aligning it to the perceptions of global sustainability. Increased budgetary support to food processing facilities might as well drive off multiple rural jobs and boost exports. Start-ups are also demanding continued tax exemptions and the removal of angel taxes so as to attract more funding. Investments into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities will benefit from policy environments that promote digital ecosystems to stimulate innovation, especially in agri-tech, health-tech and green-tech.”

Nidhi Singh, Co-Founder, Samosa Singh

“Being a F&B brand dedicated to prioritizing quality and innovation, we look forward to the Union Budget 2025 reforms that may vicariously fuel the growth of startups pertaining to the former. Swiftly approved policies that would potentially simplify taxation, and promote sustainable business practices can act as promoters for escalating startups like ours. F&B sector being in the focus, stimuli for local sourcing, reduced taxes on essential supplies, facilitated support for cold-chain infrastructure, can result in significantly impacting operational efficiency and product quality in the constructive manner. We hope that implementation of this budget would make provisions for a far more resilient and thriving startup ecosystem, and be the breath of prerequisite fresh air.”

Vikesh Shah, Founder, 99 Pancakes

“At 99 Pancakes, we are committed to redefining the QSR dining experience & we are hopeful about the Union Budget 2025 to address key grown enablers for our F&B Industry. This sector has been brawling with inflating operational & input costs. With a reduction in GST on dining services along with a tax alleviation on sustainability packaging could be of crucial assistance.

Scalability & Market Expansion could be the necessary impact driven from adopting advanced kitchen technologies leading to operational efficiency.

Such robust measures accredit brands like ours to continue striving towards innovation, amplifying customer experience & contributing to our country’s economic momentum.”

MP Ahammed, Chairman, Malabar Group

”The demand for jewellery has strengthened after the gold import duty cut in the Union Budget 2024. Therefore, in the first full budget of NDA 3.0, the jewellery industry expects policy continuity to boost consumer demand for jewellery, thus generating more employment and playing a pivotal role in the economic growth. To boost demand for precious jewellery, the budget needs to propose tax relief measures to boost disposable income and consumption. Some strategic measures to control inflation impact on consumption are also welcome.

In addition, the budget needs to propose measures to make the gold monetisation scheme more attractive to the people. This way, more idle household gold will be mobilised, resulting in reduced gold import bill and decreased current account deficit. The government may propose measures to revise the existing gold monetisation scheme to facilitate participation of recognized and reputed retail jewellers. The budget should also announce measures to curb unaccounted business in the retail jewellery sector.

The budget should also continue with the capital expenditure on infrastructure development so that the organised jewellery retail segment can further enhance its market penetration and discover new demand centres.”

Radhika Koolwal, Co-Founder (Urban Space)

“As we approach the Union Budget 2025, the home decor industry is optimistic about measures that can bolster growth and innovation in the sector. We hope for policies that incentivize domestic manufacturing, such as subsidies on raw materials and machinery, along with tax breaks for MSMEs and startups. A reduction in GST rates on home furnishings and decor items would be a significant step toward making quality products more accessible to the growing middle class.

Additionally, we expect initiatives that encourage sustainable practices, such as tax benefits for brands adopting eco-friendly production processes and using sustainable materials. Expanding financial support for digital infrastructure and e-commerce platforms will further empower businesses like Urban Space to enhance customer experiences and reach underserved markets.

Investments in infrastructure, urban housing development, and affordable housing schemes will also be instrumental in spurring demand for home decor. Moreover, we look forward to enhanced export incentives, which can help Indian brands compete globally and showcase our designs on the international stage.”

Pushpamitra Das, Founder & Director, JUSTO

According to Pushpamitra Das, Founder & Director, JUSTO, India’s real estate sector plays a crucial role in driving economic growth, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. As the 2025 Union Budget approaches, the industry and stakeholders anticipate measures that could drive growth, address challenges, and ensure sustainability.

 · Enhanced affordable housing focus through increased PMAY allocation and tax incentives
· Infrastructure status for real estate sector to enable easier financing
· Potential GST rationalization for under-construction properties for commercial and residential segment
· Higher tax deductions on home loan interest
· Provide tax benefits to Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) to encourage retail and institutional participation, boosting commercial real estate.
· Reforms in land acquisition policies and single-window clearance system
· Increased focus on rental housing through tax benefits for both owners and tenants and co living assets
· Extension of SEZ benefits to boost commercial real estate
· Green building incentives through additional tax benefits

 A balanced and forward-looking budget can unlock the sector’s true potential while aligning it with the nation’s broader economic goals.

Mr. Umesh Revankar, Executive Vice Chairman, Shriram Finance Limited

“We anticipate that the upcoming Union Budget will prioritize infrastructure spending, which will significantly benefit our lending segments, particularly small businesses, contractors, and transporters. This focus on infrastructure is expected to lead to a surge in demand for steel, cement, and other materials, further driving demand in vehicle finance and other sectors reliant on bulk materials. This will not only boost economic activity but also create substantial employment opportunities, especially in semi-urban and rural areas. We foresee new vehicle sales growth in Q4 to be in double digits year-on-year, as we expect government spending on infrastructure to be much higher than previous quarters.”

Trontek to Showcase Pioneering Solutions at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025

7th January 2025, New Delhi- Trontek, a distinguished leader in battery technology, is set to participate in the highly anticipated second edition of the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, scheduled to be held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, from January 19 to January 21, 2025. This esteemed event will convene key stakeholders, innovators, and leaders from the automotive and mobility sectors, dedicated to advancing sustainable solutions through cutting-edge technologies.

On this significant occasion, Trontek will unveil its latest range of advanced power backup systems and state-of-the-art battery solutions. These innovative offerings are meticulously designed to address the dynamic requirements of residential and industrial applications, with a pronounced emphasis on ensuring uninterrupted power supply and enhancing operational efficiency. The launch exemplifies Trontek’s unwavering commitment to leading the industry in the domain of sustainable and reliable energy solutions.

Commenting on the forthcoming launch, Mr. Samrath Singh Kochar, Founder and CEO of Trontek, remarked:

 “Trontek remains steadfast in its mission to revolutionize India’s energy ecosystem through transformative battery innovations. The Bharat Mobility Global Expo provides an unparalleled platform to highlight how technological advancements can empower households, businesses, and industries to achieve superior energy efficiency. Our upcoming product launches embody our dedication to delivering reliable, sustainable, and user-centric solutions that align with India’s renewable energy aspirations. We are honored to participate in this prestigious forum and look forward to fostering meaningful collaborations to propel a greener, more efficient future.”

Since its establishment in 2014, Trontek has been at the forefront of pioneering lithium-ion battery solutions, including applications for two-wheelers, solar energy systems, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The company’s innovative contributions have played a pivotal role in advancing India’s transition toward renewable energy sources.

The Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 is poised to serve as a premier platform for innovation, dialogue, and collaboration, attracting global attention to advancements in sustainability and next-generation technologies in the automotive and energy sectors.

Samsung Expands ‘AI for All’ Vision at CES 2025 To Bring AI Everyday, Everywhere

LAS VEGAS – Jan. 7, 2025 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today unveiled its new “AI for All” vision at CES® 2025, with the focus of making AI an “Everyday, Everywhere” experience. Building on a decade of connected home leadership, Samsung is leveraging the power of AI to bring intelligence to every day, enabling people to experience a more personal, impactful and empowering world.

Jong-Hee (JH) Han, Vice Chairman, CEO and Head of Samsung’s Device eXperience (DX) Division, opened Samsung’s CES 2025 press conference by introducing the company’s roadmap for Home AI, a plan for redefining the meaning of home by providing truly personalized services across all intelligent, connected devices. This strategy, alongside Samsung’s innovations in AI-powered devices across mobile, home appliances and visual display, is a testament to Samsung’s longstanding commitment to human-centric innovation and brings the power of AI to everyday experiences to make life better for all.

“I’m proud of how we have introduced new technologies and intelligence to the home, connected key devices and set the standard for the home of the future,” Vice Chairman Han said. “This year at CES, we are reinforcing our commitment to delivering personalized experiences through our widespread implementation of AI and we will continue this journey of AI leadership in the home and beyond, not just for the next decade, but for the next century.”

Elevating Everyday Experiences With Home AI
Later in the press conference, Jonathan Gabrio, Head of the Connected Experience Center at Samsung Electronics America, expanded on Samsung’s Home AI vision, underscoring the company’s commitment to integrating AI across the entire connected experience to cater to diverse lifestyles. From single person households to multi-generational families under one roof, Home AI learns from habits and adapts to individual routines for a hyper-personalized smart home experience.

Security and Privacy are at the heart of Samsung’s strategy for Home AI. Samsung recognizes that as users introduce more connected devices into their homes and AI becomes more personal, it must also protect users’ privacy. To meet these evolving needs, the company has extended its security capabilities. Now, Samsung Knox Matrix protects home appliances along with mobile devices and TVs with its signature blockchain technology, ensuring that connected devices are working together to protect the user’s home, data and each other from digital threats. With Knox Matrix Dashboard, a transparent privacy control, Samsung offers simplified security management across the entire connected home. As information syncs across devices, Knox Matrix’s Credential Sync ensures that data can only be encrypted or decrypted from the user’s devices, and Samsung Knox Vault adds another layer of protection, keeping sensitive information like passwords or PINs isolated in a secure location.

Samsung’s One UI provides an integrated software experience across all connected Samsung devices, enhancing interoperability, empowering users with AI-based features and providing software updates for up to seven years.

Underpinning it all is SmartThings, Samsung’s smart home platform that brings intelligent connectivity to hundreds of millions of users around the world. With Samsung’s belief in open innovation and partnership as a foundation, SmartThings is being equipped with the latest AI technology to streamline and personalize the smart home experience for complete convenience. SmartThings Ambient Sensing intuitively understands the user’s environment and situational context by analyzing even human movements and ambient sounds through connected devices within the home, thereby enabling those devices to intelligently and seamlessly respond and adapt to daily routines.

Bixby Voice, an enhanced AI voice assistant, will be integrated to increase usability. The assistant has been trained so that it can recognize individual voices and respond to commands in a way that works best for each user.

Another way SmartThings simplifies everyday life is with Flex Connect, Samsung’s energy demand response program which incentivizes customers to enroll their devices with SmartThings and use SmartThings Energy. Users can decrease strain on local electricity grids and receive rewards in the form of Samsung Rewards points. In 2025, the program will be expanded from New York and California to select regions in Texas, helping address critical grid needs in the state.

These Home AI updates free up time previously spent on home management, allowing users to focus on what matters most and explore new passions. Samsung’s new Galaxy Book5 Pro and Galaxy Book5 360 are AI PCs built to boost productivity with Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2) and enhance creativity with features like AI Select and Samsung Studio. AI Select works to make browsing a breeze, while Samsung Studio lets users edit across their Galaxy smartphone, tablet or PC wherever inspiration strikes, at home or on the go. Powered by the NPU, Photo Remaster upscales low-resolution photos into high-quality visuals, while Storage Share lets users directly access the files on their smartphone from their PC, avoiding the process of downloading.

With productivity comes proactivity, too. When AI and Samsung Health combine, users are empowered to take control of their health and wellness. With AI-driven health insights gathered on the Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Watch, Samsung is helping users make sense of their data and arrive at more informed decisions about their well-being. These new capabilities will further improve the overall experience of Samsung Health, which stands apart as an end-to-end health solution that integrates the entire home seamlessly.

Seamless Entertainment in the AI Era
Samsung’s latest screen experiences, powered by Samsung Vision AI, bring unexpected joy to users’ days through unparalleled personalization and exciting new features. The AI Screen experience infuses intelligence into TVs, bringing Generative Wallpaper, Live Translate and Click to Search to users. At the forefront of this technology is the Neo QLED 8K, which provides the most advanced viewing experiences though AI features like 8K AI Upscaling Pro, Auto HDR Remastering Pro and Color Booster Pro — all of which work behind the scenes to intelligently enhance picture quality. Plus, The Frame’s art experience is expanding, allowing all Samsung QLEDs to come with a digital collection of over 3,000 art pieces, making it so that they can turn any room into a personal gallery.

Samsung’s commitment to its Screens Everywhere strategy is reflected in new display options for its appliances, including its new refrigerators with 9″ AI Home displays and other devices with 7″ screens. Consumers will be able to enjoy heightened functionality — including various entertainment services, AI features such as AI Vision Inside and direct access to the online grocery service Instacart — on a broader range of products.

Taking AI Everywhere
Beyond the home, Samsung’s AI innovations are set to transform new categories and industries with SmartThings Pro. Created to bring the same AI-powered digital solutions to business partners as SmartThings offers consumers, SmartThings Pro is a B2B solution spanning multi-residential homes to retail spaces, hotels, schools and more. Since its launch last June, SmartThings Pro provides businesses with integrations to better understand energy usage, proactively identify devices with maintenance needs and offer comprehensive control of connected solutions. Samsung is working with partners to create an innovative platform, Future Innovation Technology (FIT), for larger businesses and buildings to set automated climate controls that save energy and reduce electricity costs.

The company is also working with Samsung Heavy Industries on a new SmartThings collaboration that uses the Matter connectivity standard to connect with compatible ships. SmartThings for Ships offers a Pre-Sailing Mode, which allows captains and crews to automate when the engine starts and turn on settings for temperature and lights, saving time and energy. Meanwhile, Care Mode provides a complete view of a ship’s power, AC systems and smoke alarms, while Protection Mode constantly monitors for — and will alert captain and crew to — any abnormal activity.

Additionally, Samsung is expanding its SmartThings and automotive integrations in a new partnership with Hyundai Motor Group to bring SmartThings to Hyundai EVs. With the expanded ecosystem, users can now use SmartThings Find to easily locate their parked car, even in crowded parking lots. With the power of Home AI, SmartThings can make recommendations on when to recharge EVs based on schedules and rates. And if there is a neighborhood power outage, it will automatically activate Battery Backup Mode, which works alongside AI Energy Mode to extend the battery energy to power home essentials.

In the Automotive space, Samsung and its subsidiary Harman continue their promise to transform the in-car experience with new products that bring contextual awareness into the cabin. Leveraging Samsung’s expertise in UX and AI, HARMAN’s new in-vehicle avatar acts as an intelligent digital copilot that works with Harman products like Ready Care and Ready Vision to anticipate needs while drivers focus on the road.

Empowering the Next Generation
Finally, Inhee Chung, Vice President of the Corporate Sustainability Center, underscored how Samsung’s AI for All vision is rooted in the brand’s commitment to harness the power of advanced technology for a better, more inclusive world. Samsung is introducing diverse and enhanced accessibility features through its AI-powered devices and services, starting with the ability to automatically sync accessibility features across home appliances from a smartphone.

From the first half of this year, Bixby will automatically have connected devices display text in high contrast or provide a voice guide for family members with low vision, all by simply recognizing their voice. For those with low vision, AI is improving Audio Subtitles by lowering foreign language audio and reading out the subtitles in the language of the user’s choosing.

Chung also discussed how initiatives like Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, Samsung Innovation Campus and the company’s work with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are enabling the next generation of innovators. Today, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow challenges more than 2.6 million students across 66 countries to use STEM to address challenges in their community. In particular, during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games last year, Samsung and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) launched a digital community “Together for Tomorrow, Enabling People” and appointed top 10 teams from global Solve for Tomorrow as community ambassadors. Meanwhile, Samsung Innovation Campus has helped prepare nearly 180,000 young people across 33 countries for the workforce through training on emerging technologies like AI, IoT and big data.

In a video message, Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator, joined VP Chung to share an update on Samsung and UNDP’s partnership to harness the power of technology for good. Since its initiation five years ago, the Samsung Global Goals app has raised over $20 million thanks to nearly 300 million users who are using a Galaxy smartphone, tablet or watch. Plus, Samsung and UNDP’s joint work through the Generation17 initiative continues to inspire extraordinary young leaders around the world who are mobilizing their communities to advance the Global Goals.

16th Edition of Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival unfolds 10th January at Allen Park

7th January, Kolkata: The festival will be inaugurated by iconic singer Usha Uthup, with a special tribute to the legendary filmmaker Shyam Benegal. Esteemed author Arjun Sengupta will honour Benegal’s enduring legacy by releasing his book Shyam Benegal: Filmmaker of the Real India. AKLF 2025 boasts an impressive line-up of speakers, with more than 120 writers gracing the festival. Notable names include Akhil Katyal, Akshat Gupta, Dr. Alka Pande, Anand Neelakantan, Anuja Chandramouli, Anita Agnihotri, Ankita Konwar, Aparna Vaidik, Aritra Sarkar, Arunava Sinha, Ashis Nandy, Blossom Kochhar, Chinmoy Guha, Ira Mukhoty, Jael Silliman, Jayanta Sengupta, Kunal Basu, M K Raina, Mani Shankar Aiyar, Milind Soman, Monideepa Banerjie, Neha Dixit, Nusrat F Jafri, Pinaki De, Prayaag Akbar, Rajdeep Sardesai, Ramachandra Guha, Rana Safvi, Ruchir Joshi, Rudrangshu Mukherjee, Salil Tripathi, Samar Jodha, Nitish Bhushan, Samrat Choudhury, Sandip Roy, Shabnam Minwalla, Shalini Modi, Shenaz Treasury, Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan, Shobhaa De, Sudeep Chakravarti, Sugata Bose, Sumantra Ghosal, Shaun Kenworthy, Sunita Kohli, Vinay Sharma, Vandana Kohli, Usha Uthup, William Dalrymple, Ila Arun, Priyanka S Kaintura, Riddhi Bahl, Shabnam Minwalla, SV Raman and Sunil Bhandari among others.

This edition will feature the much-anticipated shortlist announcement of the 10th edition of the prestigious Oxford Bookstore Book Cover Prize. The festival will provide the first look at Ruchir Joshi’s much-anticipated new novel, giving readers an exclusive sneak peek into the literary gem to come. Further, the launch of Arjun Sengupta’s Shyam Benegal: Film- maker of the Real India, Anand Neelakantan’s Many Ramayanas, Many Lessons, Ira Mukhoty’s The Lion and the Lily and Sunita Kohli’s The India Cookbook:From the tables of my friends, shall be witnessed at the festival.

The Oxford Junior Literary Festival (OJLF), hosted at the Oxford Bookstore, promises an enchanting experience for young readers through a variety of engaging activities. Highlights include interactive “meet the author” sessions, hands-on activities, interaction, and captivating storytelling sessions. With a mission to inspire a passion for literature and foster creativity, the OJLF seeks to spark the imaginations of the younger generation. Concurrently, the Poetry Café at Alliance Française du Bengale will offer an energetic stage for both seasoned and emerging poets to present their work, encouraging a vibrant exchange of ideas and artistic creativity.

The three-day festival enjoys the support of esteemed partners – Kenilworth Hotel, as the Hospitality Partner; Cha Bar for Refreshments; Calcutta Business School, ILead and Teacher’s Centre as the Institutional Partners; and Glenburn Penthouse and Alliance Française du Bengale as Festival Collaborators along with The Park as the Festival Partner and Flurys as Gifting Partner. Additionally, 91.9 Friends FM serves as the Radio Partner. The event will feature contributions from numerous prominent publishing houses, fostering a collaborative and lively literary ambiance. To name a few- Aleph Book Company, Bloomsbury, Hachette, HarperCollins, Harvard University Press, Jadavpur University Press, Juggernaut, Niyogi Books, Penguin Random House, Readomania, Routledge, Rupa Publications, Speaking Tiger, Vitasta Publishing, Westland Books, and many others.