Category Archives: News

LS Digital’s DataQuark: A Dedicated Business Unit Set to Transform Data and Insights

INDIA – March 05, 2025 – LS Digital, India’s leading integrated Digital Business Transformation (DBT) company, today announced the launch of DataQuark, a dedicated business unit focused on revolutionising the Data & Insights; designed to revolutionize the measurement, analysis, and reporting of data, empowering modern businesses to thrive. Following an overwhelming response to the Data & Insights pillar of LS Digital’s DBT framework, the company decided to give it a strategic identity of its own. Vinay Tamboli, who was leading this domain as CEO of Data & Insights, will now take charge as the CEO of DataQuark.

The name DataQuark is inspired by the fundamental principles of data and physics. Quarks are the elementary particles that form the foundation of matter, just as data forms the foundation of every digital enterprise. DataQuark symbolises the building blocks of intelligence, enabling businesses to unify, process, and activate data to drive strategic growth and AI-led transformation.

Commenting on the launch of DataQuark business unit, Prasad Shejale, Founder & CEO, LS Digital said, “In today’s digital-first world, businesses must do more than just collect data; they must harness its full potential. The launch of DataQuark is a natural progression in our journey, ensuring data is not only a foundational asset but a key driver of business transformation. Just as bringing in Langoor, f1studioz, and Social Panga helped strengthened the respective pillars within our DBT framework, DataQuark will now lead the charge in Data & AI. This move is an integral part of our business growth strategy underscoring our commitment to empowering brands to reach new heights of success.”

Turning Data into a Competitive Advantage DataQuark is designed to bridge the gap between raw data and actionable intelligence, helping brands elevate their AI maturity and drive measurable business impact. The business unit follows the methodology of “Collect – Collate – Activate”, ensuring data integrity, privacy, and activation at scale. With a robust suite of offerings, DataQuark enables brands to transform their data infrastructure, enhance AI capabilities, and optimise marketing effectiveness.

“Over the years, we have witnessed how Data & Insights have been instrumental in driving digital business transformation across industries. As AI continues to evolve, the role of data has never been more critical. Through DataQuark, we are building a powerful ecosystem that integrates AI-driven solutions, advanced analytics, and strategic partnerships to help brands break data silos and accelerate innovation. The demand for privacy-first, AI-ready data solutions is soaring, and DataQuark is uniquely positioned to meet this need,” said Vinay Tamboli, CEO, DataQuark.

DataQuark offers four key services to help businesses unlock the full potential of their data. Marketing Data Infrastructure lays the foundation for growth by integrating first-party data with advertising platforms to drive revenue and conversions. Business Data Infrastructure connects finance, marketing, operations, and sales, using data lakes and streamlined engineering for better decision-making. With AI & ML Solutions, we deliver actionable insights, predict business KPIs, and automate processes to boost efficiency. Lastly, Data and AI Readiness services ensure organisations are primed for AI adoption through audits, strategy development, and customised playbooks.

By leveraging Google cloud partnership and Meta partnership DataQuark is future ready with latest AI technologies.

Powering the Future with AI & Strategic Partnerships DataQuark’s advanced solutions include DigiVerse, AI-powered data platforms, and partnerships with leading industry players such as Aqilliz, DataMorph, and VWO, enabling businesses to leverage blockchain-powered data collaboration, predictive analytics, and AI-driven insights.

By launching DataQuark as a standalone business unit, LS Digital is reaffirming its commitment to redefining how brands interact with data in an AI-driven economy. This launch is a strategic step in empowering CXOs to navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape with data as their competitive edge.

The Women Shaping Dupahiya: A Glimpse into the Minds Behind This Small-Town Drama

As Dupahiya revs up for its highly anticipated premiere on Prime Video on March 7, it’s time to shine the spotlight on the powerhouse women who have been instrumental in crafting this unique and heartwarming story. Set in the fictional village of Dhadakpur, the series unravels the chaos that ensues when a prized ‘Dupahiya’ (motorbike) is stolen— just as the village prepares to celebrate 25 years of being crime-free. With a wedding on the horizon, a silver jubilee trophy at stake, and the villagers’ pride teetering on the edge, the stage is set for an exhilarating mix of comedy, drama, and small-town charm.

Dupahiya, which is the first series created and produced by Bombay Film Cartel, takes forward Prime Video’s endeavor of backing fresh talent. The creative vision of the series being steered by creators and executive producers: Salona Bains Joshi and Shubh Shivdasani. Salona Bains Joshi holds the honour of being the first student from India to be selected into this prestigious Producer’s Program at UCLA and was also a part of the theatrical blockbuster ABCD2 and the rib-tickling direct to streaming horror comedy Kakuda. Shubh Shivdasani has been part of highly acclaimed film Barfi, directed by Anurag Basu which was also selected as India’s entry to the Oscars that year. They collectively worked on various acclaimed projects before Dupahiya, including Uri: The Surgical Strike, The Sky is Pink, Lust Stories, Sonchiriya and Kedarnath. Dupahiya is their first independent project.

Speaking of her experience on Dupahiya, creator and producer Salona Bains Joshi said, “India’s heartland is a treasure trove of stories, and at Bombay Film Cartel, we resonate with ideas that are both accessible and impactful. Showrunning and producing Dupahiya has allowed us to bring together an exceptional cast and crew. With Sonam’s skillful direction, we have brought to life the pages that Avinash and Chirag have written so wonderfully. Prime Video has wholeheartedly believed in and supported us in bringing this family entertainer to life.”

Creator and producer Shubh Shivdasani added, “Our journey as showrunners has been incredibly fulfilling. Bringing together the right creative forces, who have given their absolute best, has made Dupahiya a true entertainer. Sonam’s direction brought to life the script penned by Avinash and Chirag, making Bombay Film Cartel’s debut production a dream come true. With Prime Video’s unwavering support, we believe we have a true winner on our hands.”

Guiding the series with a masterful touch is director Sonam Nair, known for her work in Masaba Masaba, whose keen eye for storytelling seamlessly blends humor, drama, and small-town quirks into an irresistible watch. The director spoke about her experience on the series, stating, “When Shubh and Salona called me to direct this incredible script, written by Avinash and Chirag, I was so excited and so grateful. Dupahiya is unlike anything I had been offered before, and I dived into this heartland comedy with the hope that I can do justice to it. It was a blessed journey from the start as we got together a bunch of extremely talented actors, all perfect for their roles, along with the most passionate technicians all putting their best into this series. I have laughed nonstop from my first day on the series, and hopefully now the audience will laugh and love it as much as we have.”

Dupahiya is also defined by its powerful cast. At the heart of the ensemble are the remarkable women who have shaped its vision and characters with depth, nuance, and brilliance. Shivani Raghuvanshi, who essays the role of Roshni Jha, embodies a bride-to-be with an irresistible mix of innocence and resilience. Fun-loving, and lost in her own world, Roshni may appear carefree, but she knows exactly what she wants— and isn’t afraid to voice it. Matching her in presence and power is the legendary Renuka Shahane who plays Pushplata, the strong-willed yet endearing ‘sarpanch’ of Dhadakpur. With warmth and authority, she commands every scene, making her character a true force to be reckoned with.

Boasting a stellar cast featuring Gajraj Rao, Bhuvan Arora, Sparsh Shrivastava, Yashpal Sharma, and more, the series promises a delightful ride brimming with distinct characters, razor-sharp humor, and heartfelt moments. But at its very soul, Dupahiya is driven by an incredible league of women—both in front of and behind the camera—whose talent, vision, and creativity make them the driving force behind this compelling tale– true ‘Superwomen’ in every sense.

Step Into Global Finance: University of East Anglia Launches BSc in International Finance

New Delhi, 4 March 2025: University of East Anglia, one of the UK’s top 25 universities, announced the introduction of a new BSc (Hons) International Finance (Final Year Entry) programme, designed for international students seeking to advance their skills in global finance. Set to commence in September 2025, this intensive one-year course will provide a unique opportunity for students to develop the expertise and knowledge needed to excel in the present-day global financial landscape, competition among multinational firms, and trade.

Delivered in UEA’s School of Economics, which is ranked amongst the top 15 in the UK for Accounting and Finance (The Guardian University Guide 2023) and top 25 for Finance (The Times 2024), this new degree blends rigorous financial theory with real-world applications, preparing students to navigate the complexities of multinational business operations, global trade, and financial markets. The proposed curriculum covers a range of critical topics, including corporate finance, quantitative analysis, behavioural finance, and international trade, ensuring graduates develop a strong foundation in both technical skills and strategic decision-making.

With a strong focus on employability, students will benefit from a dynamic curriculum enriched with practical applications, guest lectures by industry experts, networking opportunities, workshops, and access to nationwide competitions, paid internships, and mentoring schemes. Additionally, the STEPS (Skills, Training, Employability, Progression, and Support) module ensures dedicated academic and career guidance, enhancing students’ professional development and readiness for the job market.

Bahar Ghezelayagh, Associate Professor in Financial Economics, while commenting on the launch said, “The BSc in International Finance at University of East Anglia is a gateway to limitless global opportunities. Designed for ambitious individuals aiming for careers in investment banking, financial consulting, and policy advisory, our course blends academic excellence with real-world industry insights. There is now an ever-increasing demand for graduates who can unravel the complexity of how multinational enterprises work. Take for example the Big Tech companies in India who specialize in information technology services who are now operating in many European countries, as well as in Australia and the US. How do such companies hedge against global risks? What drives globalisation, and is globalisation a blessing or a curse? We are committed to shaping future leaders who will thrive in the fast-paced world of global finance, multinational firms.”

Graduates of this course will be well-positioned for diverse and high-growth careers including opportunities in investment banking, financial analysis, management consulting, business development, and policy advisory roles. This degree is an excellent choice for students looking to fast-track their careers in international finance.

BENZ Packaging Sets Sights on Global Growth with Rs150 Crore Investment in Technology and Manufacturing

New Delhi, India – March 04, 2025 – BENZ Packaging, a leading manufacturer of industrial and export packaging solutions, is excited to announce a significant investment of 150 crores over the next five years. This investment will focus on expanding its manufacturing operations, enhancing technology, and strengthening its global presence, solidifying the company’s position as a key player in the packaging industry.

BENZ Packaging has started operations on a 90,000 sqft facility in Jhajjar, Haryana. The new facility will be equipped with the latest extrusion and printing machinery, a fully automated corrugation unit, and the manufacturing of wooden boxes and pallets.This investment in both facilities is expected to drive substantial growth and improve service delivery across key markets.

Additionally, the company has already expanded its operations with a state-of-the-art 29,000 sqft facility in Chennai, which is now fully operational and equipped with the latest extrusion and printing machinery, coming up with a fully automated corrugation unit, and the manufacturing of wooden boxes and pallets. This upgrade enhances the plant’s production capacity and efficiency, enabling BENZ Packaging to meet the growing demands of industries in the region and beyond.

The investment also includes broadening horizons in Vietnam and Japan, reinforcing BENZ Packaging’s global expansion strategy and enabling the company to serve international markets more effectively. Each of these new facilities—across India and Vietnam—will feature the same advanced technology, ensuring a uniform standard of high-quality production across all regions.

“We are committed to expanding our global footprint and embracing the latest technology to better serve our customers,” said Chaitanya Chopra Director of BENZ Packaging. “The addition of state-of-the-art facilities in Jhajjar, Chennai, and Vietnam will allow us to deliver superior packaging solutions more efficiently and sustainably, while meeting the growing demands of industries worldwide. This investment will further strengthen our leadership in the industrial and export packaging sectors.”

The company’s investment will also focus on enhancing its commitment to sustainability by integrating eco-friendly practices into its manufacturing processes. BENZ Packaging will continue to prioritize employee training and development to ensure the highest standards of quality and operational excellence across all its facilities. The company is also embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimize production efficiency, improve quality control, and enhance its customer service, ensuring it remains innovative and competitive in the rapidly evolving packaging market.

A Musical Extravaganza: R City Mall Welcomes Muktika Ganguly and Kailash Kher for a Live Concert

Mumbai, March 4th, 2025 – R City Mall set the stage for an unforgettable musical evening on 1st March 2025, headlined by Padma Shri Kailash Kher and his band, Kailasa. Returning to R City for the second time, Kailash Kher delivered a power-packed performance that was even more electrifying, doubling the vibe and fun. His soulful music mesmerized the audience, making it a night to remember at Mumbai’s premier entertainment and lifestyle destination.

With an overwhelming turnout of over 3,000 people immersed in the electrifying aura he created. The event was a resounding success, offering an unforgettable experience for Mumbai’s music lovers.

Kailash Kher & Kailasa Set the Stage on Fire: As the excitement built up, Kailash Kher and his band Kailasa took the stage, delivering an electrifying performance that had the audience singing along to every note. Performing his all-time hits like “Bam Lehri,” “Saiyyan,” and “Teri Deewani,”. Kher’s magnetic energy and powerful voice created a truly immersive experience.

Muktika Ganguly Captivates the Audience: The evening began with a soul-stirring performance by Muktika Ganguly, who beautifully carried forward her legendary family’s musical heritage. Her set, a seamless blend of timeless melodies and contemporary rhythms, left the audience mesmerized. Accompanied by the talented Rishabh Giri (Singer & Guitarist) and Roshan Giri (Musician & Programmer), the performance set the perfect tone for the night.

The event saw an incredible response from both fans and music lovers. Social media was buzzing, reflecting the massive impact of this unforgettable evening.

R City Mall continues to be Mumbai’s premier hub for entertainment, shopping, and cultural experiences. With a diverse mix of over 350 retail brands, a world-class dining scene, and a year-round calendar of events, the mall is committed to bringing the best in music, arts, and lifestyle to its patrons.

Rima Kirtikar, Group CMO, Runwal Realty said that, “We are thrilled to have hosted such an incredible evening of music at R City Mall. Seeing the audience engage with such enthusiasm reaffirms our vision of making R City the ultimate destination for entertainment and cultural experiences in Mumbai.”

Honoring Women’s Wellness: Dr. Smita Naram’s Ayurvedic Solutions for Women’s Day 2025

By-Dr. Smita Naram is the Co-Founder of Ayushakti

Ayushakti one of the leading and most trusted ayurvedic health centres around the world. A well-accomplished Ayurvedic physician, pharmaceutical herbalist, and nutritionist, Dr. Naram started this journey of bringing in Ancient Health Solution, with a vision to transform the health of billions of people on this planet in 1987.

 She is an Ayurvedic Practitioner with qualifications of Ayurved Madhyama and Ayurved Uttama of Shravan Masa Dakshina Prakisha Samitee constituted by law in the State of Gujarat & recognized by Central Council of Indian Medicine, New Delhi, India.

 She is the fifth generation of vaidya in her family tradition of Ayurvedic Practice and has been practicing the 2500 years old lineage of Siddha Veda Tradition of Ayurveda. Apart from being the world-renowned and Master pulse reader (the ancient traditional method of diagnosis) Dr. Smita Naram is also a detoxification specialist. She also shares health tips, kitchen remedies, herbal remedies, marma, and detox plans for contributing to people lives for long-lasting results in any health problems.

 A true female entrepreneur with vast international clinical experience, today she is one of the most insightful practitioners, lecturers, and teachers of Ancient Health Solutions coming from the 2500 years old Siddha Veda lineage of Ayurveda. She along with her team have personally helped clients suffering from numerous chronic health disorders like Arthritis, Joint pain, Sciatica, Osteoporosis, Anxiety, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, and many more chronic health concerns. Experiencing breakthrough results in chronic health challenges Ayushakti Clinic just grew through referrals organically. She realized that her life purpose is to transform lives of the people on this planet and that is why Ayushakti chain of clinics was born.

 She has been honored worldwide with many prestigious awards for her contributions in the domain of health including THE KASHYAP AWARD from Germany. She has spent her life personally training more than 500+ doctors and practitioners across the world to create the Army of Healers. Having built a team of expert vaidyas, Dr. Smita Naram conducts practitioner training courses in ancient pulse reading across the world. Her amazing health tips for vibrant health has been telecasted through national and international television shows and has been helping hundreds of thousands of people worldwide to transform their lives.

 She has also authored a book named, “Your health in your hand” and has published dozens of research papers in peer reviewed international journals from USA, Europe and UK just to prove the efficacy of ancient healing on modern parameters.

Telangana on Path to One Trillion US Dollar Economy, States IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu

Hyderabad, March 03, 2025……ICT Committee of The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry(FTCCI) has organised the GROWTH X 2025 Summit with a theme “Go Digital Grow Business” at HICC in Madhapur, with a special focus on how to leverage Technology for GROWTH in the disruptive era of AI

GROWTH X 2025, the platform in its first edition was organised for knowledge sharing, business, partnerships, lead generation and revenue opportunities

Shri D Sridhar Babu, the Government of Telangana, and Shri Jayesh Ranjan, the Special Chief Secretary of Telangana, Ms. Bhavani Sri, IAS. Deputy Development Commissioner, VSEZ, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt of India was among the dignitaries who attended the inaugural function of GROWTHX 2025.

Addressing 500 plus attendees immediately after the inauguration, Mr. D. Sridhar Babu said the digital innovation is moving at a rapid pace. The industry needs to march along with the changing times. We need to transform our industries. The traditional approaches will not work. At the same time, there are challenges in this journey, especially for MSMEs and SMEs. They have many limitations, short of capital, fear of change, lack of awareness and are busy with their manufacturing challenges, etc.

Until and unless MSMES and SMEs harness new technologies, they will lose out on their competitiveness. They can’t sustain in the long run. The ambition of the state government is to make Telangana a one trillion US $ economy. We will work with the FTCCI and ICT committee for the common good of the industry and the state, the Minister said.

Speaking further, Mr. D. Sridharbabu said, Telangana is progressing well at the same speed of the national growth or even more. Our software exports also prove this point. While national average growth was 8%, Telangana registered 17.98%.

AI(Artificial Intelligence) is taking control across industries and individuals of all walks of life. If we don’t harness and integrate AI into our industries, businesses, we will lose efficiency, growth trajectory and profitability. Our Chief Minister Mr. Revanth Reddy has a very clear vision to keep pace with the changing technology. He feels very strongly that all stakeholders of the state must also keep pace with emerging technologies. This can be achieved by way of creating awareness, capacity building. The Government of Telangana sees AI as first and foremost technology to be embedded in its growth trajectory. It is top of mind of the state leadership. The recently held Global AI summit was a step towards that direction, the Minister said.

The Minister unveiled the Thought Capital Report brought out by EY, the knowledge partner of GrowthX2025. Later Mr. Anirban Mukherjee, Principal Partner, EY gave a sneak peek of the report. He spoke on India at a digital inflection point. He gave a snapshot of key trends driving the digital economy in India. India’s digital revolution is not a trend—it’s a tipping point, he said.

He also felicitated a few organisations and individuals like Mr Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary, Dept ITE&C, Govt of Telangana, Dr. Raj P. Narayanam, Founder & Executive Chairman, Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services Ltd and others for their outstanding contribution to growth and exceptional service to the society.

Dr Suresh Kumar Singhal, President of FTCCI said MSMEs make a significant contribution to the Indian economy, yet they are hesitant to adapt technology. They must embrace technology to stay competitive.

Giving his opening remarks, Mr. Mohan Raidu said GrowthX 25 is a dedicated platform for digital transformation. Technology is no longer an enabler, but it is the foundation for business growth, he said.

Mr. Pankaj Diwan, Chair of GrowthX 2025 Telangana and Hyderabad, are rockstars of Information Technology and Innovation on the global map. He lauded the futuristic initiatives of the government of Telangana. The summit, he said, is the Confluence of Government & Policy Makers, Industry, Investors, Startups and Academia. Topics including Digital Manufacturing, AI, Data and Privacy, Customer and Growth, Skilling and Talent will be discussed during the summit

Some of the speakers include in the summit are Mr Panneerselvam Madanagopal, CEO, MeitY Startup Hub, Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), Govt. of India; Mr Rajesh Dhuddu, Partner, Emerging Tech, PwC; Dr Raj P Narayanam, Founder & Executive Chairman, Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services Limited; Mr Anirban Mukherjee, Lead Partner. EY India Hyderabad; Mr. Srikanth Srinivasan, Vice President & Head – Membership & Outreach, NASSCOM;

More than 450 participants comprising decision makers/CXOs, FTCCI Members, IT, Policy Makers, Investors and Startups participated in the summit.

An Expo Zone was organised along with the summit. And many Startups and IT companies had stalls. A Business lounge was set up for closed group interactions.

FTCCI partnered with We-Hub, T-Hub, T-Works, DSCI, TASK, SucSEED Venture, AWS, Google and Microsoft to organise this summit.

Mr. Ravi Kumar, Mr. KK Maheshwari, Sr VP and VP, several past president of FTCCI, MC members, ICT Committee co chairs and members such as Bala Peddigari, CV Anirudh Rao, Manish Gupta, Mr. Lalith Sharma, Ms. Sheetal Srikanth graced the inaugural function.

At NXT Conclave 2025, PM Modi Praises India’s Transformation and Its Global Influence

In a momentous event that marks a new chapter in Indian media, Prime Minister Narendra Modi endorsed the launch of iTV Network’s global news channel, NewsX World launch at NXT Conclave 2025. The event, attended by top government officials, media stalwarts, and international dignitaries, highlighted Modi’s vision of a resurgent India that is boldly stepping onto the world stage.

In his stirring address, PM Modi hailed NewsX World as a transformative platform that embodies the remarkable progress India has made under his leadership. “Today, we are not just launching another channel, we instead are showcasing the real India—its innovations, its heritage, and its future,” PM further declared. Narendra Modi also credited decisive governance and forward-thinking reforms for propelling India from a regional player to a global force, emphasizing that the country’s achievements in manufacturing, technology, and infrastructure are now resonating worldwide.

Modi also revisited his government’s ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative, now evolved into a full-fledged ‘Local for Global’ strategy. He pointed out that Indian products—from traditional wellness practices like yoga and Ayurveda to superfoods such as turmeric and coffee—have captured international acclaim. “Our local strengths have become global benchmarks, proving that India’s talent and resilience know no bounds,” he remarked.

Highlighting significant milestones, the Prime Minister recalled the nation’s successful conduct of the world’s largest elections and recent infrastructural triumphs, including high-speed expressways and advancements in electric vehicle production. He lauded the sweeping policy reforms and the repeal of archaic colonial laws that have laid the groundwork for this unprecedented growth. “Our journey from being the world’s back office to becoming a major global manufacturing hub is a testament to our spirit and leadership,” Modi asserted.

NewsX World, with its policy-driven and forward-looking agenda, is poised to present India’s authentic narrative to a global audience. By shifting focus from individual-centric debates to robust discussions on policy and progress, the channel is set to inspire informed dialogue and innovation across the nation and beyond.

As India’s story of transformation continues to unfold, PM Modi’s visionary leadership remains the cornerstone of its ascent on the global stage. The launch of NewsX World is a clarion call to the world, inviting everyone to witness India’s dynamic journey toward becoming a global leader.Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to Kartikeya Sharma and the ITV Network team, urging them to carry forward India’s bold and confident narrative to the world. “India is rising, and its media must rise with it,” he concluded.

Steering by Insights: A C-Suite Guide to Make Data Work for Everyone

By-Mayank Baid, Regional VP- India and South Asia

Most modern companies have access to rich and varied data sources embedded into their daily operations, from customer preferences and social media sentiment to financial transactions and purchasing trends. A recent EY Future Consumer Index (FCI) survey, revealed that 62% of Indian consumers make purchases based on AI recommendations, compared to 30% globally, and 61% find AI-driven suggestions highly beneficial.

Yet, not many C-suites and key decision makers truly grasp the importance of data or how to fully leverage insights from data to inform business decisions. This results in a missed opportunity; according to Forrester, companies that use data-driven insights when making decisions are nearly three times more likely to achieve double-digit growth.

Though dealing with data may seem intimidating and overly complicated, it really isn’t. C-suites just need to remember these three things: what different types of data can be used for, why reliable data is essential, and the importance of building a strong data culture.

Using different kinds of data

There are three main categories of data businesses can use: customer data, operational data, and market data.

Simply put, customer data is information about who is buying the product and includes information such as demographics, purchase history, and website behaviour. This kind of data is crucial for sales and marketing, as well as the product development team. By analysing this data, these functions can understand the customer journey, personalise experiences to increase loyalty and retention, and create new products based on predicting future needs.

When it comes to operational data, businesses can optimise and streamline their processes in order to increase cost efficiency and productivity. This includes analysing resource allocation and workflow bottlenecks to identify areas for improvement, as well as ensuring maintenance is done on time or inventory levels meet current demand.

Lastly, market data keeps businesses informed about the broader market landscape, including tracking competitors and identifying new possible opportunities. Using data to analyse market trends could mean companies spot emerging whitespace to capitalise on and grow revenue, identifying areas for product innovation to adapt to market shifts.

C-suites need to combine all three different kinds of data to extract the most value from their insights. For instance, analysing purchasing data trends may reveal that a product has become less popular, which means C-suites might want to lower inventory of that product and invest in creating a new product in an area where there is not much competition.

Why reliable and trusted data is essential

Not all data is good data. Much like sailing a ship and navigating at sea, companies running with unreliable data are similar to a captain with a faulty compass, potentially leading the vessel into uncharted, hazardous waters. As organisations increasingly turn to data-driven approaches to innovate at scale and maintain competitiveness, having clean and accurate data that is easy to use allows business leaders to steer confidently by insights, not hunches.

With massive volumes of data to make sense of, having reliable and scalable modern data architectures that can organise and store data in a structured, secure, and governed manner while ensuring data reliability and integrity is critical. This is especially true in the hybrid, multi-cloud environment in which companies operate today.

Furthermore, as we face a new “AI summer”, executives are experiencing increased pressure to respond to the tsunami of hype around AI and its promise to enhance efficiency and competitive differentiation. This means companies will need to rely on high-quality, verifiable data to implement AI-powered technologies Generative AI (Gen AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) at an enterprise scale.

However, just throwing money at emerging technologies to solve their problems is not the solution. C-suites need to know how to operationalise and trust AI models and technologies. The best way to do this is by leveraging trustworthy hybrid multi-cloud platforms to ensure data quality, governance, and security. This creates a reliable foundation for AI initiatives, allowing organisations to move past the hype and actually capitalise on trusted data.

Building a strong data culture

Beyond infrastructure, companies in India need to look at ways to create a culture of data. In today’s digital-first organisations, many businesses require real-time analytics to operate efficiently. To enable this, organisations need to create data platforms that are easy to use and equipped with the latest tools and controls so that employees at every level can get their hands on the right data to unlock productivity, saving them valuable time for other strategic priorities.

Building a data culture also needs to come from the top; it is imperative to ensure that data is valued and used strategically and consistently to drive decision-making. C-suites should lead by example, using data-derived insights to make decisions on growth, investments, and mitigating risks.

Executives can take three practical steps to foster a culture of data:
● Find internal champions to build a robust internal ‘advocacy’ network where everyone can gather to share best practices and resources that help drive data literacy.
● Encourage a curiosity for how data flows through the business by providing access and guidance to tools that enable self-directed discovery of new insights, patterns, and connections.
● Deploy the right tools that meet evolving business needs to ensure that business-critical data is readily available, manageable, and governable.

By continuously investing in employees to upskill and embrace new perspectives driven by data, leaders can help create an environment where data analytics becomes an integral and natural part of everyday decision-making across the organisation.

Technology and culture need to work hand in hand

Data is a technological phenomenon with a cultural dimension that remains elusive for many companies. Focusing solely on the technical aspect of data could force trade-offs that stifle data-driven innovation. Navigating the complexity of establishing a data-driven culture might seem daunting, but it is no longer an option if companies want to remain relevant, competitive, and resilient in this digital era.

Conquer Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease: A Parent’s Toolkit

By-Dr. Sujatha Thyagarajan, Lead & HOD – Pediatric Intensive Care and Pediatric Emergency, Aster RV Hospital

 When your child feels unwell, the worry can be overwhelming. Among the common illnesses young children encounter is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD). Although it’s often mild, understanding this illness, its symptoms, and how to care for your child can help make the experience less stressful.

 What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
Infection with HFMD is caused primarily by a virus called coxsackie. It commonly affects children under seven years of age, especially toddlers, and is most prevalent during the summer and fall. HFMD should not be confused with foot-and-mouth disease, which affects animals. The name originates from its hallmark symptom—a rash that appears on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth.

 While HFMD is a self-limiting illness that resolves within 7–10 days, its symptoms can cause discomfort, especially for young children. The disease spreads easily through saliva, unwashed hands, and surfaces contaminated by bodily fluids. Schools, daycare centers, and playgrounds are common hotspots for outbreaks.

 Recognizing the Symptoms of HFMD
The symptoms of HFMD typically begin 3–5 days after exposure to the virus. Early signs include fever, sore throat, and a general sense of feeling unwell. Soon after, more specific symptoms develop:
Mouth Sores: Painful red spots or ulcers appear inside the mouth, often on the tongue and throat. These sores can make eating or drinking difficult, leading to irritability and dehydration.
Skin Rash: A rash of red spots, sometimes with small blisters, develops on the palms, soles, and other areas such as the buttocks and legs. The rash is usually not itchy but can be tender.
Other Symptoms: Some children may experience loose stools, drooling due to mouth pain, or a reduced appetite.
Most children recover with minimal complications, but dehydration and rare issues like viral meningitis or encephalitis (brain swelling) may occur in severe cases.

 How Does HFMD Spread?
HFMD is highly contagious and spreads easily in close-contact settings. The virus can be transmitted through saliva, nasal mucus, feces, and blister fluid. Children often become infected by touching toys or surfaces shared with others and then putting their hands in their mouths.

 The disease is contagious even before visible symptoms, such as a rash, appear and remain transmissible for several days. Good hygiene and proactive measures are essential to prevent its spread.

 Caring for a Child with HFMD
There’s no specific cure for HFMD, but you can manage your child’s symptoms to ensure comfort and prevent complications.

 Here are some practical tips for home care:

Soothing Foods and Fluids: Offer soft, non-acidic foods like yogurt, pudding, and pasta to reduce irritation in the mouth. Cold treats such as popsicles and smoothies can also help numb the pain. Ensure your child drinks plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, as dehydration is a common concern.
Skin Care: Keep blisters clean and avoid popping them. Wash affected areas gently with lukewarm soap and water. Avoid itching to prevent breaking of blisters that could risk secondary infection
Rest and Isolation: Allow your child to rest and recover at home. Keep them away from daycare or school until their fever subsides and they feel better.
Most children feel significantly better within a week, though the rash may linger longer.

 When to Call the Pediatrician
While HFMD is generally mild, certain symptoms require medical attention. The following symptoms should be reported to your child’s healthcare provider:
• Dark urine, dry mouth, and fewer wet diapers are all signs of dehydration.
• Fever lasting more than three days.
• Severe mouth sores that prevent your child from eating or drinking.
• Excessive fussiness, lethargy, or difficulty waking your child.
• Symptoms that persist beyond 10 days or worsen over time.
In rare cases, HFMD can lead to complications like viral meningitis, which requires prompt medical care. Always trust your instincts—if something feels off, don’t hesitate to seek help.