Category Archives: News

Data-Driven Trends Redefining Business Growth by 2025: Insights from Kapil Mehta, VP of Data & AI, Visionet Systems

“As we move towards 2025, companies will adopt a set of transformational trends that will significantly redefine operations and drive business growth. A key shift will be the move from siloed data to a unified, data-driven culture that empowers teams to make informed decisions in real-time. This can be driven by the uptake of self-service tools as well as AI-powered software. Employees at all ranks can then access and study data without necessarily requiring any technical skills. Data democratization will thus go up and will break down those barriers.

Organizations will thus build collaborations, agility, innovation, and compliance with certain regulations such as GDPR, CCPA, among other regulatory compliance. The needs for Data-as-a-Service will also be advanced by this trend. Businesses will always require scalable real-time insights through intelligent APIs and dashboards, yet they will minimize their reliance on certain internal teams and accelerate certain innovation.

Alongside this, the adoption of advanced data architectures, such as data fabric and data mesh, will increase. Organizations will be able to manage diverse data across legacy systems, cloud platforms, and edge devices through these architectures, thereby streamlining decision-making and integrating various data sources into cohesive frameworks for real-time insights. Synthetic data will come to the forefront and solve issues of privacy and will train AI models faster with large realistic datasets without compromising sensitive information. As data will become a driving force in most businesses, embedded analytics will become the new norm, easily becoming a part of the workflow, improving user experience and productivity.

Moreover, the integration of generative AI and generative BI will transform business operations by making complex analytics accessible to all employees. Gen BI, powered by natural language processing, will empower teams across departments to run complex queries in real-time, speeding up decision-making and fostering a data-driven culture. Additionally, AI-as-a-Service will democratize AI tools, helping businesses tackle industry-specific challenges and improve customer engagement through hyper-personalization. In 2025, these trends will streamline operations but also promote business growth, innovation, and more relevant, personalized customer experiences.” – Kapil Mehta, VP of Data & AI, Visionet Systems

ALLEN Bengaluru Celebrates Excellence: SOPAN Honors Over 1,200 Achievers in IIT-JEE, NEET, and Olympiads

Bengaluru, 23 Dec: ALLEN Bengaluru celebrated “SOPAN: A Celebration of Excellence” on December 22 at Christ University Auditorium. In this annual event, more than 1,200 brilliant students were honored for their achievements in IIT-JEE, NEET (UG), and the Olympiads, including 65 students who participated in national and international Olympiads. More than 650 medals were distributed to those who excelled in ALLEN’s internal tests alongside 558 other victorious students who have proved their mettle. More than 5,000 students and parents were present at SOPAN this year across two sessions where cash rewards worth Rs 45 lakh were distributed to ALLEN students who performed well in JEE and NEET 2024.

The students’ achievements were celebrated in the presence of Chief Guest Hon’ble Justice Sh. B.S. Patil, Lokayukta (State of Karnataka), Guest of Honor Sh. Nadipelli Venkteshwar Rao (Founder Birla Open Minds International Schools and Pathfinder Group of Schools), Dr. Vijay Danapur, Director & CEO, Vriksha Vijnan Private Limited, along with Sh. Rajesh Maheshwari (Director, ALLEN), and Sh. Nitin Kukreja CEO, ALLEN, who felicitated these young achievers, inspiring them with heartfelt words and imparting invaluable wisdom.

Speaking at the event, Sh. Rajesh Maheshwari said, “I feel immense pride witnessing the young talent of Bengaluru making their presence felt in IITs and premier medical colleges across the nation. I extend my best wishes to all the successful students for their future endeavors and sincerely hope they contribute significantly to nation-building. ALLEN was built on the belief that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed with the right guidance and care. For over 36 years, we’ve stood by this commitment, helping students unlock their true potential, and will continue to do so without fail.”

“It gives me immense pleasure to be a part of Bengaluru SOPAN. I have witnessed the relentless efforts of these students and their parents. We aim to transform not just academic outcomes, but lives. ALLEN’s focus on excellence and holistic development is a testament to our belief that every student, with the right support, can excel at the highest levels.” said Sh. Nitin Kukreja at SOPAN.

Zonal Head & Vice President Shri Mahesh Yadav said, “I thank Goddess Saraswathi for blessing the students with success in their academic pursuits of excellence. This year, ALLEN Bengaluru students have not only secured admissions in IITs nationwide but have also earned seats in JIPMER, AIIMS, NITs, and other prestigious institutions. This is an incredible feat and one we hope to repeat every year going ahead.”

4 Must-Have Brands to Supercharge Your Business Growth in 2025

As we step into 2025, businesses are facing a world that’s more digital, dynamic, and fast-paced than ever. To stay ahead, it’s essential to have the right tools in place—especially when it comes to cybersecurity and payment solutions. These two areas are the backbone of smooth operations and steady growth in today’s connected world. Here, we’re diving into four brands that every business should consider to boost their growth. Whether it’s securing your data or streamlining payments, these industry leaders are setting the standard for success in the year ahead.

Seqrite
In the age of digitisation, the increase in online transactions during the festive season makes businesses vulnerable to cyberattacks. Seqrite is a leading enterprise cybersecurity solutions provider. With a focus on simplifying cybersecurity, Seqrite delivers comprehensive solutions and services through their patented, AI/ML-powered tech stack to protect businesses against the latest threats by securing devices, applications, networks, cloud, data, and identity. They are differentiated by their easy-to-deploy, seamless-to-integrate comprehensive solutions providing the highest level of protection against emerging and sophisticated threats powered by state-of-the-art threat intelligence and playbooks backed by world-class service provided by best-in-class security experts at India’s largest malware analysis lab – Seqrite Labs. Seqrite Data Privacy management solution enables organizations to stay fully compliant with the DPDP Act and global regulations.

Easebuzz
No festive season is complete without a surge in e-commerce and retail transactions. Easebuzz is a software-enabled payments platform designed to digitize payments for small businesses, including e-commerce players. Its smart APIs and cost-effective solutions make it easier to integrate online payment collections, vendor payouts, and financial operations into existing tech stacks, websites, and apps. With Easebuzz, institutes can streamline financial processes without worrying about complex business scenarios.

Arete
Arete is transforming the way organizations prepare for, respond to, and ultimately, prevent cyberattacks. With decades of experience, their global team of cybersecurity experts has been on the front lines of some of the world’s most challenging data breaches and ransomware attacks. Their complete offerings — from incident response to managed and advisory services — are designed to help companies address the full threat life cycle while also strengthening their overall cyber posture.

Barracuda

Barracuda strive to make the world a safer place. They believe every business deserves access to cloud-first, enterprise-grade security solutions that are easy to buy, deploy, and use. They protect email, networks, data, and applications with innovative solutions that grow and adapt with our customers’ journey. Hundreds of thousands of organizations worldwide trust Barracuda to protect and support them so they can focus on taking their business to the next level.

Year ender quote by Skyview By Empyrean, Jammu

Mr Owais Altaf Syed, Director, Skyview By Empyrean

Looking back at 2024
Skyview by Empyrean, a premier mountain harbour at Sanget-Patnitop, Jammu made remarkable progress in guest experience and sustainable tourism. The Patnitop Marathon saw over 500 participants from 48 cities promoting health and fitness. The Sama-Vaya Art Retreat showcased the works of eight artists, celebrating Jammu’s vibrant culture. Through influencer partnerships, Skyview shared its breathtaking views and warm hospitality with wider audiences. The property also hosted 30 travel agents to boost local tourism. The arrival of Chef Lalit Kumar elevated dining at Banana Leaf with innovative dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. The year ended with grand festive celebrations for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Skyview was also recognized for its commitment to sustainability, with guests praising its eco-friendly practices, gondola rides, and adventure activities.

 Looking Ahead to 2025
As the landscape of travel and tourism continues to evolve, India stands out as a vibrant destination for both leisure and business travellers, promising a bright future for the hospitality sector. Skyview by Empyrean has outlined several strategic initiatives and expectations for 2025, focusing on expansion, sustainability, and enhancing guest experiences.
Our strategy includes expanding our room inventory to nearly 60 rooms over the next 24 months, introducing new amenities such as an indoor heated pool, a wellness area, and a spa. We believe that these additions will elevate the guest experience and cater to the growing demand for luxury and family-friendly destinations. By aligning with the government’s vision and integrating sustainability into our operations, we aim to position Skyview by Empyrean as a must-visit destination that offers adventure, luxury, and an authentic experience of Jammu and Kashmir’s natural beauty and cultural heritage

German Design Awards Honour TECNO PHANTOM V Fold2 5G and PHANTOM V Flip2 5G: A Triumph of Product Design Excellence

New Delhi, 23rd December 2024: TECNO, an innovative technology brand and globally recognized innovator, has once again underscored its prowess in designing excellence by securing two prestigious “Excellent Product Design” awards at the esteemed German Design Awards 2025. The TECNO PHANTOM V Flip2 5G and PHANTOM V Fold2 5G were both honoured in the Computer and Communication category, reflecting the brand’s unwavering commitment to harmonizing cutting-edge technology with unparalleled fashionable designs.

The German Design Awards are the premium prize of the German Design Council. With its global scope and international appeal, it is one of the most prestigious awards in the design landscape across all industries. The German Design Awards have been identifying key design trends, presenting them to a broad public and honouring them since 2012. This year’s competition was particularly intense, featuring submissions from 59 countries vying for the top accolades.

The TECNO PHANTOM V Fold2 5G, a standout winner at the German Design Awards for its innovative design, impressed the judging panel with its revolutionary foldable technology. It seamlessly integrates a compact 6.42” outer screen with an expansive 7.85” main 120Hz LTPO display, all powered by a robust 5750mAh Aircell battery with rapid 70W charging. The FreeForm imaging system elevates its functionality and creativity to new heights. The Rippling Blue edition, a collaboration with German high-end TV and audio brand LOEWE., embodies sophisticated elegance while upholding sustainable design principles. Its eco-friendly packaging, crafted from plant fibres and recycled materials, further underscores TECNO’s dedication to sustainability.

Equally impressive, the TECNO PHANTOM V Flip2 5G, an icon of sleek and flowing design, captivated the panel of judges with its revolutionary ThruPool Cover Screen, inspired by infinity pools. This stylish creation features a 3.64” screen seamlessly integrated with the slightly curved main body, with a suspended camera lens immersed in flowing pixels. Its ultra-slim flagship 120Hz main screen balances aesthetics with functionality. With AI-enhanced features like the advanced Gemini-integrated Ella AI Assistant and AI Artboard, the user experience is further elevated. The foldable design flips traditional shooting on its head, enabling creative imaging experiences with FreeCam, which allows hands-free shots at any angle from 30-150°.

The judges of the German Design Awards 2025 commended TECNO for its dedication to design excellence. Regarding the PHANTOM V Fold2 5G, the jury remarked, “The TECNO PHANTOM V Fold2 5G exemplifies the seamless integration of innovative technology and sophisticated design. The device’s foldable screen, coupled with its potent AI features and refined aesthetics, sets a new benchmark in the smartphone market.”

TECNO’s success at the German Design Awards 2025 builds upon the brand’s impressive legacy in design. Last year, the TECNO PHANTOM V Flip 5G received a Special Mention at the German Design Awards 2024 for its distinctive circular outer screen, themed ‘The Planet,’ and its cosmic-inspired aesthetic. This year, however, the TECNO PHANTOM V Flip2 5G has achieved an even higher honour at the GDA 2025, further cementing TECNO’s status as an innovator at the forefront of the design landscape and marking consecutive victories at the prestigious awards.

“We are honoured to receive these awards, as they signify the recognition of TECNO’s steadfast commitment to design excellence,” said Jack Guo, General Manager of TECNO. “Guided by our ‘Stop At Nothing’ ethos, we relentlessly push the boundaries of design and technology to deliver cutting-edge, stylish innovations to our global audience. Our continued focus on the foldable market highlights our dedication to pioneering design. Looking forward, we are poised to further strengthen our position as a leader in AI-driven innovation, bringing even more transformative technologies to our users around the world.”

As an innovative technology brand operating in over 70 markets, TECNO has been dedicated to revolutionizing the digital experience in emerging markets worldwide. Through its unwavering pursuit of design excellence and the seamless integration of contemporary aesthetics with the latest technologies, TECNO is poised to continue making a significant impact on the global design landscape.

Nand Ghar, An Anil Agarwal Foundation Initiative Expands with New Milestones in Education, Nutrition, and Skill Development for 2024

National, December 2024: Nand Ghar, the flagship initiative of AAF, marked a momentous year of growth and impact. This transformative project, dedicated to improving the lives of women and children in rural communities, made significant strides in advancing its mission of holistic development. So far, Nand Ghar has upgraded over 6,600 anganwadi centers across 15 states. The initiative supports over 2,60,000 children and 1,90,000 women, making strides toward empowering communities and driving sustainable change.

The year began with The Vedanta Culture Festival in February, held at Dilli Haat. It celebrated India’s artistic heritage with a vibrant display of crafts and cultural traditions. Organized by Vedanta and AAF, the festival brought together artisans from across the country, offering a rich experience of India’s diverse artistry. Ms. Rajni Rathor and Mr. Shyam Singh Rathor, associated with Nand Ghar in Jaipur, showcased candle-making as part of the Samota Mata Self Help Group. This initiative empowered women artisans, fostering skill development and entrepreneurship.

Nand Ghar also served as the Social Impact Partner at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2024, showcasing its efforts to improve early childhood education, health, and nutrition, particularly for rural women and children. At the festival, AAF introduced the ‘Nand Ghar Bagaan’, a vibrant experience centre celebrating India’s cultural diversity that featured skill development workshops on activities like Candle Making, Block Printing, Puppetry, and cooking indigenous recipes such as millet laddoos, empowering local women and highlighting the role of women’s Self-Help Groups.

In May, Nand Ghar launched the ‘Khaana Khaaya Kya’ campaign featuring Manoj Bajpayee to make child nutrition a national priority. It aimed to drive public action through donations, volunteering, and partnerships. The renowned actor joined the movement as its first ever ambassador, helping spread the message that “no child should go to bed hungry” to Indian households. A simple question, “Khaana Khaaya Kya?” sought to inspire 1.4 billion Indians to nourish the dreams of India’s future. Over 600 volunteers participated, and the movement garnered significant support through partnerships and monetary contributions.

Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Ltd., and Non-Executive Director, Vedanta remarked, “This year has been a significant one for us as we expanded our impact in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, transforming over 6,600 Anganwadis into vibrant Nand Ghars across 15 states, touching the lives of thousands of women and children. I’m thankful for all the partnerships, volunteers, and everyone who contributed to the efforts of taking the Nand Ghar Movement forward. As we look ahead, we remain committed to scaling these efforts and creating lasting change for India’s future generations as we continue our journey of positively impacting 7 crore children and 2 crore women.”

Following the success of the multi-millet nutri bar that was distributed last year to combat malnourishment amongst children, AAF observed Poshan Maah 2024 in September with a two-phase “millet shake” distribution program across Nand Ghars. These protein-dense, dairy-free shakes are rich in 23 essential vitamins and minerals, designed to provide long-lasting nutritional support to children. With the aim to facilitate supplementary nutrition, Nand Ghar introduced these shakes to promote the intake of millets in the daily diet. In the first phase, over 50,000 shakes were distributed to 6,000 children in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand. In the second phase, the program expanded to Punjab, Karnataka, and Goa, where over 52,500 millet shakes were shared with 12,500 children.

From enhancing nutrition and education to skill development and cultural empowerment, Nand Ghar’s efforts in 2024 have been a testament to AAF’s commitment to creating lasting social change.

Over the course of the year, extensive focus was on the state of Rajasthan wherein more than 550 Nand Ghars were developed across 6 districts bringing the footprint to a total of around 3500 across 15 districts. With the commitment of upgrading a total of 25,000 Nand Ghars in the state, over the next 2 years, the initiative aims to create a lasting impact on the lives of children and women by fostering nutrition, education, healthcare, and women empowerment in Rajasthan’s rural communities.

In Odisha, AAF seeks to develop 700 Nand Ghars in Jharsuguda, Kalahandi, and Raygada districts. Towards this end, AAF also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the District Social Welfare Office (DSWO) to upgrade 500 Anganwadi centers across Jharsuguda district into state-of-the-art Nand Ghar.

Nand Ghar project will also see expansion in other states, including Maharashtra (Thane, Gadhchiroli, and Vardha districts), Andhra Pradesh (Visakhapatnam and Nellore), Chhattisgarh (Sakti District), and Rajasthan (Udaipur, Rajsamand, and Barmer).

The Nand Ghar initiative continues to be a cornerstone of Vedanta’s commitment to social responsibility, focusing on sustainable development that addresses the needs of the most vulnerable populations in India. With these new expansions, the foundation is poised to significantly enhance the quality of life for millions more children and women, ensuring a healthier and more prosperous future for India’s next generation. Celebrating 50 years of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in 2025, Nand Ghar intends to lead the way towards establishing the ideal model for anganwadis and help pave the way for a brighter and a better future.

Delhi-NCR tops Housing Price Index for Sep 2024: Housing.com-ISB Report

New Delhi, 23rd December 2024: Property values in India’s National Capital Region (NCR) have shown significant increase in a rather short time span as the country’s rich continue to pour millions in this highly promising residential market, inspired by lifestyle aspirations. According to the latest findings of the Housing Price Index (HPI), a leading indicator of price trends in India’s key realty markets, the NCR, with an HPI reading of 178, has outperformed its peers, primarily driven by strong end-user demand, investor interest and significant value appreciation in key micro-markets such as New Gurgaon, Noida Extension and Dwarka Expressway.

Developed jointly by leading real estate app Housing.com and global business school Indian School of Business (ISB), the HPI serves as a tool that tracks changes in residential home prices across India’s 13 major markets.

All-India HPI moves 2 points up in Sept; Bengaluru, Kolkata show 12-point jump

The All-India HPI reached 128 in September, marking a 2-point quarter-on-quarter increase, reflecting steady growth in property values across major residential hubs. These findings reaffirm the strength of India’s residential real estate market, as it navigates global and domestic challenges while responding to evolving buyer needs, the report notes.

Other cities that have displayed significant improvement in price growth include Bengaluru and Kolkata. Demand-driven growth in micro-markets such as Varthur and Devanahalli triggered value growth in India’s IT capital: the city saw its reading jump 12 points, from 155 to 167, from June to September. The reading for Kolkata showed a similar jump, from 138 to 150 in the same period.

“With an improvement in infrastructure and connectivity, Kolkata is gradually showing improvements in terms of liveability. Despite a sharp price rise, the city remains more affordable than other metros, providing it a certain edge, especially to people looking for post-retirement homes,” says the report.

‘Rising property values reflect a stable, maturing market’

Mr. Amit Masaldan, Chief Revenue Officer, Housing.com, said: “Delhi-NCR’s remarkable performance in the Housing Price Index is a testament to the region’s strong fundamentals, underpinned by robust demand and strategic developments in key micro-markets. This growth aligns with India’s broader real estate trajectory, where rising property values reflect a stable and maturing market. Despite affordability challenges, end-users and investors are demonstrating confidence, driven by the promise of long-term value creation.”

“India’s real estate sector continues to evolve, shaped by transformative infrastructure projects, urbanisation trends, and growing aspirations for larger homes. As we move forward, the sector is poised to contribute significantly to India’s economic narrative, offering opportunities across residential, commercial, and emerging segments. With strategic planning and alignment to buyer preferences, the market is set to sustain its growth momentum while adapting to the new realities,” Mr. Masaldan added.

“We see a significant variation in the trends in the overall Indian market. Over the past two years, the NCR region has experienced sharp price increases, accompanied by a significant slowdown in sales. In contrast, the Mumbai region has witnessed modest price growth alongside a robust increase in sales. While there are broader economic headwinds, India’s real estate sector is mature and well-positioned to withstand short-term turbulence,” said Mr Shekhar Tomar, Assistant Professor, Economics and Public Policy, ISB.