Archives January 2025

Mumbai, 22 January 2025: As global leaders converge to discuss the theme of “Collaboration in the Intelligent Age” at the WEF meeting in Davos, PwC’s 28th Annual Global CEO Survey: India Perspective, released here today, underscores the pivotal role played by the country in shaping the future of global innovation, sustainability, and reinvention.

According to the survey, which polled more than 4,700 CEOs across 109 countries, of which more than 75 were from India, 87% of India CEOs are upbeat about the country’s economic growth, surpassing the global average of 57%, while 74% are very confident about their respective companies’ revenue growth in the next three years. From a macro perspective, India’s robust economic growth, improved ease of doing business (EoDB), infrastructural developments, and its young and skilled workforce continue to attract investors.

However, this confidence is tempered by certain challenges. Of these, technological disruption remains top of mind for India CEOs, followed by macroeconomic volatility and inflation, and low availability of skilled labour. Disruptive technology was also listed by India CEOs as one of the top two factors influencing their company’s low economic viability.

Sanjeev Krishan, Chairperson, PwC in India, said, “For CEOs today, the challenge is to envision the ecosystem in which their company will operate in the future. This includes thinking through the impacts of megatrends like climate change and AI, evolving customer needs, shifting value pools, and the roles that their company will play.”

Optimism around GenAI, but trust is a concern

Businesses across the world have witnessed efficiency gains and increased revenue with GenAI in the last 12 months. In India too, while 51% of India CEOs are positive about GenAI’s impact on profitability, trust remains an issue, with only a third of India CEOs having high trust in AI’s integration into business processes. Expectations for higher revenue growth are in turn prompting companies to increase hiring, with 68% of India CEOs planning to hire more staff, compared to 57% last year. Globally, 42% of CEOs will increase headcount in the next 12 months, and this is perhaps more on account of, rather than in spite of, AI.

“It’s clear from our survey that GenAI is not just a technological evolution but a strategic revolution, reshaping the landscape of global business. India CEOs should embrace GenAI’s potential while also taking steps to manage risks. Responsible AI practices can mitigate many issues and are most effective when baked into GenAI strategy from the start,” added Krishan.

The climate agenda

Back in 2019, few India CEOs were concerned about using data on the impact of climate change on business to make decisions around long-term success and durability of their businesses, nor did they consider climate change as a threat to their organisation’s growth prospects. The needle has moved considerably as organisations in India are now making investments to address climate change. The survey finds that more than one-third of India CEOs noted revenue increases from climate-friendly investments over the past five years. In addition, more than 60% said these investments had either reduced cost or had no significant cost impact.

More than half of global CEOs (56%) polled said their personal incentive compensation was linked to sustainability metrics. In India, the percentage of CEOs who said that a certain proportion of their personal incentive was determined by sustainability metrics was slightly higher at 58%. The higher the percentage of CEO compensation at stake, the higher is the revenue likely to be generated from climate-friendly investments.

Many companies, however, are yet to convert climate-friendly investments – which include transitioning to energy-efficient operations, developing greener products and services, and implementing emission-reducing technologies – into additional revenues. Be that as it may, sustainability is being increasingly built into the fabric of businesses across geographies, not only as a stakeholder management issue, but also as a vector of investment.

The reinvention imperative

The interplay between macroeconomic conditions, geopolitical reconfigurations, and other external and internal threats is poised to shape the future of business and society, and fuel intelligent reinvention for business viability in the decade to come. Our survey indicates that some CEOs have already commenced on this reinvention journey. Four in ten CEOs in India and across the world said their companies have started to compete in at least one new sector/industry in the last five years. Of these, 50% of India CEOs (as against 58% globally) stated that 1–20% of their revenue came from entering a new sector or industry in the last five years.

The most common reinvention actions taken by four in ten India CEOs over the last five years are developing innovative products and services and targeting new routes to markets – for example, selling directly to consumers rather than through intermediaries. Further, 38% of India’s CEOs, as against 32% globally, have aimed at acquiring a new customer base. Collaboration with other organisations has also been a strategy for 26% of CEOs both in India and globally.

On how staying the course on the reinvention track will be key to responsible business viability, Krishan concluded, “To drive transformation, business leaders must be willing to question deeply ingrained beliefs about their organisations’ business models, even when those beliefs were the foundation of past successes. This involves not only introspection within the organisation but also a keen focus on external dynamics, exploring how a rapidly evolving environment can unlock fresh opportunities.”

Mumbai, January 22, 2025– Ravin Group, one of India’s fastest-growing business groups and a leader in sustainability and green initiatives in India, celebrated its remarkable 75th anniversary with an inspiring and colorful evening that brought together industry leaders, policymakers, Bollywood celebrities, and business magnates. The event, themed “Taking a Sustainable India to the World,” highlighted Ravin Group’s commitment to environmental sustainability, innovation, and reliability. It also recognized the company’s legacy in shaping India’s infrastructure and its dedication to creating a greener future.

At the grand event held at the Jio Convention Center, Mr. Ajay Devgn was introduced as the brand ambassador for the World Environment Day 2025 campaign. He unveiled the campaign poster. The initiative is focused on combating plastic pollution, promoting sustainability, raising environmental awareness, and propelling India’s growth on the global stage.

Bollywood actor and businessman, Mr. Vivek Oberoi specially flew from Dubai to attend the remarkable event and introduced Pujya Shri Brahmavihari Swami, a spiritual leader and motivational speaker who leads international relations for the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and the visionary behind the creation of the Temple in Abu Dhabi.

Celebrating Sustainability and Innovation, the event’s theme, “Taking a Sustainable India to the World,” was a reflection of Ravin Group’s long-standing commitment to creating a greener and more sustainable India while showcasing its role in the nation’s infrastructure development.

Ms. Pankaja Munde, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister for Animal Husbandry, Environment, and Climate Change, expressed her strong support for the initiative, emphasizing that the ministry would back efforts aimed at building a sustainable future.

Mr. Vijay Karia, Chairman and Managing Director at Ravin Group of Companies, concluded, “At Ravin Group, we are proud to be part of India’s growth story, with sustainability, reliability, and innovation at the core of everything we do. We are excited to continue this journey and contribute to the global push for environmental responsibility, all while propelling India’s economic progress.”

During the event, Bollywood actor and businessman Vivek Oberoi lent his support, saying, “This is a critical initiative, and it is heartening to see industry leaders come together for a common cause—ensuring that the future of our country and our planet is in safe hands.”

Mr. Ajay Devgn expressed his excitement about the initiative, saying, “It is an immense pleasure to be the flag-bearer for a greener tomorrow. I am grateful for this opportunity. Small changes can make a big difference, and I am committed to helping drive this vision forward.”

Dignitaries and Industry Leaders: The event was attended by key political figures including , Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Ashish Shelar, Minister for Information Technology of Maharashtra, Ms. Pankaja Munde, Cabinet Minister for Animal Husbandry, Environment, and Climate Change, Raghunath Anant Mashelkar, Indian chemical engineer and Shri Anurag Thakur, Member of Lok Sabha, and Ravi Kishan, Member of the Lok Sabha marking a significant milestone for Ravin Group’s sustainability mission.

Global Business Leaders: Notable business leaders, including Shri Ashish Chauhan, MD & CEO of NSE India, and Shri Nadir Godrej, Chairman & MD of Godrej Industries, were present, showing strong support for Ravin Group’s vision of sustainability and growth.

Bollywood Stars Shine: Bollywood icons like Ajay Devgn, Malaika Arora, Playback Singers Shaan, Sonu Nigam, Gulshan Grover, actor and film producer and Jackie Shroff, actor and producer, added glamour to the evening, highlighting the growing role of celebrities in supporting environmental initiatives.

Ravin Group’s 75-year legacy is marked by contributions to landmark infrastructure projects like Maha Metro Aqua Line, Mumbai Metro, and Hyderabad Metro. The company has pioneered innovations, such as introducing XLPE cables at PVC prices, and has been a staunch supporter of India’s renewable energy movement. Under Mr. Karia’s leadership, Ravin has become a global brand known for its dedication to sustainability and innovation.

During the event, Ravin Group presented sustainability awards to several distinguished individuals, including HH Brahmavihari Swami, Dr. Mashelkar. Other notable awardees included Shri Suresh Kotak, Shri Ashish Chauhan, Shri Ritesh Agarwal, Shri Manhar Udhas, Shri Vivek Oberoi, Shri Arnab Goswami, Shri Gulzar Saheb, Shri Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Shri Nadir Godrej, Shri Prasoon Joshi, Shri Sonu Nigam, Shri Vikas Khanna, and the late Rohit Patel was awarded posthumously.

The event also celebrated India’s transformative journey, from humble beginnings to becoming the world’s fifth-largest economy, highlighting the nation’s progress in manufacturing, infrastructure, and renewable energy. Initiatives like “Make in India,” “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” and “Gati Shakti” have fueled this transformation, positioning India as a global leader in sustainability and economic growth.

January 22, 2025; National: Bangalore-based Generative AI startup NeuralGarage has qualified as one of the 5 finalists at SXSW Pitch 2025. NeuralGarage’s proprietary and patent-filed technology ‘VisualDub’ competes under the ‘Entertainment, Media, Sports & Content’ category alongside other global start-ups. ‘VisualDub’ addresses the issue of visual dissonance in dubbed content by syncing the lips and jaws of actors with that of the dubbed audio to create a seamless viewing experience for audiences by retaining the original resolution of the content. ‘VisualDub’ is built for Films, Streaming Platforms, Broadcast Networks and Advertising. Currently, in its 17th year, SXSW Pitch turns the spotlight on the global start-up ecosystem’s most exciting, innovative, and cutting-edge technology for industry experts, VCs, and high-profile angel investors.

VisualDub boasts of strong use cases across a diverse range of content spanning theatrical films, content on streaming platforms, linear TV, and digital. The proprietary technology has been used by some of the biggest global brands for their ad films to create visually native and authentic content in every language without incurring additional production costs in those languages.

Speaking on this milestone moment, Mandar Natekar, NeuralGarage’s Co-Founder and CEO said, “SXSW is the biggest global platform that brings to the forefront emerging technologies for the global media and entertainment industry. We are delighted to be selected among the top 5 tech startups globally that will pitch in front of some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. VisualDub is production-ready and has been built keeping in mind the exacting standards that the entertainment and media industry needs for adoption. Generative AI will rapidly change the way content is created, distributed, and consumed, and with VisualDub we are poised to drive this change from the front. We can’t wait to showcase the full spectrum of our technology at SXSW 25 in their pitch event.”

VisualDub is a product of IIT Kanpur alumni Subhabrata Debnath, Subhashish Saha, Anjan Banerjee, and media and entertainment veteran Mandar Natekar.

SXSW Pitch takes place in Austin, Texas, USA on March 8 and 9, 2025 and receives participation from Hollywood and global investors. Jim Breyer, Breyer Capital will host SXSW Pitch to a live audience of expert judges, including industry leaders such as Esther Dyson of Wellville, Arlan Hamilton of Backstage Capital, Dave Rose of Gust, Artur Gushiken of Softbank, Jessica Robinson of Assembly Ventures, Brian Dixon of Kapor Capital, Becky Center of Indiegogo, Monique Idlett-Mosley of Reign Ventures, Mohanjit Jolly of Iron Pillar Capital, and more.

New Delhi, 22nd January 2025: Servotech Renewable Power System Ltd. (Formerly known as Servotech Power Systems Ltd.) (NSE: SERVOTECH), India’s largest manufacturer of Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers, and a leading provider of Solar solutions, EV Charger components and Power-Backup solutions, presented its quarterly financial results for the quarter and nine months ended 31st December, 2024 at its Board of Directors meeting on 21st January, 2025.

 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Consolidated

 • Total Revenue witnessed stellar growth of 315.3% in Q3 FY25 to Rs. 21,683.2 lacs from Rs. 5,220.6 lacs in Q3 FY24
• EBITDA increased by 420.1% from Rs. 321.6 lacs in Q3 FY24 to Rs. 1,672.8 lacs in Q3 FY25
• PBT stood at Rs. 1,282.5 lacs in Q3 FY25, compared to Rs. 185.8 lacs in Q3 FY24, witnessing a growth of 590.2%
• PAT stood at Rs. 798.7 lacs in Q3 FY25, compared to Rs. 111.4 lacs in Q3 FY24, witnessing a growth of 616.8%
• In terms of 9M performance, total revenue increased by 142.1% and stood at Rs. 52,934.0 lacs in 9M FY25 compared to Rs. 21861.0 lacs in 9M FY24
• EBITDA increased by 173.1% from Rs. 1,631.5 lacs in 9M FY24 to Rs. 4,455.9 lacs in 9M FY25
• PAT increased by 184.1% and stood at Rs. 2,371.9 lacs in 9M FY25 compared to Rs. 834.8 lacs in 9M FY24, margins improved to 4.5% from 3.8% during the same period

 Standalone
• Total Revenue witnessed stellar growth of 264.8% in Q3 FY25 to Rs. 18,185.7 lacs from Rs. 4,984.5 lacs in Q3 FY24.
• EBITDA increased by 433.0% from Rs. 318.6 lacs in Q3 FY24 to Rs. 1,698.1 lacs in Q3 FY25
• PBT stood at Rs. 1,309.4 lacs in Q3 FY25, compared to Rs. 182.9 lacs in Q3 FY24, witnessing a growth of 616.0%
• PAT stood at Rs. 829.7 lacs in Q3 FY25, compared to Rs. 109.2 lacs in Q3 FY24, witnessing a growth of 659.8%
• In terms of 9M performance, total revenue increased by 148.6% and stood at Rs. 46,236.9 lacs in 9M FY25 compared to Rs. 18,601.6 lacs in 9M FY24
• EBITDA increased by 181.8% from Rs. 1,596.7 lacs in 9M FY24 to Rs. 4,499.9 lacs in 9M FY25
• PAT increased by 200.3% and stood at Rs. 2,441.8 lacs in 9M FY25 compared to Rs. 813.0 lacs in 9M FY24, margins improved to 5.3% from 4.4% during the same period

 Commenting upon the results, Raman Bhatia, Managing Director, Servotech Renewable Power System Ltd. (Formerly known as Servotech Power Systems Ltd.) said, “The quarter experienced stellar growth, fueled by our unwavering commitment to delivering cutting-edge, technology-driven solutions in electric vehicles and solar energy. As a market leader in India’s EV charging sector, currently holding a 35-40% market share, we are strategically positioned to capture 50-55% by manufacturing 12,000 DC fast chargers in FY25, meeting the rapidly surging demand for EV infrastructure. EV chargers are projected to constitute 70-75% of our total revenue, with solar products contributing the remaining portion. This dual-pronged focus on innovation reflects our dedication to creating long-term value for our stakeholders while simultaneously contributing to a sustainable future. The trust and enthusiasm of our customers and shareholders inspire us to push boundaries and set higher benchmarks. We are optimistic about the future and committed to driving growth and establishing ourselves as a global leader in renewable energy and smart energy solutions.”

Mumbai, January 22, 2025: Meta and the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) today unveiled a joint whitepaper and playbook highlighting the changing consumer behavior and preferences in the automotive segment driven by digital adoption. With digital influencing consumer behavior and powering the growth of the sector, the findings and recommendations from the whitepaper can unleash the digital transformation of auto OEMs and dealerships across India.

In 2023, Meta and FADA launched ‘Move with Meta’, an upskilling and enablement program to upskill more than 3000 auto dealers across the country. The initiative aimed to help them build a social presence and digitize their customer outreach and lead generation using the Meta Platforms.

Since its launch, the program has delivered exceptional results, driving a 3X growth in dealer digitization and successfully upskilling 6,000+ dealers through the hyperlocal program, surpassing the initial commitment of 3,000 dealers. More than 3000 auto dealers had been upskilled before the start of the program, which takes the total number of auto dealers that have been upskilled to 10,000.

The program resulted in improving leads and sales for auto dealers with a 32% improvement in lead generation efficiency reported by dealers. In addition, the program has directly impacted sales for leading auto OEMs across the country.

C S Vigneshwar, President, Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) said, “At FADA, our vision is to empower dealers nationwide with the right digital tools and insights to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market. Through our partnership with Meta, we’ve not only exceeded our commitment of upskilling 3,000 dealers—surpassing 6,000—but we’ve also seen a 3X increase in digitization and a marked 32% improvement in lead generation efficiency. This whitepaper underscores the potential of AI, Reels, and messaging platforms such as WhatsApp to strengthen customer relationships and drive growth. We look forward to scaling this collaboration further, bridging the digital gap in automotive retail, ensuring that dealers across India are future-ready, and remain agile in these dynamic times.”

Saugato Bhowmik, Director, Auto, CPG, and D2C for Meta in India said, “Our platforms and products are well positioned to enable rapid and efficient digital customer acquisition and engagement for auto dealers in a hyperlocal manner. Over the last two years we’ve upskilled nearly 10,000 dealers along with FADA to digitize their outreach and experiences through our unique hyperlocal solutions and key products ranging from Reels and AI to messaging. We’re thrilled to deepen our partnership with FADA and take on the ambitious target of upskilling 5000 more dealers in the next 2 years. This program has not only benefitted thousands of auto dealers but also proven to drive strong sales results for leading OEMs.”

Auto OEMs have reported strong sales and lead generation impact because of the program.

Virat Khullar, Group Head, Marketing, Hyundai Motor India Limited said “We’re excited to see outstanding business results through our partnership with Meta and OnlineSales on the Hyperlocal program. Together, we’ve developed a custom model that efficiently onboarded over 600 dealers in record time. In H2 ’24, Meta’s hyperlocal program drove a remarkable 37% growth in sales compared to H1, while delivering 29% reduction in Cost per Retail. As we move forward, we’re eager to scale this partnership further, leveraging cutting-edge AI and messaging solutions to unlock even greater opportunities.”

Manjari Upadhye, Chief Marketing Officer, Auto, Mahindra and Mahindra Limited said “Our partnership with Meta has helped amplify the impact of our passenger vehicle launches. Mahindra has leveraged the best and latest in technology to drive launch impact through Meta’s family of Apps. Some of the key activations include leveraging WhatsApp for Thar ROXX launch, using Partnership ads for driving consideration for XUV 700 (Intent went up +3.3 pts) and the Auto Industry’s first chat-based car configurator on Messenger and Instagram Direct for XUV 3XO, which saw 29% increase in conversation volumes. Our collaboration with Meta has driven significant impact, leading to bookings and sales, and setting new benchmarks in the industry.”

Looking ahead, Meta and FADA aim to further scale the program by upskilling 5,000 additional dealers over the next two years, reinforcing their commitment to driving innovation and efficiency in the automotive sector. FADA currently represents 15,000 auto dealers across the country.

• Key Insights from the Auto Playbook 2025
• Source: New Automobile Buyers Consumer Journey Study by Kantar Profiles. Meta-commissioned online survey with respondents aged 18-64, India, 2023.
• Meta’s influence in driving discovery & evaluation, powered by AI: 72% of new automotive buyers who were surveyed in this research discovered the brand on the Meta family of apps. Further, 69% stated that the Meta family of apps played a role in their purchase decision.
• WhatsApp Leads Buyer-Dealer Communication: Among new automobile buyers, 48% used WhatsApp to directly connect with dealerships for vehicle availability inquiries, making it the most preferred communication channel. Moreover, 47% expressed interest in receiving service reminders via messaging platforms.
• Advantage+ Placements Revolutionizing Advertising: To improve cost per lead and lead volume by Meta for their Hyperlocal dealer campaigns, Hyundai India, used AI-powered Advantage+ Placements to place their dealer ads across all Meta surfaces. They saw 18% an increase in Lead Volume and 34% decrease in Cost Per Lead.
• Reels and Creator Content Drive Purchase Decisions: 72% of automotive buyers find creator content on Instagram Reels helpful for vehicle evaluation, with 41% regularly engaging with vehicle-related Reels. By partnering with creators, dealers can build authenticity and amplify their reach.

Michelle Obama’s legacy is synonymous with words like transformation, resilience and the power of being a changemaker. As an advocate for empowerment and social justice, she has dedicated her life to driving meaningful change and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. Through her work, she has used her voice and platform to inspire generations of women to rise, lead, and make a difference. In celebration of her 61st birthday, we’ve curated a list of her most impactful audiobooks and films that continue to inspire and empower audiences globally. This list honours her enduring contribution to culture, activism, and the art of storytelling, offering invaluable insights that challenge us to reflect, grow, and live with purpose.

Becoming

Service: Audible

Becoming is a powerful and intimate memoir by Michelle Obama, the first African American First Lady of the United States. Winner of numerous accolades, including the British Book Awards’ ‘Audiobook of the Year’ and a Grammy for ‘Best Spoken Word Album’, this deeply personal reflection chronicles Michelle’s journey from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her time in the White House. With honesty, wit, and warmth, she shares the triumphs and challenges of balancing motherhood, work, and public life, all while advocating for women, girls, and healthier families. Becoming is a captivating story of resilience and defying expectations. Tune in for inspiration to embrace one’s journey with purpose and strength!

The Light We Carry

Service: Audible

This is the powerful, inspiring follow-up to the critically acclaimed, multi-million #1 bestselling memoir Becoming. In The Light We Carry, former First Lady Michelle Obama shares practical wisdom and personal reflections on staying hopeful and balanced in an uncertain world. She explores key questions many of us face—how to build lasting relationships, find strength in our differences, and navigate life’s challenges. Drawing from her experiences as a mother, daughter, wife, friend, and First Lady, Obama offers tools for resilience, emphasising the power of lighting the way for others and discovering new pathways for growth. With candour and compassion, she tackles complex issues of race, gender, and visibility, encouraging readers to confront fear, embrace community, and live boldly. Fire up your device and get ready to be moved and inspired to reflect, find joy, and connect meaningfully in a turbulent world.

The Light Podcast

Service: Audible

Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast goes beyond the book, offering exclusive personal stories and insights from her and her friends, as a part of the tour for her book, The Light We Carry. In this series, together they explore themes from The Light We Carry, including building meaningful relationships, navigating race and gender, overcoming obstacles, and lighting the way for others to unlock potential. With her trademark humour, openness and empathy, Michelle shares tools for thriving in today’s world alongside luminaries like Gayle King, Hoda Kotb, and David Letterman. Tune in for an uplifting and inspiring Audible Original.

American Factory: A Conversation With The Obamas

Platform: Netflix

American Factory: A Conversation with the Obamas offers an insightful and thought-provoking discussion between former President Barack Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and the filmmakers of American Factory, an Oscar-winning documentary. The conversation delves into the themes explored in the film, including the complexities of globalization, the changing dynamics of American manufacturing, and the challenges of bridging cultural and economic divides. With their unique perspectives, the Obamas provide valuable reflections on the film’s exploration of the American workforce and the broader implications of economic and social change.

Leave The World Behind

Platform: Netflix

Leave the World Behind, produced by Barack and Michelle Obama, is a gripping and thought-provoking thriller that explores themes of technology, survival, and the fragility of modern society. Based on the bestselling novel by Rumaan Alam, the story follows a family’s vacation gone awry when a mysterious crisis disrupts their world, forcing them to confront their deepest fears and uncertainties. With its timely exploration of social and environmental collapse, Leave the World Behind invites audiences to reflect on the delicate balance of our interconnected world, offering a tense and immersive experience that’s both compelling and unsettling.

Crip Camp

Platform: Netflix

Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution, another production by Higher Ground, Barack and Michelle Obama’s production company, tells the inspiring and transformative story of a group of teenagers with disabilities who attended a groundbreaking summer camp in the 1970s. The documentary chronicles their journey from the camp to the heart of the disability rights movement, highlighting the activism and resilience that led to significant social and legislative change. With its powerful blend of personal stories and historical context, Crip Camp shines a light on the fight for accessibility, inclusion, and equality. Tune in for a compelling look at how a group of young people changed the course of history!

New research highlights a stark reality: IT directors at major global firms are preparing for an unprecedented surge in cyber threats driven by AI, machine learning, and the Metaverse.

As cyber criminals deploy increasingly sophisticated attacks, organizations plan significant security budget increases over the next two years.

A global study of IT leaders at companies with over $300 million annual turnover by post-quantum security pioneers Naoris Protocol, highlights the growing urgency to address emerging cybersecurity challenges.

Metaverse and AI: A Dangerous Nexus for Cyber Attacks
Over 60% of IT directors strongly agree, and 37% partially agree, that the convergence of the Metaverse and AI will significantly escalate cyber attacks. Hackers are expected to exploit AI and machine learning to create more sophisticated methods, making the Metaverse a prime target.

“The Metaverse, combined with AI-driven hacking, presents a perfect storm of vulnerabilities,” warned David Carvalho, CEO of Naoris Protocol.

Decentralization’s Promises and Perils
The study also highlights heightened cyber risks in the Web3 space. While decentralized technologies offer opportunities, they also bring new threats.

Only 35% of IT directors believe their organizations fully understand Web3-related risks, 46% rate their knowledge as “quite good,” and 19% report average or poor comprehension. Around 12% say their organisation has an average understanding while 7% admit to a poor or very poor understanding of the cyber risks posed by Web3

This knowledge gap could expose critical systems to exploitation as organizations navigate decentralization and blockchain complexities.

Some of the biggest hacks in 2024 included DMM Bitcoin in May ($305 million) and WazirX in July ($234.9 million), this underscores the growing need to secure mechanisms frequently exploited in hacks, such as private keys. Overall Web3 security breaches led to cryptocurrency losses exceeding $2.3 billion in 2024, a 31.6% increase compared to 2023, according to blockchain security firm Certik.

Budgets on the Rise: A Necessary Response
Cybersecurity budgets are set to grow significantly as risks rise. Over the past two years, 38% of IT directors reported dramatic budget increases, while 47% saw moderate growth and 15% say it is unchanged.

Looking ahead, 97% expect further increases, with 25% predicting over 50% growth and 61% anticipating increases between 10% and 50% in the next two years.

What will happen to cyber security budgets over the next two years?

•  11% expect increases of up to 10%
•  35% foresee growth between 10% and 25%
•  26% predict a 25%-50% rise
•  15% expect jumps of 50%-75%
•  10% project budget increases of over 75%
•  7% project budget increases of over 75%

DePIN: The Future of Cost-Effective Cybersecurity
Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePINs) are emerging as a promising solution for reducing the financial and operational impacts of cyber incidents. According to the study, 32% of IT directors believe adopting DePIN-based cybersecurity measures could significantly reduce costs, while 48% see a moderate impact.

Naoris Protocol’s collaboration with the DePIN Association highlights its dedication to advancing cybersecurity and digital trust through a decentralized, post-quantum approach, benefiting industries like finance, telecommunications, and healthcare

A Call to Action for IT Leaders

“The rapid evolution of the cyber threat landscape demands equally agile responses,” Carvalho stated. “Organizations must not only expand their cybersecurity budgets but also embrace innovative technologies like decentralized solutions to stay ahead of attackers.”
With the Metaverse expanding and AI threats evolving, Naoris Protocol’s research highlights the urgent need for organizations to adopt robust, forward-thinking cybersecurity strategies to tackle the challenges of a rapidly changing digital era.

Bengaluru, January 22, 2025 – As the world gathers for Maha Kumbh 2025, one of the largest cultural events, India’s commitment to environmental sustainability is highlighted through the Swachh Kumbh initiative. At the heart of this effort is the ‘Maidaan Saaf’ campaign, a partnership led by Coca-Cola India in partnership with PHD Rural Development Foundation (PHDRDF) and the Prayagraj Mela Authority (PMA) highlighting social and environmental innovation.

As part of the Maidaan Saaf campaign, Coca-Cola India has created and distributed 21,500 jackets made from recycled PET for sanitation workers, boatmen, and waste management volunteers. This includes 10,000 jackets for sanitation workers involved in the Swachh Kumbh initiative, 10,000 life jackets for boatmen across 4,000 boats to ensure their safety during river crossings, and 1,500 jackets for volunteers working on waste management. These jackets not only ensure the safety and easy identification of workers but also highlight the potential of recycled plastic, encouraging visitors to rethink how waste can be repurposed.

Additionally, Coca-Cola India has installed 1,000 changing rooms for women, made entirely from recycled multi-layer plastic waste, along the 12 km stretch of the river ghats. These rooms, designed to provide privacy and ventilation, feature illustrations by top Indian artists that turn waste segregation and recycling into engaging, fun, and educational visuals.

“At Coca-Cola India, we are committed to creating impactful change by integrating sustainability into large-scale events like Maha Kumbh 2025. The Maidaan Saaf campaign is a testament to how partnerships for collection and innovative practices can turn waste into opportunity. By encouraging collective responsibility and promoting recycling, we aim to inspire visitors to adopt environmentally conscious habits and contribute to a cleaner, greener future, “ said, Saloni Goel, Senior Director, ESG Value Creation, Coca Cola India

Coca-Cola’s hydration carts, positioned every 400 meters, include built-in bins for bottle collection and feature creative artwork that encourages visitors to participate in waste segregation, turning waste into a valuable resource. Additionally, Coca-Cola India has placed Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) at railway stations, food courts, and key locations to collect and recycle PET waste, alongside partnerships for effective waste management. Additionally,

22.01.2025, Mumbai: Ramakrishna Sarada Samit i (RKSS), one of the most prominent non- governmental organizations in India, along with the State Bank of India (SBI) Foundation, unveiled JEET today. JEET is an educational platform with an inbuilt LMS that will provide learning content for students from more than 10,000 government schools across six States in India. With the help of this web-based LMS platform, JEET is targeting to serve ten lakh economically disadvantaged students from KG to 12 by providing them with a lifelong free learning platform.

Speaking at the occasion, Shri Raghu Pilaka, Director, RKSS said, “Quality education (SDG 4) is a fundamental right. RKSS has championed education for underprivileged communities for 55 years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the idea emerged to curate vast online educational content into accessible resources for government schools. By 2023, this vision became a nationwide NGO alliance supporting every child’s education. Inspired by Swami Vivekananda’s words, ‘Educate and raise the masses, and thus alone a nation is possible,’ we proudly launch the FREE Web-Based LMS – JEET today on his 162nd birth anniversary. JEET, a result of collective NGO efforts, will empower underserved children with quality education to overcome socio- economic barriers and become future leaders of India. We are actively using AI to scale our work through EduX platform and many more initiatives in video based learning.”

With the goal of empowering under-resourced and disadvantaged students, JEET will offer more than 12,000 rich and high-quality educational videos in phase one and will soon scale up to 1 lakh videos. The content bank of video links available through the LMS was obtained from NGOs and organisations across India. This includes Avanti Fellows, BCPT, Educomp Mathguru, Khan Academy, Magnet Brains, Pratham NGO, Tic Tac Learn, Vimbue, V.K.R.C.E. Trust, Coimbatore, etc.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Shri Sanjay Prakash, Managing Director, SBI Foundation said, “As the CSR arm of State Bank of India, SBI Foundation is dedicated to making a lasting and meaningful impact on the society. Since its inception in 2015, our mission has focused on empowering marginalized communities and vulnerable populations, with a particular emphasis on fostering growth, education, and equality. Through Project JEET, we aim to bridge India’s digital divide by providing free, high-quality educational content. In partnership with RKSS, this platform will offer educational videos in regional languages, along with Hindi and English, ensuring accessibility for students across diverse backgrounds. By aligning the content with State Board syllabi, JEET complements classroom learning and supports government schools in delivering quality education. We are confident that JEET will not only expand academic resources but also help overcome technological barriers, creating a more inclusive and equitable education system for all.”

New Delhi, January 22, 2025: Panasonic Automotive Systems India (PASI) – is a subsidiary of Panasonic Automotive Systems Co. Ltd, a global leader in advanced automotive solutions that make driving more enjoyable and fulfilling, providing systems that support safe driving, and offer optimal in-vehicle systems and solutions for environmentally friendly vehicles. PASI focuses on the development, manufacturing, and sale of automotive components and parts like infotainment solutions (audio, video, and navigation), sensors, relays, cameras, parking assistance systems, telematics control units, smart entry systems, LED solutions for headlamps and batteries. PASI offers the latest technologies such as Head-up Displays (HUD), Telematic Control Units (TCU), Temperature Oil Sensor, and in-car infotainment to name a few that are used across global markets to advance India’s automotive industry.

Bhupesh Kanyal, Director of Panasonic Automotive Systems India (PASI) said, “Indian motor vehicle industry is the fourth largest in the world, and continues to grow rapidly. In the two-wheeler segment, India is the largest manufacturer. With the strong economic growth of India and with rising income of Indian households, the potential of growth in the automotive industry is significant. With the advent of new-age technologies, and newer forms of mobility such as Electric Vehicles, consumer aspirations continue to evolve too. Indian consumers today are looking for such, a premium commuting experience as well as passenger and environmental safety. This has resulted in demand for an improved passenger vehicle experience. Keeping that in mind we at Panasonic, are in the process of transforming the in-car experience by harnessing new technologies such as Connected Devices, Head-Up Displays, Wireless Chargers, and 360° Camera Solutions that are simple to use, safe and durable, and cost-effective. Through our wide range of products and solutions, we are currently catering to the top OEMs of the automotive industry and would like to expand the gamut”

PASI’s range of solutions can be categorized under three themes – Beyond Comfort, Integrated Safety, and Electrification. Beyond Comfort caters to automobile interiors’ featuring cockpits, navigation systems, and HUDs. Integrated Safety aids in safe commuting and reducing traffic accidents. It features products like back & corner sensors, interior rearview mirrors, vehicle camera modules, LED modules for head lamps and steering angle sensors amongst others. In the area of electrification, Panasonic is catering to the Electric Vehicles(EV) category in form of Li-ion batteries for EVs, Heater Devices, on-board charging systems, etc.

PASI was established in April 2010, and as of date have a presence across all automotive clusters working with top OEMs in India. In India, PASI continues to have a vast delivery and service network with highly trained employees and fully equipped facilities to support OEMs and end users.

Some of the Key Offerings from PASI:

• Head-Up Display (HUD): The systems present data to drivers while keeping their attention on the road. Panasonic Automotive offers in-house-designed, cost-effective HUD technologies to meet specific OEM needs. The company offers windshield HUDs as well as combiner HUD systems.
• In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI): The infotainment solutions provide audio/video entertainment and information content including radio, media player, TV and video, telephony, Navigation, speech control, Apps, and Connectivity features that helps OEMs provide a holistic electronic cockpit concept.
• Telematics Control Unit (TCU): TCU assists to locate the position of the vehicle, make an emergency call during an accident or breakdown, track a stolen vehicle, and record diagnostic codes for service stations. Further, Panasonic’s advanced TCU solutions provide holistic information to the vehicle owner about the health of the vehicle, mode of riding/ driving, tyre pressure, fuel level/ battery charge status, etc. accessible on a mobile application.
• Cameras (Back/Lane Watch cameras) – Cameras for Lane Watch integrated in Outer Rear View mirrors (ORVM) and rear view cameras for parking assistance. Lane Watch cameras enables drivers’ to avoid distraction and enhance safety by covering the blindspot.
• Vehicle Sensors: Panasonic provides sensors for 2W and 4W applications for Engine applications, Speed monitoring, Ambient Temperature and Crank Angle Detection.
• LED Modules for Head Lamps: Panasonic provides high quality and reliable LED modules for head lamps, winkers and tail lights.
• Wirelesss Chargers: Panasonic moving coil technology uses a proprietary algorithm to automatically detect the device’s coil and align it with the charger’s coil, improving the accuracy of alignment during charging. This technology enables optimal coil alignment between the smartphone and the wireless charger, resulting in highly efficient charging.