Archives February 2025

New Delhi, February 28, 2025: The Second Edition of the Build India Infra Awards 2025 honored India’s most outstanding infrastructure projects, recognizing impact, innovation, and sustainability across key sectors. With significant participation, the awards highlighted engineering marvels that are shaping India’s journey toward world-class infrastructure. Primus Partners, India’s largest home-grown consulting services firm, served as the Knowledge Partner, ensuring a rigorous selection process. The nominees presented their projects and this was followed by two rounds of deliberation among a distinguished jury comprising of IAS officers, MDs, and CEOs of leading companies to evaluate them. The awards were founded by Shri Vaibhav Dange (Public Policy Expert on Infrastructure, Green Fuels & Sustainable Mobility), who welcomed the guests and celebrated the achievers.

Emphasizing India’s rapid growth, Shri Vaibhav Dange highlighted that the country now has the third-largest road network in the world, while its aviation sector is set to become the third-largest globally. The Build India Infra Awards 2025 recognize and celebrate excellence in infrastructure development, spotlighting 4 key sectors from Edition 1 2024 viz. roads and highways, railways, ports, airports and 3 new sectors introduced in this Edition 2 namely urban transport, water infrastructure, power transmission that have made significant contributions to India’s growth story. In addition to these 7 sectors, Edition 2 of Build India Infra Awards has instituted a special category – “Trailblazing infrastructure” which aims to provide a platform to showcase projects which are the ”Pride of India”.

He noted that no one was better suited to present the aviation category awards than Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu – Minister of Civil Aviation, who is leading India’s aviation transformation.

Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Minister of Civil Aviation, who attended the event highlighted India’s rapid aviation growth, stating: “Over the past five years, ₹91,000 crore has been invested in aviation, expanding connectivity across India. The UDAAN scheme has added 88 new airports, enabling 4 crore more passengers to travel. By 2047, India will be the world’s No.1 aviation market. With 26 projects worth ₹8,000 crore underway, we are transforming the sector, expanding into Tier-3 cities, and ensuring inclusive growth. The NDA government is not just the National Democratic Alliance, it is the National Development Alliance, committed to building a stronger, more connected India.”

The event witnessed experts from diverse sectors of Indian infrastructure coming together to celebrate excellence and innovation. It brought together distinguished leaders, policymakers, and industry stalwarts who have played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s infrastructure landscape.

The award ceremony was also graced by Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, who virtually addressed the audience, stating: “These awards celebrate excellence in infrastructure, recognizing not just projects but also the businesses driving India’s growth. Every milestone we achieve reflects our nation’s bold aspirations. Through initiatives like ‘Gati Shakti’, we are making transportation seamless and cost-effective. With ₹11.21 lakh crore allocated for capital expenditure (capex), in Union Budget 2025, India is laying the foundation for a stronger, more connected future. Let’s work together to create a better India for tomorrow. As we march towards Viksit Bharat 2047, our collective efforts will shape a nation that stands tall on the global stage.”

In another virtual address, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Shri Manohar Lal Khattar emphasized the impact of the PM Gati Shakti initiative, stating that it is driving the nation’s progress. He lauded the awards as a great initiative that promotes innovation and sustainability while congratulating all nominees for their contributions. Minister of Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari echoed similar sentiments, expressing his pleasure at being part of the event and highlighting India’s position as the world’s third-largest economy, urging continued efforts toward growth. Quoting John F. Kennedy, he reiterated that “America’s roads are not good because it is rich; America is rich because its roads are good.” He emphasized the government’s strong commitment to infrastructure development, with increased budget allocations to generate jobs and boost economic progress. He also stressed the importance of aligning knowledge with international standards, reaffirming his dedication to advancing the sector.

Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in his virtual address, stated:“The Build India Infra Awards 2025 celebrates the leaders and innovators shaping India’s infrastructure. Under Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji’s leadership, India is modernizing ports, inland waterways, and shipping through initiatives like Sagarmala, PM Gati Shakti, and Maritime Vision 2047.”

Davinder Sandhu, Co-Founder & Chairperson of Primus Partners, delivered the vote of thanks to Shri Naidu and commended the awards for evolving with India’s infrastructure landscape. He stated, “This year, I have seen some remarkable new elements in these awards, reflecting the sector’s transformation. With the government’s capital expenditure (capex) allocation taking shape, we are witnessing a shift in how projects are being executed. I congratulate all the captains of industry for their contributions to nation-building.”

Adding to the event’s prestige was an esteemed jury panel, led by Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa, who stated, “For India to grow from a $4 trillion to a $30 trillion economy, we need world-class expressways, highways, and metros. With solar capacity scaled 31 times and 40 million houses built, India is executing projects at an unprecedented scale. Platforms like the Build India Infra Awards are key to driving this excellence.”

The jury comprised top bureaucrats, industry leaders, and infrastructure experts. Their extensive expertise ensured a rigorous and transparent selection process, reinforcing the credibility of the awards. Davinder Sandhu, Co-Founder & Chairperson, Primus Partners and Vaibhav Dange, a Public Policy Expert on Infrastructure, Green Fuels & Sustainable Mobility, further strengthened the discourse on sustainable and futuristic infrastructure development.

The event was a landmark occasion that recognized and honored the efforts of individuals and organizations that have contributed to nation-building through pioneering infrastructure projects. With thought-provoking discussions, networking opportunities, and a shared vision for India’s growth, the evening reinforced the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and thought leaders to drive the country’s infrastructure forward.

As Knowledge Partners, Primus Partners spearheaded the conceptualization and execution of the nomination and jury process for the Build India Infra Awards 2025, ensuring a rigorous and transparent selection. Designed around the three core principles—People, Process, and Product—the jury was presented with a robust framework for holistic assessment, a crucial step in identifying India’s most iconic infrastructure projects.

Bengaluru, February 28, 2025: In a strategic partnership aimed at fostering innovation and intellectual property (IP) growth within Karnataka’s burgeoning tech sector, Nasscom and the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), Department of Electronics, IT, BT, and S&T, Government of Karnataka, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The MoU is signed between Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), Department of Electronics, IT, BT, Government of Karnataka and National Association of Software & Services Companies (nasscom). The MOU outlines a joint commitment to enhance IP awareness, protection, and commercialization within Karnataka’s IT and ITeS industry. This strategic collaboration aims to strengthen the state’s position as a leading innovation hub, boost IP creation, and drive economic growth through enhanced technology development and commercialization.

As part of the MoU with KITS, the collaboration will focus on:

• Establishing and managing an IP Enablement Program to boost innovation and patent filings in Karnataka through structured mentorship and support mechanisms
• Delivering comprehensive technical support through IP mentorship, awareness workshops and capacity building initiatives across educational institutions
• Creating supportive ecosystem for IP growth through strategic industry partnerships, policy frameworks and subsidized legal consultation
• Providing necessary infrastructure and administrative support while monitoring program success through patent metrics and inter-departmental coordination

 The Nasscom IP Enablement Program, a key component of this MoU, will provide structured mentorship and resources to Karnataka’s IT industry, with a special focus on startups and SMEs, to strengthen their IP management and innovation capabilities. This initiative aims to accelerate patent filings and drive technological advancement across the state.

The Hon’ble Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj and Information Technology & Biotechnology, Sri. Priyank M Kharge highlighted Government of Karnataka’s focus & commitment on developing a conducive ecosystem for the technology sector which would nurture innovation. Karnataka has continued to remain the leader in innovation for the technology sector and necessary steps are being undertaken to ensure that the state retains this position, the Minister remarked. He said “ This collaboration with Nasscom marks a step in this direction, aimed at strengthening the tech industry in Karnataka by offering structured support & mentorship on intellectual property by the seamless collaboration between industry, academia, and the Government to drive innovation across the state.”

Speaking on the collaboration, Rajesh Nambiar, President, Nasscom, said, “The partnership with KITS underscores the industry’s commitment to nurturing innovation and strengthening the IP landscape in India. By working closely with the Karnataka government, we aim to empower businesses of all sizes to protect and leverage their intellectual property, driving economic growth and establishing India as a global leader in innovation.”

Guwahati/Mumbai, February 28, 2025: Medhavi Skills University (MSU) is proud to announce the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government of Assam to enhance the employability of the youth of Assam. Under these strategic collaborations, MSU aims to establish a Skill Hub for Overseas Employment and a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Semiconductor Technology.

The MoUs were signed at the prestigious ADVANTAGE ASSAM 2.0 Infrastructure & Investment Summit 2025, which was inaugurated by Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Representing MSU, Mr. Kuldip Sarma, Co-Founder and Pro-Chancellor, signed the agreement alongside Shri B. Kalyan Chakravarthy, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Assam in the august presence of Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Honourable Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Prasanta Phukan, Minister of Power, Skill, Employment & Entrepreneurship, Medical Education & Research; Shri Krishnendu Paul, Minister of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Fishery, Public Works Roads; and Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Minister of School Education, Higher Education, Tribal Affairs (Plain), Government of Assam.

Under this collaboration, the OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT HUB will focus on empowering Assams youth with global skills and international career opportunities, paving the way for greater employability in international markets. The Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Semiconductor Technology aims to give a boost to Indias Semiconductor Mission and strengthen the state’s semiconductor ecosystem, positioning Assam as an emerging leader in advanced technology and innovation.

The signing of these MoUs is a testament to MSUs commitment to building a skilled, digital, and future-ready Assam. By integrating world-class skill development initiatives with industry partnerships, these projects will create new employment pathways, foster entrepreneurship, and contribute to the state’s economic growth.

Advantage Assam is the flagship investment and infrastructure summit of Assam designed to position the state as the gateway to South and Southeast Asia. By leveraging its strategic location, abundant resources, and growing infrastructure, Assam is fast emerging as a preferred destination for investment and skill development. Medhavi Skills University is honored to be a part of this transformative journey and remains dedicated to promoting innovation, education, and employment opportunities in the region.

India, February 28, 2025: Two years on, generative AI has evolved from a buzzword into a business essential, with leaders across India embracing its potential. According to new research by LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network, 98% of business leaders in India say helping their organizations speed up AI adoption is their strategic priority in 2025. However, finding talent with the right skills remains a challenge.

Finding the right mix of AI and human skills is a challenge for nearly 3 in 5 recruiters in India

LinkedIn research shows that 54% of HR professionals in India report that only half, or fewer, of the job applications they receive meet all required and preferred qualifications. Finding candidates with the right technical (61%) and soft skills (57%) remains their biggest hiring challenge. The hardest-to-find skills in India include technical/IT skills such as software development, engineering (44%), AI skills (34%), and soft skills like communication and problem-solving (33%).

Companies are exercising ‘selective hiring’ in 2025

HR professionals in India also state they receive too many applications (47%) from candidates who are not fit for the role (41%), and are hiring more selectively in 2025. More than half of HR professionals in India say they would only consider reaching out to (55%) and hiring (54%) candidates who meet 80% or more of job qualifications.

Ruchee Anand, India Country Head, Talent & Learning Solutions, LinkedIn said, “AI is reshaping how we hire and develop talent, but the real unlock isn’t just adopting AI’s making it work for the business. Too often, companies pour resources into AI tools without the right talent to unlock their full potential, turning a game-changing opportunity into a missed one. To break this cycle, businesses need to approach hiring with a skills-first mindset because while AI will be the tool that unlocks innovation, it’s human skills like creativity, communication, and collaboration that will help companies truly stay ahead of change.”

Leaders are doubling down on upskilling their workforce

More than 8 in 10 (84%) HR professionals in India rank helping employees build new skills as a top priority for 2025, with a strong focus on upskilling in AI (84%) and essential soft skills like communication and collaboration (82%). This sentiment is echoed by all (100%) surveyed L&D professionals in India who agree that soft skills (like creativity, curiosity, and communication) are becoming just as critical as technical expertise. Nearly half (48%) of Indian leaders also say that investing in learning and development for AI training will be key to accelerating adoption.

LinkedIn is introducing new AI-powered tools to help recruiters spend more time on their most impactful work

As companies navigate a cautious economic landscape, LinkedIn is introducing new AI-powered tools to help recruiters focus on the most strategic, people-centric tasks for their jobs:

* Nearly 2 in 5 (37%) of HR professionals in India spend 1-3 hours daily sifting through job applications, and more than 3 in 5 (64%) believe AI-powered tools can make hiring faster and easier. LinkedIn’s new Hiring Assistant is designed to take on a recruiter’s most repetitive, time-consuming tasks so they can spend more time on their most impactful work like advising hiring managers, connecting with candidates, and creating exceptional candidate experiences. “I find the speed and delivery of candidates good and believe LinkedIn’s Hiring Assistant will continue to improve the team’s productivity,” said Sachin Borde, Global Talent Attraction Leader, IBM

* 7 in 10 (71%) of HR professionals in India cite difficulties accessing tailored learning resources. LinkedIn Learning’s new AI-powered coaching feature helps learners build soft skills through interactive, real-world scenarios using text or voice. It helps them gain confidence in workplace conversations like performance reviews and feedback discussions, and learners receive actionable, personalized feedback at the end of each practice session.

C-suites and CHROs on the outlook for work in 2025 (C-suite research) Methodology:

C-suite (all up) Methodology:

Global research of 1,991 C-suite executives (Chief Executive Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Revenue Officer, and Chief Technology Officer) in nine countries (Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, India, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, United States, United Kingdom) working in businesses with 1,000+ employees. Fieldwork was conducted by YouGov between Nov 26 to Dec 13, 2024.

CHRO Methodology:

Global research of 300+ Chief Human Resources Officers in nine countries (Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, India, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, United States, United Kingdom) working in businesses with 1,000+ employees. Fieldwork was conducted by YouGov between Nov 26 to Dec 13 2024.

Workplace Learning Report Methodology:

Survey data

The LinkedIn Learning 2025 Workplace Learning Report surveyed 937 L&D and HR professionals with L&D responsibilities who have some influence on budget decisions and 679 learners. Surveyed geographies include: North America (United States, Canada); South America (Brazil); Asia-Pacific (Australia, New Zealand, India, Japan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Hong Kong); and Europe (United Kingdom, Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Denmark, France, Germany, Austria).

LinkedIn platform insights

All data reflects aggregated LinkedIn member activity as of September 2024. Behavioral insights for this report were derived from the billions of data points generated by 1 billion members, 14 million jobs, and 5 million profile updates per minute. Specific analyses:

Future of Recruiting Report Methodology:

Survey data

LinkedIn Research surveyed 1,271 recruiting professionals in management seniority roles or higher (1,019 corporate recruiting pros, 252 search and staffing pros). Survey respondents are LinkedIn members who were selected to participate based on information in their LinkedIn profile and qualified based on survey responses. This survey was conducted in four languages across 23 countries in September 2024.

Platform insights

Platform insights for this report were derived from the billions of data points generated by the 1 billion members in over 200 countries on LinkedIn today. Talent acquisition (TA) professionals are LinkedIn members with a recruiting role. To measure the growth of TA pros learning AI skills, we compared the number of skills explicitly added by members over 12 months (October 2023 to September 2024) against the previous 12-month period (October 2022 to September 2023). AI skills include AI literacy skills, which made up the great majority of what TA pros were learning (as opposed to AI engineering skills).

B2B Data from Talent Campaign Methodology

Consumer and Global HR Professionals Research: This research was conducted Censuswide between November 27 to December 16, 2024, among 22,010 consumer respondents and 8,035 global HR professionals between November 28 to December 18, 2024. Markets involved included: the UK, USA, France, Germany, India, Spain, Brazil, Ireland, the Netherlands, Singapore, Japan, Sweden, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Australia, Indonesia, and Italy. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles. Censuswide are members of the British Polling Council.

Mumbai / Bengaluru, 28th February 2025: Bengaluru GAFX 2025, India’s largest and most influential Bengaluru GAFX 2025 Conference, commenced today at The Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru, and will run from February 27th to March 1st, 2025. Organized by the Department of Electronics, IT & BT, Government of Karnataka, in collaboration with ABAI, the event reinforces Bengaluru’s position as the world’s leading hub for AVGC-XR and a key driver of India’s global leadership in immersive media and entertainment.

The grand inauguration witnessed the esteemed presence of Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for Rural Development, Panchayat Raj, and IT & BT, Government of Karnataka, alongside key industry leaders and policymakers driving the future of immersive storytelling. The event had the privilege of welcoming Mr. Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, as the Special Guest of Honour.

Among the distinguished attendees were Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Executive Chairperson & Founder, Biocon Limited; Shri Rizwan Arshad, Member of Karnataka Legislative Assembly; Shri Sharath Bachegowda, MLA & Chairman, KEONICS; Mr. Marc Lamy, Consul General of France, Bengaluru; Ms. Hilary McGeachy, Consul General of Australia, Bengaluru; Mr. Alfonso Tagliaferri, Consul General of Italy, Bengaluru; Mr. Nitish Mittersain, CEO & MD, Nazara Technologies; Mr. Ashish Kulkarni, Founder & CEO, Punnaryug Artvision Pvt. Ltd.; Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT, BT & S&T, Government of Karnataka; Mr. Sai Srinivas Kiran Garimella, Co-founder, MPL; Shri Rahul Sharanappa Sankanur, IAS, Director, Department of Electronics, IT & BT, Government of Karnataka; Shri Daljeet Kumar, IAS, Deputy Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT, BT & S&T, Government of Karnataka; and Mr. Biren Ghose, Chairman, Bengaluru GAFX & President, ABAI.

 With the theme “Future of Immersion: EXPERIENCE. EXPLORE. DISRUPT.”, GAFX 2025, champions its commitment to furthering the frontiers of creativity and technology. Attendees will experience the power of immersive technologies in storytelling, from real-time rendering breakthroughs to the transformative potential of virtual and augmented reality. As a premier platform, GAFX 2025 will bring together global thought leaders, visionary creatives, and cutting-edge innovations, fostering collaboration and shaping the future of the industry.

A patron of Bengaluru GAFX 2025, Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology & Biotechnology and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Govt. of Karnataka said “This event holds significance not just for the government of Karnataka but for the entire nation. Our professionals are not just contributing to global projects—they are leading them, bringing unique perspectives and unmatched expertise to the forefront. In animation and visual effects, Indian artists are instrumental in delivering cutting-edge visuals for domestic and international productions. Our contributions have garnered global acclaim, positioning India as a hub of high-quality animation and VFX services.

Despite the central government’s 28% GST, we remain the fastest-growing market in the gaming sector, achieving an impressive 23% year-on-year growth. By the end of the 2024 financial year, we are set to reach $3.8 billion. Looking ahead, I hope to see Karnataka host its own national e-sports festival this year, with the vision of creating the country’s—and possibly Asia’s—largest e-sports event.”

“Karnataka has always been at the forefront of technology and digital innovation, and our leadership in AVGC-XR continues to shape the industry. Home to over 300 AVGC studios and 15,000+ professionals, Karnataka contributes significantly to India’s digital content revolution. We were the first state to introduce an AVGC-XR policy in 2012, and our third five-year policy, announced last year, strengthened this sector with production grants, tax incentives, and skill development initiatives. With India’s 500 million gamers, Karnataka leads with the highest number of gaming startups, positioning Bengaluru as the hub for next-gen game development. Our AVGC-XR fund, the first of its kind in India, supports startups and SMEs with investments up to ₹2 crore. Additionally, we are setting up India’s first AVGC-XR Park, offering production studios, incubation spaces, and research facilities. By 2029, we aim for a 30% increase in operational efficiency, a 20% boost in creative output, and a 25% expansion in digital marketing reach. GAFX 2025 reflects this vision, bringing together industry leaders, professionals, and students. Let’s collaborate, innovate, and strengthen Karnataka’s position as the global capital for AVGC-XR excellence.” – said Dr. Ekroop Caur, Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT, Bt, Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Mr. Biren Ghose, Chairman, Bengaluru GAFX & President, ABAI said, “Storytelling is evolving beyond screens into immersive experiences that redefine how we engage with content. Just as astronomers explore the cosmos, we are visionaries shaping the visual language of tomorrow. Disruption isn’t an obstacle—it’s a catalyst, much like black holes and supernovae giving birth to new creations in the universe. Bengaluru stands at the heart of this transformation, where technology, artistry, and innovation unite to take India to the world and bring the world to India. From animation and gaming to AR, VR, and beyond, we are forging global alliances, building billion-dollar franchises, and nurturing the talent that will drive the next era of entertainment. This isn’t just ambition—it’s a roadmap. The seeds are sown, and the wave of change is here. Welcome to the future of immersion.”

Bengaluru GAFX is a premier event in the AVGC industry, serving as a vital platform for collaboration between Indian and global talent. The event brings together leading international and domestic studios, along with industry veterans, to showcase some of the most acclaimed and high-profile titles. By fostering cross-industry synergy, GAFX continues to drive innovation and excellence in the animation, visual effects, gaming, and comics landscape.

Key Highlights of Bengaluru GAFX 2025

• Unveiling a Landmark Collaboration: Cine star Rana Daggubati, known for his role in Baahubali and a strong advocate for Indian storytelling, will unveil an exciting partnership between Zebu Animation and Tinkle, bringing India’s iconic comics to life through cutting-edge animation.
• India Pavilion: A first-of-its-kind showcase of AVGC talent from across Karnataka, Rajasthan, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Assam, fostering regional co-production and collaboration.
• Esports National Championship: India’s top 4 esports teams from different zones will battle it out in the Counter-Strike 2 grand finale, bringing high-energy gaming action to GAFX 2025.
• Investor Connect: Over 25 leading investors will engage with 50 AVGC-XR startups, offering exclusive opportunities for funding and mentorship.
• Spotlight on Indian Comics: Tinkle, Amar Chitra Katha, Raj Comics, and Pran Studios will discuss the future of Indian comics, their potential to generate original IPs, and their influence on the media industry.
• AI & AVGC-XR Convergence: Experts from Deloitte, Autodesk, AMD, Nvidia, Myelin Foundry, and Adobe will explore the impact of AI in content creation, virtual production, and immersive experiences.
• Startups Innovation Zone: AVGC startups from Karnataka’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) will showcase groundbreaking work, offering a glimpse into the future of the AVGC-XR industry.
• Strengthening International Alliances: The Karnataka Government will establish a Global Innovation Alliance (GIA), bringing together France, Australia, the UK, Scotland, Uzbekistan, and Italy to foster global collaborations in AVGC-XR.

The latest enhancements extend the reach of ‘Team Mode’ – which already provides security management across multiple physical locations – to buses, taxis, trucks, and other vehicles. Other improvements include the addition of Motion Detection 2.0, which brings deep learning intelligence to the system, better alarm video backup, and more.

Here’s a brief overview of some key enhancements:

• Motion Detection 2.0 delivers intelligent person and vehicle search
In response to requests from the user community, Hik-Connect Team Mode now connects directly with Hikvision cameras equipped with the Motion Detection 2.0 to enable this feature. It combines the widely applied motion detection function with deep-learning algorithms that differentiate people and vehicles from other moving objects. With Team Mode, you can rapidly search through multi-channel recordings to locate the events that matter. This functionality is also available to users of Q/K Series NVRs (with firmware version 4.74.000 or later) with stream encryption activated.

• Integration with Hikvision’s mobile onboard security system
By connecting to Hikvision’s mobile onboard security system, Hik-Connect Team Mode can now be used to provide remote security management of buses, taxis, trucks, and other types of vehicles. The interior of vehicles, as well as their surroundings and precise location, can now be remotely monitored in real-time. You can view vehicle status updates, manage driver permissions, link vehicles to drivers, create driver groups, and more. You can also generate and export reports from Hik-Connect 6 for further analysis and decision-making.

• Simplified self-service license activation
With this update, activating licenses in Hik-Connect Team Mode is now a more straightforward, self-managed process, eliminating the need for installer assistance and delivering a much better user experience.

• Cloud-based backup and sharing of alarm videos
You can now access and share your alarm event videos effortlessly via a web portal, using URLs. Recipients can view these videos without needing to log into a Hik-Connect account. And the best part? This service is now provided free of charge.

Bengaluru, India, 28th February 2025 – Henkel today announced the launch of a state-of-the-art Application Engineering Center in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, further strengthening the leadership of its Adhesive Technologies business in the electronics sector. The company will also be setting up an adhesive materials manufacturing plant for the electronics sector at its multi-technology manufacturing site in Kurkumbh, near Pune. These investments underscore Henkel’s commitment to localization, innovation, and accelerated product development to meet the rapidly evolving demands of the region’s electronics industry. As India’s electronics industry is projected to grow exponentially in the next few years, fuelled by government initiatives such as Make in India and PLI (Production-Linked Incentive) schemes, Henkel’s expanded footprint positions it to strongly support this rapid growth.

“As the country solidifies its position as a global electronics manufacturing hub, Henkel is proud to reinforce its ‘Make in India’ commitment, and be a key partner in this journey,” said S Sunil Kumar, Country President – India, Henkel. “These new facilities in Chennai and Kurkumbh align with this growth, strengthening regional self-sufficiency and supply chain resilience. This marks an exciting milestone in our journey to better serve our global customer base while expanding our footprint in the region. It demonstrates our commitment to fostering long-term partnerships, driving innovation, and creating value for our customers.”

Located in Tamil Nadu—a key hub for global electronics manufacturing—the 17,000 sq. ft. Chennai facility is designed to accelerate new product introductions (NPIs) and reduce time-to-market for customers. The center houses five specialized labs dedicated to advanced adhesive solutions and thermal management materials, essential for enhancing the reliability, durability, and sleek designs of smartphones, wearables, and other consumer electronics. Equipped with state-of-the-art dispensing systems, vacuum impregnation technologies for device waterproofing, and high-precision material analysis tools, the center enables rapid prototyping, proof-of-concept testing, and product validation. This center will enhance Henkel’s global innovation footprint, complementing its existing sites in Germany, the US, China, Singapore, Japan, Korea and Vietnam. With these investments, Henkel further strengthens its role as a key innovation partner for electronics manufacturers worldwide.

Wen Zhou, Corporate Vice President – Electronics, Henkel Adhesive Technologies, shared that these investments are a natural progression of the company’s growth in India and the electronic market’s supply chain diversification. “Henkel meets our customers where they are,” said Wen. “We have had established Indian operations for a long time, and with customers intensifying their operations in the region, we are investing in additional local capabilities to deliver collaborative NPI and product validation expertise with more immediacy.”
The new plant in Kurkumbh will enhance Henkel’s capabilities in high-performance adhesive and coating solutions, reinforcing its commitment to localization and meeting the evolving demands of India’s electronics sector. The plant will benefit from the industry 4.0 based smart factory system deployed at the Kurkumbh manufacturing site, which enhances operational efficiency and product quality while minimizing downtime.

New Delhi, February 28, 2025 – Baby & Mom Retail, a House of Brands and a prominent player in India’s baby care, skin care, pet care, and bedding solutions industries, announces that their products are now live on Blinkit and Zepto. Their products are available on Blinkit in cities like Ajmer, Alwar, Amritsar, Bahadurgarh, Bathinda, Bhopal, Bokaro, Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Dehradun, Dharwad, Durgapur, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Goa, Gurgaon, Haridwar, Hisar, Hyderabad, Jabalpur, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Jamshedpur, Jodhpur, Kanpur, Karnal, Kharagpur, Kochi, Kolkata, Kota, Lonavala, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Mysore, Nagpur, Navsari, Panchkula, Panipat, Patiala, Patna, Prayagraj, Rajkot, Ranchi, Rishikesh, Rohtak, Sonipat, Tiruchirappalli, Varanasi, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Zirakpur and on Zepto in Belgavi, Devangere, Mehsana, Tumkuru, and North – Gurugram. Their products are live on both platforms in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Indore, Mumbai, Nashik, Pune, Surat, Udaipur, Vadodara and many more cities.

Baby & Mom Retail has expanded its presence on Blinkit and Zepto to meet growing consumer demand and leverage the convenience of these platforms’ seamless access and fast delivery services. With an extensive product portfolio spanning baby care, skin care, pet care, hygiene essentials, and mattresses, this strategic move is set to further drive the company’s growth and market reach.

“As demand for our products continues to rise, we are now available on Blinkit and Zepto, ensuring our customers receive their orders with greater speed and efficiency. We have gone live in major cities across multiple states and plan to extend this rapid delivery service to additional locations. Customer satisfaction remains our top priority, and by curating high-quality products and optimizing our services, we aim to enhance the overall shopping experience,” said Shish Kharesiya, Founder and CEO of House of Brands.

Each year, Baby & Mom Retail introduces innovative products tailored to evolving consumer needs. Its deep understanding of the Indian market, combined with a commitment to quality, has solidified its position as a leader in the baby care and family-oriented sectors. The company’s core values—quality assurance, innovation, and customer-centricity—are reflected across its diverse product offerings, consistently exceeding customer expectations.

MUMBAI, India, 28 February 2025- New global research from the IBM Institute for Business Value (IBV) and Palo Alto Networks® (NASDAQ: PANW), found that surveyed organizations are facing security complexity challenges as they juggle an average of 67 different security solutions from 26 vendors. It also shows 7 out of 10 surveyed companies with a high degree of security platformization report their cybersecurity investments have helped business outcomes such as operational efficiencies and revenue generation.

In the study, “Capturing the cybersecurity dividend: How security platforms generate business value,” more than half (77%) of surveyed executives note fragmentation of security solutions is limiting their ability to deal with cyber threats, but 75% of organizations that have embraced security platformization agree that better integration across security, hybrid cloud, AI, and other technology platforms is crucial. The analysis suggests the trend of adding more solutions to combat evolving security threats is contributing to inefficiency – impacting both performance and the bottom line – while moving to a platformized security approach can help businesses achieve reduced response times and costs without sacrificing security efficacy.

Cybersecurity Complexity is a Daunting Reality

Increased digital interconnectedness expands attack surfaces and can create new cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated and harder to defend against, while AI is being used by both defenders and attackers, creating a race in cybersecurity capabilities.

In an evolving threat landscape, surveyed executives estimate security fragmentation and complexity costs their organizations an average of 5% of their annual revenue. For a $20 billion annual revenue company, that’s a $1 billion cost to the business in aggregate. Tally the costs of security incidents, lost productivity, failed digital transformations, stalled AI initiatives, loss of customer trust and reputational damage and the numbers add up.

“Organizations continue to be challenged with updating their security posture to address new threats, while simultaneously being pressed to reduce complexity and decrease spend,” said Mark Hughes, Global Managing Partner for Cybersecurity Services, IBM. “Security executives need to enable innovation, protect assets and derive value from their cybersecurity investments to help their organizations thrive and further their business goals.”

“Digital connectivity has expanded the attack surface and introduced new vulnerabilities. As cyberattacks become more sophisticated and challenging to thwart, AI has emerged as a key battleground between adversaries and defenders in cybersecurity,” said Michelle Saw, VP GTM and Ecosystems, JAPAC at Palo Alto Networks.

We share a commitment with IBM Consulting to empower our customers with enhanced value. Findings from our survey highlight how platformization can help organizations achieve improved cybersecurity outcomes. By addressing complexity through the strategic consolidation and integration of security solutions onto a unified platform, organizations can significantly enhance efficiency, reduce risk, lower costs, and unlock new business opportunities. Ultimately, platformization transforms security from a “necessary cost” into a “value driver.”

Key insights from surveyed business leaders in India compared to the global average:

77% of Indian executives (52% globally) say complexity is the biggest impediment to their cybersecurity operations;

60% of Indian executives (80% globally) agree they face pressure to reduce the cost of security, and globally 41% say security fragmentation has driven up procurement costs;

4 out of 5 non-platform of all organizations globally say their security operations cannot effectively deal with the sheer quantity of threats and attacks; and

Globally, 80% of platformization adopters say they have full visibility into potential vulnerabilities and threats; and,

Globally, for platformized organizations, mean time to identify (MTTI) and mean time to contain (MTTC) security incidents are shorter by an average of 152 and 113 days, respectively.

Enhancing Businesses with Platformization: Unleashing the Power of Digital Transformation

In today’s world, the research finds effective security requires platformization. Consolidating multiple tools into a unified platform not only bolsters security posture but enables organizations to experience nearly 4 times better return on investment (ROI) from their cybersecurity investments, leading to revenue generation and increased operational efficiencies.

When it comes to AI, a platform approach can also enable an organization to better ingest and analyze data to deliver actionable insights. With 90% of surveyed executives expecting to scale, optimize, or innovate with AI within the next two years, integrating AI into their platforms can play a critical role in advancing their security preparedness. For example, accelerating adoption of agentic AI for security and tapping platformization for fewer investment cycles; or, using platformization to create the common governance needed to deliver the AI capabilities shaping the future.

By adopting a platformization approach, businesses can align technologies, drive innovation, and prioritize security as a core business requirement. Through IBM and Palo Alto Networks’ strategic partnership, the companies are bringing together leading security platforms, AI, and transformation capabilities to help organizations confidently navigate their digital transformation journey, achieve their desired outcomes and drive substantial business value.

Tips for Platformization Success

Choose partners that streamline your security mission and trim those that don’t. Critically evaluate current and potential technology, services, and support partners, and make hard decisions about where to double down and when to part ways.

Run your playbook. Stage incident response drills to assess where a unified platform can deliver the greatest impact. Take action to improve your incident response capabilities.

Help your business get prepared to respond to threats by putting it to the test. Visit a cyber range to prepare business and technical teams to address the latest cyber threats through an immersive, organization-wide business-focused engagement. IBM and Palo Alto Networks now provide a joint Cyber Range experience in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where clients can leverage the facility to support continuous improvement, training, and change management as they transform their security operating models with platformization.

Study Methodology

This IBM Institute of Business Value (IBV) research, conducted in collaboration with Oxford Economics and published in partnership with Palo Alto Networks, surveyed 1,000 executives including 53 executives in India across 21 industries and 18 countries from July through September 2024. The IBM IBV team then analyzed insights and data from respondents to facilitate the creation of a “platformization index,” which measures the extent to which an organization has moved toward security platformization, then used that index to ascertain the relationship between security platformization and security and business outcomes.

Mumbai, 28 February 2025: Datamatics Business Solutions Limited (DBSL), a global leader in B2B data and demand generation solutions, has been awarded the prestigious WOW Workplace Award 2025 by Jombay. This accolade recognises organisations with outstanding employee reviews, reflecting exceptional workplace engagement and culture.

The WOW Workplace Awards, in its first edition, is an annual initiative by Jombay that celebrates companies which foster exemplary work environments. The awards are based on authentic engagement stories collected through Jombay’s AI-driven platform, which evaluates employee sentiments against a proprietary WOW Engagement framework, considering factors such as pride, efficacy, empowerment, connection, and well-being.

Nishant Kanodia, Chairman of Datamatics Business Solutions Limited, stated, ” This recognition is a reflection of our continuous efforts to create an environment where our team can thrive and excel. We are honoured to be recognised by Jombay and remain committed to fostering a workplace that promotes growth, innovation, and well-being.”

DBSL focuses on aligning individual roles with organisational objectives, instilling a sense of pride and clarity among employees. By fostering trust, credibility, and team synergy, DBSL ensures a connected and motivated workforce. Its initiatives aimed at empowerment and well-being reinforce a culture where individuals feel valued and supported.

Loly Vadassery, CHRO of Datamatics Business Solutions, added, “This prestigious award is particularly meaningful because it’s about the real experiences of our people. It reinforces our commitment to building a workplace where every employee feels supported and connected.”

Receiving the WOW Workplace Award highlights DBSL’s dedication to employee satisfaction and enhances its industry reputation. This recognition strengthens trust among clients, partners, and stakeholders, reinforcing its strong market positioning.

The award ceremony took place on February 19, 2025, at the JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, during Jombay’s annual Workplace of Winners (WOW) Conference, bringing together over 400 CXOs and 200 next-generation leaders to celebrate workplace excellence.

This accolade is yet another feather in DBSL’s history of industry recognition, including previous awards for business excellence and innovation.