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  • Jio, Airtel, BSNL offer free Disney+ Hotstar with recharge plans

    Jio, Airtel, BSNL offer free Disney+ Hotstar with recharge plans

    In a world where entertainment is just as important as staying connected, mobile service providers like Airtel and Jio offer exciting prepaid plans with free Disney+ Hotstar subscriptions to make your phone plan even more valuable. Whether you’re a movie buff, sports enthusiast, or binge-watcher, these plans combine entertainment and data.

    Airtel’s Best Prepaid Plans with Disney+ Hotstar
    Airtel has been offering fantastic prepaid plans that combine high-speed data with a Disney+ Hotstar subscription, making it easier for you to stream your favourite movies, shows, and live sports. Here’s a look at their top options:

    Rs 499 Monthly Plan

    • Data: 3 GB per day
    • Calls: Unlimited
    • SMS: 100 per day
    • Disney+ Hotstar: 3 months free

    Enjoy unlimited entertainment and stay connected with this all-in-one plan.

    Rs 869 Quarterly Plan

    • Data: 2 GB per day
    • Calls: Unlimited
    • Disney+ Hotstar: 3 months free

    Perfect for those who want value for money with substantial data and entertainment.

    Rs 3,359 Annual Plan

    • Data: 2.5 GB per day
    • Calls: Unlimited
    • Disney+ Hotstar: 1 year free

    A great deal for the long-term customer who loves both data and entertainment in one package.

    Jio’s Best Prepaid Plans with Disney+ Hotstar
    Jio isn’t far behind, offering an array of prepaid plans with the added benefit of a Disney+ Hotstar subscription. Jio’s options cater to both monthly and long-term users, giving you the flexibility to choose what fits your needs best:

    Rs 949 for 84 Days

    • Data: Unlimited 5G + 2 GB of 4G data per day
    • Calls: Unlimited
    • Disney+ Hotstar: Free for 84 days

    For those who need unlimited data and entertainment for an extended period.

    Rs 401 Monthly Plan

    • Data: 3 GB per day
    • Calls: Unlimited
    • Disney+ Hotstar: 1 month free

    A budget-friendly option that offers plenty of data and one month of Disney+ Hotstar.

     Rs 999 Quarterly Plan

    • Data: 1.5 GB per day
    • Calls: Unlimited
    • Disney+ Hotstar: 3 months free

    A balanced plan offering data and entertainment without breaking the bank.

    Rs 2,599 Annual Plan

    • Data: 2 GB per day
    • Calls: Unlimited
    • Disney+ Hotstar: 1 year free

    The best of both worlds: a year’s worth of data and endless streaming!

    BSNL’s Disney+ Hotstar Premium Subscription
    BSNL also offers its users a fantastic opportunity to access Disney+ Hotstar Premium through its Superstar Plan. The activation process is automated, making it easy for users:

    As soon as you purchase the BSNL Superstar 300 Plan, the Disney+ Hotstar Premium subscription is activated on your number.

    Simply log in to the Disney+ Hotstar app or website using your phone number and OTP to start Hotstar viewing. Financial Express

  • To discuss AI adoption in India, Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas meets with PM Modi

    To discuss AI adoption in India, Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas meets with PM Modi

    Aravind Srinivas, the Indian-origin Co-founder and CEO of Perplexity AI, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday and they discussed the potential for the adoption of artificial intelligence in India. While the Chennai-born Srinivas said he was inspired by the PM’s dedication to staying updated on the topic and his “remarkable vision” for the future, PM Modi said it was good to see the CEO doing “great work” with Perplexity AI.

    Posting a photo of their meeting, Mr Srinivas wrote on X, “Had the honor to meet Prime Minister @narendramodi ji. We had a great conversation about the potential for AI adoption in India and across the world. Really inspired by Modi Ji’s dedication to stay updated on the topic and his remarkable vision for the future.”

    Replying to the post, PM Modi wrote, “Was great to meet you and discuss AI, its uses and its evolution. Good to see you doing great work with @perplexity_ai. Wish you all the best for your future endeavors.”

    Perplexity AI is a conversational search engine that uses large language models (LLMs) to answer queries. Before co-founding Perplexity AI in the US in 2022, Mr Srinivas was an AI researcher at OpenAI and also did research internships at Google and DeepMind. NDTV

  • Healthcare data monetization solutions market will reach USD 1,068.77M globally

    Healthcare data monetization solutions market will reach USD 1,068.77M globally

    The global healthcare data monetization solutions market size was calculated at USD 921.04 million in 2024 and is predicted to reach around USD 4,077.14 million by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 16.04% from 2025 to 2034. The growing need to leverage patient information, medical records, and clinical insights, which help generate revenue or value for healthcare organizations, is increasing the demand for the healthcare data monetization solutions market.

    How is Artificial Intelligence (AI) changing the healthcare data monetization solutions market?
    Integration of artificial intelligence in the healthcare data monetization solutions market has the potential to bring advanced technology. Along with that, healthcare is becoming a data-driven industry. AI is anticipated to play a crucial role in data monetization by providing personalized medicine, improving operational efficiency, bring preventative care programs and collaborative partnerships. These advancements are expected to leverage healthcare data by improving patient care and bringing innovations. Additionally, AI can also used to support digital communication, offer schedule reminders, design help tips, and suggest next steps to patients. These characteristics of AI will help with better diagnosis and improve the speed and accuracy of patient visits, resulting in faster and more personalized care.

    US healthcare data monetization solutions market size and growth 2025 to 2034
    The US healthcare data monetization solutions market size was exhibited at USD 309.47 million in 2024 and is projected to be worth around USD 1,394.89 million by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 16.25% from 2025 to 2034.

    North America dominated the global healthcare data monetization solutions market in 2024S, owing to the advanced healthcare infrastructure and investment in technology. The American Hospital Association reports 1887 hospital mergers in the past decade, contributing to reshaping the U.S. healthcare industry. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) provide data as a means to enable researchers and policymakers to gain deeper insights into how mergers, acquisitions, consolidation, and changes of ownership affect access to care, cost, and quality. The main healthcare system notices in the U.S. and Western society include the Beveridge model, the Bismarck model, the national health insurance model, and the out-of-pocket model.

    Europe is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR in the healthcare data monetization solutions market during the projected period due to supportive government policies and increasing awareness regarding the growing opportunities of data monetization. With digital adoption, the region’s government has implemented a regulatory system. The region has benefited from data generation in formulating various acts and policies throughout the states, incorporating data protection, data security, data privacy, and data sharing to reduce the risk of cyber threats and other branches. The government establishes various processes to enhance collaboration and flow data to improve the industry ecosystem.

    Market dynamics
    Driver
    Real-world evidence

    Rising demand for real-world evidence in the healthcare industry is proliferating the growth of the healthcare data monetization solutions market. Real-world data is a set of information on a patient’s health status and the delivery of a healthcare routine, which is collected from a variety of sources. Real-world data (RWE) includes data collected from electronic health records, medical claims data, data from product or disease registries, and many more. This is proven evidence about the usage and potential benefits or risks of a medical product derived from a studied RWE, understanding drugs, and routine clinical practice. RWE helps to provide a deeper understanding of how interventions perform on diverse patient populations, assess the cost and effectiveness of treatment, monitor for side effects, and provide data on rare diseases. Moreover, this revolutionized help in the healthcare industry in drug development.

    Restraint
    Risks associated with healthcare data

    As healthcare data is extremely sensitive, a breach in the data can lead to loss of reputation, cost lawsuits, and patient privacy will be exposed. The healthcare data monetization solutions market holds the sole responsibility to protect the collected data, aggregates, and potentially shares. This data represents a significant accountability for both security and legal terms. Therefore, direct monetization requires careful analysis of the risks, benefits, and actions of monetizing special medical data.

    Opportunity
    Personalized medicine and genomics

    The future of the healthcare data monetization solutions market is anticipated to bring immense promise for transforming the deliverance and experience of healthcare. Personalized medicine is constantly evolving in the healthcare industry, and it uses patients’ genetic profiles to make medical decisions. Genomics is a main component of personalized medicine. The application of these technologies in data monetization is expected to enhance the understanding of disease and its molecular mechanisms, resulting in enhancing the capacity of personalized interventions. Personalized genomic medicines have the potential to classify complex diseases and discover more specific treatments based on genomics.

    Type insights
    The indirect data monetization segment contributed the highest share of the healthcare data monetization solutions market in 2024. The dominance of this segment is observed as the data does not leave the organization. It is used to build better-personalized healthcare plans for patients and digitally empower the patient to take an active part in their health and wellbeing. The indirect data monetization approach in the healthcare industry uses analytics to get valuable insights to enhance internal processing, products, and services.

    The direct data monetization segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2034. The growth of this segment is experienced as this helps in building revenue streams by selling data to third parties, setting up data-as-a-service, or creating personalized products and services for key demographics with partners. Several pharmaceutical companies are launching schemes to share research data which will be helpful in transforming diagnosis and development of customized medicines.

    Facility size insights
    The large facilities segment captured the biggest share of the healthcare data monetization solutions market in 2024. This segment deals with the key leaders in the healthcare industry, such as academic medical centers and major hospitals. These facilities offer resources to invest in advanced data monetization solutions, which help with obtaining knowledge that is used in complex analytics, artificial intelligence, and data processing tools. In addition, it helps support research and collaboration with other stakeholders in the healthcare landscape.

    On the other hand, the small and medium facilities segment is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The increasing adoption of healthcare data monetization in small & medium facilities is observed as it improves operation efficacy using real-time data, generates revenue streams by selling data as a service, collaborates with larger entities, adopts new technologies, and meets customer needs.

    End-use insights
    The healthcare payers segment captured the biggest share of the healthcare data monetization solutions market in 2024. The dominance of this segment is noticed as healthcare payer such as health insurers are driving forces in the healthcare ecosystem and adapting to data monetization to improve the value of healthcare and accessibility for their member. Healthcare payers use patient records for research, personalized medicine, and improving patient outcomes. It has also contributed to population health management by identifying at-risk patients and developing target interventions to improve their health results.

    The life science companies segment is expected to grow rapidly during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is observed as life science companies play a vital role in the healthcare industry through research and development and manufacturing of products and technologies that help to improve health outcomes. Life science companies include biotechnology experts, medical device developers, and pharmaceutical manufacturers. The key role in the healthcare industry is to provide a possible treatment, cure the patient, and provide health-related benefits such as death claims and life insurance policies. Precedence Research

  • Healthcare spending in US increases 7.5% to USD 4.9 trillion in 2023

    Healthcare spending in US increases 7.5% to USD 4.9 trillion in 2023

    Healthcare spending in the United States reached $4.9 trillion and increased 7.5% in 2023, according to a study published online Dec. 18 in Health Affairs.

    Anne B. Martin, from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in Baltimore, and colleagues examined growth in national health expenditures in 2023.

    The researchers found that in 2023, healthcare spending in the United States reached $4.9 trillion and increased 7.5%, up from a rate of 4.6% in 2022. The insured share of the population reached 92.5% in 2023, as enrollment in private health insurance increased strongly for the second year running; private health insurance and Medicare spending both grew faster than in 2022. As the Covid-19 public health emergency ended, spending and enrollment growth slowed for Medicaid. The health sector’s share of the economy was 17.6% in 2023, which was similar to 17.4% in 2022, but lower than the share in 2020 and 2021 during the height of the pandemic. Compared with 2022, in 2023, state and local governments accounted for a higher share of spending, while the federal government share was lower with the decline in Covid-19-related funding and slowing in growth of federal Medicaid spending.

    “On average during 2020 to 2023, healthcare spending and overall economic growth increased 6.6% and 6.5% per year, respectively,” the authors write. “As a result, the share of the economy devoted to healthcare in 2023 (17.6%) was about the same share as in 2019 (17.5%).” HealthDay

  • ESIC approves 10 new medical colleges

    ESIC approves 10 new medical colleges

    The government on Saturday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated, laid the foundation stone and dedicated 28 key projects worth Rs 3,921 crore under the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) this year.

    In 2024, ESIC also gave in-principal approval for the establishment of 10 new ESIC medical colleges at Andheri (Maharashtra), Basaidarapur (Delhi), Guwahati- Beltola (Assam), Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Jaipur (Rajasthan), Ludhiana (Punjab), Naroda-Bapunagar (Gujarat), Noida and Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) and Ranchi (Jharkhand).

    ESIC has approved the set up for 97 new ESI hospitals across the country in the last 10 years. To provide the access to quality medical care across the country, ESIC is in process of convergence with Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).

    This will benefit over 14.43 crore ESI beneficiaries and their families. ESIC beneficiaries will be able to avail secondary and tertiary services at over 30,000 AB-PMJAY-empanelled hospitals, with no financial ceilings on treatment costs, said the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

    In October, as many as 17.80 lakh new employees were enrolled under the ESIC scheme. The year-on-year analysis showed a growth of 3 per cent in net registrations compared to October last year.

    Out of the total 17.80 lakh employees added during the month, 8.50 lakh employees amounting to around 47.75 per cent of the total registrations belonged to the age group of up to 25 years. The gender-wise analysis of the payroll data indicated that the net enrolment of female members was 3.52 lakh in October.

    According to the government, the ESI scheme currently offers medical care under 165 hospitals, 1,590 dispensaries, 105 dispensary-cum-branch-offices (DCBOs), and around 2,900 empanelled private hospitals. In the last 10 years, the ESI scheme has been implemented in 687 districts out of 788 districts of the country, from the 393 districts in 2014. Free Press Journal

  • Gleneagles Hospital, Chennai wins Sanjeevani Healthcare Excellence Award

    Gleneagles Hospital, Chennai wins Sanjeevani Healthcare Excellence Award

    Chennai’s top quaternary care multi-speciality hospital, Gleneagles Hospital Chennai honoured with Sanjeevani Healthcare Excellence Award for excellence in Surgical Oncology. The Award was presented to Prof. Dr S Rajasundaram at The Third edition of India Heals “SANJEEVANI 2024” An International Event (Exhibition cum Conference) on Healthcare and Wellness, organized and supported by the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India in partnership with the Services Exports Promotion Council (SEPC) held in New Delhi recently.

    Dr Rajasundaram, Head of Surgical Oncology at Gleneagles Hospital Chennai, expressed gratitude upon receiving the award. “The Surgical Oncology department at Gleneagles Hospital Chennai is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by a multidisciplinary team of highly skilled oncologists, surgeons, and support staff. The hospital’s patient-centric approach, coupled with innovative surgical techniques, ensures exceptional outcomes for individuals battling cancer. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our team and our commitment to offering the highest standards of cancer care. We are honoured to be acknowledged by the Sanjeevani Healthcare Excellence Awards, and we will continue to push boundaries in surgical oncology to improve patient outcomes.”

    “I am incredibly proud of our Oncology department for this outstanding achievement. Sanjeevani Healthcare Excellence Award recognizes the hospital’s unwavering commitment to advancing cancer treatment and providing world-class care to its patients. Congratulations to the entire team for this well-deserved recognition” said Dr Nageshwar Rao, CEO, Gleneagles Hospital Chennai. Passionate In Marketing

  • Crime Branch arrests Gujarat health dept officials in PM-JAY scam

    Crime Branch arrests Gujarat health dept officials in PM-JAY scam

    Three officials linked to the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) were arrested by the Ahmedabad Crime Branch for issuing illegal Ayushman cards. Dr Shailesh Anand, a medical officer working for PM-JAY under the Health department, a staff member who approved surgeries online using PM-JAY’s data, and Nikhil Parekh, the digital head of the company handling PM-JAY-related work were arrested for their dubious role in the scheme. .

    The investigation found that suspect Ayushman cards were being used to approve surgeries under PM-JAY. Dr Anand, along with Milap Patel (a project officer at the Health department), and Parekh, were directly involved. They had been illegally issuing Ayushman cards using data from the PM-JAY database, allowing surgeries to be approved for individuals who were not eligible.

    The Ahmedabad Crime Branch uncovered details while investigating the Khyati hospital scam. The investigation pointed to the involvement of employees from the Health department’s PM-JAY team, particularly Dr Anand.

    Dr Anand, who was associated with Khyati hospital and knew Chirag Rajput, played a central role in this fraud. He was coordinating with Patel to match the fake Ayushman cards with eligible beneficiaries, charging ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 per card.

    Dr Anand was not only involved with Khyati hospital, but also attempted to profit from this scam at other hospitals. He had instructed Patel to join various WhatsApp groups with agents.

    Through these channels, they were able to approve surgeries by falsely matching cards with beneficiaries at an 80% match rate. Preliminary investigations revealed that Dr Anand had matched over 4,000 Ayushman cards using this illegal method. GujaratSamachar

  • Middle East undergoing significant transformation in healthcare

    Middle East undergoing significant transformation in healthcare

    The Middle East is undergoing a significant transformation in healthcare, driven by the adoption of Electronic Health Records (EHR), population health management tools, and AI technologies. Governments in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman are leading these digital healthcare initiatives, driven by national frameworks such as Vision 2021, Vision 2030, and Health Vision 2050. However, despite these ambitious goals, the region faces ongoing challenges, such as issues with interoperability, data standardization, and workforce readiness, which need to be addressed to fully realize the potential of these emerging technologies.

    Across the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council, a political and economic alliance of six countries in the Arabian Gulf region), over 75% of public healthcare facilities have implemented EHR systems, providing the foundation for broader digital transformation. These systems are being enhanced with advanced analytics, decision support tools, and predictive care models to drive population health insights. One of the key focuses of these developments is improving interoperability – creating unified health information exchanges (HIEs) that facilitate data sharing between the public and private sectors. Furthermore, cloud-based EHR platforms are being used to improve scalability and operational efficiency, particularly benefiting smaller healthcare systems in countries such as Qatar and Bahrain.

    As the healthcare IT market in the Middle East is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.2%, reaching $7.9 billion by 2028, several key trends are driving this growth.

    These trends include:
    Population health management: Advanced analytics platforms are enabling healthcare systems to aggregate large datasets, identify emerging trends, and predict risks for proactive disease management. In Qatar, the Ministry of Public Health is utilizing population health management tools to monitor chronic diseases and improve care coordination across the country, aligning with the Qatar National Health Strategy (NHS).

    Clinical decision support: Integrated systems are providing real-time, evidence-based recommendations at the point of care, improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes. In the UAE, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi uses Epic Systems’ decision support tools to enhance clinical workflows and provide real-time, evidence-based recommendations, improving diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.

    AI-powered predictive analytics: Machine learning models are optimizing resource allocation, identifying patient risks, and personalizing care pathways, with a particular impact on chronic disease management. In Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Health is integrating AI-powered analytics into its national health system to predict and manage the spread of chronic diseases, contributing to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

    Blockchain for data security: Piloted in countries like Oman and the UAE, blockchain technology is being explored to ensure secure health information exchanges and robust data privacy. In Oman, blockchain technology is being tested to enhance healthcare data security, addressing privacy concerns in health information exchanges as part of the National Health Information System (NHIS).

    Telehealth and EHR Integration: With the rise of telemedicine, seamless integration between telehealth platforms and EHR systems is expanding access to care and enabling remote monitoring and virtual consultations. Bahrain is integrating telemedicine services with its EHR systems to support virtual consultations and remote monitoring, improving access to healthcare in underserved areas.

    Top vendors in the Middle East
    Key players in the region’s healthcare digitalization include Epic Systems and Oracle Health, both of which are at the forefront of shaping the healthcare IT landscape. Epic Systems has earned high marks for its functionality, user-friendly interface, and seamless integration with advanced analytics platforms. Notably, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi uses Epic’s systems to enhance care delivery, while Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health partners with InterSystems TrakCare to unify its health information systems. Oracle Health also plays a significant role, particularly in national health information systems such as Oman’s Ministry of Health platform. Oracle’s solutions are praised for their scalability and robust data security features, improving patient care efficiency and data integration across large-scale implementations. Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar uses Oracle Health to manage chronic disease programs and monitor population health metrics.

    Multinational EHR vendors need to consider the following regulations and frameworks as they expand their presence in the Middle East:

    UAE: The Health Data Law governs the collection, storage, and sharing of patient data, and vendors must ensure compliance with stringent data protection standards. Additionally, Dubai Health Authority (DHA) mandates the adoption of EHR systems across healthcare facilities, with specific guidelines for integration with the city’s Health Information Exchange (HIE). The UAE’s focus on AI and data-driven healthcare initiatives also means that EHR vendors must align with these priorities.

    Saudi Arabia: The country is rolling out the National Health Information Exchange (NHIE) to improve data sharing and integration. Vendors must ensure their platforms meet interoperability standards set by the NHIE. In alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, EHR vendors must also consider the country’s broader goals of making healthcare more accessible and efficient.

    Qatar: As part of its National Health Strategy (NHS), Qatar is prioritizing digital health technologies, and EHR vendors must align with the standards set by the Supreme Council of Health (SCH). The country also emphasizes telemedicine integration, so vendors should ensure their platforms are capable of supporting remote monitoring and telehealth services.

    Oman: Oman’s National Health Information System (NHIS) is based on Oracle Health’s platform, which provides the framework for health data integration across the country. Vendors entering the Omani market must ensure their systems are compatible with the existing infrastructure. Additionally, Oman is piloting blockchain technology to secure healthcare data, so incorporating blockchain into EHR and population health solutions will be crucial.

    Bahrain: Vendors must adhere to the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) guidelines, which govern healthcare data privacy. Bahrain is also working on national health data exchange initiatives, so vendors should focus on enabling interoperability and seamless integration with the country’s health networks.

    Key challenges for multinational EHR vendors
    Multinational vendors deploying EHR systems in the Middle East must address several key considerations. Compliance with regional data security and privacy laws, such as the Health Data Law in the UAE and NHIE in Saudi Arabia, is essential to ensure patient data remains secure. EHR systems must also be interoperable with national health information exchanges, particularly in countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, to enable seamless data sharing. With governments promoting AI-driven analytics for population health management, vendors should ensure their platforms are equipped with advanced AI tools that support these initiatives. Additionally, EHR systems must be adaptable to local languages and cultural needs, offering Arabic interfaces and aligning with each country’s healthcare goals. Finally, as the region transitions to more data-centric models, vendors offering user-friendly systems and comprehensive training will be critical to overcoming workforce readiness challenges.

    “The Middle East is primed for a digital health revolution, with strong demand for AI-powered analytics, EHR systems, and population health tools,” said Doug Brown, President of Black Book. “Vendors who navigate local regulations, ensure data security, and adapt to regional digital health strategies will be key drivers in transforming healthcare across the region, despite challenges in workforce readiness and interoperability.” Black Book Research

  • Christmas Day viewership jumps as league contends with NFL-Netflix appeal

    Christmas Day viewership jumps as league contends with NFL-Netflix appeal

    The NBA saw its most-watched Christmas Day lineup in five years, the league said on Thursday, as it went head-to-head with the NFL’s splashy debut on streaming giant Netflix.

    An average of 5.25 million viewers tuned in per game across five games on Walt Disney Co’s, opens new tab ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, Disney+ and ESPN+, the NBA said, up 84% over last year’s audience.

    A marquee showdown between the league’s two biggest stars, LeBron James and Stephen Curry, led the charge with an average of 7.76 million viewers, as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Golden State Warriors 115-113.

    The New York Knicks’ 117-114 win over the San Antonio Spurs, meanwhile, averaged 4.91 million viewers to become the most-watched Christmas Day opener in 13 years.

    The NBA has been a reliable Christmas Day fixture in American households since first airing on the holiday in 1947, but had to contend this year with the NFL’s highly anticipated inaugural two games on Netflix, opens new tab.

    Viewers from more than 200 countries tuned in for the first game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to the NFL, while Beyonce’s blockbuster halftime show during a game between the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans set social media ablaze.

    But James, who led the Lakers in scoring with 31 points for a record 11th Christmas Day win in 19 appearances, said he had no concerns about tackle football stealing the NBA’s holiday cheer.
    “I love the NFL,” James told a reporter in televised remarks. “But Christmas is our day.” Reuters 

  • China’s digital transformation market to hit USD 410.67B by 2029

    China’s digital transformation market to hit USD 410.67B by 2029

    The China Digital Transformation Market size is estimated at USD 221.95 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 410.67 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 13.10% during the forecast period (2024-2029), according to Research And Markets.

    China’s digital transformation market is experiencing robust growth, driven by government initiatives, technological advancements, and a strong push towards modernization across various sectors. This surge is largely influenced by the Chinese government’s strategic plans like the “Made in China 2025” initiative and the widespread adoption of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT). These advancements are reshaping traditional business models, improving operational efficiencies, and fostering innovation.

    One of the key factors contributing to this growth is the Chinese government’s proactive stance on digital transformation. Policies and subsidies aimed at enhancing technological capabilities and infrastructure have created a conducive environment for both domestic and foreign companies to invest in digital solutions. Additionally, the widespread penetration of internet and mobile technologies has facilitated the rapid adoption of digital tools among businesses and consumers alike.

    In addition to this, key technology companies like Alibaba and Huawei are key players in the market. Alibaba, with its extensive ecosystem encompassing e-commerce, cloud computing, and fintech, provides comprehensive digital solutions that enable businesses to optimize their operations and reach a wider audience. Its cloud division, Alibaba Cloud, offers scalable computing resources and advanced analytics, empowering companies to harness the power of big data and AI for strategic decision-making. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also drives innovation in product development and customer engagement.

    Huawei, on the other hand, is a global provider in telecommunications and ICT infrastructure. Its focus on 5G technology and IoT solutions is revolutionizing connectivity and data exchange, enabling industries to implement smart manufacturing, autonomous logistics, and enhanced supply chain management. Huawei’s robust R&D capabilities and strategic partnerships further bolster its ability to deliver cutting-edge digital solutions tailored to the unique needs of various industries.

    The digital transformation market in China is also fueled by the burgeoning startup ecosystem and increasing venture capital investments. This dynamic environment fosters innovation and accelerates the development and deployment of new technologies. Startups specializing in AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity are contributing significantly to the digital landscape, offering specialized solutions that address specific business challenges.

    Overall, China’s digital transformation market is poised for continued growth, driven by government support, technological innovation, and the proactive efforts of key companies like Alibaba and Huawei. As businesses increasingly adopt digital solutions, the market is expected to evolve, with emerging technologies and startups playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of digital transformation in China.

    China Digital Transformation Market Trends
    Additive Manufacturing/3D Printing Driving Market Growth

    • Digital transformation in the country has greatly impacted the 3D printing industry. It has enabled the digitization of the design and manufacturing process, allowing faster and more efficient production. This has also made it easier to customize and personalize products and improve supply chain management. Additionally, the use of cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT) has expanded the reach of 3D printing, making it more accessible to businesses and consumers. As a result, 3D printing has become a crucial tool for innovation in various industries, from healthcare to aerospace.
    • 3D printing is now widely being used by various industries as part of their digital transformation journey, given its numerous applications, ranging from product design to prototyping. Advancements in software, hardware, and materials have made 3D printing more accessible and affordable.
    • In April 2024, utilizing the Laser Powder Bed Fusion process, Rosswag Engineering can efficiently manufacture function-optimized and complex components. By merging the expertise of both companies in the areas of material development and additive manufacturing technology, new applications for this highly corrosion-resistant material have been identified. Rosswag Engineering sees benefits for metal-based 3D printing in this partnership as with the material VDM Powder 699 XA, they complement extensive material portfolio for industrial metal 3D printing.
    • Meanwhile during the same month of April 2024, Materialise, a global provider in 3D printing software and services, and Renishaw, a global engineering technologies company, introduced collaboration to rise their efficiency and productivity for manufacturers using Renishaw’s additive manufacturing (AM) systems. Through the collaboration, Renishaw system users will take advantage from Materialise’s next-generation build processor software tailored to the RenAM 500 series of metal AM systems. This allowed users of Renishaw’s AM systems to build a seamless workflow from design to 3D-printed part, control and customize their 3D printing process, reduce production time, and increase the efficiency of their AM operations.
    • In addition, the automobile industry has adopted 3D printing technology in recent years for various applications such as prototyping, tooling, and end-part production. With ongoing technological advancements leading players in the automotive industries are consistently working on integrating 3D printing into different aspects of their vehicle production process.

    Telecom and IT Industry Driving Market Growth

    • China’s telecom and IT industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by extensive digital transformation initiatives. The country’s digital economy has become a cornerstone of its economic strategy, with significant investments in infrastructure, technology, and innovation. The Chinese government implemented policies to accelerate digital transformation across various sectors, fostering an environment conducive to technological advancement. As a result, China has seen the proliferation of 5G networks, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
    • Telecom companies like Huawei and ZTE are the key players of this transformation. Huawei, a global provider in telecommunications equipment and consumer electronics, has heavily invested in 5G technology, AI, and cloud services. The company’s commitment to innovation has enabled it to develop cutting-edge solutions that cater to the growing demand for high-speed connectivity and advanced digital services. Huawei’s 5G technology has not only revolutionized the telecom sector but also paved the way for smart cities, autonomous driving, and enhanced industrial automation.
    • ZTE, another major player, has also significantly contributed to China’s digital transformation. Specializing in telecommunications and information technology, ZTE has developed comprehensive solutions encompassing 5G networks, cloud computing, and IoT. The company’s robust 5G infrastructure facilitated the deployment of smart grids, intelligent transportation systems, and smart healthcare solutions, driving efficiency and connectivity across various domains. ZTE’s innovations in AI and big data analytics have further empowered businesses to optimize operations, enhance customer experiences, and create new revenue streams.
    • In addition to this, IT sector has seen remarkable growth, with companies like Alibaba and Tencent leading the charge. Alibaba, initially an e-commerce giant, has diversified into cloud computing, digital payments, and AI. Its cloud computing arm, Alibaba Cloud, is now a dominant player in the global market, offering scalable and secure cloud solutions that support the digital transformation of businesses worldwide. Alibaba’s AI technologies, integrated into its various platforms, have revolutionized sectors such as retail, finance, and logistics, providing businesses with intelligent tools to enhance efficiency and customer engagement.
    • Overall, the growth of China’s telecom and IT industry is showing the country’s commitment to digital transformation. With substantial investments in infrastructure, research and development, and supportive policies, China is poised to lead the global digital economy. The efforts of companies like Huawei, ZTE, Alibaba, and Tencent illustrate the dynamic and transformative impact of digital technologies on businesses and society at large. As China continues to innovate and expand its digital capabilities, it sets a benchmark for other nations aiming to leverage technology for economic growth and societal advancement.

    Research and Markets