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AWS Commits $8.3 Billion to Expand Cloud Infrastructure in Maharashtra

Observenow Desk January 24, 2025

Amazon Web Services (AWS) revealed its plan to invest $8.3 billion into cloud infrastructure in the AWS Asia-Pacific (Mumbai) Region in Maharashtra. This significant investment underscores AWS’s commitment to supporting India’s burgeoning digital economy. The initiative is expected to contribute $15.3 billion to India’s GDP and support over 81,300 full-time jobs annually within the local data centre supply chain by 2030.

The Government of Maharashtra and AWS formalised this investment through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed at the event. “I am pleased to announce the signing of a landmark MoU with Amazon Web Services (AWS), one of the foremost hyperscalers in the world. AWS’s decision to set up its operations in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region is a pivotal moment for Maharashtra,” said Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

He added, “As we fulfill our vision of becoming a global capital for data centers, this collaboration will not only bolster our state’s technological infrastructure, but also create new opportunities for innovation, economic growth, and job creation. We are committed to fostering a conducive environment for such transformative investments and driving Maharashtra’s digital future forward.”

David Zapolsky, Senior Vice President of Global Public Policy and General Counsel at Amazon, echoed the sentiment. “At AWS, we see tremendous potential for India’s digital economy to thrive for years to come with the growing demand for cloud and artificial intelligence. This is why we plan to invest $8.3 billion into cloud infrastructure in Maharashtra by 2030,” he stated.

Zapolsky further highlighted the collaboration’s broader implications: “We are pleased to continue to collaborate with the Maharashtra Government to advance the State’s digital ambitions and democratise access to emerging technology for enterprises, public sector organisations, startups, and small and medium-sized businesses in India.”

AWS has already invested $3.7 billion in Maharashtra’s cloud infrastructure between 2016 and 2022. The new $8.3 billion investment aims to enhance India’s IT ecosystem, driving value-added growth in sectors related to AWS’s data centre construction and operations. This includes industries such as telecommunications, non-residential construction, and electricity generation. The investment’s estimated annual impact of over 81,300 jobs highlights its transformative potential for local economies.

AWS’s cloud services empower hundreds of thousands of Indian customers, including enterprises like Axis Bank and HDFC Securities, startups like Fibe and Healthify, and public sector organisations like Coal India and MSEDCL. The company’s two AWS Regions in India—Mumbai and Hyderabad—ensure secure, low-latency solutions for diverse business needs.

AWS’s initiatives in Maharashtra extend beyond technology. The company supports STEAM education, women empowerment, and skills development programs. Notable efforts include training over 200 youth for employment, supporting 500 women entrepreneurs, and delivering nutritious supplements to students in Thane.

Sustainability is a cornerstone of AWS’s operations. The company achieved 100% renewable energy for its global operations in 2023 and has pioneered over 50 renewable energy projects in India. AWS’s infrastructure, up to 4.1 times more efficient than on-premises solutions, exemplifies its commitment to reducing carbon footprints.

AWS’s ongoing investments in India aim to accelerate digital transformation, foster innovation, and create long-term economic impact.

Tags: Amazon Web ServicesAWS

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Cybersecurity

Tata AIG Launches CyberEdge to Tackle Growing Cyber Threats

Observenow Desk January 23, 2025

Tata AIG General Insurance has introduced CyberEdge, a robust cyber insurance solution designed to protect businesses of all sizes from the growing threat of cyber risks. This policy offers comprehensive financial and operational support, covering crucial areas such as forensic investigations, legal fees, data recovery, extortion payments, and losses from business interruptions. With this launch, Tata AIG aims to secure 25% of the cyber insurance market within the next five years, according to Najm Bilgrami, National Head, Financial Lines at Tata AIG.

India recorded 79 million cyberattacks in 2023, as highlighted by a recent report from Prahar, and the threat is only set to increase. The report estimates that cyberattacks could surge to 1 trillion annually by 2033, presenting a significant risk to businesses. The Indian cyber insurance market, currently valued at ₹850 crore in 2024, is experiencing rapid expansion, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25% projected between 2025 and 2030. This underscores the critical role of cyber insurance in helping businesses mitigate damages, recover operations efficiently, and thrive in an increasingly digital-first economy.

“A cyber breach itself may not be catastrophic, but failing to address it properly can lead to far bigger challenges. CyberEdge has been meticulously crafted to provide both financial protection and swift, expert-led incident responses,” Bilgrami said. Post-pandemic, there has been a notable surge in demand for cyber insurance from various sectors, including IT companies, BPOs, banks, and other industries. SMEs, which are frequently targeted by cybercriminals due to their limited infrastructure, are also turning to cyber insurance as an essential risk management tool.

CyberEdge offers several innovative features to help businesses combat cyber risks effectively. The First Response Cover ensures insured businesses receive immediate access to Tata AIG’s 24/7 incident response experts, who can provide legal and IT forensic assistance within two hours of a cyber incident. The policy also includes Bricking Recovery Expenses, covering the costs of replacing damaged equipment and resuming normal business operations if systems are rendered inoperable due to a cyberattack.

Additional benefits include Comprehensive Network Loss Calculation, allowing businesses to opt for gross or net profit-based loss calculations, and extended coverage for Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), operational technology (OT), industrial control, and SCADA systems. The Network Interruption Coverage addresses interruptions up to 120 days post-incident, including proactive mitigation costs. Meanwhile, the policy also offers Mitigation and Loss Prevention Services at no extra premium, protection against cyber-related crimes, and liability coverage for multimedia activities, such as digital media content published on websites and social platforms.

When a cyber incident occurs, CyberEdge policyholders gain access to Tata AIG’s dedicated hotline for immediate guidance. This ensures prompt involvement of legal and technical experts, who handle initial assessments, activate an Incident Response team if necessary, and provide regulatory notifications. The support is designed to minimize operational disruptions and effectively manage liabilities, helping businesses maintain resilience in the face of evolving cyber threats.

As cyber risks become more complex, Tata AIG’s CyberEdge aims to empower businesses to enhance their cybersecurity preparedness and navigate challenges in today’s digital economy.

Tags: cyber threatsCyberEdgeTata AIG

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Exclusive

ChatGPT DOWN!! Suffers Global Outage

Observenow Desk

A widespread service disruption has hit popular AI chatbot ChatGPT, rendering the platform inaccessible to millions of users worldwide. Reports of connection difficulties, error messages, and slow loading times have flooded in from various regions, indicating a global outage.

The cause of the disruption remains unknown, but potential factors may include server overload, technical issues, or planned maintenance activities. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has not yet issued an official statement regarding the outage.

The disruption is expected to impact a wide range of users, including students, researchers, professionals, and creatives who rely on ChatGPT for content generation, research, and customer service. Many individuals and businesses have reported disruptions to their workflow, highlighting the platform’s significance in their daily operations.

OpenAI‘s status page and social media channels may provide updates as the situation develops. However, an estimated time for service restoration has not been provided.

Tags: AI ChatbotChatGPT DOWN

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B2B Marketeer

Voltas Appoints Pragya Bijalwan as Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Marketing

Observenow Desk

Voltas, India’s most trusted AC brand and part of the iconic Tata Group, has announced the appointment of Pragya Bijalwan as its Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and Head of Marketing.

Sharing her excitement on LinkedIn, Bijalwan wrote:

“Chilling into My Next Adventure with the country’s most trusted AC brand!! I’m over the moon (and under the AC, of course, to announce that I’ve joined Voltas, a proud part of the legendary Tata Group, as the Head of Marketing!”

With over two decades of experience, Bijalwan is recognized as a dynamic marketing leader. She also serves as a Board Member of The Indian Society of Advertisers (ISA).

Before joining Voltas, she was the Chief Marketing Officer, Head of Marketing, and Vice President of Marketing at Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals for nearly four years. Her tenure included spearheading marketing strategies, media planning, digital initiatives, performance marketing, e-commerce growth, consumer insights, and public relations.

Her career journey also includes leading the marketing strategy for Castrol’s commercial vehicle oils category, where she was instrumental in optimizing budgets, managing brand campaigns, and driving digital promotions. Bijalwan has also contributed her expertise at AkzoNobel and HPCL, further enhancing her reputation in the marketing industry.

Bijalwan is an MBA graduate in Marketing from the Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad, and holds a B.Com (Honours) in Marketing from Delhi University.

Her appointment marks an exciting chapter for Voltas as it continues to strengthen its position in the consumer durables market under her leadership.

Tags: Pragya BijalwanVoltas

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Cybersecurity

Zoho’s Survey Highlights India’s Digital Transformation Leadership but Stresses Cybersecurity Gaps

Observenow Desk January 22, 2025

Chennai-based global technology firm Zoho has unveiled its latest global study, the “Workplace Digital Transformation Survey 2025,” which underscores India’s leadership in digital workplace transformation while emphasizing critical gaps in cybersecurity preparedness. The survey, conducted through Zoho Workplace, the company’s enterprise email and collaboration suite, revealed that India’s digital transformation (DX) maturity score of 64.6% surpasses both developed nations and the global average of 62.3%.

India’s transformation journey has been fueled by widespread adoption of digital tools and processes. According to the survey, 71% of Indian employees operate at advanced DX maturity levels (level 3 and above), significantly higher than the global average of 61%. This success is attributed to the proactive involvement of employees in digital transformation initiatives, leading to noticeable improvements in workflows and efficiency. Despite this progress, cybersecurity readiness remains a concern, with only 37% of Indian organizations providing cybersecurity training and 33% enforcing secure remote work guidelines.

The survey highlighted India’s strong momentum in AI adoption, with organizations excelling in areas like automated content creation (44%), communication (52%), workflow automation (39%), and predictive analytics (33%). These advancements reflect India’s focus on leveraging AI for efficiency and collaboration. However, the study also revealed a reliance on “shadow applications”—unapproved tools used by employees for file sharing, communication, and documentation—which poses significant security and compliance challenges.

India also leads globally in advanced authentication measures, with 63% of organizations adopting tools like multi-factor authentication, compared to the global average of 49%. Additionally, 33% of Indian organizations use password management tools, and 39% implement role-based access controls to enhance data security. Despite these strengths, the survey found that only 17% of Indian workplaces utilize advanced security alert systems for suspicious emails, leaving significant room for improvement.

Employee satisfaction in India is the highest globally at 49%, demonstrating a strong correlation between DX maturity and workplace experience. Organizations that fully overhauled their tools reported an average DX maturity score of 66.7 and a 64% positive work experience. In contrast, those that made minimal updates had lower scores (~61%) and reported mixed experiences, highlighting the importance of investing in modern digital tools.

Transitioning to higher DX maturity levels will require significant investments. Moving from Level 3 (structured integration) to Level 4 (optimization) is estimated to cost ₹80,000–₹1,70,000 per employee annually and could take over a decade to achieve. Zoho emphasized the need for government bodies and enterprises to rethink digital strategies and address cybersecurity gaps. According to Rakeeb Rafeek, Market Strategy Lead, Zoho Workplace, leadership must prioritize collaboration tools, AI-powered analytics, and secure communication platforms to overcome current challenges and prepare for the future.

As India continues its digital transformation journey, the survey highlights both the country’s potential to lead globally and the urgent need to address cybersecurity gaps and shadow application risks. The findings emphasize the importance of balancing innovation with robust security measures to ensure sustainable progress in the evolving digital landscape.

Tags: cybersecurityZoho

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Governance

Aadhaar Face Authentication Crosses 100-Crore Milestone, Redefining Digital Identity Verification

Observenow Desk

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) recently organized the second edition of its stakeholders’ meet, “Aadhaar Samvaad,” in Mumbai. This day-long event, co-hosted by the Government of Maharashtra, witnessed the participation of nearly 500 senior policymakers, industry leaders, and experts from the BFSI, fintech, and telecommunications sectors. The meet served as a platform to discuss innovative applications of Aadhaar in enhancing service delivery and strengthening India’s digital infrastructure.

A highlight of the event was the celebration of a landmark achievement—Aadhaar’s face authentication transactions surpassing the 100-crore mark since its launch in October 2021. Developed in-house by UIDAI, this AI/ML-powered biometric technology experienced exponential growth, doubling its transactions from 50 crore to 100 crore in just five months. This milestone underscores the technology’s adoption and efficiency in providing secure and seamless authentication.

S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), lauded Aadhaar’s pivotal role in India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), emphasizing its success in scaling to population-wide usage. UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar highlighted the transformative impact of Aadhaar on fostering digital trust and simplifying processes for citizens. Neelkanth Mishra, Chairman of UIDAI, reiterated Aadhaar’s importance as the backbone of India’s digital identity ecosystem.

“Our mission is to ease lives for Aadhaar holders by ensuring seamless service delivery,” Kumar stated. “The milestone of 100 crore face authentication transactions showcases Aadhaar’s capability to deliver secure and convenient authentication for all.”

Panel discussions during the event explored Aadhaar’s applications in banking, fintech, NBFCs, and telecommunications. Insights focused on leveraging face authentication to optimize service delivery, streamline operations, and enhance security. These actionable outcomes aim to guide future advancements in Aadhaar-based services, benefiting sectors such as healthcare, education, and government programs.

With 92 entities across public and private sectors adopting face authentication, the technology provides a contactless, secure alternative to fingerprint-based verification. Particularly beneficial for senior citizens and labor-intensive workers, it ensures accessibility and reliability. Its AI-driven resistance to spoofing attacks further enhances user confidence.

The success of “Aadhaar Samvaad” underscores UIDAI’s commitment to building a secure, inclusive digital identity framework. As Aadhaar’s capabilities expand, its face authentication technology is poised to revolutionize identity verification, aligning with India’s vision of a digitally empowered society.

Tags: Aadhaar SamvaadUIDAI

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Digital Native

DeHaat Acquires AgriCentral to Strengthen Full-Stack Agritech Solutions in India

Observenow Desk

DeHaat, a leading agritech platform, has acquired AgriCentral, a digital advisory platform owned by Olam Agri, in an all-cash deal. The acquisition aims to bolster DeHaat’s mission of delivering end-to-end agricultural solutions to farmers across India’s villages.

The integration of AgriCentral’s precision advisory tools, including mechanization, insurance, and cattle advisory, will enhance DeHaat’s offerings, ultimately improving farmers’ livelihoods. Launched in 2018, AgriCentral leverages satellite imagery, machine learning, and big data analytics to provide over 10 million users with crop price insights, diagnostics, planning tools, and community engagement.

DeHaat’s expansive network includes over 15,000 DeHaat Centres and partnerships with more than 1,000 agribusinesses. Founded in 2012, the company operates in more than 12 states, offering advisory services, quality input delivery, and market linkages for farmers.

With this acquisition, DeHaat aims to reinforce its position as India’s largest full-stack agritech platform. The company has previously acquired FarmGuide, Vezamart, Helicrofter, YCook, and the fruit export business of Freshtrop Fruits to expand its capabilities.

DeHaat also reported robust financial growth for FY24, with gross revenue surging to ₹2,674.8 crore, up from ₹1,965 crore in FY23. Its losses narrowed by 34% to ₹244.68 crore, compared to ₹371 crore in the previous fiscal year.

Tags: AgriCentralDeHaat

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Governance

DPIIT and Apna Join Forces to Boost Startup Hiring and Create Jobs for Youth

Observenow Desk

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has partnered with Apna, India’s leading jobs and professional networking platform, to empower DPIIT-registered startups with access to highly skilled talent, thereby creating new job opportunities for unemployed youth.

The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), brings significant financial incentives for startups. Each of the 7,00,000 entities registered on the Bharat Startup Registry (Bhaskar) platform will receive Rs 2000 in hiring credits on Apna’s platform, amounting to an initial valuation of Rs 140 crore. With the startup ecosystem expected to expand, the initiative’s overall value is projected to scale up to Rs 300 crore in the future.

The credits will allow startups to leverage Apna’s advanced hiring tools, including job postings and access to customized talent pools, enhancing efficiency in recruitment. By reducing the time-to-market for new ventures and enabling smoother scaling of operations, the initiative aims to bolster India’s entrepreneurship landscape.

In addition to supporting startups, Apna’s platform will provide skilled professionals with avenues to connect with the thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. The AI-driven matching and tailored job posting features on Apna’s platform will streamline recruitment processes, aligning talent pools with specific industry requirements.

This partnership underscores DPIIT’s Startup India program’s commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth by integrating skilled manpower into India’s rapidly evolving startup ecosystem.

Tags: Apna Join ForcesDPIIT

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Education

EdTech Sector’s Contribution to India’s GDP Predicted to Quadruple by 2029

Observenow Desk

India’s EdTech sector is experiencing remarkable expansion, with its contribution to the nation’s GDP projected to increase significantly from 0.1 per cent in 2020 to 0.4 per cent by 2029. This trajectory underscores the sector’s growing prominence within India’s economy, as revealed in a joint report by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and Grant Thornton Bharat.

In 2020, when India’s GDP was valued at USD 2.67 trillion, the EdTech market contributed USD 2.8 billion, representing 0.1 per cent of the total GDP. Fast forward to 2024, the EdTech market’s valuation has surged to USD 7.5 billion, with projections indicating a valuation of USD 29 billion by 2030. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.8 per cent, demonstrating the sector’s resilience and adaptability in the face of economic challenges.

Several factors contribute to this rapid growth. Increased digital adoption, spurred by affordable internet access and widespread smartphone penetration, has transformed the education landscape. Government support through initiatives like Digital India and the National Education Policy 2020 has further boosted the sector. Additionally, evolving consumer preferences for online and hybrid learning models have created new opportunities for EdTech companies to innovate and expand.

Today, India is home to over 17,000 EdTech companies, including seven unicorns, making it the third-largest funded EdTech ecosystem globally, after the United States and China. These figures highlight India’s emergence as a global hub for educational technology and innovation.

Despite its promising growth, the EdTech sector in India has faced significant funding challenges in recent years. The sector witnessed its peak in 2021, securing USD 4.86 billion in investments. However, broader macroeconomic conditions and cautious investor sentiment led to a sharp decline in funding, with investments dropping to USD 2.88 billion in 2022 and plummeting by 87 per cent to USD 535 million in 2023. By the end of 2024, the sector managed to secure around USD 730 million, signaling a gradual recovery but still far from its previous highs.

Despite these hurdles, the Indian EdTech sector remains a vibrant and promising space. Its continued focus on innovation, scalability, and addressing the diverse needs of learners across the country positions it as a key driver of India’s educational and economic transformation. As the sector evolves, it is expected to not only contribute significantly to GDP but also play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education in India.

Tags: EdTech Sector

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Governance

Nitin Gadkari Unveils Plan for 10,000 Water Taxis to Boost Connectivity to Navi Mumbai Airport

Observenow Desk

Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has announced an ambitious plan to launch 10,000 water taxis, enhancing connectivity between Mumbai’s distant suburbs and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. Speaking at the ICERP 2025 exhibition, Gadkari revealed that discussions with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis have already taken place to bring the project to fruition.

The initiative aims to provide a faster and more convenient transit option, reducing travel time to just 70 minutes from suburbs like Virar along the Arabian Sea and Kalyan-Dombivli via Thane Creek. The airport is scheduled to commence passenger operations by April next year, and connectivity enhancements are being prioritized to ensure seamless travel for commuters.

Gadkari also highlighted the potential of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) for constructing water taxis, noting its significance in the shipping industry. He urged manufacturers to explore cost-effective solutions for FRP production to make the project more feasible.

In addition to water taxis, plans are underway to integrate metro rail services with the new airport, further streamlining transportation. This initiative seeks to address Mumbai’s connectivity challenges while offering efficient travel options for residents and visitors.

Tags: Nitin GadkariWater Taxis

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