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  • Digi Yatra clocks over 9 million active users, 30,000 app downloads daily

    Digi Yatra

    IANS

    Digi Yatra has registered more than 9 million active users to date, with a daily average of 30,000 app downloads, it was announced on Thursday.

    The self-sovereign identity (SSI)-based ecosystem utilises face-biometric technology for contactless and seamless passenger processing at airports, changing the travel game, said the Digi Yatra Foundation.

    Starting with just three airports in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Varanasi, it has established an impressive network of 24 airports across the country. The platform has facilitated over 42 million seamless journeys, which is a testament to the growing trust and acceptance among passengers.

    “2024 was a defining year for Digi Yatra as it became a nationwide digital ecosystem reshaping how Indians experience air travel. Beyond technological advancement, this year has been about building trust,” said Suresh Khadakbhavi, CEO of Digi Yatra Foundation.

    In the coming year, “we look forward to continuing our growth trajectory by adding four more airports in the early months of 2025,” he added.

    By March 2025, Digi Yatra plans to support all 22 official languages, making it more accessible to travellers in the country.

    Digi Yatra at Bengaluru Airport

    Twitter/Jayant Sinha

    One of the key highlights of 2024 was Digi Yatra’s collaboration with the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

    In October, Digi Yatra further launched the d-KYC (Don’t Know Your Customer) campaign, which highlights its commitment to user privacy and choice.

    The campaign was about how Digi Yatra caters to customers’ needs without storing or accessing their personal data.

    Digi Yatra is also targeting an ambitious international pilot project by June 2025. It aims to conduct trials with foreign passengers holding electronic passports (e-passports), according to Digi Yatra Foundation.

    This initiative will require establishing bilateral agreements and demonstrating the robust security of the platform. A social media campaign to emphasise that passenger information is not stored in any central repository is also in the pipeline.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Revision in index F&O expiry days

    As per a recent Exchange circular, the expiry days for F&O index contracts have been revised. Starting January 2025:
    – NSE index F&O contracts will expire on the last Thursday of each month.
    – BSE index F&O contracts will expire on the last Tuesday of each month.

    Here’s a detailed table for your reference:

    Keep in mind
    – There is no change in expiry day for NIFTY monthly, weekly, quarterly & half yearly F&O contracts. They will continue to expire on Thursdays.
    – There will be no change in the existing SENSEX weekly F&O contracts expiring on 3 January 2025.
    – New F&O BSE Index contracts placed after 1 January 2025, will have an expiry day of Tuesday

    To learn more, you can refer to the: NSE circular | BSE circular

  • India’s equity markets touched $5.29 trillion market cap this year, 4th largest globally

    Bombay Stock Exchange.

    Bombay Stock Exchange.IANS

    India’s equity markets soared to record highs, firmly establishing the nation with a market capitalisation of $5.29 trillion this year, which was the fourth largest market cap globally after the US, China and Japan, a report said on Thursday.

    Benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex hit all-time highs of 26,277.35 and 85,978.25, respectively, this year, according to the report by Pantomath Group, a leading financial services conglomerate.

    GDP growth stood at 8.2 per cent in FY24, surpassing expectations, although inflation and weak consumption slowed growth in first half of FY25.

    “A rebound is anticipated, driven by government spending, private investments, and rural growth revival,” the report mentioned.

    According to Madhu Lunawat, CIO and Fund Manager, Bharat Value Fund, there are many opportunities available for both domestic and global investors such as AIF, PMS, Mutual Funds, etc. for medium-term investments perspectives, to participate in India’s long term growth story.

    “The investor’s preference towards equity as an investment avenue based on their Risk appetite is constantly increasing in the last couple of years as compared to earlier. Such kind of sustainable fund flow from different investors is a positive sign and this liquidity will help market to support in any kind of correction or declines,” Lunawat noted.

    Govt doubles FCI's authorised capital to Rs 21,000 cr in big boost to farm sector

    IANS

    The Indian agriculture sector is set for growth, driven by the ‘Vision 2047; roadmap that promotes sustainable farming, crop diversification (especially millets), and climate-resilient seeds.

    The automobile sector grew 10 per cent to Rs. 6.14 lakh crore, with a sharp focus on EV adoption and exports projected at $30 billion by FY26, the report mentioned.

    India remains committed to net-zero emissions by 2070 and 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030, supported by the National Green Hydrogen Mission and 100 per cent FDI in renewables.

    “Indian corporate earnings are expected to show further improvement. The capex spending by government will lead to revival in overall GDP growth and companies benefiting from a softening in commodity prices, leading to enhanced profitability and margins,” said Devang Shah, Head Retail Research, ACMIIL.

    Companies are expected to continue strong performance in the upcoming quarters, driven by a robust domestic demand environment, positive macroeconomic factors and private capex revival, Shah added.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • IMD warns – Heavy Rain will occur in THESE big states due to Western Disturbance


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    IMD Director Surendra Pal said, “A Western Disturbance is coming tonight which will become active from tomorrow (December 27). Light rain is likely in some areas of Haryana and Punjab.

    Due to the arrival of Western Disturbance, fog will increase in the morning and evening. This time the fog is expected to be slightly less.”

    – Advertisement –

    According to the Meteorological Department, today there were many cities and towns in the plains of the country where the temperature was recorded below 6 degrees. The lowest temperature was recorded in Churu in western Rajasthan. This morning, the temperature was recorded in Churu at 5 degrees Celsius. Apart from this, 5.5 degrees were recorded in Karnal in Haryana, 5.7 degrees in Pilani in eastern Rajasthan and 5.7 degrees in Amritsar in Punjab.

    In winter, western disturbances cause rain and snow in the mountainous areas and this increases humidity in the plains.

    Cloud cover results in lower minimum temperatures at night and higher temperatures during the day.

    To Read Latest News:-


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    Jyoti

    Jyoti , has 2 years of experience in writing Finance Content, Entertainment news, Cricket and more. She has done BA in English. She loves to Play Sports and read books in free time. In case of any complain or feedback, please contact me @rightsofemployeescom@gmail.com

  • Japan Airlines recovers from cyber-attack; announces resumption of flights from Dec 27

    Japan Airlines plane
    At least 24 domestic flights operated by Japan Airlines were affected by the December 26 cyber-attack. Representative photo courtesy: Instagram/japanairlines

    Japan Airlines (JAL), the second-largest carrier in Japan after All-Nippon Airways (ANA), is the latest victim in the series of cyber-attacks on the global aviation sector in recent times. However, JAL recovered swiftly from the December 26 cyber-attack, which had delayed many flights, and announced by evening (around 7.40pm in Japan) that its systems were restored and flight movements would be normalised from December 27.

    An X post by Japan Airlines informed today: “[Notice regarding network equipment malfunction as of 19:40]. There was a system malfunction with our network equipment today, but it has now been resolved. As of now, flights for tomorrow, December 27th, are scheduled to operate as normal. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.”

    Earlier in the day, Associated Press had reported that “the cyber-attack had delayed 24 domestic flights for more than 30 minutes”.

    The news agency quoted Japan Airlines as saying that “the problem started [on] Thursday morning when the company’s network connecting internal and external systems began malfunctioning”.

    Soon, Japan Airlines identified the root cause of the trouble “as an attack intended to overwhelm the network system with massive transmissions of data”.

    AP explained that cyber-attacks of this type “flood a system or [a] network with traffic until the target cannot respond or crashes”. In tech parlance, this is called a “DDoS attack”, short for “distributed denial of service”.

    Japan Airlines said that there was no virus in its system or any customer data leaks resulting from the cyber-attack. It had first noticed the problem this morning (around 7.25am in Japan) when snags began to crop up in its luggage check-in system. Acting quickly, the carrier suspended all ticket sales — domestic and international — for the rest of the day.

    Japan Airlines X post screenshot
    Screenshot: X

    The aviation sector remains highly vulnerable to cyber-crimes, as said in a December 2024 report by the global commercial law firm Clyde & Co. “The aviation industry has seen a surge in ransomware attacks in recent years and cyber incidents are a serious threat to business continuity, as was seen during the recent CrowdStrike outage in July 2024 which although not caused by bad actors, brought chaos to many airlines as well as other industries,” it said in the summary of findings.

    Data shows that cyber-attacks rose by 131% between 2022 and 2023 across the aviation industry, with the highest proportion of attacks focussed on airspace users. The financial and reputational implications for the aviation industry of failures in cyber-security are enormous.

    Clyde & Co market insight report

    The CrowdStrike outage affected a number of business sectors, from aviation to banking, and even medical services. This outage was not caused by “bad actors” in the sense that the reason was a faulty update to security software and not a cyber-crime incident. However, it revealed how easily digitalised systems could be impacted.

  • Indian Entertainment and Media Industry Set to Reach INR 365,000 Crore by 2028 with 8.3% CAGR Growth

    Indian advertising revenues are projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.4% to reach INR 1,58,000 crore (19.2 Bn USD) in 2028, which is 1.4x the global average of 6.7%.

    Internet advertising in India is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15.6%, reaching INR 85,000 crore (10.2 billion USD) by 2028, the highest growth rate among the top 15 countries and 1.6 times the global average.

    The online gaming and esports sector in India is growing at a CAGR of 19.2% and is projected to reach INR 39,583 crore by 2028 (4.8 Bn USD)

    OTT platform revenues in India are projected to grow at a remarkable CAGR of 14.9%, the highest among the top 15 countries, to reach INR 35,061 crore (4.25 billion USD) by 2028

    NEW DELHI: According to PwC India’s report “Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2024–28: India perspective,” the Indian E&M industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.3% to hit INR 3,65,000 Crore (19.2 Bn USD) outpacing the global rate of 4.6%.

    Despite economic challenges and geopolitical tensions, global E&M revenues grew 5.5% year-on-year, from INR 13,891,000 crore in 2022 to INR 17,359,000 crore in 2023. Currently, the US leads the global E&M market by revenue, with China in the 2nd place and India at the 9th.

    Manpreet Singh Ahuja, Chief Digital Officer and TMT Leader at PwC India commented, “India’s Entertainment & Media sector is on the cusp of a major transformation. According to our Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2024-2028, key growth drivers such as digital advertising, OTT platforms, online gaming, and Generative AI are shaping the future of the industry. These rapidly expanding segments are positioning India as a global leader in innovation and growth. Businesses that adapt and innovate in these areas are poised to seize unparalleled opportunities in this dynamic landscape.”

    With India’s improved connectivity, rising advertising revenues, and favorable Government policies around foreign direct investment (FDI), the country is predicted to see one of the highest growth rates in the next five years. The country’s large millennial and Gen-Z population base of over 91 crore has access to the world’s cheapest data costs. At present, India has 80 crore broadband subscriptions, 55 crore smartphone users, and 78 crore internet users. Indians are spending 78% of their time on mobile phone apps related to E&M. Leveraging India’s strong growth trajectory in the E&M sector, the Government of India is set to host the inaugural WAVES summit, boosting its E&M sector globally through stakeholder collaboration and innovation.

    With growing consumption and gross domestic product (GDP) growth in India, the advertising market is projected to grow at a 9.4% CAGR from INR 1,01,000 crore in 2023 to INR 1,58,000 crore in 2028, which is 1.4x the global average. Most of this growth will come from the digital front (internet advertising), which is expected to grow at a 15.6% CAGR, rising from INR 41,000 crore in 2023 to INR 85,000 crore in 2028. Internet advertising’s year-on-year growth, which was 26.0% in 2023, will remain in double digits throughout the forecast period (2024–28) and is expected to be 12.2% in 2028.

    This shift towards cord-cutting is expected to accelerate. Traditional TV advertising will grow at a 4.2% CAGR between 2023 to 2028, while global revenues are set to drop by -1.6%. India is poised to become the fourth-largest TV advertising market by 2026.

    As per the 2024 outlook, other subsectors will also witness growth that surpasses global averages:

    The total online gaming and esports revenue in India stood at INR 16,480 crore in 2023 and is expected to reach INR 39,583 crore by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 19.2%. With the inclusion of real money gaming (as per PwC’s India Gaming Report ‘24) the total gaming and esports revenue would amount to INR 33,000 crore (4BnUSD) in 2023 and is expected to reach INR 66,000 crore (8BnUSD) by 2028 at a CAGR of 14.5%. Globally, video games and esports revenue will increase at a CAGR of 8.0%.

    Over-the-top (OTT) will be the third-fastest growing segment with a CAGR of 14.9%, putting the country in the lead by 2028.

    Infrastructure enhancements have supported massive growth in India’s out-of-home (OOH) advertising market which grew by 12.9% in 2023. It is expected to continue to grow at a 7.6% CAGR.

    When it comes to print advertising revenues, despite a global decline at a CAGR of -2.6%, India’s market is expected to grow at a rate of 3%, making it the 3rd largest Print market in the world by 2028

    India’s cinema market continues to expand, growing at a 14.1% CAGR.

    The total music (live, recorded, and digital)  revenue grew from INR 2,416 crore (293 Mn USD) in 2019 to INR 6,686 crore (811 Mn USD) in 2023. It is expected to cross INR 10,899 crore (1.3 Bn USD) by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 10.3%.

    At a 5.6% CAGR, India will stand out as having the highest B2B revenue growth rate in the world over the next five years. In contrast, global B2B revenue growth is forecasted at a 1.9% CAGR.

    The report highlights four key opportunities in the E&M sector. Internet advertising emerges as the fastest-growing market in Asia-Pacific and the second globally, with a projected 15.6% CAGR (2023–2028). Companies can prioritize regulatory compliance and leverage data analytics to enhance trust and implement targeted advertising strategies.

    OTT platforms in India, the world’s fastest-growing, saw a 20.9% rise in 2023, reaching INR 17,496 crore (2.1 Bn USD), and are projected to double by 2028 (14.9% CAGR). Focusing on advertising-supported tiers, market consolidation, and regional narratives can boost engagement.

    Online gaming and esports are rapidly expanding, projected to represent 9% of the E&M sector by 2028. Promoting responsible gaming and investing in high-quality AAA games will position Indian studios on the global stage. Lastly, generative AI (GenAI) is set to transform content creation, personalization, and monetization, with over 70% of global companies expected to adopt it by 2025. Early adoption of GenAI in India can drive hyper-personalised content and dynamic advertising campaigns.

    The report also outlines strategic approaches for companies to enhance success. It recommends consolidation among regional or niche players through mergers and acquisitions to increase size and scale. It also highlights the use of social media for marketing and distribution, as media companies leverage these platforms for content promotion. The report suggests innovation in content strategy, including esports, online gaming, and Indigenous sports to meet changing consumer behaviors. It advises investment in cost optimization through analytics, audits, and automation to lower operational and production costs. Finally, it points to the use of GenAI for creating hyper-personalized content discovery and improving user experiences, especially for regional players aiming to match the technological capabilities of global peers.

  • Which Sub-4m SUV is Right for You?

    Kia’s new Syros has entered the sub-4m SUV market, aiming to challenge the Tata Nexon, a consistent leader in the segment. The Syros, following the Kia Sonet, combines a futuristic design with premium features. Here’s a detailed analysis comparing pricing, dimensions, powertrains, and features.

    The Kia Syros is expected to be priced between Ra 9.70 lakh and Rs 16.50 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India), while the Tata Nexon ranges from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 15.80 lakh. Kia will officially reveal the Syros’ pricing upon its launch in January 2025, with a slight premium anticipated over the Nexon, given its positioning as a feature-rich alternative.

    Both SUVs measure 3,995 mm in length, but the Syros is marginally wider at 1,805 mm compared to the Nexon’s 1,804 mm. The Syros stands taller at 1,680 mm, offering a more commanding road presence, while the Nexon measures 1,620 mm in height. With a longer wheelbase of 2,550 mm, the Syros potentially offers better interior space compared to the Nexon’s 2,498 mm.

    Additionally, the Syros provides a boot space of 465 litres, significantly larger than the Nexon’s 382 litres, making it a more practical choice for storage needs.

    In terms of powertrains, the Kia Syros offers a 1-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 120 PS of power and 172 Nm of torque, along with a 1.5-litre diesel engine delivering 116 PS and 250 Nm. Both engines are available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission.

    On the other hand, the Tata Nexon offers a wider range of options, including a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol, a 1.5-litre diesel, and a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol with a CNG variant. The petrol engine generates 120 PS and 170 Nm, while the diesel engine delivers 118 PS and 260 Nm. The CNG variant produces 100 PS and 170 Nm. The Nexon also provides a variety of transmissions, including manual, AMT, and a 7-speed DCT.

    Feature-wise, both SUVs share common elements such as LED projector headlights, panoramic sunroofs, wireless phone charging, ventilated front seats, and six airbags.

    The Kia Syros, however, distinguishes itself with 64-color ambient lighting, larger 17-inch alloy wheels, Level-2 ADAS, and flush door handles. The Nexon offers advantages like a JBL 9-speaker sound system, LED fog lamps, and animated DRLs on its tail lights, along with a CNG option that the Syros lacks.

    The Tata Nexon remains a reliable choice with a strong feature set, multiple powertrain options, and high safety ratings, including a 5-star Global NCAP score. Its affordability and CNG variant add to its appeal. On the other hand, the Kia Syros introduces cutting-edge technology, luxurious features, and a premium design that sets it apart.

    Buyers looking for an established, versatile option may prefer the Nexon, while those seeking a modern and upscale experience might find the Syros a compelling alternative. Both vehicles cater to distinct preferences, offering strong competition in the subcompact SUV market.

  • India to see record-breaking IPO fundraising in 2025 exceeding Rs 2 lakh crore

    India to see record-breaking IPO fundraising in 2025 exceeding Rs 2 lakh crore

    IANS

    India is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027 with a $7 trillion GDP target by 2030, a report said on Thursday, predicting record-breaking IPO fundraising in the country next year, exceeding Rs 2 lakh crore.

    According to the report by Pantomath Group, a leading financial services conglomerate, India hosted twice as many IPOs as the US and 2.5 times more than Europe this year, as the country emerged as the leader in IPO volume globally.

    “With the continued momentum in the markets, we now project that equity raised through IPOs will cross Rs 2 lakh crore in the year 2025. This milestone is a testament to the resilience of India’s capital markets, the confidence of investors, and the critical role IPOs play in fueling economic growth,” said Mahavir Lunawat, Managing Director of Pantomath Capital.

    The report outlined stellar economic growth, sectoral advancements, and IPO market dominance, positioning the country as a global economic powerhouse.

    In the country, 76 companies raised Rs. 1.3 trillion in the first 11 months of 2024, as favourable regulatory reforms and investor confidence fuelled market momentum, even during downturns.

    Indian stock market opens flat, PSU bank shares lead

    IANS

    Qualified institutional placements (QIPs) in 2024 have surged, with 91 deals raising a record Rs 1,29,200 crore, surpassing last year’s Rs 52,300 crore, and the previous peak of Rs 80,500 crore in the calendar year 2020 — marking an all-time high.

    “Multinational corporations have demonstrated the strategic advantages of listing in India. Factors such as reduced capital costs, wide consumer market, robust regulatory regime, encourage global players to consider Indian markets for their equity offerings,” Lunawat noted.

    The year was dominated by the real estate, utilities, automobiles, metals, and PSU bank sectors, which collectively accounted for 57 per cent of the total QIP issuances thus far. Of the 91 issues, six have delivered returns exceeding 100 per cent over their issue prices. More than two-thirds of the stocks have delivered positive returns against their issue prices, according to the report.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Sri Mandir Partners with VedAshram Trust for Mahakumbh Mela 2025

    Sri Mandir, in collaboration with Sri Panchayati Mahaniravni Akhada, brings exclusive spiritual privileges to Mahakumbh Mela 2025.

    INDIA: Mahakumbh Mela, the world’s largest spiritual gathering, is a profound celebration of faith, devotion, and timeless traditions. Sri Mandir, India’s leading devotional app, has partnered with VedAshram Trust, an esteemed institution under the sacred Sri Panchayati Mahaniravni Akhada, to allow devotees around the world to participate in the Mahakumbh Mela. This collaboration is driven by a shared commitment to making the transformative spiritual experience of the Mahakumbh Mela accessible to devotees across the globe, transcending physical distance. Sri Panchayati Mahaniravni Akhada, one of India’s oldest and most revered institutions, symbolizes the spiritual essence of this once-in-12-year event, and this partnership aims to bridge that sacred experience with modern, seamless digital services.

    This collaboration carries profound emotional resonance, connecting millions of devotees worldwide with the timeless wisdom and blessings of the Kumbh. As the exclusive and official online partner, Sri Mandir offers a range of sacred services in collaboration with VedAshram Trust, including exclusive access to Puja, Chadhava, Daan, and Prasad services for devotees who cannot attend in person. Through Sri Mandir’s innovative platform, devotees can book personalized e-pujas performed in their name and gotra, with a video of the sacred ritual sent to them.

    The partnership with VedAshram Trust ensures unparalleled access to holy rituals such as Rudra Homam, Navagraha Homam, Chandi Yagna, Shiv Panchamrit Rudrabhishek, and the iconic Ganga Aarti. With dedicated spaces, a team of expert pandits, and all required samagri provided by the Trust, Sri Mandir ensures an authentic and sacred experience for every devotee. Additionally, sand from Triveni Sangam will be procured before January 2, 2025, adding a tangible connection to the holy site. This collaboration ensures that the sanctity, tradition, and spiritual essence of Mahakumbh Mela are preserved and made accessible to every devotee, no matter where they are in the world.

    “We are deeply honored to join hands with VedAshram Trust for the Mahakumbh Mela, one of India’s holiest and most revered spiritual gatherings. This sacred collaboration is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to bridging the distance between the divine and devotees across the world, allowing them to experience the profound blessings of the Mahakumbh. Through our platform, we aim to make these transformative spiritual moments accessible, ensuring that every soul can connect with the divine essence of the Mela, no matter where they are” said Prashant Sachan, Founder of Sri Mandir

    “The Mahakumbh is a divine opportunity for devotees to unite with the eternal flow of spirituality. Through this sacred collaboration with Sri Mandir, we are humbled to extend the blessings of Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj to devotees across the world. From every corner of the globe, seekers can now connect with this holy occasion—be it through online pujas, offerings of chadhava, or planning their visit to the sacred pilgrimage. It is truly heartening to witness how tradition and technology are merging to serve the divine purpose” said Swami Tarun Das Ji from Vedashram Trust

  • College Vidya findings INR 1.5 Crore financial aid disbursed in 2024, sets INR 5 Crore target for 2025

    December 26, 2024 : A recent analysis by College Vidya, India’s leading online education platform, has revealed the significant impact of its financial aid program across states like Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Maharashtra, Bihar, and West Bengal. The platform disbursed INR 1.2 Crore in 2024, benefitting 5,751 students nationwide. This initiative has been instrumental in supporting learners facing financial challenges, enabling them to pursue their academic aspirations without compromise.

    Statewise, Uttar Pradesh led the way, with 807 students receiving aid amounting to INR 12.1 lakh. It was followed by Delhi and Maharashtra, with 769 and 621 students benefiting from INR 12.2 lakh and 11.3 lakh, respectively. Bihar and West Bengal also saw notable contributions underlying the platform’s commitment to bridging financial gaps in education.

    Speaking about the impact of the initiative, Rohit Gupta, COO of College Vidya said, “Reports suggest that more than 70% of students cite financial constraints as the primary reason for discontinuing their education. At College Vidya, we believe that money shouldn’t become a barrier for students willing to acquire quality education. By providing the necessary financial support, we aspire not only to empower individual students but also to set an example for other institutions, urging them to join us in creating a more equitable and inclusive education system. We are committed to scaling this initiative to INR 5 Crore in 2025, ensuring that even more students have the opportunity to fulfill their academic dreams.”

    College Vidya has been at the forefront of redefining online education in India. In addition to providing financial aid, the platform is working towards creating greater awareness and addressing misconceptions surrounding online education. Through its novel initiatives like the CV Partners model and Subsidy Refer and Earn program, the company strives to bridge gaps in education and empower learners with the tools and resources they need to excel in a digital-first world.