New Delhi: The global cloud infrastructure spending is set to grow 33.3 per cent in 2025 to $271.5 billion compared to 2024, according to a new report. According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), spending on compute and storage infrastructure products for cloud deployments, including dedicated and shared IT environments, increased 99.3 per cent year-over-year in the fourth quarter of 2024 (4Q24) to $67.0 billion. Spending on cloud infrastructure continues to outgrow the non-cloud segment with the latter growing by 25.8 per cent in 4Q24 to $22.0 billion. The cloud infrastructure segment experienced double digit growth unit demand of 33.5 per cent, with a continued increase in average selling prices (ASPs) mostly related to the accelerated increase of GPU server shipments. According to the IDC report, non-cloud infrastructure is expected to decline -4.9 per cent to $68.1 billion. Shared cloud infrastructure is expected to grow 25.7 per cent year over year to $213.7 billion for the full year, spending on dedicated cloud infrastructure expected to grow further in 2025 with 71.8 per cent to $57.8 billion for the full year. Additionally, the cloud infrastructure GPU based accelerated market will show a 46.8 per cent growth in 2025, reaching $157.8 billion value as AI infrastructure investments still count with an important backlog as well as future projects in the cloud. “Cloud infrastructure spending growth continued outpacing market expectations again in the fourth quarter,” said Juan Pablo Seminara, director for IDC’s Worldwide Enterprise Infrastructure Trackers. Even after raising some doubts about the necessity of large investments in AI infrastructure exposed by DeepSeek’s R1 initial impact that later proven been not that accurate, the industry is also understanding that the evolution from simple chatbots to reasoning models to agentic AI will require several orders of magnitude more processing capacity, especially for inferencing. “So even by gaining efficiency on investments costs, IDC expects cloud infrastructure market growth of 17.8 per cent CAGR for the following five years,” he mentioned.

New Delhi: OpenAI’s latest image creation feature has taken the internet by storm. Social media users quickly discovered its abilities to mimic various art styles with many transforming their pictures into stunning Studio Ghibli-style visuals. The trend has sparked excitement. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman joined the trend, updating his profile picture on X with a Studio Ghibli-style image. He even invited social media users to create a better one using ChatGPT. What is Studio Ghibli’s Art Style? Studio Ghibli, founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki, is a famous Japanese animation studio known for its hand-drawn animation, detailed backgrounds and emotional storytelling. The name “Ghibli” comes from a Libyan Arabic word for a hot desert wind and was also inspired by the Italian aircraft Caproni Ca.309 Ghibli. A Ghibli portrait is an image designed in the signature style of Studio Ghibli. It features soft pastel colors, intricate details, and a dreamy, magical feel. It is loved by anime fans and this art style stands out for its beauty and storytelling charm. Who Has Access to ChatGPT’s Image Generation Feature? OpenAI announced that its new image generation feature is available for Plus, Pro, and Team users. Initially, Free users were also included. However, CEO Sam Altman later confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that their access would be delayed. The company also mentioned that Enterprise and Edu users will get access through the API soon. What’s Behind the Ghibli Art Trend? Anime has a huge fan base, especially in the U.S., where about 72 per cent of people watch it regularly, according to World Population Review. Studio Ghibli’s unique art style has only added to this fascination. With OpenAI’s new feature, users can turn their photos into Ghibli-style images with just a click. This ability to give personal or famous pictures a magical, anime-like makeover has taken social media by storm, making the trend even more popular.

New Delhi: Social media is filled with anime magic, Whether it’s Instagram or X, feeds are flooded with stunning Studio Ghibli-style portraits. In just 48 hours, people have turned everything—from classic Bollywood scenes to viral memes—into Japanese anime-inspired art. This viral trend took off after OpenAI’s ChatGPT-4o introduced a new feature that allows users to not only create images but also transform their own pictures into anime-style masterpieces. However, this feature is only available to ChatGPT Plus, Pro, Team, and Select subscribers. Free users can generate up to three animated images. How to Create Unlimited Ghibli-Style Images for Free You can use Gemini AI to generate stunning Ghibli-style images without limits! Here’s how: – Visit the Gemini AI platform and log in. – Type a short description of the image you want in the chat box. – Submit your prompt, and let AI do the work. – Your Ghibli-style image will be generated. How to Turn Your Images into Ghibli-Style Art Using Grok – Transform your photos into stunning Ghibli-style artwork with Grok! Here’s how: – Open the Grok website or app. – Click the paper clip icon to upload your image. – Ask the AI to “Ghiblify” your photo. – Your Ghibli-style image will be generated.  Third-party Apps You can also turn your photos into Studio Ghibli-inspired art using free AI tools like Craiyon, DeepAI, and Playground AI. Simply upload a picture or type a prompt like “portrait in Studio Ghibli style, lush forest background, soft colors”, and let AI do the rest! These tools may not be as detailed as GPT-4o, but they still capture the dreamy, hand-painted charm of Ghibli’s world—flowing hair, soft colors, and beautiful landscapes. For more control, Artbreeder lets you mix and edit styles, though some features may need an upgrade. What is Studio Ghibli?  Studio Ghibli is a world-famous Japanese animation studio, founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki. Known for its beautiful hand-drawn animation and captivating storytelling, Ghibli has created some of the most beloved animated films. Iconic movies like My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and Princess Mononoke have enchanted audiences worldwide with their magical worlds and heartfelt stories.

New Delhi: Elon Musk has revealed that his AI company, xAI has taken over social media giant X (formerly Twitter) in a 33 billion dollars all-stock deal.The move, announced on March 28 aims to merge xAI’s cutting-edge artificial intelligence with X’s vast user base, paving the way for new innovations. xAI-X Merger: What You Need to Know Elon Musk’s AI company, xAI, has officially merged with X (formerly Twitter) in an all-stock deal, meaning no cash was involved. While both companies are privately owned and not required to share financial details. Musk confirmed that xAI is valued at 80 billion dollars and X at 33 billion dollars. According to Musk, this merger will combine their data, AI models, computing power, and top talent to create smarter, more meaningful user experiences. The goal is to enhance innovation while staying focused on the mission of seeking truth and spreading knowledge.   Elon Musk to Resign from DOGE Leadership The merger news comes just hours after Elon Musk revealed that he will step down from his role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) at the end of May. During his 130-day term, Musk led efforts to cut government costs, achieving a massive 1 trillion dollars reduction in the US deficit. Appointed as a “special government employee” under President Donald Trump’s administration, he played a key role in streamlining spending. Elon Musk is making big moves in the AI industry, a key priority for both the Trump administration and the tech world, according to CNN. Earlier this year, he led a group of investors in a nearly 100 billion dollars bid to buy OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT. This attempt marked another chapter in his ongoing rivalry with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.

The automotive industry is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades. With the rise of connected vehicles, electric mobility, and autonomous driving, cars are no longer just mechanical machines—they are sophisticated, software-driven ecosystems. But with this digital revolution comes an escalating risk: cybersecurity threats. From hacking keyless entry systems to remotely controlling vehicle functions, cybercriminals are finding new ways to exploit modern cars. The question automakers must ask themselves today is: Are our vehicles secure enough to prevent these attacks? Cybersecurity is no longer a luxury—it is the new safety standard for the automotive industry. As vehicles become more advanced, they also become more vulnerable. Cyberattacks on vehicles have already been reported worldwide, proving that these threats are not just theoretical. Key cybersecurity risks in connected vehicles include remote takeover attacks, where hackers exploit vulnerabilities to disable brakes, control acceleration, or hijack steering. Weak security in infotainment and navigation systems also poses a threat, allowing attackers to access a vehicle’s core functions. Additionally, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication increases the risk of cyberattacks as vehicles interact with other cars and smart infrastructure. Another major concern is the manipulation of Over-the-Air (OTA) updates, where unauthorized software installations can introduce malware, compromise vehicle safety, and expose sensitive user data. Without proper security measures, modern cars could become vulnerable targets, putting both lives and data at risk. To address these growing concerns, the Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 189 is set to revolutionize cybersecurity practices in India, said experts. This regulatory framework aligns with global standards like UN R155 and ISO 21434, ensuring that vehicles meet cybersecurity benchmarks to prevent cyber threats, they said. According to experts, the key objectives of AIS 189 focus on strengthening vehicle cybersecurity through multiple measures. It mandates the implementation of a Cybersecurity Management System (CSMS) to identify and mitigate security risks, along with compulsory penetration testing and risk assessments for all vehicle models before they enter the market. Additionally, it emphasizes secure Over-the-Air (OTA) updates and strong authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access. Continuous monitoring and robust incident response plans are also required to detect and address cyber intrusions in real time, ensuring enhanced security for connected vehicles. Industry experts have emphasized the importance of early compliance in securing the future of vehicles. “AIS 189 is a wake-up call for automakers. The future belongs to companies that take cybersecurity seriously today,” said Vikash Chaudhary, Founder & CEO of HackersEra, a cybersecurity solution provider in automotive threat assessment and penetration testing. “The automotive industry is evolving rapidly, and cybersecurity will play a crucial role in shaping the future of mobility. The road ahead is digital, and cybersecurity will be the defining factor for success in the auto industry.” The automotive industry can no longer afford to treat cybersecurity as an afterthought. As India transitions towards a future dominated by EVs, autonomous vehicles, and smart mobility solutions, protecting these systems from cyber threats is just as critical as equipping them with airbags or anti-lock brakes. With AIS 189 setting new security benchmarks, automakers must act now to ensure their vehicles are compliant, resilient, and cyber-secure. “The next time you buy a car, ask not just about its mileage—but about its cybersecurity. Because in the era of digital mobility, safety isn’t just about airbags— it’s about how well your vehicle is protected from cyber threats,” said Vikash Chaudhary.

New Delhi: ChatGPT-4o’s Ghibli-style feature has taken the internet by storm in just 24 hours. The AI chatbot now lets users transform their images into different artistic styles with Studio Ghibli being the most popular. People everywhere are trying it out and uploading their photos and watching them get magical. Anime-inspired makeover. It is available on both web and mobile. How to Create Studio Ghibli-Style Images with ChatGPT-4o – Works with Free Accounts: Simply sign in with your Google ID or create a new OpenAI account. – Fast & Easy: The AI chatbot generates images quickly, though the free version has some limitations. Steps to Generate Ghibli-Style AI Images: – Go to the ChatGPT website – Log in with your Google ID or create a new OpenAI account – Open the ChatGPT interface on your screen – Enter a prompt using the keyword Studio Ghibli to generate AI-stylized images – DALL-E powers the image generation to create stunning Ghibli-style illustrations Try Free Alternatives for Ghibli-Style Art You don’t need a ChatGPT subscription to create Studio Ghibli-inspired images! Free tools like Craiyon, DeepAI, and Playground AI let you generate AI art with different customization options. Just upload a photo or enter a prompt like “portrait in Studio Ghibli style, lush forest background, soft colors,” and let the AI bring your vision to life. These tools may not have GPT-4o’s photorealistic accuracy but they do capture Ghibli’s signature charm—flowing hair, dreamy landscapes, and soft expressions. If you want more control, try Artbreeder, where you can mix images and adjust styles. Some features are free, while others may require an upgrade.

New Delhi: The central government is set to introduce “Sahkar Taxi”. It is a new ride-hailing service designed to compete with platforms like Ola, Uber and Rapido. This service will offer bike, cab and auto rides, providing more options for commuters. Union MInister Amit Shah announced the plan in Parliament and confirmed that Sahkar Taxi will register two-wheeler taxis, rickshaws and four-wheelers. This aims to create a more inclusive and affordable transportation system.// Moreover, unlike existing private company services, Sahkar Taxi will ensure that all profits go directly to the drivers, rather than large corporations, he said. He said, “In a few months, a major cooperative taxi service will be launched, ensuring direct profit flow to the drivers.” He added that the Ministry of Cooperation has worked for three and a half years to bring this initiative to life, stating, “This is not just a slogan.” Unlike private ride-hailing companies, Sahkar Taxi will ensure that drivers receive the full profit instead of big corporations, Amit Shah said. “In a few months, a major cooperative taxi service will be launched, guaranteeing that earnings go directly to the drivers,” he announced. He also highlighted that the Ministry of Cooperation has been working on this initiative for over three years, emphasizing, “This is not just a slogan.” Sahkar Taxi, unlike other private ride-hailing companies will ensure that drivers receive the full profit instead of big corporations. “In a few months, a major cooperative taxi service will be launched, guaranteeing that earnings go directly to the drivers,” he announced. He also highlighted that the Ministry of Cooperation has been working on this initiative for over three years, emphasizing, “This is not just a slogan.” The move comes as Ola and Uber face scrutiny over allegations of discriminatory pricing. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued notices to both companies after reports showed ride fares differing based on whether a user booked through an iPhone or an Android device. This decision comes amid growing scrutiny of Ola and Uber over allegations of unfair pricing. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) recently issued notices to both companies after reports revealed that ride fares varied depending on whether a user booked through an iPhone or an Android device. The rollout of Sahkar Taxi is expected to take place in the coming months. Additionally, Shah revealed plans to establish a cooperative insurance company, which will provide financial protection to those in the cooperative sector.For drivers, it means better earnings without commission cuts, giving them more financial security and independence. Sahkar Taxi is set to launch in the coming months, offering drivers higher earnings with no commission cuts. Alongside this, Amit Shah announced plans for a cooperative insurance company to provide financial protection for those in the cooperative sector. This ensures greater security and independence for drivers. Many cab and auto drivers have long complained about high commission fees from private platforms, and this initiative could provide them with a fairer alternative. For customers, the new service could lead to competitive pricing and more reliable rides, especially if the government ensures better regulations and service quality. Cab and auto drivers have often raised concerns about high commission fees charged by private ride-hailing platforms. Sahkar Taxi could offer them a fairer alternative with better earnings. For customers, this service may bring competitive pricing and more reliable rides, especially if the government ensures strong regulations and better service quality.

Mumbai: The Reserve Bank Governor Sanjay Malhotra on Wednesday said that considering the evolving landscape of money laundering, regulators will need to continuously augment artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) risk assessment framework to make appropriate system enhancements.  Addressing the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Private Sector Collaborative Forum 2025 event here, the RBI Governor pointed out that technology has enabled greater ease of doing business, but at the same time, it has also facilitated and fostered new and very sophisticated means of money laundering and illicit financing. This makes it imperative to refine and improve risk assessment models. He also urged the central banks to understand the latest trends and developments in the financial world that can be exploited by criminal elements. By understanding this, he said, central banks should develop rules and frameworks which detect suspicious transactions early, and take pre-emptive action. At the same time he also had a word of caution for policymakers. “While we continue to make our financial systems safe and secure against money laundering and terrorist financing, we as policymakers need to be mindful that our measures are not overzealous and do not stifle legitimate activities and investments,” Malhotra observed. “Therefore, we need to have laws and regulations, which with surgical precision, target only the illegitimate and the illicit, rather than use very broad and blunt tools, which unintentionally hurt even the honest,” he said. He also highlighted the need to improve the quality of data that is received, and the need to harness the evolving technologies that are coming in, whether it is artificial intelligence or blockchain technology or machine learning. “This will help us in improving the screening of transactions and detection of suspicious activities, thereby reducing errors, false positives, false negatives,” he added. Malhotra further stated that the RBI will continue to work towards fulfilling the commitment to effectively implement the next phase of the G20 roadmap towards inclusive cross-border payments by 2027. “We are all aware that a lot of work needs to be done over there. It’s only a matter of time, I think that cross-border payments will also become much easier and cost-effective. To meet the G20 objective of making cross-border payments faster, cheaper, convenient and transparent, it would be desirable to make the travel rules technology neutral,” he added. The RBI Governor also said that regulations should not create unintended barriers to financial inclusion. “We need to be mindful of customer rights and convenience while fulfilling due diligence requirements,” he remarked.

A major disruption hit digital payments in India as users faced issues with UPI transactions. Popular platforms like PhonePe and Paytm stopped working, leaving many unable to complete payments. The outage caused frustration among users relying on these apps for daily transactions. “NPCI had faced intermittent technical issues owing to which UPI had partial decline. The same has been addressed now and the system has stabilised. Regret the inconvenience,” said the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the government-owned retail payments and settlement systems operator.  As per DownDetector, around 2,750 users reported issues with UPI transactions by 7:50 PM. Additionally, 296 Google Pay users also faced problems, according to the website. Banking services were affected too, with SBI facing fund transfer failures (47 per cent), mobile banking issues (37 per cent), and online banking disruptions (16 per cent). Overall, 84 per cent of UPI complaints were about failed payments. Many users took to social media to share their struggles with Google Pay and PhonePe, wondering if others were facing the same technical issues.

Apple WWDC25 Event: Tech Giant Apple announced on Wednesday that its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) will be held online from June 9 to 13. Adding further, developers and students will have the chance to attend a special in-person event at Apple Park on June 9, the company stated. Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC25), open to all developers at no cost, will highlight the latest advancements in Apple software. Reinforcing its dedication to the developer community, Apple will provide exclusive access to its experts and unveil new tools, frameworks, and features.  “We’re excited to mark another incredible year of WWDC with our global developer community,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. “We can’t wait to share the latest tools and technologies that will empower developers and help them continue to innovate,” Prescott added. Developers and students will be able to discover the latest Apple software and technologies by tuning in to the Keynote. Where To Watch Apple’s WWDC25 Online  They can also experience WWDC25 throughout the week on the Apple Developer app, Apple Developer website, and Apple Developer YouTube channel. This year’s conference will include video sessions and opportunities to connect with Apple engineers and designers in online labs. “Apple is proud to support the next generation of developers through the Swift Student Challenge, one of many Apple programmes that seek to uplift the next generation of entrepreneurs, coders, and designers,” it said. On March 27, this year’s applicants will be notified of their status, and winners will be eligible to apply for the special event at Apple Park. In addition, 50 distinguished winners, who are recognised for outstanding submissions, will be invited to Cupertino, California, for a three-day experience, said the company in its statement. (With IANS Inputs)