Royal Enfield crosses record 1 million sales milestone in FY 2025.
An icon in the motorcycle industry, Royal Enfield has hit a very big sales milestone in the financial year 2025. The company crossed the 1 million mark, recording a total of 10,09,900 units sold for the year. This is a massive achievement for the legendary brand, as it registers a 34% year-on-year growth in sales. Owing to the demand, both in India and overseas, along with a series of new model launches, Royal Enfield is riding a wave of success in the two-wheeler space.
Strong Growth in the Domestic Market
Royal Enfield’s growth in India has been the driving force behind its historic sales figures. With the domestic market remaining the company’s primary focus, the brand managed to sell a total of 9,02,757 units locally, reflecting a remarkable 33% increase in year-on-year sales. The most significant jump occurred in the month of March ’16, when Royal Enfield’s domestic sales rose to a whopping 88,050 units, compared to a still-respectable 66,044 seen in the same month of ’15. This impressive surge is a direct result of Royal Enfield’s aggressive approach to new product launches, revamping older models, and responding to market demands with fresh and exciting options.
This growth was fueled by models such as the Hunter 350 and Super Meteor 650. While the Hunter topped the half-million mark in sales, the Super Meteor 650 crossed the 50,000 unit threshold. These two, along with other crowd-favorite options such as the Meteor 350 and Classic 350, saw Royal Enfield grow during the 2022-2023 financial year.
Impressive Export Performance
Royal Enfield’s international journey is impressive indeed. The company saw an outstanding 37% increase in the amount of motorcycles exported, sending a total of 1,07,143 units for sale in overseas markets. This trajectory is a strong indicator of not just the brand’s but also the company’s deepening global military presence. March 2025 alone saw exports amounting to 12,971 motorcycles, for a to-date total that is 36% ahead of last year’s figure in the same month. This upward trend tells me that Royal Enfield is finding it easier, rather than harder, to peg itself as a global premium motorcycle brand.
High Quality and Reliability – J.D. Power Study
One reason behind Royal Enfield’s success is its image as a manufacturer of dependable and long-lasting motorcycles. In the 2025 J.D. Power India Two-Wheeler Initial Quality Study, the company won the gold medal for wedded bliss between its motorcycles and their owners. The motorcycles of Royal Enfield’s owners reported 9 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) when ridden for over 2,500 km in the first six months of ownership. This low figure, way better than the average of 19 PP100, suggests that Royal Enfield is producing quality motorcycles, and the riders have rewarded it for that.
The French automotive giant Renault announced that it has acquired Nissan’s 51% stake in a joint venture called Renault Nissan Automotive India Private Limited (RNAIPL).
The company’s operations in India now fall completely under the control of Renault, which makes the RNAIPL a Renault subsidiary that is wholly owned. The move was not said to involve money, but it shows Renault is dead serious about hanging around in the fast-growing Indian automotive market.
Nissan’s Continued Role in India
Even though Renault is fully in command of the venture, Nissan contends that it remains a beneficiary of the manufacturing infrastructure in India. The Japanese automaker will still have Renault assemble not just existing models but also forthcoming ones for it. These cars, which will be sold in both the Indian and export markets, are supposed to be in production for as long as it takes to get them through the product life cycle.
Plans for Expansion and Growth
Nissan has set its sights high for the Indian market. The automaker is readying itself to roll out six new models by 2026, in an effort to inflate its domestic sales to 100,000 units annually, on top of another 100,000 units it wants to ship overseas. Nissan’s present-day lineup features strong sellers like the Magnite and the X-Trail, and the company appears to be doubling down on its SUV strategy, with plans to introduce an even broader selection of body styles going forward.
Frank Torres, president of Nissan India Operations, made it clear that the company is fully committed to the Indian market. He said that the company is not planning to exit the country but is actually focused on expanding its vehicle offerings and improving local sales.
Future Collaborations and Developments
Even though Renault has assumed command of the production facilities in India, the two automakers will still work together on a number of initiatives. They will uphold their 51:49 ownership arrangement in the Renault Nissan Technology & Business Center India (RNTBCI). Moreover, Renault will create a fresh A-segment vehicle for Nissan, using the soon-to-be-introduced Renault Twingo as the platform. That project will be handled by Renault’s electric vehicle division, Ampere, and is scheduled to kick off in 2026.
Moreover, the firms have updated their cross-shareholding contracts, cutting back the lock-up commitment from 15% to 10%. That makes it easier for both sides of the alliance to manage what constitutes their equity stake.
A New Chapter for Renault and Nissan in India
Acquiring Nissan’s stake in RNAIPL marks a significant shift in the dynamics of the Renault-Nissan alliance. With this acquisition, Renault is setting itself up for long-term success in the Indian market and is deepening its steps into the international sphere. Meanwhile, Nissan will continue to benefit from the established manufacturing infrastructure and is set to pump in new models into the Indian market too. So, all in all, both Renault and Nissan seem very much committed to operations in the subcontinent—with a renewed focus on ramping up local production, expanding product portfolios, and serving the burgeoning Indian automotive market.
Apple eventually released iOS 18.4 for eligible iPhone models after a protracted delay and growing anticipation. Apple Intelligence capabilities, including writing tools, cleanup tools, visual intelligence, and more, are finally available in India with this latest iPhone upgrade. Thus, after a long time, Indian customers of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 series will be able to utilise the Apple AI feature. The company is finally adding more language support for Apple Intelligence with the iOS 18.4 upgrade. Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, French, German, Italian, Spanish, simplified Chinese, and English local to Singapore and India are among the new languages. Here are some things the latest iOS 18.4 update offers in the Indian AI market if you haven’t explored Apple Intelligence and its potential.
Improved Writing and More Prompt Responses
The most recent versions of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4 give users access to Writing Tools, which let them edit, proofread, and summarise text in third-party apps, mail, messages, and notes. While the Smart Reply feature suggests prompt responses based on messages, Apple Intelligence provides tone modifications for writing styles that are professional, clear, or pleasant.
Augmented Reality Images and AI-Driven Pictures
Clean Up, a major AI update for the Photos app, lets users eliminate distracting items from photos. By comprehending user descriptions, the recently added Memories function can now create personalised video montages. In the meanwhile, Apple’s Visual Intelligence can interpret language, recognise locations, plants, and animals, and even use scanned posters to construct calendar events.
ChatGPT Integration for More Intelligent Siri
Siri has been further integrated into Apple’s ecosystem and is now more conversational and context-aware. Users may talk or text to Siri with ease and anticipate a lively, organic answer. Furthermore, Apple has included ChatGPT in Writing Tools and Siri, enabling users to access OpenAI’s knowledge of content creation and problem-solving without having to switch between apps. Notably, Apple guarantees stringent privacy safeguards for users who choose to use ChatGPT, and access is free of charge.
Image Playground & Genmoji
With the help of the Image Playground tool, users can easily generate AI-driven images based on themes, outfits, and accessories. This feature is immediately integrated into programmes like Keynote and Freeform as well as Messages. Genmoji, on the other hand, goes beyond emoji customisation by enabling users to produce original emoticons from text descriptions or even ones that are influenced by friends and relatives.
Better Privacy and Productivity
Users may more easily concentrate on what is really important thanks to notification summaries and new priority messages in Mail. Image Wand, an AI enhancement for the Notes app, turns crude doodles into polished graphics. While Private Cloud Compute safely expands AI capabilities into the cloud as required, Apple Intelligence operates mostly on-device, guaranteeing privacy.
Haldiram’s, one of India’s leading snack and packaged food manufacturers, has secured investments from Alpha Wave Global and the International Holdings Co. (IHC).
These international investments seem to signal Haldiram’s ambition to expand its footprint internationally. The investors are Alpha Wave Global, based in the United States, and the International Holdings Co. (IHC), from the UAE. This comes just days after Temasek, a global investment firm, acquired a minority stake in the company. The backing from all these high-profile investors definitely seems to indicate that Haldiram’s is preparing to go into overdrive for a rapid global expansion, with its major targets appearing to be the US and Middle Eastern markets.
The Investment Deal and Company Valuation
Even though Alpha Wave Global has not revealed how large an investment it has made, market experts are now estimating that the sum could be around ₹5,100 crore. If that is indeed the amount invested, it would mark the first time that Haldiram’s sweet and savory snacks have been valued at the $10 billion (around ₹86,000 crore) level, which is a significant jump from the previous estimates.
Alpha Wave Global and IHC are investing in Haldiram’s, and the two firms expect to add quite a bit of strategic value on top of their financial backing. Both companies have a deep well of experience to tap here, and they have plenty of networks to help Haldiram’s as it tries to grow its global business. The bet here is that Haldiram’s can become a much larger player, not just in India but in markets across the world.
The Role of Temasek in Haldiram’s Growth
Along with Alpha Wave Global and IHC, Singapore-based investment firm Temasek has entered the scene. Temasek is buying a 10% stake in Haldiram’s through its subsidiary Jongsong Investments Pte. Details of Temasek’s deal haven’t been made public, but its interest in Haldiram’s is clearly substantial. Temasek, which as of March 2024 had a net portfolio with $288 billion, has been increasingly looking toward India’s consumer and food industries. This investment is a further sign of that trend.
The agreement with Temasek is contingent upon receiving the requisite regulatory approvals. Of major importance will be an expected clearance from the Competition Commission of India (CCI). Despite its pending status, this arrangement clearly paints Haldiram’s as a prime candidate for the kind of strategic partnerships that will allow the company to make big, bold moves throughout both the domestic and international markets.
Haldiram’s Plans for Global Expansion
Founded in 1937, Haldiram’s has long been a household name throughout India. The company commands a sweeping range of snacks, sweets, and ready-to-eat meals that have amassed the company a sizable international presence. Its products can already be found across several countries, and with this latest investment, Haldiram’s is expected to employ its new investors’ worldwide experience to quicken its growth, especially in the lucrative U.S. and Middle Eastern markets.
The EPFO is planning to raise the limit for the auto-settlement of claims from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh.
This proposal aims to make it easier and faster for members of the The Employees Provident Fund Organization to settle claims without a lot of paperwork. It has been approved by the EPFO’s executive committee but awaits a go-ahead from the central board of trustees before it can be implemented. If enacted, this change could enhance the experience of millions of people who make use of the EPFO.
What is Auto-Settlement and Why Does It Matter?
Auto-settlement is a process that permits EPFO members to automatically settle their claims in specific situations, like for medical treatment, educational expenses, marriage, and housing. These are common reasons why people need to access their PF savings early. The process was introduced to ease the way for people needing to access their funds in tough times.
In May 2024, the EPFO raised the auto-settlement limit from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh. Now, it is planning to push this limit to ₹5 lakh. Claims of this size would cover a large number of our members. Even with these hikes in the limit, though, the true test will come when EPFO is put to work in getting the money back to all those members who deserve it.
EPFO’s Efforts to Streamline the Claims Process
The Employees Provident Fund Organization has been working diligently to streamline its processes and enhance the expeditious settlement of claims. In times past, claims could take what seemed an eternity to process, but now, the vast majority of claims are processed within three days. This monumental improvement has come from not just one change, but rather, a perfect storm of changes under the umbrella of simplification.
The rapid growth in the membership of the auto-settlement system is another accomplishment of this year. Membership in the auto-settlement system stood at under 90 lakh (9 million) members just last year. This year, it has more than doubled, with almost 2 crore (20 million) members now enjoying the benefits of a system that promises to deliver payments more quickly and more easily than ever before.
Growth in EPFO Claims and Its Impact
The modifications instituted by EPFO have resulted in a sharp rise in the settled claims. They now anticipate that over 6 crore claims will be processed this year. This would mark a high watermark, if we can call it that, for EPFO and indicates a burgeoning atmosphere of trust alongside speedy efficiencies in the claims settlement system. Right now, 48% of claims come in directly from members; 44% are automatically processed, and 8% require a member-employer duet in the attestation department.
The proposal also ties into the larger objective of making public services work better for more people in a shorter amount of time. By cutting out delays and reducing unnecessary paperwork, EPFO is trying to make public service work more accessible for its members.
In a bid to expand into the paper and packaging sector and diversify its business further, ITC Ltd has announced the acquisition of Century Pulp and Paper from Aditya Birla Real Estate Ltd for ₹3,498 crore.
The moves align with the business plans of both companies. While the Aditya Birla Real Estate Ltd is looking to focus on real estate in what can be best called a strategic portfolio choice, ITC has been looking to get a bigger foothold in the growing packaging industry.
ITC to benefit from Aditya Birla Ltd’s installed capacity
India produces 23 million MT of paper and paperboards per annum and is its world’s fifth-largest producer. With demand growing at 6%-7% per annum, there is clearly a lot of scope for big players to optimize revenue. ITC is already among the big players of the paper industry. Out of the company’s overall FY24 revenue of ₹69,446 crore, ₹8,344 crore came from the paperboards, paper and packaging segment. In the same period, Aditya Birla Real Estate’s pulp and paper division earned a profit of ₹3,375 crore.
Likewise, while ITC’s paperboards and specialty papers business produces around 1 million tonnes every year, Century Paper has an installed capacity of 480,000 mt per annum. All of ITC’s four paper facilities are located in South India. This further gives ITC leverage in terms of transportation and diversification, with the Century paper factory located at Lakuan in Uttarakhand.
ITC aligns with emerging market trends
B. Sumant, executive director, ITC laid out the reason behind the acquisition: “The acquisition will immediately add significant scale and economies to existing operations with potential for further capacity expansion, provide locational advantage for efficient customer servicing and proximity to key raw material sources, mitigate operational risks through multi-site operations and enhance resilience across industry cycles through portfolio diversification. The acquisition aligns with the company’s strategy of driving the next horizon of growth in the paperboards and specialty papers business by expanding capacity at a new location, considering that the existing facilities are already saturated.”
Century Paper produces writing paper, printing paper, tissue paper, rayon grade pulp, paper grade pulp and paper board. For Aditya Birla Real Estate Ltd, the sale is a part of the bigger strategic portfolio restructuring.
A long race horse, ITC is known for its involvement in sectors such as hotels, agriculture, FMCG and cigarettes. The company’s acquisition of Century Pulp and Paper from Aditya Birla Real Estate Ltd aligns them with emerging market trends. Over the last few years, there has been an increased demand for eco-friendly products and packaging solutions and ITC is positioning itself to benefit from this trend.
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The revenue in the Indian fashion market is expected to reach $17.24 billion in 2025 and $24.35 billion by 2029, with an annual growth rate of 9.02%. As more consumers turn to online platforms for luxury fashion, the demand for authenticity and trust has never been higher.
This is where Culture Circle comes in. What started as a passion for streetwear and sneakers has grown into India’s largest marketplace for authenticated luxury fashion. By connecting buyers with verified sellers, offering competitive prices, and using advanced authentication technology, Culture Circle is reshaping the way luxury enthusiasts shop.
In this article, we explore the journey of Culture Circle, a company featured on Shark Tank India, along with its founders, business model, funding, challenges, and vision for the future.
Culture Circle – Company Highlights
Company Name
Culture Circle
Headquarters
Gurugram, Haryana, India
Sector
Luxury Fashion & Streetwear E-commerce
Founder
Devansh Jain Nawal, Ackshay Jain
Founded
2024
Website
culture-circle.com
Culture Circle – About
Culture Circle stands as India’s number one Hype and Luxury App, revolutionising the luxury fashion landscape with the largest authenticated collection of sneakers, streetwear, and luxury fashion in Asia. The platform has fundamentally transformed how India shops for luxury items, combining technology with a deep understanding of the streetwear culture. Through its proprietary AI-powered verification system and extensive network of KYC-verified sellers, Culture Circle ensures that every product’s authenticity is guaranteed while offering the most competitive prices in the market.
Culture Circle – Industry
Culture Circle operates in the luxury and streetwear fashion e-commerce industry, catering primarily to Gen Z luxury enthusiasts and sneaker collectors. The company has also attracted a growing base of millennials who seek authentic luxury fashion.
Established as India’s largest marketplace for authenticated hype sneakers and streetwear, Culture Circle is rapidly expanding its presence in the broader luxury fashion segment.
With the surge in digital adoption post-pandemic, the company anticipates significant growth in the luxury fashion space. Its future plans include strategic expansion into the UAE, Eastern Europe, and Asia, capitalising on the increasing demand for authenticated luxury products in these regions. Additionally, the streetwear segment has gained mainstream popularity among younger consumers, while luxury purchases continue to show strong growth trends.
Culture Circle – Founders
Devansh Jain Nawal and Ackshay Jain are the co-founders of Culture Circle.
Devansh Jain Nawal (left) and Ackshay Jain (right) – Culture Circle Founders
Devansh Jain Nawal – Co-Founder & CEO
Devansh Jain Nawal is a graduate of IIM Ahmedabad and has previously worked at Goldman Sachs. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Culture Circle, he focuses on strategic growth and business development, driving the company’s expansion in the luxury fashion and streetwear market.
Ackshay Jain – Co-Founder & COO
Ackshay Jain serves as the Co-Founder and COO of Culture Circle. He is the JIIF Gurgaon Convenor and has a strong background in technology and entrepreneurship. Previously, he worked at Google but declined a pre-placement offer to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions.
Before co-founding Culture Circle, he founded The Healthy Company (THC). His expertise lies in technology and machine learning. He has worked as a back-end developer at CollegeDekho, StoreHippo, and InstaLively, contributing to innovative tech solutions. Some of his notable works include GST fraud detection at Wipro and robotic process automation (RPA) projects at EY.
At Culture Circle, he leads the technology and operations division, ensuring seamless platform functionality and technological advancement.
Culture Circle – Startup Story
The origin of Culture Circle traces back to 2016 when co-founder Ackshay purchased his first Jordan (AJ1 PSG). The experience highlighted the significant challenges in the Indian market – uncertainty about authenticity, limited availability of desired sizes, and inflated prices up to 159% above market rates. These personal pain points, combined with Devansh’s insights into the market gaps, led to the conceptualisation of Culture Circle.
The founders recognised that the sneaker trend in India was being held back by these challenges and set out to create a solution that would address these fundamental issues while creating a community of enthusiasts.
Culture Circle Founders
Culture Circle – Mission and Vision
Vision: To establish itself as a global leader in hype and luxury fashion, creating a seamless integration between online and offline experiences, creating a vibrant digital community, and setting new standards in authentication and personalisation through cutting-edge technology.
Mission: To democratise access to authentic luxury fashion while maintaining unwavering standards of trust and quality in every transaction. The company aims to bridge the gap between global premium brands and digitally savvy Indian consumers.
Culture Circle’s core belief is to create a trustworthy, tech-driven marketplace that not only ensures genuine products and competitive prices but also delivers an unparalleled user experience that resonates with the modern luxury consumer.
Culture Circle – Products/Services
Culture Circle provides a comprehensive, technology-driven marketplace for authentic luxury fashion and streetwear. Its innovative “compare and shop” feature enables users to access exclusive deals from thousands of globally verified sellers. The platform offers prestigious brands such as Nike, Adidas, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Supreme, and Yeezy at highly competitive prices.
Key Features:
Culture Circle stands out with several industry-leading features, including:
The largest authenticated collection of luxury and streetwear items in Asia
A proprietary SourceX platform for efficient inventory management
India’s most extensive network of verified resellers
A Skyscanner-like interface that allows for luxury fashion price comparison
An AI-powered authentication system with a five-step verification process
A physical store presence to enhance customer engagement
Unique Selling Points (USPs):
Culture Circle differentiates itself through:
Advanced computer vision AI for precise product verification
Real-time price comparison across verified sellers
The largest verified collection of luxury fashion in India
Guaranteed authenticity, backed by certification
Seamless online-to-offline integration for a superior shopping experience
Culture Circle – Business and Revenue Model
Culture Circle operates as a premium marketplace connecting verified sellers with luxury fashion buyers. The platform ensures seamless transactions while maintaining strict quality controls through its proprietary technology.
Revenue Streams:
Culture Circle generates revenue through multiple channels, including:
Commission on marketplace transactions
Authentication and verification services
Premium seller services through the SourceX platform
Physical retail operations
Value-added services for premium customers
Culture Circle – Customer Growth and Retention Strategies
Culture Circle employs a multi-faceted approach to drive customer growth and engagement:
Community-First Approach: Building a strong digital community of sneaker enthusiasts and luxury fashion lovers
Content Strategy: Providing educational content on products, authenticity, and fashion trends to enhance consumer knowledge
User-Generated Content: Encouraging customers to share their collections and shopping experiences to build brand engagement
Trust Building: Implementing rigorous verification systems and authenticity guarantees to ensure customer confidence
Competitive Pricing: Offering the best market rates through a seller comparison model
Offline Expansion: Establishing physical stores for enhanced customer experience
Local Market Understanding: Adapting strategies to align with Indian consumer behaviour and preferences
Influencer Partnerships: Collaborating with key figures in the sneaker and streetwear community to strengthen brand credibility and outreach
Culture Circle – Funding
Date
Round Name
Amount
Investors & Facilitators
Jan ’25
Angel
$350.0K
Angel: Kunal Bahl, Ritesh Agarwal Facilitator: Shark Tank
Nov ’24
Seed
$2.0 million
Institutional: Info Edge Ventures Angel: Ishaan Khosla, Sanil Sachar
Feb ’24
Seed
$100.0K
Institutional: IIMA Ventures
Culture Circle – Growth and Achievements
Culture Circle Founders on Shark Tank India Season 4
Culture Circle has rapidly established itself as India’s leading luxury fashion marketplace, achieving significant milestones in a short span of time.
User Base: Over one million monthly active users
Social Media Presence: More than 210K engaged followers across platforms
Growth: Achieved remarkable expansion within just 11 months
Recent Milestone: Received the highest-ever offer of INR 8 crores on Shark Tank India
Culture Circle has ambitious plans for expansion and innovation, focusing on key growth areas:
Retail Expansion: Launching four physical retail locations across major Indian cities
Financial Target: Achieve an INR 120 crore revenue run rate by FY25
International Growth: Expanding into three new international regions with localised platforms
Product Diversification: Introducing new luxury categories, including handbags and watches
Technology Enhancement: Further developing computer vision AI for advanced authentication
Customer Experience: Implementing personalised features to enhance user engagement
Supply Chain: Strengthening cross-border logistics and strategic partnerships
Community Building: Enhancing the digital hangout space for collectors and enthusiasts
FAQs
What is Culture Circle?
Culture Circle is India’s leading marketplace for authenticated luxury fashion and streetwear, connecting buyers with verified sellers for a seamless shopping experience.
Who are the founders of Culture Circle?
Devansh Jain Nawal and Ackshay Jain are the co-founders of Culture Circle.
Did Culture Circle get an offer on Shark Tank India?
Yes, Culture Circle accepted an offer of INR 3 crore for 3% equity from Kunal Bahl and Ritesh Agarwal on Shark Tank India Season 4.
This article has been contributed byBharath Rnkawat, CEO & Founder, Enlog.
Sustainability has shifted from being a catchphrase to an essential factor in today’s global economy. As companies around the globe strive to lower their carbon emissions, cut down on the consumption of resources, and adhere to tough environmental policies, there is increasing pressure on the companies across sectors.
However, achieving sustainability without compromising operational efficiency is a major challenge. Here is how AI powered energy intelligence is emerging as one of the most promising domains, changing how businesses curb their energy consumption, reduce waste, and improve efficiency.
Everything from forecasting energy consumption to realtime optimization, AI enabled processes are redefining how business sustainability is achieved. A report by PwC estimates that AI capable solutions are expected to deliver as much as 4 percent GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emission mitigation by 2030, which translates to 2.4 gigatons of CO2, an impact that equals the annual emission of India, the third-largest emitter globally. With such projections, it’s impossible to dismiss AI as simply a sustainability tool- it’s a critical solution to the problem.
The New Challenge of Rising Energy Spending for Companies
Recent years have experienced a rise in energy spending and consumption due to heightened industrial activity, urban migration, and adverse weather patterns. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that global electricity demand will increase by more than 25 percent between now and 2040, mostly due to digitalization, electric vehicles, and increased industrial activity. Such developments imply higher operational costs for businesses together with their growing need to adopt sustainable practices.
To make matters worse, quite a number of companies still use outdated energy management systems neither do they incorporate real time data or predictive capacity. Conventional energy management practices involve collecting data manually, conducting trend analysis, and responding to energy inefficiencies after they have occurred. Such practices are inefficient, and worse, they prevent companies from optimizing performance by making waste reduction efforts proactive.
The Impact of AI-Powered Energy Intelligence on Businesses
AI powered energy intelligence incorporates machine learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, and predictive analytics to monitor energy usage in real time. The automated management systems pay no attention to their predecessors; AI innovation provides:
1. Automated Monitoring and Smart Energy Optimization:
AI systems have blasted open new frontiers in energy optimization. They track and analyze energy use across multiple facilities and flag those where energy is wasted in real time. For example, Google’s DeepMind AI used machine learning algorithms to optimize the cooling processes and reduced energy use in its data centers by 40%. Similar AI powered automation can be used by other firms to significantly reduce energy rotting at their facilities without any human involvement.
2. Predictive Energy Analytics for Cost Reduction:
AI can forecast energy needs by studying past consumption patterns, previous weather, and predictable changes in business activities. Businesses can then lower energy spend by anticipating peak demand periods and decreasing energy use prior. A case study from Siemens’ MindSphere platform discovered that the same analytics helped energy- intensive industrial plants save 15% of energy cost every year.
3. Transition to Renewable Energy Source:
Many businesses are transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, but face challenges related to intermittency and grid dependency. AI helps mitigate these issues by balancing energy loads, forecasting renewable energy generation, and integrating multiple energy sources into a single, optimized system.
AI-powered smart grids help businesses adjust their energy consumption in response to real-time grid conditions, preventing wastage and reducing strain on energy infrastructure. Companies using AI-driven Demand Response (DR) programs can automatically reduce power usage during peak hours, leading to lower energy costs and reduced carbon emissions. Schneider Electric, a leader in smart energy solutions, has reported that AI-driven DR systems have helped clients achieve up to 30% energy savings.
AI’s role in regulating compliance & ESG Goals
Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are tightening sustainability mandates. In the European Union, for instance, companies will have to disclose in detail their energy consumption and emissions. Energy intelligence systems, driven by AI, matter because they help the corporate automate compliance reporting in addition to easing the weight of such administration while ensuring transparency all the while.
Another major sector where AI is contributing to the ESG goals of companies is an environment. Carbon reduction with AI is the critical tool for 67% of global executives, according to Deloitte Sustainability Report 2023. AI-founded platforms will be able to trace sustainability metrics and detect inefficiencies to suggest actionable improvements.
The Future of AI-Driven Sustainability
The energy sustainability impact of AI is just on the cusp. Current emerging trends predict even greater emphasis in the future on efficiency, automation, and convergence. Prominent developments include:
AI-Driven Digital Twins: Organizations are now developing digital copies of their real energy systems to replicate and maximize energy utilization in real-time prior to physical-world changes.
Edge AI for Decentralized Energy Management: AI algorithms on edge devices can locally process energy data, minimizing latency and maximizing efficiency in remote industrial locations and smart buildings.
Blockchain and AI Integration: Integrating AI with blockchain can improve the transparency of energy trading and enable companies to automate and validate carbon credit transactions.
The use of AI for energy management isn’t futuristic as it used to be. It is a powerful tool for businesses aiming to enhance their sustainability, reduce expenses, and comply with necessary policies. The integration AI with predictive and real time analytics has enabled organizations to refocus their approach to energy management from reactive to proactive.
With rapid technological advancement, more companies adopting AI technology, and its promise to reimagine efficiency in almost every sector, AI can transform energy efficiency to bring forth a sustainable and affordable future for businesses and the planet. Organizations willing to act now will benefit greatly beyond monetary savings; they will enjoy being a leader in the coming cycle of smart and sustainable development.
Volvo Cars has brought back Håkan Samuelsson as CEO, replacing Jim Rowan. Samuelsson, who led Volvo from 2012 to 2022, will take charge for two years. His return comes as Volvo faces high U.S. tariffs, slow electric vehicle (EV) sales, and financial struggles. The leadership change aims to steady the company and deal with these challenges.
Volvo Brings Back Former CEO Håkan Samuelsson
Volvo Cars has announced that Håkan Samuelsson will take over as Chief Executive Officer, replacing Jim Rowan, who stepped down on March 31. Samuelsson, 74, will lead the company for two years while Volvo searches for a long-term replacement.
Samuelsson previously helped Volvo grow its global reach and pushed for EV development. His return signals a move to tackle the company’s current issues.
Handling U.S. Tariffs and Trade Issues
Volvo faces trade problems as U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a 25% tariff on imported vehicles, impacting manufacturers like Volvo that rely on exports to the U.S. Samuelsson had earlier overseen Volvo’s South Carolina plant to reduce such risks. His experience will help in managing these challenges.
Volvo is also making changes to its supply chain. It moved the production of its EX30 model from China to Belgium to avoid EU tariffs on Chinese-made EVs. This highlights the growing impact of global trade rules on carmakers.
Volvo’s EV Plans and Financial Troubles
Volvo had planned to switch fully to electric cars by 2030 but has now stepped back from this goal due to slow EV sales. Samuelsson is expected to rethink Volvo’s EV strategy to match market demand.
Financially, Volvo has struggled under Rowan, with its stock price falling sharply. The decision to bring back Samuelsson is aimed at rebuilding investor trust and bringing stability.
Volvo’s Chairperson, Eric Li, has backed Samuelsson’s return, highlighting his leadership and deep industry knowledge.
With Samuelsson back in charge, Volvo hopes to strengthen its position, adapt to changes, and ensure steady growth.
Håkan Samuelsson: A Veteran Leader with Global Experience
Håkan Samuelsson holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. He served as the CEO of Volvo Cars from 2012 to 2022. Prior to that, Samuelsson was CEO of MAN Truck & Bus SE from 2000 to 2009. He has also been a board member for companies like Siemens, Scandlines, and Volvo Group. In addition to his role at Volvo, he was Chairman of Polestar and has held various advisory and board positions, focusing on innovation and sustainability throughout his career.
Kusha Kapila, known for her comedic and relatable content, has launched her own innerwear brand, Underneat, alongside co-founder Vimarsh Razdan. What sets this launch apart is the incredible pre-launch strategy that helped build a strong community and trust before the brand even hit the market.
Building Trust Before Selling
Underneat had already gained 123K followers before launch and crossed 175K just one day after its launch, which happened on the first day of Navratri (March 30th, 2025)—an auspicious start for the brand. Kusha’s honest and relatable videos about common innerwear struggles helped drive this rapid growth.
By focusing on cultural nuances, awkward moments, and discomforts, she didn’t sell a product right away. Instead, she created a connection through humour and vulnerability.
This approach allowed her to engage with her audience on a deeper level, addressing their frustrations rather than immediately talking about product features. As a result, her audience felt heard, which ultimately led to an increased organic engagement rate—proof that trust-building before launching a product works.
The D2C Model and Strategic Backing
The brand is backed by Ghazal Alagh, the co-founder of Mamaearth, who brings extensive experience in scaling emotion-driven D2C brands. With her expertise, Underneat aims to take on the Indian market by providing a unique solution rather than just another product. This isn’t simply a case of a creator monetising their audience, rather, it’s a thoughtfully built brand that first solved a problem before selling.
Kusha and her team, including co-founder Vimarsh Razdan, are setting a new standard for how D2C brands can operate. They are showing how to build demand first, creating awareness and engagement before dropping a product. It’s a timely lesson for entrepreneurs looking to launch their own brands, emphasising the importance of building trust and community before pushing for distribution.
With such a strong start, the future looks bright for Underneat. The brand’s strategy isn’t just about the product—it’s about an ongoing dialogue with consumers. With plans for expansion and further collaborations, Underneat is poised to make waves in the innerwear industry by focusing on comfort, inclusivity, and understanding the real needs of women.
Kusha Kapila’s Underneat is more than a brand—it’s an example of how to successfully utilise the creator economy to launch products that resonate deeply with an audience.
About Underneat
Underneat is an innerwear brand launched by popular content creator Kusha Kapila and co-founded by Vimarsh Razdan, designed for comfort, style, and everyday ease. It offers shapewear, bodysuits, underwear, bras, and accessories for all body types. The brand focuses on simple, well-fitting designs that solve common innerwear struggles. With a strong online presence, Underneat is all about making women feel good in what they wear.
