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Every time you have a discussion with <keyword id="15681942" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="chatgpt" source="Orion">ChatGPT</keyword> about why your tummy hurts or when the next season of your favourite show will arrive, the application guzzles down an entire half-litre bottle of freshwater. This helps the <keyword id="107950" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="artificial-intelligence" source="Orion">artificial intelligence</keyword> keep itself cool and composed while it answers your “hard-hitting” questions. Despite this scary bit of information being common knowledge for a while now, the <keyword id="19899640" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AI" source="keywords">AI</keyword> boom has only gathered more *ahem* steam in recent years. As AI technology advances, the <keyword id="20028292" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="energy-consumption" source="keywords">energy consumption</keyword> of the IT industry is also projected to spike significantly, potentially reaching 3.5% of global electricity by 2030. This is undoubtedly a lot of energy and a mountain of toxic carbon dioxide — levels of emissions we certainly cannot afford at the moment. However, our brains, despite still being far more complex and efficient than current computers, clearly don’t require nearly the same amount of energy to function. To emulate the supreme model organ, scientists have pulled a move straight out of science fiction: they grew brains of their own to hook up to a computer! In a massive development, a Swiss start-up named <keyword id="22019428" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="FinalSpark" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="FinalSpark" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="FinalSpark">FinalSpark</keyword> has launched a '<keyword id="20353366" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="biocomputer" source="keywords">biocomputer</keyword>' that connects to living, pulsing brain cells. Their online platform “taps” into spherical clusters of lab-grown human brain cells about half a millimetre in diameter, which are kept alive via an electrode and a microfluidics system that supplies the necessary water and nutrients. And yes, this system consumes far less energy than traditional, bit-based computers. This innovative approach, referred to as <keyword id="22019427" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="wetware-computing" source="keywords">wetware computing</keyword>, utilises researchers' ability to culture organoids in the lab. Organoids, essentially mini replicas of individual organs, have gained popularity as a research technique alongside the rise of energy-intensive artificial <keyword id="21395212" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="neural-networks" source="keywords">neural networks</keyword> such as ChatGPT. The electrodes can supply electric pulses to the brain organoids and measure how the cells respond. These organoids are exceptional at determining patterns, which is the kind of processing very helpful for computer engineers trying to solve their many problems. During the training process, the <keyword id="22019430" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mini-brains" source="keywords">mini-brains</keyword> can also be “rewarded” with dopamine rushes and “punished” using electrical stimulation. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Far less energy than traditional digital processors" comment="subhead" text="Far less energy than traditional digital processors">Far less energy than traditional digital processors</cmsannotation> FinalSpark claims that their bioprocessors "consume a million times less power than traditional digital processors." To put this into perspective, training a single large language model like GPT-3, a precursor to the latest GPT-4, required 10 gigawatt hours of energy — roughly 10,000 times the per capita energy consumption of an average Indian citizen in 2023. In contrast, the human brain operates its 86 billion neurons with just 0.3 kilowatt hours per day, less than 30 times as much energy as a light bulb! Currently, FinalSpark's system is being used to run lengthy experiments on brain organoids. Researchers can connect to this system remotely, and the mini-brains can be sustained for up to 100 days with their electrical activity continuously monitored. The system is freely available for research purposes, and numerous research groups have already begun using it. However, it may be noteworthy that FinalSpark is not the first to attempt connecting probes to biological systems or programming neural networks to perform specific tasks. In 2023, US researchers built a bioprocessor that connected computer hardware to brain organoids, enabling the system to learn to recognize speech patterns. Another Australian organisation created the DishBrain device that learned to play Pong within five minutes. Looking ahead, FinalSpark plans to expand the capabilities of their platform to manage a broader range of experimental protocols relevant to wetware computing. This includes injecting molecules and drugs into organoids for testing. Whether aiding computing or organoid research, the potential achievements in this field are vast and exciting. The findings of this study have been published in Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence and can be accessed <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/frai.2024.1376042">here</a>.

A living computer? This AI made from interconnected "mini-brains" requires a million times less power than ChatGPT!

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Slowing consumer spending could be a warning for the US economy. </li></ul>America's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/consumer-slowdown-recession-shopping-retail-spending-expectations-us-economy-outlook-2023-11">stimulus-fueled shopping spree</a> looks just about over — and lower spending could be a signal that a consumer-led downturn is on the horizon, economic experts say.Consumers are finally starting to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/recession-outlook-hard-landing-economy-consumer-spending-slowdown-growth-gdp-2024-5#:~:text=Consumers%20are%20finally%20slowing%20their,and%20a%20weakening%20job%20market.">rein in their spending habits</a>, which could weigh on the economy after a long period of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/hate-spending-consumers-economic-sentiment-retail-sales-inflation-gdp-growth-2024-4">robust spending has propped up economic growth</a> over the past few years. Retail spending ticked 0.1% higher in May, but sales volume has dropped 1.3% year-over-year over the last three months, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.census.gov/retail/sales.html">US Census data</a> shows.That adds to a 4% decline in retail sales in the first quarter — and it's a strong sign the long-awaited consumer recession is on the horizon, economist David Rosenberg said recently."The weakness in the consumer can now be considered a 'trend' ... "The 'build in' for Q2 real retail sales is now negative, coming on the heels of a -4.4% annualized decline in Q1," he said in a note to clients this week. "Early signs of a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/recession-layoffs-job-market-fed-rate-cuts-economy-outlook-sternlicht-2024-6">consumer recession</a> finally coming to the fore."Shoppers aren't opening their wallets as easily as they deal with the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-youre-still-spending-much-of-your-budget-on-food-2024-2">cumulative effects of inflation</a> and a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/job-market-fed-rate-cuts-outlook-economy-recession-goldman-sachs-2024-6">cooler job market</a>.A higher cost of living and sluggish hiring activity were cited as key reasons <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/inflation-cost-of-living-what-is-middle-class-housing-market-2024-4">consumer sentiment has soured</a>, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/our-insights/the-state-of-the-us-consumer">a recent McKinsey survey</a>. Among those surveyed by the consulting firm, 55% said they felt "pessimistic" or had "mixed" feelings about the economy in the second quarter. "In general, consumer attitudes remain depressed relative to pre-pandemic — likely a function of lingering angst over inflation and interest rates," Deutsche Bank strategists said in a recent note. "Though the labor market appears strong on the surface, consumers' confidence around the labor outlook has begun to slip and suggests a potential pick up in the unemployment rate."Consumer finances, especially among lower- to middle-income households, are also looking worse than they did last year. The <a target="_blank" href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/DRCCLACBS">delinquency rate on credit card loans</a> ha risen to its highest level in 13 years, according to Federal Reserve data.76% of consumers, meanwhile, said they made a "trade-down" in the first quarter, such as by searching for cheaper prices or switching to a cheaper brand, the McKinsey survey found."The consumer is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/economy-pomboy-consumer-spending-savings-debt-inflation-interest-rates-recession-2024-5">spent up and lent up</a>," Stephanie Pomboy, a veteran forecaster who was among the commentators who called the 2008 financial crisis, said in a recent interview with the "Thoughtful Money" podcast. "They're spending every dollar they have, and then some, just to keep up with the basic necessities."According to the McKinsey survey, 37% of consumers said they intended to reduce their spending on takeout meals, and 35% said they intended to spend less at sit-down restaurants. More than 30% of respondents said they planned on spending less money on international and domestic flights, while 32% said they would spend less on alcohol.Those spending cuts could deal a blow to GDP, which has already softened after a remarkably strong few quarters in 2023. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gdp-gross-domestic-product-first-quarter-economy-growth-2024-4">The economy grew 1.6%</a> in the first quarter of this year, compared to 4.9% and 3.4% in the third and fourth quarters of last year. The US has 52% chance of slipping into recession by May of next year, according to projections from the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.newyorkfed.org/medialibrary/media/research/capital_markets/Prob_Rec.pdf">New York Fed</a>."A further slowing likely looms in Q3," Ian Shepherdson, the chief economist of Pantheon Macroeconomics said of total consumption in a note this week. "The slowdown is genuine, and still developing."

Americans' spending patterns are flashing a warning of a possible consumer-led recession

<keyword id="19896016" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="new-delhi" source="keywords">New Delhi</keyword>, Overall ad spending in <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="keywords">India</keyword> is estimated to reach $16-17 billion in FY24, growing at 6 per cent in the fiscal year, a report showed on Thursday. <keyword id="19899402" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital" source="keywords">Digital</keyword> advertising which accounts for 55 per cent of total spending is set to grow at 6-7 per cent in FY24, according to the report by market research firm Redseer <keyword id="20257965" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="strategy-consultants" source="keywords">Strategy Consultants</keyword>. With consumption set to rebound in the next 4 or 5 years, advertising spend is projected to grow at 9-10 per cent Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the course of next 4 years, with digital advertising growing at 11-12 per cent in the same period, the report mentioned. "As digital natives shape consumption patterns across the nation, brands have a never-before opportunity to address a much-larger and diverse consumer pool through advertising," said <keyword id="19923640" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mukesh-kumar" source="keywords">Mukesh Kumar</keyword>, Associate Partner at Redseer. "It will be fascinating to witness cutting-edge creative strategies take shape across platforms especially with the possibilities that programmatic advertising and GenAI can offer for the sector," Kumar added. The growth in advertising spend in FY24 is impacted by the slowdown in consumption over the past 5 or 6 quarters and a dip in private equity/venture capitalist funding. According to the report, most consumer sectors have optimised their ad spending and the e-commerce sector is the only sector to see ad spending increase by 15 per cent in FY24. Despite slowdown in ad spending, advertisers increased their ad spending on platforms like retail media (ecommerce, quick-commerce etc.), and content platforms (OTT audio) owing to high conversion potential and wider reach among Tier-2 audiences, respectively.

Ad spending in India to reach $17 bn in FY24, consumption to rebound: Redseer

<ul><li>Overall household spending has increased for 59%, majorly in Northern regions, 3% dip from last month.</li><li>Highest ‘steady’ spends (33%) in essentials and lowest ‘increased’ spends(14%) in non-essential spends in the last 5 months.</li><li>Surge in steady spends in health-related items for 40% families, drop by 2% from last month.</li><li>Increased media consumption for a majority of 25% of families, Net Score improves from -4 to +1.</li></ul> Axis My India, a leading consumer data intelligence company, released its latest findings of the India Consumer Sentiment Index (CSI), a monthly analysis of consumer perception on a wide range of issues. The month of December reveals that a combined 58% engage with Digital apps / Websites + Social Media and 53% engage with television for news/latest updates. WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram are some of the most frequented apps my consumers with WhatsApp topping the last. Moreover media engagement in general has increased for 25% of the families, highest in the last three months. The January net CSI score, calculated by percentage increase minus percentage decrease in sentiment, was up to +10, from +8 last month The sentiment analysis delves into 5 relevant sub-indices – Overall household spending, spending on essential and non-essential items, spending on healthcare, media consumption habits &amp; mobility trends. This month, Axis My India’s Sentiment Index also probed deeper to understand consumer preferences in terms of news consumption and frequently used digital applications. Finally, the January survey also revealed consumers thoughts on 2022. The surveys were carried out via Computer Aided Telephonic Interviews with a sample size of 10563 people across 36 states. 71% belonged from Rural India while 29% belonged from urban counterparts. In addition, 64% of the respondents were male while 36% of the respondents were female. Commenting on the December report, Pradeep Gupta, CMD, Axis My India, said, “While the new year brought along hope and optimism for a better 2022, consumers purse strings suggest otherwise. The lowest dip in non-essential spending is a proof that consumers are curling back to apprehensions triggered by the new variant of the virus and also hoping for a booster dose, something which has recently been announced by the Government. Moreover, the higher preference of web for seeking news only reflect the gradual change in media consumption behaviour owing to consistent lockdown experienced by consumers in the last two years. In addition, the inclination towards WhatsApp, Facebook and YouTube reflects an evolved and unconscious mode of conversing, converging or consuming dialogue/information/media."Key findings: <ul><li>Overall household spending has increased for 59% of families which reflects a 3% decrease from the last month. While this increase is majorly reflected in the Northern part of India, the net score is at +50, reflecting the dip in net score by 1 percentage point for 3rd consecutive month.</li><li>·Spends on essentials like personal care &amp; household items has increased for 47% of the families showcasing a surge in the Northern part of India. Spends however remain the same for 33% of the families (the highest in the last 5 months). The net score which was +27 last month comes down to +26 this month.</li><li>·Spends on non-essential &amp; discretionary products like AC, Car, Refrigerator has increased for 14% of families, indicating the lowest percentage in the last 5 months. Expenditure nevertheless remains the same for 78% of the families indicating the sentiment of people living in Southern part of India. The net score is stagnant at +6 as last month.</li><li>·Consumption on health-related items more or less remains the same for 43% of the families, while a surge is witnessed among 40%. In comparison to last month, while the ‘increase’ in consumption represents an overall dip by 2%, the ‘same’ consumption reflects an overall surge by 2%. The health score which has a negative connotation i.e., the lesser the spends on health items the better the sentiments, has a net score value of -23, which was at -25 previous month.</li><li>·Consumption of media has increased for 25% of the families reflecting an increase of 3% from the last month and the highest in the last three months. This surge is reflected among 18-25 YO in Eastern part of India. Consumption remains the same for a majority of 51% families. The overall, the Net score of this month is at +1 as compared to -4 for the previous month.</li><li>·85% families said that they are going out the same for short vacations, mall and restaurants as compared to 81% of families last month. Only 6% of families recorded increase in outgoing activities while 9% reported reduced mobility. The overall mobility score which was at -5 last month is at -3.</li></ul>

WhatsApp is the most frequented app, followed by Facebook and YouTube: Report

<ul><li>Over 10430 people surveyed 62% is from rural India while 38% is from urban India.</li><li>Overall household spending has increased for 63% of families surge by 7 percentage points from last month.</li><li>50% of families reflect increase spends on essentials items, 18% of households reported an increase in Non-essential purchases.</li><li>Digital (38%) is now the 2nd most important source of brand awareness after TV (44%).</li><li>36% of the consumers are planning to go beyond small-ticket purchases.</li><li>59% of the consumers hope for a more cheerful and happy Diwali this year compared to last year.</li></ul><keyword id="5043207" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="axis-my-india" source="Orion">Axis My India</keyword>, a leading consumer data intelligence company, released its latest findings of the India Consumer Sentiment Index (CSI), a monthly analysis of consumer perception on a wide range of issues. Reflecting the view of the majority, the survey for the month of October reveals that media consumption remains the same for 48% of the families while the same has increased for a 25%. In addition, a combined 82% said that they had seen more ads on TV and Digital platforms over others. The November net CSI score, calculated by percentage increase minus percentage decrease in sentiment, was recorded at +9, up from +7 last month and rising at a constant pace over the last three months, indicative of a positive shift in consumer consumption metrics. The sentiment analysis delves into 5 relevant sub-indices – Overall household spending, spending on essential and non-essential items, spending on healthcare, media consumption habits &amp; mobility trends. This month, Axis My India’s Sentiment Index also delved deeper to understand consumers view on varied issues of national interest. These include privatisation of loss making public sector companies like that of Air India, views on economic recovery by 2022, alternatives to rising fuel prices, investment preferences, sentiments around Diwali and on brand advertisement placements. The surveys were carried out via Computer Aided Telephonic Interviews with a sample size of 10430 people. 62% belonged from Rural India while 38% belonged from urban counterparts. Commenting on the October report, Pradeep Gupta, CMD, Axis My India, said, “With the festivities at its peak, one can easily witness consumer’s excitement in terms of loosening their purse strings for varied expenses and experiences. While Diwali has triggered spending on products of personal indulgence (like 2-wheeler/4-wheelers or jewellery) and household items, the upcoming festivities and enthusiastic consumer sentiment will further set the momentum for the last half of this year. In addition, one can also witness a transition in terms of preferences amongst consumers’ like opting for EVs or cheering for privatisation of loss making companies. The growth of digital as a medium of advertising overtaking Print &amp; just after TV reflects the change in media consumption habits which was triggered by the pandemic. Lastly our survey shows that a vast majority of India is still not investing in this age of cryptocurrencies, it would be interesting to see how financial players beyond traditional banks can capture and convert their interests for investments using varied instruments.” Key findings: · Overall household spending has increased for 63% of families which reflects an 7% increase from the last month. This increase is highest in Northern India. · The increase in spends on essentials like personal care &amp; household items stands at 50% reflecting a surge by 5%. The net score which was +20 last month has increased to +27 this month. The growth in Rural India is slightly higher as compared to Urban markets. · Spends on non-essential &amp; discretionary products like AC, Car, Refrigerator has increased for 18% of families. For 73% spends on non-essential purchases remain the same which reflects an uptick of 3% from last month. The non-essentials November net score therefore lies at +9. The trend on spends on discretionary products reflect a fine balance between caution and indulgence. · With more exposure to outside activities, importance of health bounced back quickly. Consumption on health-related items increased for 47% of families as compared to 44% last month. The health score which has a negative connotation i.e. the lesser the spends on health items the better the sentiments, has a net score value of -27. · Consumption of media remains the same for a majority of 48% families and increased for 25% of the family, reflecting an overall Net score of -2 as compared to base value of 0 for the previous month. · Mobility net score reflects a constant improvement over the last four months. 88% families said that they are going out the same or more on getaways/staycations /mall/restaurants, with travel bans being lifted and double vaccination providing easier movement opportunities. The overall mobility score is at -4 which is an improvement over last month which was at -5. This reflects slow but consistent progress in people’s sentiments for engaging in out of home activities On topics of current national interest: · While the long awaited sale of Air India to the Tata group reflected a hopeful future for the airline. Axis My India further gauged consumer’s sentiment on whether or not the government should privatise other loss making public sector companies. 46% is in agreement to privatisation of such companies while 36% disagreed with this view. · When asked if economy/livelihood and business is expected to bounce back by January 2022, 41% believes that the same is possible and Southern India being more optimistic with 54% agreeing to this. · With rising prices fuel being a concern, 48% are optimistic of shifting to electric vehicles wherein 33% and 15% said that they will consider buying a 2-wheeler and 4-wheeler respectively in this segment. The younger age group of 18-35 have a more likelihood, with 53% in agreement to an EV shift. · In terms of brand advertisement placements, 44% and 38% of the consumers said that they have majorly seen ads on <keyword id="6357922" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="television" source="Orion">Television</keyword> and on Digital platforms respectively. While only 11% and 7% of the audience believe that they have seen ads on Print or Outdoor. This reflects the changing media consumption habit and the surge both in Digital consumption &amp; advertising. This digital growth is led by 26-35 yr audience. · Sharing their views on financial planning, a majority of 23% still prefers to park their money in savings account, while a combined 12% prefers to invest in Fixed Deposits, Shares/stock market and mutual funds. Gold is still seen as a reliable investment option for 4% of the consumers. 40% of the audience still don’t invest and interestingly 2% still save their money in post offices. · Gauging views around the Diwali festivities, Axis My India, further discovered that 36% of the consumers are planning to go beyond small-ticket purchases this festive season. While 24% are looking to spend on household or personal items like White Goods (AC, TV, Washing Machine, Refrigerator etc.), furniture, electronics and jewellery; 9% is looking to buy a 4-Wheeler or a 2-Wheeler. Further from a purely sentimental outlook, 59% of the consumers reflect the view of a more hopeful and cheerful Diwali this year!

Digital is now the second most important source of brand awareness after TV: Report

<ul><li>Digital trials increased significantly during the lockdown period. </li><li>At the same time, 42% respondents in non-metro markets spend more than 20 mins in reading a newspaper compared to 36% in metros.</li></ul>In the face of unprecedented economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, non-<keyword id="3195214" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="metro-markets">metro markets</keyword> are likely to recover faster than metro markets, an EY survey finds. The EY report ‘Will non-metro markets propel India's recovery’, reveals a higher percentage of respondents from non-metro markets expect to spend more than before on several categories compared to metro markets indicating that when the lockdown ends, green shoots of recovery would probably sprout faster from the non-metro markets. The survey covered a varied demographic mix of more than 4,000 respondents (2,000 each from metro and non-metro markets) to understand the potential impact of the pandemic from the <keyword id="9628728" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="consumer-sentiment-perspective">consumer sentiment perspective</keyword>. It covered key aspects linked to the current and expected attitudes, behaviors and spending trends of consumers as they adapt to the new reality. Ashish Pherwani, Partner and Media &amp; Entertainment Leader, <keyword id="1919178" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="EY-India">EY India</keyword>, stated, “The COVID-19 pandemic has radically shifted our way of life. However, despite uncertain and challenging conditions, our research shows that non-metros express a higher degree of resiliency and a resolve to bounce back quicker compared to metros. We may see long-term and even permanent changes in consumption patterns”. The survey results reveal that the pandemic and the ensuing social distancing measures put in place have led to fundamental changes in how Indians are consuming media, necessities, luxury products education and travel. Some of the key insights from the survey include: Health, hygiene and online services will continue to grow While COVID-19 has impacted overall consumption, categories like heath products, household products, hygiene products, vitamins and supplements and online services (gaming, home entertainment, online education, online banking) are expected to benefit. Non-metro market recovery is excepted to be faster than metro recovery Categories like consumer goods, travel, entertainment, automobiles and white goods are all expected to see increased and faster recovery of demand from non-metro markets post the lockdowns. Increase in digital adoption Digital trials increased significantly during the lockdown period. However adoption was higher for metros vis-à-vis non-metros. Some of the obstacles stated by non-metro respondents included lack of technological knowledge, absence of smart phones and fewer language interfaces. Newspapers remain the most trusted medium The impact of coronavirus has unfolded at a dynamic rate, causing a sense of urgency to absorb information, increasing the consumption of news coverage at unprecedented levels. Newspapers continue to remain the most trusted news source. 42% respondents in non-metro markets spend more than 20 mins in reading a newspaper compared to 36% in metros.

Newspapers continue to remain the most trusted news source: EY Report

<ul><li>While the legal drinking age in Delhi is 25 years, most of the youth in India’s National Capital starts consuming alcohol much before that — even below 18 years of age. </li><li>Many of the respondents agreed that they consumed alcohol without making their families aware. </li><li>There are no checks at retailers to assess the age of buyers while supplying them alcohol and no strict punishments imposed on people breaking the laws.</li></ul>While the legal drinking age in the National Capital Region of Delhi is still 25 years, most young people in India’s national capital start consuming alcohol way before that — including in teenager before reaching adulthood. A recent <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-today/story/most-delhi-youth-drink-before-legal-age-claims-survey-1455638-2019-02-14">survey</a> by the Community Against Drunken Driving (CADD), an NGO working against drunk driving and underage drinking, has shown that over 88% of youth below 25 consumes or purchases alcohol even though it’s illegal. At 25, the drinking age is admittedly higher than what is allowed in many countries -- drinking age is 21 in the UK for instance and 18 in the UK and Australia, for instance. Drinking age varies in India by state from 21 to 25. But according to the survey, there was <a href="http://www.thecommunique.in/2019/02/11/over-85-of-youth-consume-alcohol-before-25-years-of-age-cadd-survey/">nearly 23% </a>(2,310) incidence of youth consuming alcohol even before they reached 18. In fact, many of them consumed alcohol without making their families aware. The public survey, undertaken in September and December 2018, conducted research outside 50 liquor bars and restaurants on over 10,000 respondents under the age of 25 to evaluate alcohol intake and underage <keyword id="2096865" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="drinking-patterns">drinking patterns</keyword> in the capital city among youths. The conclusions drawn from the survey have revealed that most of the youth involved in drinking, the majority -- 66% -- obtained alcohol from liquor bars, pubs and restaurants. While nearly 14% reportedly said that they secured it from public events such as food fests. About 98% of the respondents said they were already aware of the legal drinking age, showing that under-age drinking might be becoming a norm. What pushes the Delhiites to drink? One reason for the alcohol consumption is easy access. One can easily procure alcohol from liquor shops, without checks to assess the age of buyers. There is also lax punishment imposed on people breaking the law. Over 34% of the youth confessed that they were involved in some sort of a fight while drunk. Other than that, nearly half of the surveyed youth agreed to drunk driving and stunt biking under the influence. A <a href="http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2018/dec/25/seven-out-of-10-delhiites-say-they-indulged-in-drunk-driving-survey-1916137.html">research</a> conducted by CADD at prominent fuel stations in the city last year, found that over 72% people agreed for driving drunk on the city roads. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/alcohol-may-become-costlier-in-indian-states-considering-farm-loan-waivers-report/articleshow/67363562.cms">Alcohol may become costlier in Indian states considering farm loan waivers: Report</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/indias-food-regulator-has-kicked-off-the-new-year-with-a-set-of-new-food-standards/articleshow/67347633.cms">India’s food regulator has kicked off the new year with a set of new food standards</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/in-goa-you-can-get-a-beer-for-20-used-cigarette-butts-and-10-beer-bottle-caps/articleshow/67894355.cms">In Goa, you can get a beer for 20 used cigarette butts and 10 beer bottle caps</a>

Most young people in India’s national capital who drink alcohol are under-age: Survey

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Germany's network regulator warned that citizens are using too much gas and need to pull back consumption.</li><li>Amid colder weather, gas consumption was 14.5% above average compared to 2018-2021, Federal Network Agency data shows. </li></ul>Germans have been consuming too much natural gas and must cut consumption to avoid a shortage this winter, according to Germany's Federal Network Agency. But that could be difficult to achieve with the government proposing a price cap that could make using gas more affordable.Amid colder weather, last week's total gas use was 14.5% higher than the average for 2018-2021, agency data showed on Thursday. Klaus Müller, president of the Federal Network Agency, called those figures "very sobering.""Without significant savings in the private sector, too, it will be difficult to avoid a gas shortage in winter," he said in a <a href="https://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/SharedDocs/Pressemitteilungen/DE/2022/20220929_Verbrauchsdaten.html?nn=265778">statement</a> Thursday.To avoid a gas shortage, a reduction of at least 20% in consumption is necessary, the regulator estimated. Consumption patterns can change quickly, and "savings must also be made when temperatures continue to fall and that is not a sure-fire success," Müller said.The warning came as Germany continued to stockpile gas, with storage levels at 91.5% of capacity. Russia's weaponization of energy via <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/commodities/nord-stream-pipeline-sabotage-russia-hybrid-war-europe-energy-crisis-2022-9">Nord Stream pipeline</a> cut-offs, among other things, have forced Europeans to scramble for enough supplies to get through the winter.Meanwhile, the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced Thursday there will be a price cap on natural gas, saying prices for consumers need to come down.But that could make it harder for households to save gas, as lower prices incentivize more energy use. The German government will also provide funding of up to 200 billion euros for an "economic difference shield."

Germans will face a gas shortage this winter unless they use less energy - while a new price cap could encourage more consumption

<ul><li>Data from YouGov’s “Global <keyword id="6354777" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="media" source="Orion">Media</keyword> Outlook Report 2022” shows urban Indian consumers expect to spend more time with digital media in the future than any type of traditional media.</li><li>62% consumers between 25-34 years intend to increase consumption of streaming video and 58% expect to up music streaming consumption in the next 12 months.</li></ul>YouGov’s new report explores how consumption of media has changed globally in the past 12 months and identifies which media behaviours consumers are planning to stick with in the future. Data from the whitepaper shows that digital mediums have been the dominant media choices of urban Indians in the past 12 months, and they are likely to dominate their choices in the future as well. Among projected increases in digital media sources are websites &amp; apps (63% are likely to increase their consumption), social media (55%), streaming video (53%) and streaming music (49%). Consumption of streaming video is likely to increase across age groups in India in the next 12 months, with <keyword id="2258626" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="young-consumers" source="Orion">young consumers</keyword> between 25- 34 years expecting a higher increase in consumption (62%) as compared to those aged 35-44 (52%) or 55+ (41%). In comparison to this, intent to increase consumption of both live and non-live TV is lower among this group- at 50% and 45%, respectively, yet higher than the other age groups. This shows that along with driving the demand for <keyword id="778108" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="streaming-services" source="Orion">streaming services</keyword>, younger audiences in India will also dominate the demand for TV content in the future. Similarly, within the audio industry, younger generations are set to boost the consumption of streaming music, as well as podcasts. About six in ten (58%) adults between 25-34 years plan to stream more music in the next 12 months, which is higher than the expectations of other age groups. Even though future consumption of podcasts is projected lower than other mediums, its consumption is likely to soar among young consumers (25-34 years) in the country. <div type="image" title="image002" msid="89585756" hostid="261"></div> When it comes to subscriptions, once again we see the young population taking the lead. Across all age groups, demand for VOD is the highest among consumers between 25-34 years, with almost half (49%) currently paying for, and likely to continue with their subscriptions next year. In addition to this, one in ten (10%) respondents who do not currently pay, said they might consider paying next year, representing a clear opportunity for growth within this cohort. Having said that, a considerable proportion are either ‘Cancelers’ (24%)- who currently pay but are likely to cancel next year, or ‘Rejectors’ (17%) - who do not currently pay and are unlikely to subscribe next year. Making investment in better content, more regional content options and as well as subscription price adaptations might help the streaming platforms retain and grow audiences. Similarly, in case of music subscriptions, compared to all other age groups, a higher proportion of young adults (between 25-34) currently pay for music subscriptions and are likely to continue paying next year as well. There is further room for growth as 14% who currently do not have a paid subscription may consider signing up next year. Jules Newby, Sector Head of Media at YouGov said, “Our report takes deep dives into the Watch, Listen, Read and Social channels of media consumption. As consumer media consumption patterns continue to evolve and adapt to the pandemic-caused disruption across different regions, our data sheds light on growth opportunities for media planners and brand marketers alike, whilst also revealing which digital trends are likely to stick around in the future, and which global markets and demographics are encouraging this stickiness. “When it comes to the ‘stickiness’ of consumers’ media consumption behavior, our data suggests that a high proportion of consumers are unlikely to change their media behavior dramatically in the next 12 months. Looking at the growth drivers of media consumption in the next 12 months, all are digital. Video streaming services have further tightened their grip on viewers in the wake of the pandemic and are likely to register the biggest growth in consumption in the coming year.”

Young consumers are likely to drive streaming growth in India, with a majority planning to increase consumption in the future: YouGov report

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="6354947" type="General" weightage="60" keywordseo="bitcoin" source="Orion">Bitcoin</keyword> can be at the heart of the transition towards renewable energy, Foundry boss Mike Colyer said.</li><li>He said <keyword id="1660859" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="bitcoin-Mining" source="Orion">bitcoin mining</keyword> can help renewable projects manage oversupply and support more investment.</li><li>Many remain unconvinced, with Bank of America attacking bitcoin's energy use this week.</li></ul>Bitcoin mining can help the development of renewable energy technologies by allowing a quicker return on green investments, according to the head of one of North America's biggest <a href="https://wazirx.com/signup?invite=2kpah6gr&amp;utm_source=business-insider&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=article-editorial">crypto miners</a>. Mike Colyer, chief executive of <a href="https://dcg.co/">Foundry</a>, a sister company of major bitcoin player Grayscale, told Insider he thinks <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/currencies/btc-usd">bitcoin</a> can be "a bridge between our current energy production and this future world of renewable energy production." His argument is the boom in green-energy creation has led to oversupply in many areas, which can be difficult to manage and costly for renewables firms. Colyer said locating bitcoin mines near renewable energy projects can help deal with this oversupply, in turn helping the development of green technology. "It allows for a faster payback on those solar projects or wind projects, which means more of them can be built faster in regions where before it was not attractive, because they would produce too much energy for the grid in that area," he said. Other miners <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/bitcoin-mining-energy-cost-environmental-sustainable-consumption-network-profitability-crypto-2021-3">have echoed this argument</a>, although the secretive nature of the industry means it is difficult to gauge the rate of change. And many remain unconvinced. As the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/bitcoin-price-analysis-february-recap-record-setting-cryptocurrency-2021-2#:~:text=February%20was%20a%20record%2Dbreaking,the%20world's%20most%20popular%20cryptocurrency.ncy.">bitcoin price has soared this year</a>, arguments over its intense energy use have heated up, with climate concerns <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/currencies/news/bitcoin-btc-energy-use-worry-big-investors-fahad-kamal-kleinwort-2021-2-1030131653">making some investors wary</a> of the world's biggest <a href="https://wazirx.com/signup?invite=2kpah6gr&amp;utm_source=business-insider&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=article-editorial">cryptocurrency</a>. Bank of America analysts on Wednesday <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/bitcoin-uses-more-energy-than-american-airlines-bank-of-america-2021-3">said in a note</a> that bitcoin is "not good news for the environment," estimating that it uses almost the same amount of electricity as the Netherlands. "Bitcoin's estimated energy consumption has grown over 200% in the past two years, creating large environmental risks," the analysts, including commodities strategist Francisco Blanch, wrote. They noted that most mining is done in China, where coal is dominant. Bitcoin is <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-bitcoin">"mined"</a> when computers are hooked up to the cryptocurrency's network to verify transactions. As a reward for this work, which involves solving puzzles, miners can sometimes receive small amounts of bitcoin. Huge amounts of computing power are now dedicated to mining bitcoin, with more drawn in as the price skyrockets. Yet Colyer said bitcoin mining is increasingly using renewable energy as green power becomes cheaper. His mining company Foundry is owned by Grayscale-owner Digital Currency Group, and also provides equipment financing and advice. "The bitcoin algorithm is relentless in its drive for efficiency and cost reduction," he said. "It's built in, there's no stopping it. Every miner in the world is constantly looking for ways to take cost out of the production of bitcoin. And the most cost-effective energy [in North America] is renewable energy." A <a href="https://www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/faculty-research/centres/alternative-finance/publications/3rd-global-cryptoasset-benchmarking-study/">report from Cambridge University</a> in September last year estimated 39% of proof-of-work mining is powered by renewable energy, primarily hydroelectric. Michel Rauchs, an affiliate of the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance, told Insider it is difficult to come up with an accurate assessment of how "green" bitcoin is. He said within China the renewable share of mining changes throughout the year due to "seasonal migration patterns" that see miners move towards hydroelectric plants during the wet season. "So it really depends at what point of time... you're looking at this," he said. The Bank of America analysts argued bitcoin's energy consumption is only going to worsen due to the system's structure, which makes mining more difficult over time. "The rising complexity of the system creates ultimately a vicious environmental cycle of rising prices, rising hashpower, rising energy consumption and, ultimately, rising CO2 emissions," they wrote. Colyer said Foundry is working on a number of ways to make mining greener. "We're focused on the newer technology, like immersion mining where the machines are actually put in a coolant and they don't use air cooling... We work with the flare gas guys that are chasing the flare gas emissions." However, many investors are worried about how long it might take to make bitcoin green. Bank of America said: "As renewable energy production increases over the next 20 years, quantum computers reduce energy usage, and new, more efficient crypto assets continue to emerge, the cryptocurrency space could eventually find ways to reduce its carbon footprint. "But a rapid surge in adoption of bitcoin presents a major risk, and thus drives bitcoin's low environmental score."

Bitcoin mining can be a 'bridge' to a renewable energy future by supporting green projects, a leading North American miner says

<ul><li>The <keyword id="6373926" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="horlicks" source="Orion">Horlicks</keyword> Plus range, a set of specialized brands formulated to solve nutritional deficiencies, has forayed into the segment of Diabetes.</li><li>Diabetes Plus, introduced by Horlicks, is a nutritional beverage that has been designed for Indian adults.</li></ul>India has always been prone to the various risks associated with Diabetes. The country ranks #2 after China, with the prevalence rate of the disease set to double in the next 25 years. While diabetes continues to be an emerging threat with 7.3% of India’s population being diabetic and a further 10.3% being prediabetic, there are almost 1 in 2 diabetics that go undiagnosed*. The major life changes that come with diabetes have also led to dissonance with consumers constantly looking for solutions to help manage diabetes better. Keeping these alarming figures and consumer needs in mind, the Horlicks Plus range, a set of specialized brands formulated to solve nutritional deficiencies, has forayed into the segment of Diabetes. Diabetes Plus, introduced by Horlicks, is a nutritional beverage which has been designed for Indian adults. It contains high fibre (22% of dual blend fibre). Research has shown that a diet rich in fibre helps reduce glucose and lipids in the blood#. <keyword id="12543075" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="horlicks-Diabetes-Plus" source="Orion">Horlicks Diabetes Plus</keyword> is high in protein and contains 16 vital nutrients. It contains Fibersol-2 and NUTRIOSE®. These fibres are known to promote satiety and reduce calorie intake. Commenting on importance of diet &amp; lifestyle for diabetes management, Dr Banshi Saboo, President, RSSDI said, “An unhealthy modern diet and low activity patterns are regarded as major drivers of diabetes increase in India and this needs to change. Studies have shown that fiber rich diabetes nutrition (FDN) has multiple benefits, including, improvement in glycemic control, reduction in glucose spikes, lowering of plasma lipid concentrations and weight management in T2DM patients.” Horlicks Diabetes Plus recently introduced its first TVC to highlight the importance of fibre for diabetic patients. Commenting on the TVC, Krishnan Sundaram, Vice President, Nutrition, HUL said “Diabetes is equivalent of a pandemic and India is facing an increasing burden of it with 24 Cr diabetics and prediabetics. We know that, nutrition and lifestyle can play a key role in its management. We are launching Horlicks Diabetes Plus, a supplement specifically formulated for at risk and diabetic individuals. With our communication, we want to educate consumers about the importance of high fibre for diabetics, and how Diabetes Plus which has dual blend high fibre fulfills 26% of your daily fibre requirements." <div type="Youtube" id="Pd3LvWcNpEg" title="Horlicks Diabetes Plus: Dual Blend High Fibre | Helps manage diabetes" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Pd3LvWcNpEg/mqdefault.jpg"></div> The copy showcases a concerned diabetic patient looking at reducing his sugar intake but is offered food items that seem to contain a high amount of sugar. While the patient is questioning the prevalence of sugar in various food items, the copy also highlights the importance of adding fiber to one’s diet in addition to reducing sugar in one’s diet. Commenting on the creative insights that went into the making of the film, Sumitra Sengupta, Executive Creative Director, FCB India said “When any one is pre-diabetic or a newly diagnosed diabetic, the immediate reaction is to cut down sugar. Our film opens with a middle-aged man worriedly asking about the sugar content of every food placed before him. But what starts out as being the correct thing to do, suddenly appears inadequate in the light of the Doctor’s announcement that high fiber helps manage Diabetes. This creates a perfect opportunity to introduce Horlicks Diabetes Plus which fulfills 26% of daily fibre needs. We hope it results in change in nutritional behaviour too - of not just reducing sugar, but adding fibre too.” Credits Agency: FCB India Production House: Milestone Films Producer: Ajay Vasu Director: Sandeep Yadav Creative: Swati Bhattacharya, Sumitra Sengupta, Kshitij Chandel Account Mgmnt: Debarpita Banerjee, Siddharth Kapoor, Priyanka Balasubramanian, Vedika Jain Planning &amp; Strategy: Kizie Basu, Aniruddh Subramanian Films Team: Ashish Barot

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