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How Football Academies Like the Reliance Foundation Are Changing the Game from Scratch

ABC Staff
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How Football Academies Like the Reliance Foundation Are Changing the Game from Scratch

In India, football has never been as popular as cricket. Several years ago, ardent spectators and even younger participants were forced to be content with unstable facilities, old equipment, and few prospects. Those are changing times–changing fast.  A new generation of football academies is leading the shift, and one name stands out: the Reliance Foundation. These academies aren’t just teaching kids how to pass or shoot. They’re building a structure where there was none—creating programs, nurturing discipline, and offering a clear path from training ground to professional pitch.

The Problem Football Faced for Years

These academies aren’t just teaching kids how to pass or shoot. They’re building a structure where there was none—creating programs, nurturing discipline, and offering a clear path from training ground to professional pitch. At the same time, tools like the MelBet apk have allowed fans and aspiring players to follow matches, leagues, and football culture more closely than ever. The ecosystem is finally connecting, and academies are playing a key role.

Until recently, India had no real football development pipeline. Kids who loved the game had to rely on luck—hoping a coach would notice them or a school would give them a break. There were no nationwide scouting systems, no long-term player planning, and very few training centers that followed modern football standards.

Inside the New Training Model

What sets these academies apart isn’t just the facilities—it’s how they think. Players aren’t treated like students in a P.E. class. They’re seen as future professionals, and every part of the program is built to reflect that. They train year-round, follow structured development phases, and face strong opponents in youth tournaments. Meanwhile, the exposure around football has grown, too. Social media pages like MelBet Instagram India regularly post match highlights, updates, and behind-the-scenes content, feeding fan culture and keeping young players connected to global football trends. It’s no longer a lonely road—there’s now a visible path forward.

Reliance Foundation, in particular, has focused on long-term growth. Players live and train in a single location. Their academics are managed alongside sports, and mental conditioning is part of the curriculum. The coaching staff includes former pros, licensed trainers, and performance analysts.

Here’s how the new-age football academies in India stack up:

Academy Name Location Focus Area Notable Strengths
Reliance Foundation Young Champs Navi Mumbai All-round youth development Scouting network, UEFA-level coaching
Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools Multiple cities Grassroots and elite level Broad access, strong alum network
Minerva Academy Punjab Competitive youth leagues Pathway to I-League and trials abroad
FC Goa Development Program Goa Technical development Club-linked progression, local scouting

These institutions aren’t just creating better footballers. They’re helping build a football culture—one that starts with training but reaches into schools, families, and communities.

Why This Approach Is Working

India has no shortage of athletic talent. What was missing was structure. These academies now offer exactly that—structure, visibility, and high standards.

And, as far as results go, they are promising. Indian Super League (ISL) teams have already recruited some of their graduates. Some of them are playing in youth internationals. They are more confident in speaking, more disciplined in playing, and understand what it takes to play modern football like never before.

A few key reasons why these academies are succeeding:

  • Players live and train together, learning to compete and cooperate
  • Nutrition, recovery, and fitness are built into daily routines.
  • Access to international tournaments and scouts is increasing
  • Digital learning supplements tactical training with global best practices
  • Players stay in school, balancing academics with athletics.

This approach gives young players the complete package. They’re not just skilled—they’re prepared.

What Needs More Work

Despite these developments, there are still loopholes that remain unfilled within the football academy system in India. To begin with, there are only a few such elite schools. The untapped thousands of bright children in the country never get scouted. It is essential to extend the coverage of such programs.

Second, the post-academic options remain limited. In case a player goes through a five-year academy program, it does not always mean that a pro contract will be given. Indian football should increase leagues and add levels to them, so that players have room to mature, even if they are not playing directly in ISL. Lastly, support for women’s football remains limited. While some academies are starting to include girls, most of the serious infrastructure is still focused on boys.

A New Era for Indian Football

What’s clear is this: football in India is finally getting a system. Not a perfect one, but a real one. The Reliance Foundation and others have shown what’s possible when training, education, and opportunity come together. Young players now have a roadmap. They can see the path from a dusty village field to a national training camp. They can follow matches on their phones, train like professionals, and dream with their eyes open. And that might be the most significant change of all—because for decades, Indian football was built on hope. Now it’s built on work.

Why Most People Who Think They Need SEO Actually Need Reputation Help

ABC Staff
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Why Most People Who Think They Need SEO Actually Need Reputation Help

When someone says they need SEO, it usually sounds like this:

“My site isn’t ranking.”
 “People can’t find me.”
 “I just need to get on the first page of Google.”

But when you look closer, it’s often not just about visibility—it’s about perception. The problem isn’t always that no one can find them. Sometimes it’s that what people do find doesn’t inspire trust.

That’s where the real issue begins. Not with SEO, but with reputation.

This misunderstanding is more common than you might think. Many business owners pour time and money into keywords, rankings, and traffic—only to realize what’s killing conversions isn’t lack of clicks, but a lack of confidence.

What People Think SEO Is (And What It Actually Takes)

Most people associate SEO with keywords and rankings—and yes, those are important. SEO, or search engine optimization, is the practice of improving how your website appears in search results. It’s technical. It’s strategic. And it’s long-term.

But it’s often misunderstood.

Some believe throwing in the right keywords or tweaking a meta tag is all it takes to climb the ranks. Others expect results in days, not months. And many still think SEO is something you do once, not something you maintain.

Then there’s the content myth: that if your SEO is strong, the quality of your content doesn’t really matter. In reality, Google—and your audience—cares deeply about substance, not just structure.

Good SEO is part of a larger ecosystem. But what happens when all the technical boxes are checked, and people still bounce?

That’s where reputation comes in.

When You Really Do Need SEO

SEO isn’t the enemy here. It’s incredibly powerful when used for the right reasons. You should absolutely focus on SEO if:

  • You’re launching a new product or business
  • You’re entering a competitive niche
  • You’re publishing consistent content and want organic visibility
  • You’re aiming to generate leads over the long term

Tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, and Google Search Console help you find the right keywords, optimize your site’s structure, and track performance over time.

But even great SEO can’t save you if people click, see something questionable, and leave.

Why Online Reputation Should Come First

Before trying to rank, you need to ask: what happens when someone Googles me?

Do they see glowing reviews? Or angry comments? Do they see up-to-date profiles and helpful blog posts—or outdated directories and unanswered complaints?

Your online reputation is the story people find when they search for you. And in many cases, it’s not the lack of search presence that’s hurting your business—it’s what’s being found.

Reputation = Perception

Online reputation is built across dozens of platforms: Google Reviews, Yelp, Trustpilot, Reddit, YouTube, Facebook comments, and more. It’s in the tweets that tag you and the blog posts that mention your name. It’s in the stories people tell about you, not just the ones you tell yourself.

If those stories raise doubts, SEO traffic won’t help you convert.

How Reputation Directly Impacts SEO

It’s not just about perception. Your reputation has a direct impact on your SEO.

Search engines weigh reviews, ratings, engagement, and trust signals when ranking pages. A local business with 4.7 stars and hundreds of recent reviews will often outrank a competitor with better SEO but worse sentiment.

Positive brand mentions, testimonials, and user engagement also help build authority—and authority is core to ranking.

So if you’re only focusing on keywords and not managing your online reputation, you’re working with half the strategy.

Signs It’s Not an SEO Problem—It’s a Reputation Problem

So how do you know if SEO isn’t the issue?

Here are the red flags:

1. Negative Reviews Are Dominating Your Brand

If people search for your business and the top results include 1-star reviews or angry Reddit threads, that’s not an SEO issue. That’s a trust issue.

Tools like ReviewTrackers or Google Alerts can help you track these mentions in real time. But monitoring alone isn’t enough. You have to act on what you find.

2. Your Engagement Is Dropping—Even With Good Traffic

If your traffic is steady, but conversions are falling, that suggests users don’t like what they see. Maybe it’s poor reviews. Maybe it’s outdated content. Maybe it’s just inconsistency across platforms.

This is where reputation repair and consistency matter more than meta descriptions.

3. People Are Talking About You—But You’re Not Part of the Conversation

If there’s a conversation happening about your brand and you’re not participating, your reputation is being shaped without you. That silence can be costly.

Reputation management is about listening and responding—not just to Google, but to the people behind the search.

How to Shift Focus: Reputation-First, SEO-Second

So what should you do if SEO hasn’t been solving your problem?

Start with these strategies:

Reclaim the Narrative With Fresh Content

Don’t just optimize blog posts—use them to tell your story. Share updates. Address misconceptions. Publish testimonials, team profiles, and behind-the-scenes insights.

This not only humanizes your brand but also provides Google (and your audience) with new content to discover.

Respond to Reviews—All of Them

Whether it’s a glowing 5-star or a harsh 1-star, your response tells the world how you handle feedback. Ignoring criticism makes it worse. Addressing it can flip the script.

Even a simple “We hear you and we’re working on it” can make a huge difference.

Monitor Your Digital Footprint Weekly

Set up alerts for your name, brand, or top products. Use tools like Mention, Brand24, or even free ones like Google Alerts to keep tabs on what’s showing up and who’s saying what.

Don’t just watch—act.

Final Thought: SEO Without Reputation Is Just Noise

SEO is about visibility. But visibility without credibility isn’t worth much.

The next time someone says they need to “rank higher on Google,” pause and ask: what are people finding when they get there? Are they seeing trust? Or hesitation?

In many cases, fixing what’s already on page one is more powerful than adding something new to it.

If your SEO strategy isn’t working, it might be time to stop optimizing—and start listening.

 

UK Company Directors Face Losing Access to Their Own Firms

Danielle
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UK Company Directors Face Losing Access to Their Own Firms

With mandatory identity checks on the horizon and awareness alarmingly low, Umazi has cautioned that businesses could face disruption, rising costs, and widespread confusion.

Millions of company directors across the UK are at risk of being cut off from vital services as new identity verification rules take effect, with most still unaware of the imminent changes.

The reforms, introduced through the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, will oblige every UK company director and Person of Significant Control (PSC) to confirm their identity before they can continue fulfilling their statutory responsibilities. This represents the most extensive transformation of Companies House in decades, aimed at tackling fraud, boosting corporate transparency, and reinforcing trust in the UK’s company registration framework.

Failure to comply could have severe consequences, including companies being struck off the register, directors facing disqualification, bans on filing statutory documents, and unlimited fines.

According to Cindy van Niekerk, CEO of digital identity platform Umazi, the low level of preparedness is alarming when the clock is ticking:

“With mandatory identity verification starting on 18 November 2025, we’re counting down to a hard deadline. By mid-November 2026, 6 to 7 million directors and PSCs must have verified their identity, yet less than 300,000 have done so. This isn’t a minor administrative update. Without verification, directors may soon be unable to file accounts, appoint or resign board members, or even legally manage their companies. That could mean serious operational paralysis for thousands of businesses.”

The GOV.UK One Login is intended to make verification secure and straightforward. But a combination of poor awareness, confusing official communication, technical glitches, and multiple log-ins has already created frustration. Many directors are turning to third-party providers for help, with some charging up to £250 for what should be a quick and affordable process.

Van Niekerk warns that the reform’s good intentions could be undermined by Reform risks becoming red tape:

“The ID check should take minutes, yet we’re seeing fees ranging from £45 to £250, repeat log-ins, and even failed verification attempts. That’s turning a compliance measure into a costly burden, not the streamlined reform it was meant to be. If directors leave it too late, they could face inflated fees, lengthy delays, and ultimately lose the legal authority to act for their own companies.”

Van Niekerk concludes by warning that this is about more than ticking a legal box. With the UK’s corporate identity system often described as fragmented and open to abuse, these reforms represent a crucial chance to modernise and protect the way business identities are verified.

“This reform is about more than ticking a box for Companies House. If implemented well, it can close loopholes that have allowed fraudsters to exploit UK corporate structures for years. It’s a chance to modernise how we establish and trust business identities. But the clock is ticking, and if directors don’t act now, the very system designed to protect businesses could end up paralysing them.”

How EVs Improve Sustainability & Employee Retention

ABC Staff
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How EVs Improve Sustainability & Employee Retention

Switching to electric vehicles is no longer just a step towards reducing emissions, but also becoming an effective way to attract and retain talented employees. For businesses, this move offers environmental, financial, and workplace culture benefits that go far beyond the vehicles themselves. Keep reading to see how electric vehicles can support both your sustainability goals and your team’s satisfaction.

The Environmental Benefits That Matter to Staff

Employees are increasingly aware of the climate impact of their workplace. Offering electric vehicles as part of your company fleet or benefits package shows a genuine commitment to cutting carbon emissions. 

EVs produce significantly lower carbon dioxide over their lifetime compared to petrol or diesel cars, especially as the national grid moves towards renewable energy. When employees see their workplace taking clear action, it can build loyalty and pride. Working for an organisation that matches values with action can make staff more motivated to stay long-term.

How Salary Sacrifice Schemes Boost Retention

One of the most effective ways to make EVs accessible to staff is through salary sacrifice. Providers like EZOO offer schemes where employees can drive a premium electric car for a reduced monthly cost, with payments taken directly from pre-tax salary. 

This structure not only lowers Income Tax, National Insurance, and Benefit-in-Kind contributions but can save employees up to 60% on the total cost.

Supporting a Better Work-Life Balance

The quieter, smoother drive of electric vehicles can improve commuting experiences. EVs often qualify for benefits like reduced congestion charges in cities such as London, saving time and money. This adds to employees’ sense of convenience and improves their daily routine.

When companies provide vehicles through structured schemes, employees gain the reassurance of 24/7 breakdown cover and regular servicing. This removes the stress of managing car maintenance, allowing them to focus more on their work and personal life.

Meeting Corporate Sustainability Goals

For businesses, cutting fleet emissions is often part of larger ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) commitments. Introducing EVs helps demonstrate progress towards these goals while meeting upcoming government regulations on emissions.

By showing that sustainability is part of core operations rather than an afterthought, companies can strengthen their reputation among customers, investors, and potential hires. Employees value working for organisations that lead by example in environmental responsibility.

Building a Future-Focused Company Culture

EV adoption signals that your business is planning ahead. It shows employees that you’re investing in technology and infrastructure that will still be relevant years from now. This forward-thinking approach can encourage long-term commitment from staff who want to be part of a progressive and responsible organisation.

When employers make sustainable choices, they not only cut their carbon footprint but also inspire teams to think more consciously about their impact. Over time, this can create a workplace culture where environmental responsibility becomes second nature.

Conclusion

Electric vehicles help businesses meet environmental targets, reduce costs for staff, and improve the overall employee experience. By introducing EVs into your company benefits or fleet through schemes and subscriptions, you can connect your sustainability goals with meaningful employee incentives. The outcome is a stronger, more loyal workforce and a business ready for a cleaner, greener future.

Home Depot Stock Soars as Q2 Earnings Signal Home Improvement Rebound

Sienna Wilson
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Home Depot Stock Soars as Q2 Earnings Signal Home Improvement Rebound

Home Depot Inc. announced better-than-anticipated second-quarter profits on August 19, 2025, that will provide renewed optimism to the retail sector that people will continue to invest in home improvement despite the current economic stresses. Having traded down at 4.8 per cent, its price shot up in early trading to approach the 415 mark to be one of the largest home improvement retailers in the world.

This is because shares of the company have been on the rise as investors celebrate the firm, which has learned to counteract the high interest rates, tariff effects and changes in consumer behaviours, making the company a strong player in the mercurial market.

After posting a better-than-expected 13 per cent earnings gain, Wall Street eagerly awaits the earnings release report, which indicates that Home Depot has adopted a strategy of taking on small jobs and focusing on professional customers, thereby countering any weakness in the big-ticket renovations. The analysts had been on the lookout to see the line of impact, how high mortgage rates and inflation were impacting on the discretionary spending. Still, the outcome indicates that the consumers are regrouping and spending on the necessary upgrades.

Financial Highlights

In the fiscal second-quarter report, Home Depot reported earnings per share of 4.72 covering up to July 2025, which is higher than the consensus target of 4.70. Sales increased by 5.2 per cent against the previous year to US $ 45.42 billion, higher than expectations of US $ 45.37 billion and the highest top-line growth of the company in more than a year.

One of the most critical metrics, comparable sales, which excludes the sales growth due to new stores opening, increased by 1.5 per cent across the world, and by 1.8 per cent in the United States. This ended a quarter of stagnant or negative comps over the past few quarters and was underpinned by growing demand in seasonal products, such as outdoor power equipment and garden products.

Chief Executive Officer Ted Decker credited the company’s success to its diverse supply chain and the discipline with which it prices its products. During a conference call with investors, Decker cited that the tariff on imported items has increased a cost but that Home Depot has eliminated a large portion of that costs via efficiencies and supplier discussions meaning that the company has not had to raise prices across the board. This strategy, he argued, has enabled the retailer to attract market share at the expense of a competitor who has incorporated increased costs on the customers.

The Watershed Moon Reaction and the Analyst’s Impressions

After the announcement, shares of Home Depot soared upward in pre-market trading as investors hoped that the entire home market would regain its strength. At lunchtime, the shares had gained 4.3 per cent, giving the company a market value of about $18 billion – and a rise much stronger than the S&P 500, which rose 0.5 per cent on the day. The level of trading went as high as 2.5x average, showing good institutional interest.

Wall Street analysts viewed the action positively, with various firms increasing the price targets. Piper Sandler maintained its buy rating, increasing its target from $ 408 to $ 430, in light of improved housing affordability and indications of interest rate stabilisation. Truist Securities followed along, raised its price objective to 445 and highlighted Home Depot’s advantage in the pro category with increased sales to contractors and builders of 7 per cent. There is still some caution, however; Evercore ISI cautioned that tariff uncertainties might continue to exert pressure on margins as trade tensions intensify any further.

The performance also boosted the counterparts in the industry. Direct competitors such as Lowe Companies saw their stocks increase by 2.l per cent whereas their suppliers such as Stanley Black and Decker increased by 1.8 per cent. The ripple effect aided higher market benchmarks as Home Depot’s results allayed fears over consumer frailty, as the July retail sales figures were impressive.

Prospects and Problems of the Future

Moving forward, Home Depot maintained its full-year outlook with estimates of overall sales growth of roughly 2.8 percent and the growth comps now at 1 percent. The company anticipates that its adjusted earnings per share would be down nearly 2 percent to $15.24 per share last year as the company continues to invest in e-commerce and supply chain improvement. Decker noted that it has ambitions to grow its professional business with acquisitions such as SRS Distribution to attract a larger portion of the $950 billion market that is fragmented in building supplies.

When the report is positive, obstacles shadow. The housing market remains frozen by high mortgage rates, putting major remodels on hold. However, the potential Federal Reserve rate drop in September will serve as a tailwind. Moreover, as President Trump’s tariff policies are subject to change, Home Depot is closely monitoring global trade processes. The firm has also diversified its sources outside of China to decrease its exposure, and its officials admitted that the problem with supply chain could be a long-term issue, resulting in cost impact on inventory.

On the whole, Home Depot shows resilience in the adverse conditions, with its quarter being a positive indication of retail and housing stocks. With the consumers slowly adapting to the new normal in the economy, the retailer is in a good position to take advantage of the pent-up demand in home improvement. Further evidence of a reversal in the sector is likely to be sought in the following report of no remedial action data on housing starts and making permits, which is being released today. At a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 24 (shares are up 3.3 per cent so far this year), Home Depot is a portfolio staple among investors who believe that Americans will always love their DIY projects and home renovations.

Cronos Soars with DeFi Growth and Staked ETF Speculation

Sienna Wilson
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Cronos Soars with DeFi Growth and Staked ETF Speculation

Cronos (CRO) rose 15.8 per cent to $0.172 on August 19, 2025, on a rumour that it may be added to a high-profile ETF, combined with strong growth in its decentralised finance (DeFi) ecosystem. A market capitalisation of 5.77 billion and a 24-hour trade volume of 126 million present CRO as a token marrying investor enthusiasm to a market leadership position among top altcoins. The rally is closely followed by Crypto.com’s strategic actions, including a partnership with Canary Capital and ecosystem development, which positions Cronos as a 2025 altcoin season leader.

Filing of ETF by Canary Capital Is a Runner

One of the biggest triggers of CRO can be its most recent S-1 filing on the United States Securities and Exchange Commission by Canary Capital on August 18, which floated the idea of a Staked Cronos ETF. Crypto.com has also announced it has partnered with Canary Capital to launch the Canary CRO Trust, the first investment product to provide regulated access to Crypto.com CRO available in the United States.

Provided that the ETF is accepted, the investors, both institutional and retail, could enjoy a safe manner of accessing Cronos and, according to some estimates, it may open up billions of capital inflows. With the X post sentiment scoring 89 out of 100, the community sentiment is characterised by investors anticipating a liquidity gain similar to Bitcoin’s experience with an ETF. BeInCrypto analysts indicate a 37 per cent upswing to 0.23 as the ETF gains value due to increasing net inflows and notable Relative Strength Index (RSI) momentum.

DeFi Ecosystem Growth Bolsters CRO Adoption

Cronos Chain DeFi ecosystem is currently bustling with Total Value Locked (TVL) of $781.86 million, considered to be among the large Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible chains. This led to an increase in dApp development, with five new projects granted following the Cronos Chain Hackathon Cobo, DeFi.Watch, Robo Vault, Chainstack and Grindery.

Necessary protocols such as VVS Finance, Tectonic Finance, and MM Finance are promoting the adoption of the CRO by adopting it as the most crucial mode of making transactions. It has gained a following among developers through its Ethereum and Cosmos interoperability, powered by Inter Blockchain Communications (IBC) protocol, which reached a peak of $2 billion in TVL in early 2022. With the list of Q4 items set to add more utility to the network, such as protocol governance and interchain accounts, Crypto.com $100M CRO EVM fund will continue to incentivise innovation.

Technical Breakout: Indicates a Bullish Run

Technically, there are positive bullish indications in CRO. Having emerged out of a three-month downtrend, the token broke through the resistance of a descending triangle at the level of 0.15, according to BeInCrypto. With the RSI standing at 67, strong buying pressure is experienced, whereas the MACD is in positive territory, which points to bull control.

At Cryptopolitan, analysts consider the asset to reach a maximum of $0.1765 by the end of the year. In contrast, at Coinpedia, the analysts estimate the potential cost to be as high as $0.354 in 2025, so long as the market conditions stay favourable. Nevertheless, an inability to maintain the $0.16 support may reduce CRO back to the $0.13 mark, but high on-chain indicators, such as 33.56 billion circulating tokens, indicate stability. Heightened activities in the market are indicated by the 50.6 per cent gain of trading volume in the last 24 hours.

Tailwinds of Community Confidence and Regulation

The positive regulatory steps of Crypto.com, such as its opening offices in Washington D.C. and the termination of its investigation by the SEC without charges, have strengthened confidence. A community plan to burn back 70 billion CRO tokens destroyed during the 2021 burn remains controversial. However, other initiatives, such as the release of a prepaid crypto card service, are expanding the practical applications of CRO.

Cronos is undervalued, with a circulating supply of 33.56 billion and potentially up to 100 billion. It is 82 per cent undervalued, with the highest price of $0.9698. By focusing more on U.S. business and DeFi development, Crypto.com further solidifies its position as a leading altcoin, achieving new all-time highs in 2022 and 2025.

Polkadot Soars 8% as Polkadot 2.0 and ETF Speculation Ignite Bullish Surge

Sienna Wilson
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Polkadot Soars 8% as Polkadot 2.0 and ETF Speculation Ignite Bullish Surge

August 19, 2025, Polkadot  (DOT), the native cryptocurrency of the Polkadot blockchain, soared 8% to $4.18 after investors rallied behind the blockchain Polkadot 2.0 upgrade and as speculation persisted that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) could authorise a spot crypto exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the coming months.

Polkadot, with a market capitalisation of 6.71 billion and a 24-hour trading volume of 411 million, is reasserting itself as a high-ranking altcoin. The technical gains, rise in the ecosystem, and the overall health of the market has analysts predicting a possible breakout to over $5 or more in September.

Polkadot 2.0 Stokes Momentum

Polkadot 2.0, which recently came up in one of the roadmap updates by core developers Alice & Bob, has awakened the community. Such an innovative overhaul makes it better at being scalable and interoperable. It defines the so-called Hub to serve streamlined user and developer experiences, such as wallets, stablecoins, and Ethereum integration.

More than 2 million activations on the user-owned social graph of Frequency and the reintroduction of the Polkadot Staking Dashboard with multi-chain support heavily point to the development of its ecosystem. The adoption of 50+ parachains by Dune Analytics is further evidence that Polkadot has achieved widespread adoption, facilitating seamless communication between chains for decentralised applications (dApps). These advancements make Polkadot the pioneer in Web3 infrastructure, where X-posts about its Web3 invisibility facilitate millions of transactions daily.

Frenzy of Investors Hope for FT-ETF

The question about a potential spot Polkadot ETF has strengthened within the speculation box after 21Shares resubmitted an amendment to its S-1 registration form at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on July 8. It is based on an earlier filing in June 2025, and the move signalled an increased institutional interest in DOT as a regulated investment vehicle. More than 80 per cent of investors betting on ETF approvals in altcoins like Solana and Litecoin in 2025 could see Polkadot’s market entry flood the market with substantial capital.

Coinotag analysts opine that DOT will hit the $50 mark in case fundamentals are maintained, noting that developer activity and community governance reforms can reinvigorate confidence. The possibility of mainstream adoption with an ETF has resulted in an increase in trading volume by 109.9% indicating higher levels of excitement in the trading environment.

Technical Breakout Indicates Positive Texture

Technically, DOT is showing potential in terms of the price action. Critical support at $3.96 was defended, and the token moved above a resistance level at $4.10; forming a bullish higher low formation, says CoinDesk Research. Prolonged buying pressure is witnessed in the Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 62, and a positive MACD shows that it is the bulls leading the game.

TradingView analysts see the following targets: a close destination $4.50, and, in case of the completion of the cup-and-handle pattern, the maximum of $5. A drop below this, however, may result in DOT revisiting $3.85, but with strong on-chain fundamentals, such as 1.5 billion circulating tokens, there may be good support. The Cryptonews long-term forecast sees a high of $9.87 in 2025, with some judging that it could reach even $44.09 by 2030 in the case of an increased rate of adoption.

Governance Reforms enforce Community Trust

OpenGov and governance improvements such as the attention to diversity and accountability during Cohort 5 have strengthened community trust where Polkadot transitioned to OpenGov. The suggestion of streamlining spending by treasury is trending, made by itsbirdo who is concerned about the degree of decentralization which happened in 2022. The nominated model of proof-of-stake (NPoS) network and Phragmen election scheme are expected to sustain a high level of security and stakeholder participation.

Events and the overall market volatility led to a weekly 5 per cent drop. Still, the Polkadot fundamentals are strong given the innovative multi-chain structure that finds comparisons with Ethereum at a stage and time. As Polkadot continues its technical and governance upgrades, the recent rally of DOT tokens has put it among the best altcoins that will make a difference in 2025.

ICCCNet-2025: Defining the Future of Global Innovation and Technology Leadership

Claire James
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ICCCNet-2025: Defining the Future of Global Innovation and Technology Leadership

The academic and technological worlds converged in Manchester from August 1st to 3rd, 2025, for the highly anticipated 5th International Conference on Computing and Communication Networks (ICCCNet-2025). Organized by the esteemed Manchester Metropolitan University, the three-day event was a resounding success, serving as a global platform for researchers, industry leaders, and innovators to share groundbreaking work and forge new collaborations. The conference culminated in a prestigious awards ceremony, where an exceptional group of professionals was recognized for their significant contributions to their respective fields.

The ICCCNet conference is a hallmark of intellectual rigor and professional excellence. Its approval for publication in the Springer LNNS series and indexing in major databases like Scopus, EI, and WoS ensures that all research and presentations meet the highest standards. This rigorous vetting process lends immense credibility to the conference and, by extension, to the awards presented, making them a true testament to the winners’ expertise and impact.

This year’s conference was particularly notable for its focus on the transformative power of AI, robotics, cybersecurity, and data governance. The awards ceremony was a highlight, celebrating individuals whose work is not just theoretical but has real-world applications and a tangible impact on society. The winners, a diverse group of experts from across the globe, were recognized for their pioneering spirit, strategic vision, and commitment to innovation.

The Pioneers of AI and Enterprise Product Innovation

The landscape of technology is being redefined by AI, and this year’s awards recognized those at the forefront of this revolution. Ravi Kiran Gadiraju, a Senior Advisor in Product Management from Frisco, Texas, was honored with the AI Driven Product Innovator Award. Gadiraju’s work exemplifies how AI can be seamlessly integrated into product development to create intuitive, efficient, and market-leading solutions. His strategic vision has been instrumental in translating complex AI research into consumer-friendly products that solve real-world problems. His colleagues and peers praise his ability to bridge the gap between technical teams and market demands, a skill that is increasingly vital in the fast-paced tech industry.

Another key figure in this space is Venkatraman Viswanathan, who received the Pioneer in AI-Driven Enterprise Product Innovation Award. As an IT Project Manager at Novalink Solutions LLC and the Founder of Infiltra Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Viswanathan has been a catalyst for change in the enterprise sector. His leadership focuses on leveraging AI to drive the creation of sophisticated enterprise products that enhance operational efficiency and strategic decision-making. The award recognizes his entrepreneurial spirit and his dedication to fostering solutions that not only innovate but also create lasting value for businesses. His strategic guidance at Infiltra Technologies demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to AI, positioning the company as a leader in a competitive market.

The intersection of AI and physical systems was also celebrated. Sathish Krishna Anumula of IBM Corporation was the recipient of the AI & Robotics Industrial Innovation Award. Anumula’s contributions to integrating AI into robotics have led to significant advancements in industrial automation, logistics, and manufacturing. His research and development efforts have focused on creating smarter, more adaptable robotic systems that can operate in complex environments, heralding a new era of industrial efficiency and safety. This award highlights the critical role of AI in moving beyond software to transform physical industries.

Guardians of Data and Digital Security

In an era when data is the lifeblood of every organization, safeguarding its movement is critical to survival and success. At ICCCNet-2025, Raghava Chellu, Software Engineering and Support Engineer at Equifax Inc., was honored with the Global Leadership Award in AI-Powered Secure File Transfer for his pioneering role in advancing cybersecurity. Chellu’s vision harnesses the power of machine learning and intelligent automation to detect, prevent, and neutralize threats targeting one of the most vulnerable points in the digital chain file transfers. His work delivers proactive, AI-enhanced protection capable of countering sophisticated and evolving cyberattacks before they inflict damage. By integrating intelligent pattern recognition, adaptive security protocols, and real-time breach prevention, his solutions fortify the integrity of high-value data transfers across industries. This award not only recognizes Chellu’s technical mastery but also celebrates his leadership in championing a future where AI serves as a decisive ally in global cybersecurity defense.

Bharath Kishore Gudepu, a Developer 4 at Kemper in Dallas, TX, USA, was recognized with the Data Governance Excellence Award. Gudepu’s expertise lies in creating robust data governance frameworks that ensure data quality, integrity, and compliance. His leadership in this field has helped his organization navigate complex regulatory landscapes and leverage its data for strategic advantage. The award underscores his dedication to building a culture of data responsibility and his technical proficiency in implementing systems that support these goals.

Cybersecurity in the public sector got a lot of attention lately, and Praveen Kumar Pemmasani from the City of Dallas really stood out. He earned the Cybersecurity Excellence Award for his amazing work in keeping the public sector and healthcare systems safe. His knack for building tough data recovery plans and doing his own research has been a big help in protecting important infrastructure and sensitive public info. This award really shines a light on how crucial cybersecurity pros like him are in keeping our communities secure and making sure essential services keep running smoothly.

Specialized Excellence in Technology and Education

The awards also recognized specialized contributions that are driving innovation in specific technological domains and educational practices. Krishna C Gonugunta of NSHE Nevada was honored with the Oracle Excellence Award. Gonugunta’s work stands out for his masterful application of Oracle Analytics and Machine Learning to transform higher education. His projects have enabled NSHE to make data-driven decisions, improve student outcomes, and optimize administrative processes, showcasing the immense potential of Oracle’s technology in a non-traditional business setting. This award celebrates his expertise and his commitment to using technology to enhance educational institutions.

Network Infrastructure is the backbone of our digital world, and its resiliency is more critical than ever. Omkar Bhalekar, a Senior Network Engineer at Tesla and a Masters Degree holder from the Rochester Institute of Technology, was awarded the Distinguished Award for Infrastructure Resiliency. Bhalekar’s role focuses on developing cutting-edge technologies to create more durable, reliable, and fault-tolerant network infrastructure systems. His work has far-reaching implications, from electric vehicle manufacturing to designing robust, secure networks and focussing on Sustainability, which is essential for building a resilient digital future. The award recognizes his rigorous research and his visionary approach to solving some of the most pressing challenges in modern engineering.

Finally, the importance of knowledge dissemination and education was highlighted with the Global Excellence in Instructional Innovation Award, presented to Venkatesh Muniyandi. As a Technical Architect and Author, Muniyandi has pioneered the use of digital training platforms and innovative teaching methodologies. His work has made complex technical subjects more accessible and engaging, empowering a new generation of professionals to acquire the skills needed for the future. This award celebrates his passion for education and his creative use of technology to create impactful learning experiences.

The ICCCNet-2025 conference successfully brought together some of the brightest minds in technology, and the awards ceremony was a fitting tribute to their achievements. The contributions of these individuals are not just a point of pride but a beacon for the future, inspiring others to push the boundaries of what is possible in computing and communication networks.

For more information on the awardees and the conference, visit the official website: https://icccn.co.uk/Awardees.

Cybersecurity in India 2025: Skills, Salaries & Top Certifications

Danielle
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Cybersecurity in India 2025: Skills, Salaries & Top Certifications

If you have ever thought of creating an influential career in cyber security, clearing a cyber security course in India is the very first step that you need to take. The demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is soaring, with organisations facing a bevy of cyber threats. In this era of ever-evolving challenges, taking networking and security courses helps to keep up with the pace. Simplilearn is a global leader in online professional training, providing over 400 courses that are designed and led by industry experts to help students meet career objectives.

Here is Why Cybersecurity is a Hot Career Choice in India

Now, with India rapidly moving towards a digitally transformed economy in sectors including banking, e-commerce and healthcare, we can expect an indiscriminate increase in cyberattacks. The demand has simply sent the Cybersecurity ranks to the Top in open job postings. According to experts, by 2025, India will likely experience a shortage of almost 3.5 million cybersecurity experts. This gap is proving to be a boon for the learners as they can upskill themselves and get an entry in a high-paying job.

Skills for Senior Cybersecurity Professionals in 2025

There is no doubt that the cybersecurity landscape is varied, hence needing a blend of technical and analytical skills. To succeed, here are the essential skills you must master.

  • Network Security: Introduction to firewalls, VPNs, and IDS/IPS.
  • Ethical Hacking: Finding the vulnerability before the Attacker does.
  • Risk assessment: Understanding and managing cyber risks
  • Cryptography: This is the process of securing data with the help of encryption and encoding techniques.
  • Today, distinctive Selections of ORACLE AND RAC (for all Excel and ERPG) Cloud Security: Protection for data within cloud platforms — Amazon Web Services, Azure.
  • Tools: Compliance and Governance, Acquisition (GDPR, IT Act 2000? )

Simplilearn provides rich learning experiences that cover essential network and security topics and also offers associated lab work, projects using real-world examples, and mentorship from professionals.

Cybersecurity Certifications in India To Keep An Eye On in 2025

Certifications are a means to validate your skills and link them with credibility. The list highlights the certifications that are trending in India as of now.

  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP):
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
  • CompTIA Security+
  • Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
  • The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Security certificate,

Lucky for you, Simplilearn provides official training programs to help you prepare thoroughly and pass with confidence in many courses on that list.

Salary Trends for Cybersecurity Professionals in India

Or do you willingly pay above-market dollars to your infosec staff who, by the way, are either among this shortage of staff, instructing now and again or won’t make it straightforward for those staffers shopping around elsewhere. The average such salary is between ₹5 lakh to ₹7 lakhs per annum at an entry-level, and seasoned professionals earn over 20 lakhs depending upon their work experience. Security Analyst, Ethical Hacker, and Security Consultant are some of the highest-paying jobs in tech.

Ways in Which Simplilearn Keeps You Ahead with Cybersecurity

Picking up the correct cyber security course in India can change your game. These are some of the features that make Simplilearn a hit!

  • Industry-aligned Curriculum: Our curriculum is regularly updated according to the latest cyber threats and tools.
  • Learning choice: Web-based, self-paced or classroom: flexible learning options to suit everyone.
  • Real-world environments to practice and master security skills in Hands-on Labs
  • They work hard for their CNA credentials and want to achieve worldwide recognition.
  • Job support: Help with finding a job, writing resumes, and preparing for interviews.

If you are a beginner, or even if you want to learn more technical aspects of networking and security courses at different levels that you should know for the best cybersecurity career Simplilearn has it all.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity is expected to witness huge growth by 2025 in India. Well, as long as you have the right set of skills, certifications and training from a reputed site such as Simplilearn.com helps you prepare for one of these lucrative careers. If you’re in the mood to jump into this exciting field, kick things off by browsing Simplilearn’s cybersecurity course in India and networking and security courses.

Technology Leaders Unite to Launch AfricAI in Nigeria, With Continental Expansion by 2026

Danielle
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0
Technology Leaders Unite to Launch AfricAI in Nigeria, With Continental Expansion by 2026

Lakeba Group (Australia), Next Digital (Nigeria), AqlanX (UAE), and Agentic Dynamic (Netherlands) have come together through an MoU to establish AfricAI, a new joint venture aimed at creating and deploying AI innovations tailored to Africa’s needs.

Nigeria will serve as the starting point, where AfricAI will utilise existing data infrastructure to roll out applications in healthcare, public administration, enterprise technology, and digital identity. The initiative is designed to build Africa’s ability to develop independent, culturally informed AI that mirrors local challenges and aspirations.

Building AI Capacity in Africa

AfricAI’s approach emphasizes development within the continent, rather than outsourcing. The joint venture envisions a distributed AI network across Africa that supports local needs in agriculture, urban planning, education, and citizen services. By 2026, AfricAI intends to expand operations into Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and Rwanda, while training more than 100 professionals to strengthen regional expertise in AI development and deployment.

Focus Areas

The joint venture will focus on applications that combine technical innovation with local governance requirements. This includes developing secure digital identity and document automation systems, advancing healthcare and education technologies, and integrating agent-based AI architectures for adaptable and explainable use across human resources, legal, and policy sectors. AfricAI also plans to establish a Center of Excellence to support skills development in AI engineering, cybersecurity, model training, and ethical deployment. Leveraging Nigeria’s cloud and edge infrastructure, the initiative will ensure that sensitive data and AI workloads remain under local control in line with national data residency rules.

Strengthening Digital Sovereignty

By embedding compliance, multilingual capabilities, and secure access controls, AfricAI aims to provide a foundation for trustworthy AI adoption across both public and private sectors. Pilot projects are expected to include government services, financial technologies, healthcare, and utilities, with the broader goal of supporting digital sovereignty and interoperability across African countries.

Partner Perspectives

Prince Malik Ado-Ibrahim, Chairman of Next Digital, said: “AfricAI is about building AI capacity within Africa. Nigeria provides the right foundation for this effort, and through collaboration we aim to shape AI that is aligned with local needs and aspirations.” Giuseppe Porcelli, CEO of Lakeba Group, said: “Nigeria represents an important starting point for creating a sustainable AI ecosystem in Africa. AfricAI will help ensure that infrastructure and innovation are built locally, with long-term growth in mind.” Demetrio Russo, CEO of AqlanX, said: “Digital trust and multilingual compliance are central to AfricAI. This venture will support Africa’s digital sovereignty agenda and enable secure innovation at scale.” Eren Sivaslı, Chairman of Agentic Dynamic, said: “Our focus is on scalable automation that complements human workflows. AfricAI gives us the opportunity to apply our agent-based architecture within a collaborative, international framework.”

About the Partners

Next Digital is a Nigerian company developing locally designed digital solutions across AI and infrastructure, with a mission to strengthen African countries’ ability to manage their digital futures. Lakeba Group is a venture studio based in Sydney, Australia, with a track record of building and commercializing technology ventures in AI, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure. AqlanX is a UAE-based company specializing in enterprise AI solutions, with a focus on multilingual automation and secure digital transformation across industries such as government, finance, and healthcare. Agentic Dynamic is a technology company founded in Amsterdam. The company develops enterprise AI platforms based on multi-agent architectures and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG).

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