India's economic engine is revving up, but navigating the global headwinds requires sharp strategy. The rupee's recent volatility against the dollar underscores the complexities facing Indian businesses, impacting everything from import-export trade to domestic inflation. This week alone, we've seen significant shifts in the IT sector, with major players announcing restructuring and a renewed focus on AI-driven solutions. Meanwhile, the burgeoning startup ecosystem continues to attract substantial funding, despite a cautious global investor sentiment. The government's recent policy announcements on infrastructure development and digitalization are poised to further shape the business landscape, creating both opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs and established corporations alike. Understanding these market dynamics is crucial for success in today's rapidly evolving Indian economy. Stay informed with Abtak.com for the latest insights and analysis on key sectors including finance, manufacturing, and technology – empowering your business decisions in a dynamic market. Explore the complete business news section now to stay ahead of the curve.
In the last decade, digital transformation has reshaped industries across the globe, with the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sector witnessing a rapid shift towards technology-driven processes. Automation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, and big data are now reshaping business operations and redefining traditional roles. As India navigates this intersection of innovation and opportunity, the employability of the country's youth -- especially in BFSI -- will hinge on their ability to merge digital expertise with financial knowledge, making them key players in the industry's evolving landscape. India, with over 65% of its population under the age of 35, is home to one of the largest pools of potential talent in the world. To harness this demographic advantage, it is imperative that we equip our youth with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly digitalized BFSI landscape. The World Economic Forum predicts that by 2025, more than 85 million jobs could go unfilled globally due to a lack of skilled talent, with India potentially facing a 29-million skill deficit by 2030. The number of global digital jobs is expected to rise from 73 million today to around 92 million by 2030. The BFSI sector has transformed from manual bookkeeping to advanced AI-driven solutions, with automation simplifying routine tasks and blockchain reshaping how transactions are recorded and verified. For young professionals, staying competitive now requires more than just financial expertise -- they must also acquire tech skills. Entry-level positions, once centred on manual tasks like data entry, have shifted to digital-first roles involving fintech tools. Meanwhile, specialised areas are rapidly growing, creating valuable opportunities for those with the right skill sets. Deloitte's global survey projects the automation market to exceed $25 billion in total market value, with a CAGR of over 40% through 2027. Moreover, demand for roles in data analysis, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity is expected to grow by 12% annually through 2030, according to McKinsey. Companies that prioritise investing in state-of-the-art technology while fostering workforce development are better positioned to thrive in a rapidly changing market. By cultivating a culture of lifelong learning and encouraging continuous upskilling, they not only enhance their competitive edge but also ensure compliance with regulatory demands for digital competency. This dual approach enables such organizations to stay ahead of the curve and lead in market acquisition. Certain tech skills are becoming indispensable in the BFSI sector: Mastery of these skills not only enhances employability but also offers a fast-track to leadership roles within the sector. As companies look for talent that can navigate the complexities of digital finance, those who combine technical expertise with strategic financial thinking will stand out and climb the success ladder rapidly. The adoption of technology is no longer optional -- it is a necessity driven by both market demands and regulatory requirements. Even institutions that serve rural hinterlands must integrate tech-driven solutions to operate efficiently and meet regulatory mandates. Digital onboarding of customers, AI-driven analytics, and blockchain-powered transactions are not only improving internal efficiencies but are also reshaping customer experiences in real-time. In today's competitive landscape, AI-driven recruitment solutions are revolutionising talent acquisition, enabling organisations to streamline early hiring stages and quickly identify high-potential candidates. By analysing resume content for key skills and experiences, AI tools produce a curated shortlist, allowing hiring teams to focus on top talent immediately. What makes AI-based recruitment transformative is its integration of psychometric assessments and other metrics, creating a holistic view of candidates. This approach aligns technical qualifications with cultural fit and job requirements, improving the quality of hires while saving valuable time. By adopting AI in recruitment, companies can build skilled teams aligned with their strategic goals, positioning themselves for sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving market. Despite the growing demand for digital skills, many young Indians still lack the training needed for success in the BFSI sector. Government programs, like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), aim to address this gap, but a collaborative approach involving educational institutions and financial organisations would greatly enhance digital literacy. Roles in BFSI require more than foundational digital literacy; they also demand specialised skills. Expertise in areas such as IT Risk Management (using frameworks like COBIT and ISO 31000 and tools like Archer), IT Governance (with ITIL frameworks and ServiceNow), Solution Architecture (using AWS, Azure, or GCP), Frontend Development (with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, or Angular), Young professionals equipped with these skills can meet the BFSI sector's digital demands, bridging the skills gap and accelerating India's progress toward a tech-driven future. India, once a global leader in back-office outsourcing for the BFSI sector, is now witnessing much of this work being automated. As the nation sets its sights on becoming the world's third-largest economy and achieving a $ 5 trillion Gross Domestic Product, the youth will play a crucial role in driving this transformation. The future of the BFSI sector is undeniably tech-driven, requiring new entrants to be both agile and innovative. As the economy evolves, the next phase of growth will hinge on highly specialised, technology-based roles. To remain competitive and sustain economic progress, India's workforce must focus on mastering advanced digital skills in tandem with financial acumen. This strategic shift will not only help close the skills gap but also place India's youth at the forefront of the nation's economic rise.
BENGALURU, India, Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys (NSE: INFY) (BSE: INFY) (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, today announced a strategic collaboration with Kardex, a leading global provider of intralogistics solutions, including automated storage solutions and material handling systems, to transform its business operations using SAP S/4HANA. Leveraging Infosys Cobalt, a set of services, solutions and platforms for enterprises to accelerate their cloud journey, Infosys will help Kardex unify its ERP system in over 30 countries, boost operation ...Read More >
Adani Group's listed stocks, which at one point saw as much as $34 billion wiped off their market value, meanwhile recovered ground as some partners and investors rallied behind it. State Bank of India will not stop lending to ongoing Adani projects that are nearing completion, two sources told Reuters, but will exercise caution when disbursing loans to ensure all terms and conditions are being met. Bank of India, Union Bank, ICICI Bank, Canara Bank, IDBI Bank and RBL Bank, which have relatively smaller exposures to the Adani Group, are undertaking similar exercises, sources said. A regulat ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 3 (VOICE) White collar hiring in India grew 6 per cent in the festive season (October and November), driven by strong growths in key non-IT sectors, a report showed on Tuesday.The sectors like Oil and Gas (+16 per cent), Pharma/Biotech (+7 per cent), FMCG (+7 per cent), and real estate (+10 per cent), alongside sustained momentum in emerging domains like AI/ML (+30 per cent) and global capability centres (+11 per cent), according to Naukri JobSpeak Index. While the IT sector has historically been a dominant force in fresher hiring, the current trend shows a significant upsurge ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 6 (ANI): After a steep correction in October 2024, where the Nifty 50 index fell around 6 per cent and closed 8 per cent lower than its all-time highs, FII outflows reduced in November, a sharp drop from October outflows says a report by JM Financials. The benchmark index remained largely flat in November, reflecting a calmer trading environment. Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) activity also exhibited a notable slowdown in selling pressure. FII outflows reduced to Rs182 billion (USD 2.2 billion) in November, a sharp drop from Rs919 billion (USD 10.9 billion) ...Read More >
WarmUp Ventures Founders L to R - Rajendra Lora ,Yogesh Chaudhary , Sharad Bansal Athera Venture Partners has roped in HDFC AMC's fund of funds as an LP for its Fund IV, while Warmup Ventures is launching its second fund. HDFC AMC invests in Athera's Fund IV Tech-focused venture capital fund Athera Venture Partners, formerly known as Inventus India, on Wednesday said that HDFC's fund of funds has invested in its Fund IV, which is scheduled to close in 2025. HDFC AMC's Select AIF FoF I Scheme will be a dominant LP in Athera's Rs 900-crore fund to be invested into fast-growing tech startups ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 14 (IANS) The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has achieved 15,547 crore transactions worth Rs 223 lakh crore from January to November this year, 'showcasing its transformative impact on financial transactions' in India, the Finance Ministry said on Saturday. The Finance Ministry also said that UPI is now accepted in seven countries including France, UAE, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Bhutan and Nepal. The UPI system provides a cheaper and quicker alternative to the available channels of cross-border remittances. UPI has succeeded in increasing financial inclusion and promot ...Read More >
CoinEx Charity's Starlink Program, under its "Bridge to Hope" initiative, has launched its first Starlink unit in the Philippines, aiming to bring high-speed satellite internet to remote areas. The first deployment in EB Magalona, Negros Occidental, enhances access to education, economic opportunities, and essential services. Mayor Marvin Malacon highlighted plans for educational seminars on blockchain and cryptocurrency. CoinEx Charity, established in 2022, focuses on global charitable efforts, while CoinEx, a leading crypto exchange, offers user-friendly trading services to over 10 million u ...Read More >
The AI industry is rapidly evolving, with numerous companies leading breakthroughs across various sectors. AI innovations are transforming industries worldwide, from cloud computing and cybersecurity to healthcare and autonomous vehicles. This list of the top 25 AI companies highlights leaders in developing cutting-edge solutions, ranging from hardware and data analytics to generative AI and robotics. These companies are not only shaping the future of artificial intelligence but also paving the way for smarter and more efficient systems in everyday life. ...Read More >
In an exclusive interview with FinTech Magazine at Money20/20, Matthew Van Buskirk, Co-founder and CEO of Hummingbird Regtech, discusses how the company is enabling data to be labelled at ease through the use of artificial intelligence. Hummingbird positions itself as an AI enablement company, addressing a critical challenge in the financial sector: the lack of well-labelled, clean training data. "From the day we launched, we saw that deploying effective machine learning or AI capabilities in this industry is incredibly difficult because we don't have clean training data. Instead, we have th ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Recognizing the potential and challenges of AI, the Government of India constituted an advisory group, chaired by Principal Scientific Advisor Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, to undertake the development of an 'AI for India-Specific Regulatory Framework'. Under the guidance of the Advisory Group, a sub-committee on 'AI Governance and Guidelines Development' will provide actionable recommendations for AI governance in India. The sub-committee's report on AI Governance, now published for public consultation, aims to guide the development of a trustworthy and accountable AI ecosystem in India. ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 3 (ANI): India's real estate sector is entering a "sweet spot," supported by a unique combination of favourable factors expected to drive growth over the next three to five years, according to a UBS report. The report highlights multiple tailwinds for the residential sector, including record-low inventory levels, strong affordability, supportive regulations, and increased consolidation among developers. Additionally, factors such as urbanization, rising incomes, and potentially lower interest rates further bolster the outlook. The Indian property sector has been a ...Read More >
New Delhi: PwC India's report, titled Global Entertainment and Media Outlook 2024-28: India Perspective, brings promising insights into the country's showbiz industry. The report reveals that Indian entertainment and media industry is projected to surpass the global growth rate of 4.6 per cent by achieving a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3 per cent. It is on its way to reaching a market size of Rs 365,000 crore (USD 44.2 billion) by 2028. So, where does India rank globally? The United States currently leads the market by revenue, followed by China. India, on the other hand, holds th ...Read More >
Infosys has announced an average 85% performance bonus for eligible employees in Q2 FY25, reflecting its strong financial performance. The bonus, paid to mid- and junior-level staff, will be credited with the November salaries, with individual payouts varying based on performance. This follows Infosys' impressive 4.7% rise in Q2 net profit and a revenue increase of 5.1%, leading to an upward revision of its FY25 revenue guidance. The bonus payout surpasses the previous quarter's 80%, with Infosys outpacing rivals like TCS. Employees are also awaiting salary hikes, with revisions expected from ...Read More >
Sunmei Hotels Group has announced the launch of Sunmei Group International (SGI) and three new overseas brands—SHANKEE, PENRO, and LANOU—marking its expansion into the UAE market. The company plans to introduce SHANKEE Hotels, a smart economy brand, to cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh. SGI focuses on smart marketing, modular renovations, and intelligent operations, leveraging big data and AI to enhance service and guest experiences. Chairman Ma Yingyao aims to open 100 hotels globally within the next decade, doubling revenue and establishing a strong international presence for Chinese ...Read More >
In the financial sector, the rise of generalist lenders is gaining traction as market dynamics shift. Once overlooked, lenders offering a broad spectrum of services are now favored over specialists like microfinance or affordable housing lenders. Post-COVID, regulatory pressures and emerging risks in niche sectors have driven many lenders to diversify their portfolios, appealing to investors seeking stability. From gold loans to SME lending, diversification mitigates risk and strengthens customer relationships. As the financial landscape evolves, the demand for generalist lenders is expected t ...Read More >
The churning waters of the 21 Century maritime domain are no longer defined solely by steel-hulled might and firepower. Today, the true battleground lies in the unseen realms of algorithms, data streams and quantum states. The Indian Navy, a sentinel of the vast Indian Ocean Region (IOR), stands at the cusp of this technological revolution, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing to secure its maritime sovereignty and amplify its geopolitical influence. India's journey into this brave new world is both a strategic necessity and an audacious leap. With China's growing nav ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 4 (ANI): The GSEC in Hyderabad will be the first of its kind in the APAC region after Tokyo and only the fifth globally, with similar facilities in Dublin, Munich, and Malaga, according to a statement. This GSEC is a specialised international cybersecurity hub designed to play a crucial role in developing advanced security and online safety products tailored for the Indian context. The centre will focus on cutting-edge research, AI-driven security solutions, and creating a collaborative platform for leading experts and researchers in cybersecurity. It also aims to ...Read More >
Gurugram (Haryana) [India], December 12: Navanc, a pioneering FinTech startup building India's first AI-powered property score and stack for secured lending and insurance practices, has successfully raised USD 1 million in a seed funding round. The round was led by Prarambh Ventures, with participation from Inflection Point Ventures (IPV), Brigade REAP FirstPort Capital, and marquee angel investors Also Read | US: Joe Biden Commutes Roughly 1,500 Sentences and Pardons 39 People in Biggest Single-Day Act of Clemency. The funds will be directed toward expanding operations across India, with a ...Read More >
Balaji Govindarajan is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of extensive experience in the insurance domain, particularly focusing on Property and Casualty Insurance. His expertise encompasses planning and executing large-scale end-to-end testing, integration projects, and legacy system migration. He has successfully led numerous initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and compliance with industry standards. Balaji's experience encompasses functional and automation testing of critical applications such as Policypro, Duck Creek, Guidewire and various policy administration and bil ...Read More >
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has launched the Quantum Embark advisory program to help businesses prepare for the emerging quantum computing era. The program comes as quantum stocks, like IonQ, see significant growth, driven by innovations in drug discovery, cryptography, and materials science. Companies like D-Wave and Rigetti are advancing quantum technologies, with D-Wave focusing on optimization problems and Rigetti on scalable quantum systems. Despite early financial losses, these companies are gaining traction with government contracts and commercial clients. As quantum computing evolves, in ...Read More >
Anuj Kumar, Director & CEO of CAMS, highlights that despite recent market corrections, the company expects FY25 to be one of its strongest years. CAMS continues to dominate by winning 70-80% of new bids, focusing on execution and margin expansion, and anticipates significant revenue and profit growth driven by mutual funds and associated business lines.Anuj Kumar, Director & CEO, CAMS, says there has been some market correction and some flattening of the mood in the last two months. But as things come back, we should be holding our projections and FY25 should be one of the strongest years in t ...Read More >
News 2 min read Indian IT industry to see 30-35 pc high demand for niche tech roles in 2025 The Indian IT industry is projected to see 30-35 per cent increased demand for highly-specialised tech roles in 2025, along with increased spending on upskilling in the coming years, according to a new report. New Delhi, The Indian IT industry is projected to see 30-35 per cent increased demand for highly-specialised tech roles in 2025, along with increased spending on upskilling in the coming years, acco ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 18 (PTI) Reliance Nippon Life Insurance, a subsidiary of debt-ridden Reliance Capital (RCAP), has initiated talks with IndusInd Bank for bancassurance partnership as the IIHL and RCAP deal has reached the final lap. Mauritius-based IndusInd International Holdings Ltd (IIHL), the parent entity of IndusInd Bank, won the bid to acquire RCAP and entities under it. Also Read | Cancer Vaccine Ready for Use, Announces Russia; What Is the Cost? How Effective Is It? When Will It Be Available?. "IIHL and Japan-based Nippon Life have struck a good understanding and they are absolutely c ...Read More >
NewsVoir Gurugram (Haryana) [India], December 12: Navanc, a pioneering FinTech startup building India's first AI-powered property score and stack for secured lending and insurance practices, has successfully raised USD 1 million in a seed funding round. The round was led by Prarambh Ventures, with participation from Inflection Point Ventures (IPV), Brigade REAP FirstPort Capital, and marquee angel investors The funds will be directed toward expanding operations across India, with a focus on strengthening Navanc's presence in urban and semi-urban areas. Additionally, the startup will bolster ...Read More >
Bengaluru, India (OTE) - Leveraging Infosys Topaz and Google Cloud technology, the center of excellence will foster co-innovation to deliver transformative AI-powered solutions Infosys (NSE: INFY), (BSE: INFY), (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, today announced the launch of a Google Cloud center of excellence, powered by Infosys Topaz, to foster enterprise AI innovation. The center will serve as a catalyst for co-creation and help businesses harness the power of generative AI to achieve transformative growth. Infosys and Google Cloud share a s ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Databricks, the Data and AI company, announced its Series J funding. The company is raising $10 billion of expected non-dilutive financing and has completed $8.6 billion to date. This funding values Databricks at $62 billion and is led by Thrive Capital. Along with Thrive, the round is co-led by Andreessen Horowitz, DST Global, GIC, Insight Partners and WCM Investment Management. Other significant participants include existing investor Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan and new investors ICONIQ Growth, MGX, Sands Capital and Wellington Management. The company has seen increased momentu ...Read More >
HYDERABAD, India, Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- IBSAT 2024, the proctored online aptitude test conducted by The ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education, is MBA aspirants' gateway to premier MBA, PGPM offered at nine ICFAI Business School (IBS) campuses. With applications closing in the third week of December, this is the perfect time for the candidates to secure their future with IBS and explore its Rs. 10 crore scholarship program. IBSAT is designed to reduce the stress on aspirants unlike CAT, XAT as the test does not have negative markings or sectional time limits, allowing candidates to foc ...Read More >
By Shankar Bhaskaran, Managing Director - India, MetricStream In recent years, operational risk management (ORM) has garnered significant attention from banking and financial services (BFS) regulators. The increasingly unpredictable operational landscape -- characterised by fluctuating business prospects, a rise in regulations and updates, escalating service costs, and internal challenges such as operational lapses, fraud, and employee disengagement -- has created a pressing need for robust operational risk management strategies in BFS organisations. Fortunately, the leaders of BFS organisat ...Read More >
Palo Alto Networks, released its 2025 cybersecurity predictions for the Asia Pacific region, outlining five key trends that cyber practitioners can expect to unfold in the coming twelve months and position their organisations for a more secure future. Organisations across the APAC region have emphasised embedding AI into business processes in 2024. This includes cybersecurity processes, where organisations and their adversaries are engaged in an AI arms race. But alarmingly, according to a recent PwC report, more than 40% of leaders say they do not understand the cyber risks posed by emerging ...Read More >
ICICI Lombard partners with Arya.ai to leverage the Arya Apex AI platform, resulting in 98% workflow automation and enhanced customer satisfaction. This collaboration sets a new standard in the insurance industry by significantly boosting operational speed, scalability, and customer experience in just three months. ICICI Lombard, a major player in the Indian private-sector insurance market, has teamed up with Arya.ai, a leader in AI-driven enterprise solutions. Together, they are revolutionizing the industry with Arya Apex, an all-encompassing AI API platform that has achieved a remarkable 98 ...Read More >