Is India ready for the AI revolution? The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, from generative AI tools to sophisticated machine learning algorithms, are transforming industries across the nation. From fintech's burgeoning use of AI-powered fraud detection to the agricultural sector's embrace of precision farming technologies, the impact is undeniable. This week saw a major breakthrough in indigenous 5G technology development, signaling India's growing prowess in the global tech landscape. But alongside this progress comes the crucial discussion surrounding data privacy, cybersecurity, and the ethical implications of AI deployment. How will India navigate these challenges and harness the transformative power of technology for inclusive growth? Explore the latest developments in Indian tech, from the rise of digital payments to the burgeoning startup ecosystem, and discover how innovation is shaping the nation's future. Stay informed with Abtak.com – your gateway to understanding the tech revolution reshaping India.
Bengaluru: In an exclusive interview with TOI, WNS Group CEO Keshav Murugesh discusses how Capgemini's acquisition of WNS is a move to prepare for a future that requires combining business process understanding with new-age technologies, allowing outsourcers to address a far larger portion of clients' businesses.How do you see the synergies playing out in this deal, especially with all the changes AI is bringing to the tech space?Both companies are approaching this from a long-term perspective. This strategic combination is about accelerating our business in the direction the market is likely to head in the coming years. This isn't just about what we're doing today -- it's about anticipating where the market is going in the era of GenAI, and the integration of technology and operations, which we're referring to as intelligent operations. Long-term, companies that build a joint strategy now are better positioned to capture the larger addressable market -- something Aiman and I have both discussed regularly. According to most analysts, the global business services (GBS) market is only 30% penetrated. That leaves a 70% white space. With the rise of AI and generative AI, the combination of domain expertise, digital capability, and data -- essentially the convergence of technology and operations -- is exactly what clients want from their strategic partners. Instead of building these capabilities internally, clients are looking to external partners who can drive these outcomes. WNS brings deep domain process expertise and strong presence in the US and UK. Capgemini adds capabilities in technology -- including IT, AI, data analytics, and consulting -- along with financial scale and a strong footprint in Europe. Importantly, we're doing this from a position of strength to serve the industry's needs over the next 5 to 10 years.Traditionally, business process outsourcing (BPO) was seen as distinct from IT. Are those lines blurring?This kind of combination allows us to compete for much larger deals. With AI and agentic AI, we're seeing the potential to manage a client's entire end-to-end value chain. This combination brings together deep domain expertise and the ability to deliver superior technology and AI solutions. While our GBS business is currently larger, combining it with Capgemini's consulting, tech, and AI capabilities creates massive growth potential. This truly is an industry-defining moment.The deal is valued at $3.3 billion, excluding debt. How will the debt component be handled?It's all embedded in the capitalised cost. The offer includes a 27% premium over the 30-day average and a 28% premium over the 90-day average. It also exceeds the 52-week high.This is a highly positive outcome for our shareholders. For employees, it's equally promising. Subject to deal approval, they will have the opportunity to work in a much larger enterprise with a strong track record of successful acquisitions, including Igate, and Syniti. Many of Capgemini's current senior leaders came through acquisitions, which speaks volumes about the opportunity this presents for WNS talent. Given WNS is listed in the US, will there be a delisting? Will WNS continue as a brand?WNS will be merged into Capgemini, and our business will become part of their global business services unit. WNS shares will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange. We still need shareholder approval, and we'll also go through the regulatory approval process in various countries, including antitrust clearances. Capgemini has indicated in their release that the expected timeline is by the end of this year.With automation disrupting many lower and mid-level BPM processes, is this deal a response to deeper challenges facing the industry?Not at all. In fact, the total addressable market is expanding due to these new technologies. Many companies still manage their own back and middle office functions, and increasingly, even front office processes. These can now be handled more efficiently by process players who understand technology.This partnership takes a leadership position in blending technology and business processes. So, this is not a response to a crisis. It's a forward-looking move, designed to capitalise on growth and long-term opportunity. How much progress have you made in agentic AI? What implementations are underway? Agentic AI is one of the critical tools shaping the future of business. The scale of investment required is significant. Capgemini has already committed nearly €900 million to GenAI-related projects. They're investing heavily in AI technologies and have trained over 35,000 people. At WNS, AI and automation are part of our core offering -- it's essential for staying relevant, improving productivity, and driving growth. The power of this partnership lies in combining our strengths. AI, GenAI, and agentic AI will be managed more effectively together than either of us could do alone.
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 >
In a historic move, U.S. Justice Department antitrust regulators are pushing for a court order that would force Google to sell its Chrome browser. This request follows a ruling in August, which determined that Google had unlawfully monopolized the search market. Additionally, the department aims to impose restrictions on Google's artificial intelligence practices and its Android operating system. This unprecedented legal action targets one of the world’s largest tech companies, marking a significant escalation in the U.S. government's efforts to curb monopolistic practices in the digital indus ...Read More >
Alber doubled Williams-Sonoma's business since 2010 and widened the margin; growth is expected to continue and support a healthy capital return. There are many reasons to own a stock, and the CEO is one of them. The right CEO can be the defining factor in a company's success, shaping operations, driving growth, and delivering substantial shareholder returns. Strong leadership often signals not just steady performance but transformative potential. Brian Niccol and Laura Alber are prime examples of how executive vision can create lasting value. Their track records at Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc ...Read More >
* Commoditisation and similarity of products and services with competitors will have the most significant impact on how businesses deliver customer experiences over the next two years, according to the latest IDC InfoBrief commissioned by Affinidi * However, businesses who are looking to hyper-personalise their products as a competitive differentiator are facing several obstacles in addressing the privacy-personalisation dilemma, with 56% of them highlighting data collection and management to be a key challenge. * To truly enhance customer experiences through more personalised insights, they m ...Read More >
Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], December 2 (ANI): Ambuja Cements has taken a step toward achieving its Net Zero goals. The company has partnered with Finland-based technology leader Coolbrook to implement its proprietary RotoDynamic Heater (RDH) technology. According to the exchange filing, this cutting-edge, zero-carbon heating solution, powered by renewable electricity, will drastically reduce the company's dependence on fossil fuels and lower its carbon emissions, aligning with its sustainability vision. Ambuja Cements will significantly reduce its fossil fuel dependence by harnessing renewa ...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 >
Bengaluru, 4th December 2024- PURE EV, one of India's leading electric two-wheeler manufacturers, has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to strengthen its presence nationwide and expand globally while introducing innovative solutions for sustainable mobility. Over the next 30 months, the company aims to add 250 new dealerships, taking its total network to over 320 across India. The expansion will be driven by the growing demand for long-range scooters, electric motorcycles, large B2B contracts, and the company's entry into the house-hold brand space. Dr. Nishanth Dongari, Founder & MD of PURE EV, ...Read More >
Travellers on Schengen visas can add two more countries to their Europe itinerary from 2025On your next trip to Paris, make sure to add one more iconic stop to your itinerary -- Notre Dame, as the beloved cathedral reopens after five years of restoration following the devastating 2019 fire. The tragedy that nearly destroyed the iconic church in April 2019 sparked an outpouring of global emotion. Now, the cathedral -- described by historian Jacques Hillairet as "the house of the people" -- is set to open its gates on December 7, following an immense restoration effort involving a thousand skil ...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 >
SHANGHAI, Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MultiMetaVerse Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: MMV) (MMV or the Company), a leading animation and entertainment company for young consumers in China, today announced that it has signed a definitive share exchange agreement (the Share Exchange Agreement) with the shareholders (the Transferors) of Bowong AI Limited (Bowong Cayman), which, after a series of restructuring transactions, is expected to indirectly hold 100% equity interests in Bowong Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. (Bowong Technology). Bowong Technology is a company equipped with cutting-edge tec ...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, Dec 3 (UNI) In its first results post listing, on-demand convenience platform, Swiggy on Tuesday announced a 30 percent growth in Gross Order Value at Rs 11,306 crore for the quarter and half year ended September 30, 2024. Swiggy's overall Gross Order Value (GOV) grew 30 percent YoY to reach Rs 11306 crore, while the consolidated adjusted EBITDA loss of Rs 341 crore represented a reduction in the loss by 30 percent YoY. Platform Average Monthly Transacting Users (MTU) grew 19.2 percent YoY to 17.1M, the company said in a release. Sriharsha Majety, MD & Group CEO, Swiggy, said "The ...Read More >
HELSINKI - Finnish financial company Sampo Oyj (HEX:SAMPO) has completed the acquisition of its own A shares on November 26, as part of its ongoing share buyback program. The company reported that a total of 93,734 shares were purchased across various marketplaces at a weighted average price of €40.16 per share. The buyback initiative, which was first announced on June 17, 2024, originally set out to purchase up to €400 million worth of its own shares. Following a decision by Sampo's Board of Directors on September 16, 2024, the program was expanded to €475 million. The buyback is conducted u ...Read More >
FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Import tariffs expected to be implemented by the administration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump could lower economic growth and inflation in the 20 nations sharing the euro, European Central Bank board member Piero Cipollone said on Tuesday. Most economists agree that the possible tariffs would impact growth, though views diverge on the effect on consumer prices. Some argue the U.S. trade barriers will push up the value of the dollar, making imports of key commodities more expensive, while likely retaliation from Europe will also raise costs. Cipollone, speaking i ...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 >
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 >
- Renewed homepage of Samyang's industrial water treatment solution brand, 'TRILITE' ... Featuring AI chatbot 'TRIGENT' and Design programs 'TriAngle' - Providing tailored and technical information to the user's queries ... Service available in over 100 languages. - Innovative Water Treatment Design Softwares... Ion Exchange Resin and RO membrane SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Samyang Corporation (CEO Kang Ho-sung) introduced its new website for its water treatment solutions brand, 'TRILITE' (http://www.samyangtrilite.com), along with the launch of an innovative Artificia ...Read More >
In a turbulent market environment, Leslie's Inc. (LESL) stock has tumbled to a 52-week low, reaching a price level of just $2.42. This significant downturn reflects a stark contrast from its performance over the past year, with the company's shares experiencing a precipitous decline of -54.12%. Investors are closely monitoring Leslie's financial health and market position, as the stock's current valuation marks a critical juncture for the company's future trajectory. The substantial year-over-year drop has raised concerns among shareholders and market analysts alike, as they seek to understand ...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 >
OnePlus has released a new OxygenOS 15 update (CPH2573_15.0.0.305) for the OnePlus 12, bringing promised AI features such as AI Retouch, clarity enhancement, unblur, and reflection removal for photos, along with AI Notes. The update also enables live photo sharing with nearby iOS devices and includes the November 2024 Android security patch. Currently rolling out in batches in India, the update will expand to North America, Europe, and global markets next week. The update enhances both functionality and security, delivering on OnePlus' commitment to improving user experience with innovative AI ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 28: Pioneering furniture fittings solutions brand Hettich India is proud to announce that it has been officially certified as a Great Place to Work, a recognition that celebrates the company's unwavering commitment to creating an ecosystem where everybody thrives. Also Read | Diljit Dosanjh Concert in Kolkata 2024: Planning to Attend Dil-Luminati Tour, Don't Miss These 5 Must-Try Local Foods. This honor is especially meaningful, with an overwhelming 95% participation from employees helping Hettich India. It reflects a shared commitment to creating a fam ...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 >
Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) shares rose 5% on November 29 a day after shareholders rejected proposal to reappoint Punit Goenka as director. The media firm's shares rose over 5% to Rs 132.69 apiece on November 29. In a regulatory filing by the company on November 28, ZEEL said that the resolution for the reappointment of Goenka was defeated in the annual general meeting (AGM) of the company. Resolution number three in the AGM, which proposed the reappointment of Goenka as director, was supported by only 49.54 per cent of the total number of votes cast while 50.4 per cent voted a ...Read More >
Hyderabad: The phone tapping case in Telangana took a dramatic turn on Tuesday with the police booking former minister T. Harish Rao and others. A case against the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader and others was registered at Panjagutta Police Station in Hyderabad on a complaint by G. Chakradhar Goud, a real estate businessman. The complainant, who is also the founder of Farmers First Foundation, alleged harassment, threats, and unlawful phone surveillance. Panjagutta Police registered a case under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 120(B) (Criminal conspiracy), 386 (Extortion), 409 (Crimin ...Read More >
JPMorgan's CEO Jamie Dimon has envisioned a future where artificial intelligence (AI) could cut the traditional work week down to just 3.5 days. Speaking at the recent JPMorgan's annual investor day, Dimon said that AI would not just make businesses better but also improve work-life balance for employees, Fortune reports. He highlighted the historical benefits of technology but also noted job displacement risks from AI. In a chat with Bloomberg TV, Dimon disclosed that thousands at JP Morgan are already using AI. He called the tech a "living breathing thing" that keeps evolving. Despite the r ...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 >
India's BFSI sector is rapidly evolving with digital transformation, creating new opportunities for the youth to merge financial knowledge with tech skills. As automation, AI, blockchain, and big data reshape the industry, India’s young workforce must be equipped with specialized skills to stay competitive. Roles in data analysis, AI, and cybersecurity are growing, and companies that invest in technology and upskilling will lead the market. While government programs aim to bridge the skills gap, a collaborative approach with educational institutions and financial organizations is key to ensuri ...Read More >
Amante Capital, KKR's dedicated European hospitality platform, will serve as managing partner to the joint venture LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Leading investment firms KKR and The Baupost Group today announced a joint venture to purchase a portfolio of 33 Marriott International (NASDAQ:MAR) hotels across the UK from a wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA). Amante Capital, KKR's vertically integrated European hospitality platform, will serve as managing partner for the joint venture and the properties will continue as premium Marriott branded hotels. The portfolio ...Read More >