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.
The Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2024, one of India's largest platforms for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, is set to culminate in its Grand Finale at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee from 11th to 15th December 2024. As part of its 7th edition, SIH 2024 continues to exemplify the vision of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji to make India self-reliant and globally competitive through youth empowerment and innovation. He will interact with young innovators at the Grand Finale of Smart India Hackathon 2024 on 11th December 2024, at around 4:30 PM, via video conferencing. Over 1300 student teams will participate at the Grand Finale. Prime Minister will also address the gathering on the occasion. With over 86,000 teams registered, 49,000 advancing to nationals, and 10,800 finalists, SIH 2024 sets a new benchmark for innovation, tackling 250+ real-world challenges across sectors like Smart Vehicles, Agritech, Robotics, Disaster Management, Heritage, and Space Technology, driving India's technological leadership and sustainable growth. By connecting academia with industry and government, SIH enables participants to develop scalable solutions that can drive real-world impact. With a legacy spanning 177 years, IIT Roorkee stands as a beacon of technological excellence and societal transformation. As one of India's premier institutions, it has been at the forefront of innovation, aligning seamlessly with government initiatives like the Smart India Hackathon and the National Education Policy (NEP 2020). Through pioneering efforts such as the TMI-102 (Tinkering & Mentoring) course and an active Innovation and Incubation Cell (IIC), IIT Roorkee cultivates entrepreneurial talent and fosters critical thinking. Many projects originating from IIT Roorkee's platforms have transformed into impactful startups, earning global recognition, further reinforcing its commitment to advancing technology and shaping a self-reliant, sustainable India. As part of Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2024, IIT Roorkee is serving as the Nodal Centre, facilitating participation in groundbreaking challenges presented by leading organizations. The National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) has introduced three sophisticated problem statements, including Automatic Change Detection in Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite images (SIH1563), Automatic Road Extraction and Alert Generation for New Roads (SIH1564), and Target Detection using AI/ML to Optimize Anomaly Detection in Hyperspectral Image Processing (SIH1565). A total of 15 teams, with five teams per problem statement, are competing to develop innovative solutions. The Government of Himachal Pradesh has contributed with a challenge on Drone-Based Intelligent Systems for Apple Orchard Management (SIH1611), aiming to enhance precision agriculture, with five teams involved. Additionally, Godrej has introduced the challenge Innovating for Sustainability: Driving Smart Resource Conservation (Energy & Water) in Home Appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, and desert air coolers (SIH1524), engaging five teams in finding sustainable, energy-efficient solutions. These problem statements highlight the diversity of sectors covered by SIH 2024, including sustainability, advanced technology, and agriculture, underscoring the event's critical role in fostering innovation for national growth. Prof. Karun Rawat, Nodal In-Charge for SIH at IIT Roorkee, shared, "This year's hackathon at IIT Roorkee will showcase cutting-edge technological solutions. We are proud to host teams working on crucial problem statements, from sustainability to space technology. It's a privilege to contribute to the nation's innovation journey." The Grand Finale of SIH 2024 marks a defining moment in India's innovation journey, with participants presenting trailblazing solutions to real-world challenges, including satellite-based road mapping, energy-efficient smart devices, and agritech innovations using drones. Inaugurated by the Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, who will inspire the youth with his visionary address, this event fosters collaboration between students, industry leaders, and expert mentors. Beyond a competition, SIH 2024 stands as a transformative platform driving national development, equipping young innovators with skills to tackle complex societal challenges and shaping India's future as a global innovation leader. Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, emphasized with pride, "The Smart India Hackathon is a shining example of our nation's unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and creativity. At IIT Roorkee, we are proud to host this momentous event, which enables students to address critical national challenges through technology and ingenuity. We are deeply grateful to the Hon'ble Prime Minister and the Education Minister for their invaluable guidance and unwavering support in making this transformative initiative a reality. The Smart India Hackathon embodies the spirit of innovation that defines modern India. IIT Roorkee is privileged to host this Grand Finale, which not only empowers students but also significantly contributes to the nation's technological and societal progress. SIH 2024 is poised to inspire the next generation of leaders, motivating them to drive impactful change for a brighter future."
New Delhi [India], December 2: The IVCA GreenReturns Summit 2024 commenced today in New Delhi, convening over 400 visionaries, investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to chart a transformative path for India's green economy. The Summit is dedicated to aligning India's climate goals with its trillion-dollar economic aspirations for a 'Viksit Bharat,' spotlighting high-impact investment opportunities, addressing funding gaps, and driving actionable solutions for net-zero and climate adaptation. Also Read | Mamata Banerjee Says West Bengal Yet To Get INR 14,000 Crore From Centre for Supply of ...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 >
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 >
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 >
Bengaluru, Dec 11 (PTI) The National Law School of India University, which has pioneered and developed an integrated five-year BA LLB (honours) degree that transformed Indian legal education, has now come up with a three-year (honours) BA course with an option of an additional fourth year. The first cohort of the programme will be admitted in July 2025, the NLSIU said. "We are looking to develop something that is responsive to 2025, but is completely different," the NLSIU Vice Chancellor Sudhir Krishnaswamy said at the launch of the programme. He said the university will teach the social sc ...Read More >
ess than 24 hours after he asserted in Nigeria's Abuja that stepping out of the comfort zone, innovating and creating new paths has now become the very essence of today's India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday told the gathering of world's most influential leaders converged in Rio de Janeiro for the G20 Summit that the main reason for India's success lies in his government's 'back to basics' and 'march to the future' approach. Addressing the G20 session on 'Social Inclusion and the Fight Against Hunger and Poverty' at the bayside museum of modern art during the two-day 19th G20 Summit, ...Read More >
Amazon India's first Black Friday Sale starts Nov 29, offering huge discounts on electronics, home appliances, fashion, and more. Amazon India is gearing up for its first-ever Black Friday Sale, bringing the globally celebrated shopping bonanza to Indian customers. Starting November 29, 2024, and running until December 2, this five-day event promises incredible discounts across categories like electronics, home appliances, fashion, and more. Top brands such as Apple, Samsung, Sony, and LG are on the roster, making it a prime opportunity to snag premium gadgets and household items at unbeatabl ...Read More >
Trial conducted over a 118 km Boston metro route with 10 network hops and nine ROADMs. US wireless carrier Verizon has successfully tested the transportation of 1.6 terabits per second of data across a single wavelength on its live metro fiber network. Utilising Ciena's WaveLogic 6 Extreme (WL6e) coherent optical solution, the trial, conducted in Boston, demonstrated data travelling farther and faster across Verizon's fiber network. This upgrade enhances the network's ability to handle the workloads generated by artificial intelligence (AI) applications, particularly Generative AI, according ...Read More >
Smart India Hackathon 2024: The Smart India Hackathon 2024, designed to unite the nation's brightest young talent in solving real-world problems presented by major government ministries, is scheduled to take place from December 11 to 15. This is the seventh edition of the Smart India Hackathon, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will preside over this on Wednesday. More than 54,000 entries were received, and out of that, 1,300 teams (comprising over 10,800 participants) were selected to compete in figuring out the answers to 254 problem statements. Notably, most of the entries came from Tier 2 a ...Read More >
Vodafone Idea has launched an AI-powered Spam SMS solution to protect users from unwanted messages and potential fraud. The technology uses machine learning to detect and flag spam in real-time, with over 24 million messages identified since its testing phase. The solution complements existing measures like a user-friendly mobile app for filing complaints and reporting spam. Vi is also working on reducing unwanted voice calls and uses customer feedback for further detection. This initiative aims to provide proactive protection and safeguard customers' digital experience. Vodafone Idea's stock ...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 >
New Delhi, Dec 12 (PTI) The government on Thursday came out with the definition of green steel and asked the industry to take measures to bring down carbon emissions below the level of 2.2 tonnes on per tonne of finished products. Union Steel Minister H D Kumaraswamy also released a 'taxonomy on green steel' with parameters for giving star ratings on products based on the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted during the production process. The steel industry has been the backbone of India's industrial growth and it is imperative that this vital sector undergoes a transformative shift towards ...Read More >
The books for class 9-12 will be available from 2026-27. New Delhi: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has reduced the prices of books for classes 9 to 12 by 20 per cent. The decision was announced by NCERT Director Dinesh Prasad Saklani during an event held in the national capital on Monday. The reduction in the prices of books will be effective from the upcoming academic year. News agency PTI quoted the minister as saying that while the textbooks for classes 9- ...Read More >
The Andhra Pradesh government inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Google. The tech giant will launch its operations from Visakhapatnam in the State. Making the announcement at the district collectors' conference on Wednesday, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said HRD Minister Nara Lokesh's efforts have paved the way for this. The MoU was a significant development and would be a game changer. Visakhapatnam is poised for transformative growth, Mr. Naidu said. The chief minister, in ...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 >
VMPL New Delhi [India], December 18: Five months after the launch of the "Go Green with Taiwan" project by Taiwan International Trade Administration (TITA) and Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), and after receiving a total of 396 proposals from 45 countries around the world, the most exciting part is finally here. On December 9, 2024, the Top 5 finalists went on an all-expense paid trip to Taiwan where they presented their entries and convinced a distinguished panel of experts and judges from Taiwan that their entries can and will help change the way we live and establish a ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: The global personal computer (PC) shipments grew by 4.4% to 67.4 million units in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2024, driven by strong holiday season demands, and financing options such as buy now pay later (BNPL), according to the latest report released by Canalys on Friday. The PC market, comprising notebooks, desktops and notebooks, achieved its fifth consecutive quarter of growth in Q4 2024, Canalys said. Its data showed that notebook shipments (including mobile workstations) reached 53.7 million units, growing 5.8% year-over-year, while desktops (including desktop workstations) ...Read More >
As businesses increasingly adopt AI, customizing large language models (LLMs) like GPT and Claude is key to meeting industry-specific needs. Techniques like Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and in-context learning are gaining popularity. RAG enables real-time data retrieval, ideal for tasks requiring up-to-date information, while in-context learning provides guidance within the task prompt. Recent advancements in LLMs, such as larger context windows, offer new possibilities but also present challenges, including cost and efficiency. A hybrid approach combining RAG and long-context models m ...Read More >
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, campaigning to invite global investors to the Global Investors Summit to be held in Bhopal in February 2025, addressed an interactive session with industrialists during a roadshow in London, UK, on Tuesday. Yadav praised the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the rapid industrial development seen across India. Inviting the industrialists to invest in Madhya Pradesh, he highlighted that the state possesses one of the largest land banks in the country. Madhya Pradesh has transparent and investor-friendly policies and is a leader in the mining and ...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 >
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 >
New Delhi [India], November 26: Elitas Appliances, a brand synonymous with quality and innovation in home appliances, has officially launched its product line in India. Known for combining cutting-edge technology with elegant design, Elitas seeks to establish itself as a key player in the consumer durables sector, providing Indian households with superior, eco-friendly products. Also Read | From Nana Patekar's 'The Attacks of 26/11' to Dev Patel's 'Hotel Mumbai', 5 Movies and Shows That Explored the Horrific 2008 Mumbai Attacks and Where To Watch Them Online. Elitas's range of home appliance ...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 >
The University of Bath is named one of the world's top 150 universities by the QS World University Rankings 2025 Offering leading MSc programmes, the University of Bath School of Management excels in combining world-class education with real-world learning opportunities. The University of Bath's School of Management is rapidly gaining international recognition as one of the United Kingdom's premier business schools. This prestigious university is first in Marketing, second in Accounting and Finance, second in Business and Management Studies in the UK according to The Complete University Guid ...Read More >
Indian sustainability startups are currently at the forefront in terms of handling critical environmental challenges. They are emerging with innovating solutions frequently for a greener future. Key Communications recently conducted a survey and it reports that the startups are in need of urgent support to make their journey less struggling. The survey reveals that more than 60% of sustainability startups in the country believe that they need stronger government backing with respect to growth and funding. Currently there are about 6,600 cleantech startups in India and such ventures are import ...Read More >
PNN Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], December 6: We are thrilled to announce that ABSYZ Software Consulting, a Youngsoft company, and a trusted Salesforce partner since 2014, has been elevated to Salesforce Summit Partner status, the highest recognition within the Salesforce consulting ecosystem. This milestone highlights ABSYZ's unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation focused on customer needs, and delivering transformative results for clients through its global Salesforce implementations. As one of the elite 5% of Salesforce consulting partners worldwide, this achievement reflects ou ...Read More >
PNN New Delhi [India], December 12: In the 21st century, the world is going green in phases, and therefore using renewable sources of energy isn't going to harm the environment, but it's going to benefit your pocket. On average, the IEA has anticipated an increase of renewable energy sources' capacity by 75% from 2022 to 2027, spearheaded by solar and wind energy. Renewable energy investment is already at more than $50 billion annually in the United States. It is projected to climb even higher as federal incentives such as the Inflation Reduction Act push this sector forward. To the industr ...Read More >
New Delhi, November 27, 2024: The Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development (CESD), SIST, Jamia Hamdard, organized a thought-provoking lecture on "Climate Change and Green Transition: Global Impact on Natural Disasters and their Management" on 25 November 2024. The event was part of CESD's ongoing initiatives to promote awareness and action on critical environmental issues. Professor (Dr.) M. Z. Abdin, Director of CESD, delivered the welcome address and introductory remarks, setting the stage for the session. He emphasized the urgency of transitioning to green energy and sustainable ...Read More >