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Artificial Intelligence

Google reportedly cuts over 200 AI contractors amid unionisation concerns

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Google has allegedly laid off more than 200 contract workers engaged in its artificial intelligence projects, including the development of Gemini and AI Overviews, according to a report by WIRED. The layoffs, carried out in at least two phases last month, came with minimal or no notice, leaving many workers abruptly locked out of their roles. “I was just cut off,” said Andrew Lauzon, a contractor who received an email on August 15 notifying him that his contract had ended. Lauzon, employed by Hitachi-owned GlobalLogic since March 2024, had been involved in training Google’s Gemini chatbot and related AI tools. He said he was told the termination was due to a “ramp-down on the project,” but questioned the security of such precarious employment. Many of the affected contractors, some holding advanced degrees like master’s and PhDs, were part of a group known as “super raters” — workers tasked with reviewing and refining AI responses to make them more accurate and natural. Contractors stressed the importance of their work in shaping Google’s AI products, including the AI Overviews feature that provides summarized search results. “We play an incredibly vital role,” said one rater, noting that engineers rely on their feedback to fine-tune the systems. Google, however, has distanced itself from the job cuts, clarifying that the affected individuals were employees of GlobalLogic or its subcontractors, not Alphabet. “As the employers, GlobalLogic and their subcontractors are responsible for the employment and working conditions of their employees,” Google spokesperson Courtenay Mencini said. The development comes at a time when Google is doubling down on AI investments to compete with rivals such as OpenAI and Microsoft, raising questions about job security in the rapidly evolving AI industry. Source: IANS

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Majority of Indian Firms Lack AI Governance Amid Soaring Data Breach Costs: IBM Report

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A new IBM study has revealed that a significant portion of Indian companies remain unprepared to tackle the cybersecurity challenges posed by rapid AI adoption. According to the Cost of a Data Breach Report 2025, nearly 60% of Indian organizations either do not have an AI governance policy in place or are still developing one, highlighting a concerning disconnect between the use of artificial intelligence and the implementation of necessary safeguards. The report underscores a growing vulnerability, as India records its highest-ever average cost of a data breach — ₹220 million in 2025, reflecting a 13% spike from ₹195 million the previous year. The increase is attributed largely to companies deploying AI tools without adequate risk management frameworks or access controls. IBM’s global analysis suggests this is not an isolated trend. While businesses worldwide are embracing AI technologies, security infrastructure is struggling to keep pace, creating fertile ground for cyberattacks on unmanaged AI systems. In India, the statistics are alarming: Only 37% of organizations have instituted AI-specific access controls. A mere 42% have mechanisms in place to detect or manage “shadow AI” — unauthorized AI tools used without IT oversight. Shadow AI has now emerged as one of the top three contributors to breach-related costs, adding an average of ₹17.9 million to each incident. However, a majority of organizations have yet to implement tools or protocols to monitor these hidden threats. When it comes to breach causes, phishing remains the leading culprit, responsible for 18% of incidents, followed by third-party and supply chain vulnerabilities (17%) and exploitation of known system flaws (13%). The research sector topped the chart with the highest average breach cost at ₹289 million, closely followed by transportation (₹288 million) and industrial sectors (₹264 million). Despite the clear advantages of using AI-powered cybersecurity solutions — which the report notes can cut breach-related costs by more than 50% — a staggering 73% of Indian organizations report minimal or no deployment of AI-driven security automation. The findings stress an urgent need for enterprises to not only accelerate their adoption of AI governance frameworks but also invest in AI-based defense mechanisms to reduce vulnerability and financial exposure in an increasingly digital world. Source: IBM

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India’s IT Sector Employs Over 6 Million; Govt Unveils Comprehensive AI Strategy

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India’s thriving information technology sector now employs over 6 million professionals and generates annual revenues exceeding $250 billion, the government informed Parliament on Wednesday. Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Jitin Prasada, shared these insights in a written response to the Lok Sabha, emphasizing the country’s expanding footprint in cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). India ranks among the global leaders in AI capabilities, policies, and talent, according to international benchmarks such as the Stanford AI Index. The country also holds the position of the second-largest contributor to GitHub’s AI projects, underscoring its dynamic developer ecosystem. Prasada highlighted that India’s AI strategy is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of democratizing technology. The overarching aim is to solve India-specific challenges while fostering inclusive economic growth and employment opportunities. To achieve these goals, the government launched the IndiaAI Mission in March 2024. This initiative is designed to build a robust and inclusive AI ecosystem aligned with national development priorities. The mission operates under a seven-pillar framework: IndiaAI Compute Capacity – Offers affordable high-performance computing resources (including GPUs) to startups and MSMEs. IndiaAI Foundation Models – Focuses on developing indigenous large multimodal AI models trained on local datasets and languages, ensuring technological sovereignty. AIKosh – A unified platform integrating government and private datasets for training AI systems. IndiaAI Application Development Initiative – Targets the development of AI solutions for Indian challenges in sectors like climate resilience, agriculture, public health, governance, and learning assistance. IndiaAIFutureSkills – Aims to create a large pool of AI talent by expanding graduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in AI, while setting up Data and AI Labs in smaller cities. IndiaAI Startup Financing – Provides financial backing to AI-driven startups to scale innovations. Trusted AI – Promotes safe and ethical AI use by embedding governance and accountability into innovation. This holistic approach reflects India’s ambition to emerge as a global powerhouse in AI while ensuring the benefits of technology reach every segment of society. Source: IANS

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PM Modi Calls for Ethical AI and Stronger Global South Cooperation at BRICS Outreach Summit

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At the BRICS Outreach Summit held in Brazil, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for responsible use of Artificial Intelligence, stronger South-South cooperation, and reforms in global financial governance. Addressing leaders from Latin America, Africa, and Asia, Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to multilateralism and inclusive global development. Speaking at the session titled ‘Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic-Financial Matters, and Artificial Intelligence’, Modi thanked Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for the opportunity to engage with fellow nations from the extended BRICS family. “It is a pleasure to share India’s perspectives with our friends from Latin America, Africa, and Asia. I thank President Lula for this invitation,” he said. Highlighting the rising influence of BRICS amid global uncertainty, the Prime Minister noted that the group’s diversity and shared vision of a multipolar world are key strengths. “As the world faces numerous crises, BRICS must step up and serve as a pillar of stability and cooperation,” he stated. Modi outlined four key areas to advance BRICS collaboration: Economic Integration and Financial Reforms He acknowledged the contributions of the BRICS Business Council and Women Business Alliance in strengthening economic ties. Modi also supported Brazil’s push for reforming global financial institutions. He emphasized that the BRICS New Development Bank should focus on long-term, sustainable, and demand-driven projects, particularly to benefit countries in the Global South.  Empowering the Global South Modi stressed that BRICS must respond to the unique needs of developing nations. He spotlighted India’s BRICS Agricultural Research Platform as a tool to foster innovation in agri-tech, climate adaptation, and precision farming. Additionally, he proposed two new initiatives — One Nation, One Subscription to improve access to academic resources and a BRICS Science and Research Repository for collective knowledge sharing.  Securing Global Supply Chains Calling for cooperative efforts to ensure fair access to critical minerals and technologies, the Prime Minister warned against the strategic misuse of such resources. He urged BRICS to develop resilient and transparent supply chains that serve collective interests.  Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence Modi highlighted the dual nature of AI — its potential to transform lives and the ethical concerns it raises. He reiterated India’s ‘AI for All’ approach, showcasing AI’s growing role in Indian agriculture, healthcare, education, and governance. Emphasizing the importance of international standards, he called for frameworks to ensure transparency, accountability, and authenticity in AI-generated content.  He welcomed the release of the BRICS Leaders’ Statement on AI Governance as a step in the right direction and announced that India will host the AI Impact Summit next year, inviting global participation. Reaffirming India’s leadership in promoting South-South solidarity, PM Modi concluded, “The Global South looks to us with hope. By setting an example, India remains dedicated to working hand-in-hand with partner nations to achieve shared development goals.” Source: DD News

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Meta Launches New AI Superintelligence Lab, Brings in Top Talent

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Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has unveiled a major transformation in the company’s artificial intelligence strategy by introducing a newly formed division focused on building AI systems with superhuman capabilities. The initiative, titled Meta Superintelligence Labs, will spearhead efforts to create AI that can match or surpass human performance in various tasks. At the helm of this ambitious endeavor is Alexandr Wang, co-founder of data-labeling firm Scale AI, who joins Meta as the Chief AI Officer. Zuckerberg, in an internal message to employees on Monday, praised Wang as “the most impressive founder of his generation.” Wang will be joined by Nat Friedman, former GitHub CEO, who will co-lead the lab and guide Meta’s work in applied AI research and product development. Zuckerberg emphasized that AI has become the company’s highest priority this year. “The development of superintelligent AI is no longer a distant concept—it’s within reach,” he wrote. “This marks the dawn of a new era, and I am determined to ensure Meta leads this transformation.” The new direction comes amid an intense race between major tech giants—including OpenAI and Google—to dominate the frontier of AI innovation. Meta has ramped up investments in cutting-edge infrastructure like chips and data centers and has also aggressively recruited top-tier AI talent. A major milestone in this strategy was Meta’s recent $14.3 billion investment in Scale AI, which also brought Wang into the fold. The company is also in discussions to acquire AI startups such as Perplexity AI, Runway AI, and PlayAI, the latter known for using AI to replicate human voices. To further strengthen its superintelligence efforts, Meta has onboarded 11 elite AI researchers from companies including OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google DeepMind. Among the new hires are Jack Rae and Pei Sun from DeepMind, former OpenAI experts Jiahui Yu, Shuchao Bi, Shengjia Zhao, and Hongyu Ren, as well as Anthropic’s Joel Pobar—who previously spent over a decade at Meta. With these moves, Meta is positioning itself to be a dominant force in the next wave of AI evolution. Source: Bloomberg

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PM Modi and Cyprus President Hold Strategic Bilateral Talks in Nicosia, Pledge Deeper India-Cyprus Ties

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On his official visit to Cyprus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held extensive bilateral talks with President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia on Monday. The meeting, marked by a ceremonial welcome, focused on strengthening ties across multiple domains and underlined both countries’ shared commitment to peace, security, and global cooperation. Expressing gratitude, Prime Minister Modi thanked Cyprus for its firm condemnation of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam (April 2025), highlighting the strong solidarity between the two nations in the fight against terrorism. “Cyprus’s unwavering support reflects our mutual commitment to counter-terrorism efforts,” he noted. The leaders reaffirmed their respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. PM Modi reiterated India’s continued backing of a unified Cyprus and called for a peaceful resolution of the Cyprus issue in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, international law, and European Union principles. The talks covered a wide spectrum of bilateral cooperation — from trade and cultural exchange to defence and digital innovation. New areas such as fintech, artificial intelligence, start-ups, and mobility were identified as future avenues for collaboration. Significantly, both sides agreed to formulate a five-year roadmap aimed at boosting strategic cooperation. Key priorities include launching maritime and cyber security dialogues and enhancing intelligence-sharing mechanisms to jointly combat terrorism, arms smuggling, and narcotics trafficking. As Cyprus prepares for its Presidency of the Council of the European Union in early 2026, the leaders committed to further advancing the India–EU relationship. They reviewed progress on the India–EU Strategic Dialogue and stressed the urgency of concluding the long-delayed Free Trade Agreement by the end of 2025. President Christodoulides assured India that Cyprus would champion the EU–India strategic partnership during its presidency, particularly in areas like green energy, defence, maritime security, and space collaboration. Both sides acknowledged the signing of the Bilateral Defence Cooperation Programme earlier in January 2025 as a key step toward deeper defence ties. They also welcomed the formation of the India-Greece-Cyprus Business and Investment Council, seen as a vital mechanism for expanding trilateral engagement. Discussions also touched on the need for improved air connectivity to boost business, tourism, and educational exchange. Prime Minister Modi emphasized the strategic significance of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), calling it a transformative initiative for long-term regional prosperity. On the global stage, India and Cyprus reaffirmed their shared commitment to reforming international governance institutions. PM Modi appreciated Cyprus’s support for India’s bid for permanent membership in a restructured United Nations Security Council, noting, “The global order must evolve to reflect current realities.” The leaders also exchanged views on international developments, including ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Europe. To bolster cultural ties, both countries signed an MoU to set up an India Studies Chair at the University of Nicosia under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). The meeting underscored a growing convergence of strategic interests between India and Cyprus, setting the tone for a more robust partnership in the years ahead. Source: DD News

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IIM Calcutta Launches Executive Programme on Strategic Marketing and AI Integration

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The Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM Calcutta) has introduced a new executive education programme titled “Strategic Marketing for Leaders: Leveraging AI for Growth” in partnership with Emeritus. The 18-week online course is designed for mid to senior-level professionals seeking to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to drive innovation and growth in marketing. The programme addresses a growing demand for AI expertise in marketing sectors. Recent industry reports highlight this trend: According to the PwC Global CEO Survey 2024, 70% of Indian CEOs expect Generative AI to significantly impact value creation, particularly in marketing and customer experience. Additionally, EY’s report “The AIdea of India: 2025” reveals that 71% of Indian retailers plan to adopt Generative AI within the next year. IIM Calcutta, ranked fifth in India by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024 and accredited by global bodies including AMBA, EQUIS, and AACSB, will deliver the programme curriculum. Key learning areas include predictive analytics, generative AI applications in marketing, omnichannel strategy, customer journey mapping, and strategic planning involving branding, pricing, and performance marketing. The course features a combination of asynchronous video lectures and live sessions led by Professor Saravana Jaikumar from IIM Calcutta. Participants will engage with real-world case studies from brands such as Nike, Apple, and Southwest Airlines, along with simulations and a final capstone project to reinforce practical learning. As an added benefit, participants can attend an optional one-day networking and immersion event at the IIM Calcutta campus, providing valuable opportunities to interact with faculty, peers, and industry leaders. The programme targets graduates and diploma holders (minimum 10+2+3 education) working in marketing, digital marketing, consulting, business strategy, retail, FMCG, technology, ecommerce, and media sectors. It is especially relevant for those moving into strategic leadership roles or responsible for customer engagement and growth. Avnish Singhal, Executive Vice President and Head for India & APAC at Emeritus, commented, “This programme equips marketing leaders with the strategic insight and AI expertise needed to lead business transformation and innovation in today’s fast-changing landscape.” Interested professionals can find more information about the programme, enrollment process, fees, and deadlines on the official websites of IIM Calcutta and Emeritus. Source: IIM-C  

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BITS Pilani and USC Viterbi Join Forces for Dual Degrees and Research Excellence

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In a significant move to expand global academic collaboration, BITS Pilani has entered into a strategic partnership with the University of Southern California’s Viterbi School of Engineering. The alliance, cemented on June 5 at USC’s Olin Hall of Engineering, focuses on creating new opportunities for joint research, academic exchange, and dual degree programmes. This collaboration brings together two renowned institutions to explore emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, quantum computing, and sustainable engineering. Through this partnership, both institutions aim to enhance faculty and student mobility, facilitate joint academic initiatives, and introduce an integrated degree pathway that bridges undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Prof. Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice Chancellor of BITS Pilani, described the MoU as a pivotal step in broadening the global exposure of students and faculty. He noted that the combined expertise of BITS and USC will help foster innovation and enrich academic learning across disciplines. Dean Yannis C. Yortsos of USC Viterbi echoed the sentiment, adding that the collaboration aligns with USC’s vision of nurturing international alliances that advance knowledge and research impact worldwide. One of the key highlights of this agreement is an accelerated Master’s programme for BITS Pilani engineering undergraduates. Eligible students, after completing three years of their BE course, will have the opportunity to begin their Master of Science degree at USC while finishing their undergraduate requirements—fast-tracking their academic progression. Additionally, the collaboration will feature a two-week exchange programme where USC students will visit BITS Pilani campuses to participate in academic sessions and immerse themselves in Indian culture. Faculty exchange is also a core component of the partnership, with educators from both institutions engaging in joint research, co-teaching, and academic workshops. BITS Pilani selects its students primarily through the BITSAT entrance test, with provisions for direct admission of board examination toppers and international candidates—ensuring that some of India’s brightest students benefit from this new global initiative. This academic alliance is poised to pave the way for groundbreaking research, cross-cultural learning, and international academic excellence. Source: India Today  

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IIM Sambalpur Unveils New Undergraduate Programmes in Public Policy and AI to Shape Future Leaders

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In a strategic move aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Sambalpur has launched two groundbreaking undergraduate programmes: Bachelor of Science in Management and Public Policy and Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. These four-year, fully residential programmes are designed to nurture future-ready professionals with a blend of analytical, ethical, and leadership skills. The BSc in Management and Public Policy targets students interested in driving grassroots change, with a curriculum that emphasizes sustainability, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, and community-led development. The programme aspires to bridge the gap between policy formulation and real-world impact. Admissions to this course will be facilitated through the Common University Entrance Test (CUET). Meanwhile, the BSc in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders, aims to boost India’s digital transformation journey and enhance global competitiveness. It focuses on cultivating ethical AI use, advanced data analytics, and innovation-driven problem-solving. Entry into this programme will be via JEE Main scores. Highlighting the institution’s progressive approach, the courses are structured with multiple entry and exit options—students can earn a certificate after one year, a diploma after two, a degree after three, and an honors degree upon completing the fourth year. This flexibility is intended to support diverse learner pathways in line with NEP 2020 goals. IIM Sambalpur Director, Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, expressed pride in the launch, calling it a “pioneering step” in cultivating responsible, entrepreneurial leaders. “These programmes are not only about acquiring academic knowledge; they’re about building leaders equipped with a global outlook and the compassion to address societal challenges,” he noted. The launch event also featured a roundtable discussion on the theme: ‘Global Capability Centres (GCCs) as Engines of Innovation for Global Enterprises’. The dialogue spotlighted the emerging role of GCCs as strategic, innovation-led units rather than cost-effective back-offices. Bramhanand Jha, Vice President at the National eGovernance Division (MeitY), served as the chief guest. He emphasized the transformative role of GCCs in shaping future-ready, tech-enabled enterprises that drive global business strategies. Keynote speakers included Lt. Col. Piyush Shukla, Director of JEE at the National Testing Agency (NTA), and Rajesh Kumar, Director of CUET at NTA. Both underlined the significance of evolving India’s education assessment systems to support innovation, inclusivity, and talent discovery aligned with the country’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. “The education landscape in India is being reshaped to identify talent capable of thriving in dynamic, innovation-driven environments like GCCs,” said Shukla. Kumar added that initiatives like CUET are vital to democratizing access to quality higher education and preparing students for leadership in a global digital economy. The launch concluded with insightful panel discussions featuring academic and industry experts on “Transforming Operations through GCCs: The Digital Shift from Cost Efficiency to Strategic Value” and “Aligning Talent Upskilling with Policy Innovation for Sustainable GCC Growth.” With this initiative, IIM Sambalpur reaffirms its commitment to fostering responsible, innovation-driven leadership that is attuned to the evolving demands of both national and global landscapes. Admissions for both UG programmes will begin in June 2025, with classes set to commence in September 2025. Source: Indian Express Photo Credit: IIM Sambalpur    

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IBM Integrates AI to Streamline HR Operations, Replaces 200 Roles

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In a significant move toward embracing artificial intelligence (AI), IBM has begun a strategic overhaul of its internal processes, leading to the replacement of around 200 human resources (HR) positions with AI-powered systems. This development reflects a broader industry shift where automation is being leveraged to handle repetitive administrative tasks, freeing up human workers to focus on more strategic and client-centric responsibilities. According to reports from industry insiders, the tech giant has already automated several HR functions such as employee verification and internal job transfers. These changes are part of IBM’s vision to drive operational efficiency while simultaneously upskilling its workforce to thrive in an AI-integrated future. IBM’s CEO, Arvind Krishna, recently confirmed that hundreds of HR roles have been transitioned to AI agents. However, he emphasized that this transformation has not led to a decline in overall employment. On the contrary, the company has expanded its workforce in key areas like programming, marketing, and sales—fields that rely on critical thinking and interpersonal skills, and are thus less susceptible to automation. Strategic Shift Towards AI-Augmented Roles The decision to automate portions of the HR function is rooted in IBM’s broader objective of enabling employees to engage in higher-value work. By offloading routine tasks to AI, the organization aims to allow HR professionals to focus on strategic planning, employee engagement, and other complex functions that require human insight. Nickle LaMoreaux, IBM’s Chief Human Resources Officer, noted that the impact of AI on jobs is more about transformation than elimination. She clarified that while certain tasks will be automated, most roles will evolve rather than disappear—enabling professionals to work alongside AI tools that boost productivity and decision-making. Looking Ahead IBM anticipates that up to 30% of back-office roles, particularly those with minimal customer interaction, could be affected by AI within the next five years. This could influence approximately 7,800 positions globally. Nonetheless, the company remains committed to investing in talent across creative, analytical, and tech-driven domains—areas that continue to demand human ingenuity despite rapid advances in automation.   Source: The New Indian Express Image credit: Shutterstock  

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