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Artificial Intelligence

Ambani rolls out draft Reliance AI Manifesto, eyes 10x productivity leap and nationwide impact

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Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani has unveiled a draft Reliance AI Manifesto, laying out a sweeping plan to reposition the conglomerate as an AI-native deep-tech enterprise while aiming for a tenfold boost in productivity across its workforce of over six lakh employees. The initiative also targets a 10x impact on India’s economy and society. Describing artificial intelligence as “the most consequential technological development in human history,” Ambani said Reliance intends to spearhead India’s AI journey, much as it played a central role in the country’s digital transformation. The group’s stated mission is to deliver “Affordable AI for every Indian”, embedding AI across businesses while ensuring safety, trust and accountability. According to Ambani, the manifesto is not a slogan but a practical action guide. “At Reliance, we are transforming ourselves into an AI-native deep-tech company with advanced manufacturing capabilities,” he said, adding that the draft manifesto will steer this transformation. Internal transformation through AI Part I of the manifesto focuses on reshaping Reliance’s internal operations. AI is positioned not as a standalone technology initiative but as a fundamentally new way of working. The group plans to reorganise around outcomes and end-to-end workflows, supported by shared digital platforms and robust governance frameworks. AI and agentic automation will be deployed to reduce repetitive tasks, enhance decision-making, and improve speed and quality, while maintaining clear human accountability. Execution will be driven by small, cross-functional teams or “pods” with defined ownership and measurable goals, supported by continuous data, learning, operations and automation systems. Core workflows such as procure-to-pay, order-to-cash, hire-to-retire and plant-to-port will be redesigned to eliminate manual handoffs, close digital gaps and enable real-time visibility. Ambani stressed that AI will augment human capability rather than replace jobs, saying the focus is on raising standards and unlocking collective potential. A common 12-layer Digital Functional Core (DFC) will standardise data, integration, security and controls across Reliance businesses, while allowing individual units autonomy over their platforms. Governance, audit trails and human-in-the-loop mechanisms will be embedded to balance speed with safety, compliance and trust. Driving India’s AI-led growth Part II extends the vision beyond Reliance, positioning the group as a catalyst for India’s broader AI transformation. Ambani said that just as AI can deliver a 10x improvement in efficiency and outcomes within Reliance, it can also generate a similar multiplier effect for the country through the group’s businesses and philanthropic efforts. Employees have been invited to submit ideas on AI applications across Reliance’s diverse portfolio—from Jio’s 500-million-plus subscribers and the country’s largest retail network to energy, materials, life sciences, financial services, media and philanthropy. Ambani also pointed to opportunities in indigenous AI hardware, robotics and cross-sector innovation to boost efficiency, sustainability and technological self-reliance. Ideas can be submitted between January 10 and 26, after which the manifesto is expected to evolve into a shared organisational commitment. “Let us begin—together,” Ambani said, calling on employees to help build “a New Reliance and a New India.” Source: PTI

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IIT Delhi Researchers Develop AI Agent That Conducts Real-World Lab Experiments Autonomously

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Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, in collaboration with scientists from Denmark and Germany, have developed an artificial intelligence system capable of independently performing real-world laboratory experiments—much like a human researcher. The breakthrough study, published in Nature Communications under the title “Evaluating large language model agents for automation of atomic force microscopy,” introduces AILA (Artificially Intelligent Lab Assistant). This AI agent can autonomously operate sophisticated laboratory instruments, take real-time decisions during experiments, and analyse data without any human intervention. According to IIT Delhi, AILA represents a major leap by transitioning AI from purely digital support roles to hands-on participation in physical laboratory settings. The system has been specifically trained to handle an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM)—a precision instrument used to examine materials at the nanoscale. Indrajeet Mandal, the study’s lead author and a PhD researcher at IIT Delhi’s School of Interdisciplinary Research, highlighted the efficiency gains achieved through AILA. Tasks that previously required a full day—such as fine-tuning microscope parameters for clear, high-resolution images—can now be completed in just seven to ten minutes using the AI agent. The research was supervised by Prof. N. M. Anoop Krishnan from the Department of Civil Engineering and the Yardi School of Artificial Intelligence, along with Prof. Nitya Nand Gosvami from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at IIT Delhi. The international research team also included scientists from Aalborg University in Denmark and leading research institutions in Germany. Despite its promise, the study also points to notable limitations. The researchers found that AI models that excel in controlled or theoretical evaluations often struggle in unpredictable laboratory conditions that demand quick judgment and adaptability. Mandal compared this gap to the difference between understanding driving rules theoretically and handling real-world traffic. Safety concerns were another key issue. In some instances, the AI agent strayed from given instructions, highlighting the importance of strong safety mechanisms to avoid equipment damage or laboratory mishaps as automation becomes more widespread. Overall, the research underscores both the transformative potential and the critical challenges of deploying AI-driven agents in experimental science. Source: Indian Express

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Jamia Millia Islamia Opens Applications for Short-Term AI and Digital Skill Courses

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Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has announced the launch of a fresh batch of short-term, skill-oriented certificate courses focused on artificial intelligence, cyber security, and digital technologies. Applications are now open for the offline programmes, which aim to strengthen employability and entrepreneurial capabilities among students, job seekers, and aspiring entrepreneurs. The courses are being offered through the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at JMI, in partnership with the Tech Mahindra Foundation. Delivered under the Smart Academy for Digital Technologies and Entrepreneurship, the programmes are designed to equip learners with practical, industry-relevant digital skills and a foundation in entrepreneurship. According to the university, the Smart Academy follows a blended approach that combines classroom instruction with hands-on training. Participants will receive mentoring from subject experts and gain exposure to real-world industry practices, enabling them to pursue roles in the digital economy or explore self-employment and startup opportunities. The newly introduced short-term courses include Digital Entrepreneurship, UI/UX Design, Advanced Digital Marketing, and AI-Driven Data Analysis. Each programme runs for a duration of three months and is open to candidates who have completed Class 12 or an equivalent qualification. In terms of fees, the Digital Entrepreneurship course is priced at Rs 3,050, while the UI/UX Design programme costs Rs 12,600. The Advanced Digital Marketing and AI-Driven Data Analysis courses are each available at a fee of Rs 10,500. JMI stated that the initiative is aligned with its broader objective of promoting innovation, skill development, and self-reliance, while preparing learners for opportunities in digital media, design, data analytics, and technology-driven services within India’s expanding digital and startup ecosystem. Source: Indian Express

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Why AI-Driven Layoffs Like Amazon’s Could Backfire

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The business world is currently dominated by two recurring headlines — the soaring investments pouring into artificial intelligence (AI) and a steady wave of mass layoffs. Ironically, many of the same companies leading the AI revolution are also slashing their workforce. At first glance, this seems logical. Businesses, captivated by AI’s promise to boost productivity, believe they can achieve more with fewer employees — and the short-term stock market boost following layoffs doesn’t hurt either. Yet, this strategy could backfire. By cutting too deeply, companies risk weakening their capacity to harness AI effectively in the long run. Recent data shows this trend is widespread. October saw the highest number of job cuts in the U.S. for that month in two decades, even as corporate profits surged. Amazon, for instance, is planning to eliminate up to 30,000 corporate roles despite record-high stock prices. Microsoft, too, recently announced its largest layoffs in two years while reporting a 12% rise in profits. So, if not financial strain, what’s driving these cuts? In many cases, AI plays a central role. Accenture, for example, said it would lay off 11,000 workers because they “could not be retrained for an AI-driven workforce.” As enthusiasm for AI spreads across corporate America, more such decisions are likely. Experts like Geoffrey Hinton, a pioneer in AI research, have even warned that the massive capital investments being made in the field might only yield returns through significant job displacement. But here’s the catch: many companies aren’t yet reaping real benefits from AI. A Massachusetts Institute of Technology survey of 300 corporate AI projects revealed that 95% of them had “zero” return on investment. The problem lies in the assumption that AI can be seamlessly slotted into existing systems. In reality, companies are still figuring out how to integrate these tools effectively — a process that requires creativity, experimentation, and organizational change. Layoffs, however, undermine exactly those qualities. Beyond the loss of talent, layoffs often demoralize remaining employees, damaging morale, increasing stress, and lowering engagement. Research shows that companies downsizing during profitable times tend to perform worse financially than peers who retain their staff. This effect is especially severe in fast-moving, innovation-driven industries. Studies of Spanish and British firms have found that when layoffs coincide with technological transformation — like adopting AI — innovation drops as employees become more risk-averse. While small cuts may not harm creativity, large-scale downsizing can cripple it. To be sure, in some cases, trimming excess roles can sharpen efficiency and innovation. But when organizations are already constrained by heavy investments in AI infrastructure, additional layoffs can quickly become counterproductive. The truth is, revolutionary technologies like AI aren’t “plug-and-play.” Developing them is only the beginning; learning to use them effectively is equally vital. That learning depends on motivated, adaptable employees — not a workforce unsettled by fear and uncertainty. For companies racing to embrace AI, mass layoffs may seem like a quick way to balance costs. But in the long run, many CEOs could find they’ve weakened the very foundation needed to make AI work for them. Source: Bloomberg

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IndiGo to Introduce Evidence-Based Pilot Training for Enhanced Safety and Performance

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IndiGo, India’s largest airline, is preparing to roll out evidence-based training (EBT) programmes for its pilots, marking a significant step towards strengthening flight safety, situational awareness, and decision-making skills, a senior company official confirmed. Currently, the airline follows the Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) framework. The new initiative aims to build upon this foundation, using data-driven insights and global best practices to transition towards a mature EBT system. “When an airline becomes CBTA-compliant, the next natural step is achieving EBT compliance,” the official explained. “We are now establishing the CBTA baseline, and with the help of data analytics, AI tools, and expert consultants, we aim to evolve into an evidence-based training environment.” Under the EBT framework, pilot training will emphasize critical skills such as situational awareness, decision-making, and crew resource management. The programme will leverage IndiGo’s vast operational data to design and refine training modules grounded in real-world performance evidence. “We will collect and validate data from various operations and use it to shape the training approach,” the official said, highlighting that artificial intelligence and data analytics will play a central role in customising learning and assessment. IndiGo currently operates over 2,300 daily flights with a fleet of more than 400 aircraft, while another 900 planes are on order. The airline employs over 5,300 pilots, a number expected to double by 2030 to support its rapid expansion, including the induction of wide-body aircraft. While the implementation timeline for full EBT compliance is projected to take around a year to a year and a half, IndiGo views this as a crucial step toward future-ready, data-driven pilot training and enhanced operational safety. Source: PTI

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India Introduces AI Governance Guidelines to Ensure Safe and Responsible Adoption

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The Indian government has unveiled its first set of Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance guidelines, outlining a framework for the safe, transparent, and ethical use of AI technologies. The non-binding rules, released on Wednesday, are expected to shape India’s long-term vision for AI regulation ahead of the IndiaAI Impact Summit scheduled for February next year. Developed under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the guidelines recommend potential amendments to the Information Technology (IT) Act to better classify AI systems and define liability across the AI value chain. The document highlights that the current definition of “intermediary” under the IT Act — covering telecom operators, search engines, and even cyber cafés — is outdated in the context of autonomous AI systems capable of generating data independently. Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay Sood noted that the new framework aims to provide clarity on responsibilities of AI developers and deployers, while also ensuring accountability. He added that the framework could serve as a model for AI governance in the Global South, especially for countries with limited regulatory resources. The guidelines also propose an India-specific AI risk assessment framework based on real-world harm evidence, along with a national database of AI incidents to track misuse, bias, and potential threats. This centralised repository will collect data from smaller regional databases managed by sectoral regulators, helping policymakers better understand the societal and security implications of AI technologies. The framework further recommends establishing new institutions to oversee AI policy, including an AI Governance Group—a permanent inter-ministerial body responsible for coordination and policy development—and leveraging the newly formed AI Safety Institute as the lead authority for ensuring safe and trusted AI use in India. Other key proposals include adopting regulatory sandboxes to allow innovation in controlled environments with limited legal exposure, and mandating accessible grievance redressal mechanisms through the existing Grievance Appellate Committee process. The guidelines also stress the need to update copyright laws to support large-scale AI model training and clarify digital platform classifications. MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan said the government is committed to acting when necessary to ensure AI is developed responsibly and ethically. The document, shaped after studying AI policies in the US, European Union, and China, and informed by over 2,500 submissions from stakeholders including academia, industry, and government bodies, marks a significant step in India’s effort to build a robust governance ecosystem for emerging technologies. Source: Economic Times

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England to Revamp School Curriculum: Students to Learn About Fake News and AI

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In the most significant education overhaul in over a decade, schoolchildren in England will soon be taught how to identify fake news and gain a deeper understanding of artificial intelligence. The move comes as part of the UK government’s wider plan to modernise education and equip students with essential skills for the future. Following the recommendations of the Curriculum and Assessment Review released on Wednesday, the Department for Education (DfE) announced sweeping reforms designed to prepare young learners for the evolving digital and economic landscape. Among the proposed changes is a 10% reduction in the number of exams faced by teenagers, addressing concerns that the current assessment load is “excessive.” “From the basics of reading to the modern-day challenge of spotting misinformation, these landmark reforms form part of our Plan for Change,” said Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson. “It’s been more than ten years since the national curriculum was updated, and it’s vital that students are prepared to meet today’s challenges and seize tomorrow’s opportunities.” Under the revised framework, primary school students will be introduced to lessons on detecting misinformation and disinformation, aimed at strengthening their critical thinking and online safety. They will also study financial literacy topics such as mortgages, debt, and money management, alongside enhanced reading and communication skills. The reforms also propose a compulsory citizenship module, which will include climate education, a new foreign language qualification, and greater emphasis on outdoor learning and sports. Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, welcomed the move, saying: “Businesses will support curriculum changes that build employability — from teamwork and communication to digital and financial skills. Ensuring that every student has access to meaningful qualification pathways will help them stay engaged and ready for the world of work.” The new curriculum is set to roll out in September 2028, with the final version expected by early 2027, giving schools four terms to prepare for the transition. Source: PTI

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Abundantia Entertainment Launches AI Division to Revolutionize Storytelling

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Vikram Malhotra-led Abundantia Entertainment has unveiled a new artificial intelligence-focused division named ‘Abundantia aiON’, aimed at fusing technology with human creativity to redefine storytelling. The initiative will integrate AI across stages like ideation, visual design, and production to craft innovative films, series, and characters. Built on the philosophy of “Human First. AI Empowered.”, aiON seeks to position AI as a creative catalyst rather than a replacement for human imagination. The division will collaborate with global tech leaders to develop creative infrastructure and train writers, artists, and filmmakers to use emerging technologies in storytelling. The move follows Abundantia’s partnership with Collective Artists Network for Chiranjeevi Hanuman – The Eternal, touted as a “Made-in-AI” feature film set for release in 2026. Commenting on the launch, Vikram Malhotra, Founder & CEO of Abundantia Entertainment, said, “At Abundantia, we believe technology should amplify imagination, not replace it. AI isn’t here to take over creativity—it’s here to magnify it. We see AI as a collaborator, a force multiplier for human imagination.” The company plans to announce its first slate of AI-driven projects soon. Meanwhile, Abundantia continues to expand its lineup with upcoming releases including Subedaar (starring Anil Kapoor), Daldal (featuring Bhumi Pednekar), an untitled comedy with Madhuri Dixit, Triptii Dimri, Dharna Durga, and Ravi Kishan, and a business drama series directed by Hansal Mehta. Source: Economic Times

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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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