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Cybersecurity

IIT Kanpur Launches $1 Billion Fundraising Drive, Announces ₹180-Crore Innovation School in Noida

/ Education Community

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has announced plans to establish a ₹180-crore school dedicated to innovation and entrepreneurship at its Noida campus, alongside a major fundraising campaign targeting $1 billion (approximately ₹9,000 crore) by March 2029. Named the Gautam School of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (G-SINE), the new institution aims to help students transform research and emerging technologies into commercially viable products and technology-driven startups. Its flagship MBA programme in Technology and Entrepreneurship is scheduled to commence in July 2027. The school forms part of IIT Kanpur’s ‘Greater Than Us’ campaign, which will support research and development across seven strategic technology domains: artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, drones, medical technology, sustainability, semiconductors and quantum technologies. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the campaign in New Delhi on October 14. According to IIT Kanpur Director Manindra Agrawal, the institute has already secured commitments worth ₹4,155 crore from alumni, corporate donors, government bodies and other partners, representing nearly half of the overall fundraising target. G-SINE is being established with a ₹180-crore commitment from IIT Kanpur alumnus Rahul Gautam, with a memorandum of understanding signed during the campaign launch. Agrawal emphasised the importance of bridging the gap between laboratory research and commercial deployment. The school will focus on helping faculty members and students advance technologies towards market readiness, with entrepreneurship and startup development forming central elements of its approach. The institution will have dedicated full-time faculty members and degree programmes, covering areas such as AI, cybersecurity, digital health, biotechnology, drones and advanced manufacturing. It will also work alongside a proposed Deep Tech Hub at the Noida campus, providing students with access to product development and testing facilities. The institute’s Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC), which has incubated 571 startups, will further support the initiative. The ₹9,000-crore fundraising campaign is structured around three pillars: Foundation, Talent and Frontier. Of the total target, ₹5,000 crore is earmarked for infrastructure, including research facilities, computing resources and student housing. Another ₹3,000 crore will support scholarships, doctoral fellowships and faculty recruitment, while ₹1,000 crore will be allocated to strategic technology initiatives. Agrawal said the campaign reflects IIT Kanpur’s commitment to strengthening India’s capabilities in strategically important technologies and reducing dependence on external technology ecosystems. The initiative builds on the institute’s existing specialised schools in medical sciences and technology, artificial intelligence and sustainability. IIT Kanpur also plans to establish dedicated funds to attract leading faculty members without financial constraints becoming a barrier to recruitment. Source: Indian Express  

IIT Kanpur Launches $1 Billion Fundraising Drive, Announces ₹180-Crore Innovation School in Noida Read More »

India’s AI Talent Demand to Exceed Available Workforce by Over 3.5 Times in 2026: Report

/ Human Resource Community

India’s demand for artificial intelligence (AI) professionals is projected to reach approximately 1.4 million in 2026, while the available talent pool is estimated at around 400,000, creating a demand-supply gap of more than 3.5 times, according to the inaugural BinQle Talent Intelligence Report 2026. The report warns that the widening shortage of skilled professionals could create challenges for businesses and Global Capability Centres (GCCs) as organisations increasingly integrate AI into their operations. Sushant Acharya, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer of Bengaluru-based BinQle, said India’s ability to capitalise on its AI potential would depend on how effectively organisations identify, develop and deploy the skills required by the evolving technology landscape. The report highlighted shortages of industry-ready professionals across artificial intelligence and machine learning, cloud architecture, cybersecurity, data engineering, DevOps and full-stack development. This talent crunch has contributed to salary increases of 30 to 35 per cent in specialised technology roles. It also noted that fewer than half of candidates meet industry expectations for workplace readiness. According to the report, AI is transforming existing job roles rather than simply eliminating them. As a result, AI proficiency, data literacy, adaptability and cross-functional communication are becoming increasingly important. With 39 per cent of existing skill sets expected to become outdated by 2030, the report emphasised the need for continuous learning and reskilling. To address the growing gap, the report recommended that organisations anticipate skill requirements 12 to 18 months in advance, connect reskilling initiatives with measurable business outcomes and develop specialised as well as local talent pipelines. It also called for stronger employer branding around AI adoption and greater use of flexible workforce strategies. Source: PTI

India’s AI Talent Demand to Exceed Available Workforce by Over 3.5 Times in 2026: Report Read More »

IIT Delhi, I4C and Amazon Launch ‘Raksham’ AI Cybersecurity Hackathon

/ Education Community

The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, in partnership with the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) and Amazon, has launched ‘Raksham’, a national-level AI cybersecurity hackathon aimed at developing technology-driven solutions to emerging online threats. Organised by IIT Delhi’s student technical clubs, Aries IITD and Dev Club, the hackathon invites undergraduate and postgraduate engineering students from across India to develop AI-powered prototypes addressing challenges such as deepfakes, voice-cloning scams and online fraud. Registration and concept submissions are open until October 12, with students eligible to participate in teams of two to four members. Participating teams will be evaluated on factors including technical architecture, practical feasibility, responsible use of AI and the potential of their solutions to address cyber threats affecting millions of Indians. The top 30 teams will advance to a 48-hour in-person finale at IIT Delhi on October 24 and 25. During the finale, participants will build, test and demonstrate their prototypes before a jury comprising experts from academia, industry and the cybersecurity sector. According to IIT Delhi, high-impact projects and winning teams will also have an opportunity to showcase their innovations at Amazon Sambhav 2026. The hackathon comes as digital transactions and online activity typically increase during the festive shopping season, creating additional opportunities for cybercriminals to target consumers through scams and fraudulent schemes. IIT Delhi said the initiative will also strengthen the ongoing collaboration between the institute, I4C and Amazon under the #ScamSmartIndia initiative, with a focus on developing practical solutions to counter evolving forms of cybercrime. Source: Indian Express  

IIT Delhi, I4C and Amazon Launch ‘Raksham’ AI Cybersecurity Hackathon Read More »

Agentic AI Reduced Productivity at Nearly 30% of Companies, McKinsey Report Finds

/ Human Resource Community

The growing adoption of agentic artificial intelligence is not necessarily resulting in higher productivity for businesses, with productivity declining at nearly 30 per cent of companies after teams began using autonomous AI tools, according to McKinsey’s Technology Trends Outlook 2026. The report noted that organisations can face operational challenges when they introduce agentic AI into software development without making corresponding changes to their existing workflows and processes. While autonomous AI systems can automate several stages of software development, the productivity benefits have differed significantly across organisations. McKinsey cautioned that simply increasing the amount of coding does not necessarily lead to more useful products or faster business growth. In one study cited in the report, AI tools increased coding activity by 180 per cent, while the number of shipped releases increased by only 30 per cent. The report also highlighted a significant trust gap among developers. Globally, around 46 per cent of developers said they actively distrust the accuracy of AI tools, while 33 per cent said they trust them. Only 3 per cent expressed a high level of trust in AI-generated outputs. McKinsey said developer confidence and acceptance could become an important factor determining the value organisations derive from agentic software development. Despite these concerns, investment in agentic AI continues to grow rapidly. Equity investment in companies developing agentic software increased from relatively negligible levels through 2023 to around $5 billion in 2025. The figure crossed $61 billion in the first half of 2026, largely driven by a reported $60 billion acquisition of Cursor. Job postings related to agentic AI also rose 221 per cent between 2024 and 2025. The broader AI ecosystem is witnessing a similar surge in investment. Spending on AI infrastructure doubled within a year, while energy technologies attracted nearly $200 billion in investment during 2025 as companies sought to address the rising energy requirements associated with AI. McKinsey said the rapid pace of AI adoption is creating additional challenges for businesses, many of which are attempting to scale the technology without established implementation frameworks. Organisations must simultaneously address workforce upskilling, legacy-system upgrades and evolving cybersecurity risks as AI becomes increasingly integrated into business operations. Source: McKinsey

Agentic AI Reduced Productivity at Nearly 30% of Companies, McKinsey Report Finds Read More »

White-Collar Hiring Up 5% in July as AI Recruitment Jumps 33%: Naukri Report

/ Human Resource Community

India’s white-collar job market recorded a 5% year-on-year increase in hiring in July, driven by robust demand for artificial intelligence (AI) talent and a rebound in information technology (IT) recruitment, according to the latest Naukri JobSpeak report. The JobSpeak Index rose to 3,227 in July from 3,074 during the same month last year, signalling a positive beginning to the second quarter of the current financial year. AI and machine learning (AI/ML) continued to be the fastest-growing hiring segment, registering a 33% annual rise in job opportunities. The report noted that AI-related hiring has maintained strong momentum for more than two years, making it the leading growth area in India’s white-collar employment landscape. The IT and software services sector also witnessed a recovery, with hiring increasing 6% compared to last year. The growth was primarily driven by Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bengaluru. Within the sector, recruitment for AI-focused roles climbed 30%, while demand for IT and cybersecurity professionals rose by 23%. Among industries, the insurance sector recorded the highest hiring growth at 10%, followed by real estate with an 8% increase. Healthcare and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) also posted healthy recruitment activity. In contrast, hiring declined across telecom, banking and financial services (BFSI), pharmaceuticals, hospitality and education. Commenting on the trends, Hitesh Oberoi, Managing Director and CEO of Info Edge (India) Ltd, said the July data reflects a job market that is steadily strengthening, with employers continuing to invest in future-ready skills while expanding their workforce. Recruitment of fresh graduates remained strong, growing 6% year-on-year. Hiring also increased across most mid-level and senior-level experience categories, indicating broad-based demand across the employment market. Among major cities, Kolkata led hiring growth with a 17% increase, followed by Hyderabad at 16%, Chennai at 11% and Bengaluru at 8%. Hiring activity in Mumbai and Delhi remained largely unchanged during the month. The report also highlighted a 5% rise in recruitment by Global Capability Centres (GCCs), led by Chennai and Hyderabad, with continued strong demand for experienced AI professionals and premium AI roles. Source: IANS

White-Collar Hiring Up 5% in July as AI Recruitment Jumps 33%: Naukri Report Read More »

VTU Partners with Google to Boost AI, Cloud and Cybersecurity Skills for Engineering Students

/ Education Community

Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) has signed a strategic academic partnership with Google LLC to equip engineering students across Karnataka with industry-focused skills, practical learning opportunities and enhanced career readiness. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Bengaluru by VTU Vice-Chancellor Prof. S. Vidyashankar and Sanjay Jain, Head of Google for Education India. Under the collaboration, students will receive training in high-demand domains such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, data science and cybersecurity. The initiative will also focus on faculty development, helping educators strengthen their expertise while aligning academic programs with evolving industry expectations. Highlighting the significance of the partnership, Prof. Vidyashankar said VTU, which is affiliated with 220 engineering colleges and serves nearly 300,000 students, is committed to ensuring graduates are job-ready from day one. He noted that collaborations with leading technology companies will help bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry requirements. Sanjay Jain said Google aims to support both students and faculty through practical skill development and employment-oriented training. He added that the programme will introduce learning models aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) and State Education Policy (SEP), enabling participants to use AI more effectively and prepare for future workplace demands. Alongside Google, VTU also announced partnerships with Qualcomm, Bharat Skills Institute Foundation and Simulation Enabled Experiential Learning (SEEL) to further strengthen technical education. Qualcomm, through its subsidiary Stem Lore Innovators LLP, will offer long-term training in AI, embedded systems, product prototyping and the Internet of Things (IoT), while also establishing a Centre of Excellence in Edge AI. The Bharat Skills Institute Foundation plans to develop a Centre of Excellence in phases with an investment of ₹20 crore, focusing on skill-based education and workforce development. Meanwhile, SEEL will introduce a cloud-based digital learning platform that enables students to perform laboratory exercises remotely. The platform will provide access to scientific and technical software, GATE preparation resources, previous years’ question papers, mock tests, AI-powered interview practice, more than 1,900 industry projects and internship opportunities, along with webinars, workshops and expert-led sessions for engineering and MBA students. Source: Indian Express  

VTU Partners with Google to Boost AI, Cloud and Cybersecurity Skills for Engineering Students Read More »

Coempt Edu Teck Rejects CBSE OSM Allegations, Says Scanning Errors Triggered Answer-Sheet Controversy

/ Education Community

Coempt Edu Teck, the Hyderabad-based firm facing scrutiny over the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) On-Screen Marking (OSM) system controversy, has dismissed claims of technical glitches and security vulnerabilities, stating that recent issues were isolated operational errors rather than failures in its technology infrastructure. The company clarified that the incident involving a student allegedly receiving another candidate’s answer sheet was linked to a mistake during the physical scanning process, not due to any software malfunction. According to Coempt, internal verification confirmed that the system itself functioned without technological errors, and the individual responsible for the scanning process had been identified. Responding to complaints regarding blurred answer-sheet images and readability concerns, the company said these cases are being examined in coordination with relevant evaluation authorities. It also refuted allegations that procurement norms were altered to allow inferior hardware, asserting that it uses industry-standard scanners that are upgraded regularly and deliver high-quality scanning resolution. Coempt further stated that nearly 95 percent of students who applied for access to scanned answer sheets have already received them, with only limited operational bottlenecks affecting the remaining cases. Addressing cybersecurity concerns raised after a 19-year-old ethical hacker reportedly discovered vulnerabilities on the platform, the company said the accessed server was only a publicly available testing environment containing dummy data and had no connection to live production systems handling student records. It emphasized that no student data had been compromised and its operational infrastructure remains secure. The company also referenced the controversy surrounding the 2019 Telangana Intermediate Examination Controversy, noting that courts had reviewed the matter and that the Supreme Court of India had rejected petitions seeking mass re-evaluation, compensation, and criminal proceedings against the technology provider. Currently, Coempt provides examination management services, including digitisation, on-screen evaluation, AI-assisted assessment, and question-paper management, to over 35 universities and educational institutions across India. Source: Indian Express

Coempt Edu Teck Rejects CBSE OSM Allegations, Says Scanning Errors Triggered Answer-Sheet Controversy Read More »

CBSE Receives Nearly 44,000 Rechecking Requests Amid Ongoing Portal Issues

/ Education Community

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has recorded 43,980 applications for verification and re-evaluation of Class 12 answer sheets as of 12 noon on June 3, reflecting a surge in demand for post-result services. The total includes 4,924 requests for verification and 39,056 applications for re-evaluation. Despite the high number of successful submissions, students and parents continue to raise concerns over technical difficulties on the portal. Several complaints shared on social media platform X alleged delays in receiving scanned copies of evaluated answer books, a prerequisite for applying for verification and re-evaluation. Others reported missing options for certain subjects and questions, along with confusion surrounding compartment examination-related applications. In response, CBSE stated that its technical teams are actively monitoring the portal to ensure a secure, reliable, and student-friendly experience. The board also announced the integration of multiple payment gateways, including those of SBI, Canara Bank, Bank of Baroda, and Indian Bank. Students can make payments through UPI, net banking, debit cards, or credit cards without requiring accounts in these banks. According to CBSE, nearly 40,000 students had successfully completed their applications by 9:30 am on June 3. The latest figures mark a substantial increase from the previous evening, when the board reported over 28,000 successful submissions and nearly 14,000 concurrent users on the platform. To address user feedback, CBSE has introduced several enhancements, including extending session time limits to reduce automatic logouts during the application process. The verification and re-evaluation window remains open from June 2 to June 6 for Class 12 students who have obtained scanned copies of their answer books. Under the revised post-result framework, students can apply for verification at a fee of ₹100 per answer book and request re-evaluation at ₹25 per question. The board had postponed the portal launch to June 1 to facilitate a smoother and more transparent process. Since its launch, the system has faced heavy traffic and cyberattack attempts, prompting CBSE to strengthen technical safeguards while keeping services operational. Source: Indian Express

CBSE Receives Nearly 44,000 Rechecking Requests Amid Ongoing Portal Issues Read More »

CBSE Re-Evaluation Portal Faces Massive Cyberattack, Handles 1.5 Million Malicious Hits in Minutes

/ Education Community

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) revealed that its Class 12 re-evaluation portal was targeted by multiple cyberattack attempts shortly after it was opened for students on Tuesday. Despite the attacks and intermittent technical issues reported by users, the board said the platform remained operational and continued processing applications. According to CBSE, the portal has been active since 4 a.m. and is currently accommodating over 8,000 users simultaneously. By 3 p.m., more than 16,000 students had successfully submitted requests for verification of marks and answer-sheet re-evaluation. The board disclosed that cybercriminals launched several disruptive attempts, including a denial-of-service (DoS) attack that generated nearly 1.5 million hits within just two minutes. In addition, over one lakh unauthorized file-access attempts were detected during the same period. CBSE stated that its technical teams effectively countered the attacks, ensuring that students could continue using the portal with minimal disruption. The board also introduced improvements based on student feedback, including extending session time limits to make the application process smoother and more user-friendly. Officials confirmed that monitoring efforts have been intensified, with cybersecurity teams remaining vigilant to protect the system and ensure uninterrupted access to post-result services. The re-evaluation portal enables Class 12 students to apply for mark verification and answer-sheet re-evaluation after obtaining copies of their evaluated scripts. The process has drawn significant attention this year amid increased scrutiny of the board’s assessment and post-result procedures. Source: Indian Express

CBSE Re-Evaluation Portal Faces Massive Cyberattack, Handles 1.5 Million Malicious Hits in Minutes Read More »

India Introduces AI Governance Guidelines to Ensure Safe and Responsible Adoption

/ Governance Community

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

India Introduces AI Governance Guidelines to Ensure Safe and Responsible Adoption Read More »