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Flipkart appoints Seema Nair as CHRO

In the latest of a series of leadership changes at Flipkart, the e-commerce giant has appointed Seema Nair as its new Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO), following the resignation of former CHRO Krishna Raghavan in 2023.

Nair, who brings over six years of experience from Reliance Industries where she served as Senior Executive Vice President (EVP) and Head of Group HR, will now lead the HR function at Flipkart. Group Chief Executive Kalyan Krishnamurthy confirmed her appointment in an internal email, stating, “In this role, she will oversee human resources for Flipkart, partnering closely with respective leaders and HR teams.”

Seema Nair is also a member of the Bombay Chamber of Commerce and holds an MBA in Human Resources from XLRI Jamshedpur.

Kaspersky reports Necro Trojan sneaks into Google Play with up to 11mln victims

In late August 2024, Kaspersky experts detected a new variant of the Necro Trojan infiltrating several widely used applications on Google Play and modified versions on unofficial platforms, including Spotify, WhatsApp, and Minecraft. Necro functions as an Android downloader, downloading and executing other malicious components on infected devices based on instructions from its creators. Kaspersky’s solutions documented Necro attacks aimed at users in Russia, Brazil, Vietnam, Ecuador, and Mexico as part of this malicious campaign.

The recently discovered Necro variant can download various modules onto compromised smartphones, which can display ads in invisible windows and automatically click on them. It is also capable of downloading executable files, installing third-party applications, and opening arbitrary links in invisible WebView windows to execute JavaScript code. Given its technical characteristics, this Trojan may also subscribe users to paid services without their consent. Moreover, the downloaded modules enable attackers to redirect internet traffic through the victim’s device, allowing cybercriminals to access restricted or desired resources using the victim’s device as part of a proxy botnet.

Kaspersky experts first identified Necro in a modified version of Spotify Plus, which falsely claimed to be safe and offered additional features not available in the official music streaming app. Following this, a modified version of WhatsApp containing the Necro downloader was discovered, along with infected versions of popular games such as Minecraft, Stumble Guys, and Car Parking Multiplayer. The Trojan was embedded into these applications via an unverified ad module.

The Necro campaign extended to Google Play, where the malicious downloader was found in the Wuta Camera app and Max Browser. According to Google Play statistics, these apps had over 11 million combined downloads. On this platform, Necro was also distributed through an unverified ad module. After Kaspersky Lab reported the malicious code, it was removed from Wuta Camera, and Max Browser was taken down from the store. However, users remain at risk of encountering Necro on unofficial platforms.

“Users frequently download unofficial, modified apps to bypass restrictions in official applications or to access additional free features. Cybercriminals exploit this behaviour, spreading malware through these apps as there is no moderation on third-party platforms,” comments Dmitry Kalinin, a cybersecurity expert at Kaspersky. “It’s also significant that the version of Necro embedded in these applications employed steganography techniques, hiding its payload within images to evade detection—a rare method for mobile malware.”

Kaspersky’s security solutions protect Necro, detecting the downloader as a Trojan-Downloader.AndroidOS.Necro.f and Trojan-Downloader.AndroidOS.Necro.h, with the malicious components identified as Trojan.AndroidOS.Necro. To safeguard against this and other Android cyber threats, Kaspersky experts recommend:

  • Downloading apps only from official sources
  • Regularly updating the operating system and installed applications
  • Using a reliable security solution from a trusted manufacturer, such as Kaspersky Premium, which is verified by independent test labs.

WorkIndia Reveals Surge in SMEs Embracing Digital Platforms for their Hiring Needs

The recent data report released by WorkIndia highlights that the SME/MSME sector is experiencing a positive shift in job creation, as the average number of jobs per employee rose significantly from January 2024 August 2024. This trend indicates a robust recovery and growing confidence in the job market. Although there was a slight dip in jobs per employee in September 2024, this could reflect a period of market stabilization.

From August 2023 to August 2024, the total number of jobs posted experienced a noteworthy increase, rising from 4.5% to 5.8%. This upward trend indicates a growing demand for talent across various sectors, reflecting the resilience and expansion of the job market. The increase in job postings suggests that businesses are actively seeking to bolster their workforce, signalling confidence in economic recovery and growth.

In terms of job postings, Delhi leads with highest available positions, followed closely by Mumbai. Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad are also contributing to strong job posting activity, demonstrating that major metropolitan areas are at the forefront of economic recovery.

The report also reflects the various job categories reflect the evolving needs of the industry. Telecalling stands out with a significant share of 6.7%, highlighting the importance of effective communication in driving sales and customer engagement. Following closely, delivery roles account for 6.15%, underscoring the crucial logistics aspect in meeting customer demands. Back-office positions make up 4.6%, supporting operations and administrative functions essential for seamless business processes. Field sales roles contribute 4.5%, emphasizing the need for on-ground sales efforts to foster client relationships. Finally, accounts roles represent 3.08%

Commenting on the same, Nilesh Dungarwal, Co-Founder and CEO, WorkIndia said, “The steady growth in average jobs per employee within the SME/MSME sector reflects a positive trend in economic recovery and job creation. While the slight dip in September may suggest some market stabilization, it’s clear that confidence is returning, as highlighted by our platform’s significant user adoption. This momentum highlights the vital role of SMEs and MSMEs in driving employment and fostering a resilient economy.”

Overall, the data suggests a healthy recovery in the job market, particularly within the services and logistics sectors. While the slight decrease in job postings in September 2024 might indicate temporary challenges or seasonal effects, the ongoing upward trend in job creation per employee underscores the resilience and growth potential of the SME/MSME sector.

Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by WorkIndia. ObserveNow holds no responsibility for its content in any manner.

Nurix AI Secures $27.5 Million in Funding to Expand Operations Across Asia and North America

Nurix AI has raised $27.5 million in funding, co-led by General Catalyst and Accel, with additional backing from Meraki Labs. The funding, a combination of seed and Series A rounds, saw the startup secure $12.5 million during the seed phase, with the remainder raised in the Series A round.

The company plans to use the investment to expand its technology infrastructure and scale its operations across Asia and North America. According to a press release, Nurix AI will focus on enhancing its R&D efforts and forming long-term partnerships with AI hardware and product companies.

Founded in 2024 by serial entrepreneur Mukesh Bansal, Nurix AI offers AI-native services designed to seamlessly integrate with enterprise workflows, enabling businesses to implement AI solutions that are both practical and reliable. The company’s products aim to boost productivity, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

Nurix’s first product targets the $300 billion business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, blending AI with human oversight to deliver scalable and personalized customer interactions while maintaining operational reliability.

Bansal is known for co-founding Myntra, which he sold to Flipkart in 2017, where he later became the head of commerce and advertising. He also co-founded Cult.fit, a wellness platform that became a unicorn under Tata Digital’s ownership. Bansal has also partnered with Zomato co-founder Mohit Gupta to launch Lyskraft, a startup that has raised $26 million from notable investors such as Peak XV Partners and Prosus.

India and US Forge Historic Partnership to Build National Security Semiconductor Facility

Under a transformative collaboration with the US, India will get a national security semiconductor fabrication plant that will produce chips for use in military hardware and next-generation telecommunications.

The India-US joint project was announced following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden in Wilmington on Saturday.

A joint fact sheet on Modi-Biden talks said the two leaders “hailed” the semiconductor project as a “watershed arrangement”.
It will be the first ever India-US semiconductor fabrication partnership.

It is the first time ever the US military has agreed to do a partnership for these highly-value technologies with India and it is a watershed moment as it is as significant as the civil nuclear deal, people familiar with the matter said.

The fact sheet said Modi and Biden praised combined efforts to facilitate resilient, secure, and sustainable semiconductor supply chains including through GlobalFoundries’ (GF) creation of the GF Kolkata Power Center in Kolkata.

It said the project will enhance mutually beneficial linkages in research and development in chip manufacturing.

This includes the US Agency for International Development’s plans to expand the Asia Open RAN Academy with an initial USD 7 million investment to grow this workforce training initiative worldwide, including in South Asia with Indian institutions.

Tech Giants Google & Nvidia to Boost AI Focus and Investments in India Following Meeting with PM Modi

Google and Nvidia, the two tech giants, have announced plans to deepen their involvement in India, with a focus on advancing artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives, following a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang, whose company dominates 88% of the global GPU market, praised India’s talent in computer science and highlighted AI as a transformative industry.

Huang emphasized the potential for partnerships with India and noted Nvidia’s collaboration with Yotta Data Services, aiming to expand its GPU capacity to 32,768 units by 2025. He also underscored India’s thriving startup ecosystem, particularly in AI.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai echoed similar sentiments, recognizing Modi’s Digital India vision and emphasizing the company’s commitment to investing in AI technologies across sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture.

Pichai noted that Modi encouraged Google to explore further opportunities for AI applications in India, citing infrastructure like data centers and energy as crucial to supporting the country’s transition. Both leaders stressed the importance of ensuring AI benefits the Indian population.

The meeting occurred on Sunday at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel during Modi’s three-day visit to the US, where he also engaged in discussions with top executives from firms specializing in AI, quantum computing, and semiconductors.

Persistent Named Fastest Growing IT Services Brand in the 2024 Brand Finance India 100 Report

Persistent Systems a global pioneer in Digital Engineering and Enterprise Modernization, has been recognized as the fastest-growing IT services brand in the prestigious 2024 Brand Finance India 100 report. Persistent ranked 9th among the most valuable IT services brands, with a brand value of $609 million and a brand strength score of 72.39/100, earning an AA brand rating. Since 2020, the Company’s brand value surged by 327%, and its brand strength index increased by 36% – the highest within India’s top 10 IT Services brands.

Brand Finance is the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy. Its brand strength framework evaluates brands across three key pillars: Brand Investment, examining growth initiatives; Brand Equity, assessing stakeholder perceptions; and Brand Performance, measuring market share, demand fulfillment, and promise delivery. By excelling in these parameters, Persistent achieved a remarkable 3.9-point increase in brand strength over the past year, outperforming its peers. This recognition underscores the effectiveness of its strategic investments and resulting strong business performance. It reflects Persistent’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions catering to client needs, maintaining high standards of excellence in service and quality, and fostering high levels of trust by all stakeholders.

Persistent’s sustained growth momentum is fueled by its ability to anticipate client needs and deliver customized, innovative solutions that address specific business challenges, significantly contributing to its brand reputation. Persistent has achieved 17 consecutive quarters of revenue growth, reporting $328.2M in revenue in Q1 FY25 with 5.6% Q-o-Q and 16.0% Y-o-Y growth – a direct result of its resilience and future readiness. Beyond enhancing brand value and commending its marketing strategies, this accolade reinforces Persistent’s robust market positioning and deep relationships with stakeholders, highlighting its leadership and expanding value within the highly competitive IT Services market. In last year’s report, the Company was named the fastest-growing brand in Brand Value among the top 10 Indian IT Services brands.

Gurvinder Sahni, Chief Marketing Officer, Persistent

“We are honored to be recognized as the fastest-growing IT services brand in India by Brand Finance, with extraordinary 327% growth in brand value. This acknowledgment underscores our commitment to position Persistent as a leader in AI and other emerging technologies.

Our success stems from continuous innovation, a strong focus on quality, and an exceptional understanding of our client needs. Strategic marketing investments, amplified by a high social media engagement and trust of all our stakeholders, have enhanced our brand visibility and recall. Our vibrant culture and employee initiatives, like achieving three Guinness World Records, highlight our innovative spirit.

Persistent’s rise to the 9th position among Indian IT Services brands highlights our dedication to delivering exceptional value to our clients, becoming an ecosystem orchestrator with our partners, and creating a rewarding environment for our employees.”

David Haigh, Chairman and CEO, Brand Finance

“Persistent has made significant strides in brand building in recent years, as highlighted by our brand evaluation. According to the 2024 India 100 report, Persistent is the fastest-growing IT services brand among the top 10 IT brands, boasting a 36% growth rate since 2020. The company consistently scores high in employee equity, reflecting its people-centric culture, and excels in revenue growth, service delivery perception, and brand-building. These accomplishments demonstrate Persistent’s alignment with client needs and its adaptability to the dynamic market needs.”

Liz Miller, Vice President and Principal Analyst, Constellation Research

“The pace of change shows no sign of slowing as the transition from the digital age to the digital AI age marches on. Persistent has stepped into the epicenter of this shift and has posted impressive growth as a result. Their growth was a key factor in Persistent being named Constellation Research’s Best Enterprise Services Vendor for 2023 amid tough competition. But Persistent’s growth hasn’t been limited to growth in opportunities, customers, or revenue: Persistent’s brand positioning and strategic marketing initiatives have also advanced and is reflected in Brand Finance’s review of the enterprise services space. Having known the team and methodology at Brand Finance for some time now, it should not be understated how impressive this is, and the recognition is well-deserved.

Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by Persistent Systems. ObserveNow holds no responsibility for its content in any manner.

HSBC Considers Appointing First Female CFO in Bank’s History: Pam Kaur

HSBC Holdings Plc is considering appointing its first-ever female finance director in its 159-year history, with Pam Kaur, the bank’s Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, emerging as a top contender.

Kaur has held various prominent roles across major financial institutions, brings a wealth of experience. Her previous positions include Global Director of Compliance for Consumer Banking at Citigroup Inc. and Global Head of Group Audit at Deutsche Bank AG.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Kaur, 60, is a leading candidate for the role of chief financial officer (CFO), which became vacant after Georges Elhedery was promoted to Chief Executive Officer on September 2, replacing Noel Quinn.

Kaur is among several senior executives being considered for the prestigious position at Europe’s largest lender. Other potential candidates include Greg Guyett, Head of Global Banking and Markets; Willard McLane, Group Head of Strategy and Corporate Development; and Kavita Mahtani, CFO of HSBC’s Europe and Western Markets. However, the final decision has yet to be made, and more candidates could enter the race, media said.

HSBC has previously stated that it is searching for a permanent CFO to succeed Elhedery, who aims to reshape the bank under his leadership. As central banks worldwide lower interest rates—a move that threatens to reduce revenues for global lenders like HSBC—Elhedery faces the challenge of cutting $2 billion in costs to maintain a key measure of the bank’s profitability.

Tags: HSBCPam Kaur

Sundar Pichai announces $120 million ‘Global AI Opportunity Fund’

At the UN’s Summit of the Future in the U.S., Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced a $120 million ‘Global AI Opportunity Fund’. The initiative, Pichai explained, is aimed at making “AI education and training available in communities around the world,” with content provided in local languages in collaboration with nonprofits and NGOs.

The announcement was made during the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, where leaders from around the globe, including Mr. Pichai, gathered for the first-ever “Summit of the Future.” Reflecting on his upbringing in Chennai, India, Pichai shared, “The arrival of new technology improved our lives in meaningful ways… The technology that changed my life the most was the computer. I didn’t have much access to one growing up. When I came to graduate school in the U.S., there were labs full of machines I could use anytime I wanted — it was mind-blowing.”This experience, he noted, inspired his drive to bring technology to more people. Today, 15 Google products serve over half a billion people and businesses, with six of them—such as Search, Maps, and Drive—each reaching over 2 billion users.

Pichai highlighted Google’s two-decade-long commitment to AI research, tools, and infrastructure. “Using AI, just in the past year, we’ve added 110 new languages to Google Translate, now covering 246 languages spoken by half a billion people worldwide. We’re working toward supporting 1,000 of the world’s most spoken languages,” he informed.

Studies suggest AI could boost global labour productivity by 1.4 percentage points and raise global GDP by 7% within the next decade. For instance, AI is already helping to optimize operations and logistics in emerging markets, where connectivity, infrastructure, and traffic congestion pose significant challenges.

Pichai emphasized the importance of developing, deploying, and using AI responsibly. “We’re guided by our AI Principles, which we published back in 2018. We also collaborate with industry peers, academia, the UN, and governments through efforts like the Frontier Model Forum, the OECD, and the G7 Hiroshima Process,” he added.

D2L’s Brightspace Ranks Highest for Usability and Innovation in Tambellini StarChart 2024

D2L’s learning platform, Brightspace, has secured the top spot for usability and innovation in the Tambellini StarChart™ 2024 for Learning Management Systems (LMS). This ranking comes from The Tambellini Group, a higher education analyst firm, which evaluates educational technology solutions based on key factors that influence institutional investments.

Brightspace was positioned in the StarChart’s ‘Commander’ category, highlighting its market leadership in offering user-centric and innovative designs. Platforms in this category set new standards, pushing the boundaries of technology and usability.

They not only excel in their features but also play a pivotal role in shaping future trends in the industry.

John Baker, Founder and CEO of D2L, expressed pride in the recognition, stating, “This ranking reflects our commitment to creating a world-class learning platform that enhances both learner and educator experiences.”

Matt Winn, Senior Analyst at Tambellini Group, also acknowledged D2L’s leadership, noting its focus on AI and tools to improve teaching and learning outcomes. Earlier this year, D2L was also named the “Easiest to Use” LMS by G2, a popular peer-review platform.

Brightspace users, including educators from Delaware Technical Community College and Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, praised the platform’s ability to streamline teaching tasks and improve overall learning experiences.

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