Now Loading

Month: October 2024

Cybersecurity

Zscaler appoints Anand S Upadhayay as the Director & Country Manager- Government, PSU Business

Observenow Desk October 7, 2024

Cloud Security leader Zscaler has taken a strategic step to expand its footprint in India’s public sector by appointing Anand S Upadhayay as the Director & Country Manager for Government and PSU Business.

With more than two decades of experience in sales and marketing operations, Upadhayay brings a wealth of expertise in business development and strategic execution to the table. Known for his sharp acumen in formulating and implementing successful growth strategies, he has earned a reputation as a dynamic leader in the industry.

Upadhayay’s new role will see him spearheading Zscaler’s business initiatives across India’s government and public sector enterprises, a market ripe for digital transformation and cybersecurity innovation. His leadership is anticipated to drive Zscaler’s efforts in securing the nation’s critical infrastructure through its cloud-based services and Zero Trust Exchange platform, which delivers advanced cyber threat protection, data security, and zero-trust connectivity.

Prior to joining Zscaler, Upadhayay served as the Sales Leader for Government, Defense, and PSU sectors at cybersecurity giant Crowdstrike. His extensive background in managing large-scale cybersecurity projects and understanding of the unique challenges faced by government bodies positions him to make a significant impact at Zscaler.

Zscaler’s decision to onboard a seasoned veteran like Upadhayay underscores its commitment to accelerating cloud security adoption in India. As the country’s public sector increasingly embraces digital transformation, Zscaler’s cloud-native approach, combined with Upadhayay’s leadership, is expected to play a pivotal role in securing enterprise networks and data.

This move comes at a time when cybersecurity is at the forefront of national security concerns, particularly within government and public sector enterprises that manage sensitive data and infrastructure.

Tags: Anand S UpadhayaycybersecurityZscaler

Related posts

Digital Native

Paytm elevates Deependra Singh Rathore as the CTO for payments at One 97 Communications

Observenow Desk

In a strategic leadership shift, Paytm’s parent company, One97 Communications, has named Deependra Singh Rathore as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for Payments. Rathore, a seasoned technology expert with over two decades of experience, takes the reins from Manmeet Singh Dhody, who transitions into the role of AI Fellow at the company.

Rathore’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment as Paytm continues to evolve its financial services, driven by cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI). He joined Paytm as General Manager of its Payment Gateway Business in 2016, Rathore has played a critical role in shaping the company’s digital payment landscape. His rise through the ranks—becoming Senior Vice President at Paytm Payments Bank in 2020 and now leading AI-led strategic initiatives—highlights his instrumental role in Paytm’s growth.

As CTO, Rathore will oversee the design and implementation of payment products and services while spearheading AI integration to enhance the company’s offerings. His deep understanding of Paytm’s ecosystem and his expertise in AI-driven solutions position him to accelerate the company’s efforts in transforming the fintech space.

This leadership transition also marks Paytm’s continued investment in AI as a cornerstone of its future.

Tags: artificial intelligenceDeependra Singh RathorePAYTMPaytm Payments Bank

Related posts

Exclusive

Empowering EV Industry through Sustainable Talent Management & Industry-Academia Collaboration

Observenow Desk October 6, 2024

Employees are the bedrock of an organisation. But finding skilled talent is still a challenge, as many industries grapple with significant skills gaps, which hinders growth. Due to a lack of real industry-academia collaboration, there is a mismatch of expectations—the skills taught in colleges and universities sometimes do not align with industry demands, resulting in unemployment and hiring woes. The challenge is further compounded in the EV industry, which is undergoing rapid transformational changes. Being in its nascent stages, with newer innovations and developments marking its growth, the unavailability of skilled talents is a significant roadblock.  

According to the Automotive Mission Plan 2026, the Indian automotive industry is poised to increase the value of the industry to over 12% of the nation’s GDP and create an additional 65 million jobs. As the industry continues to evolve, the skills required are also evolving at an overwhelming pace, further adding to the talent shortage concerns. 

With increasing automation and digitisation, this talent crunch is becoming more pronounced, with companies struggling to find skilled professionals who can bridge this gap between increasing demand and limited supply. As the war for talent intensifies in the competitive job market, retaining skilled talent poses another problem. Although the industry is rife with challenges, beneath those pitfalls lie opportunities for growth.  

Sustainability lies at the heart of the EV industry. By ensuring sustainability in fuel use, reduced ecological footprint, and economic viability, the industry is contributing to a healthy planet while positioning themselves for long-term success. Integrating sustainability into HR practices and aligning it with the organisation’s overarching goals reflects a forward-thinking approach to sustainability and a balanced approach to organisational growth and environmental responsibility. 

Sustainability is a crucial indicator of employee engagement and retention. Organisations that underscore sustainability as a part of their business strategy attract more employees because they feel it adds meaningful value to their work. Studies have shown that employees are more inclined to work at socially and environmentally responsible companies where being a part of a bigger purpose motivates them to be more productive. According to a report by IBM, 67% of survey respondents are more willing to apply for and 68% would accept jobs from environmentally sustainable organisations.

As the constitution of the modern workforce is evolving, the expectations of the upcoming generations to see their values reflected in the workplace are gaining ground. Younger employees are on the lookout for enterprises that make a difference. Since a sustainable organisation signals its commitment to people and the planet over profits, it will definitely stand out. 

Companies that champion green goals and encourage Environmental, Sustainability, and Governance (ESG) initiatives build positive company reputations, both internally and externally. Employees are drawn to companies that shoulder corporate social responsibility and feel a sense of pride in the workplace. 

Also, identifying talent that will be sustainable in the long run should be the key driver of hiring processes. Hiring talent not just for skill but for intent—intent to create something futuristic and impactful with a deep-rooted concern for climate change and environmental impact—will definitely reduce attrition rates. 

And a company’s journey to sustainability is incomplete if it is limited to just hiring. New sustainability skills need to be inculcated and practices embedded in the organisation’s overall functioning. Every job, every function, and every process within an organisation will have to adapt to green practices to bring about a sustainability transformation. For example, the logistics industry will have to optimise fuel usage, transport modes, routes, etc. to reduce its carbon footprint. It can begin with something as simple as going paperless, but it needs to begin now. 

Most importantly, the efforts towards a green future need to be driven on an everyday basis, as success depends on constant and consistent efforts. The time is ticking and employees are thinking beyond their jobs. Your organisation’s commitment to sustainability will not only drive global change but also foster an environment that attracts and retains a responsible workforce. 

On the other side, there is a surge in demand for green skills among employers, highlighting the growing importance of ESG in the recruitment landscape. By keeping sustainability at the core of talent management, organisations can help translate the Sustainable Development Goals and net-zero commitments into reality. 

Author: Pranay Prakash, CHRO, BluWheelz

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of ObserveNow Media. The author is solely responsible for ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and validity of the information presented, encouraging readers to independently verify and seek professional advice if needed.

Tags: BluwheelzPranay PrakashSustainable Talent Management

Related posts

Cybersecurity

Naseem Halder Appointed as Chief Information Security Officer at Navi Finance

Observenow Desk October 5, 2024

Naseem Halder has been appointed as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Navi Finance, according to his LinkedIn update. Previously serving as CISO at fintech company Slice, Halder is renowned for his strategic innovation and leadership in security and network architecture.

At Slice, Halder played a critical role in protecting the company’s digital infrastructure, ensuring regulatory compliance, and safeguarding sensitive financial data.

His leadership was instrumental in crafting secure, scalable network solutions and driving innovation, particularly through the integration of AI and ML technologies. With a proven track record of success in CTO and CISO roles for unicorn startups, Halder excels in aligning technology strategies with business goals.

In his new role at Navi Finance, Halder is set to leverage his extensive experience to strengthen the company’s cybersecurity posture. His expertise in comprehensive security strategies, enterprise security transformation, and team-building will be crucial as Navi Finance continues to enhance its security protocols and remain at the forefront of the evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Halder’s ability to communicate complex security concepts to senior stakeholders will further ensure the alignment of technological advancements with business objectives, solidifying Navi’s reputation for security and trust.

Tags: cybersecurityNaseem HalderNavi Finance

Related posts

Digital Native

Devam Shah has been appointed as CISO & DPO at Locus

Observenow Desk

Locus, a leading edge-technology company renowned for solving complex global technology and supply chain challenges has appointed Dr. Devam Shah as its new Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Data Protection Officer (DPO).

In his LinkedIn announcement, Devam expressed his enthusiasm about this new opportunity, stating, “I am thrilled to join Locus diving headfirst into logistics—a realm where AI meets infrastructure at a scale that defies imagination. We’re optimizing over 1.22 billion deliveries and counting! It’s real-time, it’s massive, and it’s precisely the challenge that keeps my professional life invigorating.”

In his previous stints, Devam has worked with Teachmint, Great Learning, Co-FounderER Tech Pros, Meditab Software, Inc, and Tata Consultancy Services, aligning security and compliance with business goals while empowering startups and SMBs to achieve exponential growth.

Reflecting on his previous experiences, Devam commented, “If there’s one constant in my journey, it’s the fine art of strategic risk-taking—navigating uncharted waters when most prefer the well-trodden path. Back in my SCIT – Symbiosis Centre For Information Technology days, while many were enamored with the allure of the Big 4, I chose Tata Consultancy Services instead, not as a safety net, but because I recognized that true growth is forged in the trenches, not from the ivory tower of advisory roles. Sometimes, you have to roll up your sleeves and get a bit of mud on your boots.”

Tags: Devam ShahLocus

Related posts

News

Accenture, Nvidia Forge Artificial Intelligence Partnership

Observenow Desk

Accenture and NVIDIA have announced an expanded partnership, marked by the formation of a new NVIDIA Business Group within Accenture. This initiative aims to accelerate AI adoption across global enterprises, enabling rapid scaling of AI capabilities.

With generative AI driving $3 billion in bookings for Accenture in the last fiscal year, the new group will leverage Accenture’s AI Refinery™️, which integrates the full NVIDIA AI stack—including NVIDIA AI Foundry, NVIDIA AI Enterprise, and NVIDIA Omniverse. The AI Refinery will enable advancements in areas like process reinvention, AI-powered simulations, and sovereign AI, and will be available on all public and private cloud platforms. This framework will also integrate with other Accenture Business Groups, driving AI adoption across SaaS and cloud ecosystems.

“We are breaking significant new ground with our partnership with NVIDIA and enabling our clients to be at the forefront of using generative AI as a catalyst for reinvention,” said Julie Sweet, Chair and CEO, Accenture. “Accenture AI Refinery will create opportunities for companies to reimagine their processes and operations, discover new ways of working, and scale AI solutions across the enterprise to help drive continuous change and create value.”

Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA, echoed this sentiment, stating, “AI will supercharge enterprises, enabling them to scale innovation at greater speed. “NVIDIA’s platform, Accenture’s AI Refinery and our combined expertise will help businesses and nations accelerate this transformation to drive unprecedented productivity and growth.”

The new Accenture NVIDIA Business Group will focus on scaling agentic AI systems—an emerging frontier in generative AI. Unlike traditional generative AI, agentic AI systems act on user intent, creating new workflows and taking actions autonomously, enabling the reinvention of entire processes and functions. Over 30,000 professionals will be trained globally to support clients in scaling AI and reinventing business processes.

Accenture and NVIDIA are already collaborating on key projects, such as the deployment of Indonesia’s first sovereign AI system in partnership with Indosat Group. This initiative enables businesses to deploy AI securely while ensuring data governance and regulatory compliance. With an initial focus on the financial services sector, these AI-powered solutions will help Indonesian banks drive profitability, efficiency, and sustainable growth.

Accenture will also introduce the NVIDIA NIM Agent Blueprint for virtual facility robot fleet simulation, integrating NVIDIA Omniverse, Isaac, and Metropolis software. This will enable industrial companies to build autonomous, robot-operated, software-defined factories. These capabilities will be used at Eclipse Automation, an Accenture-owned company, to deliver faster designs and reduced cycle times for clients.

As part of its Center for Advanced AI, Accenture will establish a network of hubs with deep engineering expertise to harness agentic AI systems and address large-scale operational challenges. These hubs will focus on fine-tuning foundational models while managing accuracy, cost, and compliance concerns. In addition to existing hubs in Mountain View, California, and Bangalore, Accenture will add new AI Refinery Engineering Hubs in Singapore, Tokyo, Malaga, and London.

Moreover, Accenture’s marketing division will integrate the AI Refinery platform to run smarter, faster campaigns, cutting manual steps by 25-35%, reducing costs by 6%, and increasing speed to market by up to 55%. This broad use of agentic AI will enable a transformative approach across industries.

Tags: Accentureartificial intelligenceNVIDIA

Related posts

Exclusive

Mugdha Sinha, DG (Tourism), Ministry of Tourism, GoI, Highlights Tourism as a ‘Soft Power’:In an Exclusive Interview with ObserveNow

Observenow Desk

In the first quarter of 2024, international tourist arrivals reached 97% of their pre-pandemic levels. According to UN Tourism, over 285 million tourists travelled internationally between January and March, marking a roughly 20% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This highlights the sector’s near-full recovery from the pandemic’s effects.

In an increasingly interconnected world, tourism has emerged as a potent tool for soft power, enabling nations to foster peaceful international relations and promote cross-cultural exchange. Beyond economic benefits, tourism plays a vital role in bridging cultural divides, fostering mutual understanding, and enhancing diplomatic ties.

Tourism enhances soft power to foster peaceful international relations, with the digital economy—especially innovations like virtual reality (VR) and AI uplifting the global tourism landscape to encourage cross-cultural exchange and strengthen diplomatic ties between nations. Governments and tourism boards can partner with tech companies to leverage data-driven insights, predicting and addressing potential cultural conflicts to ensure that tourism contributes to global peace and stability. In this context, ObserveNow Media interacted with Mugdha Sinha, Director General of Tourism at the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, for further insights on the subject.

Below are the edited excerpts from the interview:

How can tourism be leveraged as a form of “soft power” diplomacy to foster peaceful international relations and cultural understanding in a world where geopolitical tensions are rising?

Tourism is the Archimedes lever for ‘soft power’ diplomacy borne on the wings of people-to-people connect that fosters better understanding of peoples, places, cultures and philosophies, bridging ideational divides and creating opportunities to learn from each other. Travel in today’s time and age powered by internet search is akin to an anthropological undertaking where our curiosity leads us to new destinations and we come back with our own first-hand experience of the place, its people, craft, cuisine and the like.

The impressions that we carry of the host through our ease of travel, access, connectivity, and reception and the impressions that we leave as a guest all count and contribute in overt and covert, tangible and intangible ways towards enhanced geopolitical understanding as we partake in global consumption of tourism services.

Vasudeva Kutumbhakam (The Whole World is One) was India’s civilizational talisman of earliest forays into the world, five thousand years before the word globalization was coined to embark on a borderless world for movement of men, materials and minds. The ideational map of the world stands transformed because of travellers. Buddhist philosophy reached the East because of emissaries from Ashoka’s court who carried the message far and wide, arousing the curiosity of Chinese travellers like Xuanzang and Fa-Hien to visit India.

No wonder, UN Tourism in recognition of the potential of tourism for world peace has very rightly focused this year’s celebrations around the theme of ‘Tourism & Peace’

In what ways is the digital economy, particularly advancements like virtual reality (VR) and AI, transforming the global tourism scenario to promote cross-cultural exchange and enhance diplomatic ties between nations?

Digital Economy has provided a great impetus to travel and tourism, leading to an enhanced visitor experience and improved quality of services, without dependence on human interface from the comfort of your homes. By easing access to information and third-party travel testimonials, facilitating online bookings for travel, accommodations and entertainment and the various digitally powered payment gateways and such like digital public infrastructure have enabled all kinds of purchases and shopping without having to worry about carrying hard currency. With digital solutions, the world is literally on your fingertips.

However, if I were to give you some specific examples to illustrate my point, from the very origin of the idea to travel- the search engine supported by AI and Generative AI and Chatbots is like a digital genie which provides answers to all our travel related queries. Moreover, it also has the power to nudge us with related information. Digital previews of destinations and cultural offerings are now available with 7D plus experiences. Aggregator sites like expedia.com, booking.com, yatra.com, trip advisor, clear trip, make my trip and such like for flight and accommodation bookings are run on AI/Gen AI for bespoke customer care and handling. Moreover, many countries now provide online E-Visas. Right from entry into airports (in India through Digi yatra App) to self-check-ins, to accessing rooms through smart keys or ordering food and payment in restaurants through QR code are some examples of how the digital technologies are making both travel and life easy, accessible and safe for all.

How can responsible tourism initiatives, supported by digital platforms, create more inclusive and peaceful interactions between tourists and local cultures, especially in areas with sensitive historical or political contexts?

In physical space design interventions can anticipate issues of crowds and their management, but when these issues are not preempted in architectural planning or programming, then creative digital solutions, now also through apps can be used for effective management to avert over-tourism at the cost of discomfort to local residents and communities.

Digital tech was used effectively by the Museum of the Future in Dubai when it sold out within three months of its opening through differential online ticketing and by opening the museum at night. Qatar airport through its design-digital intervention is another great example of how to do crowd management in public spaces.

Also in this age of infocalypse, infotainment is at your doorstep for all kinds of last-minute and crisis-related information/support, as is quantum marketing and targeted bespoke promotions aided by algorithms based on your search preferences.

Digital has made all of us feel at home and personally taken care of in normal circumstances and is equally effective in times of emergencies by allowing language/translation support, also.

In fact, new and emerging technologies elevate and support the global travel and tourism experience with maximum satisfaction to customers and the least disturbance to others, by minimizing human dependence, interface and queues with its attendant issues, making it a win-win for all.

In what ways can governments and tourism boards collaborate with tech companies to use data-driven insights to predict and mitigate potential cultural conflicts, ensuring tourism contributes to global peace and stability?

You will be happy to know that we are already engaged and collaborating with various tech solution providers for data-driven insights to improve the travel and tourism industry offerings for evidence-based policy interventions as also for creative solutions to anticipate a wide range of issues from over-tourism to responsible and sustainable tourism, as also for emergency crisis response and MOOCs capacity building.

We are in talks with VISA to be able to use their global customer spending trends in a systematic manner for various kinds of predictive behaviour-based decision-making. From Google Search Engine log shares to the passport and visa handling VFS, to entering into MoUs with booking platforms like cleartrip, ease my trip, make my trip etc for our revamped version of the Incredible India portal, the importance of data aggregation points for business analysis is imperative. Our statistical unit known as the MR division is also contemplating market research and surveys for a better understanding of our traveller profile and their travel preferences. Recently Trip Advisor has using their customer data, released a document on –‘How India Travels’ and we are open and receptive to more such collaborations to better understand our policy-making business side of travel and tourism from the eyes of our customers, in full acknowledgement of the old adage where the customer in King! And data is the new currency.

Tags: Ministry of TourismMugdha Sinha

Related posts

News

Brakes India Appoints Ramya Sampathkumar as Chief Information & Digital Officer

Observenow Desk October 4, 2024

Brakes India has appointed Ramya Sampathkumar as its new Chief Information & Digital Officer (CIDO), bringing over 20 years of expertise in digital transformation and strategic leadership to the role.

Prior to joining Brakes India, Sampathkumar served as Chief Digital Officer & Advisor at GMMCO Ltd, where she was instrumental in developing the company’s digital framework and spearheading initiatives aimed at enhancing customer experience and optimizing internal processes. Her career also includes significant contributions during her tenure at Cognizant, where she played a key role in business development and digital consulting, helping multiple industries navigate their digital transformation journeys.

With her comprehensive knowledge of aligning technology with business goals, Ramya is poised to lead Brakes India’s digital strategies, fostering innovation and driving growth across the organization.

Tags: Brakes IndiaRamya Sampathkumar

Related posts

News

‘Throwing people into a very big pressure cooker’: Sridhar Vembu, Zoho on toxic work culture in Indian companies

Observenow Desk

In a candid interview, Zoho CEO and Co-Founder Sridhar Vembu raised alarm over the toxic work culture prevalent in many Indian companies, warning that the relentless pace some organizations impose on employees is unsustainable. Vembu emphasized that while hard work is essential, pushing workers to the brink with long hours and mounting pressures will eventually lead to burnout, a situation he likened to “throwing people into a very big pressure cooker.”

Vembu’s remarks resonate with the growing number of tragic incidents where young professionals have succumbed to the pressures of a toxic work environment. In July this year, 26-year-old Anna Sebastian Perayil, an associate at SR Batliboi, a member firm of Ernst & Young (EY), passed away. Her mother, Anita Augustine, attributed the death to excessive work stress, stating that Anna often worked late into the night, including weekends. In a heartfelt letter to EY India chairman Rajiv Memani, Augustine condemned the company’s work practices and revealed that no representatives from the firm attended her daughter’s funeral. In response, Memani expressed his commitment to improving employee well-being, calling it his “top-most priority.”

Anna’s story, unfortunately, is not an isolated case. Recently, Tarun Saxena, an employee of Bajaj Finance, died by suicide in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, leaving behind a heart-wrenching note detailing the intense pressure he faced at work. Saxena, whose job involved collecting EMIs, described how he was threatened with salary cuts and even forced to personally cover unpaid amounts. His pleas for relief from his supervisors were ignored. Saxena’s suicide note, addressed to his family, expressed his despair and the unbearable stress he endured from his superiors.

Bajaj Finance, in response, called Saxena’s death a “tragic loss” and stated that they were supporting his family. The company acknowledged the toxic work culture allegations, placing concerned employees on administrative leave and launching an internal investigation.

These incidents bring to light the harsh realities faced by many employees in corporate India. Vembu pointed out additional factors contributing to the unhealthy environment, such as loneliness due to migration to urban centers and long commutes, which only exacerbate the strain on young professionals.

For Vembu, the solution lies in fostering a balanced, sustainable work environment that prioritizes long-term well-being. “I’ve been working for nearly 28 years, and I hope to continue for another 28. But that won’t be possible if I burn out, and I don’t want any of our people to burn themselves out either,” he said, underscoring the importance of a more humane approach to work.

Tags: Sridhar VembuZoho

Related posts

Digital Native

Acko appoints Nitin Sood as its Group Chief Financial Officer

Observenow Desk

Acko has appointed Nitin Sood as its Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO), bringing with him 26 years of expertise in corporate finance, consulting, strategic leadership, and investor relations.

Before joining Acko, Sood served as the CFO of PVR INOX, where he led a nationwide team of over 60 finance professionals, significantly contributing to the company’s growth and success.

Prior to his CFO role, he was the Vice President of Finance at PVR INOX, following his earlier tenure as General Manager of Finance, where he oversaw the company’s financial strategy and operations.

Varun Dua, Founder, ACKO, said, “As we continue to scale our business and expand our product offerings, Nitin will drive sustainable financial growth while maintaining a strategic focus on innovation and customer-centricity. His expertise in managing finance for high growth companies is expected to be a vital asset to ACKO.”

In his new role, Sood will steer Acko’s financial strategy and operations, while leading a high-performing team to influence key strategic decisions. His leadership will be pivotal in shaping the future landscape of digital insurance in India.

Nitin Sood, Group CFO, ACKO, said, “The company is redefining the multiple touchpoints in the customers’ lives by becoming a holistic protection destination with its innovation and customer-centric approach, and I look forward to working with the team to build sustainable financial strategies that support ACKO’s ambitious goals and strengthen the brand’s position as a leader in the digital insurance market.”

His career began at Dimensions Consulting as a Senior Manager, handling corporate finance consulting projects and advising on business initiatives, restructuring, and private equity funding. His early professional experience also includes an Industrial Trainee role at Escorts Finance Limited.

Tags: AckoNitin Sood

Related posts

Upcoming Conferences