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Month: January 2025

HR

Captain Fresh Appoints Rupali Gupta as Group Chief Human Resources Officer

ObserveNow Media January 10, 2025

Captain Fresh has appointed Rupali Gupta as its Group Chief Human Resources Officer. With two decades of experience in human resources and consulting, Gupta has previously held senior leadership roles at Korn Ferry, Mercer, Mundipharma, Standard Chartered Bank, and Accenture.

In her new role, Gupta will be responsible for overseeing People and Culture across the company’s international operations, which include offices in India, the US, Europe (Spain, France, and Poland), and the UAE. Her expertise will play a key role in talent management, organizational scalability, and fostering a high-performance culture across these regions.

Gupta, who has spent the last 12 years in Singapore, will relocate to India with her family to join the company’s global leadership team. Her appointment aligns with Captain Fresh’s strategy to build a strong talent ecosystem and cohesive culture as the company prepares for its upcoming IPO and continues expanding in global markets.

Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Bengaluru, Captain Fresh sources and distributes over 100 species of seafood across 30 countries.

Tags: Captain FreshRupali Gupta

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Education

Global Job Market to Transform by 2030, Says WEF’s ‘Future of Jobs Report 2025’

ObserveNow Media

The global job landscape is set to undergo significant changes by 2030, according to the Future of Jobs Report 2025 by the World Economic Forum (WEF). The report predicts a net increase of 78 million jobs globally, with 170 million new roles being created and 92 million positions eliminated.

The fastest growth is expected in sectors like care, education, technology, and renewable energy, while traditional roles face contraction due to automation and technological advancements. Key drivers of this transformation include rapid technological progress, demographic shifts, economic pressures, and the global pivot toward green energy.

Artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a pivotal factor in this transformation. While 50% of employers plan to harness AI to create new opportunities, 41% anticipate job reductions due to automation. Despite this, high demand is forecasted for roles in technology, data, AI, renewable energy, and essential frontline jobs like care workers, educators, and delivery drivers. Conversely, roles such as graphic designers and administrative assistants are expected to decline.

The report underscores an urgent need for upskilling to address the widening skills gap, with nearly 40% of the required job skills by 2030 being new or evolving. Workers will need a mix of technical and human-centric skills, including resilience, leadership, cognitive abilities, and creativity.

The WEF estimates that 59% of the global workforce will require reskilling or upskilling to meet future demands. Employers are increasingly focusing on equipping existing employees with new skills, although workforce reductions due to automation remain a reality for many organizations.

Geopolitical tensions, economic challenges, and demographic changes are also reshaping global labor markets. The report calls for collaboration between businesses, governments, and educational institutions to build a resilient and adaptable workforce.

“Trends like generative AI and rapid technological shifts are disrupting industries and labor markets, creating unprecedented opportunities and risks,” said Till Leopold, Head of Work, Wages, and Job Creation at WEF. “Now is the time for businesses and governments to unite, invest in skills, and ensure an equitable, resilient global workforce.”

Top 10 Fastest-Growing Skills by 2030:

  1. AI and Big Data
  2. Networks and Cybersecurity
  3. Technological Literacy
  4. Creative Thinking
  5. Resilience, Flexibility, and Agility
  6. Curiosity and Lifelong Learning
  7. Leadership and Social Influence
  8. Talent Management
  9. Analytical Thinking
  10. Environmental Stewardship
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Exclusive

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella Unveils $3 Billion Investment Plan to Drive AI Innovation and Skilling in India

Observenow Desk January 9, 2025

During his visit to India, Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella announced a groundbreaking $3 billion investment aimed at enhancing the country’s cloud and AI infrastructure and skilling initiatives. This strategic investment, which includes the establishment of new data centers, aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India (Viksit Bharat) by 2047. Over the next five years, Microsoft plans to train 10 million individuals in AI skills as part of the second edition of its ADVANTA(I)GE India program.

Nadella emphasized India’s pivotal role in AI innovation, stating, “India is rapidly becoming a leader in AI innovation, unlocking new opportunities across the country. Our investments reaffirm our commitment to making India AI-first, ensuring people and organizations benefit broadly.”

Puneet Chandok, President of Microsoft India and South Asia, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the transformative impact of AI across sectors, from education to agriculture.

Expanding AI Infrastructure and Training

Microsoft plans to expand its cloud and AI infrastructure across its existing data centers, with a fourth center set to go live by 2026. This move aims to create a scalable AI ecosystem to support India’s growing AI startups and research community.

The ADVANTA(I)GE India program, which trained 2.4 million individuals in its first phase, will now aim to equip 10 million Indians with essential AI skills by 2030. This initiative focuses on inclusivity, with significant participation from women and individuals from tier II and III cities.

AI Ecosystem and Startup Collaboration

Microsoft Research India launched an AI Innovation Network to foster collaborations with startups and digital-native companies. Initiatives include partnerships with organizations like Physics Wallah to create personalized educational tools using AI.

The company also signed an MoU with SaaSBoomi, a premier B2B startup community, to accelerate India’s AI and SaaS ecosystem. Over the next five years, this partnership aims to impact over 5,000 startups, train 150,000 employees, and create 200,000 new jobs.

Sustainable AI Development

Reinforcing its commitment to sustainability, Microsoft announced zero-water cooling technology for its new data centers in India. The company has also secured renewable energy contracts and is directing $15 million towards environmental justice initiatives, focusing on women’s livelihoods, rural electrification, and climate change mitigation.

India’s AI-Driven Future

Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Skill Development, lauded Microsoft’s efforts, stating, “Collaborations like these are pivotal in building an AI-ready India, driving innovation, creating jobs, and bridging the digital divide.”

This multi-faceted investment underscores Microsoft’s vision of positioning India as a global AI leader while advancing responsible AI practices and fostering inclusive growth across the country.

Tags: MicrosoftSatya Nadella

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Governance

V Narayanan Appointed as ISRO Chairman and Secretary, Department of Space

Observenow Desk

The Centre has appointed V Narayanan as the new Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Secretary of the Department of Space. According to an official order from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, Narayanan will take over the position on January 14, succeeding the current ISRO chairman, S Somanath.

Narayanan’s appointment has been confirmed for a term of two years or until further notice, as per an order issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. The order reads, “The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Shri V. Narayanan, Director, Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, Valiamala as Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman, Space Commission for a period of two years with effect from 14.01.2025, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.”

Currently serving as the Director of ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Valiamala, Kerala, V Narayanan is a veteran scientist with nearly 40 years of experience in rocket and spacecraft propulsion. He joined ISRO in 1984 and has held key positions in multiple critical projects.

During the early phase of his career, Narayanan contributed to the development of solid propulsion systems for Sounding Rockets, Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV), and Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). His expertise in propulsion technology has played a pivotal role in advancing ISRO’s launch capabilities.

Tags: ISROV Narayanan

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B2B Marketeer

Apple India’s Ankit Goyle Appointed as Head of India Marketing at Snap Inc.

Observenow Desk

Ankit Goyle has been named the new Head of Marketing for Snap Inc. in India. With a distinguished track record in the marketing sector, Goyle previously led category marketing and demand generation for Apple’s flagship products—iPhone and AirPods—in the country.

“After 9+ incredible years at Apple India, where I launched 11 iPhone models and collaborated with amazing colleagues, it’s time for a new adventure. I’m thrilled to join Snap Inc. as the Head of India Marketing, where I’ll be setting up the marketing function and contributing to Snapchat’s mission of empowering self-expression and connection,” Goyle shared in a LinkedIn post.

Goyle’s professional journey began at Google, where he served as an account manager. He then transitioned to Reid & Taylor as an assistant brand manager before moving to Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail, where he advanced from retail marketing manager to brand marketing manager for Van Heusen. Before his tenure at Apple, Goyle was the Head of Marketing at Myntra, where he led national marketing campaigns across digital and traditional platforms, playing a crucial role in launching innovative digital initiatives for Apple’s partners and distributors in India.

Tags: Ankit GoyleApple India

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B2B Marketeer

Delhivery Appoints Karan Parekh as Head of Digital Marketing

Observenow Desk

Delhivery, one of India’s foremost logistics and supply chain companies, has appointed Karan Parekh as its new Head of Digital Marketing. Parekh, who brings over a decade of specialized experience in digital marketing, shared the news of his appointment through LinkedIn, signaling a significant career move into the fast-evolving logistics sector.

Before joining Delhivery, Parekh held the position of Senior Vice President of Marketing at YES BANK, where he spearheaded the bank’s digital initiatives. His multifaceted experience encompasses key areas such as biddable media, social media management, search engine marketing (SEM), search engine optimization (SEO), and strategic digital planning. Over his career, he has held senior roles at PNB MetLife India Insurance, Axis Bank, Madison Communications, and GroupM, where he cultivated a reputation for crafting data-driven marketing strategies and delivering impactful results.

At Delhivery, Parekh is anticipated to play a pivotal role in strengthening the company’s digital presence, enhancing marketing efficiency, and driving customer engagement in an increasingly competitive logistics market. His expertise in performance marketing and integrated campaigns is expected to help Delhivery stay ahead in the industry.

Tags: DelhiveryKaran Parekh

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Digital Native

HPCL and AIC Pinnacle Unveil “EvolutioNari” to Boost Women Entrepreneurship

Observenow Desk January 8, 2025

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) and AIC Pinnacle Entrepreneurship Forum have launched the “EvolutioNari – Women Entrepreneurship Program,” an initiative aimed at empowering women-led startups. This year-long program provides a suite of resources to help women entrepreneurs turn their ideas into successful businesses. Participants will benefit from mentoring, business planning, legal assistance, and funding opportunities designed to accelerate their journey toward commercialization.

The launch event, held at SNDT Mini Auditorium in Mumbai, featured 18 women-led startups from diverse sectors such as health tech, sustainability, medtech, food, edtech, and other emerging fields. The event highlighted the program’s multifaceted approach to supporting entrepreneurs through interactive sessions, including elevator pitches, a product expo, and a panel discussion.

One of the key attractions of the launch was the Elevator Pitch Sessions, where entrepreneurs presented their business ideas to a distinguished panel of investors from firms like Marwadi Catalysts, JITO JIIF, Lakhani Financial Services, Early Seed Ventures, Arthayan Advisory Services, and Majority Fund. Additionally, the Product Expo showcased innovations from 14 startups, providing them with a platform to demonstrate their potential. A Panel Discussion featuring industry experts offered valuable insights on overcoming challenges in entrepreneurship, further enriching the event.

AIC Pinnacle, a key partner in the program, has been instrumental in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) of NITI Aayog. To date, the incubator has supported over 100 startups through its network of more than 110 mentors across various industries. These startups have collectively earned over 30 national and international accolades, underscoring the effectiveness of AIC Pinnacle’s mentorship model.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Sudhir Mehta, Founder and Chairman of AIC Pinnacle, highlighted the organization’s ongoing efforts to promote entrepreneurship and generate employment opportunities. He announced that the EvolutioNari program would be an annual initiative, further solidifying AIC Pinnacle’s commitment to creating an inclusive and vibrant startup ecosystem.

The launch of EvolutioNari reflects the increasing emphasis on empowering women in India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. By providing essential resources and platforms for growth, the program aims to enable women entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses and contribute significantly to India’s economic development.

Tags: AIC PinnacleEvolutioNariHindustan Petroleum Corporation LtdHPCLWomen Entrepreneurship

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Education

Vaibhav Kumar Srivastava Appointed as India Head – Edtechs & Education at Google India

Observenow Desk

Google India has announced the elevation of Vaibhav Kumar Srivastava to the position of India Head – Edtechs & Education, a key leadership role that underscores his stellar career trajectory. In this capacity, Vaibhav will spearhead the Edtech and Education industry practice across India and SAARC, with a focus on expanding the Enterprise Edtech business.

Sharing the news on LinkedIn, Vaibhav expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I am excited to start this new position at Google Cloud. Building upon my experience managing the Midmarket Education portfolio in 2024, I will now oversee the Enterprise Edtech business, leading efforts to enhance our footprint in India’s education sector. I am deeply grateful and honoured to work with such a talented team and look forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

Since joining Google in April 2021, Vaibhav has been instrumental in driving growth and innovation. As the former Head – Education, Early Stage Edtechs, and Greenfield Corporations, he led a Field Sales team to advance Google Cloud and Google Workspace adoption across diverse segments. Notable achievements during his tenure include scaling the Digital Campus Program, acquiring new customers, and transitioning clients to Google Cloud.

Before his tenure at Google, Vaibhav held leadership positions at global giants such as Microsoft, IBM, HP, and CISCO, and contributed as a startup mentor and coach. His extensive experience has positioned him as a key player in the tech and education sectors.

Vaibhav’s promotion reflects Google’s dedication to fostering digital transformation in education and advancing innovation within India’s dynamic Edtech ecosystem.

Tags: EdtechsVaibhav Kumar Srivastava

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Governance

Uttar Pradesh Government Partners with Google Cloud India to Transform Agriculture with Digital Public Infrastructure

Observenow Desk

The Government of Uttar Pradesh, in collaboration with Google Cloud India, has launched a groundbreaking initiative to revolutionize the state’s agricultural ecosystem. The Uttar Pradesh Open Network for Agriculture, powered by Google’s Gemini framework and the Beckn Protocol, aims to provide millions of farmers with a unified digital platform offering critical services such as agricultural advisory, credit access, mechanisation, and market linkages.

As a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), the platform is designed to enable easy access to services via voice commands in multiple languages, including Hindi, Bangla, Telugu, Kannada, Gujarati, and Punjabi. The initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and empower farmers with cutting-edge tools and resources.

Highlighting the project’s significance, Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh, stated, “This initiative underscores the Uttar Pradesh government’s dedication to good governance and digital empowerment. The Open Network for Agriculture is a transformative step toward doubling farmers’ income, providing real-time information on micro-climates and market prices by integrating data from weather stations across tehsils.”

The decentralised nature of the network sets it apart from traditional platforms, enabling participation from diverse service providers, including input suppliers, financial institutions, and government agencies.

Bikram Singh Bedi, Vice President and Country MD of Google Cloud India, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “We are proud to support Uttar Pradesh in this pioneering effort. With millions of farmers contributing significantly to India’s food production, this Gemini-powered Open Network offers a scalable, open approach for innovators to create solutions that benefit farmers statewide.”

The initiative leverages Google Cloud’s DPI-in-a-box solution, demonstrating its potential for large-scale public sector digitisation. Sujith Nair, CEO and Co-Founder of FIDE, the custodian of the Beckn Protocol, emphasized its potential to unlock access and value at a population scale. “This project is a milestone in creating an inclusive, digitally connected agricultural economy,” Nair said.

This state-wide initiative signals a significant step in India’s journey toward an inclusive, technology-driven agricultural transformation, leveraging open and decentralised standards to empower millions of farmers.

Tags: Google Cloud IndiaUttar Pradesh Government

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Trending

McAfee Unveils World’s First AI-Powered Deepfake Detector

Observenow Desk

McAfee has introduced the McAfee Deepfake Detector in India, further expanding its suite of AI-powered cybersecurity solutions. This innovative tool is designed to counter the growing prevalence of deepfake videos and AI-driven scams, which have surged across social media and online platforms, leaving individuals vulnerable to misinformation and fraud.

Recent research from McAfee reveals that the average Indian encounters 4.7 deepfake videos daily, with 66% of respondents reporting that they or someone they know fell victim to such scams in the past year. Moreover, nearly 44% of those targeted by online scams were scammed again within 12 months, underscoring the sophistication and frequency of these threats.

Pratim Mukherjee, Senior Director of Engineering at McAfee, emphasized the importance of empowering individuals with advanced detection tools. “While not all AI-generated content is malicious, the ability to discern between real and fake videos enables consumers to make informed decisions confidently,” Mukherjee stated.

The McAfee® Deepfake Detector, now available on select Copilot+ PCs in India, offers real-time alerts for AI-altered audio in videos, eliminating the need for manual uploads. The technology relies on on-device processing, ensuring user privacy by keeping data off the cloud. The tool operates seamlessly in the background, allowing users to engage in activities like gaming and browsing without performance disruptions.

By leveraging on-device neural processing units (NPUs), the Deepfake Detector enhances speed, improves battery efficiency, and ensures data privacy. McAfee assures users that no audio data is recorded or collected, and settings can be customized for optimal control.

To complement the Deepfake Detector, McAfee has launched the McAfee Smart AI™ Hub, an online platform offering resources and tools to help users identify and avoid AI scams. The Hub also allows consumers to submit suspicious videos for analysis, contributing to a broader understanding of AI-generated threats.

The McAfee Deepfake Detector is available in India on select Copilot+ PCs at Rs. 499 for the standalone version, while McAfee+ with the detector is priced at Rs. 2,398.

As the digital landscape evolves, McAfee aims to equip users with cutting-edge AI-driven tools to stay ahead of emerging cyber threats, ensuring a safer online environment for everyone.

Tags: Deepfake DetectorMcAfee

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