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Jasleen Khurana is appointed as the Director of Operations at Scry AI

Scry AI, a global provider of AI-driven enterprise solutions, has announced the promotion of Jasleen Khurana to the role of Director of Operations, India & Head of HR. This advancement marks a significant milestone in Khurana’s career, reflecting her dedication and contributions over more than nine years with the organization.

Khurana joined Scry AI in January 2016 as Head of HR and Administration. In this capacity, she has been instrumental in managing a comprehensive range of human resource functions, including talent acquisition, employee engagement, performance management, learning and development, and compliance. Her efforts have been pivotal in aligning HR initiatives with the company’s strategic objectives, fostering a people-centric culture within the organization.

With a total professional experience exceeding 14 years, Khurana’s career encompasses roles at notable organizations such as Genpact, TUI Travel, and Nielsen. Her academic background includes an MBA in HR and IT from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, equipping her with a robust foundation in both human resources and information technology. Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Khurana is actively engaged in community initiatives. She serves as an organizer for “Stories That Matter,” a non-profit platform that facilitates creative expression through virtual events, local meet-ups, and open-mic sessions for authors, storytellers, and enthusiasts. Her involvement in such initiatives underscores her commitment to fostering inclusive and empathetic environments both within and outside the workplace.

In her new role, Khurana will oversee Scry AI’s operations in India, in addition to continuing her leadership of the HR function. Her expanded responsibilities will encompass strategic planning, operational efficiency, and the cultivation of a workplace culture that prioritizes employee well-being and development.

Khurana’s promotion reflects the organization’s recognition of her leadership capabilities and her significant contributions to its growth and culture. As she steps into this expanded role, stakeholders anticipate continued advancements in operational excellence and human resource development under her guidance.

Shalaka Verma Appointed as Head of Customer Engineering at Google India

Google India has named Shalaka Verma as its new Head of Customer Engineering, signaling a strengthened focus on technical leadership and customer success within the Indian market. This appointment marks a significant development in Google’s regional leadership.

Verma brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having previously served as the Senior Director of Cloud Solution Architecture for Azure at Microsoft. In that capacity, she led global cloud architecture teams and was instrumental in pioneering transformative cloud solutions, including Azure Quantum. Her tenure at Microsoft was marked by a focus on developing industry-aligned solutions and fostering innovation within the partner ecosystem. Prior to her time at Microsoft, Verma held a pivotal role at IBM as the Director of Technical Sales for the Asia Pacific region. During her nine-year stint, she played a key role in launching AI, blockchain, and hybrid cloud solutions, contributing significantly to IBM’s technological advancements in the region. Her efforts in these areas have been recognized through multiple awards and the filing of three U.S. patents related to blockchain, storage virtualization, and big data.

Beyond her corporate achievements, Verma is actively involved in the broader technology community. She serves on the Advisory Board for the AI and Data Science Forum and is a Board Member at the SRM QKrishi Center of Excellence in Quantum Computing. Her contributions to the field have also been acknowledged through various accolades, including a Gold Medal awarded by the Prime Minister of India for her achievements as a computer scientist at BARC in 2006.

In her new role at Google India, Verma is expected to lead initiatives aimed at enhancing customer success through advanced cloud solutions and emerging technologies. Her extensive experience in cloud platforms, AI, and quantum computing positions her well to drive innovation and strengthen Google’s technical leadership in data and cloud engineering.

Verma’s appointment comes at a time when Google is restructuring its government affairs and public policy function in India to better align with the country’s dynamic technological landscape. The company has emphasized the need for elevated capabilities in areas such as AI, reflecting the strategic importance of India as a market. With over a billion users, India represents Google’s largest market in terms of user base, and the company has invested billions of dollars to support the digital transformation of local businesses and communities.

As Verma steps into her new position, the industry will be watching closely to see how her expertise and vision contribute to Google’s ongoing efforts to drive innovation and customer success in India and beyond.

Groww to Acquire Fisdom for $150 Million in All-Cash Deal

Indian fintech giant Groww is set to acquire wealth management firm Fisdom for around $150 million (INR 1,250 crore) in an all-cash deal. This strategic move, which requires regulatory approval, will enable the investment platform to expand its services into the wealth management sector.

Founded in 2015, Fisdom has established itself through a B2B2C distribution model, offering services such as mutual funds, tax filing, and insurance. The company has formed partnerships with several banks, including Punjab National Bank, Indian Bank, and Bank of Maharashtra, to extend its reach across various customer segments.

The acquisition is expected to complement Groww’s existing retail-focused offerings by integrating Fisdom’s B2B partnerships, thereby enhancing Groww’s presence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets. This move aligns with Groww’s objective to broaden its distribution network and strengthen collaborations with traditional financial institutions. Reports indicate that Fisdom’s investors, such as Quona Capital, Elevation Capital, and PayU, are anticipated to exit the company as part of the transaction. Additionally, Fisdom’s management team, including co-founder and CEO Subramanya S V, may join Groww post-acquisition, ensuring continuity and leveraging their expertise in the wealth management sector.

Groww, backed by investors like Tiger Global, Sequoia Capital, and Ribbit Capital, has emerged as a leading digital investment platform in India, focusing on direct mutual fund investing and stockbroking services. The acquisition of Fisdom is seen as a strategic step to diversify Groww’s service offerings and solidify its position in the competitive fintech landscape. This development reflects a broader trend of consolidation in India’s wealth tech segment, as firms aim to enhance user engagement, expand product suites, and build customer trust in a highly regulated environment. The deal is expected to close in the coming weeks, subject to necessary regulatory and board approvals.

By integrating Fisdom’s capabilities, Groww aims to offer a more comprehensive suite of financial services, catering to a wider audience and reinforcing its commitment to simplifying investment and wealth management for its users.

Tags: FisdomGroww

AI Takes Center Stage at Google I/O 2025 with Gemini 2.5 Pro and Project Astra

At the annual Google I/O 2025 developer conference, commencing on May 20 in Mountain View, California, artificial intelligence is poised to be the focal point. Google plans to unveil significant advancements in AI, highlighting its commitment to integrating intelligent systems across its product ecosystem.

A major highlight is the anticipated introduction of Gemini 2.5 Pro, the latest iteration of Google’s AI model. This version is expected to showcase enhanced capabilities, particularly in coding and software development, reflecting Google’s efforts to provide more sophisticated tools for developers. In addition to Gemini 2.5 Pro, Google is set to present Project Astra, a real-time reasoning engine developed by DeepMind. This tool seeks to improve AI’s capacity for dynamic processing and response to intricate queries. A key feature is LearnLM, an AI model for education, which personalizes learning and adjusts to individual user requirements.

While Android 16 was unveiled during a separate event last week, it may receive limited attention during the I/O keynote. However, there is speculation about a preview of Samsung’s Android XR headset, codenamed Project Moohan, which is positioned as a competitor to Apple’s Vision Pro.

Beyond these developments, Google may introduce AI-driven enhancements to its core applications, including Gmail, Chrome, and the Play Store. These updates are expected to improve user experience through smarter functionalities and more intuitive interfaces. The conference will be livestreamed on Google’s official YouTube channel, starting at 10 AM PT (10:30 PM IST) on May 20, allowing a global audience to witness the unveiling of these innovations.

With AI at the forefront, Google I/O 2025 underscores the company’s strategic focus on artificial intelligence as a transformative force in technology, aiming to enhance user interaction and streamline digital experiences across its platforms.

Kickstart Your AI Learning with These Four Free Coursera Courses

Artificial intelligence has become an integral part of various industries, and understanding its fundamentals is increasingly valuable. For those eager to delve into AI without financial commitment, Coursera offers several free courses designed for beginners. These courses provide accessible introductions to AI concepts, tools, and applications.

  1. AI For Everyone

“AI For Everyone” is a beginner-friendly course that requires no prior experience in AI or programming. Spanning approximately six hours, it is structured into four modules: What is AI?, Building AI Projects, Building AI in Your Company, and AI and Society. The course aims to demystify AI and its implications across various sectors.

  1. Google AI Essentials

“Google AI Essentials” offers insights into Google’s approach to AI, emphasizing practical applications and responsible usage. The six-hour course comprises five modules: Introduction to AI, Maximize Productivity With AI Tools, Discover the Art of Prompting, Use AI Responsibly, and Stay Ahead of the AI Curve. It is designed to be accessible to individuals of all skill levels.

  1. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

The course offered by IBM named, “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence” provides a comprehensive overview of AI concepts. The 12-hour course includes videos, readings, assignments, and hands-on labs. Consisting of four modules cover Introduction and Applications of AI; AI Concepts, Terminology, and Application Domains; Business and Career Transformation Through AI; and Issues, Concerns, and Ethical Considerations.

  1. Introduction to Generative AI

For those interested in the rapidly evolving field of generative AI, this course offers a concise overview. It defines generative AI, explains its underlying mechanisms, describes different types of generative AI models, and discusses real-world applications. This course is part of the “Introduction to Generative AI Learning Path Specialization,” allowing learners to explore the topic further if desired.

These courses provide valuable opportunities to understand AI’s foundational concepts and practical applications. By offering free access to quality education, Coursera enables individuals to enhance their knowledge and skills in this transformative field.

Canon India’s ‘Go Beyond’ Campaign Inspires Young Creators to Embrace Innovation

Canon India has launched a new brand initiative titled ‘Go Beyond’, designed to connect with young, ambitious creators and innovators across the country. In a bold shift from traditional perceptions of printing technology, the campaign positions Canon as an enabler of imagination, productivity, and entrepreneurial spirit.

The initiative reflects Canon’s ongoing commitment to staying relevant in a digitally driven world. Instead of limiting printing to functional or administrative use, the campaign reframes it as a creative tool, one that fuels ideas, empowers users, and transforms imagination into reality. Whether it’s students building projects, entrepreneurs designing prototypes, or artists printing visual expressions, the campaign emphasizes how printing can be a vital part of modern creative workflows.

Targeted toward Gen Z and Millennials, Go Beyond aims to resonate with a generation increasingly defined by their ability to innovate, express, and explore. Canon seeks to tap into the aspirations of young makers—those who are not just consumers of content but producers of ideas, driven by curiosity and a desire to stand out. The campaign’s messaging is energetic and forward-thinking, aligning with a cultural moment where creativity is highly prized. Visually, the brand uses vibrant content and dynamic storytelling to show how Canon’s printers and technologies support real-world creativity in diverse environments—from classrooms and home offices to start-up studios and creator workspaces.

Alongside the launch, Canon India is promoting the campaign across digital platforms and social media channels. By engaging influencers, content creators, and micro-entrepreneurs, Canon is ensuring the message reaches communities where creativity is a daily pursuit, not just a concept. This initiative is also part of Canon’s broader brand repositioning in India. As the company evolves from being seen purely as a hardware provider to becoming a partner in innovation, campaigns like Go Beyond demonstrate its intent to remain at the intersection of technology and lifestyle.

Beyond just product features, Canon is focusing on purpose—empowering the next generation to do more, express more, and challenge boundaries. The campaign signals that Canon’s printers are no longer just tools for documentation, but instruments of design, learning, experimentation, and even entrepreneurship.

In a market where technology brands are competing to stay culturally relevant, Go Beyond stands out by focusing not on the tech itself, but on the people using it. It’s a shift from specifications to storytelling, from function to inspiration.

Through this campaign, Canon India is not only modernizing its image but also aligning with the aspirations of a fast-changing demographic. By speaking to makers and dreamers, the company is reaffirming its place in the lives of today’s creators—and those who dare to go beyond.

Nvidia Expands AI Ecosystem with Global Tech Partners and Open Architecture

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang presented several initiatives at the 2025 Computex conference in Taipei, demonstrating the company’s dedication to supporting the ongoing global growth of artificial intelligence. These announcements highlighted Nvidia’s focus on developing AI infrastructure and encouraging international partnerships.

A centerpiece of Nvidia’s strategy is the introduction of “NVLink Fusion,” a semicustom system initiative designed to integrate Nvidia’s technology with CPUs and AI chips from other manufacturers, including Qualcomm, MediaTek, Marvell Technology, and Fujitsu. This move marks a departure from Nvidia’s traditional approach of offering full-stack AI solutions exclusively with its own components. By opening its AI server platform, Nvidia aims to provide greater flexibility for customers building AI infrastructure, accommodating a broader range of computing needs.

In addition to NVLink Fusion, Nvidia announced plans to commercialize its new NVLink Fusion technology to enhance chip-to-chip communication, a critical component for advanced AI systems. This technology enables multiple chips to work together more seamlessly, facilitating high-speed data transfer between graphical and processing units. Companies like Marvell Technology and MediaTek are expected to adopt this technology, reflecting its potential to become integral to AI system performance.

Nvidia’s expansion efforts extend to the Middle East, where the company plans to sell over 18,000 of its latest AI chips to Saudi Arabian firm Humain. These chips, part of Nvidia’s cutting-edge Blackwell series, will be deployed in data centers with a combined capacity of 500 megawatts, supporting the training and deployment of advanced AI systems. This collaboration highlights Nvidia’s role in advancing AI infrastructure in the region.

In India, Nvidia is partnering with companies such as Reliance Industries, Tata Communications, and Yotta Data Services to build AI computing infrastructure. These collaborations aim to increase India’s computing capacity by nearly 20 times by the end of the year, positioning the country as a significant player in the global AI landscape. Nvidia’s efforts include supplying AI processors for large-scale data centers and working with Indian IT firms to deploy custom AI solutions.

These initiatives reflect Nvidia’s strategic focus on expanding its AI ecosystem through technological innovation and global partnerships. By fostering collaborations across different regions and opening its platforms to a wider range of technologies, Nvidia is positioning itself to play a central role in the ongoing evolution of AI infrastructure worldwide.

Adobe Appoints Louise Pentland as Chief Legal Officer

Adobe Inc. has announced the appointment of Louise Pentland as its new Chief Legal Officer, effective May 15, 2025. Pentland brings over two decades of experience in legal and business affairs, having held senior roles at leading global companies.

Prior to joining Adobe, Pentland served as Chief Business Affairs and Legal Officer at PayPal, where she was responsible for the company’s global legal, regulatory, and compliance functions. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in shaping PayPal’s legal strategies and was instrumental in driving initiatives related to diversity and inclusion within the organization.

Pentland’s career also includes a significant tenure at Nokia Corporation, where she held the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer. At Nokia, she led the legal and government affairs functions, overseeing major mergers and acquisitions, and managing the company’s extensive intellectual property portfolio.

In addition to her corporate roles, Pentland has been recognized for her contributions to the legal profession. She has been featured in the Financial Times list of top in-house legal leaders and has been an advocate for mentorship and the advancement of women in law.

At Adobe, Pentland will oversee the company’s global legal affairs, including corporate governance, compliance, and intellectual property matters. Her appointment comes at a time when Adobe continues to expand its portfolio of creative and digital experience solutions, requiring robust legal oversight to navigate the complex regulatory landscape.

Pentland holds a law degree from Northumbria University in the UK and is qualified to practice law in multiple jurisdictions, including the United States and Europe. Her international legal expertise is expected to be a valuable asset to Adobe as the company continues its global growth trajectory.

Adobe’s leadership expressed confidence in Pentland’s ability to lead the company’s legal function, citing her extensive experience and strategic acumen. Her appointment is anticipated to strengthen Adobe’s commitment to ethical business practices and its focus on fostering an inclusive and innovative corporate culture.

With Pentland at the helm of its legal department, Adobe aims to navigate the evolving legal challenges of the technology industry while upholding its reputation as a leader in digital innovation.

U.S. Nears Deal to Allow UAE Import of Nvidia AI Chips, Boosting Regional Tech Ambitions

The United States is on the verge of finalizing a substantial agreement with the United Arab Emirates that will allow for the yearly import of around 500,000 of Nvidia’s sophisticated artificial intelligence chips, with the agreement set to take effect in 2025. This prospective arrangement marks a significant step in fostering technological collaboration between the two nations and is expected to provide a considerable impetus to the UAE’s rapidly growing aspirations in the fields of artificial intelligence research, development, and deployment, as well as the establishment and expansion of advanced data center infrastructure within the Emirates. 

The influx of these high-performance AI chips from Nvidia, a leading global provider of graphics processing units and AI hardware, is anticipated to empower various sectors within the UAE, including research institutions, technology companies, and government entities, enabling them to undertake more complex AI-driven projects, enhance data analytics capabilities, and develop cutting-edge AI applications across diverse industries. Furthermore, this development underscores the UAE’s strategic focus on becoming a prominent hub for artificial intelligence in the Middle East and globally, attracting further investment and talent in this transformative technology. 

The agreement also reflects the United States’ willingness to collaborate with key partners in the advancement of AI while potentially navigating considerations related to technology transfer and national security. The specific models of Nvidia chips included in the agreement and the broader implications for the global AI landscape are expected to be clarified upon the official announcement..

Under the preliminary terms, the agreement would span at least until 2027, with potential extensions through 2030. Notably, 20% of these chips, equating to 100,000 units per year, are designated for G42, a prominent Emirati technology firm. The remaining chips are expected to be allocated to major U.S. tech companies, including Microsoft and Oracle, which are exploring the establishment of data centers in the UAE.

This prospective deal emerges amidst the U.S. administration’s cautious approach to AI chip exports, aiming to prevent the diversion of advanced semiconductors to nations like China. The Biden administration has previously imposed restrictions on AI chip exports to mitigate national security risks associated with the proliferation of such technologies.

The UAE’s strategic partnership with U.S. tech firms and its investment in AI infrastructure underscore its commitment to becoming a global leader in artificial intelligence. The successful finalization of this agreement could significantly enhance the UAE’s capabilities in AI research and development.

While the agreement is still under negotiation and subject to change, its potential approval marks a pivotal moment in U.S.-UAE technological collaboration, reflecting a balance between fostering innovation and safeguarding national security interests.

Top 10 Fintech Startup Ideas Revolutionizing Financial Services in 2025

The fintech sector continues to revolutionize financial services, offering innovative solutions that enhance convenience and efficiency for consumers and businesses alike. As we progress through 2025, several fintech startup ideas stand out for their potential to address evolving market needs and consumer behaviors.

  1. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Payment Solutions

P2P payment applications have transformed the way individuals transfer money, enabling instant transactions without intermediaries. By leveraging technologies such as Near Field Communication (NFC) and biometric authentication, these apps offer secure and swift fund transfers, catering to the demand for seamless financial interactions.

  1. Personal Finance Management Applications

With increasing awareness of financial well-being, personal finance management apps have gained popularity. These applications assist users in tracking income and expenses, categorizing expenditures, and setting financial goals. Features like automatic payment reminders and integration with bank accounts provide users with comprehensive tools to manage their finances effectively.

  1. Robo-Advisory Fintech Solutions

Robo-advisors utilize machine learning algorithms to offer personalized investment advice at reduced costs. By analyzing users’ financial data, these platforms provide tailored portfolio recommendations, automate investment management, and optimize after-tax returns, making financial planning more accessible.

  1. Loan Lending Applications

Loan lending apps facilitate connections between borrowers and lenders, streamlining the borrowing process. By allowing users to set preferred loan terms and enabling negotiations, these platforms offer flexibility and competitive rates, enhancing access to credit without traditional financial institutions.

  1. Subscription Management Applications

As subscription-based services proliferate, managing multiple subscriptions becomes challenging. Subscription management apps help users monitor their active subscriptions, track payment schedules, and receive reminders, aiding in better financial planning and avoiding unnecessary expenses.

  1. Stock Trading Applications

Stock trading apps have democratized access to financial markets, especially among younger demographics. By providing user-friendly interfaces and real-time data, these applications empower users to make informed investment decisions, contributing to the growth of retail participation in equity markets.

  1. Regulatory Technology (RegTech) Applications

RegTech apps assist financial institutions in complying with regulatory requirements efficiently. By automating processes like customer identity verification, transaction monitoring, and report generation, these platforms reduce compliance costs and enhance operational efficiency.

  1. Digital Wallets

Digital wallets offer a convenient alternative to physical wallets, enabling users to make transactions using their smartphones. With features like instant payments, rewards, and integration with various services, digital wallets have become integral to the modern financial ecosystem.

  1. Blockchain-Based Fintech Solutions

Integrating blockchain technology into fintech solutions enhances security, transparency, and efficiency. Applications include secure cryptocurrency transactions, streamlined trade finance, and decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, offering innovative financial services beyond traditional systems.

  1. Insurance Technology (InsurTech) Solutions

InsurTech applications leverage technologies like artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things to offer personalized insurance products. By analyzing user data and market trends, these platforms provide tailored policy recommendations, improving customer experience and risk management.

These fintech startup ideas reflect the ongoing transformation in the financial sector, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer expectations. Entrepreneurs venturing into these areas have the opportunity to contribute to a more inclusive and efficient financial landscape.

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