Latest news with #Bhatt
Indianapolis Star
a day ago
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
TEDSports will come to Indianapolis in September. Here's what to know
Local sports fans may be coming down from the highs of WNBA All-Star weekend and last month's NBA finals, but there will soon be more high-end sports festivities to enjoy. The first-ever TEDSports conference will be held Sept. 9-11 in Indianapolis, TED, a non-profit based in New York and Vancouver, Canada, has announced. Guests from six continents will attend the three-day event, which costs $2,000 to attend. Over WNBA All-Star weekend, TED Chief Program and Strategy Officer Monique Ruff-Bell, who is based in New York, and TEDSports curator Neelay Bhatt talked to IndyStar about the new conference in light of Indianapolis' growing sports ecosystem. TEDSports is a new conference by TED, a non-profit that organizes events spotlighting global changemakers. The sports-focused program will feature TED talks, workshops, panels and curated meals. Workshops will be held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Lucas Oil Stadium and other sports facilities around the city, said Bhatt, who is based in Indianapolis. TED has put athletes on stage to talk about sports in the past, Ruff-Bell said. But its flagship conferences have never focused specifically on the evolving world of sports — until now. 'One of the things that, you know, I had been talking about with my CEO for a couple of years now is how impactful and powerful sports storytelling is,' Ruff-Bell said. 'And how people really just connect to the stories of resilience and teamwork and how to think differently.' Those stories are the inspiration behind the conference, which will present new ideas on climate change, gender equality and artificial intelligence, all through the lens of sports. Bhatt said the event will demonstrate sports' ability to create change. He said he's seen firsthand how sports have changed Indianapolis. In the last 15-20 years, Bhatt has seen Indianapolis become a major athletic epicenter. Not only did Indy host the weekend's WNBA All-Star game, but it's hosted numerous Big Ten championships, the Super Bowl and the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. In addition, Bhatt said, Indianapolis has been a leader in the growing sports technology industry. 'That's where we can see so much more focus on innovation that is driving change and affecting the whole sports system,' he said. For instance, Sports Tech HQ, established in 2022, is a collective of companies that create technology for sports fans, teams and athletes. Based out of Indianapolis, Sports Tech HQ aims to turn the state into 'a global hub for sports technology.' The collective has inspired some of the ideas that will be discussed at TEDSports, Bhatt said. Other speakers include Olympic medalist and refugee Cindy Ngamba, former Indiana forward Tamika Catchings and former Fever president Allison Barber. Thanks largely to the Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark, Indianapolis has also played a role in the rise of women's sports in recent years, Bhatt said. Indiana is looking to become 'the global capital of women's sports,' he said. 'Women's sports is no longer a moment, it's a movement,' he said. 'And so it just makes sense for TED to further amplify that as well.' Both Ruff-Bell and Bhatt have felt inspired by sports storytelling in their own lives. Ruff-Bell has never been an athlete, she said, or much of a sports fan. Still, she's totally fascinated by sports documentaries. She's come to love how much storytelling can happen behind the scenes and off the field. That storytelling is an avenue to broach new ideas, Bhatt said. 'We're still bringing it all back to sports, but about topics that we deeply care about that TED has always cared about and promoted, but now hopefully brings a new audience in because of sports,' Bhatt said. The goal, Ruff-Bell said, is for the event to grow and hopefully be continued annually in other cities.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Tech outlook: Indian IT firms face margin heat as AI impact meets macro slowdown; companies delay hikes, cut costs and chase deal conversions in negotiator's market
AI image India's top IT firms are grappling with a squeeze on margins amid persistent macroeconomic headwinds and rising pressure from AI-driven productivity improvements, with the first quarter of FY26 reflecting a shift to aggressive internal cost control measures, analysts said. From deferring pay hikes to trimming sales and admin costs, companies are pulling all levers to sustain profitability as deal momentum remains weak. Experts believe the pressure on margins is unlikely to ease in the near term, even if revenue improves modestly due to pent-up demand, according to an ET report. 'The sector is entering a negotiator's market,' said Nitin Bhatt, technology sector leader at EY India. 'Margin pressures will worsen with investments in new sales and go-to-market motions, solution-building, reskilling, and in some cases, discounts to protect the current estate.' AI-linked pricing changes are further complicating margin dynamics. 'IT firms are shifting from time & material to outcome-based pricing for AI projects, linking fees to business impact like cost savings or efficiency gains. This may pressure short-term margins but promotes high-value, long-term engagements,' Bhatt said. Brokerage firm Emkay Research cited HCLTech's management commentary noting generative AI's impact: 25–30% efficiency gains in software development, up to 50% in business processes, and up to 75% headcount reduction in contact centres due to conversational AI. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like A genetic disorder that is damaging his organs. Help my son Donate For Health Donate Now Undo For the first time in several quarters, HCLTech revised its margin guidance downward—from 18%-19% to 17%-18%—which analysts flagged as a negative surprise. 'Margin guidance came in as a negative surprise to the Street since HCLT has been keeping margin guidance intact despite changes in revenue target for the past few quarters,' said Elara Capital. At Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), rising employee costs—due to fresh hiring and mid-quarter benefits—impacted margins by 80 basis points in Q1FY26. Employee cost now forms nearly 59.45% of TCS's revenue, even as attrition remains elevated at 13.8%. 'FY26 is margin protection and margin expansion year,' said Gaurav Vasu, CEO of UnearthInsight. 'Growth, especially in the US and core verticals, is weak across the board. Large deal wins are not yet translating to revenue acceleration, so lead indicators (pipeline, bookings) matter—but execution and conversion will be critical in H2 FY26.' Vasu said top-tier IT companies are resorting to tight operational controls, including deferring salary hikes, cutting variable pay, and closely managing bench strength. He forecast modest revenue growth of 3–5% for FY26, with geopolitical risks, US tariffs, and a slowing global economy delaying recovery in client spends. Stock research firm InCred Equities noted that client delays in finalising long-term digital deals were increasing. 'Deal conversations are underway but advisory-led proposals with long-term roadmaps have complex constructs and are elongating the decision timeframe,' it said. While the deal pipeline is robust, it remains a 'negotiator's market,' InCred added, where agility and pricing flexibility are critical. Clients continue to demand 'more for less'—optimising legacy spends to fund smaller AI-led projects. This shift is driving vendor consolidation and heightening competitive pressure. 'Building margin expansion for FY26F could be aggressive,' InCred warned, citing tighter client budgets, slower staffing cycles and intense competition. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
India Today
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Alia Bhatt gushes over Saiyaara stars Ahaan and Aneet, calls film full of soul
Alia Bhatt has added her voice to the chorus of praise for 'Saiyaara', expressing heartfelt admiration for the film and its leads, Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. In an Instagram note brimming with emotion, Bhatt called the film 'full of soul,' and described the newcomers as 'beautiful, magical STARS.'Directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Yash Raj Films under CEO Akshaye Widhani, 'Saiyaara' has made a thunderous debut at the box office with a record-breaking opening of Rs 21 crore - one of the biggest for a Hindi film led by newcomers this singled out both the lead performances and the film's emotional core, crediting Suri for weaving a story that resonates deeply. She started her note by saying, "It's safe to say two beautiful, magical STARS are born. @aneetpadda_ @ahaanpandayy — I don't remember the last time I looked at two actors with such awe. With stars in my eyes, watching the stars in yours. You both shine with such individuality, such honesty — I could watch you again, and again, and again. (And let's be honest I probably will.) (sic)."She added, 'To the captain of this very wonderful ship @mohitsuri -. Aneet Padda responded with an emotional comment on Bhatt's post: 'You're my hero, always have been. Ever since I can remember. Thank you. The beauty that you are (sic)."Check out the post here: Alia wrapped up her praise with a shoutout to the entire team, calling Saiyaara 'a moment' — the kind of film, she said, that stays with you long after the credits roll. With her endorsement, the film's already soaring buzz has only grown stronger.'Saiyaara' hit theatres on July 18.- EndsMust Watch
Mint
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Alia Bhatt reviews Saiyaara, calls Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda 'two beautiful, magical stars'
Acclaimed actress Alia Bhatt has shared a glowing review of 'Saiyaara', the much-talked-about debut film of newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. The romantic drama, directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Yash Raj Films, has struck a chord with audiences and industry insiders alike — and Bhatt's heartfelt reaction has only added to the film's growing acclaim. Taking to social media, Alia Bhatt praised both the film and its lead performers in a deeply emotional note. She wrote, 'It's safe to say… two beautiful, magical STARS are born. @aneetpadda_ @ahaanpandayy — I don't remember the last time I looked at two actors with such awe. With stars in my eyes… watching the stars in yours. You both shine with such individuality, such honesty — I could watch you again, and again, and again. (And let's be honest… I probably will.) I've already gushed to you both individually — but clearly, once was not enough. So here I am. Gushing. Again.' Bhatt also praised director Mohit Suri's vision and the emotional depth of the film, highlighting the film's impact. She added, 'To the captain of this very wonderful ship @mohitsuri — what a film. What feeling. What music!!!!!!!! You made me feel things that only the movies can make you feel (sic)." "Saiyaara is full of heart, full of soul, full of something that just stays with you… in the best way. To the entire team, to @yrf — congratulations on this beautiful creation. This isn't just a film. It's a moment. And I'm so glad I got to feel it (sic),' In response, Aneet Padda expressed heartfelt gratitude to Bhatt, calling her a lifelong inspiration, 'You're my hero, always have been. Ever since I can remember. Thank you. The beauty that you are (sic).' With 'Saiyaara' already winning hearts and drawing emotional responses from major stars, it appears that both Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda are poised for a promising journey in Indian cinema — a sentiment Bhatt herself seems to echo with both sincerity and admiration.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Alia Bhatt calls Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda 'magical stars' after watching Saiyaara: 'Couldn't remember the last time I looked at two actors...'
The Bollywood actress has joined the growing hype of praise for 's new romantic movie 'Saiyaara,' which stars debutants and . After attending a screening, Bhatt took to Instagram to share a heartfelt note, calling the newcomers 'magical stars' and applauding the film's emotional depth. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Alia Bhatt says she watched Ahaan and Aneet with awe Bhatt posted a behind-the-scenes photo of director Mohit Suri with the lead pair, writing: 'watched with stars in my eyes.. watching the stars in theirs ❤️' She followed up with a text-only story: 'Couldn't remember the last time I looked at two actors with such awe. you shined with individuality and honesty. could watch you again, and again, and again 🌙' Alia Bhatt praises Mohit Suri's direction and emotional storytelling In another post, Alia called Mohit Suri: 'the captain of this very wonderful ship @mohitsuri 💫💫💫' She added, 'you made me feel things.. things only movies can make you feel. full of heart, full of soul, full of something that just stays with you.. in the best way 🧿 congratulations to you and the entire team @yrf 🙏🩵 not just a film.. it's a moment.' Aneet Padda responds with gratitude Reacting to her post, Aneet called her 'hero' and thanked her for the kind words. Fans appreciated the camaraderie between the actors, calling it a blend of humility and star power. Saiyaara maintains momentum with box office success Directed by Mohit Suri and produced by YRF, 'Saiyaara' earned Rs. 21 crores on its opening day. 'Saiyaara' further earned Rs. 100 crores in the lifetime gross. The movie was viewed and liked mostly by the young audience.
