Latest news with #ITES
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
From layoffs to learning: Why AI and automation demand a new IT workforce
The Information Technology (IT) and Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES) sector employs over 55 million professionals globally, with over 5 million, or a massive 10%, in the Indian IT sector. The sector continues to promise employment potential but the emergence of new-age technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Automation, Quantum Computing and others mean that numerous roles are changing, primarily because of the changing dynamics and requirements of the industry. In the last couple of years, both major and minor constituents of the IT industry have decided in favour of investing heavily to establish their AI-preparedness. Aspects like vibe coding are gradually becoming the talk of the town, with several organisations and industry leaders advocating for AI-driven automated coding. Roles like Prompt Engineer, AI Researcher, and others are quickly becoming the focus of these global organisations. At the same time, numerous layoffs have been taking place at both Big Tech and other companies. Some of these firms say that the layoffs were a result of 'Internal reorganisation' and 'restructuring efforts', whereas others announced that they were emphasising 'strategic shift of AI products & services.' What this essentially means is that the IT & ITES sectors are adapting to live in a world where AI is quickly becoming the norm of normalisation and scalability. This also means that today's learners must focus on these aspects to ensure employability in the coming years. Impact of tech layoffs The emergence of AI as one of the defining technologies in the 21st century has led to numerous discussions and arguments, which come down to one single point: whether AI is leading to job losses. However, the moot point is that AI is transforming how digital technologies and work are defined. In the IT & ITES sector, the scope of work has essentially changed and scaled because of AI and similar technologies. The tech layoffs taking place at globally prominent technology majors like Microsoft, Google, Salesforce, Meta and elsewhere highlight this shift at a foundational level. When the requirements are changing drastically, this trend calls for widespread upskilling in era-appropriate technologies, something that Indian tech majors have had done in the recent past. At the same time, upskilling an industry full of millions of professionals remains highly inconceivable, meaning the push must come from all stakeholders — government, public and private sectors. The immediate impact of the layoffs taking place in tech majors is, unfortunately, the loss of employment and financial challenges on an individual level. But at the same time, learners must understand this presents a unique opportunity to upskill in era-appropriate technologies like AI, ML and others, and drive the innovation forward. Industry leaders have often been vocal in the last few years at several public engagements that only a fraction of the current workforce remains equipped with adequate knowledge about them. To operate within an IT & ITES industry that is dependent on functional new-age technologies that do repeat work much more easily and transform entire job roles, employees must look to strategically upskill in these technologies or risk being irrelevant as time goes by. How can learners realign themselves There is little doubt over what tech learners must prioritise. The ongoing decade and the approaching years will be highlighted because of their innovation in digital technologies. From AI & ML to Quantum Computing, Edge Computing and Blockchain, the growth spectrum of the IT & ITES industry is visible. This means that several older roles in Coding or Testing will soon become defunct. This is where today's tech learners must prioritise, especially considering the ongoing efforts to create a talent funnel with adequate knowledge of new-age digital technologies. For beginners, the learning process must be aligned with what the industry requires at the moment and in the future. Much of the education policy in technology remains decades-old, where the focus remains on creating software engineers who are aligned with the older industry narrative. However, with the industry shifting its focus to new-age technologies, the education policies in India and globally must be subjected to required changes. As the education policy changes its outlook, establishing a talent funnel will be automatically streamlined. The Big Tech companies have already laid out their future focus in public domains, but aligning with it would need to be initiated by the learners, educationists and government partners, along with the private sector itself. Looking ahead The coming years will be critical in reimagining the IT & ITES sector, and tech layoffs are unfortunately expected to continue. As Big Tech and other companies realign their focus on these new-age technologies, more new roles will be created in the space, with minimal participation from trained professionals. At the moment, upskilling is becoming the primary differentiator and catalyst for tech careers of professionals. By the next decade, the new technologies will be fully integrated in businesses. Individual professionals need to adapt to thrive in the new era. (Born in a remote town in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, Arun Prakash is Founder and CEO of GUVI Geek Networks, an HCL Group Company and an IIT-Madras & IIM-Ahmedabad incubated EdTech platform that offers free and paid coding and management courses in Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Swahili, Bengali, Tamil, and so on.)
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
5 days ago
- Business
- First Post
Philippines' Marcos calls for united front of ‘like-minded' nations to counter China threat
The diplomatic relations between India and Philippines was established in November 1949. Both countries are now celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. read more Philippines President Bongbong Marcos said that the formation of global coalition of like minded states with shared valued to counter China threat. Talking to Firstpost Managing Editor Palki Sharma, Marcos Jr said that the formation of global coalition of like minded states with shared valued to counter China threat. India and the Philippines on Tuesday decided to elevate their ties to a Strategic Partnership with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr agreeing for expeditious conclusion of the negotiations of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between India and the Philippines for further promotion of mutual trade. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The two countries agreed to enhance defence cooperation, with President Marcos thanking PM Modi for cooperation in the area of defence industry and export of platforms, including the BrahMos. The diplomatic relationship between the two countries was established in November 1949. Both countries are now celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Economic and commercial engagement is an important aspect of the India-Philippines bilateral relationship. Bilateral trade between India and the Philippines reached 3.5 billion USD in 2023-24. There is a notable presence of Indian companies in the Philippines, in the areas of IT and ITES, health-care and pharmaceuticals, textiles, infrastructure, FMCG, chemicals, automobiles, agriculture, among others. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced that India will be offering free e-visas to Filipino tourists, in a reciprocal move following the Philippines' decision to grant visa-free entry to Indian nationals.
Time of India
03-08-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Amid move to relook at labour shield for IT, Kharge says exemption to continue till 2029
Bengaluru: A senior Karnataka minister has said tech behemoth TCS planning to lay off 12,000 employees is "alarming" and hinted at withdrawing the labour law exemption, while his ministerial colleague has confirmed to TOI the tech industry will continue to enjoy the safety bulwark from labour inspections until 2029. The Karnataka labour department is seeking a serious "relook" at the exemption under the Karnataka (Standing Orders) Act of 1946 for IT, ITeS, BPOs and startups. In light of the TCS move, labour minister Santosh Lad said there is an urgent need to look at the exemption clause enjoyed by tech and tech-enabled companies. However, IT&BT minister Priyank Kharge said the exemption clause has been in force from 2014 and will remain in effect till 2029. "Nothing can be done for now," he added. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Also, IT-BT department officials said withdrawing the exemption — a major incentive for the industry — may not be encouraging for Karnataka's economy especially when neighbouring states are trying to poach companies from Karnataka. "The exemption from labour laws is an attractive option for Karnataka to retain GCCs and IT services sector," said a senior department official. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is this legal? Access all TV channels without a subscription! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Minister Lad said the govt needs to take a hard look at the reasons behind the layoff move. "Whether the state labour department can interfere is what we need to look at because sunrise companies enjoy the exemption," he said, adding he would speak to the IT-BT minister and the industries minister. Minister Kharge said the TCS development "is an internal matter" over which the govt does not have any control and that it does not reflect the condition in other IT and ITES companies. On Sunday, Lad said his department is already talking to TCS and coordinating with other relevant departments. There are four conditions laid down in the standing-order exemptions to IT/ITES/BPO and startups: Set up internal committee to prevent sexual harassment at workplace; form a grievance-redressal committee; inform the labour department on disciplinary actions against employees; ensure employee service conditions at workplace. These exemptions were enforced in Karnataka for the IT/ITES sector in 2014 for a five-year period. Subsequently, it was extended twice for a five-period each. BOX Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act 1946 The labour standing orders are applicable to any industry which has over 100 employees and are intended to maintain harmonious relationships between employers and employees, to regulate conditions of recruitment, discharge, disciplinary action, leave, holidays of the workers. The orders dictate classification of the workforce, work schedule, holidays, paydays, and wages. Notices must be issued before termination of employment, allow formation of labour unions and labour dept inspection. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
The Hindu
01-08-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
No need for Karnataka to give land for cheap to IT firms: Priyank Kharge
Karnataka does not need to give away land for cheap to attract IT and technology industry firms as the State 'incentivised IT as a sunrise industry 30 years back,' while others are 'incentivising it now,' the State's Minister for Electronics, Information Technology & Biotechnology and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj Priyank Kharge told The Hindu in an interview. Mr. Kharge was speaking at the sidelines of an event in the capital to promote the Bengaluru Tech Summit, due to be held in November. 'If my counterpart in another State is giving large tracts of land for free, that doesn't mean that I need to do that too,' Mr. Kharge said, arguing that due to Karnataka and particularly Bengaluru's strong presence in the IT sector, such sops were not needed. Interstate competition 'Competition with other countries and States [in IT and electronics] has always been there,' Mr. Kharge said. 'We compete with Tamil Nadu on manufacturing, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh on ITES, and Maharashtra for FDI. We're also extremely competitive with countries like Indonesia and Vietnam, where there is potential for smaller hubs of manufacturing and technology firms. This constant competition is what keeps us ahead of the curve for reskilling, pushing for better policies, and better infrastructure.' On the 1,777 acres of land in Devanahalli that was earmarked for an aerospace park, Mr. Kharge said that the land had never been concretely notified for any particular industry or company. 'That land was fertile and there were negotiations, and look, this is a democracy, right,' Mr. Kharge said. 'You come up and say, there was a mistake in the notification, and we don't want to give [the land] now as it's fertile. It's a socio-economic demographic that we have to cater to, so so be it.' 'This is not like what happened in West Bengal two decades back, where land was returned after its notification to a particular entity. That sent a wrong signal to investors.' IT layoffs On job losses at some IT firms recently, Mr. Kharge alluded to AI as a cause. 'Whenever a new technology comes in, there is going to be a lot of disruption,' Mr. Kharge said. 'It's always been a constant thing. Jobs are taken, new jobs are created… And I think we have been extremely agile with that. That is the reason we are coming up with the Nipuna Karnataka programme, for heavy reskilling and upskilling. No other State is spending what we are, ₹300-400 crores on such an effort.' On the role of non-Kannadigas in the State's talent pool, Mr. Kharge said: 'My responsibility as minister is to work for a policy that pushes the ecosystem in my State, it's my responsibility to ensure that more of our people are given opportunities. Having said that, because of the great ecosystem that we have, the conducive environment for investments and job creation, we do get a lot of influx of migrants. There's nothing we can do about it — the only way to ensure that we stay ahead of the curve is by reskilling and upskilling people.' 'So the migration influx issue is one of the things we've requested the Sixteenth Finance Commission to consider: give us money, we build better infrastructure, we create more jobs for people across not only Karnataka, but for people across India.'
India Today
27-07-2025
- Business
- India Today
Can India unite for its biggest war?
India is chasing the Viksit Bharat dream by 2047. High-income status, gleaming cities, and a per capita income that screams "developed nation". To get there, we need 7.5–8% GDP growth every year, no slacking, no excuses. Sounds like a Narendra Modi speech, but the script's stuck in 2014. Hark back to the investment scene is limping at 33.5% of GDP, but it could dazzle brighter, especially when the world keeps chanting India as a bright spot till it's a worn-out cliche. India needs to crank it to 40% by 2035 with private and public cash flowing like the Ganga in the monsoon. The FDI policies are now pretty liberal, but take a closer look and you feel like decoding the Mahabharat's Chakravyuh on a sputtering MSMEs, our supposed growth engines, are begging for loans, not lectures. Offer them more than a babu's pregnant smile, like Rs 10-crore credit guarantees. China built factories; we're still building alibis and drowning in paperwork triplicates. At this stage, the growth we crave can ride only on manufacturing's back, like it did for China. Instead of manufacturing dissent and consent, we've got to manufacture stuff that the world actually wants. Only 56.4% of us are working, and women, a pathetic 35.6%. Southeast Asia's ladies are bossing factories while ours are mired in cultural quicksand. Yes, we have moved forward a great deal in the last decades, but still far from the ideal. India must modernise labour laws, push more women and youth into manufacturing, hospitality, and care jobs, and skill them for the AI apocalypse. AI's challenge has started with the very ITES sector on which India grew for two decades. Our demographic dividend is morphing into a ticking liability. If India doesn't train millions into manufacturing muscle, she's toast. We're plunging into a world brimming with Minister Modi promised to end the Licence Permit Raj. Ask any entrepreneur or industrialist, it's alive, kicking their asses harder than ever. Nondescript babus are still haunting businesses with red tape, sharp as ever. India needs an urgent overhaul of land, capital, and product markets to smash the compliance puzzle and turbocharge productivity. There's an immediate need to turn populous states like UP and Bihar into labour-intensive manufacturing hubs, while shifting forward states towards advanced industry that doesn't need as many hands. If "ease of doing business" is just a flashy slogan, we're polishing brass on a sinking New Education Policy has drowned in language wars while our kids memorise textbooks older than their parents' wedding albums. Build 100 National Centres of Excellence, roll out rural skilling bootcamps, and fix nutrition and healthcare pronto. AI's storming in, and we better master coding languages instead of squabbling over whether Kannada came first or Tamil did. Stop the Hindi vs English brawl and teach skills that pay the world's barrelling towards a job crisis as machines perform more tasks. In fact, the world as we know is already in the transition throes. What's coming is a brand-new civilisation, and it'll welcome only those who embrace it with open India can pull off Bharatmala highways, Sagarmala ports, and so many Udaan airports, why did the less-ambitious Smart Cities project crash and burn like a dump rocket in Diwali? The bureaucracy torpedoed it even as the Prime Minister himself was all in. Our metros are urban jungles, and Tier 2 cities are forgotten cousins gathering dust. India needs to pour 10% of its GDP into reimagining and connecting urban centres in Tier 2 and Tier 3 spots, ensuring babus spend time building them beyond ribbon-cutting selfies. This will ease the load on metropolises and spread growth like butter on hot tariffs are a slap, yes, but a slap we needed to wake from our slumber. Slashing trade barriers is gold in the end. We need a relook at our trade policies and renegotiate treaties to burrow deeper into global value chains. If done deftly, this can supercharge exports with PLI schemes that actually deliver the goods. There are still jitters about opening up, three decades after cracking the economy wide. There are sectors starving for capital, no matter where it hails from. Southeast Asia's devouring our lunch because they trade smarter. The protectionist hide-and-seek looks cute but has proved a massive chaining 45% of our workforce to low-yield misery. A move to reform it was dumped after the streets erupted against the equivocal mumblings from the helm. Once dumped, it's been forgotten like yesterday's news. If it was as critical as the government's hurry suggested, why's nobody itching to revive it? Address the gripes from pressure groups and hammer out a middle ground. Do the minor tweaks first and tackle the radical ones are at war, whether we like it or not. This isn't about tanks or Brahmos missiles. A Viksit Bharat by 2047 where we're not just populous but prosperous is a dream worth battling for. PM Modi preaches "it's no era of war" but when push came to shove, he asked the armed forces to do whatever needed to eliminate the plotters of economy is a battlefield too, and we're armed with half-baked reforms and a fractured polity. The Luddites wail "AI will steal our jobs!" while global tech giants are already snipping ours. Aapada mein avsar, the PM says. Well, AI's our Kargil, and we're still debating the ammo while the enemy scales the hilltops to occupy say every country gets three decades to fix itself. Since the 1990s reforms, we've underutilised three decades if not outright squandered them. In three decades, China became a fire-breathing dragon. We're a tiger with a limp. Farm bills, land acquisition bill — push, protest, pull back. Nishikant Dubey and Asaduddin Owaisi can join hands for India's diplomatic wins, Modi and Rahul Gandhi can shake hands for growth. Consensus isn't a cuss word. Opposition to a reform is as necessary as the reform, but it should trigger scrutiny, not sabotage. Its job is to steer it back on track, not derail it. Derailing is not scrutiny; it's straight-up war needs everyone. The BJP, Congress, Aam Aadmi, the aam aadmi, even the babu eyeing his next corner plot. In the last three decades, successive Congress- and BJP-led governments have lifted millions out of poverty. Now's the time to hoist India out of the middle-income morass, and the two can come together. The high-level lip service and low-level delivery have made people cynical and politics hate-worthy. Instead of letting this apathy fester, a better grasp of the economy can make politics great again. Ditch the drama, roll up our sleeves, and build a Bharat that's not just viksit but victorious. Let's make the world jealous, not just our neighbours.(Kamlesh Singh, a columnist and satirist, is Tau of the popular Teen Taal podcast)- Ends(Views expressed in this piece are those of the author)Must Watch
