Latest news with #LinkedIn.
India Today
21-07-2025
- Science
- India Today
OpenAI won gold at the world's toughest math exam. Why the Olympiad gold matters
In a jaw-dropping achievement for the world of artificial intelligence, OpenAI's latest experimental model has scored at the gold medal level at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) -- one of the toughest math exams on the is the same event held on the Sunshine Coast in Australia where India won six medals this year and ranked 7th amongst 110 participating HITS GOLD IN THE WORLD'S TOUGHEST MATH TESTThe IMO is no ordinary competition. Since its launch in 1959 in Romania, it has become the gold standard for testing mathematical genius among high school students globally. Over two intense days, participants face a gruelling four-and-a-half-hour paper with only three questions each day. These are not your average exam questions -- they demand deep logic, creativity and problem-solving that, OpenAI's model solved five out of six questions correctly -- under the same testing conditions as human DOUBTED AI COULD DO THIS -- UNTIL NOWEven renowned mathematician Terence Tao -- an IMO gold medallist himself -- had doubts. In a podcast in June, he suggested that AI wasn't yet ready for the IMO level and should try simpler math contests first. But OpenAI has now proven otherwise."Also this model thinks for a *long* time. o1 thought for seconds. Deep Research for minutes. This one thinks for hours. Importantly, it's also more efficient with its thinking," Noam Brown from OpenAI wrote on LinkedIn."It's worth reflecting on just how fast AI progress has been, especially in math. In 2024, AI labs were using grade school math (GSM8K) as an eval in their model releases. Since then, we've saturated the (high school) MATH benchmark, then AIME, and now are at IMO gold," he THIS IS A BIG DEAL FOR GENERAL AIThis isn't just about math. OpenAI says this shows their AI model is breaking new ground in general-purpose reasoning. Unlike Google DeepMind's AlphaGeometry -- built just for geometry -- OpenAI's model is a general large language model that happens to be great at math too."Typically for these AI results, like in Go/Dota/Poker/Diplomacy, researchers spend years making an AI that masters one narrow domain and does little else. But this isn't an IMO-specific model. It's a reasoning LLM that incorporates new experimental general-purpose techniques," Brown explained in his Sam Altman called it 'a dream' when OpenAI began. 'This is a marker of how far AI has come in a decade.'advertisementBut before you get your hopes up, this high-performing AI isn't going public just yet. Altman confirmed it'll be 'many months' before this gold-level model is STILL REMAINNot everyone is fully convinced. AI expert Gary Marcus called the model's results 'genuinely impressive' -- but raised fair questions about training methods, how useful this is for the average person, and how much it all the win marks a huge leap in what artificial intelligence can do -- and how fast it's improving.- EndsMust Watch
India Today
13-06-2025
- India Today
Bengaluru man says landlord deducted Rs 82,000 from Rs 1.5 lakh deposit, shares ordeal
A Bengaluru man's ordeal with an unresponsive landlord and a massive deposit cut has triggered a debate over tenant rights in the Karnataka Tickoo, who recently moved out of a 2BHK on Sarjapur Road after two years, shared his story in a post on LinkedIn.'When I had moved in, my owner never spoke to me not once in two years. The reason? She only speaks Kannada. I used to communicate with her building representative, who told me the same thing,' Tickoo For Tickoo, the lack of interference seemed like a blessing at first. However, it also meant that even urgent maintenance, a broken windowpane on the 13th floor for example, was left entirely to him.'When I deducted the repair cost from the rent and sent her the invoice on WhatsApp, she flat-out refused. Her minion called and said, 'Bhaiya, aise nahi hota hai (This cannot happen)',' he of rumours that previous tenants had been harassed over security deposits, Tickoo mentally prepared himself for trouble while vacating the flat and his fears were landlord demanded Rs 55,000 for painting and over Rs 25,000 for miscellaneous charges, including Rs 2,000 for 'lift usage.' Despite asking for a breakdown with proper bills, Tickoo received only a handwritten list of of his Rs 1.5 lakh deposit, he received just Rs 68,000 as the landlord deducted Rs 82,000 for 'painting and damages.''This is my story and the story of many others living here,' Tickoo said, adding: 'Dealing with landlords in Bengaluru is just disheartening.'He acknowledged his fault for not doing enough research, but emphasised the need for structural changes to protect tenants, especially migrants trying to build a life in the city: 'When you feel unwelcome in your own home, in your own city, it hurts.'Read the full post here: In the comments section, social media users shared their personal experiences while discussing the rights of renters and the need for enforceable regulations in Bengaluru's housing market. Through his post, Shravan Tickoo called on policymakers and the real estate sector to take the issue seriously: 'I hope there's change. I hope there's help. Because Bengaluru landlords are becoming a menace.'Tune InMust Watch
India Today
21-05-2025
- Business
- India Today
The stigma of career breaks: Are psychological, social pressures, and bias real?
Have you ever felt the need to hit pause on your career, whether to care for a loved one, focus on your mental health, or just take a breath and figure out your next move? Imagine this: Priya, a mid-level marketing professional, stepped away from her job for a year to care for her ageing parents. When she was ready to return, she found herself facing silent doubts in interviews. Had she lost her edge? Was she still committed?advertisementCareer breaks like Priya's are becoming more common, and in many cases, deeply necessary. Yet, even today, many professionals worry they'll be penalised for stepping away. The stigma is still real. And while more companies are beginning to shift their mindset, the road back into the workforce is far from IN HIRINGThe 2024 Talent Trends Report reveals a significant shift in recruitment practices, with nearly 70% of professionals actively seeking career changes driven by the promise of better opportunities. There's a growing emphasis on skills-based hiring, where potential and proficiency matter more than linear job histories. This paradigm shift is encouraging, but the lived experiences of many professionals returning from career breaks suggest often subtle, continue to hinder fair opportunities. Returnees report challenges in negotiating salaries, slower career growth, and scepticism around the relevance of their workplace biases persist, organisations are beginning to recognise the value of diverse career paths,' says Ankit Agarwala, Managing Director at PageGroup India. 'It's increasingly important for professionals to reframe their sabbaticals as periods of growth and learning.'STIGMA IS REAL-BUT SO, IS THE SHIFT IN PERSPECTIVE Photo: India Today/Generative AI by Vani Gupta 'Taking a career break is often seen as stepping off the main road. But in reality, it's more like pulling into a pit stop to refuel, check the map, and return to the journey with renewed clarity,' says Ruchee Anand, India Country Head, Talent & Learning Solutions at LinkedIn.'In India, our platform data shows that 38% of working women take a break for parenting, compared to just 8.7% of men. That gap points to societal expectations that still influence how breaks are perceived, and it's natural for professionals to worry about falling behind.'She acknowledges the concern: 'These fears are real. The road back can be uneven. But momentum is building. More companies are recognising that time away from work can build resilience, unlock perspective, and even reshape leadership potential. Returnship programmes and inclusive hiring are steps in the right direction, but the real progress lies in how we rewrite the story of a break not as a detour, but as a meaningful, strategic stretch of the journey.'advertisementShweta Mohanty, Vice President and Head of Human Resources at SAP India, echoes this sentiment: 'The psychological and social pressures of taking a career break are real, and concerns about discrimination and bias are often valid.' Stereotypes of diminished commitment, outdated skillsets, and disconnection from networks haunt returnees—especially in high-paced sectors like tech.'There is a perception that women are less serious about their careers,' Shweta adds. 'Overcoming this requires both personal resilience and systemic change.'ORGANISATIONAL VOICES PUSHING FOR INCLUSION Photo: India Today/Generative AI by Vani Gupta Fortunately, some companies are turning the tide by embracing career breaks as periods of personal and professional NatWest Group, initiatives like Re-Invest and WISH (Women in Search of Holistic Careers) exemplify this approach. 'At NatWest, we recognise that skills and knowledge are the true drivers of performance, not a continuous tenure,' says Maneesh Menda Head of Human Resources, International Hubs,NatWest programme allows you to apply for open positions without starting from scratch,' shares Beulah M., a participant. 'My team understood my background and the break I took. I never felt out of place—this is truly a game changer.'Pitney Bowes too champions the narrative of growth over gaps. 'Career breaks don't signal a lack of commitment,' says Renu Shekhawat, Director & Head of Human Resources, APAC at Pitney Bowes. 'They often reflect clarity and intentionality.' Their Relaunch Pad initiative helps women re-enter the workforce through mentoring and CHRO Priti Kataria puts it clearly: 'Career trajectories are a marathon, not a 100-metre sprint. Breaks should not be met with scepticism. The real challenge lies not in the break itself, but in the narrative we uphold around it.' Their Women Returnship Programme and Career Reboot Program underscore this belief.'We actively support professionals navigating career transitions by focusing on upskilling and innovation,' says Rekha Alagappan - Country Human Resources Manager, SBM Offshore India.'The perception of career breaks is evolving. "Organisations are recognising that experiences beyond traditional work can enrich professional perspectives, foster creativity, and build well-rounded leaders.'advertisement'Our recruitment process is gender-neutral and does not discriminate against individuals who have taken career breaks,' Rekha continues. 'Through structured initiatives such as mentorship programs and skills-based hiring, we actively support professionals in seamlessly reintegrating.'Their Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (IDE) policy reflects this commitment, ensuring that career breaks are not seen as derailments but as natural, even enriching, segments of one's AS GROWTH PHASES Photo: India Today/Generative AI by Vani Gupta To shift perceptions, professionals must actively own their stories. Ruchee Anand emphasises:'For those taking a break now or thinking about one, be intentional. Whether you're learning something new, prioritising your well-being, or caring for others, this time matters. Stay curious, stay connected. And when you return, own your story. Growth looks different for everyone. It is time we saw career journeys through a broader, more human lens.'Here are LinkedIn's tips on how professionals can turn a career break into a career advantage:advertisementDefine your purpose: Treat your break as time well spent. Set tangible goals—whether upskilling, caregiving, or creative recharge—to return with and pivot: Use the pause to reassess your career direction. Explore pivots by talking to mentors, peers, or industry and stay engaged: Stay connected to your industry. Attend events, post insights, or reconnect with the break: Update your resume and LinkedIn to highlight skills gained—like adaptability, time management, or new CAREER SUCCESS'Career breaks-whether for personal growth, caregiving, upskilling, or second-career exploration—are becoming more common. Yet many professionals hesitate, fearing hiring biases and societal judgement," says Nirmit Parikh, Founder of Apna, we believe it's time to normalise career breaks and focus on what truly matters: skills, experience, perspectives, and potential. Career success is no longer about continuity, it's about value," she FROM THE INDUSTRY"I've taken three career breaks—stepping away at pivotal moments to support my family. Each one equipped me with fresh perspectives and allowed me to grow. I do not believe breaks should be considered setbacks—especially if we keep upskilling," says Tulika Sanghi, VP – Product Management, Publicis Sapient."My time away strengthened my adaptability and negotiation skills. Career breaks are not setbacks; they are stepping stones to greater development," says Manjula Thimmareddy, Senior Advisor, Dell Technologies."Our ReWrite program has trained 246 women, with 182 joining EY GDS. Career breaks should be viewed not as setbacks but as opportunities for growth and reflection," says Jaya Virwani, Global DE&I Leader, EY a growing consensus: career breaks are not liabilities—they are chapters of transformation. Organisations pushing for DEI must ensure returnees find inclusion, not societal mindset may be slow to evolve, but within the workplace, a new narrative is emerging: pausing doesn't mean stopping—it often means recalibrating for a stronger Watch
Economic Times
11-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
'You took the bus? You're not hired': Interview horror goes viral on Reddit
A hopeful candidate recently took to Reddit to share a frustrating and deeply disheartening hiring experience that left readers stunned. According to the account, they were dismissed from a job interview not for lack of skills or qualifications—but simply because they arrived via public a post titled 'Nobody Will Hire You If You Use Public Transport,' the applicant recounted the strange ordeal. They explained that upon arriving at the company's office, they were unknowingly observed through security cameras. The hiring manager, it turns out, had been watching them walk toward the building. The interview began not with warm greetings or professional questions, but with an unsolicited critique.'Just had an interview,' the Reddit user wrote. 'The manager said he'd seen me approach the building on the surveillance cameras. He then asked if I had dependable transportation and immediately launched into a rant about how public transit isn't acceptable. He claimed no employer would consider someone who doesn't drive. He personally refuses to hire such people, claiming they're unreliable and will often be late.'But the scolding didn't stop job seeker went on to describe how the manager shifted from criticizing their transportation choice to attacking their personal appearance. 'He kept going, mocking my red hair and labeling it unprofessional. He didn't ask me a single question about my experience or skills. After declaring that there were many other applicants and I wouldn't be considered, he shook my hand and sent me away.'The post quickly gained traction online, drawing hundreds of reactions from shocked and empathetic users. Many rallied behind the applicant, calling out the employer's outdated mindset and discriminatory a follow-up comment, the job seeker admitted they were tempted to write a negative review on Glassdoor but chose not to name the company or manager out of concern for future job prospects. 'It's a small industry. I don't want to look like I'm retaliating,' they wrote. 'Still, I can't help but laugh at the idea of a horde of Redditors storming his LinkedIn.'Reddit users were quick to express disbelief. One pointed out, 'Unless a job requires a car, how you get there shouldn't matter.' Another added, 'Some employers don't care about punctuality—they care about control. They want to be able to call you in at the last second.'A third chimed in, 'In places like NYC, millions rely on public transport every day. Rejecting someone over that? That's just absurd.'
