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India Today
14 hours ago
- Automotive
- India Today
From drivers to coders, report reveals AI could replace these 8 jobs in next 5 years
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming a part of everyday work, and it is not just routine tasks that are being automated anymore. A growing number of jobs across industries could soon be replaced by AI, according to recent reports. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) shared in April that up to 40 per cent of jobs around the world may be affected by AI. Some roles could change, while others might disappear altogether. The report also pointed out that jobs usually held by women could be more at risk compared to those done by firm McKinsey & Company also predicts major changes over the next five years, depending on how quickly automation tools are adopted by industries. So, which jobs are at risk? From everyday roles like driving to specialised tasks in IT and business, here are eight jobs that experts believe may be taken over by AI in the coming years, according to The Economic drivers to coders, report reveals AI could replace 8 jobs in next 5 years-Hiring processes are already being changed by AI. From sorting CVs to checking candidate profiles, automation tools are now doing a lot of the work that was earlier done manually by recruiters. IBM has also reportedly started replacing a portion of its Human Resource (HR) staff with AI agents, in a bid to automate internal processes and cut down on routine tasks. The company's CEO, Arvind Krishna, recently said that AI has taken over the work of "a couple hundred" HR -Self-driving cars are still being tested, but the technology is improving fast. Many experts believe that jobs involving driving such as cab drivers or delivery workers could eventually be done by autonomous vehicles. In India, it would likely take a very long time for self driving cars to work because of the lack of infrastructure as well as rules and the expensive nature of the tech. Additionally, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways in India, Nitin Gadkari, has said in December 2023 that he would never allow driverless cars in the country because of potential job losses. But, no one knows the future and anything could happen.-Even tech jobs are not completely safe. With tools that require little or no coding, people without technical training can now create digital solutions. This reduces the need for large IT teams to handle basic software support or development tasks. Companies like Google, Microsoft and OpenAI are already using AI to do entry-level coding.-Interestingly, AI is not just helping in security, it is also being used to carry out cyberattacks. Some reports warn that attackers could use AI to launch faster and more complex digital threats.-AI tools can handle basic sales tasks, such as talking to customers, sending follow-up messages, and analysing customer data. As more people shop online or through apps, the need for human sales staff may reduce in certain areas. It is worth noting that companies like Klarna have earlier revealed that their AI assistant had handled 2.3 million customer interactions in 2024. This is about two-thirds of its total service chats, which the company says is doing work of almost 700 full-time human agents. At the recent I/O 2025 event, Google also showed its AI-powered features for online shoppers that will let them try new clothes virtually and make their purchasing decision stores and restaurants, automation is already changing how things run. Self-checkout machines, cleaning robots, and tools for managing stock are reducing the need for human workers in these sectors. People might have seen a few restaurants in places like Kolkata and Lucknow having robot servers. The top examples of self-checkout machines in India are Decathlon and McDonald's.-Emails, reports, and memos, these routine writing tasks are now being handled by AI tools, according to the cited reports. In the next few years, businesses may rely more on automation to save time on such day-to-day communication. Interestingly, two major tech leaders, from Klarna and Zoom, recently showed up at their respective earnings calls through AI-generated versions of themselves. They used an AI avatar that mimicked their appearance and voice, showing how much the new technology is taking over the human is also being reported AI is helping brands with social media posts, personalised ads, customer data tracking, and more. Many of these tasks used to require entire marketing teams, but now they can be done much faster with AI you should not worry a lotAlthough the list might sound worrying, experts say there is also a positive side. A 2023 report by Goldman Sachs noted that while many jobs could be partly automated, most roles will still need human input in some form. In fact, automation has often led to new types of jobs in the report cited research by economist David Autor, who found that about 60 per cent of today's jobs didn't even exist in the 1940s. This shows that while some roles vanish, new ones are also created as technology moves while AI might change the way we work, it does not mean the end of work itself. Instead, it could be the beginning of a new way of working, where people and machines work together in smarter ways.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
A pilgrimage to Bettwil: Bowing to the legacy of Fritz Egli
Dr Gautam Sinha is founder-director of IIM Kashipur, an avid biker at over 70 yrs, and an unabashed motor-head. In June 2013, after a stretch of business engagements in France, I indulged in a few days of leisurely exploration. Strolling through charming lanes, I found myself snapping photos—not of historic landmarks or elegant architecture—but of parked motorbikes. My better half, ever patient, was more amused than annoyed at my eccentric focus, though I did catch a mild rebuke for not photographing her against any of Paris's iconic sights. Then, while resting on a bench near the majestic Palais Garnier, fate served up a vision—glinting in the afternoon sun, a gleaming red Royal Enfield Café Racer. Amidst a crowd of luxury cars, the occasional Moto Guzzi and Triumph, and the ever-encroaching swarm of maxi-scooters sweeping across Europe, this 535 single stood proud. I was transfixed. A heady mix of pride, nostalgia, and inexplicable emotion surged through me. But I took no photo—too stunned, too caught up in the moment. As in any faith, there are scriptures, rituals, saints, and shrines. So too, for the devoted followers of the Bullet. In my own mythology, the name Fritz Egli had long held reverence. I first encountered his work through a glossy Indian automotive magazine, detailing how this Swiss wizard had transformed our humble Bullet, designing the lean-burn engine that would later power the first Thunderbirds. A mechanical sorcerer, Egli even held a land-speed record. His creations—radically enhanced, masterfully engineered Bullets—had found a fervent following in Switzerland. And then, serendipity played its hand. In July 2013, I was in Geneva, invited by UNCTAD. One dull afternoon, as experts droned on about improving the competitiveness of Basutoland or some such, I felt a divine calling. Disregarding duty and decorum, I slipped away to the train station under Geneva Airport, headed for Bettwil—the hallowed ground of Fritz Egli. At the railway booking office, a kind Swiss lady listened patiently, plotted my route—two train changes at Neuchâtel and Aarau, onward to the small town of Lenzburg, followed by a bus to Bettwil. The second-class ticket cost a hefty 84 euros, but my resolve was unwavering. I was embarking on a pilgrimage. The train wound its way through postcard-perfect Swiss landscapes. I skipped lunch and waited at Lenzburg bus station, gnawing on an apple, eagerly watching for Bus 390. Forty-five minutes later, it arrived. Another forty minutes, and I was dropped at Bettwil—a tiny village where the road ends and Hauptstrasse is the only street. And there it stood—FW Egli, Mechaniker—my shrine. I had called ahead. The master himself was away in sunny Italy, but his colleague, Mr Lindeman, had warmly invited me to visit. I was welcomed in, and soon began a guided tour that felt like walking through motorcycling scripture. There it was—a Brough Superior SS80, sibling of the legendary SS100 owned by Lawrence of Arabia, revered as the most luxurious of the motorcycles. And an Enfield Interceptor, 735 cc parallel twin, souped-up with aluminium tank, redesigned swingarms, dry clutch, disc brakes—the whole works. There stood Norton Commandos, icons of the 1970s and beyond, and a fierce Norton Manx 500cc, the very definition of British racing glory. A Honda CBX1000, its six cylinders gleaming, sat tuned to perfection by Egli's hand. An oddball Chinese flat-twin, a knockoff of the Russian Ural—which itself was a knockoff of the BMW. A Sunbeam, ancestor of all shaft-drive motorcycles. And then, the pièce de résistance: the Super Bullet 1000 Egli. Complete with a dry clutch and rubber belt drive, Brembo brakes hugging the venerable cast iron engine, billet aluminium front shockers, Egli's signature square-tube frame and swingarm, low clip-ons, and a full instrument panel—RPM, oil pressure, temperature. The craftsmanship—painstaking, obsessive—spoke of true Swiss reverence. It was, perhaps Egli's homage to the original Café Racer—a grandfather to the modern generation. Four fire-red Moto Guzzi singles stood proudly nearby, cylinders slanted forward like runners poised to launch. A rare BSA Rocket 3—one of the few transverse triples ever made in Britain—completed the gallery. When it was started up, its distinctive triple-cylinder cadence rang through the air, utterly unlike the familiar thump of a twin or hum of an inline-four. All pilgrimages must end. Mine did too. I boarded the bus back to Lenzburg, then the trains homeward to Geneva, my soul stirred and spirit fulfilled. One day, I hope to return—to kneel again before that sacred garage in Bettwil. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
Saudi Gazette
25-05-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia's digital economy grows to 15.6% of GDP in 2023, GASTAT says
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia's digital economy accounted for 15.6% of the Kingdom's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023, reflecting a 1.6% increase compared to 2022, according to the latest bulletin released by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). The 2023 Digital Economy Statistics Bulletin highlights significant growth in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector, which continues to play a central role in the Kingdom's economic diversification and digital transformation goals. Imports of ICT goods reached SR54.9 billion in 2023, up from SR45.8 billion the previous year, marking a growth rate of 19.9%. Meanwhile, exports and re-exports of ICT products surged by 76.1%, rising from SR6.7 billion in 2022 to SR11.8 billion in 2023. The report also noted that 71.6% of internet-connected establishments in Saudi Arabia are now using smart systems or devices. These include smart meters, lighting, alarm systems, and surveillance cameras, pointing to growing technological integration in the private sector. The ICT sector's total operating revenues stood at approximately SR236.4 billion last year, while operating expenses reached SR115.4 billion. Compensation paid to employees within the sector amounted to SR27.5 billion, emphasizing the sector's importance as an economic and employment driver. GASTAT categorized the digital economy into three levels based on international standards developed by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The basic level, which includes core ICT production activities, contributed 2.6% to GDP. Establishments that rely on digital inputs, classified under the narrow level, accounted for 2.3%, while the broad level, which reflects companies enhancing their products and services through digital integration, represented the largest share at 10.7%. The bulletin emphasized that the Kingdom's digital economy statistics were compiled in line with UNCTAD's international guidelines to ensure comparability and transparency, positioning Saudi Arabia as a rising digital hub regionally and globally.
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Unlocking Africa's $180bln digital trade economy
LAGOS, Nigeria -- The future of African trade is digital, and it's unfolding. From Dakar to Durban, a quiet but steady transformation is taking shape. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), global trade hit a record $33 trillion in 2024, with developing economies, including Africa, playing a growing role in that expansion. The African Free Continental Trade Area offers the largest free market, including 55 countries, a population of 1.3 billion and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion. The opportunities are vast, yet the strategies required for industrial players to source, move and manage raw materials and finished goods remain a challenge. 'The continent's digital economy is projected to reach $180 billion by 2025, up from $115 billion in 2020, thus contributing significantly to Africa's GDP, creating new job opportunities, and expanding regional trade. Digital trade is transforming the continent's economic landscape, creating new opportunities for real economic growth, productive job creation, and poverty reduction.' H.E. Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment 'Building on this rapid expansion, our focus must shift from isolated digital initiatives to a fully integrated ecosystem that streamlines every step of trade—sourcing, supplying, logistics and payments. By integrating these functionalities on a single platform, Matta enables manufacturers to navigate sourcing headaches and suppliers to manage cross-border complexities with confidence and unlocks new markets in Africa in real time. This holistic approach is what will transform digital trade's potential into tangible, inclusive economic growth across Africa.' Mudiaga Mowoe, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Matta. Launched to enable sustainable African economies, Matta's integrated ecosystem—today powered by the Matta digital marketplace ( and the Flux logistics management tool, with Oxide Finance (Matta's upcoming trade-financing and cross-border payments platform) arriving soon—empowers manufacturers and suppliers across food & beverage, home & personal care, paints & coatings, agro-processing, automotive assembly, textiles, construction, and beyond with truly end-to-end sourcing, movement, and settlement. Rather than supplanting traditional trade networks, this unified platform amplifies human partnerships through real-time visibility, traceability, and seamless transactions. This evolution in digital trade and industrial growth is one of the key conversations that will take centre stage at the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade (West Africa IMT) Summit and Exhibition, set to take place from October 21-23, 2025. West Africa IMT is a high-level platform for government leaders, investors, manufacturers, and technology innovators to align practical solutions and policy frameworks for accelerating Africa's industrial transformation. Matta, Africa's integrated ecosystem for industrial trade, will join other industry stakeholders across the continent at West Africa IMT 2025 to discuss the potential opportunities for industrial growth in the West African sub-region. As manufacturers increasingly seek more innovative, more efficient ways to power production beyond physical infrastructure and policy support, there's an urgent need for systems that simplify sourcing, enhance transparency, and ensure supply chain reliability. Matta addresses these challenges by connecting African manufacturers directly to verified suppliers of raw materials and commodities, ensuring business continuity in an environment where procurement bottlenecks often slow production timelines. Digital platforms address multiple challenges simultaneously: procurement complexities, logistics coordination, payment processing, and data-based planning. By integrating these capabilities into industrial operations, West African economies can accelerate development timelines and establish competitive manufacturing centres that participate effectively in global markets. As African nations chart independent economic paths, digital trade platforms like Matta will significantly influence how quickly and effectively new industrial capabilities develop. The transformation in African trade is already underway, with effects that will continue to reshape economic relationships for years to come. West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade Summit & Exhibition 21-23 October 2025 I Landmark Centre | Lagos | Nigeria Distributed by APO Group on behalf of dmg Nigeria events. Contact Details: Roshan Jan-Mahomed Head of Marketing – Africa Email: info@ About the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade Summit and Exhibition 2025: The Pre-eminent Global Gathering Driving West Africa's Industrial Revolution The West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing and Trade (West Africa IMT) Summit and Exhibition will unite the industrialisation ecosystem, including energy, finance, infrastructure, manufacturing, raw materials, logistics/supply chain, technology, trade and security, to accelerate a sustainable industrial revolution for West Africa. As governments across the region have declared industrialisation as a key priority, the Strategic Summit will feature the visions from Heads of government seeking public–private partnerships to drive industrial revolution across the region. Decisive action is at the core of the agenda, providing solutions for sustainable resource valorisation and opening up trade pathways for economic development and prosperity. Participation is expected from across the global industrialisation value chain including the following industries: Aerospace, Agriculture, Automotive, Chemicals, Construction, Energy & Utilities, FCMG, Heavy Industries, ICT & Electronics, Infrastructure, Logistics & Transportation, Machine & Equipment, Maritime, Medical, Mining, Plastics & Rubber, Pharmaceuticals, Retail, Technology Solution Providers, Textiles, Water & Utilities. 15+ African ministers 25+ countries represented from around the globe 70+ expert industry speakers 250+ exhibiting companies 500+ conference delegates 2,500+ attendees About dmg Nigeria events: dmg Nigeria events is a subsidiary of dmg events. dmg events is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Daily Mail and General Trust plc (DMGT), an international portfolio of information, media and events businesses. DMGT manages a diverse, multinational portfolio of companies, with total revenues of around £1 billion, that provide businesses and consumers with compelling information, analysis, insight, events, news and entertainment. Its venture capital business, dmg ventures, holds minority stakes in early-stage businesses and focuses particularly on disruptive consumer media propositions. Headquartered in Dubai, UAE since 1989 with offices in Canada, Egypt, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand and the UK. dmg events is an international exhibition, conference and intelligence company, attracting more than 1,000,000 attendees to a portfolio of over 80 events each year. This global portfolio works closely with key stakeholders across the industry to facilitate pragmatic dialogue, serving as a platform for the latest discussions at the forefront of change. For more information on dmg events, visit: SOURCE dmg Nigeria events
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Unlocking Africa's $180 billion Digital Trade Economy
The future of African trade is digital, and it's unfolding. From Dakar to Durban, a quiet but steady transformation is taking shape. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), global trade hit a record $33 trillion in 2024, with developing economies, including Africa, playing a growing role in that expansion. The African Free Continental Trade Area offers the largest free market, including 55 countries, a population of 1.3 billion and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion. The opportunities are vast, yet the strategies required for industrial players to source, move and manage raw materials and finished goods remain a challenge. 'The continent's digital economy is projected to reach $180 billion by 2025, up from $115 billion in 2020, thus contributing significantly to Africa's GDP, creating new job opportunities, and expanding regional trade. Digital trade is transforming the continent's economic landscape, creating new opportunities for real economic growth, productive job creation, and poverty reduction.' H.E. Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade&Investment 'Building on this rapid expansion, our focus must shift from isolated digital initiatives to a fully integrated ecosystem that streamlines every step of trade—sourcing, supplying, logistics and payments. By integrating these functionalities on a single platform, Matta enables manufacturers to navigate sourcing headaches and suppliers to manage cross-border complexities with confidence and unlocks new markets in Africa in real time. This holistic approach is what will transform digital trade's potential into tangible, inclusive economic growth across Africa.' Mudiaga Mowoe, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Matta. Launched to enable sustainable African economies, Matta's integrated ecosystem—today powered by the Matta digital marketplace ( and the Flux logistics management tool, with Oxide Finance (Matta's upcoming trade-financing and cross-border payments platform) arriving soon—empowers manufacturers and suppliers across food&beverage, home&personal care, paints&coatings, agro-processing, automotive assembly, textiles, construction, and beyond with truly end-to-end sourcing, movement, and settlement. Rather than supplanting traditional trade networks, this unified platform amplifies human partnerships through real-time visibility, traceability, and seamless transactions. This evolution in digital trade and industrial growth is one of the key conversations that will take centre stage at the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing&Trade (West Africa IMT) Summit and Exhibition, set to take place from October 21-23, 2025. West Africa IMT is a high-level platform for government leaders, investors, manufacturers, and technology innovators to align practical solutions and policy frameworks for accelerating Africa's industrial transformation. Matta, Africa's integrated ecosystem for industrial trade, will join other industry stakeholders across the continent at West Africa IMT 2025 to discuss the potential opportunities for industrial growth in the West African sub-region. As manufacturers increasingly seek more innovative, more efficient ways to power production beyond physical infrastructure and policy support, there's an urgent need for systems that simplify sourcing, enhance transparency, and ensure supply chain reliability. Matta addresses these challenges by connecting African manufacturers directly to verified suppliers of raw materials and commodities, ensuring business continuity in an environment where procurement bottlenecks often slow production timelines. Digital platforms address multiple challenges simultaneously: procurement complexities, logistics coordination, payment processing, and data-based planning. By integrating these capabilities into industrial operations, West African economies can accelerate development timelines and establish competitive manufacturing centres that participate effectively in global markets. As African nations chart independent economic paths, digital trade platforms like Matta will significantly influence how quickly and effectively new industrial capabilities develop. The transformation in African trade is already underway, with effects that will continue to reshape economic relationships for years to come. West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing&Trade Summit&Exhibition 21-23 October 2025 I Landmark Centre | Lagos | Nigeria Distributed by APO Group on behalf of dmg Nigeria events. Contact Details: Roshan Jan-Mahomed Head of Marketing – Africa Email: info@ A bout the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing&Trade Summit and Exhibition 2025: The Pre-eminent Global Gathering Driving West Africa's Industrial Revolution The West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing and Trade (West Africa IMT) Summit and Exhibition will unite the industrialisation ecosystem, including energy, finance, infrastructure, manufacturing, raw materials, logistics/supply chain, technology, trade and security, to accelerate a sustainable industrial revolution for West Africa. As governments across the region have declared industrialisation as a key priority, the Strategic Summit will feature the visions from Heads of government seeking public–private partnerships to drive industrial revolution across the region. Decisive action is at the core of the agenda, providing solutions for sustainable resource valorisation and opening up trade pathways for economic development and prosperity. Participation is expected from across the global industrialisation value chain including the following industries: Aerospace, Agriculture, Automotive, Chemicals, Construction, Energy&Utilities, FCMG, Heavy Industries, ICT&Electronics, Infrastructure, Logistics&Transportation, Machine&Equipment, Maritime, Medical, Mining, Plastics&Rubber, Pharmaceuticals, Retail, Technology Solution Providers, Textiles, Water&Utilities. ● 15+ African ministers ● 25+ countries represented from around the globe ● 70+ expert industry speakers ● 250+ exhibiting companies ● 500+ conference delegates ● 2,500+ attendees About dmg Nigeria events: dmg Nigeria events is a subsidiary of dmg events. dmg events is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Daily Mail and General Trust plc (DMGT), an international portfolio of information, media and events businesses. DMGT manages a diverse, multinational portfolio of companies, with total revenues of around £1 billion, that provide businesses and consumers with compelling information, analysis, insight, events, news and entertainment. Its venture capital business, dmg ventures, holds minority stakes in early-stage businesses and focuses particularly on disruptive consumer media propositions. Headquartered in Dubai, UAE since 1989 with offices in Canada, Egypt, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand and the UK. dmg events is an international exhibition, conference and intelligence company, attracting more than 1,000,000 attendees to a portfolio of over 80 events each year. This global portfolio works closely with key stakeholders across the industry to facilitate pragmatic dialogue, serving as a platform for the latest discussions at the forefront of change. For more information on dmg events, visit:
