Tag: Technology

Business

Labour Market Resilience in Focus at India AI Impact Summit 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Labour market resilience emerged as a central theme at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 during a session titled “Global Dialogue on AI Usage – Data for Labour Market Resilience.” The discussion examined the changing nature of work amid accelerating artificial intelligence adoption and the policy choices required to manage the transition effectively.

Drawing on emerging international evidence, panellists noted that AI’s impact on employment is differentiated across age groups, sectors and geographies. Early trends suggest that younger workers in roles with higher AI exposure may be experiencing employment pressures. However, the absence of comprehensive and comparable cross-country data continues to limit governments’ ability to design timely and targeted interventions.

The discussion underscored the importance of moving forward with adaptive policy frameworks even in the absence of perfect information. Strengthening social protection systems, expanding reskilling pathways and designing context-specific strategies for sectors such as services, agriculture and public delivery were highlighted as essential steps to ensure inclusive growth.

Shamika Ravi, Member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, observed that India shows one of the highest levels of firm-level AI adoption, characterised by openness and optimism. While productivity effects are still being measured, she noted that AI in India is likely to be applied to long-standing challenges in health, education and services, particularly where last-mile connectivity constraints have limited outcomes.

Yoshua Bengio, Professor at Université de Montréal and a leading AI expert, stated that employment trends observed over the past five years are likely to continue shaping the job market. He cautioned that access to AI will increasingly become a competitive advantage, underscoring the need for international coordination and dialogue to ensure AI development benefits all.

Representatives from Microsoft and OpenAI highlighted that much of the existing evidence on AI’s employment impact is concentrated in a few countries, particularly the United States, with limited data available from emerging economies. This gap makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions and reinforces the need for systematic global data collection on AI adoption and employment outcomes.

The session concluded that strengthening labour market resilience in the AI era will require better measurement of technology adoption, anticipatory governance, coordinated investments in skills and institutional capacity, and robust social protection systems. Only through such integrated efforts can productivity gains from AI translate into broad-based economic and social benefits.

TechPulse

Goa Strengthens AI Commitment at India AI Impact Summit 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa is reinforcing its commitment to emerging technologies and future-ready governance with a strong and strategic presence at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, organised by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20, 2026. The summit marks the first major global AI gathering hosted in the Global South and seeks to shape an inclusive, responsible and resilient Artificial Intelligence ecosystem aligned with the vision of People, Planet and Progress.

The Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, is representing the state at the summit, underscoring its strategic ambition to position Goa as an emerging AI-driven innovation hub within India and on the international stage. The event has drawn participation from political leaders, industry heads, startups and global stakeholders, placing Goa’s initiatives in a broader global conversation on ethical and scalable AI.

During the inaugural knowledge-sharing workshop on AI adoption, Shri Heramb Kanekar from the Startup and IT Promotion Cell, DITE&C, outlined Goa’s AI roadmap and reaffirmed the state’s focus on building citizen-centric and responsible AI solutions. Under the Goa AI Mission 2027, the government has introduced initiatives such as the AI for Governance & Social Impact workshop, AI Hackathons and the launch of an AI Chatbot on the Goa Online Portal. These measures reflect a policy direction that views AI not merely as a technological upgrade, but as a transformative tool to improve public service delivery, enhance transparency, empower startups and drive sustainable economic growth.

A major highlight of the summit is the AI Impact Expo at Bharat Mandapam, an expansive experiential showcase spanning over 70,000 square metres across 10 arenas and featuring more than 840 exhibitors. The expo was inaugurated by Narendra Modi on the opening day, drawing significant national and international attention.

Supported by DITE&C, five Goa-based startups are exhibiting at the expo, demonstrating AI applications across diverse sectors. These include DivvyUp and Grow by Shri Gaurish Datta Pangam and Shri Shivam Kamat; Frover Labs Pvt. Ltd. by Shri Siddharth Manjrekar and Shri Sarvesh Patkar; Neural Kissan by Shri Sai Vitthal Rane; Kverty by Shri Mexson Fernandes; and Phosic India Pvt. Ltd. by Shri Dewansh Choudhary. Their participation highlights the depth and diversity of Goa’s growing innovation ecosystem and the state’s commitment to nurturing AI-led entrepreneurship.

While the expo remains open throughout the summit, the final two days will feature Leaders’ Plenary Sessions, roundtables and panel discussions focusing on how AI can serve humanity, foster inclusive growth and support sustainable development. Through forward-looking policy, strategic collaborations and sustained investment in its startup ecosystem, Goa is positioning itself as a responsible and future-ready AI destination.

Delegates, industry leaders, investors and visitors are invited to explore the Goa Pavilion at Stall No. 4F.21 in Hall No. 4 to experience firsthand how Goan innovators are leveraging Artificial Intelligence to create meaningful, inclusive and sustainable impact.

Automobiles

2026 Nissan Gravite Launched in India: Affordable 7-Seater MPV Targets Value-Focused Families

Tanisha Cardozo

Nissan Motor India has officially launched the 2026 Nissan Gravite in the Indian market, marking a significant step in the brand’s strategy to expand beyond its current single high-volume product, the Magnite. The Gravite is essentially Nissan’s version of the Renault Triber and enters the market as an affordable 7-seater MPV aimed at value-conscious Indian families.

Positioned in the compact MPV space, the Gravite is expected to be priced around the Triber, making it one of the most accessible three-row vehicles in the country. While SUVs continue to dominate headlines, there remains steady demand for practical seven-seaters, particularly in smaller towns where buyers seek additional space without stretching budgets toward larger MPVs. The Gravite aims to tap into this segment, offering more utility than a hatchback while remaining within reach for first-time car buyers and those upgrading from entry-level vehicles.

Under the hood, the Gravite is expected to feature the familiar 1.0-litre, three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine that also powers the Triber, Magnite and Renault Kiger. The motor produces 72 PS and 96 Nm of torque and will likely be paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 5-speed AMT. While there have been speculations about the introduction of a turbo petrol engine similar to the one offered in the Magnite and Kiger, Nissan has not confirmed its availability for the Gravite. The use of a naturally aspirated engine aligns with the MPV’s practical positioning, as it typically ensures lower maintenance costs and competitive ownership expenses, especially with shared parts across alliance models.

Built on the CMF A+ platform, the Gravite shares its underpinnings with the Triber and other alliance vehicles. Inside, the MPV is expected to borrow several features from the Magnite, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 7-inch digital driver display. Although the instrument cluster is sourced from the Magnite, it features a revised layout with the tachometer positioned above the speed readout and warning indicators neatly arranged on either side for better clarity.

Practicality remains the Gravite’s biggest talking point. Like the Triber, it is expected to offer a modular 5+2 seating configuration with a removable third row, allowing owners to switch between a seven-seater layout and a larger boot space depending on their needs. Convenience features may include rear AC vents, push-button start and wireless charging, further enhancing its appeal as a family-oriented vehicle.

On the exterior, the Gravite retains the basic silhouette of its donor model but adopts distinct Nissan styling cues. It features a honeycomb grille with prominent Gravite lettering, sleek LED daytime running lights and redesigned bumpers that align with Nissan’s global design language. The MPV will be available in five colour options: White, Silver, Grey, Black and Teal.

Safety equipment is expected to include six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS with EBD, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and a rear parking camera, making it competitive within its price bracket. In terms of alternatives, the Gravite will primarily rival the Renault Triber while also presenting itself as a more affordable option compared to larger MPVs such as the Maruti Ertiga, Kia Carens, Kia Carens Clavis and the Maruti XL6.

Nissan’s India sales have largely depended on the Magnite, which recorded 2,502 units in January 2026, reflecting modest year-on-year and month-on-month growth. The addition of the Gravite could help stabilise monthly volumes by introducing a second high-potential product in a practical, underserved segment. Unlike the premium-priced X-Trail, which struggled to gain traction in a price-sensitive market, the Gravite is positioned to attract a broader customer base.

Launched at a live event in Udaipur, the Gravite represents more than just a new product introduction. It signals Nissan’s intent to rebuild its India lineup with locally relevant, high-volume models that prioritise affordability, practicality and long-term ownership value. If priced competitively, the Gravite could play a crucial role in strengthening Nissan’s foothold in the Indian automotive market and expanding its presence beyond the compact SUV space.

EduConnect

EDII Launches AICTE-Approved PGDM in Entrepreneurship for Tech Startups in Bengaluru

Tanisha Cardozo

The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), one of India’s pioneering institutions in entrepreneurship education, has announced the launch of a new AICTE-approved PGDM specialisation in “Entrepreneurship for Tech Startups” in Bengaluru. The programme is designed to empower tech professionals with entrepreneurial learning, structured mentorship and venture-building support to help transform high-potential ideas into successful startups.

The Tech Startups specialisation focuses on high-growth sectors such as EdTech, HealthTech, FinTech, AI-driven enterprises and scalable digital ventures. The curriculum adopts a practical, milestone-based approach, equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with skills in opportunity identification, feasibility assessment, business model creation, product development, funding readiness and go-to-market strategies.

Speaking at the announcement, Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General of EDII, highlighted Bengaluru’s central role in India’s technology ecosystem and Karnataka’s prominence in the startup landscape. He noted that the new specialisation aligns with the growing trend of young professionals choosing entrepreneurship as a purposeful career path and supports the broader vision of contributing to India’s development goals by 2047.

The two-year PGDM in Entrepreneurship, introduced in 1998, is focused exclusively on entrepreneurship development. It is approved by the All India Council for Technical Education, accredited by the National Board of Accreditation and holds MBA-equivalent status from the Association of Indian Universities. With more than 2,200 alumni and approximately 79% becoming active entrepreneurs, EDII’s programme has established a strong track record in venture creation.

Students benefit from organised mentoring, sector exposure, incubation support through EDII’s Centre for Advancing and Launching Enterprises (CALEL), and milestone-linked seed grants. In addition to the new Tech Startups specialisation, learners can choose from New Enterprise Creation, Family Business Management and Social Entrepreneurship, making the PGDM a comprehensive platform for diverse entrepreneurial journeys.

Beyond academics, EDII has maintained a strong presence in Karnataka since establishing its regional office in Bengaluru in 1997. The institute has partnered with the state government and corporate organisations on CSR-driven entrepreneurship initiatives focused on women empowerment, MSME development, youth entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods in districts including Mandya, Tumakuru, Kolar and Nelamangala. Collaborations with companies such as Accenture, HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank and IDBI Bank have further strengthened grassroots entrepreneurship development.

Initiatives like Entrepreneurship Hubba in Bengaluru reflect EDII’s commitment to inclusive growth, enabling women to build home-based and small-scale enterprises. With the launch of the Tech Startups specialisation, EDII reinforces its mission of building entrepreneurs who create enterprises, generate employment and contribute meaningfully to India’s innovation-driven economy.

TechPulse

OpenClaw Creator Peter Steinberger Joins OpenAI as Sam Altman Accelerates AI Agent Strategy

Tanisha Cardozo

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced that Peter Steinberger, the creator of the viral AI agent OpenClaw, is joining OpenAI as the company sharpens its focus on next-generation autonomous AI systems. Altman confirmed that OpenClaw will continue to operate as an open-source project under a foundation model, with OpenAI providing ongoing support.

OpenClaw, previously known as Clawdbot and Moltbot, was launched just last month by Steinberger and quickly gained momentum across social media and developer communities. Its rapid rise reflects the growing demand for AI agents capable of independently completing tasks, making decisions, and taking actions on behalf of users without constant human oversight. Businesses and consumers alike are increasingly experimenting with AI systems that can handle workflows, research, communication, and operational processes autonomously.

In a post on X, Altman said Steinberger would join OpenAI “to drive the next generation of personal agents,” describing him as “a genius with a lot of amazing ideas about the future of very smart agents interacting with each other to do very useful things for people.” Altman added that intelligent agents are expected to become core to OpenAI’s product offerings in the near future.

Although financial terms were not disclosed, the move underscores the intensifying competition for AI talent across the technology sector. Earlier this year, OpenAI acquired former Apple designer Jony Ive’s AI devices startup io for more than $6 billion. Technology giants including Meta and Google have also been investing billions to attract top AI researchers and developers.

OpenAI, most recently valued at $500 billion, faces mounting competition in the generative AI market, particularly from Anthropic. Anthropic’s Claude models have been gaining traction among enterprise clients, especially with tools such as Claude Code. The company recently introduced Claude Opus 4.6, which it says improves coding capabilities, sustains tasks for longer durations, and delivers higher-quality professional output. Anthropic was reportedly valued at $380 billion in a fundraising round earlier this week.

OpenClaw has also expanded quickly in China, where it can integrate with locally developed language models such as DeepSeek and be configured for use with domestic messaging platforms. Chinese search engine Baidu plans to offer users of its main smartphone application direct access to OpenClaw.

However, some researchers have expressed concerns about the openness of OpenClaw and the potential cybersecurity risks posed by highly customizable AI agents that users can modify extensively. As AI systems become more autonomous and interconnected, the balance between innovation, openness, and security is expected to remain a central issue in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence landscape.

With Steinberger joining OpenAI and OpenClaw continuing as an open-source initiative, the company appears determined to strengthen its leadership in the emerging era of intelligent AI agents capable of operating with greater independence and collaboration.