Latest news with #Chennai-headquartered
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Zoho courts the enterprise CIO with its own LLM and agentic AI stack
Zoho , a Chennai-headquartered SaaS company, has entered the foundational model arena with the launch of its proprietary large language model , Zia LLM . The announcement, made on the sidelines of its annual Zoholics India conference in Bengaluru, signals a growing ambition to deepen its AI footprint—while maintaining its hallmark focus on privacy and affordability. 'The announcement emphasises Zoho's long-standing aim to build foundational technology focused on the protection of customer data, breadth and depth of capabilities because of the business context, and value,' said Mani Vembu, CEO of Zoho. 'Our LLM model is trained specifically for business use cases, keeping privacy and governance at its core, which has resulted in lowering the inference cost, passing on that value to the customers, while also ensuring that they can utilise AI productively and efficiently.' How can Zoho's move into building its own LLM be viewed then: A bid for strategic differentiation, or a necessary pivot as enterprises demand more sovereignty and cost control over AI? Arun Chandrasekaran, Distinguished VP Analyst at Gartner, framed it as the former. 'The move is aimed at creating a differentiation for business use cases, targeting efficiency and privacy for customers who can't afford or don't want to rely on large external LLM providers,' he said. A right-sized, In-house stack Built fully in-house and trained using NVIDIA's AI-accelerated computing platform, Zia LLM comprises three model sizes—1.3 billion, 2.6 billion, and 7 billion parameters. Each is optimized separately for distinct business contexts such as structured data extraction, summarisation, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and code generation. This tiered model strategy enables Zoho to balance performance and compute efficiency across user scenarios, a principle the company refers to as 'right-sizing.' It also gives Zoho the flexibility to scale Zia LLM gradually; the first round of parameter increases is expected by the end of 2025. 'By building its own AI stack , Zoho is hoping to appeal to businesses that care about domain-specific AI, AI integrated into business workflows while simultaneously being sovereign and cost efficient,' Chandrasekaran said. To that end, Zoho has launched a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that opens its library of workflow actions to third-party AI agents. While customers can still integrate with external models like ChatGPT, Llama, and DeepSeek, Zia LLM gives them the option to keep their data within Zoho's environment—benefiting from the latest AI capabilities without sending sensitive information to third-party clouds. The model is now deployed across Zoho data centers in the U.S., India, and Europe. Building agents without code The company also debuted Zia Agent Studio, a no-code platform that lets businesses create AI agents embedded directly within Zoho applications. More than 25 pre-built agents are already available, including several tailored for Indian businesses. 'Our differentiation comes from offering agents over our low-code platform so that there is a human in the loop for verification and modification. It is much simpler to verify and make changes in the UI screen than reading the code,' Vembu said. These agents work across business functions. For instance, a Customer Service Agent in Zoho Desk can process customer queries, respond to common issues, or route complex requests to a human agent. Meanwhile, Zoho's AI assistant, Ask Zia, enables interactive conversations to build reports, analyse data, and assist data teams in creating machine learning models. Zoho also launched India-specific agents that can verify documents like PAN, Voter ID, Udyog Aadhar, GSTIN, Driving Licences, and utility bills—targeting use cases in HR and financial services, such as employee background verification or onboarding checks. Eyeing the enterprise, quietly While Zoho has long positioned itself as a champion of small and mid-sized businesses, its expanding AI stack, with built-in governance and observability tools, may signal broader ambitions. 'While Zoho will remain committed to SMBs, its AI platform capabilities, governance tooling, and agentic capabilities suggest it is testing the waters for enterprise traction. Perhaps they are eyeing upmarket expansion without abandoning affordability,' Chandrasekaran said. That shift could mean rethinking pricing, too. As CIOs evaluate Zoho's AI agents and LLM stack for enterprise deployment, traditional SaaS models may not apply, Chandrasekaran noted: 'CIOs will scrutinize data privacy , extensibility, grounding mechanisms, observability, and interoperability, especially with existing enterprise data and APIs. Also, Agentic AI is giving rise to new pricing models that can potentially challenge the seat-based pricing model of SaaS. How well Zoho can embrace new pricing models (such as usage-based or outcome-based pricing) will be critical for its success with CIOs.'
News18
5 days ago
- Business
- News18
Indian Overseas Bank to raise Rs 4,000 cr this financial year: MD & CEO
Chennai, Jul 18 (PTI) Public sector Indian Overseas Bank has drawn up plans to raise Rs 4,000 crore during this financial year through various instruments, including Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP), a top official said on Friday. With the proposed plan to fund raise, the Government of India's shareholding in the Chennai-headquartered bank is expected to come down to 90 per cent from the current 94 per cent, the bank's Managing Director and CEO Ajay Kumar Srivastava said here. 'Last year, we raised about Rs 1,440 crore in March. This year we are looking for about Rs 4,000 crore to raise. For that we are talking to various authorities for their approval," he told reporters after declaring the financial performance of the bank. Asked about the kind of instruments that would be used for the fund raise, he said, 'It will be a mix. Most of it will be through QIP (Qualified Institutional Placements). With this, Government of India shareholding will come down to 90 per cent from 94 per cent." To another query on when the fund raise was expected to occur, Srivastava said, 'We expect it will happen by Q3 end or Q4." Indian Overseas Bank reported a 76 per cent jump in net profit to Rs 1,111 crore during the April-June 2025 quarter. The bank had earned a net profit of Rs 633 crore in the same quarter of the previous financial year. Total income of the bank during the June quarter rose to Rs 8,866 crore from Rs 7,568 crore recorded in the same quarter of last financial year. Asked on the drivers for the increase in net profit, he said, the driver is interest income. 'We have been doing quality lending at a healthy rate of interest. So that is one. The net interest income has increased. We have been able to control our expenses to a certain extent and the other income has increased for the bank." he said. 'The third most crucial part is less provisioning requirement and all these factors combined have given 75 per cent increase in net profit", he said. PTI VIJ VIJ KH view comments First Published: July 18, 2025, 19:45 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
IOB net profit jumps 75% in Q1 FY26; bank plans to raise Rs 4,000 crore in Q3
IOB MD & CEO Ajay Kumar Srivastava CHENNAI: Public sector Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) on Friday reported a 75.6% rise in net profit in the quarter ended June 30, 2025 at Rs 1,111 crore against Rs 633 crore during the corresponding quarter last year. It was on the back of growth in interest income YoY by 13% at Rs 7,386 crore in Q1 FY26 and other income. The Chennai-headquartered bank will raise Rs 4,000 crore likely by Q3 of the current fiscal. It has also received approval from its board for raising Rs 10,000 crore through infrastructure bonds. While its net interest income (NII) increased by 12.5 % to Rs 2,746 crore in April-June period of 2025-26 from Rs 2,441 crore, the gross advances rose by 14 % YoY and stood at Rs 2,62,421 crore during the first quarter of the current fiscal. CASA ratio improved by 161 bps to 43.8 % as on June 30, 2025. Its gross non-performing assets (GNPA) ratio reduced to 1.97% as on 30.06.2025, a decrease by 92 bps, against 2.89 % during the year ago quarter. The net NPA ratio was down to 0.32% in Q1 FY26 from 0.51 % in the same quarter last year. The bank recorded fresh slippages of Rs 254 crore in the quarter ended June 2025. Its total recovery for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 increased to Rs 851 crore from Rs 582 crore in the corresponding quarter (Q1 FY25). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The recovery from the written off accounts (technical write off & set off) for Q1 FY26 increased to Rs 629 crore from Rs 364 crore as on June 30, 2024. However, net interest margin (NIM) (domestic) stood at 3.17 % as on June 30, 2025, which is a marginal dip YoY by 4 bps and 60 bps QoQ basis when compared with March 31, 2025. The cost of deposit also rose by 15 bps at 5.1% in Q1 FY26 from 4.95% during the same quarter previous year. IOB MD & CEO Ajay Kumar Srivastava told reporters here that the Q1 FY26 net profit was the highest for the bank during any quarter. "The driver was interest income. We have been able to control the expenses to a certain extent and there was an increase in other income. We sold priority sector lending certificates. We got around Rs 200 crore through that," he said. The bank would continue to sustain with the same level of net profit in the coming quarters, he added. The state-owned bank will be raising Rs 4,000 crore through qualified institutional placement (QIP) during Q3. "If we can raise the entire Rs 4,000 crore, it will bring down the Centre's holding with the bank to 90% from the current 94%," he said. On the infrastructure bond of Rs 10,000 crore, Srivastava said, "We started the process three months ago. Due diligence is going on and we will go to the market when conditions are conducive to raise." Steps are being taken to bring back NIM to 3.25% by the last two quarters of FY26. "Now, we are trying to reduce the pressure on margin. By reducing the rate of interest on deposits and other expenses, we are expecting that the pressure on margin will be eased out by Q4." He said the business growth for the current fiscal would be 11%-12%. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
TVS Apache RTR 310 2025 launched with next-level upgrades and personalisation: Check price, features, and availability
TVS Motor Company has unveiled the 2025 edition of its popular Apache RTR 310 motorcycle, introducing a host of performance-focused upgrades along with a new 'Built-to-Order' option for customers. The announcement was made by the Chennai-headquartered manufacturer in a company statement on Friday. The base variant of the 2025 TVS Apache RTR 310 has been launched at an introductory price of Rs 2,39,990, while the top-end variant is priced at Rs 2.57 lakh. The Built-to-Order (BTO) version will be available starting from Rs 2.75 lakh and is set to hit major metropolitan markets, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Chennai. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Others Management Artificial Intelligence Project Management others Healthcare healthcare MBA Data Science Technology CXO Leadership MCA Digital Marketing Design Thinking Product Management PGDM Public Policy Finance Data Analytics Operations Management Degree Data Science Cybersecurity Skills you'll gain: Duration: 7 Months S P Jain Institute of Management and Research CERT-SPJIMR Exec Cert Prog in AI for Biz India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 16 Weeks Indian School of Business CERT-ISB Transforming HR with Analytics & AI India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 9 months IIM Lucknow SEPO - IIML CHRO India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 28 Weeks MICA CERT-MICA SBMPR Async India Starts on undefined Get Details Packed with New-Age Features The upgraded Apache RTR 310 comes equipped with several new features aimed at enhancing both performance and safety. These include OBD2B compliance (a stricter on-board diagnostics standard), 43 mm USD front suspension, sequential turn signal lamps, hand guards, drag torque control, and a transparent clutch cover. The motorcycle is also offered in three new colour options, adding to its bold styling. TVS stated that the engine now delivers a peak power output of 35.6 PS at 9,700 rpm and 28.7 Nm of torque at 6,650 rpm, maintaining its strong standing in the naked sports segment. Customisation and Rider-Centric Tech One of the most notable additions in the 2025 model is the Built-to-Order programme, allowing buyers to personalise the motorcycle based on their preferences. This feature caters to riders seeking a unique and performance-oriented experience, complete with advanced digital interfaces and styling options that reflect individual taste. Live Events A New Era of Freestyle Riding Commenting on the launch, TVS Motor Head-Business Premium Vimal Sumbly said, 'The TVS Apache RTR 310 has been a trendsetter in the naked sports segment since its debut. With the 2025 edition, we are building on its bold legacy by integrating future-ready tech, intuitive digital interfaces, standout styling, and rider safety.' He added, 'This refreshed freestyler reflects the new era of motorcycling, one that is connected, customisable and committed to sustainability. We are proud to bring this upgraded experience to our community of TVS Apache riders who live to push boundaries every day.' The 2025 Apache RTR 310 is expected to strengthen TVS Motor's foothold in the premium motorcycle space. Inputs from PTI
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Indian Overseas Bank Q1 results: Net profit jumps 76% YoY to Rs 1,111 crore; asset quality and margins improve
State-owned Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) on Friday reported a 76% year-on-year (YoY) rise in net profit to Rs 1,111 crore for the quarter ended June 2025, aided by improved income and asset quality. The Chennai-headquartered bank had posted a net profit of Rs 633 crore in the same quarter last fiscal, it said in a regulatory filing, according to PTI report. Total income during the April–June quarter of FY26 rose to Rs 8,866 crore, compared to Rs 7,568 crore in the corresponding period of FY25. Interest income grew to Rs 7,386 crore from Rs 6,535 crore in the year-ago quarter. Operating profit for Q1 rose to Rs 2,358 crore, up from Rs 1,676 crore last year. IOB also reported continued improvement in asset quality. Gross non-performing assets (NPAs) came down to 1.97% of gross advances, from 2.89% a year ago, while net NPAs fell to 0.32%, against 0.51% in the same period last year. The bank's capital adequacy ratio stood at 18.28% at the end of June 2025, up from 17.82% a year earlier. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
