Latest news with #NikhilKamath
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
AI might take your job, but ignoring it could too: Microsoft links performance reviews to AI usage
In what appears to be a corporate line in the sand, Microsoft is moving beyond AI evangelism and into enforcement. According to an internal email reported by Business Insider, the tech giant has begun directing managers to factor employees' AI usage into their performance evaluations—a decision that marks a striking cultural shift from adoption to obligation. Julia Liuson, president of Microsoft's Developer Division, which oversees tools like GitHub Copilot, informed team leaders that artificial intelligence is no longer a choice. 'AI is now a fundamental part of how we work,' she wrote in a recent internal memo. 'Just like collaboration, data-driven thinking, and effective communication, using AI is no longer optional — it's core to every role and every level.' The message? Embrace AI or risk falling behind. When Performance Reviews Go Robotic In some Microsoft teams, performance reviews for the next fiscal year may include formal metrics that assess how well employees are integrating AI into their workflow. This move is reportedly motivated by what Microsoft sees as lagging internal adoption of its own Copilot tools—even among employees tasked with building them. A source familiar with the matter told Business Insider that the aim is to not only drive broader usage across the company but also ensure that those developing AI tools like GitHub Copilot genuinely understand how they're being used in practice. In a fiercely competitive landscape, where rivals like Cursor are gaining ground, Microsoft is doubling down on internal accountability. Interestingly, while Microsoft strongly promotes the use of its proprietary AI tools, it still permits employees to experiment with some external AI assistants—provided they meet company security protocols. Replit, a competing coding tool, is one such example. You Might Also Like: Nikhil Kamath's 'lifelong learning' advice is only step one: Stanford expert shares the key skills needed to survive the AI takeover Trusting the Tool That Sometimes Lies Microsoft's AI push comes amid broader questions about how much we should rely on artificial intelligence in the first place. In a recent podcast interview, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman made a candid admission: 'People have a very high degree of trust in ChatGPT, which is interesting because AI hallucinates. It should be the tech that you don't trust that much.' Altman's point wasn't lost on industry watchers. While AI tools can streamline coding, boost productivity, and assist in communication, they are far from infallible. Hallucinations—where the AI confidently generates false or misleading information—remain a well-documented flaw. And yet, the corporate world is being nudged toward full-blown dependency. So where does that leave employees who may be wary of the risks? It appears caution is no longer an acceptable excuse. In the Microsoft ecosystem, the road to good performance now runs directly through responsible AI usage. From Optional to Inevitable If there's one thing this shift confirms, it's that AI in the workplace is no longer a novelty. What once sparked curiosity and experimentation has now become a professional requirement. Even tech visionaries like Peter Thiel have framed AI not as an ideal future but as a necessary one. In a recent appearance on the New York Times podcast Interesting Times, Thiel noted, 'AI might be enough to create some great companies, but I'm not sure it's enough to end the stagnation.' You Might Also Like: Does ChatGPT suffer from hallucinations? OpenAI CEO Sam Altman admits surprise over users' blind trust in AI Despite his reservations, Thiel conceded that AI is the only visible force trying to disrupt an otherwise innovation-starved landscape. The question now is whether this disruption will bring about genuine transformation—or merely a new kind of compliance culture. AI, or Else? Whether seen as a lifeboat from stagnation or a leash of digital conformity, Microsoft's policy signals a new age of workplace expectations. AI isn't just a tool anymore. It's a metric, a performance benchmark, and potentially, a career gatekeeper. In this AI-centric era, one thing is certain: If artificial intelligence doesn't replace your job, your failure to embrace it just might. You Might Also Like: PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel warns of tech stagnation: 'Without AI, there's just nothing going on'
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
‘I fed breast milk to Nikhil for 4 years…': Zerodha co-founders Nikhil and Nithin Kamath's mother Revathi shares advice for young moms; benefits of extended nursing
Breastfeeding has long been recognised for its role in early childhood development, helping the mother and child through bonding, essential nutrition, and providing immunity. But, how long should a mother continue breastfeeding? Revathi Kamath, mother of Zerodha co-founders Nikhil Kamath and Nithin Kamath, recently reflected on her personal experience and shared her advice with young mothers. In a Facebook post where she reflected on Nikhil's childhood and shared some of his childhood photos, she mentioned, 'My son Nikhil Kamath's childhood photos reminds me about how beautifully I used to celebrate each day of my sons, I fed breast milk to Nikhil for 4 years because of the nutritious quality of breast milk (sic).' She added, 'My mother used to tell me if I eat more greens, lots of milk is produced! So I used to eat greens without salt, and my brother used to call me sprouts queen, because I never missed adding sprouts in our daily food. In recent years, we've had a cook, but until seven years ago, I used to cook — and even now, I still prepare my own meals! Young mothers must breastfeed for as long as possible! (sic)' While most global health organisations, such as WHO (World Health Organization), recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding 'for up to two years or beyond,' societal norms often cast a shadow on extended nursing. Dr Shaily Sharma, consultant gynaecologist at Cloudnine Hospital, Faridabad, tells 'Yes, breastfeeding beyond two years of age can still offer several benefits, both for the child and the mother. For the child, breast milk continues to provide essential nutrients, immune-boosting properties, and emotional comfort. It can support brain development, strengthen bonding with the mother, and offer security during transitions like starting preschool or dealing with illnesses. For the mother, extended breastfeeding helps in continued hormone regulation and may reduce the risk of certain cancers, such as breast and ovarian cancer. While the nutritional reliance on breast milk decreases as the child eats more solids, the immunological and psychological benefits remain significant.' Dr Sharma notes that a mother's diet does play an important role in supporting the quality of breast milk. 'While the body prioritises milk production even in cases of moderate nutritional deficiencies, consuming a balanced diet rich in greens, sprouts, fruits, proteins, and fluids can enhance the nutritional profile of the milk. Leafy greens and sprouts, in particular, are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can contribute to healthier milk,' she states. However, Dr Sharma stresses that it's important to note that milk quantity is more closely linked to the frequency of breastfeeding and effective latching than diet alone. Still, good maternal nutrition supports the mother's own health and energy levels during the breastfeeding period. Societal attitudes can strongly influence a mother's confidence and decision to breastfeed for extended periods. 'In many cultures, breastfeeding beyond infancy is misunderstood or discouraged, leading to judgement or pressure to stop earlier. This can affect a mother emotionally and make her question her instincts. It is essential to remember that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding up to 2 years or beyond, based on mutual readiness of mother and child. Each mother's journey is personal, and the decision should be guided by her comfort, the child's needs, and medical advice — not societal expectations,' suggests Dr Sharma. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
Mint
2 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Infra.Market secures additional $50 mn from MARS Growth Capital; to file draft IPO papers by September
Mumbai: MARS Growth Capital has infused an additional $50 million in and extended the term of its existing financing of $100 million by five years as the building materials platform prepares for an initial public offering later this year. MARS, a joint venture between private credit firm Liquidity and MUFG Bank, has invested about $150 million in the IPO-bound company with this transaction, said in a statement on Monday. The first tranche of $100 million, which had a three-year tenure starting in 2022, was predominantly used towards making paints and tiles. The additional proceeds will be used to manufacture concrete and autoclaved aerated concrete blocks. Northcote Luxe FinBrokers was the exclusive advisor to for the transaction. This is the company's second fundraising effort this year after it secured about $125 million at a $2.7 billion valuation from investors including Tiger Global, Evolvence, and Foundamental in January. Investors Ashish Kacholia, Nikhil Kamath, and Abhijit Pai also participated in the round. Mint reported in April that venture debt backers – Innoven Capital, Strides Ventures and Trifecta Capital – are exploring a $30 million secondary transaction in an extended pre-IPO round as they look to encash some of their stake. The company is expected to file draft IPO papers by September and has appointed Kotak Mahindra Capital, IIFL Capital, Goldman Sachs, Jefferies, ICICI Securities, HSBC Securities,Motilal Oswal Financial Services, and Nuvama Wealth Management, to manage its IPO. Founded by Souvik Sengupta and Aaditya Sharda in 2016, the company offers solutions across the construction value chain. It has a network of over 250 manufacturing units with strategic investments in companies including RDC Concrete, Shalimar Paints, Emcer, Millennium Tiles, and Amstrad. It sells a range of products including concrete, walling solutions, steel, aggregates, pipes & fittings, plywood, laminates, tiles, paints, modular kitchens, designer hardware, electricals, appliances and consumer durables. With over 10,000 retail outlets across India, caters to institutional customers as well as retail outlets in the building materials sector and aims to disrupt the $255 billion building materials market with a focus on the infrastructure, industrial and construction sector. The company highlighted plans in February to move beyond concrete and steel and focus on lifestyle categories such as mattresses, curtains, and home décor. Its lifestyle brand, Ivas, offers materials that go "outside the wall" in home construction like bath fittings, ceramics, tiles, paints, home appliances and consumer durables. growth has accelerated as geopolitical shifts and inflationary pressures prompt companies to relocate manufacturing to India. This momentum has been bolstered by the Indian government's infrastructure push and initiatives like the production-linked incentive scheme and the 'China-plus one" strategy. The company reported revenue of ₹ 14,530 crore in FY24, up from ₹ 11,846.5 crore the previous year, while its profit after tax surged to ₹ 378 crore from ₹ 155 crore in FY23. Much of this growth came from private labels in categories like concrete, walling products, paint, electricals and tiles.
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Forget BTech. Zerodha's Nikhil Kamath says only one skill will matter to stay relevant in job market in 10 years
Agencies Zerodha's Nikhil Kamath, citing the WEF's Future of Jobs Report 2025, warns that automation will replace millions of jobs by 2030, urging workers to embrace lifelong learning. Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath has struck a chord, sparking both debate and reflection across the internet. Drawing from the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025, Kamath's warning isn't just about automation; it's about survival in an evolving world of work where adaptability has become the most valuable skill of all. 'The days of four-year college courses are over. Lifelong learning is the new norm—for everyone.' he declared in his X (formerly Twitter) post. By 2030, technology is projected to perform 34% of all tasks, up sharply from 22% today. The human share will decline to 33%, while hybrid models—where people and machines collaborate—will also account for a third of work. This quiet but steady encroachment signals a foundational shift in the nature of employment. According to the WEF report, 92 million jobs will be displaced globally by 2030. At the same time, 170 million new jobs will be created, resulting in a net increase of 78 million positions. Yet Kamath emphasizes that this growth hides a critical truth: it is only the adaptable who will benefit. 'You can't rely on what you learned a decade ago,' he says, issuing a call for continuous reinvention. — nikhilkamathcio (@nikhilkamathcio) Kamath's post resonated deeply with younger audiences, especially as he questioned the very foundation of conventional education. 'What jobs will be relevant in 10 years?' he asks. 'Personally, I think the days of 4-year college courses are over.' His point is reinforced by WEF projections that 39% of today's core skills could be obsolete by the decade's end. The skills expected to grow fastest include AI and big data, cybersecurity, analytical thinking, creative problem solving, and environmental stewardship. In response, 77% of companies plan to retrain their staff, while 69% will hire AI tool builders. However, a sobering 41% of employers also admit they will downsize roles that are vulnerable to automation. The job market is not only expanding—it is transforming. Green transitions will create over 34 million agricultural jobs, while digital consumer habits will fuel rising demand for software developers and delivery workers. But traditional roles—cashiers, clerks, secretaries—are on the chopping block. This evolution is not just technological but structural. While 63% of businesses already face disruptions due to skill gaps, only 59% of employees are expected to be upskilled. Alarmingly, one in every nine workers may never receive the reskilling they urgently need. Beyond technology, hiring priorities are being reshaped by inclusion goals. In India, 95% of employers now claim to have Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) priorities. Globally, women (76%), people with disabilities (56%), and Gen Z workers (52%) top the inclusion agenda. Still, even as 75% of employers express confidence in nurturing internal talent, 38% remain unsure about the adequacy of skills in new hires. Kamath's post sparked a wave of reactions from netizens. Some echoed his concerns, citing the irreplaceable value of upskilling. 'AI will change the game but it will create new jobs,' wrote one user. Another warned, 'Tech may outperform memory or speed, but it can't replace trust, meaning, or real connection.' Others, however, pushed back, calling online certificate-based education a 'scandal,' advocating instead for reforming undergraduate education to ensure quality and depth. A common thread emerged in the responses: the difficulty of self-regulated learning. Many users emphasized that while upskilling is critical, not everyone thrives outside structured environments. As machines grow smarter, roles become more fluid, and skills lose their shelf life faster than ever before, Kamath's message rings loud and clear: those who resist change risk becoming obsolete. The future of jobs isn't just about adapting to technology—it's about transforming mindsets, embracing flexibility, and committing to perpetual learning. In an era where the rules of employment are being rewritten, the question is no longer 'What do you do?' but 'How fast can you evolve?' ( Originally published on Jun 26, 2025 )
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath warns days of 4-year college courses are over, only one skill will matter in job market in 10 years
Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath has declared that traditional four-year college degrees are becoming obsolete, emphasizing that lifelong learning is now the only essential skill for career survival. His warning comes as the World Economic Forum 's Future of Jobs Report 2025 predicts massive disruption in the global workforce by 2030, with 92 million jobs set to disappear while 170 million new roles emerge. "The days of 4-year college courses are over. Lifelong learning is the new norm, for everyone," Kamath stated on social media, responding to projections that show technology will handle 34% of workplace tasks by 2030, up from just 22% today. Millions face unemployment without continuous upskilling The WEF report reveals a stark reality: 39% of current core skills may become outdated by 2030, with countries like Egypt (48%), UAE (41%), and India (38%) facing the highest skill obsolescence rates. Despite this looming crisis, one in nine workers—approximately 11% of the global workforce—will receive no upskilling training by the decade's end. The automation wave threatens traditional roles including cashiers, clerks, and secretaries, while creating massive demand for farmworkers, software developers, and delivery drivers. The green transition alone is expected to generate over 34 million new agricultural jobs. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The anime RPG everyone's talking about is finally free! Nikke: Goddess Of Victory Play Now Undo AI and adaptability top future skill requirements According to the report, the top 10 fastest-growing skills include AI and big data expertise, cybersecurity, technological literacy, and creative thinking. However, Kamath emphasizes that the ability to continuously learn and adapt trumps all specific technical knowledge. Currently, 63% of employers report that skill gaps are already hurting their business operations. In response, 77% plan to retrain existing staff, while 69% aim to hire AI specialists. However, 41% admit they will eliminate roles that cannot adapt to technological demands. While 75% of companies express confidence in developing their current workforce, 38% harbor doubts about new graduates' capabilities—highlighting the growing disconnect between traditional education and market needs. As Kamath warns: "If you wish to be irreplaceable, upskill." AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
