Emeritus Global Workplace Skills Study 2025: 94% of Indian Workforce See AI Skills as Career-Boosting

February 3, 2025: India is experiencing a transformative wave of Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration in workplaces, prompting working professionals to learn the necessary skills and tools for the future. According to the 2025 Global Workplace Skills Study conducted by Emeritus, a global leader in professional education, the integration of AI in the workplace is reshaping careers across India, with 94% of Indian professionals believing that mastering AI skills will accelerate their career growth.

The study, which surveyed over 6,000 respondents across 18 countries aged 21-65 working across sectors such as finance & insurance, manufacturing, software & IT services, and education, among others, revealed that Indian professionals are leading the global AI adoption curve. An impressive 96% of Indian professionals are using AI and generative AI tools at work, significantly higher than the 81% in the US and 84% in the UK. As a result, 95% of Indian workers report increased productivity due to these technologies, outpacing the global average.

Indian professionals are prioritizing AI skills to stay competitive, with 90% considering AI and generative AI crucial for future career success. Moreover, 94% view AI expertise as essential not only for career advancement but also for diversifying across industries—far surpassing the global average of 87%. Notably, machine learning is uniquely among the top five most sought-after skills in India, with professionals twice as likely as global counterparts to focus on it.

Top 5 most sought after skills:

  • AI Development and Application
  • Mastering Emerging Technologies
  • Effective Communication Skills
  • Machine Learning
  • Strategic Leadership and Management

The Global Workplace Skills Study 2025 identifies four critical trends in how Indian learners perceive and use AI:

  • Higher AI Adoption in India: India has a higher AI adoption rate (96%) reflecting a tech-savvy workforce, compared to 81% in the US and 84% in the UK.
  • AI/Gen AI Skills as a Top Priority:  AI/GenAI skills are at the forefront of professional development priorities in India, with 94% of Indian professionals seeing AI competencies as vital for long-term career employability.
  • AI’s Transformative Impact on Workplaces: 93% report that higher job satisfaction due to AI, GenAI-driven tools and resources available at work, significantly above the global (87%), US (82%) and UK (83%) averages.
  • Concerns about AI-Driven Displacement: Despite being early adopters of AI and Gen AI tools, Indians are increasingly worried about technology replacing them if they do not continually upskill.

Indian Employers Highly Invested in Employees’ Continued Learning

The Global Workplace Skills Study 2025 highlights a strong commitment by Indian employers to invest in workforce development, with working professionals reporting that 73% of employers increased their investment in training over the past year, well above the global average of 46%. Key benefits supporting skill development include internal training programs (44%) and career coaching (38%). Additionally, 40% of Indian professionals expect their employers to contribute financially to skills enhancement programs, signalling an opportunity for organisations to enhance workforce satisfaction and higher employee retention by sponsoring educational opportunities.

As India cements its position as a hub for technology innovation and growth, the emphasis on AI-driven upskilling will play a critical role in shaping the nation’s economic trajectory.

Announcing the launch of the Emeritus Global Workplace Skills Study 2025, Ashwin Damera, CEO and Co-Founder of Emeritus, said, “As the world undergoes economic and technological changes, the workforce needs to keep up with the time and evolve their approach to work with new skills, mindsets and competencies. India’s workforce is not only adapting to AI but actively harnessing it to shape the future of work. The findings from the Emeritus Global Workplace Skills Study highlight the resilience and forward-thinking mindset of Indian professionals and their employers in positioning AI as a career catalyst.”

First Look at the Stunning iQOO Neo 10R in Raging Blue

Inspired by a growing affinity for dual-tone designs across segments, iQOO introduced this concept in the Neo series, starting with the iQOO Neo 9 Pro. Now, taking this design philosophy forward, the iQOO Neo 10R debuts with a striking Blue and White back, crafted exclusively for India—to provide Indian consumers with unique and innovative designs that resonate with their bold and vibrant colour preferences.

Raging Blue exudes strength and forward momentum, while the White accent embodies a sense of power and determination. The design is enhanced by an exclusive texture inspired by racing tracks, which also influenced “R” in the iQOO Neo 10R. The result is a design that is not only visually stunning, but also reflects brand’s dedication to innovation, attention to detail and craftsmanship, making iQOO Neo10 R a truly exceptional device that is sure to stand out in the crowd.

Combined with iQOO’s commitment to providing consumers with the latest technology and features, reflected in the Neo 10R‘s cutting-edge specifications and capabilities, makes it a must-have for anyone looking for an all-rounder high-performance smartphone with a bold and unique design.

Day 2 of Ramayana Kalpavrksam

Hyderabad, 3rd February 2025: The third edition of the iconic 3-day music and dance extravaganza, ‘Ramayana Kalpavrksam’, conceived and curated by Hyderabad based acclaimed dancer Padmashri Dr. Ananda Shankar Jayant, a celebrated artist and cultural ambassador, was inaugurated by Sri Tejasvi Surya, Member of Parliament, Friday. The festival scheduled from 31st January 2025 to 2nd February 2025, at the CCRT campus, Hyderabad, is a unique signature festival that is a unique confluence of art, tradition, and scholarship, being presented by Shankarananda Kalakshetra and Natyarambha, in collaboration with Brhat, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Govt of India.

The morning sessions, ‘Ramamrita’ brings together six remarkable and scholarly speakers, each offering a unique perspective on the timeless epic of the Ramayana. Yashodeep Deodhar, creator of the widely popular 21 Notes, sharing innovative insights into the Ramayana; Dr. Anupama Kylash, a celebrated dance scholar, illuminating the Ramayana through the lens of classical Indian dance and culture; Dr. DK Hari and Dr. DK Hema, creators of the Bharat Gyan series, bringing their extensive research on India’s ancient wisdom and the Ramayana to life. This exceptional lineup promises to delve into the myriad facets of the Ramayana, blending scholarship, creativity, and storytelling to inspire and enlighten.

As part of the vibrant three-day festival, an array of engaging learning workshops and unique experiences await participants, in ‘Kala Charan’: a Sanskrit Learning workshop, led by Udaya Shreyas of the Sanskrit Channel, offering an immersive dive into the beauty and essence of Sanskrit.

Newgen Recognized as a ‘Leader’ in Content Platforms by Independent Research Firm

February 3, 2025: Newgen Software, a global provider of AI-enabled digital transformation platforms, has been recognized as a ‘Leader’ in the Forrester Wave: Content Platforms, Q1 2025, authored by Cheryl McKinnon. The report evaluated 12 top content platform providers across 24 criteria, helping tech leaders select the right platform according to their requirements. NewgenONE Contextual […]

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Post budget Insights on on manufacturing, energy transformation and tech factor

 Dr. Bijal Sanghvi, Managing Director, Axis Solutions Union Budget 2025 will drive and strengthen India’s manufacturing and energy transformation with a strong push for “Make in India”. Targeting 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047 is a welcome move for a sustainable future. With a ₹20,000 crore outlay for small modular reactors in Nuclear Power, […]

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IIM Bodh Gaya Hosts ICSG 2.0, Welcoming Global Delegates in Bihar

IIM Bodh Gaya hosted the International Conference on Sustainable Goals 2.0 (ICSG 2.0) in collaboration with the University of Groningen, Netherlands, and the University of Gothenburg, Sweden on 01-02 February 2025. The conference is one of the biggest international events of its kind in Bihar. Dr. Aviral Kumar Tiwari, convenor of the ICSG 2.0, welcomed […]

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Gulzar and Roshan Abbas Spark Inspiration at Spoken Fest Mumbai 2025 with Poetry and Reflection

As dusk fell on the first day of Spoken Fest 2025 – Asia’s largest storytelling festival, celebrated poet-lyricist Gulzar engaged in a nazm-laced conversation with Roshan Abbas.

The session, focused on Gulzar’s lesser-explored literary works beyond his film contributions, offered audiences a rare glimpse into the creative mind of one of India’s most beloved poets.

In a deeply moving exchange about a poet’s relationship with his work, Gulzar shared a disarmingly humble perspective – “I have a relationship with you (Roshan Abbas) and all of them (audience) and the poems exist because of these relations. Poems come from you all and I just try to write them and speak them.” He referenced a Gujarati saying, “aa maaro dhandho chhe,” before revealing the visceral connection to his craft with the confession, “Without poems, I am naked on the inside.

Describing his creative process, Gulzar painted a vivid picture of how he gathers the raw materials for his poetry from the lived experiences of others. “I’m a kabaadi – and I take from you all the moments you’ve lived. And on those, I ask as a kabaadi, permission to write poems. I take broken sleep of the night, collect pieces of dreams fallen from the pillow or between the folds of the bed sheets – I take them and arrange them,” he explained, illustrating how he transforms these collected moments into verses.

When questioned about his remarkable ability to craft accessible yet profound imagery, Gulzar emphasized the importance of awareness and sensitivity. “It is all around you. It’s all about feeling it. It’s on your awareness – awareness of your own sensitivity,” he explained. “If you keep your eyes open, you feel life touch you in multiple ways, and as it touches you, you will feel something. And once you’ve felt it, it’s my job to write it. And then, I tell you what you’ve felt but missed.”

The evening took an introspective turn when Roshan Abbas recited one of Gulzar’s older poems, prompting the poet to reflect on the curious relationship between artists and their past works. With characteristic wisdom tinged with humor, Gulzar said, “Sometimes, you’re amazed at your poems. Sometimes you wonder if it’s actually you who’s written it. Only old alcohol is nice, you read an old poem and you can get an allergy.”

For Roshan Abbas, who had long dreamed of hosting Gulzar at Spoken Fest, the evening represented the culmination of a long-held ambition. Their conversation, weaving through topics of green poems and neglected verses, and Triveni form of poems unique to Gulzar, exemplified the festival’s commitment to celebrating the depth and diversity of spoken word artistry in India.

This soul-nourishing session at Asia’s largest storytelling festival not only paid tribute to Gulzar’s extraordinary literary legacy but also demonstrated the enduring power of poetry to capture and illuminate the human experience, reinforcing Kommune’s mission of creating spaces for meaningful artistic dialogue.

Murty Family Calls Jaipur Lit Fest the Queen of Festivals

Jaipur, February 3rd, 2025: The 18th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival, presented by Vedanta, in association with Maurti Suzuki, and powered by Vida, has enjoyed an inspiring three days, featuring a caravan of the world’s most celebrated thinkers, speakers, and writers discussing a diverse range of topics. Each evening, acclaimed artists deliver remarkable performances at the Jaipur Music Stage, while the concurrently held Jaipur BookMark, India’s premier publishing conclave, continues to be a hub for the convergence of leading voices in the publishing industry.

On 31st January, the Festival came to an end with the fantastic Kal Penn, who mesmerised the audience with tales from his multifaceted life as a Hollywood actor, White House aide, and Indian American navigating the challenges of stereotypical roles. He shared humorous anecdotes, such as competing with a white actor in brownface for Van Wilder auditions and reflected on how he learned to speak out against dehumanisation. “There was a fear that if we cast a diverse show, white people won’t watch it, but diverse audiences will always watch white content. I think what you’ve seen in this equalisation of content is that humans will watch compelling stories, period,” he said. His session challenged the audience to think beyond stereotypes, embrace kindness, and uplift others.

The third morning of the Festival opened with a soulful Dagarvani Dhrupad recital by Niloy Ahsan, accompanied by Ustad Immamuddin Khan. Rooted in the fifteenth-century mystic Swami Haridas, Ahsan’s performance embodied Prana, with Dhrupad as a spiritual journey toward self-awareness.

The Morning Music segment was followed by a session with acclaimed and beloved writer Sudha Murty speaking with her daughter, businesswoman and wife of former British PM, Rishi Sunak, Akshata Murty. Akshata described the Jaipur Literature Festival as the “queen of literature festivals,” or, as “Amma would call it, the Kashi of literature festivals.” The mother-daughter duo spoke about their shared love for books, childhood memories of storytelling, and the impact of reading on learning and personal growth. Akshata reflected on the values of service and duty that her parents instilled in her from an early age, shaping her worldview and approach to life. Sudha, in turn, spoke about how these ideals are deeply embedded in her books.

The consciousness of mortality is unique to human beings and so is the ability to possess a billion dollars. Nobel Laureate Venky Ramakrishnan successfully carried out the task to infuse humour into a conversation about death in a highly attended session. With due respect towards the increasing lust to live longer, Ramakrishnan highlighted the need to respect the principles of evolution in which death is a necessity. “All sorts of entities die, for example, cities can die, companies can die. So, what do we mean by death when we talk about us, humans? It’s a strange paradox that when we are alive, millions of cells in us are dying all the time and in fact a lot of that death is actually to acquire. But at the same time, at the moment of what we think of as death, most of our cells are still alive, in fact all our organs are alive, and you can donate them for organ transplants. So, what we mean by death is the loss of our ability to function as a whole individual. So, it really depends upon how you define the individual as a coherent being.” Ramakrishnan also cautioned that populations who live longer also have lower fertility rates, which again isn’t the recipe for a vibrant and model society.

In the vein of the fear of dying and the desire for longevity, at The Holberg Prize Event: The Swerve Revisited: How the World Became Modern, Stephen Greenblatt was in conversation with William Dalrymple, introduced by Jørgen Sejersted. Greenblatt reflected on the impermanence of literature, highlighting how countless works, including Roman literature, were lost as empires fell, emphasizing the fragile relationship between power, preservation, and the written word. Greenblatt highlighted how science and poetry are often seen as separate realms today, but in ancient texts, they intertwined seamlessly, emphasizing the need for humanities and science to walk hand in hand to rethink and reshape the modern world. In his Pulitzer Prize-winning book The Swerve, Holberg Prize Laureate Stephen Greenblatt argues that the Renaissance rediscovery of Lucretius’ De Rerum Natura transformed the world by emphasizing the inevitability of death, urging people to focus on life rather than be consumed by the fear of dying.

Six war correspondents, analysts, photographers and authors from around the world joined the panel ‘Frontline’, which drew a range of Festival goers. The numerous global conflicts and changing political climate of the 21st century have raised questions about seemingly unending wars. The panel discussed the stories that have changed them. For Lindsey Hilsum, Ghaith Abdul-Ahad and Yaroslav Trofimov, it was watching a crisis take shape in real time around them while in Rwanda, Iraq and Ukraine. Christopher de Bellaigue highlighted the work of journalists in Gaza and Afghanistan, and the destruction of culture amid war. Vishnu Som shared his experiences from Kargil, recounting the harrowing moments while covering the conflict. With artillery shells exploding around Som and his camera person and even a TV tower being destroyed, he and his team had pressed on, in order to get more vivid pictures. Edward Wong drew parallels between his father’s involvement in the Chinese Liberation Army and American soldiers in Afghanistan. Many on the panel have had to grapple with war and turmoil coming to their own doorsteps creating a balancing act of personal ethics and being a journalist.

In the session with ‘Stone Yard Devotional’, Charlotte Wood, whose book of the same name was in the 2024 Booker shortlist, was in conversation with Anish Gawande. The book is about the inward journey of a woman who retreats from her life and world in Sydney and moves to a catholic convent. The author unpacks the impulses behind a contemporary woman’s decision to become a nun and traces it to a universal dissatisfaction with the lack of climate accountability. Written during the pandemic, bushfires in Australia and her cancer diagnosis, Wood states that she writes for people who have been chastened by the world. She makes her despairing protagonist confront stillness and silence as it’s the most difficult thing to do in our times.

The prestigious Kanhaiya Lal Sethia Award for this year was presented to renowned Hindi poet Badri Narayan. Badri Narayan is known for his deep sociological perspective, and thought-provoking writing. Along with his poetry, he is also active in academic and public life. His acclaimed poetry collection “Tumdi Ke Shabd” earned him the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2022.

Kanhaiya Lal Sethia, a great poet, freedom fighter, and social reformer from Rajasthan, is remembered for his works that were rich in national consciousness, social change, and the sensitivity of the folk language. Established in 2016, the purpose of this award is to honour authors who have made outstanding contributions to the field of poetry.

On this occasion, poet and academic Badri Narayan, the winner of the 2025 Kanhaiya Lal Sethia award, expressed his feelings in the following words:

“Poet and social reformer Kanhaiya Lal Sethia Ji worked for marginalized people, worked for Dalits, and participated in the freedom struggle. I am very happy to be associated with Sethia Ji. This award is not just an award, it is a mission, and I am glad to be part of this mission.” Sanjay K. Roy, Managing Director, Teamwork Arts, Festival Co-director and award-winning author Namita Gokhale, and poet-critic Ranjit Hoskote praised Badri Narayan’s creative journey and his literary contributions. The occasion was graced by the special presence of Jayprakash Sethia from the Kanhaiya Lal Sethia Trust.

Day 4 of the Festival will be back tomorrow at expansive premises of Clarks Amer Hotel with another tranche of transformational dialogues, uplifting ideas, and change-inspiring books. Some of the speakers for tomorrow include Amol Palekar, Shashi Tharoor, John Vaillant, Matt Preston, Amitabh Kant, Huma Qureishi, David Hare, and Andrew O’Hagen.

Priya Living Brings Innovative Senior Care Solutions to India

New Delhi, India – 3-01-2025 – Founded in Silicon Valley in 2013 by Arun Paul, Priya Living has reimagined senior living in the United States, creating vibrant communities where aging is embraced with joy, creativity, and purpose. Now, Priya Living is bringing its innovative approach home to India—offering a new vision for elderhood as the most fulfilling stage of life.

Priya Living is deeply personal to me, said Arun Paul, Founder of Priya Living. “It is a tribute to my parents, who left everything behind in India to give me a life of opportunity in the United States. Their sacrifices, their resilience, and their enduring connection to India inspired me to create Priya Living. Now, I want to reconnect the Indian diaspora with their roots while also addressing the growing need for a fresh, dynamic approach to aging in India itself.”

Priya Living’s communities are designed as more than just residences—they are thriving hubs of culture, learning, and connection. Here, life’s possibilities never end, and people can rediscover old passions while exploring new horizons. Priya Living features modern, boutique-inspired spaces, world-class services, experiential programming, and curated experiences, These communities attract both elders and younger generations, creating a vibrant intergenerational space that blends the wisdom of old age with flourishing dynamic ideas.

As Priya Living expands to India, it introduces a powerful, transformative way of life, challenging the outdated notions of senior living, and proving that aging is not about slowing down—it’s about growing, exploring, and achieving our highest level as human beings. Priya Living is not just about a place or a space for community, culture, and choice, its a movement to redefine what it means to age.

My Vision for India

“This year marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Priya Living, as we bring our vision to India. We are launching our first communities in Delhi, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad—three vibrant cities that reflect India’s diversity, energy, and future. These communities will serve as a model for how elderhood can be redefined in India, blending the best of global design and service with the deep cultural and emotional connections that are so central to Indian families.

But this is just the beginning. Over the coming years, we plan to expand to dozens of cities across India, from Tier I to Tier III. Our vision is to create vibrant communities in cities and regions where families are looking for modern solutions to support their parents. By doing so, Priya Living will not only transform the lives of elders in India but also set a new global standard for aging that the rest of the world will look to as an example.

With these plans, India will stand at the forefront of a global movement to redefine what elderhood can be—a time of growth, reinvention, and connection. And for me, personally, it’s deeply emotional to be bringing this vision back to the country that has always been home in my heart.”

Union Budget 2025-26 Focuses on Startups Healthcare and Inclusion

The Union Budget 2025-26, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, marks a significant stride in fostering innovation, inclusivity, and economic resilience. With a dedicated focus on strengthening India’s startup ecosystem, healthcare sector, and entrepreneurship landscape, this budget sets the stage for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.

A Game-Changer for Startups

One of the most notable highlights of the budget is the introduction of a ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds, designed to address the funding challenges faced by startups. This initiative aims to provide much-needed financial support, enabling early-stage ventures to scale, innovate, and contribute to job creation. Additionally, the budget introduces a dedicated scheme for 5 lakh first-time entrepreneurs from women, SC, and ST communities, ensuring a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Adeeb Jamal, Founder of A’raf PR, sees this as a crucial step in empowering startups:

“The Union Budget 2025-26 is a significant boost for India’s startup ecosystem, with the ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds and a dedicated scheme for 5 lakh women, SC, and ST first-time entrepreneurs. These initiatives will unlock new opportunities, providing much-needed financial support and mentorship to aspiring business owners. As a PR firm and a startup, we understand the challenges of building a business from the ground up. This move not only fosters innovation but also ensures inclusivity, allowing diverse entrepreneurs to thrive in India’s growing economy. With increased accessibility to capital, startups can scale faster, contribute to job creation, and enhance India’s position as a global leader in entrepreneurship. A’raf PR is excited about the future this budget envisions and looks forward to supporting brands that drive meaningful change in the business landscape.”

Sakshi Shah, Founder of GoodLives, echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of diversity in entrepreneurship “The Union Budget 2025-2026 demonstrates a strong commitment to nurturing India’s startup ecosystem. The additional ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds is a crucial step in addressing the funding challenges that many startups face, helping them scale and sustain growth. What stands out even more is the dedicated support for first-time women and underrepresented entrepreneurs. Building a business requires not just capital but also confidence, and this initiative will encourage more diverse voices to enter the entrepreneurial space. At GoodLives, we believe in holistic growth both personal and professional and this move will empower many to take the leap into entrepreneurship with greater assurance. It’s heartening to see such inclusive steps being taken to fuel innovation and progress in India.”

Strengthening India’s Healthcare Landscape

The government has also prioritized healthcare, with a significant focus on infrastructure, medical research, and public health initiatives. The ‘Heal in India’ initiative, backed by a ₹20,000 crore boost for tourism, aims to position India as a global hub for medical tourism, offering world-class healthcare services at competitive costs.

Amit Gupta, MD & Founder of Leeford Healthcare, highlights the potential impact “The Union Budget 2025 shows an improved focus on strengthening India’s healthcare system. The push towards better infrastructure, medical research, and public health programs will always be a step in the right direction for improving overall well-being. The ‘Heal in India’ initiative, backed by a ₹20,000 crore boost for tourism, is a smart move as it will not only attract medical tourists but also showcase India as a hub for affordable, high-quality healthcare, which has been the foundational vision of Leeford Healthcare in making healthcare accessible and affordable in every corner of the country.”

Fostering Innovation and Self-Reliance

With this budget, the government reiterates its commitment to making India a global leader in entrepreneurship and self-reliance. The infusion of funds into the startup ecosystem will encourage innovation across various industries, helping businesses scale efficiently.

Aman Chourasia, Founder of Own it Pure, believes this is a defining moment for Indian startups “The Union Budget 2025-26 brings a strong push for entrepreneurship with the ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds, doubling the government’s commitment to supporting startups. Access to capital remains one of the biggest challenges for early-stage ventures, and this move will provide a much-needed financial cushion to help startups scale, innovate, and contribute to economic growth. The introduction of a dedicated scheme for 5 lakh first-time women, SC, and ST entrepreneurs is a game-changer, fostering inclusivity and ensuring that diverse talents and ideas get the platform they deserve. This budget reinforces the government’s vision of making India a global leader in innovation, self-reliance, and entrepreneurship.”