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Why Nandan Nilekani is batting for AI models now
The ripples of DeepSeek's innovation in creating a powerful LLM model at fraction of the cost compared to other players continue to be felt.
- It has now prompted a change in stance from one of India's foremost technologists
Driving the news
With innovation in the AI sector progressing exponentially, and price, as a result, dropping drastically, Infosys co-founder and chairman Nandan Nilekani now hopes to see significant LLMs emerging from India in the next year.
“DeepSeek has shown you don’t need billions of dollars to create a good LLM model,” he said.
Earlier, Nilekani had maintained that India’s AI vision should be application-centric, and to leave LLM building to the “big boys in the Valley”
Nilekani’s 3 AI use cases
What else
During the conversation with Moneycontrol’s managing editor Nalin Mehta, Nilekani was also asked if India needs a technological intervention, akin to what Elon Musk is currently undertaking in the USA. His response was succinct.
“Over the last 15 years, we’ve achieved a lot… This transformation happened without being confrontational. The difference is in approach,” Nilekani said.
Nilekani also said that he believes that AI will never replace human skills like empathy, leadership and so on.
- Rather than training for specific AI-related skills, he advocates a shift toward adaptability
P.S: Want to know how Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani spends his time? Find out here
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Tesla takes India route sans local manufacturing
As India gears up to play a role in the global EV supply chain, Tesla’s long-awaited entry into the market is taking shape.
Direct imports first
The government is likely to prioritise integration into Tesla’s Global Value Chain (GVC) rather than pressuring the company to commit to large-scale local production immediately.
- Tesla is expected to begin its India operations with direct imports of its vehicles
The EV giant plans to set up flagship outlets in Delhi and Mumbai, with an eye on gradually increasing local sourcing of components.
"So the idea is that India can become part of its GVC (global value chain). They (Tesla) will start making spares and sourcing some components locally. If even 10% of Tesla’s production starts being manufactured in India, that is a step forward," a senior government official said.
To smooth Tesla’s entry into India, the government is also considering lowering import duties for EVs and a broader relaxation of import norms for EVs.
No manufacturing incentives… yet
Tesla's operations will not qualify for the government's Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars (SPMEPCI), which offers incentives to carmakers that commit to manufacturing locally.
- Tesla will not fall under the SPMEPCI scheme because there is no manufacturing commitment as of now. They will start with imports, and gradually explore local sourcing, the official said.
Find out more
Paytm's comeback story a year after PPBL blow
It has been a year since the Reserve Bank of India banned Paytm Payments Bank (PPBL), a sister concern of One97 Communications (which runs Paytm), from conducting most banking activities.
- PPBL held several licenses for operating Paytm’s payments business
Shaken, but recovering
The ban on PPBL shook the company. However, by focusing on merchants and compliance, Paytm is gradually recovering from last year's lows.
- Paytm’s gross merchandise value still has not caught up with last year's highs
- Monthly transacting users are way below their peak
But the number of merchants subscribing to its “Soundbox” machines is going up. So is the number of transactions they are doing.
The untapped potential
Paytm has a technological advantage over banks and large financial institutions. Its technology and products like the Soundbox and POS machines, give it an edge.
- Paytm has around 4.3 crore merchants on its platform
- And only 1% of this currently uses Paytm's credit facilities
Paytm's ability to assess merchant creditworthiness outside traditional banking models positions it uniquely to tap into this potential.
Building bridges
Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma has been trying hard to woo regulators and other regulated entities.
A year ago, they were hesitant to work with Paytm. Now all the financial institutions are eager to work with the company.
- The share price has recovered. However, it is still a long road to its IPO price
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MC Explains: Inside Microsoft's Majorana 1 chip
Picture this: a cracked phone screen that mends itself or a scratched car door that magically smooths out overnight. Sounds like sci-fi?
- Well, Microsoft released a chip that might make it a reality soon. The tech giant unveiled the Majorana 1 quantum computing chip recently, which utilises a novel state of matter known as a topological superconductor
This advancement is significant as it enhances computational capabilities, solving complex problems that are beyond the reach of classical computers.
Find out more in our explainer
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