Three Rebel AAP MLAs Join BJP in Punjab; Ruling Party Downplays Exit as No Setback

Infosys Chief Human Resources Officer Shaji Mathew spoke on the evolving dynamics of artificial intelligence and workforce transformation across the IT sector. Reflecting on his career journey from starting at Infosys when it had approximately 300 employees to overseeing a global workforce of over 300,000, he emphasized that AI transformation is fundamentally a human transformation rather than merely a technological one. He pointed out that while AI can automate repetitive tasks, generate code, and provide multiple solutions, human capabilities such as problem-finding, contextual judgement, leadership, and empathy remain indispensable. Mathew highlighted that skills making humans truly human will command a premium in future workplaces operating under a human-plus-AI paradigm. Addressing skilling and hiring, he confirmed that Infosys recruited 20,000 freshers last year and targets another 20,000 recruits, while rearchitecting learning via structured multi-tier programs for employees. He also discussed enterprise adaptability, hybrid working policies, and the essential role of maintaining organisational culture.

A panel of industry leaders examines the evolving role of people managers and human resources in the era of artificial intelligence. Francis Padamadan notes that managers must adapt to a hybrid environment combining human-in-the-loop and AI-in-the-loop, urging a willingness to unlearn and learn alongside continuous upskilling. Ayaskant Sarangi emphasizes setting context, managing workplace insecurities, and reimagining governance as AI reshapes organizational dynamics, noting client demands are transitioning from billable effort to real business outcomes. Ruchir Jingran outlines how AI necessitates critical thinking, leadership, and coaching, highlighting ITC Foods' focus on growth mindset, futuristic orientation, and hiring partnerships with regional industrial training institutes to expand manufacturing opportunities, particularly for women. The discussion underscores that rather than eliminating jobs, technological evolution creates an urgent need to bridge employability gaps through soft skills, adaptability, and continuous learning.

A major political crisis has hit Jammu and Kashmir as 25 rebel National Conference MLAs have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the party leadership, threatening to pull the plug on the Omar Abdullah-led government. India Today accessed the explosive letter showing signatures of 16 dissident MLAs, while nine outstation MLAs extended full backing. The dissident group is demanding a complete cabinet overhaul, insisting that ministers who have completed two years in office, including the Deputy Chief Minister, be replaced, alongside the removal of Chief Minister's advisor Nasir Aslam Wani. The rebels have warned that failure to meet their demands within two weeks will force them to march to Raj Bhavan and formally withdraw legislative support. Additionally, the National Conference's sitting MP from Srinagar is expected to resign from the party and Parliament. However, a party voice denied any threat to leave the organisation, calling the letter an internal charter of demands to strengthen the party.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Hyderabad, offering prayers at the Bhagyalakshmi Temple near Charminar ahead of leading the Bharatiya Janata Party's 'Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao' padayatra. The foot march is scheduled to commence opposite Nizam College ground and culminate at Mozamjahi Market, where the Union Home Minister is expected to address a massive gathering. The padayatra serves as a key counter-campaign against protests led by the Congress and opposition parties concerning the Special Intensive Revision process and demands related to electoral rolls. Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of State Bandi Sanjay, and Telangana BJP President N. Ramchander Rao accompanied the Home Minister. The initiative forms part of the BJP's nationwide strategy involving awareness programmes across 800 district headquarters to engage grassroot cadres and refute allegations raised by the opposition.