The decades-old Cauvery water dispute may be entering a new phase as Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay are expected to hold high-level talks in Bengaluru. The proposed meeting is likely to focus on the controversial Mekedatu balancing reservoir project and water-sharing during distress years.
If the meeting takes place, it will mark the first bilateral dialogue between the chief ministers of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu on the Cauvery issue in decades. The development comes amid renewed political pressure over water allocation, with former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin urging stronger action to protect the state's share of Cauvery waters.

Cauvery Water Row: Karnataka & Tamil Nadu CMs to hold key Mekedatu talks

The artificial intelligence boom is entering a new phase. Over the past two years, most people have become familiar with AI tools that answer questions, generate images or help write emails. But technology companies are increasingly focused on something more ambitious: AI systems that can take actions on behalf of users.<h2>The concept is known as Agentic AI</h2>Many industry leaders now believe this shift could transform how people use software, work online and interact with technology. The reason it is attracting attention is simple: AI is moving from helping people complete tasks to potentially completing some of those tasks itself.<h2>What exactly is Agentic AI?</h2>Traditional AI systems respond to prompts. A user asks a question, requests a summary or uploads a file, and the system generates an answer. Agentic AI goes a step further. Instead of simply responding, AI agents can break down goals into smaller tasks, make decisions, use digital tools and work through multiple steps to achieve an objective.For example, rather than helping someone plan a holiday, an AI agent could potentially compare prices, organise an itinerary, book reservations and make adjustments if plans change.In simple terms, it is the difference between receiving advice and having a digital assistant carry out the work.<h2>Why tech companies are investing heavily</h2>The biggest names in technology are already moving in this direction. OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, Anthropic and Meta have all discussed or demonstrated AI systems capable of handling increasingly complex workflows. Industry executives frequently describe AI agents as one of the most important developments in artificial intelligence since the arrival of large language models. The potential economic impact is also significant. Businesses see AI agents as a way to automate repetitive tasks, improve productivity and allow employees to focus on higher-value work. From customer support and software development to research and administration, many sectors are experimenting with early versions of AI agents.<h2>Why experts say the shift is happening faster than expected</h2>A year ago, many experts believed advanced AI agents were still years away. Today, the conversation has changed. Recent advances in reasoning models, memory systems and tool use have allowed AI systems to complete increasingly sophisticated tasks. Instead of handling a single instruction, some AI models can now manage long workflows involving multiple decisions and actions. That progress has led many technology leaders to argue that AI agents may arrive sooner and have a greater impact than previously expected. The rapid pace of investment also reflects growing confidence that the technology is becoming commercially useful rather than remaining a research project.<h2>The opportunities and concerns</h2>Supporters argue that Agentic AI could make software far more useful. Businesses could automate routine processes. Consumers could spend less time on repetitive digital tasks. Researchers could analyse information more quickly. Developers could accelerate software creation.At the same time, concerns remain. The more autonomy AI systems receive, the more important reliability, security and oversight become. Questions around accountability, data privacy and workplace disruption continue to be debated by governments, researchers and technology companies. The challenge for the industry is finding the right balance between capability and control.<h2>A glimpse of the next internet era</h2>The rise of Agentic AI may represent a larger shift than many people realise. For decades, software has largely required users to navigate menus, click buttons and manage workflows themselves.AI agents could gradually change that model.Instead of telling software exactly what to do, people may increasingly describe a goal and allow AI systems to determine how to achieve it. Whether that future arrives in months or years remains uncertain. What is becoming increasingly clear, however, is that the conversation in the technology industry has already moved beyond chatbots. The focus is now shifting towards AI systems that can act, adapt and solve problems with greater independence.

The AI industry is rapidly moving towards Agentic AI, a new generation of systems designed to complete tasks rather than simply answer questions. Technology leaders believe AI agents could reshape software, work and productivity faster than many expected.

The artificial intelligence boom is entering a new phase. Over the past two years, most people have become familiar with AI tools that answer questions, generate images or help write emails. But technology companies are increasingly focused on something more ambitious: AI systems that can take actions on behalf of users. The concept is known as Agentic AI Many industry leaders now believe this shift could transform how people use software, work online and interact with technology. The reason it is attracting attention is simple: AI is moving from helping people complete tasks to potentially completing some of those tasks itself. What exactly is Agentic AI? Traditional AI systems respond to prompts. A user asks a question, requests a summary or uploads a file, and the system generates an answer. Agentic AI goes a step further. Instead of simply responding, AI agents can break down goals into smaller tasks, make decisions, use digital tools and work through multiple steps to achieve an objective. For example, rather than helping someone plan a holiday, an AI agent could potentially compare prices, organise an itinerary, book reservations and make adjustments if plans change. In simple terms, it is the difference between receiving advice and having a digital assistant carry out the work. Why tech companies are investing heavily The biggest names in technology are already moving in this direction. OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, Anthropic and Meta have all discussed or demonstrated AI systems capable of handling increasingly complex workflows. Industry executives frequently describe AI agents as one of the most important developments in artificial intelligence since the arrival of large language models. The potential economic impact is also significant. Businesses see AI agents as a way to automate repetitive tasks, improve productivity and allow employees to focus on higher-value work. From customer support and software development to research and administration, many sectors are experimenting with early versions of AI agents. Why experts say the shift is happening faster than expected A year ago, many experts believed advanced AI agents were still years away. Today, the conversation has changed. Recent advances in reasoning models, memory systems and tool use have allowed AI systems to complete increasingly sophisticated tasks. Instead of handling a single instruction, some AI models can now manage long workflows involving multiple decisions and actions. That progress has led many technology leaders to argue that AI agents may arrive sooner and have a greater impact than previously expected. The rapid pace of investment also reflects growing confidence that the technology is becoming commercially useful rather than remaining a research project. The opportunities and concerns Supporters argue that Agentic AI could make software far more useful. Businesses could automate routine processes. Consumers could spend less time on repetitive digital tasks. Researchers could analyse information more quickly. Developers could accelerate software creation. At the same time, concerns remain. The more autonomy AI systems receive, the more important reliability, security and oversight become. Questions around accountability, data privacy and workplace disruption continue to be debated by governments, researchers and technology companies. The challenge for the industry is finding the right balance between capability and control. A glimpse of the next internet era The rise of Agentic AI may represent a larger shift than many people realise. For decades, software has largely required users to navigate menus, click buttons and manage workflows themselves. AI agents could gradually change that model. Instead of telling software exactly what to do, people may increasingly describe a goal and allow AI systems to determine how to achieve it. Whether that future arrives in months or years remains uncertain. What is becoming increasingly clear, however, is that the conversation in the technology industry has already moved beyond chatbots. The focus is now shifting towards AI systems that can act, adapt and solve problems with greater independence.

The AI industry is rapidly moving towards Agentic AI, a new generation of systems designed to complete tasks rather than simply answer questions. Technology leaders believe AI agents could reshape software, work and productivity faster than many expected.

It's happening faster than expected: How Agentic AI is reshaping the tech industry

The global economy is entering a transformative phase from generative AI (which creates content) to Agentic AI (systems that can plan, decide, and act autonomously to achieve goals). The evolution represents a move from "copilots" that assist humans to "agents" that execute end-to-end workflows with minimal supervision. The Agentic AI act as intent-based, unlike traditional automation, which follows rigid "if-then" rules. When the task is assigned, it breaks down into sub-tasks and acts on behalf of individuals, interacting with other agents representing sellers, logistics providers, payment processors and several other stuff as per the respective industry.<h3>The rise of agentic AI in the commerce industry</h3>During the 2024 holiday shopping season, data from Adobe highlighted a sharp rise in the use of AI-powered browsers and digital services. By Black Friday 2025, AI-generated traffic to US retail websites had surged by 805 per cent compared to the previous year, with AI agents contributing to more than $22 billion in global online sales. However, the impact of this shift goes well beyond retail. The global AI agents market, estimated at $5.4 billion in 2024, is expected to soar to $236 billion by 2034, reflecting the rapid integration of AI agents into critical enterprise operations across industries, according to a report by the World Economic Forum.<h3>How AI is reshaping work and governance</h3>As we advance in the world of Artificial intelligence, it is reshaping the entire structure of daily workflows by creating plans, deciding among multiple roles, and acting on tasks autonomously to achieve goals. The impact of agentic AI depends largely on the conditions of leadership rather then the technology itself. The future of AI has become more common across industries that will depend highly on leaders who can integrate these tools responsibly because the generative tools support everything from writing and research to early-stage problem-solving. Alongside it, advanced analytics also help organisations forecast demand and manage risks while discovering patterns in large datasets.<h3>Top 10 major roles of AI in industry</h3>1. Shift from "Copilots" to "Agents"&nbsp;In 2026, Agentic AI systems independently plan and execute multi-step projects, such as managing a supply chain or a marketing campaign, with minimal human intervention.&nbsp;2. Transformation of the "Entry-Level" Role&nbsp;Traditional "grunt work" (data entry, basic coding, scheduling) is now almost entirely handled by AI. This is forcing a redesign of internships and junior roles, focusing now on AI orchestration rather than manual execution.&nbsp;3. Emergence of "Agentic Commerce"&nbsp;In the governance of markets, AI agents are now negotiating with other AI agents. Businesses are using autonomous systems to bid on contracts and procure raw materials in real-time, requiring new regulations to prevent automated "flash crashes" in commodity prices.&nbsp;4. Real-Time Policy Simulation&nbsp;Governments are using Digital Twins of cities and economies to test policies before implementation. As of 2026, over 40% of major urban centres use AI to simulate the impact of new taxes or traffic laws on public behaviour.&nbsp;5. The Rise of "Human-in-the-Loop" Governance&nbsp;To manage the "Responsibility Gap," new legal frameworks now mandate a Human-in-the-Loop (HITL) for high-stakes sectors. AI can suggest a legal ruling or medical diagnosis, but a human must provide a "digital signature" to authorise the action.&nbsp;6. Personalised Public Services&nbsp;Government agencies are replacing "one-size-fits-all" portals with Hyper-Personalised Agents. Citizens now interact with AI assistants that understand their specific tax history, health needs, and permit requirements, reducing administrative wait times by nearly 60 per cent.&nbsp;7. Algorithmic Management and Labour Rights&nbsp;In the workplace, AI is increasingly responsible for performance tracking and task allocation. This has led to new 2026 Labor Accords that protect workers from "black box" decisions, ensuring transparency in how AI-driven promotions or layoffs are decided.&nbsp;8. The "Skills-First" Hiring Revolution&nbsp;Degrees are losing some weight to demonstrate AI fluency. Recruitment platforms now use "Simulation-Based Testing" where candidates must prove they can effectively manage a team of AI agents to solve complex, real-world problems.&nbsp;9. Automated Compliance and Auditing&nbsp;Regulatory bodies are deploying "RegTech" Agents that plug directly into corporate databases to monitor financial transactions for fraud or environmental violations in real-time, making traditional annual audits obsolete.&nbsp;10. Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (DAOs)&nbsp;In the private sector, we see the growth of AI-led DAOs, where the "CEO" is an ensemble of AI models governed by shareholder-voted code. These organisations operate with extreme efficiency, challenging traditional corporate governance structures. More than changing the work structure and decisions over the use of AI in the industry, the significant factors remain largely in human leadership that shape the future of those who can integrate AI responsibly and make the organisations more adaptable over time. It marks the vital role played by AI executive education that can also equip leadership with the strategic judgment and governance frameworks needed to lead AI transformations across a wide area. &nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/madhya-pradesh-unveils-india-s-first-carbon-capturing-algae-tree-in-bhopal-full-details-inside-1778498553341">Madhya Pradesh unveils India’s first carbon-capturing 'Algae Tree' in Bhopal: Full details inside</a>

The global AI agents market, estimated at $5.4 billion in 2024, is expected to soar to $236 billion by 2034, reflecting the rapid integration of AI agents into critical enterprise operations across industries.

The global economy is entering a transformative phase from generative AI (which creates content) to Agentic AI (systems that can plan, decide, and act autonomously to achieve goals). The evolution represents a move from "copilots" that assist humans to "agents" that execute end-to-end workflows with minimal supervision. The Agentic AI act as intent-based, unlike traditional automation, which follows rigid "if-then" rules. When the task is assigned, it breaks down into sub-tasks and acts on behalf of individuals, interacting with other agents representing sellers, logistics providers, payment processors and several other stuff as per the respective industry. The rise of agentic AI in the commerce industry During the 2024 holiday shopping season, data from Adobe highlighted a sharp rise in the use of AI-powered browsers and digital services. By Black Friday 2025, AI-generated traffic to US retail websites had surged by 805 per cent compared to the previous year, with AI agents contributing to more than $22 billion in global online sales. However, the impact of this shift goes well beyond retail. The global AI agents market, estimated at $5.4 billion in 2024, is expected to soar to $236 billion by 2034, reflecting the rapid integration of AI agents into critical enterprise operations across industries, according to a report by the World Economic Forum. How AI is reshaping work and governance As we advance in the world of Artificial intelligence, it is reshaping the entire structure of daily workflows by creating plans, deciding among multiple roles, and acting on tasks autonomously to achieve goals. The impact of agentic AI depends largely on the conditions of leadership rather then the technology itself. The future of AI has become more common across industries that will depend highly on leaders who can integrate these tools responsibly because the generative tools support everything from writing and research to early-stage problem-solving. Alongside it, advanced analytics also help organisations forecast demand and manage risks while discovering patterns in large datasets. Top 10 major roles of AI in industry 1. Shift from "Copilots" to "Agents" In 2026, Agentic AI systems independently plan and execute multi-step projects, such as managing a supply chain or a marketing campaign, with minimal human intervention. 2. Transformation of the "Entry-Level" Role Traditional "grunt work" (data entry, basic coding, scheduling) is now almost entirely handled by AI. This is forcing a redesign of internships and junior roles, focusing now on AI orchestration rather than manual execution. 3. Emergence of "Agentic Commerce" In the governance of markets, AI agents are now negotiating with other AI agents. Businesses are using autonomous systems to bid on contracts and procure raw materials in real-time, requiring new regulations to prevent automated "flash crashes" in commodity prices. 4. Real-Time Policy Simulation Governments are using Digital Twins of cities and economies to test policies before implementation. As of 2026, over 40% of major urban centres use AI to simulate the impact of new taxes or traffic laws on public behaviour. 5. The Rise of "Human-in-the-Loop" Governance To manage the "Responsibility Gap," new legal frameworks now mandate a Human-in-the-Loop (HITL) for high-stakes sectors. AI can suggest a legal ruling or medical diagnosis, but a human must provide a "digital signature" to authorise the action. 6. Personalised Public Services Government agencies are replacing "one-size-fits-all" portals with Hyper-Personalised Agents. Citizens now interact with AI assistants that understand their specific tax history, health needs, and permit requirements, reducing administrative wait times by nearly 60 per cent. 7. Algorithmic Management and Labour Rights In the workplace, AI is increasingly responsible for performance tracking and task allocation. This has led to new 2026 Labor Accords that protect workers from "black box" decisions, ensuring transparency in how AI-driven promotions or layoffs are decided. 8. The "Skills-First" Hiring Revolution Degrees are losing some weight to demonstrate AI fluency. Recruitment platforms now use "Simulation-Based Testing" where candidates must prove they can effectively manage a team of AI agents to solve complex, real-world problems. 9. Automated Compliance and Auditing Regulatory bodies are deploying "RegTech" Agents that plug directly into corporate databases to monitor financial transactions for fraud or environmental violations in real-time, making traditional annual audits obsolete. 10. Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (DAOs) In the private sector, we see the growth of AI-led DAOs, where the "CEO" is an ensemble of AI models governed by shareholder-voted code. These organisations operate with extreme efficiency, challenging traditional corporate governance structures. More than changing the work structure and decisions over the use of AI in the industry, the significant factors remain largely in human leadership that shape the future of those who can integrate AI responsibly and make the organisations more adaptable over time. It marks the vital role played by AI executive education that can also equip leadership with the strategic judgment and governance frameworks needed to lead AI transformations across a wide area. Also read: Madhya Pradesh unveils India’s first carbon-capturing 'Algae Tree' in Bhopal: Full details inside

The global AI agents market, estimated at $5.4 billion in 2024, is expected to soar to $236 billion by 2034, reflecting the rapid integration of AI agents into critical enterprise operations across industries.

Thinks, plans & acts: How 'agentic AI' is changing commerce, governance & future of work

China's industry ministry on Wednesday issued draft guidelines for standardising the artificial intelligence (AI) industry. The draft proposes to form more than 50 national and industry-wide standards for AI by 2026. It also said China aimed to participate in forming more than 20 international standards for AI by that time.

China rolls out draft guidelines for standardising AI industry

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Cauvery Water Row: Karnataka & Tamil Nadu CMs to hold key Mekedatu talks

It's happening faster than expected: How Agentic AI is reshaping tech industry

How 'agentic AI' is changing commerce, governance & future of work

China rolls out draft guidelines for standardising AI industry