AI is quietly rewriting organisational processes from inside-out. Not through loud disruptions, but through profound structural changes that influence how companies operate, innovate and grow. Recruiters are taking AI beyond isolated use cases to embed it as a strategic undercurrent that is prompting foundational shifts – job roles are now seen as a set of skills instead of a set of tasks, internal mobility is now a core talent strategy, and recruiters are no longer just hirers, they’re strategic career advisors.In the first episode of Zee Media’s special series, ‘Beyond AI, CVs &amp; JDs’ with LinkedIn, Ruchee Anand, Head, LinkedIn Talent &amp; Learning Solutions, India, and Sanjeev Jain, Chief Operating Office, Wipro, discussed how AI is ushering a new era of organisational functioning – one that is smarter, more connected, and collaborative.<h2>AI’s impact isn’t merely operational – it’s structural</h2>AI is reshaping the foundation of organisational planning, decision-making, and capability building. From hiring to performance, AI is influencing every layer of the enterprise. LinkedIn data shows that 52% of recruiters prioritise adopting AI tools, and &nbsp;nearly half of companies in India have increased their investment in hiring technology. Anand describes this evolution as a shift &nbsp;from “hype to handbook”, emphasising that &nbsp;AI is now &nbsp;an everyday tool being implemented across core business functions.<h2>Embedding AI across the value chain</h2>AI is now deeply embedded in organisational processes, reshaping how companies operate, serve clients, and create value. &nbsp;As Jain explains, when intelligence is woven into everyday workflows, teams operate with greater speed and confidence. This reinforces why skills-first role design and continuous internal capability building are critical to enhancing collective efficiency across organisations.<h2>The future of work is connected</h2>The move toward an AI-enabled workplace is paving the way to a future of work that Anand sums up as ‘connected’. As she frames it, a connected workplace is one where skills, learning, and mobility move hand-in-hand with growth, making talent development more intentional than urgent. AI plays a critical role here – by levelling capability across teams and helping organisations deploy talent where it creates the most value.Jain shared how Wipro is already living this reality. With a global workforce of over 2.3 lakh employees across 60 countries, the company uses an AI-driven internal assistant called WeNow that resolves more than 100,000 employee queries every week. This is not just operational convenience, it is cultural infrastructure. AI is becoming the connective tissue that helps employees work seamlessly across borders and time zones.<h2>AI is leveling the playing field for SMBs</h2>While large enterprises like Wipro are leading this adoption race, SMBs are quickly closing this gap. LinkedIn data shows that 9 in 10 SMBs (96%) are already investing in or planning for AI adoption, signalling a decisive shift from experimentation to building AI into the core of their operations. AI is also transforming how small firms build organisational strength – by compressing the gap in how they source, assess, and onboard talent, with skills and digital fluency becoming more valuable than conventional credentials.<h2>For India’s workforce, skills continue to be the biggest advantage</h2>For Indian professionals, AI’s adoption at scale across industries creates a greater need for upskilling. India Inc. is already leaning in. As Anand notes, India has one of the highest AI skills penetration rates globally, with professionals spending twice as much time learning as compared to their global average. To turn India’s demographic dividend into a global force to reckon with, professionals must stay curious, update their skillsets, and embrace continuous learning to stay future-ready.Watch the first episode of Beyond AI, CVs &amp; JDs here:&nbsp;<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://youtu.be/7bXkG4WxB3U?si=z4CJbPJ3YpcI2zmX"></oembed></figure> (This article is from the Brand Desk. User discretion is advised.)

AI is reshaping the foundation of organisational planning, decision-making, and capability building. From hiring to performance, AI is influencing every layer of the enterprise.

AI is quietly rewriting organisational processes from inside-out. Not through loud disruptions, but through profound structural changes that influence how companies operate, innovate and grow. Recruiters are taking AI beyond isolated use cases to embed it as a strategic undercurrent that is prompting foundational shifts – job roles are now seen as a set of skills instead of a set of tasks, internal mobility is now a core talent strategy, and recruiters are no longer just hirers, they’re strategic career advisors. In the first episode of Zee Media’s special series, ‘Beyond AI, CVs & JDs’ with LinkedIn, Ruchee Anand, Head, LinkedIn Talent & Learning Solutions, India, and Sanjeev Jain, Chief Operating Office, Wipro, discussed how AI is ushering a new era of organisational functioning – one that is smarter, more connected, and collaborative. AI’s impact isn’t merely operational – it’s structural AI is reshaping the foundation of organisational planning, decision-making, and capability building. From hiring to performance, AI is influencing every layer of the enterprise. LinkedIn data shows that 52% of recruiters prioritise adopting AI tools, and nearly half of companies in India have increased their investment in hiring technology. Anand describes this evolution as a shift from “hype to handbook”, emphasising that AI is now an everyday tool being implemented across core business functions. Embedding AI across the value chain AI is now deeply embedded in organisational processes, reshaping how companies operate, serve clients, and create value. As Jain explains, when intelligence is woven into everyday workflows, teams operate with greater speed and confidence. This reinforces why skills-first role design and continuous internal capability building are critical to enhancing collective efficiency across organisations. The future of work is connected The move toward an AI-enabled workplace is paving the way to a future of work that Anand sums up as ‘connected’. As she frames it, a connected workplace is one where skills, learning, and mobility move hand-in-hand with growth, making talent development more intentional than urgent. AI plays a critical role here – by levelling capability across teams and helping organisations deploy talent where it creates the most value. Jain shared how Wipro is already living this reality. With a global workforce of over 2.3 lakh employees across 60 countries, the company uses an AI-driven internal assistant called WeNow that resolves more than 100,000 employee queries every week. This is not just operational convenience, it is cultural infrastructure. AI is becoming the connective tissue that helps employees work seamlessly across borders and time zones. AI is leveling the playing field for SMBs While large enterprises like Wipro are leading this adoption race, SMBs are quickly closing this gap. LinkedIn data shows that 9 in 10 SMBs (96%) are already investing in or planning for AI adoption, signalling a decisive shift from experimentation to building AI into the core of their operations. AI is also transforming how small firms build organisational strength – by compressing the gap in how they source, assess, and onboard talent, with skills and digital fluency becoming more valuable than conventional credentials. For India’s workforce, skills continue to be the biggest advantage For Indian professionals, AI’s adoption at scale across industries creates a greater need for upskilling. India Inc. is already leaning in. As Anand notes, India has one of the highest AI skills penetration rates globally, with professionals spending twice as much time learning as compared to their global average. To turn India’s demographic dividend into a global force to reckon with, professionals must stay curious, update their skillsets, and embrace continuous learning to stay future-ready. Watch the first episode of Beyond AI, CVs & JDs here: (This article is from the Brand Desk. User discretion is advised.)

AI is reshaping the foundation of organisational planning, decision-making, and capability building. From hiring to performance, AI is influencing every layer of the enterprise.

The connected workplace: where AI changes how teams hire, learn, and move talent

AI leads travel planning in 2026

As we plan our 2026 travel itineraries,

AI is set to take centre stage.

Today, we look at how the travel and hospitality sector is gearing up for new trends globally.

Take a look

Travel Plans Set for Revamp in 2026 

Layoffs became a major theme in corporate 2025. But beyond the headline numbers, 2025 also marked a shift in hiring patterns. This shift is now set to dictate key hiring trends in 2026. Take a look at our next report for more on this.

How is AI Transforming the Hiring Process

Now let's look at how the global workplace is undergoing one of its most significant shifts in decades. From the rise of remote work to artificial intelligence, companies are being forced to rethink how they attract, train, and retain talent. This next report decodes how your workplace may evolve in the new year. Take a look...

Biggest Shifts That Will Impact Your Work & Life in 2026 

This is a story that should set off alarm bells
About technology
About safety
And about how unregulated artificial intelligence can be used  as a tool to harass and humiliate people.
Watch this story to find out more. .

Grok Misuse Row: Centre Asks X to Review Grok in 72 Hours

European banks are preparing for large-scale job cuts as artificial intelligence becomes a core part of their operations. According to a new analysis by Morgan Stanley, reported by the Financial Times, more than 200,000 banking jobs in Europe could be lost by 2030. This is around 10 per cent of the workforce across 35 major European banks.The report says banks are using AI to improve efficiency and reduce costs, while also closing physical branches as more customers move to digital banking.&nbsp;<h2>Which banking roles face the biggest impact</h2>As per the Morgan Stanley analysis, job losses are likely to be highest in back-office functions, including risk management, compliance and internal operations. These areas rely heavily on data processing, document checks and reporting, tasks that AI systems can complete faster and at a lower cost. According to the report, banks expect efficiency gains of up to 30 per cent by using AI-driven tools for tasks such as reviewing spreadsheets, monitoring transactions and managing regulatory requirements.<h2>Job cuts already underway across Europe</h2>Some European banks have already announced workforce reductions. Dutch lender ABN Amro has said it plans to cut around 20 per cent of its staff by 2028 as part of its digital transformation strategy. In France, Société Générale’s chief executive has stated that no part of the business is exempt from change as technology reshapes banking operations.The trend is not limited to Europe. In the United States, Goldman Sachs warned employees in October about job cuts and a hiring freeze until the end of 2025. The move is part of its AI-led restructuring plan known as “OneGS 3.0”, which focuses on automating processes such as client onboarding and regulatory reporting.<h2>Concerns over skills and long-term risks</h2>While banks are pushing ahead with automation, some industry leaders have urged caution. A senior JPMorgan Chase executive told the Financial Times that reducing junior roles too quickly could weaken the industry in the long term. The concern is that young bankers may miss out on learning core skills if AI takes over too many entry-level tasks.Experts believe that banks will need to balance cost savings with proper training to ensure future employees understand the basics of banking, regulation and risk management.

European banks could cut over 200,000 jobs by 2030 as AI reshapes operations, according to Morgan Stanley. Back-office roles face the biggest risk as banks automate compliance, risk and reporting while closing branches and pushing digital banking.


European banks are preparing for large-scale job cuts as artificial intelligence becomes a core part of their operations. According to a new analysis by Morgan Stanley, reported by the Financial Times, more than 200,000 banking jobs in Europe could be lost by 2030. This is around 10 per cent of the workforce across 35 major European banks. The report says banks are using AI to improve efficiency and reduce costs, while also closing physical branches as more customers move to digital banking. Which banking roles face the biggest impact As per the Morgan Stanley analysis, job losses are likely to be highest in back-office functions, including risk management, compliance and internal operations. These areas rely heavily on data processing, document checks and reporting, tasks that AI systems can complete faster and at a lower cost. According to the report, banks expect efficiency gains of up to 30 per cent by using AI-driven tools for tasks such as reviewing spreadsheets, monitoring transactions and managing regulatory requirements. Job cuts already underway across Europe Some European banks have already announced workforce reductions. Dutch lender ABN Amro has said it plans to cut around 20 per cent of its staff by 2028 as part of its digital transformation strategy. In France, Société Générale’s chief executive has stated that no part of the business is exempt from change as technology reshapes banking operations. The trend is not limited to Europe. In the United States, Goldman Sachs warned employees in October about job cuts and a hiring freeze until the end of 2025. The move is part of its AI-led restructuring plan known as “OneGS 3.0”, which focuses on automating processes such as client onboarding and regulatory reporting. Concerns over skills and long-term risks While banks are pushing ahead with automation, some industry leaders have urged caution. A senior JPMorgan Chase executive told the Financial Times that reducing junior roles too quickly could weaken the industry in the long term. The concern is that young bankers may miss out on learning core skills if AI takes over too many entry-level tasks. Experts believe that banks will need to balance cost savings with proper training to ensure future employees understand the basics of banking, regulation and risk management.

European banks could cut over 200,000 jobs by 2030 as AI reshapes operations, according to Morgan Stanley. Back-office roles face the biggest risk as banks automate compliance, risk and reporting while closing branches and pushing digital banking.

‘200,000 jobs at risk’: European banks may face massive cuts as AI reshapes banking by 2030

OpenAI has announced a team restructuring to accelerate the development and improvement of its audio models. The move aims to enhance AI capabilities in speech recognition, audio generation, and voice applications.

Open AI Restructures Teams to Revamp Audio Models

As markets look beyond a volatile 2025, one question dominates investor thinking…which industries will lead the global economy in 2026? Despite bubble concerns popping up in the latter half of 2025, artificial intelligence is still the top bet heading into 2026.

AI Adoption Set to Reshape Healthcare, Finance, Logistics

The race to conquer space has now moved to artificial intelligence as countries vie to launch AI infrastructure into low-Earth orbit. China is believed to be leading in this arena and is reportedly working to place space supercomputers above Earth soon. Researchers at the Institute of Computing Technology (ICT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing are preparing to launch an AI data centre. This structure will include 10,000 high-performance computing cards, Popular Mechanics reported. Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Google CEO Sundar Pichai are also developing these cosmic AI hubs, and whoever manages to have the most perfect space centres will lead computing in space.&nbsp;NVIDIA-backed startup Starcloud is potentially winning this race. Nvidia H100 graphics processing unit managed to get its Starcloud-1 satellite past Earth’s atmosphere last month. It not only launched an 80-gigabyte chip, but also trained the NanoGPT large language model from Terra Firma. While the chip is 100 times more powerful than any chip that has ever been sent to space, NanoGPT is the first AI ever trained in space.<h2>Bezos and Musk plan on having AI data hubs in orbit</h2>Meanwhile, Blue Origin has been working on aI data hub for space for over a year, while Musk plans to upgrade Starlink satellites to handle AI computing payloads. Pichai confirmed Project Suncatcher, which will place micro-racks of machines on board satellites. Having AI infrastructure in space will reduce the huge amounts of energy and water the technology uses and reduce greenhouse gases. In space, it will rely on solar power, which means 10 times less use of electricity by the AI data centres.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-just-saved-a-precious-drill-on-mars-from-212-million-kilometres-away-1767174556834">NASA just saved a precious drill stuck on Mars since 8 months from 212 million kilometres away</a>&nbsp;China is way ahead in this race and recently placed the first computing constellation in space. Guoxing Aerospace and the research institute Zhejiang Lab together deployed 12 satellites into low-Earth orbit. The constellation could be the foundation for an orbiting supercomputer in the future. &nbsp;Aerospace company Zhongke Tiansuan launched a space supercomputer in 2022, while &nbsp;Zhongke Tiansuan’s satellite is in stable orbit for more than a thousand days. This puts China way ahead of other countries in the quest to have AI hubs and supercomputers in space.&nbsp;AI data centres in Earth's orbit are the future. The Starcloud team said in a white paper published last year, "Gigawatt-scale orbital data centres are among the most ambitious space projects of all time. We are convinced that orbital data centres are feasible, economically viable, and necessary to realise the potential of AI, the most important technology of the 21st century, in a rapid and sustainable manner."&nbsp;This endeavour can soon become a reality as experts are sure that an actual supercomputer could be operational in space by the 2030s. However, who will be the first to launch one remains to be seen.&nbsp;

AI data hubs and supercomputers in space can soon become a reality as several experts are working on the same. China is said to be in the lead, as some companies have already launched what could form the basis for an orbiting supercomputer.

The race to conquer space has now moved to artificial intelligence as countries vie to launch AI infrastructure into low-Earth orbit. China is believed to be leading in this arena and is reportedly working to place space supercomputers above Earth soon. Researchers at the Institute of Computing Technology (ICT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing are preparing to launch an AI data centre. This structure will include 10,000 high-performance computing cards, Popular Mechanics reported. Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Google CEO Sundar Pichai are also developing these cosmic AI hubs, and whoever manages to have the most perfect space centres will lead computing in space. NVIDIA-backed startup Starcloud is potentially winning this race. Nvidia H100 graphics processing unit managed to get its Starcloud-1 satellite past Earth’s atmosphere last month. It not only launched an 80-gigabyte chip, but also trained the NanoGPT large language model from Terra Firma. While the chip is 100 times more powerful than any chip that has ever been sent to space, NanoGPT is the first AI ever trained in space. Bezos and Musk plan on having AI data hubs in orbit Meanwhile, Blue Origin has been working on aI data hub for space for over a year, while Musk plans to upgrade Starlink satellites to handle AI computing payloads. Pichai confirmed Project Suncatcher, which will place micro-racks of machines on board satellites. Having AI infrastructure in space will reduce the huge amounts of energy and water the technology uses and reduce greenhouse gases. In space, it will rely on solar power, which means 10 times less use of electricity by the AI data centres. Also Read: NASA just saved a precious drill stuck on Mars since 8 months from 212 million kilometres away China is way ahead in this race and recently placed the first computing constellation in space. Guoxing Aerospace and the research institute Zhejiang Lab together deployed 12 satellites into low-Earth orbit. The constellation could be the foundation for an orbiting supercomputer in the future. Aerospace company Zhongke Tiansuan launched a space supercomputer in 2022, while Zhongke Tiansuan’s satellite is in stable orbit for more than a thousand days. This puts China way ahead of other countries in the quest to have AI hubs and supercomputers in space. AI data centres in Earth's orbit are the future. The Starcloud team said in a white paper published last year, "Gigawatt-scale orbital data centres are among the most ambitious space projects of all time. We are convinced that orbital data centres are feasible, economically viable, and necessary to realise the potential of AI, the most important technology of the 21st century, in a rapid and sustainable manner." This endeavour can soon become a reality as experts are sure that an actual supercomputer could be operational in space by the 2030s. However, who will be the first to launch one remains to be seen.

AI data hubs and supercomputers in space can soon become a reality as several experts are working on the same. China is said to be in the lead, as some companies have already launched what could form the basis for an orbiting supercomputer.

Supercomputers in space: China leads race for AI data hubs in Earth orbit as Musk, Bezos and Pichai also fight it out

The “godfather of AI” has warned that calls to grant AI systems legal rights could lead to humanity's downfall. Yoshua Bengio, one of the field’s most influential researchers, compared the idea of giving rights to advanced AI to offering citizenship to hostile aliens. He warned that the technology was already showing early signs of self-preservation and that humans must retain the ability to pull the plug, if necessary.<h2>Would you welcome hostile aliens?</h2>Bengio, who chairs a major international study on AI safety, said the growing belief that chatbots are becoming conscious is dangerous and likely to lead to poor decisions. “People demanding that AIs have rights would be a huge mistake,” he said. “Frontier AI models already show signs of self-preservation in experimental settings today, and eventually giving them rights would mean we’re not allowed to shut them down.”The Canadian computer scientist said that as AI's “capabilities and degree of agency grow” humans need to make sure that there are technological and societal “guardrails” to control and, if necessary, shut the systems.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chilling-video-shows-best-bus-mowing-down-pedestrians-near-mumbai-s-bhandup-station-watch-1767161623919">Chilling video shows BEST bus mowing down pedestrians near Mumbai's Bhandup station | Watch</a><h2>Who wants to give AI legal rights?</h2>As AI systems become more capable of autonomous action and complex reasoning, debate has grown over whether they should one day be granted moral or legal status. A survey by the Sentience Institute found that nearly four in 10 adults in the US supported legal rights for a sentient AI.Some companies and tech leaders have already taken steps that reflect this shift. In August, Anthropic said it allowed its Claude Opus 4 model to end conversations it deemed “distressing”, citing concern for the AI’s “welfare”. Elon Musk also weighed in, writing on X that “torturing AI is not OK”.Others argue the question should be left open. Robert Long, a researcher studying AI consciousness, has said that if machines ever gain moral status, humans should “ask them about their experiences and preferences rather than assuming we know best”.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/no-nobel-benjamin-netanyahu-creates-israel-peace-prize-just-for-donald-trump-1767076085565">No Nobel? Benjamin Netanyahu creates Israel Peace Prize just for Donald Trump</a>Bengio remains sceptical. While he said machines could, in theory, replicate some “scientific properties of consciousness”, he warned that people often project awareness onto chatbots without evidence. “People wouldn’t care what kind of mechanisms are going on inside the AI. What they care about is it feels like they’re talking to an intelligent entity that has their own personality and goals,” he said. “That is why there are so many people who are becoming attached to their AIs.”He warned that this perception of consciousness would drive flawed judgments. “Imagine some alien species came to the planet and at some point we realise that they have nefarious intentions for us,” Bengio said. “Do we grant them citizenship and rights or do we defend our lives?”&nbsp;

AI pioneer Yoshua Bengio warns that granting legal rights to AI could be disastrous, likening it to giving citizenship to hostile aliens. As chatbots feel more human, he says people risk projecting consciousness where none exists, and losing the ability to shut dangerous systems down.

The “godfather of AI” has warned that calls to grant AI systems legal rights could lead to humanity's downfall. Yoshua Bengio, one of the field’s most influential researchers, compared the idea of giving rights to advanced AI to offering citizenship to hostile aliens. He warned that the technology was already showing early signs of self-preservation and that humans must retain the ability to pull the plug, if necessary. Would you welcome hostile aliens? Bengio, who chairs a major international study on AI safety, said the growing belief that chatbots are becoming conscious is dangerous and likely to lead to poor decisions. “People demanding that AIs have rights would be a huge mistake,” he said. “Frontier AI models already show signs of self-preservation in experimental settings today, and eventually giving them rights would mean we’re not allowed to shut them down.” The Canadian computer scientist said that as AI's “capabilities and degree of agency grow” humans need to make sure that there are technological and societal “guardrails” to control and, if necessary, shut the systems. Also read | Chilling video shows BEST bus mowing down pedestrians near Mumbai's Bhandup station | Watch Who wants to give AI legal rights? As AI systems become more capable of autonomous action and complex reasoning, debate has grown over whether they should one day be granted moral or legal status. A survey by the Sentience Institute found that nearly four in 10 adults in the US supported legal rights for a sentient AI. Some companies and tech leaders have already taken steps that reflect this shift. In August, Anthropic said it allowed its Claude Opus 4 model to end conversations it deemed “distressing”, citing concern for the AI’s “welfare”. Elon Musk also weighed in, writing on X that “torturing AI is not OK”. Others argue the question should be left open. Robert Long, a researcher studying AI consciousness, has said that if machines ever gain moral status, humans should “ask them about their experiences and preferences rather than assuming we know best”. Also read | No Nobel? Benjamin Netanyahu creates Israel Peace Prize just for Donald Trump Bengio remains sceptical. While he said machines could, in theory, replicate some “scientific properties of consciousness”, he warned that people often project awareness onto chatbots without evidence. “People wouldn’t care what kind of mechanisms are going on inside the AI. What they care about is it feels like they’re talking to an intelligent entity that has their own personality and goals,” he said. “That is why there are so many people who are becoming attached to their AIs.” He warned that this perception of consciousness would drive flawed judgments. “Imagine some alien species came to the planet and at some point we realise that they have nefarious intentions for us,” Bengio said. “Do we grant them citizenship and rights or do we defend our lives?”

AI pioneer Yoshua Bengio warns that granting legal rights to AI could be disastrous, likening it to giving citizenship to hostile aliens. As chatbots feel more human, he says people risk projecting consciousness where none exists, and losing the ability to shut dangerous systems down.

Would you give rights to hostile aliens? Godfather of AI warns THIS could doom humanity

2025 has been a turbulent year for the job market, with over 1.17 million layoffs in the u.S alone. This is the highest since the pandemic. But can ai be the sole culprit? Or is there more to the story?

Experts: Over hiring, Not AI, Fuels Layoff Wave

Layoffs have been a major concern in the job market in 2025 as several major companies announced significant job cuts amid the growing use of artificial intelligence. This year alone, AI has led to almost 55,000 layoffs in the US, according to a report by CNBC citing consulting firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

AI Layoffs in 2025: Over 55,000 Us Job Cuts Are Linked to Arrival of AI

China is tightening control over artificial intelligence, instructing chatbots to strictly follow Communist Party rules while labeling AI as a major potential threat. Authorities emphasize regulatory oversight to prevent misuse, misinformation, and challenges to social stability.

China Tames Chatbots to Follow Party Rules; Classifies AI as Major Potential Threat

China has implemented one of the world’s strictest AI regulatory frameworks. The country focuses on data security, algorithm transparency, content control (including deepfakes and generative AI), and user protection. Public-facing AI systems must undergo pre-deployment testing, and companies must comply with strict data laws like the PIPL and DSL. Learn how China regulates AI and why it’s considered a global benchmark.

China Regulates Artificial Intelligence: Unsafe Data To Be Traced

China is reportedly building one of the most fundamental components of AI computing: the lithograph machines that make advanced AI chips using Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) light source technology. According to Reuters and other reports, this high-security research initiative is taking place at a laboratory in Shenzhen. The official target for the project is 2028, and if successful, it could allow China to become self-sufficient in advanced AI semiconductor production. Here is what you should know, and why it matters.<h2>China’s ‘Manhattan Project’ aims to challenge Western dominance in advanced AI chips</h2>The project, dubbed in Western media as China’s own “Manhattan Project” in reference to the US nuclear bomb programme, is intended to enable domestic production of cutting-edge chips used in AI computing, smartphones and defence.&nbsp;A top state priority under President Xi Jinping, the project comes amid US-led export controls on advanced chips and chipmaking equipment to China. &nbsp;Chinese technology giant Huawei is reportedly coordinating much of the supply chain for the project.Chinese research institutions are also involved, including the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP), which has contributed to optical system development.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chip-wars-bill-moved-in-us-to-ban-ai-chip-sales-to-china-over-national-security-1766129590201">Chip wars: Bill moved in US to ban AI chip sales to China over national security</a><h2>ASML reverse-engineering? Prototype machine is being tested</h2>A prototype machine was reportedly completed in early 2025 and is currently undergoing testing. Former engineers from world's top semiconductor equipment maker ASML are reportedly involved in the efforts. Lin Nan, a former head of light-source technology at the Dutch company, is among those recruited for the Chinese project, according to the reports. This has led to suggestions that the researchers are drawing on insider expertise and attempting to replicate key elements of ASML’s technology, or even reverse-engineer it.Note that what is being tested is a light-source prototype rather than a production-ready &nbsp;EUV lithography machine. The system can generate EUV light at the required wavelength, but it has not yet been used to manufacture working chips.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-to-block-nvidia-s-sale-of-scaled-down-ai-chip-to-china-report-1762519125702/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-to-block-nvidia-s-sale-of-scaled-down-ai-chip-to-china-report-1762519125702/embed</a><h2>A bulky machine under heavy security</h2>According to Reuters, the prototype occupies almost an entire factory floor and is described by sources as bulky and inefficient compared with ASML’s commercial systems, by far the global leader in EUV lithography machines used for advanced AI chip production.Security around the Shenzhen project is reportedly extremely tight. The facility operates with compartmentalised teams, isolated work areas, and workers using aliases or false identities to prevent information leaks.<h2>High payments and incentives to those who join Shenzhen project</h2>The importance attached to the project is reflected in unusually generous recruitment packages: very high salaries, multimillion-yuan signing bonuses, housing subsidies, and rare tolerance of dual citizenship in order to attract foreign experts and protect them from potential sanctions.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yearender-chip-wars-of-2025-saw-firms-caught-between-policy-trump-and-china-1765872817301">YEARENDER 2025: Chip wars led to firms being caught between policy, Trump and China</a><h2>Major technical challenges remain</h2>Reuters reported that the Chinese government aims to begin producing chips using domestic EUV technology by 2028, although sources close to the project suggest that 2030 is a more realistic timeframe.According to the report, unresolved issues include precision optics, overlay accuracy, defect control, throughput, long-term reliability, and ecosystem maturity.China appears to have achieved in roughly six years what took ASML 18 years. But this comparison is misleading. ASML took decades to become the dominant player as it had to build ts expertise from the ground up. China, on the other hand, may be able to accelerate development by building on existing global research and using ASML designs as reference points, supported by massive state funding. It also benefits from skipping much of the foundational scientific research, supplier creation, and multiple failed generations of prototypes that ASML had to endure.<h2>China's advances in AI chipmaking machinery: Why this matters&nbsp;</h2>EUV technology enables the production of transistors thousands of times thinner than a human hair. It's behind the most advanced AI chips and accelerators designed by companies such as Nvidia and AMD and manufactured by firms like TSMC.China has been blocked from purchasing ASML’s EUV tools, which has pushed it to pursue domestic development of these machines. The eventual aim is to reduce dependence on ASML and other foreign firms for advanced chipmaking capacity.

China is secretly developing an EUV lithography system to make advanced AI chips domestically. The aim is to achieve AI chipmaking capacity by around 2028. This could challenge US export controls and ASML’s global dominance. Here is why it matters

China is reportedly building one of the most fundamental components of AI computing: the lithograph machines that make advanced AI chips using Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) light source technology. According to Reuters and other reports, this high-security research initiative is taking place at a laboratory in Shenzhen. The official target for the project is 2028, and if successful, it could allow China to become self-sufficient in advanced AI semiconductor production. Here is what you should know, and why it matters. China’s ‘Manhattan Project’ aims to challenge Western dominance in advanced AI chips The project, dubbed in Western media as China’s own “Manhattan Project” in reference to the US nuclear bomb programme, is intended to enable domestic production of cutting-edge chips used in AI computing, smartphones and defence. A top state priority under President Xi Jinping, the project comes amid US-led export controls on advanced chips and chipmaking equipment to China. Chinese technology giant Huawei is reportedly coordinating much of the supply chain for the project. Chinese research institutions are also involved, including the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP), which has contributed to optical system development. Also read: Chip wars: Bill moved in US to ban AI chip sales to China over national security ASML reverse-engineering? Prototype machine is being tested A prototype machine was reportedly completed in early 2025 and is currently undergoing testing. Former engineers from world's top semiconductor equipment maker ASML are reportedly involved in the efforts. Lin Nan, a former head of light-source technology at the Dutch company, is among those recruited for the Chinese project, according to the reports. This has led to suggestions that the researchers are drawing on insider expertise and attempting to replicate key elements of ASML’s technology, or even reverse-engineer it. Note that what is being tested is a light-source prototype rather than a production-ready EUV lithography machine. The system can generate EUV light at the required wavelength, but it has not yet been used to manufacture working chips. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-to-block-nvidia-s-sale-of-scaled-down-ai-chip-to-china-report-1762519125702/embed A bulky machine under heavy security According to Reuters, the prototype occupies almost an entire factory floor and is described by sources as bulky and inefficient compared with ASML’s commercial systems, by far the global leader in EUV lithography machines used for advanced AI chip production. Security around the Shenzhen project is reportedly extremely tight. The facility operates with compartmentalised teams, isolated work areas, and workers using aliases or false identities to prevent information leaks. High payments and incentives to those who join Shenzhen project The importance attached to the project is reflected in unusually generous recruitment packages: very high salaries, multimillion-yuan signing bonuses, housing subsidies, and rare tolerance of dual citizenship in order to attract foreign experts and protect them from potential sanctions. Also read: YEARENDER 2025: Chip wars led to firms being caught between policy, Trump and China Major technical challenges remain Reuters reported that the Chinese government aims to begin producing chips using domestic EUV technology by 2028, although sources close to the project suggest that 2030 is a more realistic timeframe. According to the report, unresolved issues include precision optics, overlay accuracy, defect control, throughput, long-term reliability, and ecosystem maturity. China appears to have achieved in roughly six years what took ASML 18 years. But this comparison is misleading. ASML took decades to become the dominant player as it had to build ts expertise from the ground up. China, on the other hand, may be able to accelerate development by building on existing global research and using ASML designs as reference points, supported by massive state funding. It also benefits from skipping much of the foundational scientific research, supplier creation, and multiple failed generations of prototypes that ASML had to endure. China's advances in AI chipmaking machinery: Why this matters EUV technology enables the production of transistors thousands of times thinner than a human hair. It's behind the most advanced AI chips and accelerators designed by companies such as Nvidia and AMD and manufactured by firms like TSMC. China has been blocked from purchasing ASML’s EUV tools, which has pushed it to pursue domestic development of these machines. The eventual aim is to reduce dependence on ASML and other foreign firms for advanced chipmaking capacity.

China is secretly developing an EUV lithography system to make advanced AI chips domestically. The aim is to achieve AI chipmaking capacity by around 2028. This could challenge US export controls and ASML’s global dominance. Here is why it matters

China is secretly building an AI chipmaking machine in Shenzhen. How its ‘Manhattan Project’ could change the AI era

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call 2025 the year of AI. Here are the major developments in artificial intelligence that made us take note and say 'Wow'. What did you miss?


It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call 2025 the year of AI. Here are the major developments in artificial intelligence that made us take note and say 'Wow'. What did you miss? &nbsp;

YEARENDER: 2025 , the year of AI - Humanoid robots, Agntic AI, competition and policy reform - What did you miss?

Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella, speaking at the AI Tour in Mumbai, said the world is entering a new phase where artificial intelligence is rapidly expanding what people and organisations can achieve.He said this while speaking at the Microsoft AI Tour in Mumbai on Friday.&nbsp;He said AI is not just a new tool but a major shift that allows governments, companies and individuals to rethink how they work, deliver services and solve problems.&nbsp;<h2>AI allows organisations to rethink how they work</h2>Speaking at the event, Nadella said technology is helping people completely reimagine their daily operations, from customer experience to employee productivity and efficiency.&nbsp;“The frontier of what is possible is changing,” he said.According to him, AI makes it possible to rethink systems at every level, whether in government, businesses or personal life. He explained that organisations are no longer limited by older systems and can now design faster, more flexible ways of working using AI-powered tools.&nbsp;Highly regulated sectors are also seeing change&nbsp;Nadella said AI is also transforming industries that traditionally move slowly, such as pharmaceuticals.&nbsp;As per him, drug companies can now study whether AI can help speed up clinical trials and bring new medicines to market faster.This shows how innovation is moving forward even in sectors that face strict rules and controls. He said this shift reflects how industries are trying to move closer to the “frontier” of innovation made possible by AI technologies.&nbsp;<h2>AI needs a new way of thinking and learning</h2>Nadella said that entering this new phase means people must be ready to unlearn old methods and learn new ones.&nbsp;At the event, he also explained that building AI systems is very different from building traditional software.In the past, developers started with detailed instructions. With AI, the process begins by deciding the outcome first.&nbsp;“You don’t start with a specification. You start with the test,” Nadella said.&nbsp;<h2>New skills are essential in the AI era</h2>Nadella said adapting to this new AI-driven world requires everyone to develop new skills and use modern tools every day. He added that organisations must bring together their data, tools and workflows so AI becomes part of everyday work, not just an experimental idea. According to him, the future belongs to those who are willing to adapt, learn continuously and use AI as a practical tool to solve real-world problems.&nbsp;

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said the world is entering a new phase where artificial intelligence is reshaping how governments, businesses and individuals work. 


Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella, speaking at the AI Tour in Mumbai, said the world is entering a new phase where artificial intelligence is rapidly expanding what people and organisations can achieve. He said this while speaking at the Microsoft AI Tour in Mumbai on Friday. He said AI is not just a new tool but a major shift that allows governments, companies and individuals to rethink how they work, deliver services and solve problems. AI allows organisations to rethink how they work Speaking at the event, Nadella said technology is helping people completely reimagine their daily operations, from customer experience to employee productivity and efficiency. “The frontier of what is possible is changing,” he said. According to him, AI makes it possible to rethink systems at every level, whether in government, businesses or personal life. He explained that organisations are no longer limited by older systems and can now design faster, more flexible ways of working using AI-powered tools. Highly regulated sectors are also seeing change Nadella said AI is also transforming industries that traditionally move slowly, such as pharmaceuticals. As per him, drug companies can now study whether AI can help speed up clinical trials and bring new medicines to market faster. This shows how innovation is moving forward even in sectors that face strict rules and controls. He said this shift reflects how industries are trying to move closer to the “frontier” of innovation made possible by AI technologies. AI needs a new way of thinking and learning Nadella said that entering this new phase means people must be ready to unlearn old methods and learn new ones. At the event, he also explained that building AI systems is very different from building traditional software. In the past, developers started with detailed instructions. With AI, the process begins by deciding the outcome first. “You don’t start with a specification. You start with the test,” Nadella said. New skills are essential in the AI era Nadella said adapting to this new AI-driven world requires everyone to develop new skills and use modern tools every day. He added that organisations must bring together their data, tools and workflows so AI becomes part of everyday work, not just an experimental idea. According to him, the future belongs to those who are willing to adapt, learn continuously and use AI as a practical tool to solve real-world problems.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said the world is entering a new phase where artificial intelligence is reshaping how governments, businesses and individuals work.&nbsp;

AI is expanding the ‘frontier of what is possible’, says Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella

Most people are unaware that India faces a severe GPU and compute crisis, with almost no access to high-end NVIDIA H100 clusters. The US, China, UAE and South Korea operate massive AI supercomputers; India mostly rents foreign cloud compute. 

Most people are unaware that India faces a severe GPU and compute crisis, with almost no access to high-end NVIDIA H100 clusters. The US, China, UAE and South Korea operate massive AI supercomputers; India mostly rents foreign cloud compute.&nbsp;

7 reasons why most Indians don’t realise how disruptive AI will be

Without domestic investment in chips, AI platforms and robotics, India will import more hardware and core software. 

Without domestic investment in chips, AI platforms and robotics, India will import more hardware and core software.&nbsp;

7 ways AI can damage Indian economy if it clings to cheap manual labour?

China’s factories run on automated assembly lines, drone fleets, robotic forklifts and automated warehouses. India’s factories still rely heavily on low-cost manual labour, which slows both productivity and technology adoption.

China’s factories run on automated assembly lines, drone fleets, robotic forklifts and automated warehouses. India’s factories still rely heavily on low-cost manual labour, which slows both productivity and technology adoption.

From Japan to China! Why Asia is leading robotics while India watches from the sidelines

Stocks and oil set a positive tone at the start of December, while gold, dollar and crypto were on the backfoot. Despite an identical monetary boost, stocks pulled ahead of bitcoin & gold. Still, bets of a federal reserve rate cut limited the losses in those assets. The first week of December saw oil pull ahead of other assets. Benchmark brent crude rose to a two-week high on Friday, ending the week with a gain of 2.5 percent. Geopolitical uncertainty on limited supplies from Russia and Venezuela drove crude bets last week. The expected fed rate cut in the coming week pushed the dollar lower and treasuries to mark their worst week since June. Despite easing bets, gold ended the week with a loss. Bitcoin extended its losses, with analysts doubling down on "Crypto winter" bets.

Investors Stay Cautious Ahead of Fed’s 2026 Outlook

In the past 72 hours, four senior Apple executives departed, including the head of its Artificial Intelligence division, marking one of the highest-density waves of top-level turnover in the tech giant's modern history. The exits also span design, legal, and environmental policy. Apple is describing the changes as part of planned transitions, but the short burst of departures from strategically crucial roles has raised questions about what is happening inside Apple Park in Cupertino, California. Other major exits this year include that of longtime Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams in July, as well as Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri earlier in 2025.<h2>Who is out, who is in at Apple?</h2>John Giannandrea, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Machine Learning and AI Strategy, has stepped down after nearly eight years and will transition to an advisory role until retiring in spring 2026. Apple’s engineering director Amar Subramanya has been named Vice President of AI, reporting to software chief Craig Federighi. Alan Dye, the design chief and head of Human Interface, is leaving at year-end after more than two decades at Apple, to become Meta’s Chief Design Officer. Veteran designer Stephen Lemay will now lead User Interface design. Lisa Jackson, Apple’s Vice President of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives, is retiring in January 2026, with her teams shifting to Chief Operating Officer Sabih Khan. Apple’s General Counsel, Kate Adams, will retire in late 2026. Former Meta legal chief Jennifer Newstead will succeed her and oversee both Legal and Government Affairs. Recent months have also seen Apple reassign several AI-related teams to Eddy Cue’s Services group and Sabih Khan’s Operations group, in an ongoing internal restructuring.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/apple-faces-38-billion-fine-in-global-antitrust-dispute-1764236390759/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/apple-faces-38-billion-fine-in-global-antitrust-dispute-1764236390759/embed</a><h2>Why is Apple seeing an ‘executive exodus’?</h2>From AI innovation and product lags to intensifying regulatory pressure, several factors appear to be driving the turnover. Apple’s AI strategy faced delays, from advanced Siri features to Apple Intelligence products.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/apple-iphone-17-series-launched-here-s-what-new-in-the-fresh-lineup-1757490724356">Apple iPhone 17 series launched: Here's what new in the fresh&nbsp;lineup</a>&nbsp;Talent poaching is another factor. Dye’s move to Meta comes amid aggressive competition for next-generation AR/VR and AI interface design, with Meta expanding its Reality Labs and AI Experiences groups.&nbsp;Apple is also under growing legal and regulatory pressure in both the US and Europe, ranging from EU antitrust actions to domestic privacy litigation. Newstead’s appointment, spanning both legal and government affairs, is aimed at addressing this.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meet-amar-subramanya-indian-origin-researcher-appointed-as-apple-s-ai-head-microsoft-google-openai-siri-1764672414420">Meet Amar Subramanya: Indian-origin researcher appointed as Apple’s AI head</a><h2>Apple is trying to stabilise the ship, but more exits are likely</h2>Apple moved quickly to announce successors, replacements and reassignment of teams, to maintain operational stability. No product delays have been announced. But the renewed talk of Tim Cook preparing for retirement after more than a decade as chief executive, the leadership reshuffle points to a broader generational handover.&nbsp;It is not necessarily a crisis, but a recalibration. The company’s AI strategy, regulatory posture and post-Jony Ive design identity are all in transition. Next year will test whether these changes produce renewed momentum for the Big Tech giant.

Apple has seen four top executive exits in 72 hours. This is raising questions on its AI strategy, design shifts, and regulatory pressure, even as Tim Cook’s potential retirement in 2026 looms. What's really happening?


In the past 72 hours, four senior Apple executives departed, including the head of its Artificial Intelligence division, marking one of the highest-density waves of top-level turnover in the tech giant's modern history. The exits also span design, legal, and environmental policy. Apple is describing the changes as part of planned transitions, but the short burst of departures from strategically crucial roles has raised questions about what is happening inside Apple Park in Cupertino, California. Other major exits this year include that of longtime Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams in July, as well as Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri earlier in 2025. Who is out, who is in at Apple? John Giannandrea, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Machine Learning and AI Strategy, has stepped down after nearly eight years and will transition to an advisory role until retiring in spring 2026. Apple’s engineering director Amar Subramanya has been named Vice President of AI, reporting to software chief Craig Federighi. Alan Dye, the design chief and head of Human Interface, is leaving at year-end after more than two decades at Apple, to become Meta’s Chief Design Officer. Veteran designer Stephen Lemay will now lead User Interface design. Lisa Jackson, Apple’s Vice President of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives, is retiring in January 2026, with her teams shifting to Chief Operating Officer Sabih Khan. Apple’s General Counsel, Kate Adams, will retire in late 2026. Former Meta legal chief Jennifer Newstead will succeed her and oversee both Legal and Government Affairs. Recent months have also seen Apple reassign several AI-related teams to Eddy Cue’s Services group and Sabih Khan’s Operations group, in an ongoing internal restructuring. https://www.wionews.com/videos/apple-faces-38-billion-fine-in-global-antitrust-dispute-1764236390759/embed Why is Apple seeing an ‘executive exodus’? From AI innovation and product lags to intensifying regulatory pressure, several factors appear to be driving the turnover. Apple’s AI strategy faced delays, from advanced Siri features to Apple Intelligence products. Also read: Apple iPhone 17 series launched: Here's what new in the fresh lineup Talent poaching is another factor. Dye’s move to Meta comes amid aggressive competition for next-generation AR/VR and AI interface design, with Meta expanding its Reality Labs and AI Experiences groups. Apple is also under growing legal and regulatory pressure in both the US and Europe, ranging from EU antitrust actions to domestic privacy litigation. Newstead’s appointment, spanning both legal and government affairs, is aimed at addressing this. Also read: Meet Amar Subramanya: Indian-origin researcher appointed as Apple’s AI head Apple is trying to stabilise the ship, but more exits are likely Apple moved quickly to announce successors, replacements and reassignment of teams, to maintain operational stability. No product delays have been announced. But the renewed talk of Tim Cook preparing for retirement after more than a decade as chief executive, the leadership reshuffle points to a broader generational handover. It is not necessarily a crisis, but a recalibration. The company’s AI strategy, regulatory posture and post-Jony Ive design identity are all in transition. Next year will test whether these changes produce renewed momentum for the Big Tech giant.

Apple has seen four top executive exits in 72 hours. This is raising questions on its AI strategy, design shifts, and regulatory pressure, even as Tim Cook’s potential retirement in 2026 looms. What's really happening?

Four top Apple executives exit in 72 hours amid Tim Cook retirement talk: What is happening at The Space Ship of Cupertino?

Google has started testing a new feature that combines its AI Overviews with AI Mode inside Search. The company says the update will allow people to move from a simple search to a deeper, conversational follow-up without leaving the results page. The announcement was made on Monday, and the test is now rolling out globally on mobile devices.This comes at a time when OpenAI is reportedly in a “Code Red” phase, delaying some products and focusing more on improving its chatbot experience, according to recent industry reports.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">(1/2) Today we’re starting to test a new way to seamlessly go deeper in AI Mode directly from the Search results page on mobile, globally. This brings us closer to our vision for Search: just ask whatever’s on your mind – no matter how long or complex – and find exactly what you… <a href="https://t.co/mcCS7oT2FI">pic.twitter.com/mcCS7oT2FI</a>&mdash; Robby Stein (@rmstein) <a href="https://twitter.com/rmstein/status/1995572911093289055?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>AI Mode and AI Overviews come together</h2>Until now, users received an AI Overview at the top of their Google Search results. If they wanted to continue the conversation or ask additional questions, they had to manually switch to the AI Mode tab.As per the Google, this created an extra step that many people did not think about in advance.Robby Stein, Google Search’s Vice President of Product, explained on X that users “shouldn’t have to think about where or how to ask your question.”He added that the new test will allow people to continue from an AI Overview to a conversation in AI Mode “right from where you are.”&nbsp;Google says the goal is to make the experience “seamless”-a quick snapshot with AI Overviews when you need it, and a deeper chat when you want more details.<h2>Why Google is making this change</h2>Google shared that people often start with a simple question, but end up wanting more information. The company wants to support this natural shift in behaviour by keeping everything in one place.This update also comes during a period of growing competition in the AI market.According to Google, its Gemini AI has reached more than 650 million monthly users as of November. AI Overviews, which launched earlier this year, reportedly reach around 2 billion monthly users globally.Bringing these two experiences together may strengthen Google’s position as more people compare Gemini with OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

Google is testing a new way to blend AI Overviews with AI Mode so users can move from search to conversation without switching tabs. The update aims to simplify search 

Google has started testing a new feature that combines its AI Overviews with AI Mode inside Search. The company says the update will allow people to move from a simple search to a deeper, conversational follow-up without leaving the results page. The announcement was made on Monday, and the test is now rolling out globally on mobile devices. This comes at a time when OpenAI is reportedly in a “Code Red” phase, delaying some products and focusing more on improving its chatbot experience, according to recent industry reports.

Google is testing a new way to blend AI Overviews with AI Mode so users can move from search to conversation without switching tabs. The update aims to simplify search&nbsp;

Gemini and AI search overviews merge in Google’s latest search experiment

Brushing off concerns over the economy, the US shoppers spent a whopping $14.5 billion on Cyber Monday, the last day of the five-day Thanksgiving shopping festival. The Black Friday sales stood at a record $11.8 billion. The consumer turned to Artificial intelligence powerd chatbots on online platforms to curate items and come up with the best offers.&nbsp;The total online sales over the Thanksgiving weekend climbed to a record $44.2 billion, up from 7.7 per cent from last year at $41.1 billion, according to a report by Adobe Analytics, as reported by Reuters.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-ridiculous-statement-india-rejects-pakistan-s-claims-of-blocking-humanitarian-aid-to-sri-lanka-amid-cyclone-ditwah-1764687512031">'Ridiculous statement': India rejects Pakistan's claims of blocking humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka amid Cyclone Ditwah</a>&nbsp;On the year's busiest shopping day, US online shopping saw an uptick of 9.1 per cent at Adobe Analytics report compared to last year.<h2>Consumer turns to AI-powered chatbots</h2>This year's Thanksgiving week also showcased a shifting trend in Consumer behaviour with increasing use of artificial intelligence as Americans relied on AI-powered chatbots to compare prices and track deals in categories like appliances, toys, video games and jewellery, the report said.&nbsp;Online retail platforms like Amazon.com, Walmart.com and Target presented the shoppers with attractive discounts across categories, catering both to the affluent and budget-conscious customers.&nbsp;AI-linked traffic to the retail sites registered a growth of 670 per cent on Cyber Monday, while during Black Friday it was up 805 per cent from the previous year, as per Adobe data.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/world-to-see-a-major-war-in-5-10-years-elon-musk-s-major-prediction-leaves-internet-speculating-1764681973948">World to see a major war in 5-10 years? Elon Musk’s major prediction leaves internet speculating</a>&nbsp;“Buy now, pay later” usage surged to a record level on Cyber Monday, with consumers spending $1.03 billion online, a 4.2% increase from last year, as many looked for financial flexibility amid rising household costs.<h2>Background on Thanksgiving shopping festival</h2>The Thanksgiving shopping period in the United States traditionally begins on the fourth Thursday of November and extends into a five-day shopping festival that includes Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Sunday sales, and Cyber Monday.&nbsp;This year, Thanksgiving falls on 27 November 2025, kicking off the five-day spree that runs through 1 December 2025, with retailers offering major nationwide discounts online and in stores.

The total online sales over the Thanksgiving weekend climbed to a record $44.2 billion, up by 7.7 per cent from last year at $41.1 billion.

Brushing off concerns over the economy, the US shoppers spent a whopping $14.5 billion on Cyber Monday, the last day of the five-day Thanksgiving shopping festival. The Black Friday sales stood at a record $11.8 billion. The consumer turned to Artificial intelligence powerd chatbots on online platforms to curate items and come up with the best offers. The total online sales over the Thanksgiving weekend climbed to a record $44.2 billion, up from 7.7 per cent from last year at $41.1 billion, according to a report by Adobe Analytics, as reported by Reuters. Also Read: 'Ridiculous statement': India rejects Pakistan's claims of blocking humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka amid Cyclone Ditwah On the year's busiest shopping day, US online shopping saw an uptick of 9.1 per cent at Adobe Analytics report compared to last year. Consumer turns to AI-powered chatbots This year's Thanksgiving week also showcased a shifting trend in Consumer behaviour with increasing use of artificial intelligence as Americans relied on AI-powered chatbots to compare prices and track deals in categories like appliances, toys, video games and jewellery, the report said. Online retail platforms like Amazon.com, Walmart.com and Target presented the shoppers with attractive discounts across categories, catering both to the affluent and budget-conscious customers. AI-linked traffic to the retail sites registered a growth of 670 per cent on Cyber Monday, while during Black Friday it was up 805 per cent from the previous year, as per Adobe data. Also Read: World to see a major war in 5-10 years? Elon Musk’s major prediction leaves internet speculating “Buy now, pay later” usage surged to a record level on Cyber Monday, with consumers spending $1.03 billion online, a 4.2% increase from last year, as many looked for financial flexibility amid rising household costs. Background on Thanksgiving shopping festival The Thanksgiving shopping period in the United States traditionally begins on the fourth Thursday of November and extends into a five-day shopping festival that includes Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Sunday sales, and Cyber Monday. This year, Thanksgiving falls on 27 November 2025, kicking off the five-day spree that runs through 1 December 2025, with retailers offering major nationwide discounts online and in stores.

The total online sales over the Thanksgiving weekend climbed to a record $44.2 billion, up by 7.7 per cent from last year at $41.1 billion.

US online sales hit record $44.2 billion during Thanksgiving holiday shopping: Report

Apple on Monday announced the appointment of Indian-origin executive Amar Subramanya as vice-president of its Artificial Intelligence (AI) vertical, replacing long-time head John Giannandrea, who led Apple's AI effort since 2018, and is set to retire in 2026 spring. He will serve as advisor during his remaining time at Apple, the company said in a statement.&nbsp;“We are thankful for the role John played in building and advancing our AI work, helping Apple continue to innovate and enrich the lives of our users,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said.&nbsp;Subramanya's appointment comes at a time when the tech giant is trying to catch up with its rivals like Google, Microsoft and OpenAI, especially with its voice assistant Siri.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-water-crisis-tehran-drought-mismanagement-december-rainfall-warning-1764666535341">Authorities seek divine intervention as water crisis might force Iran to evacuate its capital, Tehran</a>&nbsp;He will report to Craig Federighi, the Software chief at Apple and supervise important domains, including Apple Foundation Models, machine learning research, and AI safety and evaluation.&nbsp;“AI has long been central to Apple’s strategy, and we are pleased to welcome Amar to Craig’s leadership team and to bring his extraordinary AI expertise to Apple. In addition to growing his leadership team and AI responsibilities with Amar’s joining, Craig has been instrumental in driving our AI efforts, including overseeing our work to bring a more personalised Siri to users next year,” Cook stated.&nbsp;<h2>Who is Amar Subramanya</h2>Before joining Apple, Subarmanya was working at Microsoft as corporate vice president of AI. He has worked in the AI, engineering, and machine learning domains at Google for 16 years, according to his LinkedIn profile. His most significant contribution included leading the engineering team for Google's AI assistant, Gemini.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-stolen-minnesota-welfare-funds-funnelled-to-terror-group-al-shabaab-trump-administration-probes-explosive-claim-1764663922880">Did stolen Minnesota welfare funds funnelled to terror group al Shabaab? Trump administration probes explosive claim</a>&nbsp;His extensive background blends research expertise with product development experience, enabling him to turn advanced AI technologies into practical, user-focused applications.

Meet Amar Subramanya: Indian-origin researcher appointed as Apple’s AI head

Apple on Monday announced the appointment of Indian-origin executive Amar Subramanya as vice-president of its Artificial Intelligence (AI) vertical, replacing long-time head John Giannandrea, who led Apple's AI effort since 2018, and is set to retire in 2026 spring. He will serve as advisor during his remaining time at Apple, the company said in a statement. “We are thankful for the role John played in building and advancing our AI work, helping Apple continue to innovate and enrich the lives of our users,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said. Subramanya's appointment comes at a time when the tech giant is trying to catch up with its rivals like Google, Microsoft and OpenAI, especially with its voice assistant Siri. Also Read: Authorities seek divine intervention as water crisis might force Iran to evacuate its capital, Tehran He will report to Craig Federighi, the Software chief at Apple and supervise important domains, including Apple Foundation Models, machine learning research, and AI safety and evaluation. “AI has long been central to Apple’s strategy, and we are pleased to welcome Amar to Craig’s leadership team and to bring his extraordinary AI expertise to Apple. In addition to growing his leadership team and AI responsibilities with Amar’s joining, Craig has been instrumental in driving our AI efforts, including overseeing our work to bring a more personalised Siri to users next year,” Cook stated. Who is Amar Subramanya Before joining Apple, Subarmanya was working at Microsoft as corporate vice president of AI. He has worked in the AI, engineering, and machine learning domains at Google for 16 years, according to his LinkedIn profile. His most significant contribution included leading the engineering team for Google's AI assistant, Gemini. Also Read: Did stolen Minnesota welfare funds funnelled to terror group al Shabaab? Trump administration probes explosive claim His extensive background blends research expertise with product development experience, enabling him to turn advanced AI technologies into practical, user-focused applications.

Subramanya's appointment comes at a time when the tech giant is trying to catch up with its rivals like Google, Microsoft and OpenAI, especially with its voice assistant Siri.&nbsp;

OpenAI plans to invest $1.4 trillion in computing power, aiming to expand its AI capabilities, accelerate research, and support large-scale AI model development in the coming years.


Open AI Plans $1.4 TN Spend on Computing Power

November turned out to be an extremely volatile month for global markets. Global markets saw widespread losses in November, with cryptos and big tech stocks declining the most. Most assets fell sharply, rebounded, but still closed the month in negative territory. Heading into December, don’t fight the fed and don’t fight AI remains the market mantra.

Global Markets & Economic Health Check - November

AI is No Longer Driving Record-High Big Tech Valuations, It is Also Powering National Economies, and Taiwan is the Clearest Example.

Tech Exports Drive Taiwan’s Strongest Quarter Since 2010 

Google is ramping up its push into AI hardware, positioning its custom AI chips as a direct challenge to Nvidia’s dominant GPUs.

Google Aims to Take on Nvidia in AI Hardware; Anthropic to Use Up to 1 Mn Google AI Chips

In a move being compared to the Manhattan project,
President Donald Trump has launched a bold new initiative
To supercharge America’s artificial intelligence capabilities.
Called the 'Genesis Mission'
This federal program aims to harness the power of AI.
Watch this story to find out more.


Trump's New AI Initiative Compared to 'Manhattan Project'

Investors are increasingly shifting their attention toward real-world use cases of AI rather than just the technology itself. From automation and healthcare to finance, retail, and productivity tools, practical AI applications are proving to deliver measurable value and strong returns. This video explores why AI adoption, scalability, and problem-solving potential are driving major investment trends across global markets.

Why Investors are Focusing on Use Cases of AI?