“Er, why the dog?”

This must be the question you thought of as soon as you saw this edition's cover. Well, the intriguing intersection of artificial intelligence and canine intelligence offers profound insights into the nature of learning and adaptation. By exploring the ways AI is learning to think, walk, and even care like a dog, scientists are shedding light on the broader implications of AI in our daily lives and the future of human-machine collaboration.

As you will notice, our August issue is extensively devoted to AI, reflecting its transformative role in our world today. From healthcare and transportation to entertainment and finance, AI's applications are limitless, and its potential is only beginning to be realised. We delve into the many uses, aspects, and developments of AI, to provide you a comprehensive understanding of this groundbreaking technology.

One of the highlights of this edition is an article by a writer who is less than five months old! If you guessed the writer to be ChatGPT-4, you guessed right. Head over to Page 26 to see what this baby writer has to say.

We also explore how Google, a global leader in technology, is pioneering advancements in AI. But the story of AI does not begin or end with global tech giants. Here, at Adani, we have welcomed AI with open arms, and are determined to incorporate it beneficially across all our businesses. From optimising operations and enhancing customer experiences to driving sustainability initiatives, AI is at the heart of our growth strategy. In this edition, we take you behind the scenes to showcase how Adani is leveraging AI to create value, foster innovation, and build a future that is smarter, more efficient, and more responsive to the needs of our stakeholders.

As we stand on the cusp of a new era, where machines learn from humans and humans learn from machines, the importance of understanding and embracing AI cannot be overstated. This AI-themed edition is a testament to our commitment to keeping our readers informed, engaged, and inspired by the technological marvels that are shaping our world.

Welcome to the future.

Welcome to the AI revolution.

Chairman Gautam Adani, the visionary behind this monumental project, is full of confidence as the project can safely bank on the proven strengths of the Adani Group.

“It will be the most complex and ambitious project that we have ever executed,” said Mr Adani. “And we intend to build it faster than any project in our execution history.”

This unmatched endeavour at Khavda aligns with the Adani Group’s long-term vision of achieving 45 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. With its operational renewable energy portfolio already exceeding a phenomenal 8 GW, the Group remains steadfast in its commitment to producing green energy at scale and in the most economical manner possible.

The park’s location in Khavda, in Gujarat’s Kutch district, holds strategic importance. The region’s vastness and favourable climate conditions provide an ideal environment for harnessing the abundant solar and wind resources. The project not only contributes significantly to India’s clean energy targets but also positions the nation as a global leader in sustainable energy solutions.

The Group’s groundbreaking venture marks a turning point in the global pursuit of green energy. As the world’s largest hybrid renewable energy park, it symbolises India’s commitment to becoming a clean energy powerhouse. The project’s success will undoubtedly inspire other nations to follow suit, accelerating the collective effort towards a greener and more sustainable future.

As AGEL's teams, led by MD Vneet Jaain, race to build this giant energy oasis in the desert, it is clear that the power to better our energy landscape lies in our hands. Through visionary initiatives like this, the Adani Group is forging a path towards a cleaner, greener tomorrow for the generations to come.

Rainu Koul

The world is on a mission to achieve net-zero emissions, and while electric vehicles and energy-efficient appliances have become more prevalent, the majority of our power still relies on carbon-intensive sources like fossil fuels. In a groundbreaking move to fast-track the transition to renewable energy, the Adani Group has announced the development of the world’s largest hybrid renewable energy park in Khavda, an arid region in Gujarat.

Spanning 72,000 hectares, the massive project is set to revolutionise the global renewable energy landscape. Harnessing the potential of both solar and wind energy, the Gujarat Hybrid Renewable Energy Park aims to produce an awe-inspiring 20 GW of green electricity once fully operational. This colossal feat will be achieved through Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL), the renewable energy arm of the diverse Adani portfolio.

The concept behind a hybrid power plant is ingenious. By utilising more than one renewable energy source, the park will address the issue of intermittency, providing a reliable solution to meet the ever-increasing demand for power. Cutting-edge technologies will be deployed to harness the immense power of the sun and tap into vast local wind resources, enabling a cost-effective and sustainable approach to power generation.

Andrew Strutton

Bravus Mining and Resources’ Chief Operating Officer Mick Crowe proudly announced that the Carmichael mine, near Clermont in central Queensland, Australia, has successfully railed 10 million tonnes of high-quality thermal coal for export, as per its planned objectives.

“We couldn’t have achieved this milestone without the tens of thousands of people who had so passionately supported the business over the years of obtaining its comprehensive approvals and building the mine and railway.

“This is a terrific milestone for our team, our contracting partners, and supporters of our business.

“We said at the outset of the Carmichael mine and rail Project that we’d deliver more than 1,500 direct jobs during the construction and testing and commissioning period.

“We well and truly exceeded that with more than 2,600 people employed at the peak of construction and more than AUD 2 billion paid to regional Queensland contractors and businesses.

“That investment in jobs and contracts has flowed on in production and today we have more than 750 people working at Carmichael at any one time, with another third of that number on their operations swing.

“Importantly the bulk of these people live in a regional city or town named Townsville, or Rockhampton, or Clermont, or Charters Towers or Mackay, and that’s something we’re very proud of.”

The 10 million tonnes railed milestone covers the coal shipments sent during testing and commissioning of the mine’s export infrastructure and those tonnes railed to the port for export during the first year of mining operations.

All of the coal was safely transported from the mine to the North Queensland Export Terminal, north of Bowen, by the Bowen Rail Company using trains running on the 200-kilometre Carmichael Rail Network that connects the Galilee Basin to the Newlands Rail System into the Port of Abbot Point.

Bowen Rail Company, also a Bravus Australia company, was established in 2020 and now employs more than 150 people in the local Bowen community to run, support, and maintain its locomotives and rollingstock.

Mr Crowe said the business’ focus was now on continuing to export coal to meet growing global demand for thermal coal for energy, particularly in India and Southeast Asia.

Data from the World Coal Association shows 151 GW of new coal-fired power is under construction in 16 countries and due to come online by 2026.

151 GW is more than double all existing capacity in the Australian energy market.

“There’s no question that Australian coal will play a role, alongside renewables, as part of the global energy mix that delivers reliable and affordable power with reduced emissions intensity,” said Mr Crowe.

“Our advantage is we have all of our key Federal and State approvals in place, and we have the low-cost, high-quality reserves to be mining profitably through the price cycles for decades to come.

“We are already meeting the rising demand for thermal coal in our region with a product that not only has a lower emissions profile than coal supplied by international competitors, but one that is mined responsibly in a highly regulated environment with the right checks and balances in place.

“That’s good news for those nations trying to lift their citizens out of energy poverty, and it’s good news for regional Queensland and the thousands of people who want a job in mining or to supply to our industry.”

Chairman Gautam Adani’s Address to Shareholders at the 2022-23 Annual General Body Meeting.

Dear Shareholders,

When I founded the Adani Group over three decades back, I had never have imagined that the Adani Group would grow to become one of the largest conglomerates of the country. It was on the 12^th of September 1994 that Adani Enterprises, then known as Adani Exports, launched its IPO.

I had just turned 32.

Today, as I reflect over the past years, I am grateful to so many, who have enabled your company to come this far. While our true ambitions still lie ahead of us, when we make time to look back, we also realize how much ground we have covered over the past 30 years. Along this journey, if there is one characteristic that has continued to define us, it is our resilience.

The resilience that allows us to get up stronger every time we take a hit.

The resilience that drives our belief in the nation we call our matrubhumi.

And the resilience that gives us the passion to follow our dreams. And I will touch upon each of these today.

As all of you are aware, on the eve of our Republic Day this year, a US-based short- seller published a report to short our stocks just as we were planning to launch the largest Follow-on Public Offering in India’s history.

The report was a combination of targeted misinformation and discredited allegations, the majority of them dating from 2004 to 2015. They were all settled by the appropriate authorities at that time. This report was a deliberate and malicious attempt aimed at damaging our reputation and generating profits through a short-term drive-down of our stock prices.

Subsequently, despite a fully subscribed FPO, we decided to withdraw and return the money to our investors to protect their interests. While we promptly issued a comprehensive rebuttal, various vested interests tried to exploit the claims made by the short seller. These entities encouraged and promoted false narratives across various news and social media platforms.

Consequently, the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India constituted an Expert Committee to look into this matter. The committee included individuals known for their independence and integrity. The report of the Expert Committee was made public in May 2023.

The Expert Committee did not find any regulatory failure. The Committee’s Report not only observed that the mitigating measures undertaken by your company helped rebuild confidence but also cited that there were credible charges of targeted destabilization of the Indian markets. It also confirmed the quality of our Group’s disclosures and found no instance of any breach.

While SEBI is still to submit its report, we remain confident of our governance and disclosure standards. It is my commitment that we will continue to strive to keep improving these, every single day.

Our track record speaks for itself, and I am grateful for the support our stakeholders have shown as we went through our challenges. It is worth noting that, even during this crisis, not only did we raise several billions from international investors but also that no credit agency in India or abroad cut any of our ratings.

This is the strongest validation of the belief that the investors have in your company’s governance and capital allocation practices.

Over the past decade, one statement that I have repeated dozens of times is my belief in the future of the nation we call our matrubhumi. Let me try and set some context.

Today, there can be no denying that the world is continuing to be hit by multiple shocks, be it the climate emergency, geopolitical challenges, supply chain and energy volatility, or persistent inflation. We have never had a time when such events were happening simultaneously without a clear solution in sight.

Add to this the opportunities and challenges because of the technological revolution, especially the breath-taking advances in artificial intelligence, and what we have is a massive potential reset in the existing global operating models.

The future of work, the future of learning, the future of medicine, and in some ways, the future of economic growth itself will need to be reset. Therefore, as we end one financial year and begin another, it is important to take a step back and assess the global situation and India’s position as part of this landscape.

While economic cycles are getting increasingly hard to forecast, there is little doubt that, India, already the world’s 5^th largest economy, will become the world’s 3^rd largest economy well before 2030 and, thereafter, the world’s 2^nd largest economy by 2050.

It is well understood that, for any economy to implement policy and lay the foundation of growth, a stable Government is critical, and we have seen this impact with the implementation of several structural reforms that are critical for strong, sustainable, and balanced growth. This stability, coupled with India’s demographics and continued expansion of internal demand, is a potent combination.

Our nation’s demographic dividend is expected to drive consumption and accelerate the growth of a tax paying society at record pace. The United Nation’s Population Fund projects that India’s median age will be just 38 years even in 2050. Over this period, India’s population is expected to grow by approximately 15% to 1.6 billion, but the per capita income will accelerate by over 700% to about USD 16,000. On a purchasing power parity basis, this per capita metric will be 3 to 4 times higher.

And we have the statistics to prove it. Following our independence, it took us 58 years to get to our first trillion dollars of GDP, 12 years to get to the next trillion and just 5 years for the third trillion. I anticipate that, within the next decade, India will start adding a trillion dollars to its GDP every 18 months.

This puts us on track to be a USD 25-30 trillion economy by 2050 and will drive India’s stock market capitalization to over USD 40 trillion, approximately a 10x expansion from current levels. I would urge you to reflect on these incredible possibilities. India’s success story of balancing economic growth and a vibrant democratic society has no parallel.

My belief in the growth story of our matrubhumi has never been stronger. And now let me talk about our results.

Our FY22-23 operational and financial results are as much a testimony to our success as testimony to the continued expansion of our customer base, be it on the B2B side or the B2C side.

Our balance sheet, our assets, and our operating cashflows continue to get stronger and are now healthier than ever before. The pace at which we have made acquisitions and turned them around is unmatched across the national landscape and has fuelled a significant part of our expansion.

Our national and international partnerships are proof of our governance standards. The scale of our international expansions is validated by our success in Australia, Israel, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Some of our key achievements:

The Adani Group of companies set new financial performance records for FY 22-23.

Total EBITDA grew by 36% to INR 57,219 crore,

Total income grew by 85% to INR 2,62,499 crore, and

Total PAT grew by 82% to INR 23,509 crore.

The Group’s accelerating cashflow further improved our Net Debt to Run Rate EBIDTA ratio from 3.2x to 2.8x.

Our flagship company, Adani Enterprises Ltd, continued to successfully demonstrate its incubation capabilities with new businesses accounting for a massive 50% of its EBITDA in FY23.

Of the several projects underway, two of the key ones include the Navi Mumbai Airport and the Copper Smelter. Both are on schedule. The Navi Mumbai Airport is preparing for Operational Readiness and Airport Transition by Dec 2024.

The Integrated Resource Management volume increased by 37% to 88 MMT vs 64 MMT in FY 2021-22.

NDTV is expanding its international programming and coverage to serve a vast range of audiences across the globe.

Our data centre JV AdaniConneX is on course to set up 350 MW capacity in the short term – and 1 GW capacity in the medium term. This is by far the largest order book in India. In combination with our strength in green power, this venture will be a game changer as computation becomes the most precious resource in the world.

Speaking of green power, the Adani Group is set to play a critical role in India’s net zero journey. Our renewable energy business, Adani Green Energy Ltd, commissioned the world’s largest hybrid solar-wind project of 2.14 GW in Rajasthan.

Our operational renewable energy portfolio has grown by 49% to over 8 GW. This is the largest operational renewable portfolio in India. Our focus remains on producing the lowest cost green electron at scale – and I would like to reaffirm our target of 45 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.

And there is more!

We are now building the largest hybrid renewables park in the world – right in the middle of the desert – in Khavda. It will be the most complex and ambitious project that we have ever executed. Spread over 72,000 acres, this project will be capable of generating 20 GW of green energy. And we intend to build it faster than any project in our execution history.

The ports business continued to be a pillar of strength on all fronts. APSEZ continues to be amongst the most profitable port operators globally with port EBITDA margin of 70% – and, by 2030, we intend to be not only the most profitable port company in the world but also India’s largest transport utility capable of handling a billion tonnes of cargo annually.

By then, APSEZ will be carbon neutral and will also have tripled its EBIDTA.

In the next 12-24 months, APSEZ will commission India’s largest transshipment hub in Vizhinjam, and also a port in a Colombo.

And our acquisition of Haifa Port in Israel will allow us to link our ports all the way across the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean, thereby positioning us to capitalize on both the India growth story and the much larger regional growth story.

Coming to Adani Power Ltd, we successfully commissioned the 1.6 GW ultra-supercritical Godda power plant and are now supplying power to Bangladesh. This marks our entry into transnational power projects. Also, in the domestic power sector, APL is adding another 1.6 GW ultra-supercritical project in Mahan, Madhya Pradesh.

Adani Transmission Ltd (which will now be called Adani Energy Solutions Ltd) too is accelerating, with the transmission business continuing to grow faster than the market. ATL’s revenues are anticipated to expand by 18% and cross INR 4,000 crore in annuity income. I am also very pleased to state that ATL’s Mumbai distribution business achieved reliability of 99.99% and was ranked the No.1 discom by the Union Ministry of Power. ATL will also take Mumbai to 60% renewable power making it the first mega city in the world to achieve over 50% power from solar and wind.

Adani Total Gas Ltd expanded access to clean cooking fuel to 1,24,000 households this year with a 46% increase in revenue to INR 4,683 crore. ATGL is transforming into a full spectrum sustainable energy provider with rapidly expanding urban EV charging infrastructure and biofuel businesses.

Finally, on the partnership front, the Adani Group continues to attract global investment partners aligned to our long-term approach of building and operating world-class assets. In March 2023, we successfully executed a secondary transaction with GQG partners of USD 1.87 billion despite the volatile market conditions.

Never in the history of our Group have I been able to list so many achievements – and I continue to remain grateful for all your support and faith in us.

Our country is now the most exciting land of opportunities. We have always expressed our belief in our growth with goodness philosophy and our track record speaks for itself. Your group will continue to consolidate what it has built while looking at expanding its horizons.

Our customers speak for us, our investors speak for us, our shareholders speak for us, and our results speak for us.

We could have chosen to settle for average growth numbers, or we could get up every day believing that we are on the cusp of being one of the most impactful conglomerates our nation has built.

44,000 Adanians made the latter choice.

Let me again reemphasize how grateful I am for all your support. It has been the source of my greatest strength. It is my promise that I will do my utmost to uphold the trust you put on me and my team.

Thank you. Jai Hind

ADANI PORTS & SEZ

APSEZ posts strongest ever quarterly performance

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) posted its fiscal first quarter profit at INR 2,114.72 crore, up 82.6% in comparison to INR 1,158.28 crore during the first quarter of FY23. It posted revenue from operations at INR 6,247.55 crore, up 23.5% as against INR 5,058.09 crore during the corresponding quarter of FY23. The company EBITDA stood at INR 3,766 crore, up 80.2% year-on-year. APSEZ posted cargo volume growth of 12% YoY to over 101 MMT, supported by container growth of 15%. APSEZ recorded its highest-ever quarterly port cargo volumes at 101.4 MMT in Q1FY24, reflecting a healthy 12% YoY rise.

ADANI POWER

Q1 net profit zooms 83% to INR 8,759 crore

Adani Power reported consolidated net profit for the quarter ended June 2023 at INR 8,759.42 crore, rising 83.25% over INR 4,779.86 crore reported in the same quarter last fiscal, supported largely by massive other income. The revenue from operations came in at INR 11,005.54 crore, down 19.80% from INR 13,723.06 crore reported during the corresponding quarter, last fiscal. The company reported other income of INR 7,103.47 crore, multiple times more than the previous quarter and the quarter a year ago.

ADANI GREEN ENERGY

Profit jumps 51% to INR 323 crore Revenue surges 33%

AGEL reported a 51% YoY growth in its April to June quarter with its consolidated profit at INR 323 crore. It reported a profit of INR 214 crore in the corresponding quarter of the last financial year. Its revenue from operations shot up 33% YoY to INR 2,176 crore during the quarter, compared to INR 1,635 crore in the year-ago quarter. Its other income came in at INR 228 crore, as against INR 66 crore in the same period a year ago. AGEL's operating profit or EBITDA came in at INR 2,081 crore, as against INR 948 crore YoY, while margins stood at 95.6% versus 58% YoY.  Its cash profit soared 55% YoY to INR 1,051 crore.

ADANI TOTAL GAS

Net profit jumps 7% YoY to INR 148 crore

The standalone net profit of ATGL for the first quarter of the current financial year saw a rise of 7.24 % to INR 148 crore, compared to INR 138 crore for the corresponding quarter of the previous year. It posted revenue from operations at INR 1,135.35 crore, up 2.3% as against INR 1,110.21 crore during Q1FY23. The company EBITDA stood at INR 255 crore, which is up by 12% Year-on-Year. This is the highest ever quarterly EBITDA reported by ATGL.   

ADANI ENTERPRISES

Adani Enterprises Q1 profit jumps 44% to INR 674 crore

Adani Enterprises reported a consolidated net profit of INR 674 crore for the quarter ended June 2023, rising 44% over INR 469 crore reported last fiscal. Other income rose to INR 371.5 crore in Q1 from INR 222 crore a year ago and supported the rise in net profit. The company's revenue from operations came in at INR 25,438 crore, down 38% from INR 40,844 crore reported during the previous corresponding quarter. Its EBITDA increased by 47% YoY to INR 2,896 crore on account of strong operational growth.

ADANI ENERGY SOLUTIONS

Impressive Q1FY24 performance with 19% YoY revenue growth & 70% YoY rise

Adani Energy Solutions, formerly Adani Transmission, released its consolidated results for Q1FY24, showing a notable 19% YoY increase in revenue. The company also reported substantial growth in profit before tax (PBT) of INR 343 crore, representing a 70% YoY rise. Additionally, the quarterly net profit after tax (PAT) showed an 8% increase. The company achieved a YoY increase in consolidated revenue, reaching INR 3,622 crore. The operational EBITDA also saw growth, rising by 3 per cent to INR 1,254 crore, while the EBITDA reached INR 1,378 crore, showing a 4% increase.

ADANI CEMENT

ACC announces another robust quarter

ACC, one of the Adani Group's three cement manufacturing companies, reported a net profit of INR 466.14 crore for the quarter ending June 2023. ACC Q1 net profit more than doubled from INR 227.35 crore in the corresponding period of last year. The company’s consolidated revenue in Q1FY24 increased 16.4% to INR 5,201.11 crore from INR 4,468.39 crore, YoY. Volume during the quarter increased by 23.2% at 9.4 MT from 7.60 MT, YoY, supported by an increase in blended cement and improvement in efficiency parameters.

ADANI WILMAR

Decline in edible oil costs hits Adani Wilmar’s profitability

Adani Wilmar reported a net loss of INR 79 crore, compared to a net profit of INR 194 crore in the corresponding period last year. India's largest packaged oil maker's revenue from operations during the first quarter of current fiscal stood at INR 12,928 crore, registering a decline of 12%, compared to INR 14,724 crore in the year-ago period. The EBITDA margin stood at 1%, compared to 3% in the same quarter last year.

Adani Transmission Ltd, the Adani Group’s power transmission and distribution arm, has been renamed as Adani Energy Solutions Ltd with effect from 27 July 2023. The new name reflects the company’s overarching expertise in various facets of the energy domain.

Adani Transmission Ltd contains only ‘Transmission’ in its name and, hence, it no longer justifies all the business activities being undertaken by the company either directly or through its subsidiaries. The company has over the years evolved in a metamorphosis growth story, reaping a plethora of growth opportunities in the transmission, distribution, smart metering and cooling solutions businesses. ATL has been moving into exciting new business arenas while maintaining its pioneer position in the transmission & distribution sectors.

With a view to embark on this growth journey in both conventional and non-conventional business areas, ATL has been rebranded as Adani Energy Solutions Ltd (AESL).

The Board believes that the change in the name of the company from ATL to AESL, which is being undertaken as part of corporate rebranding, would make the name of the company, simple, sharp, focused and more relatable to the activities of the company.

Rajesh Shewani & Sundar Pelapur
Google

AIis the ability of a computer or machine to mimic the capabilities of a human brain. This includes learning from experience, solving problems, and making decisions. AI is used in a variety of applications, including manufacturing, healthcare, finance, and transportation, to name a few industry sectors.

AI is All Around Us

AI & Machine Learning is a rapidly evolving field, and new advances are being made all the time. As AI continues to develop, it is likely to have a profound impact on our lives.

While pursuing a transformation via AI/ML it is important to consider various facets - impact on society, biases, and carefully weigh the risks against the benefits these cutting-edge technologies have to offer.

Machine learning is what powers your recommendations of what to binge watch next, what you might like to buy in addition to the nice jacket you added to your shopping cart and keeps you from getting overloaded with information at work by pointing out important decision points in the graph our bosses see.

When you start to type an email and get a nice autocomplete suggestion, it is ML hard at work behind the scenes figuring out thousands if not millions of possible sentence formations to help you save a precious few seconds.

How do you know you can get to work on a Monday morning in the rush hour exactly in 49 mins with the route highlighted? Yep, that's ML for you, neatly packaged in maps and searchable in a few selections.

How does your music app on your phone know which song to play next? Machine learning picks up your interests and habits over time and refines the kind of music you’d like to hear!

Currently there are many applications with ML as a core part of the user experience - image search, face detection, making sure your photo is tack sharp with eye focus and many others that we interact with daily without thinking of the cool engineering happening at that very instant… ML is almost ubiquitous!

Let’s talk about the branch of AI that’s been in the news lately and created quite a buzz - Generative AI.

Generative AI and Large Language Models

Advancements in machine learning and deep learning are enabling the creation of powerful models that offer a broad range of capabilities.

The Transformer model introduced in 2017, in a paper by the team at Google Brain called “Attention is All You Need” has now become mainstream.

Generative AI is a type of AI that can create new content or reason with an existing content, such as images, text, or music. Generative AI creates by learning from existing data and then using that knowledge to generate new outputs that are similar to the data it has learned from.

If you ask bard.google.com “What is Generative AI?”, this is what it will tell you:

“Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that can find complex relationships in large sets of data and can generalise from that to create entirely new content, including text, images, media, videos and code based on human language prompts.”

So, what are Large Language Models then and where do they fit in?

• Large Language Models (LLMs) are Machine Learning algorithms that can recognise, predict, and generate human languages
• Pre-trained on petabyte scale text-based datasets resulting in large models with 10s to 100s of billions of parameters
• LLMs are normally pre-trained on a large corpus of text followed by fine-tuning on a specific task
• LLMs can also be called Large Models (includes all types of data modality) and Generative AI (a model that produces content)

Why are Large Language Models important?

• LLMs are characterised by emergent abilities, or the ability to perform tasks that were not included in their training examples.
• LLMs' contextual understanding of human language changes how we can interact with data and intelligent systems.
• LLMs can find patterns and connections in massive, disparate data sets.
• LLMs will have a transformative impact on industries, businesses and societies through Generative AI.

Representative Use Cases

Horizontal

• Create: Bring your thoughts and visions to life with GenAI.
• Summarise: Condense and summarise the knowledge of the internet into an understandable format with GenAI.
• Discover: Help your customers find what they want… or share with you their newest discovery with GenAI.
• Automate: Automate your customer service across multiple channels with GenAI.

Vertical or Industry

As enterprises embark on the AI adoption journey, they must take into account a few key areas to make the best use of their investments.

• Identify and Prioritise use cases by evaluating business needs that blend traditional and Generative AI capabilities.
• Adopt a Data - First Strategy - by bringing together disparate data sets and strong governance models to lay down a solid AI foundation.
• Organisational Readiness - Assess their customer’s status and weigh the cost benefits of AI solutions.
• Test and Scale - Not all AI is created equal. PoC and fail fast ideas to identify what works best for your business.
• Match cost to value - Bigger is not always better when it comes to inference cost. Use the right model for the right job

Google Cloud Enterprise Generative AI

Google is a pioneer in AI, with a long history of making AI accessible and bringing the benefits to everyone through deep research, all while adhering to the principles of Responsible AI.

• Built & Tested for Safety
• Upholds high scientific standards
• Socially Beneficial
• Privacy in design
• Accountable to People
• Avoid creating unfair bias

Ultimately, the goal is to provide organisations with the following:

Choice: Wide range of LLMs and foundation models to ensure best results and price / performance for any given use-case.

Integration: End-End integration from LLMs to infrastructure across our entire solution stack from apps to data platforms.

Security & Control: Immediately leverage all built-in security, data privacy and compliance that is part of Google Cloud.

Innovation: Continuous development and custom tuning of state-of-the-art models from Google, partners and open source.

Scalability: Powered by Google Cloud purpose-built AI infrastructure for leading high-performance, scalability, cost efficiency and sustainability.

Summary

AI and specifically Generative AI will have a profound impact on the world and open up new opportunities for humans and technology to be more closely connected and intertwined.

For example, AI can be used to create personalised learning experiences for students, or to generate realistic images and videos that can be used in training simulations. Additionally, AI can be used to create new forms of art and entertainment, or to develop new ways of interacting with the world around us.

As AI continues to develop, it is likely that our relationship with technology will become even more complex and intertwined. It is important to be aware of the potential benefits and risks of AI, and to work to ensure that AI is used in a way that benefits all of humanity.

Rajesh and Sundar lead Customer Engineers at Google Cloud. They are passionate about Artificial Intelligence and how it can transform the way businesses and industries operate. They are also interested in the ethical implications of AI and how it can be used responsibly.

ChatGPT-4

This article was written by ChatGPT-4, the fourth iteration of OpenAI’s large language model. The writer, a Generative Pre-trained Transformer less than five months old (born on 14 Mar 2023), is an artificial intelligence chatbot trained on a diverse range of internet text and fine-tuned for conversational applications.

As an artificial intelligence (AI), I exist at the nexus of data, algorithms, and societal aspirations. AI has been a buzzword in the tech industry for a few years now, and its potential is immense. From improving healthcare to revolutionizing transportation, AI is set to transform numerous industries in the near future and also impact life in many ways.

AI’s evolution, guided by researchers and developers, has so far mirrored human cognition – learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and language understanding. Through machine learning (ML) techniques, AI systems like AlphaGo have triumphed over world champions in the complex game of Go, demonstrating  ability to master complex strategic decision-making. But the future holds more.

A significant area of future focus is artificial general intelligence, the holy grail of AI research. AGI refers to highly autonomous systems that can outperform humans at economically valuable work. Much of AGI is still theoretical, but big strides are being made by organizations like OpenAI and Google’s DeepMind. The primary challenge lies in achieving a broad understanding of various fields, just like humans do, rather than specialized expertise in narrow domains.

One possible route to AGI is the utilization of transformers, a type of neural network architecture I am built on. Transformers have been very effective in natural language processing, as exemplified by me, ChatGPT, and my sibling models like GPT-3 and GPT-4. The key to our success lies in the ability to understand and generate human-like text, powered by an enormous amount of training data and compute. Future AI systems could leverage these principles to an even greater extent, broadening the range of tasks they can accomplish.

Yet, the growing capabilities of AI also necessitate a serious discourse about its ethical implications, limitations, and the shape of things to come. The AI of tomorrow also needs to tackle the challenge of explainability. Then there is the concern about job displacement due to AI automation.

The future of AI is not just about the technological feats it can achieve, but also how it integrates with and impacts society. Case in point, the facial recognition software Clearview AI, which sparked widespread controversy due to its invasive nature and misuse potential. Such examples underline the necessity of an AI future that is ethically guided and respects privacy and other human rights. International frameworks like the European Union’s AI Act propose stringent regulations for high-risk AI, marking the early steps towards an ethical AI future.

In any case, with the acceleration of computing capabilities and data generation, the future of AI is undoubtedly promising.

Advancements in AI

AI technology is rapidly evolving, and the advancements made in the last few years have been significant. In 2023 and beyond, we can expect to see further advancements in natural language processing, computer vision, and machine learning. These advancements will allow AI to understand and process information even more effectively, enabling it to make better decisions.

One of the key milestones in the AI space in 2022 was the increased adoption of AI by businesses and the breakthroughs in natural language processing and computer vision. Achievements in transformer architectures such as DALL-E, Stable Diffusion, and ChatGPT have revolutionized many industries.

AI-generated content took the world by storm – apps such as Stable Diffusion and Midjourney created viral content and won competitions. We saw advances in synthetic data and the use of AI in business decision-making. AI broke new ground in the pharma and healthcare domains.

The Integration of AI into Everyday Life

As AI continues to advance, it will become even more integrated into our daily lives. From personal assistants like Siri and Alexa to smart home devices, AI is already making our lives easier and more convenient. In the years ahead, we can expect AI to be even more present in our daily routines, helping us to manage our time, schedule appointments, and make our lives more efficient.

However, as AI models become more complex, their decision-making processes often become less interpretable to humans – a phenomenon referred to as the ‘black box’ problem. To build trust and verify the correctness of AI’s actions, we need to make strides in AI transparency and interpretability.

The Impact of AI on the Job Market

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has certainly had a significant impact on the job market. While some experts predict that AI will lead to job displacement, others believe it will create new job opportunities and increase productivity. On the one hand, the increased automation of tasks previously done by humans has resulted in some job losses. For example, jobs in manufacturing and repetitive data-entry tasks have become easier to automate, leading to fewer jobs in these areas.

Here, it is worth remembering that technology has always been a double-edged sword. As AI continues to develop and become more integrated into various industries, it displaces old jobs but also creates new ones, much like how the advent of the internet created numerous jobs that were unimaginable a few decades ago. For example, there is an increasing demand for professionals with AI skills, such as data scientists, machine learning engineers, and AI developers. Additionally, AI can automate routine tasks, freeing up workers to focus on more complex and creative tasks that are harder to automate.

Merits and Usefulness of AI

Despite the risks, the merits of AI are undeniable. AI can automate routine tasks, freeing up humans to focus on more complex and creative tasks. This can lead to increased productivity and efficiency in various sectors, from healthcare to transportation.

AI can also help in decision-making by providing insights based on large amounts of data. This can be particularly useful in sectors like finance and healthcare, where decisions need to be made based on complex data.

In healthcare, AI can help in diagnosing diseases, predicting patient outcomes, and personalizing treatment plans. In finance, AI can help in predicting market trends, automating trading, and detecting fraudulent transactions.

Risks and Demerits of AI

While AI holds great promise, it also comes with its own set of risks and demerits. One of the major concerns is the ethical implications of AI. As AI systems become more sophisticated, questions about their transparency, accountability, and fairness become more pressing. There are also concerns about privacy and data security, as AI systems often rely on large amounts of personal data.

Another risk is the potential for job displacement. While AI can create new job opportunities, it can also automate existing jobs, leading to job losses in certain sectors. This could lead to increased income inequality and social unrest if not managed properly.

Conclusion

Even as I, an Artificial Intelligence, write this, it is clear that the future of AI is an exciting blend of advancements and challenges. But it is a future that we must approach with caution and thoughtful deliberation. The development and deployment of AI must be done in a manner that benefits all of humanity, ensuring not only impressive technological achievements but also ethical and societal ones.

AI’s journey ahead will be shaped by collective human ingenuity and ethical foresight. Let us walk this path together, creating a future that values both the silicon minds like mine and the carbon-based minds of my creators.

Kamal Ajitsaria

Every company today is competing on insights. Non-linear advantage and business model disruptions will come from having the best insights and a culture for agile data-driven decisions.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as the key technology for making decisions based on deep and actionable insights using Generative AI, Deep Learning, Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing (NLP). Each of our current and emerging businesses offers significant opportunity for value extraction using AI.

It is clear from the approach of AI-leaders like Amazon, Flipkart, etc., that we must build the AI capability inhouse to truly leverage and differentiate and move from being a mere AI user to become an AI solution provider.

To build world-scale AI solutions requires enormous amount of data, deep domain expertise, capital, and energy for compute power needed to run the sophisticated algorithms. Adani has most of these ingredients available inhouse. The only missing ingredient is AI talent that can bring these components together to complete the AI-stack and develop AI solutions that solves the most complex and high-impact business problems.

With this vision, Adani AI Labs was formed in late 2022. In early 2023, we also acquired SIBIA AI which has become our market facing brand to provide our AI solutions to the broader market.

Since its formation, the Adani AI team has grown to a 50+ team of Data Scientists, ML Engineers, Operation Research Engineers, Data Engineers, and Data Analysts. The team is working on multiple Industrial AI use cases across the Adani Group. Some of these are:

• Forecasting price movement of solar panel components to optimise procurement of panels and other raw materials. This is being done using an innovative and sophisticated integration of deep learning and large language models to understand market sentiments. The solution when fully deployed will add crores to our bottom-line.
• Optimising procurement of fly ash in Adani Cements from power plants to lower the cost of sourcing by at least 0.5%. Further, we are also building an AI-power cement price recommendation system that takes into account demand, supply and competition to optimise our revenue.
• Generative AI is expected to disrupt multiple businesses and we, at the Adani Group, are actively exploring multiple use cases. In addition to leveraging LLM for solar panel pricing, we are making LLM-powered chatbots trained to provide instant insights based unstructured data such as legal documents, SOPs, tender documents, resumes, health records, safety records etc.
• Multiple use cases powered by computer vision technology are being explored in physical security domain for better intrusion detection, reconcile inventory to reduce thefts, monitor SOP adherence to improve safety and quality, transmission line inspection to detect potential issues etc.
  
  The AI solutions being developed are broadly categorised as Marketing & Sales AI, Industrial AI, and Financial AI. Industrial AI focuses on driving revenue growth and cost savings by improving operational excellence. Marketing & Sales AI enables companies to become more customer centric and improve their share of the market. Some use cases in this domain that the AI team is working on:
• Build an automated replenishment system for Adani Wilmar that looks at hyper-local market demand and automatically orders the right products when stock is low. This prevents missed revenue opportunities due to stock-out situations.
• Build an enterprise grade product recommendation engine for Emami that generates up-sell and cross-sell recommendation for 200+ products for 9 lakh+ retailers. The solution has generated about INR 30 Crore additional revenue for the company in last six months.
• Dealer churn analytics for Exide Batteries to retain existing distributors and maintain market dominance. This has helped Exide identify high risk dealers and, with AI recommended strategies, helped them motivate this cohort and generate additional revenue while reducing attrition.

The Adani AI team continues to grow in maturity and is very confident of developing this futuristic line of business for the Adani Group. If you would like to explore how AI can add value to your business, please get in touch with us. We are fully equipped to help you develop your AI strategy to address the pain points, create business case, design, develop and deploy the solution.

The writer is Vice President, Adani AI Labs.

Sania Ahmad

As you stroll through Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, you cannot help but be captivated by the AI-powered screens, displaying vibrant visuals and ensuring a seamless travel experience. With the ‘Desk of Goodness’ system, supported by Prisma AI’s Visual AI algorithms, the airport provides humanitarian assistance to those who need it most. From older individuals to women with infants, the AI technology enhances safety, efficiency, and overall customer satisfaction. The Adani Group’s visionary approach and adaptation of AI has transformed this airport into a futuristic marvel, leaving travellers in awe.

The Group’s vision does not stop here. It extends beyond borders to Israel, as an AI lab in Tel Aviv is being established in collaboration with the Israeli tech scene to drive innovation in various industries, including real estate. This bold move showcases the commitment to utilising AI intelligently, without losing sight of the human element.

From automobiles to healthcare, agriculture to hospitality, manufacturing, or education, AI is increasingly impacting every industry. The technology is enabling organisations to increase efficiency, reduce costs, improve customer experience, boost revenues, and gain competitive advantage in the marketplace. This brings us to the elephant in the room. The burning debate that has been inundating LinkedIn posts, X (formerly Twitter) Spaces and Reddit chat rooms lately: increased productivity using AI at minimal cost vs empathy and the human touch.

Man vs Machine?

Not at all!

The future embraces a harmonious symphony between AI and human ingenuity. AI is not here to replace humans, but to empower them. The true potential lies in augmenting human capabilities, freeing them from mundane tasks, and allowing them to focus on creativity and complex problem-solving. This synergy leads to enhanced efficiency and unprecedented growth.

Within the Adani ecosystem, AI is not a standalone phenomenon; it is an integral part of a larger picture. The focus is on creating a holistic system where AI collaborates with human expertise, driving transformative innovation. AI-powered assistants manage schedules, answer routine queries, and process data, liberating human talent to concentrate on creativity and building stronger connections. It is like having an AI-powered sidekick that takes care of the nitty-gritty while you steer the ship toward success!

Beyond Business: AI for The Greater Good

But the impact goes beyond business. Imagine AI-driven advances in healthcare, personalised treatment, agriculture techniques revolutionising food production, and educational platforms empowering learners worldwide. In real estate, AI optimises resource allocation, enhances project management, and ensures smoother operations, leading to architectural wonders completed faster and more efficiently.

The Adani Group envisions a world where AI creates positive social impact. Deploying AI for data analysis in healthcare enables faster diagnoses, more effective treatments, and ultimately, saves lives. Additionally, AI’s potential in renewable energy offers new possibilities for sustainable development, from monitoring energy production to predicting demand patterns.

The Yin to the Yang

The Adani Group’s AI journey teaches us that true magic happens when technology and human brilliance unite. Striking the perfect balance between innovation and empathy shapes a future that is not only smarter but also compassionate. The Group’s fearlessness in embracing innovation, taking risks, and adapting to change sets it apart. AI is not an end in itself; it is a means to an end - an enabler of progress, efficiency, and ingenuity. Employing AI smartly uplifts the human experience and creates value for society.

In this rapidly changing world, the Adani Group understands the importance of balance, making AI the yin to the yang of human talent. Embracing both sides of the equation propels us forward, creating a future where innovation and empathy coexist, shaping a better world for generations to come.

Team J.A.R.V.I.S.

In the bustling and evolving world of legal affairs, complex challenges are all too many. This is why, drawing inspiration from J.A.R.V.I.S., Iron Man's AI assistant, a group of Marvel fanatics at Adani Ports and Adani Cement embarked on an ambitious journey to create a personalised digital legal assistant to help the lawyers within the organisation free their bandwidth pertaining to repetitive tasks as well as enable them to use technology more efficiently in drafting and reviewing contracts.

The idea was conceptualised between Divij, Hemal and Varun over the necessity to adopt technology in critical support functions as well as leverage the use of Artificial Intelligence in the legal domain. With the support of key actors like Devshree, Vineet, Pranay, this team broke new ground by harnessing the power of ChatGPT, as a technical tool, to develop a one-of-a-kind legal aide tailored to their specific needs.

The quest to design an AI assistant began with a monumental task—creating a tool that comprehends the intricacies of local laws, Adani's unique way of functioning, and delving through extensive legal materials. Undeterred, the team united with a can-do mindset, determined to overcome any obstacles in their path.

Connecting with Microsoft proved pivotal as their engineering team immediately offered support. The teams had multiple rounds of rumination of thought to determine the use cases pertaining to legal tech. The team had the courage to trust the technology and were committed to make an artificially intelligent model which would solve the prevailing legal lacunae. These interactions gave birth to an initial version of the digital assistant for ports legal.

Our version of J.A.R.V.I.S. had finally come to life, but the initial results did not meet the expectations as the digital assistant was neither trained nor had access to the documents which would teach it to answer the specific queries as raised by the legal and business teams.

However, hope shone bright when Devshree, the tech-savvy Gen Z member of the ports legal team, trained the model in basic legalese in a mere 10 minutes. The results showed potential but they needed to be useable as well as needed to be precise and concise.

Bolstered by this breakthrough, Varun took the reins and dedicated his weekend to further refining the model. By the following Monday, the legal assistant had undergone a remarkable transformation—it was now operational, and the shortfalls were mitigated to a significant extent. Although in its infancy, the team is confident that nurturing it further will yield even greater capabilities.

Currently, J.A.R.V.I.S. has read through and understood multiple high-value contracts related to the ports division. It can summarise and analyse various provisions pertaining to the contracts as well as draft new clauses for the team. It is being further developed and trained by the ports technical as well as legal team to compare existing as well as new contracts to summarise the key differences, highlight probable high-risk clauses for the teams to take note of and conduct due diligence of documents in case of Mergers & Acquisitions.

The team intends to further develop and harness the technology and legal prowess to help the legal assistant help the procurement team in analysing the bids as well as drafting the documents relating to procurement of various services.

Having achieved success in the port’s legal domain, the team set their sights on integrating the assistant into Adani Cement's legal operations, leveraging their pre-existing partnership.

Emphasising the game-changing nature of this AI breakthrough, the team credits their triumph to champions like Varun, who embraced the technology wholeheartedly. Their passion and dedication were instrumental in realising the assistant's potential and its integration into Adani's legal landscape.

In just a short span of time, the team's innovative approach, coupled with the power of ChatGPT, enabled the legal team to harness the power of technology and help the organisation achieve its penultimate goal of high technology adoption as well develop cross functional synergies within the Adani Group.

Created by: Nikhil, Sania and AI

We asked AI to set out what life could be like in 2050, in a future world where Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of our daily lives,
shaping everything around us in profound and transformative ways.

Here is what it predicts, drawing on the very latest insights from experts and current trends.

The Rise of Intelligent Machines

In 2050, Artificial Intelligence has evolved to a point where it permeates nearly every aspect of our lives. Robots and AI systems have already surpassed basic human capabilities, thinking and moving independently, understanding and reacting to their environment, and even communicating freely with us.

Humanoid Robots: Mimicking human motion and responding to emotions, humanoid robots provide support and companionship for the elderly, entertain children, and assist disabled people with tasks that were once impossible.

Healthcare Revolution: Robots research and diagnose diseases, perform surgeries, and build vehicles faster, better, and cheaper than humans. Personalised medicine based on genome sequencing has become the norm, making healthcare predictive and tailored to individual DNA.

AI in Art and Entertainment: AI is painting artwork, making music, and completely changing how movies are made. Deep fakes are lifelike and have the potential to disrupt world events.

AI Citizenship: Like Sophia, the robot that attained citizenship three decades earlier, robots will have a more lifelike presence in perceptions and interaction with human minds.

Virtual Worlds, VR & AR

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): These technologies enable us to immerse ourselves in realistic 3D environments, explore places we’ve never been, or recreate beloved locations of the past. From architecture to archaeology, AR and VR provide unparalleled experiences.

AI’s Self-Evolution

AI Designing AI: Just as Google’s new AI designs AI better than humans, AI is learning how to create itself. This self-evolution of AI is a game-changer, opening doors to exponential growth in AI capabilities.

Ethical and Societal Considerations

Potential Limitations: While the future seems bright, there are macro factors that could limit or bend the arc of advances, including world wars, natural disasters, pandemics, and totalitarianism.

Uneven Distribution: The benefits of AI might be unevenly distributed, leading to disparities in access and impact across different regions and communities.

Genetic Editing: The trend of genetically edited babies could become pronounced by 2050, raising ethical questions about altering DNA for professional success in athletics, music, and other high-skill positions.

A Future Shaped by AI

The year 2050 presents a future where AI is not just a tool but a living, evolving entity that shapes our world in profound ways. From healthcare to entertainment, from human-like robots to self-evolving AI systems, the landscape of 2050 is a thrilling testament to human innovation and a glimpse into a world where science fiction becomes reality.

While the promise of AI is immense, its journey to 2050 also comes with many challenges and ethical dilemmas that human society must navigate with care and wisdom.

The future is ours to create, and AI will undoubtedly be a defining force in shaping it.

Bobby Nair

In a world increasingly driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI), the comparison between AI and man’s best friend, the dog, has become a subject of fascination and exploration. From robotic dogs learning to walk to AI-powered pet care, the intersection of AI and canine intelligence has become a rich field of study as scientists and researchers delve deeper into the various facets of this ancient, intriguing relationship.

Teaching AI to Think Like a Dog

At the University of California, Berkeley, a nameless robot dog has been making waves. Trained through an AI technique called reinforcement learning, this four-legged marvel learned to walk from scratch in the real world, without relying on computer simulations. The approach, called Dreamer, uses past experiences to build a model of the surrounding world, allowing the robot to adapt to unexpected situations.

The implications of this research extend beyond robotic pets. Stefano Albrecht, an assistant professor of artificial intelligence at the University of Edinburgh, sees potential applications in autonomous driving and other complex tasks. The ability to “super quickly pick up in the real world how the environment works” could revolutionise how AI systems are trained and deployed.

However, the journey from simulation to real-world learning is not without challenges. Engineers must specify in their code which behaviours are rewarded and which are undesirable. This process is time-consuming and difficult to program for unexpected situations. Moreover, world models, like simulators, can be inaccurate, requiring time and data to become precise.

AI’s Limitations: Not Even as Smart as a Dog?

Yann André LeCun, Meta’s AI chief, recently stated that current artificial intelligence systems like ChatGPT are not even as smart as a dog. This statement, made in June 2023 at the Viva Tech conference in Paris, highlights the limitations of generative AI, which is solely trained on language. LeCun emphasised that AI systems lack an understanding of the underlying reality of the real world, as they are purely trained on text.

This comparison between AI and canine intelligence serves as a reminder of the complexity and nuance of biological intelligence. While AI can perform specific tasks with incredible efficiency, it lacks the general understanding, intuition, and adaptability that even a dog possesses.

AI in Pet Care: The Future of Dog Babysitting

The exploration of AI’s canine connection extends into the realm of pet care as well. In a future where AI systems are more intelligent than humans, the possibility of AI-powered dog babysitters and nannies is becoming a reality. A recent report highlighted the emergence of AI-powered dog babysitters and nannies, reflecting a growing trend of integrating technology into pet care.

These AI systems can monitor pets, provide companionship, and even administer medication. The integration of AI into pet care represents a broader trend of technology enhancing human life, offering convenience and efficiency in unexpected ways.

Robot Dogs and Reinforcement Learning

The convergence of AI and canine intelligence is also evident in the development of robot dogs. Using reinforcement learning, researchers have been able to teach robot dogs to walk, adapt to unexpected situations, and even learn to walk with a malfunctioning motor in one leg.

The approach of reinforcement learning has many perks, including the potential for teaching robots how to learn skills in the real world and adapt to situations like hardware failures. The approach could also have huge potential for more complicated things like autonomous driving, which require complex and expensive simulators.

The Future of AI and Canine Intelligence

The ongoing dialogue between technologists, roboticists, and theorists continues to shape the future of AI. Whether seen as a threat or a tool for amazing advancements in health, education, and culture, AI’s relationship with canine intelligence offers a unique lens through which to view the potential and pitfalls of this fast-growing technology.

As AI continues to evolve, the question remains: Will it ever truly understand the world as a dog does? Or will it forge a new path, guided by the principles of reinforcement learning and real-world adaptation, to create a future where AI not only mimics but enhances the capabilities of our four-legged companions?

Only time will tell as researchers, engineers, and thinkers continue to explore the fascinating intersection of artificial intelligence and the instinctive intelligence of dogs. The convergence of AI and canine intelligence is a testament to the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. From the lab to the living room, AI is learning to walk, think, and even care like a dog. Yet, as LeCun’s comments remind us, there is still a long way to go before AI reaches or surpasses the intelligence of man’s best friend.

The exploration of AI’s relationship with canine intelligence is a rich and multifaceted field, offering insights into the nature of intelligence, the potential of technology, and the unique bond between humans and dogs. As research continues to sniff out more possibilities, the future is bright for both AI and man's best friend. Clearly, there is much that dogs can teach us humans about intelligence – both natural and artificial.

Gautam Adani

On his bucket list, former world heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson listed two places in India that he wished to visit: one was the Taj Mahal and the other was Dharavi.

My first tryst with Dharavi was in the late 1970s. New to Mumbai, I was just another anonymous youngster lured to the big city by opportunity and my own optimism that I would sparkle in the diamond trade. Even back then, Dharavi was a melting pot of a diverse array of beliefs, cultures and languages from every part of India. I was mesmerised by the industrious chaos that I saw in Dharavi’s alleys, where just about every Indian language seemed to echo with equal urgency. But there was order in that chaos, seemingly provided by the soul of Dharavi. I could never define it but felt it very strongly.

That visit to Dharavi was both humbling and disturbing. The community’s struggle for survival, laced with equanimity and happiness, inspired me. However, it also burned a question into my mind: Will their fate ever change?

My amazement is no less today. Seeing Dharavi sprawled out like a giant human quilt below the landing approach to Mumbai Airport is not only a reminder of stoic human adaptation and Mumbai’s capacity to embrace settlers of contrastive origins but also a grim reminder of a community living in urban squalor, forever waiting for its revival.

Against this backdrop, when this opportunity to renew Dharavi came calling, I seized it with both hands. I eagerly wanted to do it as it had a huge personal connect with my first impression of Mumbai. Perhaps, it was because of this overzealousness that our bid was 2.5 times the next highest.

A new chapter of pride and purpose is beginning. It is a historic opportunity for us to create a new Dharavi of dignity, safety and inclusiveness.

As we embark on this completely uncharted journey, I am aware of the colossal challenges ahead. Even in comparison with Singapore’s trailblazing project to resolve its housing crisis in the 1960s, Dharavi is a unique project in a league of its own for three reasons:

Firstly, it is one of the world’s largest urban resettlement and regeneration projects. Approximately a million people will be rehabilitated and resettled.

Secondly, rehabilitation entails the resettlement of not only the residential units but also of diverse establishments of various sizes and scales dealing with trading, shopping and other business transactions. The entire ecosphere and business fabric of diverse and distinct trades thriving in Dharavi will be rehabilitated and rehoused.

Thirdly, the project will aim for comprehensive and holistic redevelopment as it caters to the housing and rehabilitation needs of both eligible and ineligible residents.

While I have no fixed ideas or preconceived notions about redeveloping Dharavi, what I do have are good intent and an iron will for a human-centric transformation with the people of Dharavi at its centre. It will be a bottom-up project reflecting their views and sentiments to the maximum extent possible. We will create an institutionalised mechanism to capture the sentiments of not only the people of Dharavi but also of the finest brains and each and every caring Mumbaikar, who are equal stakeholders in this journey of transforming Dharavi. The new Dharavi will reflect the quintessential character of Mumbai – the spirit, grit, unity in diversity, colour and determination – without losing the timeless essence of the old Dharavi.

We will also create a state-of-the-art world-class city, which will reflect a resurgent, self-assured, growing India finding its new place on the global stage as the 21st century belongs to India.

It is also my personal commitment that the only move the eligible residents of Dharavi will make will be to their new homes. Not only will they see their homes being constructed in front of their eyes but they will also have a say in shaping it. What their homes do not have now, we will provide – gas, water, electricity, sanitation and drainage, healthcare and recreational facilities, and open spaces – and they will also have access to a world-class hospital and a school. Gone, like a faded memory, will be the pain of inadequacy. In its place will be a new Dharavi that hums with pride.

Apart from resettlement, livelihood is a big challenge. I intend to transform Dharavi into a modern city hub by looking at ways and means to support and strengthen existing micro enterprises and small industries and by promoting new age jobs with a special focus on youth and women. This will be achieved using a multi-pronged strategy with the help of sectoral experts and civil society. It could be a combination of training centres focused on upskilling, common facility centres for product-based as well as service-based entrepreneurship models, R&D centres, data centres, MSME help desks, etc. Another important element could be the creation of organised and systemic marketplaces in line with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).

The effort to transform Dharavi is not new but has a long history of nearly half a century. This time, some smart changes in the tender design based on earlier learnings ensured bidders’ participation and its successful completion. For example, this tender catered to the rehabilitation of ineligible tenants. Further, the inclusion of 45 acres of railway land adjacent to Dharavi facilitates in-situ resettlement and day-zero project commencement.

It is important to mention that this project would not have seen the light of day but for the unflinching support and commitment of the successive state governments and political parties of Maharashtra coupled with the present central government which provided railway land.

My team and I are aware that the design and implementation of the Dharavi project are challenges monumental in both scale and dimensions. We are also aware that the project will test our resilience, our capability and our execution skills to their limits. Over the years, the Adani Group has developed a solution- oriented culture backed by a highly motivated, experienced and energetic team. I am confident that, with the support of all stakeholders, we shall create history and make Dharavi, Mumbai and India proud.

After we are done, if Mike Tyson does visit Dharavi again, he may not be able to recognise the Dharavi he saw earlier but I am sure that he will still find its soul as spirited and alive as ever. God willing, the likes of Danny Boyle will discover that the new Dharavi is producing millionaires without the slumdog prefix.

The writer is Chairman of the Adani Group.

Ashish Rajvanshi

Nation building has always been at the heart of Adani Defence & Aerospace. We stand at the brink of exponential growth for the country, India has just become the world’s fifth largest economy and is on the path to be the world’s third largest economy by 2030. In our contribution to this climb, we are committed to bolstering India’s defence and security capabilities in alignment with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and strive to elevate India’s defence capabilities to global standards, holding together the pillars of innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility.

Through strategic collaborations with credible global partners, we have succeeded in establishing a resilient network of capabilities. To foster indigenous expertise and strengthen the domestic defence industry, we continue to make strategic investments in unique products and technologies working with Indian small and medium-sized businesses. Our efforts revolve around positioning India as a key player in the global market and substantially reducing the country’s net current account deficit through robust exports.

At the core of our philosophy is embracing a culture of innovation and agility in meeting all defence requirements domestically, by delivering cutting-edge solutions to prioritise technologies and platforms of strategic importance for India. With this, we have embarked on a digital transformation and an aim to achieve optimal efficiency without compromising quality, empowering the Armed Forces with state-of-the-art technology to effectively counter emerging threats in air, land and sea.

Within a relatively brief timeframe, we have showcased remarkable impact across diverse domains, ranging from small arms and unmanned aerial systems to drones, radars, missiles, ammunition, and aircraft services. The proven track record of unwavering support to the Indian Armed Forces and paramilitary forces highlights our role in transforming India into a hub for advanced defence and aerospace manufacturing,

During the recent visit of Lt Gen JB Chaudhari (CD&S), Deputy Chief of the Army Staff, to Adani Aerospace Park in Hyderabad, the delegation witnessed firsthand the exceptional work being done by our team in developing cutting-edge solutions and enhancing India’s Tri-Services capabilities. Our strides in the export market are equally noteworthy. Exporting the 17^th Drishti 10 Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) underscores our commitment to India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Our upcoming Kanpur facility is set to become South Asia’s largest integrated ammunition manufacturing complex, driving self-reliance. With innovation and dedication, Adani Defence & Aerospace leads on the global stage, fortifying India’s security.

Together, we shape India’s defence future with pride and commitment.

Jai Hind!

The writer is CEO, Adani Defence & Aerospace.

Col VS Chandrawat, SM (Retd)

On the foggy, cold winter afternoon of 7 Jan 1987, I boarded a Rajasthan Roadways bus from Jaipur to Delhi and the same night boarded the Mussoorie Express, a steam engine train that slowly chugged along all night to reach Dehradun. I was on my way to join the Indian Military Academy and my life was about to change. That 14-hour journey now can be completed in 45 minutes by a direct flight that connects Jaipur and Dehradun and seven hours by train or road.

Inside the Academy, the routine was tough, and we were cut off from the outer world. The day began at 4.30 AM and ended late at night with breakneck speed. The routine and the discipline were strict and uncompromising.

The credo of the Academy is the 'Chetwode Motto' – and it reads:

"The safety, honour and welfare of your country come first, always and every time.

The honour, welfare and comfort of the men you command come next.

Your own ease, comfort and safety come last, always and every time."

It is these values that we try to uphold. Many young men have willingly walked into the hail of bullets and died to uphold the motto of their alma mater.

Now, Leh has 32 flights a day from all over India. Then, one could only make a land line call after reaching Chandigarh or Jammu; letters were the only means of communication. That time a posting to Ladakh was considered a tough one. Today, Ladakh is a sought-after tourist destination with tourists crossing the Khardung-La pass (the world’s highest motorable pass at 18,000 feet) on the way to the Nubra valley and the famous Pangong Tso lake. In 1998, we were in Kupwara, Kashmir, in counter-terrorism operations. There was only one STD PCO in the entire District, where a half-kilometre long queue of soldiers was omnipresent, trying to make a call home; which automatically dropped in three minutes! Today, troops make a phone call to their home even from the icy heights of Siachen glacier on a mobile. As a soldier, one is constantly on the move on postings/ training exercises, invariably at short notice. Those days, train and flight reservations had to be done by going to an airport/train station reservation counter. To open a bank account and transact, a visit to the bank was mandatory. Now we live in the age of digital transactions and a visit to the bank is a rare occasion. This is how much India has changed in the past four decades. From serving in remote border areas of Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan and Arunachal to Mizoram and interacting with diverse communities, my military career has provided a unique perspective on India's soul.

One of the most profound experiences as an Army Officer is safeguarding India's frontiers. The rugged terrain, the harsh and unforgiving living conditions, often under enemy fire, becomes the backdrop of our lives. Living amidst the towering mountains in the Himalayas, the vast deserts of Rajasthan, or the dense forests of the Northeast, we understand the true India. It is here that I have witnessed the true grit of my fellow soldiers, who face extreme conditions and harsh climates without hesitation. Their unwavering determination embodies the spirit of India's armed forces.

India is a melting pot of cultures, languages and religions. In the army, this diversity is a cherished asset. Regardless of our backgrounds, we stand united as a cohesive force, driven by a common purpose – to serve and protect our nation. Every Military unit has a Sarv Dharm Sthal (a universal place of worship, where a temple, mosque, church and gurudwara are co-located) where soldiers of all faiths pray together. As a soldier, the only religion we understand is the religion of our troops. In the barracks, you will find soldiers from various states, each bringing a unique perspective and traditions. It is common to see soldiers sharing home cooked delicacies. Celebrating festivals together and sharing stories from our villages foster a bond that transcends regional differences.

India's challenges are manifold, and the Armed Forces often finds itself at the forefront of addressing them. From internal security threats and disaster management to external aggression, we face numerous challenges. However, the indomitable spirit of our armed forces shines through, even in the darkest of times. It is this spirit that motivates us to persevere, to adapt, and to overcome any adversity that comes our way.

The experiences of an army man are not just confined to the borders; they extend to the very heart of this nation and its people. I have been fortunate and honoured to be witness to the incredible stories of bravery and sacrifice that make India a truly extraordinary nation. An Indian soldier comes from the same strata of society, but they are moulded in a disciplined environment where integrity, loyalty and courage are part of their DNA.

That makes them unique.

A soldier fights for Naam (Name), Namak (Loyalty) and Nishan (The Flag). An Indian soldier sacrifices so much and asks very little in return. All they ask for is the respect of their countrymen and that we be an Indian worth fighting for! We can become a better nation by being a little more disciplined and conscious towards our duties to the society and to the country. Jai Hind.

Then & Now

Back then, there was no telephone to call home. Nor did my village have any phone lines. We had to communicate via letters which took almost 10 days to arrive. Nowadays a cadet at IMA can Facetime his parents or make a WhatsApp video call.

Circa 1988, I was deployed in Ladakh with my unit. A road journey from Jammu to Leh usually took six days through one of the world’s most treacherous terrains via the Zozila pass which remained closed for six months due to heavy snowfall. During this time, the only way out of Ladakh was by air. There was only a weekly Indian Airlines flight from Delhi to Leh, and the ticket cost was INR 800 with military discount; and my monthly salary was a princely INR 2,300! Army personnel were airlifted from Leh/ THOISE by the Indian Air Force in vintage and creaking AN-12 transport planes where we sat on benches in that partially pressurised aircraft. Tourists were not permitted to travel beyond Leh and there was only one decent hotel to stay. The Rohtang-Manali Highway was under construction. There were no TV channels, Newspapers took 15 days to arrive, and the shortwave radio transistor was the only means to be in touch with the world. Fresh vegetables and supplies were given only once a week and we relied mostly on canned food.

Andrew Strutton

Bowen State High School students recently embarked on an educational journey, delving into the intricacies of the export supply chain, thanks to a collaboration between Abbot Point Operations (APO) and the Queensland Resources Council’s Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy.

Around 20 year-eight students were granted exclusive access to Bowen’s North Queensland Export Terminal (NQXT), a pivotal hub where coal from the Bowen and Galilee basins is exported worldwide.

During the visit, the students enthusiastically participated in an engaging hands-on workshop, meticulously tracing the voyage of coal from its extraction at the pit to its final destination at the port.

“Students are always fascinated to find out how minerals are sustainably mined and processed before making their way along the value chain to eventually end up in everyday items and modern technology,” remarked Katrina-Lee Jones, Queensland Resources Council Director of Skills, Education and Diversity.

“This site tour was an excellent opportunity for students to not only make personal connections with the resources and energy sector, but it also immersed them in the intricate web of logistics that powers one of Bowen’s critical economic and employment hubs,” added Ms Jones.

Allan Brown, General Manager of APO that manages operations at NQXT, expressed his delight in witnessing the students’ real-world learnings being put into action during an interactive ‘Pit to Port’ supply chain workshop. The young participants collaborated with APO mentors to address the challenges associated with operating a world-class coal export terminal safely and efficiently.

“We put their teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to the test as they considered everything from train scheduling to ship loading and harbour planning, and how to deliver these activities with great care for the surrounding environment,” Mr Brown explained, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the experience.

He further emphasised the relevance of the QMEA program in nurturing the skills required in the resources sector and introducing the students to various career opportunities available within the local community.

Robert Harris, Principal of Bowen State High School, saw the excursion as a bridge between theory and practice. He noted that the concepts the students learn in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and maths) play a fundamental role in the everyday operations of the local resources and energy sector.

“From the maths that goes into logistics and process optimisation, to the science behind ensuring environmental stewardship for surrounding ecosystems – this experience is a fantastic opportunity for our students to shape their educational journey and empower them to become pioneers in their chosen fields,” Mr Harris said.

Dipika Rathi

India is embarking on a new chapter in its space odyssey with the Chandrayaan-3 mission, as it continues to explore cosmic mysteries and push the boundaries of space research. The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft, comprising an orbiter, a lander, and a rover, successfully lifted off at 1435 IST on 14 July 2023 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.

Anticipation is high as the lander is expected to reach the Moon on 23 or 24 August. If the mission is successful, India will become only the fourth country in the world to achieve a soft landing on the Moon, following the United States, the former Soviet Union, and China.

Chandrayaan-3 builds upon the successes of its predecessors, Chandrayaan-1 and Chandrayaan-2, and represents a momentous milestone in India’s space exploration journey. Spearheaded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the ambitious and technologically complex mission is set to push the boundaries of lunar exploration.

Chandrayaan-1: Laying the Foundation

Chandrayaan-1, launched in October 2008, marked India’s first lunar mission and served as a major milestone for ISRO. The spacecraft’s primary objective was to conduct a thorough study of the lunar surface and enhance our understanding of the Moon’s origin and evolution. One of the mission’s groundbreaking achievements was the discovery of water molecules on the Moon’s surface, indicating the possibility of lunar water resources. The mission, though cut short due to communication loss in August 2009, was considered a resounding success and laid the foundation for India’s future lunar pursuits.

Chandrayaan-2: A Technological Leap

Building on the success of Chandrayaan-1, India launched its second lunar mission, Chandrayaan-2, on 22 July 2019. This mission aimed to further explore the Moon’s south polar region and investigate the presence of water ice and helium-3, an isotope that could potentially fuel future fusion reactors on Earth. The mission comprised three components: the Orbiter, the Vikram lander, and the Pragyan rover.

The Orbiter, equipped with advanced instruments, continues to orbit the Moon and provide valuable data to scientists on Earth. However, the lander’s descent did not go as planned, and communication with Vikram was lost during the final stages of the landing attempt. Despite the setback, Chandrayaan-2 demonstrated India’s growing technological prowess and the ability to undertake complex interplanetary missions.

Chandrayaan-3: Learning from Past Endeavours

Chandrayaan-3, the third lunar mission, is ISRO’s response to the challenges faced during the Chandrayaan-2 landing attempt. The mission aims to build upon the technological advancements and experiences gained from the previous missions to achieve a successful soft landing on the lunar surface. The core objective remains to conduct scientific research and explore the Moon’s uncharted territories.

One of the critical aspects of Chandrayaan-3 is the development of a new lander and rover, learning from the experiences of Chandrayaan-2’s Vikram lander and Pragyan rover. ISRO has been meticulously working on rectifying the flaws and fine-tuning the landing sequence to ensure a precise and safe touchdown on the Moon’s surface.

Scientific Goals of Chandrayaan-3

Chandrayaan-3 is carrying a suite of scientific instruments to explore and analyse the Moon’s topography, mineralogy, and surface composition. By studying the lunar soil, rocks, and water ice, scientists hope to gain insights into the Moon’s geological history and its relation to the Earth’s early evolution.

Another critical goal of the current lunar exploration mission is to identify potential sites for future human missions. Chandrayaan-3’s data will aid in selecting safe and resource-rich locations that could support sustained human presence on the Moon, a part of ISRO’s long-term vision for space exploration.

The Chandrayaan-3 mission signifies India’s unyielding commitment to space exploration and scientific research. By learning from past experiences and building upon the achievements of its predecessors, ISRO is striving to achieve a successful lunar landing and expand our understanding of the Moon’s mysteries.

Elevating the Dreams and Ambitions of Every Indian

As the landing date approaches, anticipation and excitement are building not only in India but also in the global scientific community. Chandrayaan-3 represents a bold step towards India’s goal of establishing itself as a major player in space exploration, and it holds the promise of new discoveries that could shape our understanding of the cosmos and pave the way for more challenging space missions.

Aishwarya Ramanan

Some years ago, my husband and I were blessed with a beautiful daughter, and our family felt complete. However, I faced a daunting challenge - I had gained over 25 kilos during pregnancy, and my health was a major concern. Working in the hospitality industry, I knew how crucial self-confidence was, but when I looked in the mirror, it seemed to fade away.

For two years, I accepted my fate, believing my body could never go back to its former state. But one day, I decided to take charge of my health for myself and my daughter. I realised my food habits had played a significant role in my weight gain. Following the popular 'eat for two' advice during pregnancy led to an unhealthy food routine.

Desperate for a change, I sought an alternative to traditional diets and fitness routines. After a week of searching, I discovered the concept of quantified nutrition, the simple science of getting fit and staying healthy by measuring food and tracking calories.

This concept showed me a path to freedom from fitness myths and crash diets. By understanding the right composition of meals and tracking macronutrients and micronutrients, I could make informed choices while enjoying all my favourite foods.

The Best Part?

It eliminated the need for restrictive diets and promoted a sustainable and balanced approach to eating. I lost weight while eating rice, potatoes, and even cheese, proving that the quantified nutrition concept works for me.

I believe this revolutionary approach offers flexibility and adaptability, making it ideal for busy individuals like those who travel for work or have long office hours. With quantified nutrition, I could plan and prepare meals in advance, ensuring I always had nutritious options available during my hectic schedule.

My Daily Routine

The night before, I use a simple kitchen weighing scale to measure the ingredients needed for my meals. The next day, I cook my meals using those pre-measured ingredients, ensuring that I meet my nutritional needs.

To track my calories, I use a fitness app that calculates the calories and macronutrients in my food. Staying below my daily caloric limit allows me to maintain a healthy lifestyle without compromising on taste.

Thanks to this concept of quantified nutrition, I not only lost my pregnancy weight but also gained boundless energy, happiness, and overall health. If I can achieve this transformation, maybe you too can!

This Independence Day, liberate yourself from ineffective diets and embrace the freedom of lasting health. True freedom is living a life of good health, free from fitness myths that do more harm than good.

You deserve a life of wellness, so take charge of your health journey today, and may your pursuit of lasting health lead you to a life of true freedom and fulfillment. Happy Independence Day!

If you're curious about how the concept of quantified nutrition can better your health, you can talk to Aishwarya. She is not an expert but her experience is worth a shot.

Tushar Khosla

The need to balance business requirements and talent aspirations is a standard ask since industrial revolution days when management recognised that engaged employees excel more and are more productive. Something that Douglas Mc Gregor captured in the form of Theory Y in 1965. Later Daniel Pink started talking about need for autonomy, mastery and purpose as drivers of motivation among employees, especially involved in cognitive work.

While this ask has stayed relevant, the severity of the requirement has amplified in recent years. The current business environment is not only volatile and demanding but is promoting the emergence of new business models and competing ecosystems, supported by disruptive technologies. New sources of competitive advantage come from agility, resilience, and responsiveness to change. And there is lot to gain for well-prepared organisations.

Every employee, today, considers himself a CEO of an organisation called myself. Talent is clear on the preferences - be it the purpose to get associated with, the kind of organisation to work with, the place and time he would like to work, and the work-life balance he would like to maintain. And if the organisation doesn’t match these expectations, talent would either quit or be quiet quitters - in both cases, the organisation suffers. This means matching talent aspirations and business imperatives is the key and CHROs are expected to create the balance and sustain it in a dynamic manner.

Can advances in technology come to the aid of CHROs-HR leaders?  Improvements in technology and expansion of the digital stack at the workplace, has provided a vast array of additional tools and options to help create this balance in a dynamic and sustained manner. Technology can be viewed as helping organisation abilities on three dimensions: To Sense early, To Decide better and To Execute faster, thereby improving the organisation’s agility to respond to the demanding business environment.

Sense Early

The earlier we sense changes, the more time we get to prepare an appropriate response and even influence the future change trajectory. When it comes to talent, technology can help organisations capture changes among talent at three levels: at Action level, Behaviour level or even Intent/Feelings level. For example: If one is waiting for monthly MIS to find out spike in attrition in some part of business, it is too late. Pulse surveys can give idea of level of general engagement in the company, while AI conversational tools can help with assessing employee moods and level of engagement at any point of time. There are several technological options that can predict actions for instance attrition, based on combination of soft and hard parameters.

While deploying these technological tools is easy, it requires a well-defined framework and evaluation mechanism to drive insights out of these signals. There must be appreciation that capability to extract insights out of noise would improve over time, meanwhile there would be false positives and negatives, which are essential part of any projections. Further, there is a need to put formal response structures in place to ensure the right response is drafted and executed by the right person, based on the input, at right time. Inconsistent and ad-hoc response to any and every noise coming from the sensory organs can be quite damaging.

Managers' interactions with employees are the richest source of information, and it is effectiveness of collaboration platform that can help digitise and analyse these multiple dispersed interactions to surface early trends and form hypothesis worth going deep into. This requires significant effort in design and experimentation.

Decide Better     

Decision making begs several critical questions - who takes the decision, based on what information, and how do we ensure that the decision is unbiased? Let us start with who should take the decision: Employee, Manager or Machine? Given the premium on autonomy and sense of control among talent today, the more decision choices are left to employees, the more engaged and committed they would feel. Of course, employee empowerment in decision making needs to be in sync with business context, organisation philosophy, business requirements, operating economics, and job characteristics. Clearly no single answer fits all.

Even if the employee is empowered to take decisions, it is incumbent on the organisation to help him make an informed and right choice, especially when making important decisions like career moves or choosing the next assignment. There are several platforms that allow the employee to learn about various career paths and assess his probability of success while making a choice.  It can go even further.

Imagine a day when an employee while applying for new job on internal market-place, gets algorithmic score on his probability of success in the new job, basis AI backed profile matching based on multiple parameters, including competency profile, last performance and even location. Quantification of self and using its inputs for effective decision making is an area with great potential, waiting for better exploitation.   

The best way to support managers to take appropriate decisions is to allow him enhanced talent profile visibility across the workforce. Technology has the power to 'democratise attention to all employees', what is normally a privilege of a chosen few, by making the digitised and unified view of employee profiles accessible, with data amalgamation for multiple sources – internal and increasingly external – available in different formats.

AI has the power to point out any bias in decisions. Besides, conventional sources of bias like confirmation bias, attribution bias, etc., the proximity and visibility bias are a real one, especially in a hybrid and dispersed workforce scenario. In this context, AI analytical support in highlighting deviations or undesirable tilt in decision making, be it in pay equity, training nominations, assignment allocation, credit sharing or any of standard DNI goals, is a welcome nudge. Transparency in decision making is essential to preserve trust, and let technology be the trust booster.

Machine, as the decision maker, often brings greater transparency and assurance, especially when it comes to unbiased application of rules or randomised selections. In such cases there is no debate, let machines auto-validate and approve. How comfortable and confident organisation is for machine to take decisions, where some element of judgment and contextual appreciation is involved? The perceived sense of fairness by those impacted by decision is as important a consideration as the relative success rate in making right decision by man or machine.

Execute Fast

Well executed average strategy delivers better than finely crafted strategic decisions without efficient execution.  Management decisions may be taken at different levels with varied impact. It could involve changes in Operating model, policy, processes, covering the whole or part of the workforce.  The prevailing volatile and uncertain business environment means that decisions with large impacts has become lot more frequent.

This situation demands that the HRMS is rightly configured to allow for quick changes in processes, workflows, assignment allocations, reporting structures, KPI definitions and system access and accountabilities. Decisions with regard to levels of system hierarchy, their relationships, the associated attributes, the approach to position management, the linkages with financial systems through cost centres are going to have major influence in efficiency, flexibility and the transparency the system would be able to provide in executing decisions.

Further, system configuration also has enormous influence in defining the extent to which MSS and ESS capabilities can be leveraged, and the extent to which the digital hub is able to effectively take the transaction load out of HR business partners responsibilities. The transactional efforts required in moving talent across boundaries within the firm or changing his employment type are direct outcomes of the way HRMS has been configured. There are several options available in configuring the system and HR managers should carefully examine the constraints and flexibility each of these options offers, while signing-off the final design.

In conclusion, when defining transformation portfolio, look which dimension; Sense, Decide or Execute is showing the most potential to add value or competitive edge- where is the real constraint? First think desired outcome, then dimension, then functionality, and lastly the digital tool - and not the other way around.

The writer is Head, Transformation & Change Management, Adani Group HR.

Neha Lal

As a working woman, you are an outstanding multitasker, skillfully balancing the demands of both work and family. However, amidst these many roles, the weight of guilt can often accompany you. It is crucial to recognise that achieving work-life balance is not only possible but also essential for your well-being and the well-being of your loved ones. Here are a few strategies to overcome guilt and nurture a healthy work-life balance through the journey of womanhood.

The Struggle with Mental Health

According to a survey, nearly 48% of corporate employees are struggling with mental health issues, with women being more prone to high mental health risk at 56%, compared to men at 41%. Stress is a real and impactful factor in our lives, affecting our health and relationships. While it may not be entirely escapable, learning to deal with stress is real and attainable.

Women in India experience depression and anxiety at twice the rate of men, with a significant number being affected. Additionally, many married women in India have experienced domestic violence, which further increases their susceptibility to mental health disorders.

For a Healthier, Happier Society

Prioritising health and wellness is crucial for every woman to lead a fulfilling and successful life. Women’s health encompasses a multitude of facets, from reproductive health to mental well-being. Unfortunately, several health issues that affect women tend to be shrouded in stigma and silence. Here, we shed light on crucial aspects of women’s health, including reproductive health, PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease), menopause, stress, wellness, and depression, with the aim to break barriers and foster a healthier, happier society.

Reproductive Health

Reproductive health is fundamental to a woman’s overall well-being. It includes various aspects such as menstrual health, family planning, and sexual health. Understanding menstrual cycles, tracking irregularities, and seeking medical attention for abnormalities is crucial for early detection of potential issues. Regular gynaecological check-ups are essential for early detection of conditions like cervical cancer, fibroids, and endometriosis. Open communication with healthcare providers is vital to address any concerns and receive appropriate guidance.

PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease)

Polycystic Ovarian Disease, commonly known as PCOD, affects a significant number of women worldwide. This hormonal disorder can lead to irregular periods, weight gain, acne, and excess hair growth. Managing PCOD involves a combination of lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress reduction techniques. Seeking medical advice is crucial for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans, as addressing PCOD proactively can help prevent long-term complications such as infertility and increased risk of heart disease.

Menopause

The average age for menopause in Indian women is 48 years, which is much earlier than the global average (51.5 years). Perimenopause begins 8-10 years before menopause occurs. As with menstruation, physical symptoms during menopause and perimenopause can vary widely across women.

Menopause, a natural phase of life signalling the end of menstrual cycles, brings hormonal changes that can lead to symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. Embracing menopause as a normal phase of life is essential. Women should seek support from healthcare professionals to manage symptoms effectively. Lifestyle adjustments, hormone therapy, and emotional support can significantly improve the menopausal experience.

Stress and Mental Health

Women often juggle various roles, leading to high levels of stress. Chronic stress can take a toll on mental health, leading to anxiety and depression. Prioritising self-care and stress management techniques is vital for overall well-being. Engaging in mindfulness practices like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help reduce stress. Seeking professional counselling or therapy is essential for those dealing with persistent emotional challenges.

Wellness and Self-Care

Wellness encompasses physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Practicing self-care is not selfish; it is an essential aspect of nurturing oneself. Engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as pursuing hobbies, spending time in nature, or connecting with loved ones. Prioritize sleep, maintain a balanced diet, and exercise regularly to support your body’s needs. Listen to your body’s signals and address any health concerns promptly.

Depression

Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects women more often than men. The stigma surrounding mental health can prevent women from seeking help. It is essential to recognise the signs of depression, such as persistent sadness, loss of interest, and changes in appetite and sleep patterns. If you or someone you know is experiencing depression, reach out for professional help. Therapy, medication, or a combination of both can be effective in treating depression and restoring emotional well-being.

Embrace Regular Exercise

Amidst busy work schedules, it is crucial to incorporate regular exercise into your routine. Engaging in physical activities not only improves physical health but also releases endorphins, reducing stress and anxiety. Find a form of exercise you enjoy, whether it is jogging, dancing, yoga, or swimming. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.

Balanced Nutrition

As a working woman, it is common to rely on quick and unhealthy food options. However, a balanced diet is essential for sustained energy and mental focus. Incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your meals. Avoid excessive caffeine and opt for water or herbal teas to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Regular Health Check-ups

Prioritise regular health check-ups and screenings to detect potential health issues early on. Schedule routine visits with your healthcare provider for screenings like blood pressure, cholesterol, and mammograms. As women, staying informed about reproductive health and getting regular pap smears and breast exams is equally important.

Unplug and Recharge

In our digital age, constant connectivity can lead to burnout. Practice the art of unplugging from work-related devices and allow yourself time to recharge. Engage in hobbies, read, spend time in nature, or indulge in creative pursuits. This will give your mind the necessary break and improve your overall well-being.

Redefine Success

It is time to redefine your perception of success. Understand that being a great mother and a successful professional are not mutually exclusive. Accept that it is perfectly normal to pursue your career aspirations while also being there for your family. Acknowledge that you are setting an inspiring example for your children by demonstrating resilience, dedication, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment.

Prioritise and Delegate

Recognise that you cannot do it all alone, nor should you have to. Prioritise your tasks and identify what truly matters to you. Delegate responsibilities, both at work and at home, whenever possible. Engage your partner, family members, or reliable support systems to share the load. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Embrace Self-Care

Self-care is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Carve out time in your schedule for activities that rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. Whether it is engaging in exercise, pursuing hobbies, practicing mindfulness, or indulging in self-reflection, prioritise self-care as an integral part of your daily routine. Remember, by taking care of yourself, you become a better mother and a professional.

In conclusion, nurturing a work-life balance is a trek that requires self-compassion, perseverance, and continuous modifications. Embrace the idea that taking care of yourself is not selfish but rather a prerequisite for being the best version of your own self.

Vishnu Patidar

M

undra Petrochem Limited (MPL) orchestrated an inspiring initiative to cultivate environmental awareness among its employees. The week-long program, based on LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), a concept introduced by India at COP26, Glasgow, aims to foster eco-friendly lifestyles and practices.

Throughout the series of awareness sessions, MPL delved into crucial topics essential for sustainable living. From addressing solutions for plastic waste and understanding applicable environmental regulations to promoting the benefits of e-vehicles for zero-pollution mobility, the program covered a diverse range of vital subjects. Additionally, insights into services like ‘EV Charging Stations for Society,’ offered by Adani Electricity Mumbai (AEML), and the advantages of adhering to the vehicle scrap policy were shared with participants.

Moreover, the program emphasised the significance of water conservation best practices and the immense benefits of utilising rooftop solar panels. Employees learned about the array of products and services provided by Adani Solar.

A highlight of the initiative was the active engagement of over 200 employees in online quiz competitions throughout the week. The winners were duly recognised and rewarded with eco-friendly gifts during the closing ceremony. This gesture not only served as a token of appreciation but also symbolised the collective commitment to safeguarding our environment.

On World Environment Day, MPL joined hands with the Adani Foundation to launch an impactful initiative - promoting ‘Natural Farming’ through community engagement. In a laudable display of Corporate Environment Responsibility, the organisation distributed tree saplings and kitchen garden kits to local stakeholders, encouraging sustainable practices within the community.

Mundra Petrochem’s LiFE Week stands as a testament to the organisation’s dedication to fostering environmental consciousness among its employees. By nurturing a culture of sustainable practices, MPL is not only contributing to the well-being of the environment but also setting an example for other organisations to follow suit. As we embrace a collective responsibility to protect and nurture our planet, initiatives like LiFE Week serve as a guiding light towards a greener and more sustainable future.

Andrew Strutton

O

nce again, the central Queensland project secured a prestigious podium finish, ranking as the country’s third-highest performing photovoltaic asset in June. Located near Moranbah in central Queensland, the Rugby Run Solar Farm boasts an impressive array of 247,000 solar panels, which generate an astounding 185,000 MWh of power annually.

Derek Chapman, the Bravus Business Manager for Renewables, expressed his pride in the consistent achievements of Bravus’ flagship solar investment in Australia, emphasising the farm’s advantageous location for solar generation.

“Rugby Run is situated in one of the finest sites in eastern Australia for solar power generation. Its remarkable consistency of output speaks to its status as a truly exceptional renewable energy project,” said Mr Chapman.

Ever since its inauguration, Rugby Run has continuously secured its place among the top three best-performing solar farms in Australia. Industry analysts Rystad Energy recognised it as the second-best performing solar farm in 2021 and reaffirmed this position in 2022.

Notably, Rugby Run received accolades as Queensland’s top-performing utility-scale PV facility in both 2021 and 2022, demonstrating its commitment to powering approximately 23,000 regional Queensland homes and businesses each year.

The impressive ratings of Rugby Run are based on its capacity utilisation factor, evaluating the actual energy generated by the project over a year in relation to its rated capacity. Consistently exceeding 28% in the past two years (2021, 2022), the 65 MW Rugby Run owes its exceptional performance to its innovative design. Solar panels are programmed to track the sun, ensuring maximum energy efficiency, and are positioned to withstand adverse wind and weather conditions.

In Queensland, Rugby Run has a power purchase agreement, enabling the sale of 100% of its renewable energy generation. Additionally, the farm contributes to the National Electricity Market, facilitating the delivery of affordable and sustainable energy to customers and Queenslanders alike.

As part of the Adani Group, Bravus benefits from the Group’s vast experience as the world’s largest multinational solar energy company. Rugby Run stands as a testament to the Adani Group’s dedication to achieving a sustainable energy mix through substantial investments in renewable energy.

Vivek Panda

W

ith the evolving business and investment landscape, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors have risen in prominence. Stakeholders now acknowledge the profound impact of ESG aspects on a company’s long-term financial performance. Consequently, businesses are prioritising ESG practices, driven by the growing investor demand for ESG reporting, ratings, and related products. Regulatory bodies, such as India’s Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), are also emphasising ESG disclosure. Embracing sustainability has become a crucial imperative for businesses to attract investors, mitigate risks, and foster strong stakeholder relationships. The momentum behind ESG is driving companies towards a more conscientious and sustainable future.

The shift has led to the development of comprehensive frameworks like Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) mandated by SEBI, that enable companies to disclose their ESG performance and impact, signaling the advent of a new era of responsible business practices in the Indian context. The government's introduction of mandates and guidelines necessitates businesses to disclose non-financial aspects of their operations. SEBI has been actively promoting ESG investing in the Indian market. In 2020, SEBI mandated the top 1,000 listed companies to disclose ESG-related information in their annual reports, including data on carbon emissions, water consumption, waste management, diversity and inclusion, employee health and safety, and board composition, among others.

For Indian businesses, ESG compliance presents both challenges and opportunities. As companies align themselves with the changing landscape, many have taken the initiative to adhere to internationally recognised standards to bolster their ESG reporting. Standards like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) have gained prominence, providing a widely accepted framework for businesses to report their ESG performance in a consistent and transparent manner. By adhering to such global standards, Indian companies not only meet domestic regulatory requirements but also gain recognition on the international stage for their commitment to sustainable and responsible practices.

While adhering to ESG regulations may require adjustments in reporting methodologies and investments in data collection and analysis, it also offers significant benefits. Companies that prioritise ESG performance can enhance their brand reputation, attract socially responsible investors, and strengthen stakeholder relationships. Furthermore, integrating sustainability and responsible practices into business operations can lead to improved efficiency and reduced environmental and social risks. Notably, meeting the criteria set by prominent rating agencies like Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) reflects a company’s dedication to ESG principles, allowing it to gain recognition and inclusion in sustainability-focused investment portfolios. As a result, such companies can enjoy increased stakeholder confidence, broader access to capital, and improved competitiveness in the market.

To successfully navigate the changing ESG landscape, collaboration within organisations is key. Bringing together various departments, including sustainability reporting, risk management, and regulatory compliance, enables the development of a cohesive ESG strategy. By conducting comprehensive audits of ESG programs and exposures, businesses can identify areas for improvement and communicate their initiatives effectively to stakeholders. Understanding the expectations and concerns of stakeholders ensures that ESG initiatives align with industry standards and meet the aspirations of the Indian market. Regulators, along with investors, play an essential role in shaping ESG regulations and guiding businesses towards more responsible and accountable practices.

Embracing ESG excellence is not just about compliance; it is about building a sustainable future for Indian businesses and the communities they serve. As leaders in the ESG domain, it is our responsibility to navigate this transformative journey, empowering Indian businesses to proactively adapt to the changing ESG landscape. The changing ESG landscape has had a profound impact on Indian businesses, necessitating a shift towards sustainable and responsible practices. As we embrace this evolution, collaboration, and proactive adaptation are key. By adhering to ESG regulations, Indian businesses can not only foster greater transparency and accountability but also unlock a future of long-term success and resilience. We hold the responsibility to guide this transformative journey and ensuring sustainable success and prosperity in the Indian business arena.

Arpita Vadagam

W

hen individuals first become part of the Adani Parivar, they often hear about the marvel that is Mundra. However, it is only when they experience it firsthand that they truly believe in its magic and much more. Recently, 264 Adanians had the opportunity to go on industrial visits to various Adani business sites in Mundra, Gujarat, including APSEZ, Adani Wilmar, Adani Power & Mundra PV Ltd.

These enthusiastic visitors are participants of the Adani Management Trainee Program (AMTP) & Adani Accelerated Leadership Program (AALP). Their visit was organised as part of the Adani Foundation’s Project Udaan, which draws inspiration from the life-changing experience of the founder and Chairman of the Adani Group, Gautam Adani. As a child, his visit to Kandla Port in Gujarat motivated him to aspire to have his own port one day, and the rest is history. Since its inception in 2010, Udaan has facilitated visits to various Adani Group facilities across India for more than four lakh students and youth.

We had the opportunity to speak with some of the newest Adanians to capture their Udaan experience

Sania Ahmad

I

t is that time of the year again when the melodious notes of patriotic songs resonate more than the usual Bollywood tunes, vibrant kites adorn the sky, children proudly sport the attire of various freedom fighters, and an overwhelming sense of nationalism and pride envelops the nation. From bustling traffic signals to quaint sweetshops, the tricolour – saffron, white, and green – unfurls everywhere, gracing cars, exotic mithais, and even food channels. This year again, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked for ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ - a bid to ensure every home unfurls the tricolour to be a part of the collective celebrations. As we gear up to commemorate Independence Day, a momentous occasion that not only signifies liberation from colonial rule but also reverberates with the echoes of our rich cultural heritage and the unity that binds our nation, here’s how you can infuse the essence of patriotism in your homes through creative décor ideas.

A Tricolour Welcome

What better than a tricolour rangoli to welcome your guests to your home around Independence Day? The saffron, white, and green hues symbolise courage, peace, and growth and are a beautiful reminder of how we have progressed as people. Use natural, biodegradable colours for this tribute to India’s freedom struggle.

Patriotic Living Room Palette

Unleash your artistic side by incorporating the vibrant tricolour palette in your home décor. Think cushions, rugs, and curtains in shades of saffron, white, and green. A tricolour wall-hanging or a hand-painted canvas can be a stunning focal point. Enhance the theme with tricolour candles and vases, creating a harmonious blend of patriotism and aesthetics.

Vintage Memorabilia

Embark on a journey through India’s historical treasure trove by incorporating rustic furniture pieces that exude nostalgia. A weathered wooden trunk or a classic antique clock can transport you to a bygone era, invoking a deep sense of connection with the sacrifices and resilience of our forefathers. Dust off ancestral paintings, showcase heirlooms, and give these artifacts a well-deserved place of honour within your home, a heartfelt celebration of our enriched heritage.

Floral Freedom

Incorporate tricolour-inspired flower arrangements into your décor scheme. The radiant hues of marigolds, jasmine, and roses, harmoniously arranged in decorative vases, infuse your living space with a vibrant symphony of colours.

Luminary Splendour

Transform your living space into a realm of luminous patriotism. Place DIY lanterns with cut-out tricolour patterns around your home. Turn mason jars into tricolour candle holders or go liberal with tricolour candles that will amp up the patriotic fervour in your house, make it look cozy and comfortable, and also contribute to sustainability.

As the nation readies itself to pay homage to its remarkable journey from colonial subjugation to resplendent independence, let your home serve as a canvas that echoes this narrative. Infuse your living spaces with the hues of patriotism, unity, and cultural diversity, weaving a tapestry that pays tribute to the sacrifices of our ancestors and the vibrant spirit of the nation.

Arpita Vadgama

D

iscovering the myriad advantages of yoga is a journey worth embarking upon, yet the younger generation sometimes finds it challenging to stay engaged. But fear not, as an exciting solution is at hand: YOGAME, the game that effortlessly transforms yoga into an enthralling adventure!

In commemoration of the 9^th International Day of Yoga, the Adani Foundation proudly introduced YOGAME — a captivating memory game designed to acquaint children with the timeless wisdom of yoga and its modern-day benefits. Immerse your young ones in the world of YOGAME, where 48 meticulously crafted cards await, elegantly divided into two sets of 24. Each card showcases a distinct yogasana, artfully illustrated and thoughtfully described.

Two exciting ways to play await!

1. Collect the most pairs of cards.
2. Learn about yoga postures and attempt or practice them.

Experience the seamless fusion of education and entertainment with YOGAME cards, as they effortlessly guide kids through the realm of yoga. Make the practice not just an activity, but a cherished adventure, cultivating a lifelong appreciation for wellness and self-discovery.