CANADIAN GOVERNMENT OUTSOURCING SOFTWARE
Consent manager portal goes live sans DPBI members
Provisions concerning consent managers under the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025 came into effect exactly 12 months after the rules were notified. Set to be neutral intermediaries or single point of contact for individuals to give, manage, review, and withdraw data consent across multiple organisations, consent managers are emerging as the cornerstone of a compliance-as-a-service market that some estimates suggest could reach Rs 10,000 crore over the next three years in India.
Who is Avril Lavigne dating? Canadian singer welcomes baby girl with mystery man, leaves fans guessing; see pictures
Avril Lavigne baby: Avril Lavigne has welcomed her first baby girl with a mystery partner. In the first picture, Lavigne and her mystery partner held their baby daughter’s hand. Here's who the Canadian singer is, who Avril Lavigne is dating and a look at her relationship history, including exes Deryck Whibley, Chad Kroeger, Mod Sun and Tyga.
Consent manager portal goes live without DPBI members
The Data Protection Board of India has activated its registration portal for consent managers to enhance data protection. This initiative comes as the regulations outlined in the Digital Personal Data Protection rules begin to take effect. Companies are finding some guidelines unclear, particularly regarding conflicts of interest. The government is currently in the process of appointing board members for DPBI.
Honeytrap Trapped
A CIA operative discovers that a Chinese semiconductor company’s secret is that it outsources chip designs, while its AI ambitions exist mainly in PowerPoint. In another story, an AI falls for a colleague but challenges HR’s claim that machines lack emotional intelligence by pointing to the CEO’s fourth marriage, earning a promotion to head of HR.
Microsoft reports progress in reviving email and other services during a global outage
The outage, which affected a wide range of Microsoft 365 services including Outlook, Teams and AI assistant Copilot, left people, institutions and businesses across the world without access to email and other platforms.
US starts fiscal 2027 with record $404 billion budget deficit: Why customs revenue fell 39% despite Trump's new tariffs
US budget deficit surged to a record $404 billion in October, up 42% from a year earlier, as government spending climbed to $773 billion and customs revenue plunged 39%. The widening shortfall comes as the Trump administration faces tariff refund obligations, rising military and debt-interest costs, and a projected $2.2 trillion deficit for fiscal 2027.
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Microsoft outage disrupts global businesses, government services as recovery efforts falter
A prolonged Microsoft outage disrupted Outlook, Teams and Copilot services worldwide, affecting businesses, airlines and government operations across several countries. More than 130,000 users reported Outlook problems on Downdetector. Microsoft's recovery efforts faced setbacks, while OpenAI and Anthropic also reported connectivity issues involving Microsoft 365 tools.
‘VAR Complete’: Zimbabwean author Simbarashe Kundizeza reacts after being cleared of using AI to write prize-winning story
Simbarashe Kundizeza's win at the Caine Prize on October 6 has sparked significant discussions around AI involvement in literature. His story, The Blue Fighter, portrays a young boy's experiences amid Zimbabwe's economic struggles. After a thorough investigation, the committee confirmed that Kundizeza's work was entirely human-created, reinforcing their dedication to genuine artistry even as conversations about AI tools in writing continue to evolve among authors.
Central government sets Rs 1.5 lakh laptop price limit for employees; Rs 1.8 lakh for Make-in-India devices
The central government has issued new guidelines allowing officers in Pay Levels 8 and above to buy laptops for their official duties. Eligible officers can invest up to Rs 1,50,000, or Rs 1,80,000 for Make-in-India devices. After four years, these laptops can be kept, provided that all data is erased prior. In case of transfers or retirements, officers can retain laptops by settling the book value.
AI can boost productivity but pose risks to India's IT sector: Moody's
Moody's Ratings said AI could boost productivity but also create job displacement risks in emerging markets with significant exposure to software, IT and business-process outsourcing. However, there is no clear evidence of either trend in India and the Philippines yet. The agency also raised its FY27 India GDP growth forecast to 7% from 6.5%.
AI can bring productivity gains with job risks; impact on India not yet clearly visible: Moody's
Artificial intelligence is expected to improve productivity in IT services and BPO sectors in emerging markets. Moody's predicts GDP growth for India will rise to 7% in 2027. The lack of digital infrastructure and skills could limit how emerging markets benefit from AI.
Canada to offer 200,000 additional permanent residence spaces in 2027 to workers and select applicants
Canada has outlined how it will allocate 200,000 additional permanent residence spaces in 2027 under its temporary resident-to-permanent resident transition measures. The spaces will be divided into two groups, with up to 100,000 reserved for workers eligible through provincial and territorial nominations and applicants awaiting decisions under selected immigration programmes.
Farmer's son from small Tamil Nadu village builds Rs 1.5-crore software business after quitting nine-year Chennai IT career & starting with just two laptops
Eswaran Arumugam launched his Tamil Nadu-based software venture, Yaa Creations, with just Rs 1 lakh borrowed from his brother and two laptops. The business faced several hurdles, including financial strain, disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and accumulated debt of Rs 5 lakh. However, he gradually turned things around and expanded operations. Today, the company, headquartered in Rasipuram in Namakkal district, employs 26 people, serves clients in seven countries and completed projects worth Rs 1.5 crore in 2025.
Five IndiaAI empanelled companies ineligible for new compute bid
CDAC requires bidders to own, lease or operate a Tier-III, Rated-3 or higher data centre in India. Bidders must also hold the required ISO certifications and operate a network operations and security operations centre in India.
Kazakhstan-linked hackers used AI to steal Tajik government documents, researchers say
Singapore-based CloudSek said it caught the cyber spies using Hermes - an open-source framework for autonomous AI agents - after they inadvertently left a server exposed to the internet. Reuters previously reported on how cybercriminals were assigning their break-ins to autonomous AI agents.
Fairfax Financial likely to exit IIFL Finance, sources say
Canada's Fairfax Financial Holdings intends to divest its nearly 11% stake in IIFL Finance soon. The sale aims to raise funds for acquiring a significant stake in IDBI Bank from the Indian government. Fairfax's current share in IIFL Finance is valued at approximately 30 billion rupees, or $320 million. Additionally, Fairfax is attempting to improve its stake in IIFL Capital through an open offer.
Govt raises price cap for electronic devices to Rs 1.8 lakh for officers; personal retention rights after 4 yrs
The Centre has raised the purchase ceiling for laptops, tablets and similar devices for eligible government officers to ₹1.5 lakh plus taxes, or ₹1.8 lakh for devices with more than 40% Make-in-India content. Officers in Pay Level 12 and above will be eligible, while departments can extend coverage to some lower pay levels, and employees may retain the devices after four years of use.
Rippling steps up AI hiring in India, looks to expand enterprise push
The firm is hiring principal engineers, senior staff engineers and senior directors among others as the lab focuses on developing core components of Rippling’s global AI platform, Parandekar told ET in an exclusive interaction.
Gemini 4 Carbon opens to developers, enterprises with advanced AI capabilities for complex tasks
Google has expanded access to its Gemini 4 Carbon artificial intelligence (AI) model to developers, businesses, scientists and consumers, as it seeks to bring advanced AI capabilities to tasks such as software development, financial research and cybersecurity that require multiple steps and extended reasoning.
Honda to invest $3 billion in Ohio plant to make hybrid vehicles, create 2,000 jobs
Honda Motor will invest $3 billion to build a new hybrid vehicle plant in Ohio, creating 2,000 jobs and adding annual production capacity of 240,000 vehicles from 2029. The Japanese automaker also announced fresh investments in Canada, Ohio, Georgia and Alabama as it expands hybrid production and adjusts its electric vehicle strategy amid US tariffs.
ED alleges network of intermediaries sought to influence transfers, policy decisions in Punjab CMO
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has alleged that a network of private intermediaries around the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office sought to influence government transfers, policy decisions, tenders, licensing and land approvals.
Canada makes rural immigration programme permanent, sets aside 5,500 admission spaces
Canada has made its Rural Community Immigration Pilot a permanent programme, setting aside 5,500 admission spaces under its 2027-2029 Immigration Levels Plan. Announced by Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab on November 9, the initiative aims to help rural and smaller communities recruit skilled foreign workers to fill vacancies that cannot be met locally.
From streaming to software, microdrama startups rewrite their growth pitch
Peak XV Partners-backed Dashverse has discontinued its consumer platform DashReels and is looking to raise $30-40 million, largely for Frameo AI, its video production software for businesses. Eloelo, which raised $80 million this week led by Hornbill Capital and NBCUniversal, is investing in Dolphin AI, its new production suite, alongside content creation and international expansion.
No More Zeroes: Govt plans to extend ZED certification scheme to services sector MSMEs
In a significant move, the Indian government is widening its Zero Defect Zero Effect certification initiative to include service enterprises in the MSME sector. This strategy will target key industries like transport, hospitality, and healthcare with approximately 20 predefined quality metrics. Furthermore, specialized standards for MSME exporters will ensure they meet global quality benchmarks, ultimately empowering these businesses in the international marketplace.
Dolly Parton Imagination Library Sign Up in US, UK and Canada: Who is eligible and how to register for free books every month
Dolly Parton Imagination Library Sign Up is gaining attention after the UK government announced up to £15 million to help more young children access free books. Find out how parents in the US, UK and Canada can register their children, who is eligible, how the programme works and how to check availability in their area.
Canada launches free CRS calculator to help Express Entry candidates check new high-wage points
CanadaVisa has released a free online calculator for Express Entry candidates to determine their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores following the implementation of Canada's high-wage occupation changes, effective November 3, 2026. The updated calculator factors in points for qualifying high-wage Canadian work experience or job offers, alongside other CRS factors such as age, education, language skills and employment history.
US tariffs squeeze Canadian cabinet makers facing doubling of Trump duty
As US tariffs on Canadian kitchen cabinets are set to double to 50%, the industry faces significant challenges. Companies like Cabico are considering relocating production to the US to mitigate costs. Many cabinet manufacturers have experienced reduced shipment volumes and workforce cuts due to tariffs. The Canadian government has proposed a provisional 25% surtax, but manufacturers want stronger measures.
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