It's a wrap: News this week (Feb 10 – Feb 16)

There have been multiple developments this week on the tech front. From OpenAI’s AI model to Wipro’s acquisition, this is the list of the most important developments for a quick catch-up:

OpenAI unveils new text-to-video AI model

Microsoft-backed OpenAI, on Thursday, unveiled its new text-to-video model Sora, which can generate videos up to a minute long based on provided text prompts. In addition to its primary function of video creation from text prompts, Sora can also animate a static image, as highlighted in a blog post by the company. 

Sora, currently accessible for red teaming purposes to identify AI system flaws, is also open for use by visual artists, designers, and filmmakers seeking feedback on the model, as stated by the company. 

DoT launches digital twin initiative

The Department of Telecommunications, on Thursday, launched a digital twin project for future infrastructure planning and design. Called Sangam: Digital Twin initiative, it aims at leveraging technologies such as 5G/6G, internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR), and other next-generation computational technologies for building ‘smart infrastructure’.

The department has also inviting expression of interest from industry players, startups, MSMEs, and academia. Currently in the proof of concept stage, the Sangam initiative is distributed in two stages to be conducted in one of the major Indian cities. The first stage would be exploratory, followed by practical demonstration of specific use cases. This future blueprint could also serve as a roadmap to scale and replicate in future infrastructure projects, the department’s media note said. 

UiPath to train 500k Indians

Enterprise automation software company UiPath announced on Thursday its plans to equip 5,00,000 Indians with artificial intelligence (AI) and automation skills by 2027. This initiative aims to bridge the skill gap in emerging technologies, as per the government's objectives. UiPath is expanding its partnership with 'FutureSkills Prime', a MeitY-Nasscom initiative, and intends to introduce two new learning plans for business analysts and test automation professionals.

HFCL bags order worth ₹141 crore from BSNL

HFCL Limited (HFCL), a technology enterprise and integrated communications product and solution provider, has secured a purchase order worth ₹141 crore for the supply of indigenously designed and manufactured unlicensed band radios (UBRs) that are used to control or maintain heavy network usage in small areas, and other associated services to Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL).

This order is part of the advance purchase order worth ₹179 crore issued by BSNL to the company. The remaining order of ₹38 crore is expected to be released upon completion of supply against the current purchase order.

Wipro acquires Aggne 

IT services and consulting company Wipro has acquired a 60% stake in Aggne Global, a US-based insurtech, for $66 million. This move is aimed at bolstering Wipro's presence in the insurance sector, particularly in property and casualty (P&C) insurance. 

With this investment, Wipro becomes the majority shareholder in Aggne, gaining access to its unique capabilities and intellectual property (IP) in the P&C insurance space. The collaboration is expected to provide enhanced value, quicker speed-to-market, and distinctive services for clients in the P&C sector, according to Wipro. 

Tata Elxsi opens new centre in Pune

Technology services provider Tata Elxsi, on Tuesday, announced the inauguration of new Global Design and Engineering centre in Pune. Located at Sukhwani Business Hub, Chinchwad, this centre will cater to the technology and digital transformation needs of key automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 suppliers. The centre will have over 1,000 engineers, designers, and technology specialists.