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In this episode, Hive Digital Technologies CFO Darcy Daubaras explains why Bitcoin is starting to be treated as a strategic asset by CFOs and corporate finance teams. We discuss crypto volatility, regulation, global adoption, and why markets like the UAE, India, and Africa matter. He also shares Hive’s expansion plans, the role of green energy, and how AI and high-performance computing could reshape data infrastructure. Episode chapters 00:00 Introduction01:00 Why Bitcoin is about financial freedom03:10 Why CFOs are starting to manage Bitcoin05:35 Volatility and regulation08:00 Emerging markets: UAE, India, Africa10:20 Traditional money vs crypto mindset12:05 Hive’s Paraguay expansion14:10 AI, HPC, and micro data centresSubscribe for more conversations on business, technology, finance, AI, and digital transformation. #Bitcoin #Crypto #Blockchain #CFO #Finance #Podcast

In this episode of the Digital India Podcast, Tech Observer’s Editorial Director Mohd Ujaley speaks with Puneet Asthana, Executive Director and Chief Technology Officer at Shriram Wealth, about the changing technology landscape in India’s BFSI sector. Asthana shares his perspective on the evolution of enterprise technology—from the early internet and mobility era to cloud adoption, hybrid architectures and the rise of AI. He explains why identifying the right use case matters more than deploying the latest tools, and why data fragmentation remains the biggest challenge for financial institutions adopting AI. The discussion also covers:• GenAI vs enterprise-grade AI in regulated industries• Data consolidation, data cleanliness and legacy system complexity• DPDP Act, consent management and the future of data governance• Cybersecurity, third-party risk and API-level controls• Why federated learning across organisations is essential• How Shriram Wealth is building AI-assisted experiences for mass-affluent customers A clear and grounded conversation for anyone working in BFSI, fintech, enterprise technology, AI strategy, compliance or digital transformation. 🔔 Follow the Digital India Podcast for more conversations with industry leaders.

In this episode of The Digital India Podcast, host Mohd Ujaley speaks with Madhav Sheth, CEO, AI+ Smartphones and Founder of NxtQuantum Shift Technologies. Best known for his leadership at Realme, Madhav now returns with a bold vision: the Ai+ smartphone powered by the new NxtQuantum OS. In this conversation, he shares: The hard lessons from building and scaling smartphone brands in India. Why deep tech, R&D, and strong local supply chains are critical for digital self-reliance. How AI should move beyond marketing buzzwords to deliver real consumer value. His strategy for democratising technology through transparency and localisation. The roadmap for targeting India’s mass-market segment and building a global brand from India. Whether you are a technologist, entrepreneur, or simply curious about the future of smartphones and AI in India, this episode is packed with practical insights and forward-looking perspectives.

🎙 Digital India Podcast📍 Listen here: https://techobserver.in/podcast📩 Guest Suggestions: [email protected] 🔔 Subscribe to Our Channels:▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/TechObserver🎵 Spotify: spotify.com/TechObserver📱 Facebook: facebook.com/techobservor🐦 X (Twitter): x.com/techobservor💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/techobserver📸 Instagram: instagram.com/techobserver ⏱ Timestamps:01:12 – From FinTech to EdTech: Dave Treat's career shift04:30 – Pearson’s 3 core businesses (Content, Distribution, Assessment)07:45 – AI tools already used by teachers for 18+ months11:20 – Why Indian R&D is Pearson’s "innovation lighthouse"15:10 – Spatial computing’s future in 3D learning18:40 – Quantum computing’s encryption challenge20:01 – Startups' role in Pearson's digital transformation journey 🎧 Episode Summary: In this episode of the Digital India Podcast, host Mohd Ujaley, Editorial Director of Tech Observer Magazine, speaks with Dave Treat, Chief Technology Officer at Pearson. They explore the role of AI in education, Pearson’s digital transformation, and the future of personalised learning. Dave also shares insights on legacy modernisation, immersive tech, quantum-safe encryption, and how Pearson works with startups to drive innovation. Dave Treat shares his views around: ✅ From FinTech to EdTech: Lessons from banking to education innovation✅ Why Pearson is advancing faster in AI than banks ever did✅ How the “Learn to Earn” mindset is shaping workforce development✅ Why teachers need AI—to focus on what matters most✅ India’s role in Pearson’s global R&D and innovation strategy✅ How quantum computing could disrupt encryption in education✅ Why startups help keep Pearson agile—even after 181 years 🎓 A must-listen for educators, edtech founders, policy makers, and anyone curious about the future of learning! 👤 Follow Dave Treat, CTO, Pearson:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/davidbtreat 📰 About Tech Observer Magazine:Tech Observer Magazine is India’s premier technology news publication, delivering in-depth analysis on government tech, public sector innovation, defence, enterprise IT, emerging startups, telecom, and consumer electronics. #EdTech #AIinEducation #DigitalTransformation #FutureOfWork #Pearson #AI #podcast

In the latest episode of The Digital India Podcast, Kayzad Hiramanek, Chief Operating Officer of Edelweiss Life Insurance, shares insights from his 25-year leadership journey across diverse industries. In conversation with host Mohd Ujaley (Editorial Director, Tech Observer Magazine), they explore transformative leadership approaches, systemic challenges in India's insurance adoption, and the technological innovations reshaping financial services. Hiramanek champions leaders who recruit "people smarter than themselves" and decentralise decision-making. "The true measure of leadership," he observes, "lies in building systems where teams function autonomously—even if it diminishes your own indispensability." His perspective is informed by an unconventional career path that began in hospitality before transitioning through telecom to insurance, demonstrating that adaptive thinking trumps sector-specific expertise. With life insurance penetration stagnating at 3-4%, Hiramanek pinpoints three critical barriers: Demographic Disconnect: Young Indians prioritize immediate needs over long-term protection Education Deficit: No standardized curriculum on financial planning fundamentals Design Complexity: Actuarial products alienate returns-focused consumers He credits regulatory innovations like Bima Sugam (unified insurance marketplace) and Bima Vahak (last-mile women agents) for driving inclusion, alongside pandemic-driven digitisation of claims processes through tools like verifiable digital death certificates. While describing insurance as "the original data science industry" (rooted in actuarial models), Hiramanek offers measured perspectives on emerging tech: AI Today: NLP-powered chatbots handle 68% of routine customer queries (internal metrics) Underwriting Realities: Still dependent on traditional verification (Aadhaar, medical exams, financial disclosures) AI Frontiers: Agentic AI automates workflows but yet to replicate human risk assessment As regulators work toward Insurance for All by 2047, Hiramanek stresses product simplification and India Stack integration. His leadership mantra—"Fail fast, recover faster"—reflects his cross-industry evolution and applies equally to tech adoption and talent development. #InsuranceInnovation #LeadershipMatters #FintechIndia #DigitalTransformation #Podcast

In this episode of The Digital India Podcast, Mohd Ujaley explores cyber resilience, ransomware and AI-driven security with Sandeep Bhambure, Vice President and Managing Director, Veeam India & SAARC. Discover: 🔹 Why data exfiltration is now more dangerous than ransomware 🔹 How AI is changing cyber defense strategies 🔹 India’s critical infrastructure vulnerabilities & recovery tactics 🔹 The future of encryption with quantum computing 🔹 Veeam’s Data Resilience Maturity Model (developed with McKinsey) With 70% of organisations hit by ransomware in the past year, this conversation is a must-listen for IT leaders, CISOs and tech enthusiasts. 🎧 Tune in now! #CyberSecurity #DataResilience #TechTrends #AI #QuantumComputing #Veeam #DigitalIndia #Podcast

Welcome to The Digital India Podcast, your destination for insightful discussions on technology, innovation and the visionaries shaping India’s digital future. In this episode, host Mohd Ujaley sits down with Narain Karthikeyan – India’s first Formula 1 driver and founder of DriveX, an AI-driven startup revolutionising the used two-wheeler market. From the racetrack to entrepreneurship, Narain shares his journey of speed, technology and business. They explore how DriveX addresses challenges in India’s mobility sector, the role of AI in transforming transportation and the parallels between F1 agility and startup scalability. The conversation also touches on road safety, regulatory changes and the future of sustainable mobility. Tune in for an engaging discussion on innovation, risk-taking and what it takes to accelerate change in India’s evolving tech landscape. Buckle up – the conversation starts now.

Join 10-year-old Aaizah Zahra from Prometheus School Noida as she sits down with former Supreme Court Justice BN Srikrishna for a fascinating discussion on artificial intelligence. In this special episode, they break down the advantages and risks of AI in simple, engaging terms—from how it simplifies everyday tasks to its creative potential in music, art and learning. Justice Srikrishna also sheds light on cybersecurity challenges, comparing digital safety to locking away precious treasures. Perfect for curious minds of all ages, this conversation blends a child’s curiosity with an expert’s wisdom, making AI accessible and exciting. Tune in to discover how technology is shaping our future—and why we must use it wisely.

India’s Tech Talent: Driving the Global Cloud and AI Transformation In this episode of The Digital India Podcast, host Mohd Ujaley, Editorial Director, Tech Observer Magazine, explores how India’s technology sector is shaping the future of global digital transformation. With the cloud services market projected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2030, India now supplies 45% of the world’s cloud technology workforce. This episode examines what this means for businesses worldwide and how companies are leveraging India’s expertise. We take a closer look at AHEAD, a US-based technology consulting firm that relies on over 500 professionals in India to deliver cloud strategies, AI solutions and managed services. Keith Odom, EVP at AHEAD, explains why India plays such a critical role in their global operations. Key discussion points include: How India’s talent pool supports global cloud adoption The challenges companies face in implementing AI Balancing innovation with cost efficiency Why security has become the top priority in technology Industries leading digital transformation, including healthcare and finance The episode also covers AHEAD’s plans to expand its workforce in India, highlighting the country’s growing importance in the tech industry. Whether you work in technology, business or simply want to understand India’s role in digital innovation, this episode offers valuable insights. The Digital India Podcast provides analysis of India’s technology landscape and its global impact. Listen now to stay informed about the latest developments in tech.

The Indian life insurance industry is on a meteoric rise, projected to hit $200 billion by 2027. But with 73% of policyholders now preferring digital-first interactions (EY Survey), legacy players must evolve—or risk extinction. In this episode of The Digital India Podcast, Mohd Ujaley (Editorial Director, Tech Observer Magazine) sits down with Kirti Patil, Joint President & CTO of Kotak Life Insurance, to unravel how the company’s "hollow the core" strategy has turbocharged digital adoption—shifting 80% of service requests to digital channels (up from just 25% pre-pandemic). 🔹 Jungle Mapping in Tech: Kirti compares her *30+ years in tech leadership* to navigating an uncharted jungle—where every step is a risk, a revolution or a bear trap.🔹 AI’s Surprising Evolution: From email implementation in the '90s to today’s AI revolution—how conversational AI is reshaping insurance CX.🔹 Phased Modernisation Wins: Why Kotak’s incremental approach—not Big Bang overhauls—is key to stable, scalable transformation.🔹 Empathy in Automation: Can *AI-driven interactions* retain human warmth? How Kotak ensures *"human-in-the-loop"* design.🔹 Leadership in Setbacks: As a woman in tech, Kirti shares how she steers teams through failures while keeping morale high. Tune in for a masterclass in *digital resilience, strategic patience and tech-led empathy*—straight from one of India’s most seasoned insurance tech leaders. Follow The Digital India Podcast for more conversations on how technology is reshaping India’s future. #DigitalTransformation #InsuranceTech #WomenInTech #AI #KotakLife #TechLeadership

Welcome to The Digital India Podcast, where we explore how technology, leadership and innovation are shaping the future of India.In this exciting fourth episode, we have the privilege of hosting a distinguished leader and dedicated public servant – Lt Gen Gurmit Singh, Governor of Uttarakhand. Join us as we discuss his exceptional journey, his views on technology-driven governance and his vision for a digitally empowered India. 🇮🇳From his illustrious military career to his current role in fostering progress, Lt Gen Gurmit Singh offers unique insights on how technology can bridge divides, empower communities and strengthen the nation. Whether you are passionate about tech, policy or India’s digital evolution, this episode is filled with inspiration and practical wisdom. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, share and subscribe to The Digital India Podcast for more insightful conversations with the leaders shaping our digital future.🎧 Listen now and join us on this journey.

Hello and a very warm welcome to The Digital India Podcast, where we speak with top technology leaders from government and enterprises driving digital transformation. In this episode, I am joined by Mr. Anand Eswaran, CEO of Veeam, a US-based data protection company. He shares why India plays a pivotal role in Veeam’s growth strategy—contributing 45% business growth and emerging as a hub for talent and innovation. We discuss Veeam’s investments in R&D, customer support, and operations in India, along with insights into tackling data resilience challenges, combating ransomware, and leveraging AI in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Tune in for a compelling conversation on how India is shaping the future of Veeam and the global data ecosystem.

In this episode of Leader's Edge hosted by Mohd Ujaley, HUDCO CMD Sanjay Kulshrestha shares his experiences from his first year of leadership, discussing key challenges, achievements, and the strategic vision for expanding infrastructure financing. He explores HUDCO’s integration of technology, the importance of compliance, and ambitious goals to triple loan book growth by 2030. Tune in for insights into HUDCO’s role in shaping India’s development under the government’s vision of 'Viksit Bharat'. Don't forget to share your feedback —editor[at]techobserver.in—and let us know who you'd like to hear from next!

Hey there! Welcome to Ujaley's Podcast where we talk to top technology leaders to understand what's going on in the world of technology. Today, we are diving into a hot topic that has been making waves since last one week: the risks of forced updates in proprietary software, especially after the recent hiccups with Microsoft and CrowdStrike. So, what’s the deal? Forced updates are those changes that tech companies push to your systems without asking you first. They can mess things up big time, like we have seen recently—from airport operation to dial 100 to critical healthcare services—all went for a toss, thanks to a single line of code going haywire. We have got Dr. Doug Milburn, President and Founder of 45Drives, here to shed some light on this. He has got some strong opinions about why letting these updates happen without checking them first is a bad idea. Dr. Milburn will talk about why businesses should look at open-source technologies for more control over their systems.  He will share some real-life stories, including how his own company got hit twice in one week because of these forced updates.  And he has got some great tips on how to keep your systems secure and reliable, even with all these changes happening. So, stick around! We have got a lot to cover, and you would not like to miss it.

Topic: Steadfast Security in Remote Distributed Enterprise Speakers: In Conversation with Subramanian Udaiyappan, Regional Sales Manager – SecOps, Cisco India & SAARC and Ankush Kumar, Editor, Tech Observer Traditionally, all users have been connected to a secure office network with multiple layers of security. However, due to the ongoing pandemic, users abstained from the secure office network and connected directly to the internet and thus remain exposed to the internet for long periods. If these user endpoints are not powered and managed by the cloud, the administrator loses visibility and control for threat mitigation and response. Addressing threats, and detecting and remediating them without affecting the user’s productivity, is where the shift from traditional endpoints to new-age endpoints can make a difference. The sudden transformation from office to new remote working environments has distributed the business while creating a cybersecurity bubble around the workers. As the hybrid work environment continues to flourish, migration to the cloud has accelerated and an effective endpoint solution needs to be cloud-powered and cloud-managed. The Endpoint Detection and Response Solutions (EDR) are quite autonomous in detecting complex threats that cannot be prevented and work towards remediating them manually. In today’s hybrid work environment, you need your endpoint to be your enforcement arm and move from being an EDR to an XDR. With XDR solutions like Cisco Secure Endpoints, customers would be able to integrate, correlate, automate, and orchestrate actions in an endpoint remotely to reduce the impact of attacks. Cisco SecureX is a unified platform that integrates firewall, email, and web to help detect and respond to attacks faster. It offers a single dashboard to monitor, integrate and protect across threat vectors & integrate with 3rd party threat intel where the administrator can see all the events that are critical to their enterprise. This customizable dashboard provides an overview of events, helps in threat hunting, incident response, to orchestrate & automate responses to attacks like a SOAR. Having an integrated architecture and an enterprise security environment that proactively reduces Time to Detect & Respond is very critical. This Podcast is published under Tech Observer Brand Solutions initiative. Connect us at [email protected] to know more.