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The world of Artificial Intelligence has only begun to affect human lives. In times like these, staying up-to-date with the AI world is of utmost importance. Storyboard18 brings you the top AI news of the day.

Amazon’s generative AI-powered Alexa+ hits 1 Million Users in early access

Amazon’s next-generation virtual assistant, Alexa+, has already surpassed one million users—despite not yet being publicly available. According to a report by TechCrunch, the generative AI-powered service is currently in its Early Access phase, with access granted to customers via a waitlist system.

Alexa+ marks a significant leap in Amazon’s AI ambitions, offering natural, personalized conversations, deeper smart home integration, and broader capabilities powered by generative AI. While the service remains in preview, early users have taken to social media in recent weeks to share that they’ve received invites, underscoring growing demand. Once fully launched, Alexa+ will be free for Amazon Prime members, while non-Prime users will be able to subscribe for $19.99 per month. The move signals Amazon’s strategy to strengthen its Prime offering and take on rivals in the increasingly competitive AI assistant market. The company has not yet announced a formal public release date but continues to roll out access gradually. As part of the rollout, Amazon is positioning Alexa+ as more than just a voice assistant—it aims to be a proactive AI companion capable of understanding context, preferences, and handling complex requests with ease.

With over a million users already interacting with the enhanced assistant, Alexa+ could potentially redefine how consumers engage with AI-powered smart devices in their daily lives.

Court Orders OpenAI to Retain All ChatGPT Logs Amid Ongoing Privacy Lawsuit

A U.S. judge has dismissed concerns that an order requiring OpenAI to preserve all ChatGPT chat logs constitutes a “nationwide mass surveillance program,” ruling that the data retention is limited in scope and purpose.

The ruling came in response to objections filed by ChatGPT users after Judge Ona Wang instructed OpenAI to indefinitely retain user chat data—including deleted logs—as part of an ongoing copyright lawsuit.

One objector, a business owner who integrates ChatGPT into company operations, argued that the court order risked exposing confidential materials such as trade secrets and source code. The judge dismissed this filing on procedural grounds, noting the business failed to retain legal representation.

Another user argued the order would harm ChatGPT users by storing "highly sensitive" personal and commercial information, likening the court's directive to a national surveillance effort. Judge Wang rejected that argument as well, stating, “Proposed Intervenor does not explain how a court’s document retention order… is, or could be, a ‘nationwide mass surveillance program.’”


OpenAI Eats Into Microsoft’s Turf? ChatGPT Gains Ground in Corporate AI Race

The partnership between Microsoft and OpenAI, once hailed as one of the most synergistic collaborations in tech, is starting to show cracks—particularly as both companies now find themselves vying for the same enterprise customers, as reported by Bloomberg.

Behind the scenes, OpenAI’s growing presence in the corporate AI space is raising eyebrows at Microsoft, which has invested nearly $14 billion in the startup. Microsoft’s sales teams, already under pressure to drive Copilot adoption, now face the awkward reality of being undercut by their own partner.

While Microsoft has relied on deep-rooted enterprise relationships to promote Copilot, OpenAI is aggressively targeting the same clients with direct business offerings, educational tools, and a rapidly expanding suite of enterprise products. OpenAI’s acquisition of Windsurf, an AI coding assistant competing with Microsoft’s GitHub Copilot, is the latest sign of its independent ambitions.

As the lines between partner and competitor blur, one thing is clear: The battle for AI dominance in the enterprise space is just heating up. And for Microsoft, it may be fighting that battle on two fronts—against rivals like Google and Amazon, and now, against its own billion-dollar partner.

Dwarka Expressway gets India’s first AI-powered traffic management system

In a major step towards smart infrastructure, the Dwarka Expressway has become the first in India to deploy an AI-powered Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS), aimed at enhancing road safety and streamlining vehicular movement.

The cutting-edge system, developed by the Indian Highways Management Company Ltd. (IHMCL) and implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), spans a total project length of 56.46 kilometres. It uses artificial intelligence, sensors, and real-time data analytics to manage traffic flow and reduce accidents.
The initiative is being hailed as a national model for AI-driven traffic governance and is expected to set new benchmarks in highway safety and efficiency.

The 29-kilometre Dwarka Expressway, a key connector between Delhi and Gurugram, runs from Shiv Murti on National Highway 8 to the outskirts of Gurugram. It serves as the third direct route between the two cities and offers a faster travel option for commuters heading towards Gurugram and the Indira Gandhi International Airport.
With the introduction of ATMS, the expressway aims to improve emergency response, monitor traffic violations, and ensure smoother commutes—marking a significant upgrade in India’s road infrastructure framework.

Google DeepMind unveils AI model that runs without data network on robots

In a breakthrough for robotics and artificial intelligence, Google DeepMind has announced the launch of a new on-device AI model that can run directly on robotic systems—without the need for constant internet connectivity.
Called Gemini Robotics On-Device, the AI-powered vision-language-action (VLA) model enables general-purpose dexterity and rapid task adaptation. The announcement was made via a blog post on Tuesday, June 24, by Carolina Parada, Senior Director and Head of Robotics at Google DeepMind.

“Since the model operates independently of a data network, it’s helpful for latency-sensitive applications and ensures robustness in environments with intermittent or zero connectivity,” Parada said.

The system builds on the Gemini Robotics platform introduced in March and is specially designed for bi-arm robotic devices. Unlike earlier models, this version can follow natural language instructions and perform complex, real-world tasks — such as unzipping bags, folding clothes, pouring salad dressing, or assembling products — with high precision.

Importantly, this is Google DeepMind’s first VLA model available for fine-tuning, allowing developers to further customize the AI for specific use cases. According to Parada, the model can adapt to new tasks with as few as 50 to 100 demonstrations, a significant improvement in task generalization and learning efficiency.
While many actions will work “out of the box,” the on-device model's ability to generalize foundational knowledge and adapt quickly makes it suitable for a wide range of practical applications — from industrial automation to household robotics.

The launch marks Google’s growing momentum in the race to develop AI-powered generalist robots that can understand and execute human instructions with natural ease. It also reflects the broader shift in Silicon Valley toward multimodal AI systems that combine text, image, and audio processing to enable smarter machines. As tech giants including Google, Tesla, and Amazon race to embed large language models into robotics, Gemini’s offline, fine-tunable architecture could offer Google a key edge in real-world deployments.

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Today in AI: Alexa+ hits 1 million | Google's new internet-less AI | OpenAI vs Microsoft

The digital backbone of Bharat’s economy is strengthening. The third edition of the MSME Digital Index Report, released today by PayNearby, India’s leading branchless banking and digital network, reveals that YouTube is the go-to platform for entertainment, learning, and brand-related content among 70% Indian MSMEs. Also, 73% of small businesses across semi-urban and rural India have seen increased income or improved operational efficiency as a result of adopting digital tools. With smartphones becoming the dominant mode of business management and UPI emerging as the most preferred transaction method, the findings indicate a deeper, more confident shift towards digital enablement at the last mile.

The third edition of the MSME Digital Index 2025 showcases digital consumption, tech awareness, behavioural patterns, and business transformation among micro-entrepreneurs, with a focus on gender representation. The insights were gathered through a nationwide survey conducted among 10,000 individuals and MSMEs in retail-focused segments such as kirana stores, mobile recharge outlets, medical shops, customer service points (CSPs), and travel agencies.

Smartphone usage remains central to their operations, with 71% of respondents citing it as their primary business device. Among women entrepreneurs, this number is significantly higher at 84%, indicating rising comfort with mobile-led infrastructure in driving customer engagement. Daily internet usage continues to rise, with 69% respondents consuming between 2GB to 5GB of data, largely supported by mobile hotspots, with 86% spending around ₹500–₹1,000 per month on internet usage.

Digital payments continue to gain strong acceptance among MSMEs, with UPI emerging as the most preferred mode of transaction at 48%, followed by Aadhaar-enabled banking at 39%. Among women entrepreneurs, Aadhaar banking saw even higher preference at 42%, reflecting increasing trust in secure, tech-enabled services such as fingerprint and face authentication. These channels offer transaction efficiency and payment convenience, while also helping them build digital credibility for improved access to formal credit in the future.

The impact of going digital is becoming more tangible for small businesses. Of those reporting benefits from digital adoption, 33% cited improved operational efficiency. These insights point to a growing realisation among MSMEs that digital tools are not just convenient but critical for scaling businesses sustainably in a competitive market.
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As digital tools become more embedded in daily business, the role of language and ease of use becomes increasingly important. 56% of respondents prefer English for understanding and navigating platforms, followed by Hindi at 25%. Among women entrepreneurs, 38% expressed a preference for vernacular interfaces, highlighting the continued need for regionally localised, intuitive tech platforms that better reflect how Bharat operates.
A small but notable 7% of respondents have begun exploring automated or AI-powered tools, including inventory apps, automated billing systems, and customer engagement platforms, mostly through third-party solutions. This emerging trend is reflected in the growing use of structured digital workflows such as transaction reports, WhatsApp-based follow-ups, and service-wise earnings tracking. It marks a shift toward more efficient, process-driven ways of working. These early signals point to rising curiosity and readiness among small businesses to explore advanced tools, as solutions become simpler to understand and use.

A growing number of respondents, both men and women, are actively building their skills to use these tools more effectively. Around 26% of respondents reported attending some form of training, whether through local community programs, online tutorials, or partner-led workshops. This reflects a shift from passive adoption to active learning, with small businesses showing increasing interest in building digital skills for long-term success.

Among women respondents, 79% reported that digital adoption had a measurable positive impact on their business performance. Nearly half said that access to digital services enabled them to contribute more actively to household finances, make independent decisions, or expand their customer base. Beyond financial gains, many also cited improved confidence in managing their businesses digitally, marking an early but important shift in long-term behavioural and social change.

The use of business software among MSMEs continues to evolve. Accounting tools are now used by 30% of respondents, followed by 18% using point-of-sale (POS) systems and 13% adopting customer relationship management (CRM) platforms. POS usage among women respondents has shown a notable increase, with 22% reporting adoption.
WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business remain the most commonly used communication tools for business purposes across both male and female respondents, supporting activities such as product promotions, customer engagement, and order coordination. While the social and entertainment app landscape continues to evolve, the choice of platforms increasingly reflects business intent.

Commenting on the report findings, Anand Kumar Bajaj, Founder, MD & CEO, PayNearby, said, “The MSME sector is the backbone of Bharat’s economy, and the rapid adoption of digital tools such as smartphones, UPI, Aadhaar-enabled banking, and emerging AI workflows is proof that this segment is embracing modernisation. What stands out is not just usage, but growing digital confidence across the country. That confidence is enabling entrepreneurs to operate more efficiently and tap into formal financial systems with ease and transparency.”

“At PayNearby, our mission is to empower these change-makers by making technology intuitive, affordable, and focused on solving real business problems. From enabling banking at local retail touchpoints to opening access to credit through our partnerships, we are committed to equipping every retailer, entrepreneur, and household with the tools they need to prosper in a connected future.”

Commenting on the MSME Digital Index, Jayatri Dasgupta, CMO, PayNearby and Program Director, Digital Naari, said, “This year’s report highlights the growing participation of women in the digital economy, particularly across financial services and customer engagement. As more women take on entrepreneurial roles, it becomes essential to design solutions that are localised, easy to use, and built for convenience. Their engagement is creating tangible outcomes not just for their businesses but for their communities, accelerating change where it is needed most.”
“Women respondents, who accounted for 34% of this year’s sample, are demonstrating greater confidence in managing their business digitally. Through the Digital Naari programme, we continue to support the momentum by equipping women with the knowledge, tools, and support needed to become financially self-reliant and active contributors to Bharat’s digital progress.”

The MSME Digital Index 2025 reaffirms a clear message. As technology becomes integral to income generation, financial security, and enterprise growth, the need for cross-sector collaboration is more crucial than ever. Fintechs, policymakers, corporates, and community institutions must come together to remove residual barriers and build a digitally resilient MSME economy.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/we-have-to-be-owners-of-technology-not-users-says-ril-chairman-mukesh-ambani-71815.htm">Read More: 'We have to be owners of technology, not users,' says RIL Chairman Mukesh Ambani</a>

Bharat’s digital backbone strengthens: 73% MSMEs report higher income via smartphones and UPI

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal has said that India is firmly on track to becoming the world’s third-largest economy by 2027, with the country's GDP expected to cross the $5 trillion mark within the next three years.

Speaking at a webinar organised by the Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) on Tuesday, Goyal emphasised India’s resilience and momentum in navigating global economic challenges. The session, titled ‘India’s March Towards a $5 Trillion Economy: Navigating Global Challenges’, focused on the country's strategic direction amid geopolitical and financial headwinds.

“By 2027, we hope to become the third largest economy in the world,” Goyal said, projecting confidence in India’s growth trajectory.

He attributed this progress to the collective efforts of stakeholders—including the government, trade, industry, and the country’s 140 crore citizens—all of whom, he said, were aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Drawing on historical precedent, the minister remarked, “Great economies are not built in calm waters. Great economies are built in turbulent seas.” He called on the country to seize the current opportunity and not let the momentum slip away.

Goyal also highlighted how India has successfully protected its strategic interests in sensitive sectors while securing advantages in areas where domestic industries hold a comparative edge. “We have consistently ensured that Indian businesses are not disadvantaged in global negotiations,” he added.

Reflecting on India’s broader economic journey, Goyal said the country has moved decisively from being part of the “fragile five” to securing a position among the world’s top five economies. “We have a strong macroeconomic foundation. Our banking system is strong and robust, with a high ability to lend. Our inflation is among the lowest India has ever seen—down to 3 per cent again,” he noted.

Goyal also acknowledged the MCCI’s role in fostering dialogue between the government and industry, especially during Amrit Kaal, the crucial phase leading up to the centenary of India’s independence. He said such forums help policymakers stay connected to the ground realities and respond effectively to the needs of businesses amid global turbulence.

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Piyush Goyal says India set to be third-largest economy by 2027

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said he spoke with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella earlier this week to discuss the future of their companies' strategic partnership.

Altman made the remarks during an interview on The New York Times podcast on Tuesday, amid ongoing reports that Microsoft is reassessing the terms of its investment in the artificial intelligence pioneer.

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Microsoft, OpenAI's largest backer, is in active discussions with the startup over revising key aspects of its multi-billion-dollar investment, including the extend of its future equity stake.

According to earlier reports from The Wall Street Journal, Microsoft is seeking to renegotiate its position as OpenAI continues to scale rapidly. Meanwhile, The Financial Times reported that the tech giant could put negotiations on hold if both parties fail to agree on critical issues.

Neither Microsoft nor OpenAI has issued official comments in response to the reports.

In addition to discussing corporate matters, Altman also revealed that he recently had "productive talks" with U.S. President Donald Trump on the broader implications of artificial intelligence.

He praised Trump's understanding of AI's economic and geopolitical impact.

Trump, who has returned to the spotlight in policy circles, announced earlier this year a $500 billion private sector AI infrastructure initiative dubbed "Stargate," backed by major players including SoftBank, OpenAI, and Oracle.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/openai-announces-500-bn-stargate-project-to-strengthen-u-s-leadership-in-ai-54202.htm">Donald Trump announces $500 bn Stargate Project to strengthen U.S. leadership in AI</a>

Sam Altman confirms talks with Satya Nadella on future of AI partnership

The partnership between Microsoft and OpenAI, once hailed as one of the most synergistic collaborations in tech, is starting to show cracks—particularly as both companies now find themselves vying for the same enterprise customers, as reported by Bloomberg.

Take Amgen Inc., for example. In 2023, the biopharmaceutical company announced plans to integrate Microsoft’s Copilot AI assistant into workflows for 20,000 employees. Microsoft celebrated the win with not one, but three separate case studies. But in a plot twist that underscores the brewing rivalry, Amgen’s workforce has shifted gears, now actively using OpenAI’s ChatGPT for various tasks—such as research and scientific summarization.

“OpenAI has done a tremendous job making their product fun to use,” said Amgen Senior VP Sean Bruich, acknowledging that while Copilot remains useful within Microsoft’s ecosystem—like Outlook and Teams—ChatGPT is being increasingly preferred for broader generative AI tasks.

OpenAI’s Corporate Push Rattles Microsoft
Behind the scenes, OpenAI’s growing presence in the corporate AI space is raising eyebrows at Microsoft, which has invested nearly $14 billion in the startup. Microsoft’s sales teams, already under pressure to drive Copilot adoption, now face the awkward reality of being undercut by their own partner.

While Microsoft has relied on deep-rooted enterprise relationships to promote Copilot, OpenAI is aggressively targeting the same clients with direct business offerings, educational tools, and a rapidly expanding suite of enterprise products. OpenAI’s acquisition of Windsurf, an AI coding assistant competing with Microsoft’s GitHub Copilot, is the latest sign of its independent ambitions.

The startup claims it now has 3 million paying business users, a sharp 50% increase in just a few months. Microsoft counters that 70% of Fortune 500 firms are using Copilot and that the number of paid users has tripled year-on-year. But the optics remain troubling for Microsoft, especially when its customers are openly experimenting with OpenAI’s tools.

Familiarity and First-Mover Advantage
One of Microsoft’s key hurdles is that many professionals were already using ChatGPT informally—well before Copilot entered the workplace. This has given OpenAI a first-mover advantage. Microsoft’s AI chief Jared Spataro downplays this, stating that consumer familiarity doesn’t necessarily translate to enterprise fit. He argued that Microsoft’s strength lies in tailoring models to business needs and ensuring compliance with security protocols.

Still, insiders say Microsoft’s go-to-market push has struggled to clearly differentiate Copilot from ChatGPT. Both tools rely heavily on OpenAI’s foundational models, and updates from OpenAI often appear first on ChatGPT—leaving Microsoft playing catch-up due to internal testing and approval delays.

Companies Test Both Platforms
Some companies are hedging their bets. New York Life, for example, is rolling out both Copilot and ChatGPT to its 12,000 employees. The insurer plans to monitor engagement and feedback before making a long-term decision. “Let’s take some time to evaluate usage and adoption, and let’s see what really sticks,” said Don Vu, the company’s Chief Data and Analytics Officer.

Others, like Bain & Co., are seeing stronger internal uptake of ChatGPT despite long-standing ties with Microsoft. About 16,000 Bain employees use ChatGPT, compared to just 2,000 on Copilot, mostly within Microsoft Office applications. “It’s improving, but I don’t think [Copilot] is at the same level as ChatGPT,” said Bain CTO Ramesh Razdan.

Microsoft’s Pricing Edge Under Threat
Microsoft has long leaned on its pricing advantage: Copilot costs $30 per user per month, while ChatGPT Enterprise has reportedly gone as high as $60 per user. But that gap may not last. OpenAI is now experimenting with usage-based pricing and bundled discounts for customers who adopt multiple AI products.

Still, Microsoft is scoring some large wins. According to internal presentations seen by Bloomberg, firms like Accenture, Barclays, and Volkswagen each have more than 100,000 Copilot users. CEO Satya Nadella praised these milestones but stressed that the real goal is mass adoption across Microsoft’s product suite.

A Complicated Partnership
The corporate AI turf war is only adding strain to an already complex relationship between the two companies. Microsoft has begun investing in other AI startups and is reportedly reluctant to approve parts of OpenAI’s internal restructuring. Meanwhile, OpenAI has built infrastructure for its own subscription offerings, signed deals with Microsoft’s cloud competitors, and is aggressively expanding into the very markets Microsoft hoped to dominate alone.

As the lines between partner and competitor blur, one thing is clear: The battle for AI dominance in the enterprise space is just heating up. And for Microsoft, it may be fighting that battle on two fronts—against rivals like Google and Amazon, and now, against its own billion-dollar partner.

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OpenAI eats into Microsoft’s turf? ChatGPT gains ground in corporate AI race

With the world's largest digital population and a media economy evolving at warp speed, India is asserting itself as a global force in the digital entertainment revolution. 

The Storyboard18 Digital Entertainment Summit (DES), scheduled for June 27 at The Leela Palace in New Delhi, signals and celebrates this transformation. Backed by Network18 Group - with flagship platforms like CNBC-TV18, CNN-News18, Moneycontrol, and Forbes India - the summit comes at a time when the global digital power structure is being redefined, and India is in pole position.

Set against the backdrop of the government's landmark World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), DES 2025 aims to spotlight policy innovations, new frontiers in gaming, and the tech ecosystem's next growth wave. 

The event is expected to unpack India's strategy for leading the digital entertainment economy, with top policymakers outlining how talent, technology, and governance will fuel future-ready growth.

Powering India's Next Entertainment Boom

India's digital momentum is backed by numbers. The country's gaming market alone clocked $3.8 billion in FY24 — a 23% YoY surge. Artificial intelligence, emerging tech, and digital skilling are converging to create an ecosystem ripe for innovation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for advancing the AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) sector has already catalysed this surge.

At DES 2025, top policymakers and industry stalwarts will come together to chart the next course for India's entertainment and creative economy - especially in gaming, monetization, regulation, and skilling.

Jayant Chaudhary

Union Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary will be a key voice at the summit. A third-generation politician and a modern reformer, Chaudhary has transitioned from farmer advocacy to shaping India's youth and startup-focused policy frameworks. With degrees from Delhi University and London School of Economics, his global perspective and grassroots grounding position him uniquely to scale India's talent pipeline for the entertainment and gaming sectors.

Chaudhary's ministry is a cornerstone for enabling India's creative and digital workforce - one that the summit will position as central to the next phase of the global media economy.

Sanjay Jaju

A seasoned officer from the 1992 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Jaju took charge as Secretary of the I&B Ministry of February 5, 2024. With a deep understanding of policy and reform, Jaju brings a wealth of cross-sectional experience to the ministry at a crucial moment when India's digital media economy is on the cusp of exponential growth.

Before taking over at the I&B Ministry, Jaju served as Additional Secretary in the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence. There, he played a pivotal role in propelling India's defence and aerospace manufacturing through policies aimed at increasing investments under the "Make in India" initiative.

Earlier in his career, he served as Secretary in the Information Technology & Communications and Food and Civil Supplies Departments in the Government of Andhra Pradesh. Notably, he led the full-cycle execution of the Aadhaar registration drive across the undivided state - a foundational project that transformed welfare deilvery and identity verification.

Dr. L. Murugan

Dr. Loganathan Murugan brings with him a unique blend of legal expertise, grassroots political experience, and a deep understanding of public communication in the digital area.

A Rajya Sabha MP representing Madhya Pradesh, he has served in various capacities, most notably as Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting; and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying from 2021 to 2024.

His current portfolio reinforces his critical role in overseeing the evolving intersection of media, governance, and public discourse.

His legal acumen - shaped by a law degree from Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law College and a doctorate from the University of Madras - has been central to his public life. Before entering politics full-time, he practiced law for over 15 years and served as Standing Counsel to the Government of India at the Madras High Court.

Dilsher Malhi

A firm believer in responsible innovation, Malhi has built Zupee into a powerhouse of culture-driven, tech-first casual gaming - earning the trust of over 100 million users across the country.

At just 23, the IIT Kanpur alumnus founded Zupee in 2018 with a mission to reimagine traditional Indian games for a modern audience. From Ludo to Snakes & Ladders, he revived familiar formats and brought them into the digital age, fusing nostalgia with innovation.

His work integrates frontier technologies like AI-based anti-cheat systems and blockchain to promote fair play and transparency - principles that are core to Zupee's rapid ascent and reputation.

The Storyboard18 Digital Entertainment Summit will not only bring together government officials and policy thinkers, but also industry stalwarts, gaming innovators, and content creators. As India moves from being the world's largest consumer of digital content to one of its most influential creators, forums like DES are central to shaping policy, strategy, and collaboration.

READ MORE: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/des">DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT SUMMIT</a>

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Policymakers and industry stalwarts to headline Storyboard18’s Digital Entertainment Summit 2025

A new international survey conducted by U.S.-based software company Icertis has highlighted growing pressure on corporate leadership worldwide amid economic turbulence and rapid technological shifts—particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI). The research, which included insights from over 1,000 senior executives across multiple regions, revealed that Indian CXOs are among the most heavily impacted by these ongoing changes.

Of the 1,000 C-suite executives surveyed, 300 were from India, and their responses painted a more intense picture of stress and uncertainty compared to their global peers. An overwhelming 94% of Indian executives said the pressure to deliver tangible business outcomes has intensified over the past year. Even more strikingly, 73% reported a “significant increase” in this pressure, far exceeding their counterparts in the U.S. (61%) and the U.K. (57%).

Trade Uncertainty Strain
One of the major stressors cited by Indian business leaders was global trade uncertainty. Over 90% of Indian respondents expressed concern that evolving tariff structures could directly impact their company's financial performance. To mitigate potential disruptions, 64% said they are actively reviewing existing contracts in search of cost-saving opportunities. Other common strategies included rethinking long-term sourcing models (48%) and restructuring supply chains (47%)—a reflection of the cautious recalibration taking place across boardrooms.

At the center of the current C-suite anxiety is the pressure to deliver returns on AI investments. More than 56% of Indian leaders said the demand to show AI-driven outcomes has added a significant burden to their roles—higher than in the U.S. (45%) and the U.K. (38%). The pace of technological change, paired with the lack of clarity about which AI tools actually work, has left many decision-makers overwhelmed.

AI Washing
Adding to the confusion is the phenomenon known as “AI washing”—where vendors claim their solutions are powered by advanced AI without any real substance. 62% of Indian executives said they feel “extremely inundated” by these misleading marketing pitches, again significantly higher than the 46% figure in the U.S. and 36% in the U.K.

Another layer of complexity comes from the need to understand AI technologies that were traditionally outside their expertise. Nearly 80% of Indian CXOs admitted feeling pressured to get up to speed on new AI concepts just to stay competitive. The sheer speed of change has left many corporate leaders racing to catch up, while still trying to steer their organizations in the right direction.

Optimistic view
Despite the obvious stressors, the survey also revealed a clear sense of optimism about AI’s potential. Nearly half of Indian executives said AI is already contributing positively to their company’s bottom line, while another 32% expect to see significant impact by the end of 2025.

AI-driven contract intelligence in particular has emerged as a critical area of opportunity. A staggering 98% of Indian executives are now using AI to extract insights from contract data, while 99% believe that contract management tools are no longer optional—but essential to navigating the complexities of today’s business landscape.

According to Icertis, as the AI revolution redefines how decisions are made, intelligent contract systems are offering executives a clearer view of risks and opportunities. For Indian CXOs grappling with uncertainty, these tools may provide not just relief—but an edge.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/us-judge-rejects-mass-surveillance-claims-over-chatgpt-chat-log-preservation-in-copyright-suit-71738.htm">Read More: US judge rejects mass surveillance claims over ChatGPT chat log preservation in copyright suit</a>

Nearly 60% of Indian CXOs feel strained by AI investments: Survey

A U.S. judge has dismissed concerns that an order requiring OpenAI to preserve all ChatGPT chat logs constitutes a “nationwide mass surveillance program,” ruling that the data retention is limited in scope and purpose.

The ruling came in response to objections filed by ChatGPT users after Judge Ona Wang instructed OpenAI to indefinitely retain user chat data—including deleted logs—as part of an ongoing copyright lawsuit.

One objector, a business owner who integrates ChatGPT into company operations, argued that the court order risked exposing confidential materials such as trade secrets and source code. The judge dismissed this filing on procedural grounds, noting the business failed to retain legal representation.

Another user argued the order would harm ChatGPT users by storing "highly sensitive" personal and commercial information, likening the court's directive to a national surveillance effort. Judge Wang rejected that argument as well, stating, “Proposed Intervenor does not explain how a court’s document retention order… is, or could be, a ‘nationwide mass surveillance program.’”

She clarified that the retention directive is solely for litigation purposes and does not involve making user data public. OpenAI has indicated it will continue to challenge the order.

Still, the case highlights growing legal tensions around AI, privacy, and user data. While OpenAI’s systems may not constitute surveillance in the traditional sense, the case serves as a reminder that user interactions with AI platforms are not inherently private—especially when courts get involved.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/today-in-ai-google-tests-ai-mode-in-india-ai-affects-tech-jobs-india-uses-ai-to-map-heat-71641.htm">Read More: Today in AI: Google tests AI mode in India | AI affects tech jobs | India uses AI to map heat</a>

US judge rejects mass surveillance claims over ChatGPT chat log preservation in copyright suit

In a significant development in India’s media and tech landscape, Streambox Media Private Limited, the company behind the ambitious DOR TV platform, has officially shut down operations, effectively discontinuing all associated services. The announcement, issued in May 2025, marks the abrupt end of what was touted as India’s first subscription-only television service.

The company confirmed that both the DOR subscription service and the DOR TV app have been permanently shut down. Customers were informed that no further payments are required and that all customer support, warranty coverage, updates, and technical assistance have been discontinued. While the DOR TV device will still function as a smart television, all core services provided by DOR, including exclusive content and platform support, are now offline.

"We regret to inform our users that Streambox Media Private Limited has officially ceased operations, effective May 2025. As a result, the DOR subscription service, along with the DOR TV App, will no longer be available," the company said, whily notifying users.


Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/television/streambox-media-launches-dor-as-indias-first-subscription-tv-service-48539.htm">Streambox Media launches Dor as 'India’s first subscription TV service'</a>


In November, Streambox Media, a strategic media-tech venture founded by Anuj Gandhi and backed by Micromax Informatics, along with Nikhil Kamath and Stride Ventures, launched Dor, a subscription-based Television Service. This set went live in India through Flipkart on December 1st, 2024, subsequently opening to other platforms and the offline distribution ecosystem.

The subscription service integrated 4K QLED TV with SVOD OTT streaming platforms, AVOD platforms, Live channels, Gaming, News and more into a single, affordable monthly subscription plan. Powered by India’s indigenously designed and developed, Dor TV OS, the subscription platform claimed to ensure an intuitive and unified viewing experience for consumers, eliminating fragmented navigation across multiple devices or apps.

India’s first subscription-based TV platform DOR shuts down as Streambox Media ceases operations

In order to curb Google's dominance and enable a more competitive digital market, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), Britain's competition watchdog, has put forward changes to tech giant Google's search engine operations (SEO).

They announced that it was consulting to designate Google with 'strategic market status' owing to its strong dominance of the UK search market, where it handles more than 90 percent of the search queries.

If this is finalised in October after the consultation process is done, this designation could reportedly push Google to implement fair ranking measures, enhance transparency for publishers, facilitate data portability for competitors and pave a easier route to access rival search services.

More than 2,00,000 businesses in the United Kingdom (UK) rely on Google's search advertising. 

The tech giant's senior director of competition Oliver Bethell opined that the CMA's approach lacks focus and evidence of anti-competitive behaviour, as per media reports. 

However, CMA highlighted that the rise of generative AI (Gen AI) could disrupt the search market. The watchdog added that it will monitor its evolving usage.

Recently, Google faced a major blow in its prolonged legal battle with the European Union, as a senior legal adviser to the bloc's highest court recommended rejecting the company's attempt to overturn a $4.7 billion antitrust fine over its Android operating system.

Juliane Kokott, advocate general at the European Court of Justice (ECJ), reportedly issued a non-binding option urging the court to dismiss Google's appeal and uphold a 2022 ruling from a lower tribunal that slightly trimmed the original fine imposed by the European Commission in 2018.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/google-faces-setback-in-effort-to-overturn-eu-antitrust-fine-in-android-case-71100.htm">Google faces setback in effort to overturn EU antitrust fine in Android case</a>