Will AI Make College Degrees a Thing of the Past? Vinod Khosla Thinks So

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5 Key Takeaways

• Vinod Khosla claims college degrees are becoming obsolete due to superior AI-driven education tools.
• AI tutors can provide continuous, on-demand learning that surpasses traditional private instruction and elite schools.
• Khosla envisions AI democratizing access to top-tier education, allowing students to switch disciplines without lengthy college commitments.
• He predicts AI will make legal, medical, and financial expertise universally accessible, reducing barriers and bottlenecks.
• Khosla sees AI as a societal equalizer, rendering traditional degrees and gatekeepers relics of the past.

Are College Degrees Becoming Obsolete? Vinod Khosla Thinks So—Here’s Why
Is the traditional college degree on its way out? According to Vinod Khosla, a billionaire tech investor and co-founder of Sun Microsystems, the answer is a resounding yes. In a recent conversation with Nikhil Kamath on his podcast, Khosla shared his bold vision for the future of education—and it’s all about artificial intelligence (AI).
Khosla believes that AI-powered tutors are about to change everything we know about learning. Imagine every child in India, or anywhere in the world, having access to a free, personalized AI tutor. According to Khosla, this isn’t just a dream—it’s already possible with today’s technology. He points to CK-12, an educational tech company started by his wife, as an example of how AI can deliver high-quality education to anyone, anywhere.
So, what does this mean for expensive private schools and elite universities? Khosla says their days are numbered. AI tutors can offer round-the-clock, on-demand help that goes far beyond what traditional teachers or tutors can provide. Students could learn at their own pace, switch subjects easily, and get instant feedback—without the need for years of formal schooling or costly degrees.
“If you want to switch from electrical engineering to mechanical engineering, or even from medicine to something else, you won’t have to go back to college for three or five years,” Khosla explains. Instead, you could simply learn what you need, when you need it, with the help of AI.
But Khosla’s vision doesn’t stop at education. He imagines a world where AI makes expert advice in law, medicine, and finance available to everyone. “Imagine if every lawyer or judge was free,” he says. AI could help clear up the backlog in India’s courts and make justice accessible to people who can’t afford legal help. The same goes for financial advice—Khosla predicts that soon, even someone earning a modest income will have access to the best financial guidance, thanks to AI.
For Khosla, AI isn’t just a new technology—it’s a tool that can level the playing field. He believes that degrees and traditional gatekeepers are becoming outdated. In his view, the future belongs to those who can learn and adapt quickly, with the help of AI, rather than those who simply collect diplomas.
It’s a radical idea, but one thing’s clear: the way we learn—and the value we place on college degrees—may be about to change forever.

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TCS Layoffs: A Wake-Up Call for India’s Next-Gen IT Revolution

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5 Key Takeaways

• TCS layoffs highlight a shift in India's IT sector from mass hiring to specialized, higher-skilled roles, driven by AI and automation.
• AI is accelerating the need for industry reinvention, making traditional cost-based models less relevant and emphasizing skill, IP, and product leadership.
• Not all current employees can be retrained for new roles, and companies must prioritize innovation and shareholder value over maintaining headcount.
• Measuring sector health should move beyond fresher hiring numbers to focus on revenue per employee, digital and consulting revenue, and creation of intellectual property.
• India must invest in large-scale skill transformation, modernize education from school to higher degrees, and foster industry-academia co-creation to remain globally competitive in the AI era.

TCS Layoffs: Should We Worry About India’s IT Future?
Recently, news broke that Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s largest IT company, plans to lay off up to 12,000 employees. This has understandably caused a lot of anxiety, especially among young professionals and fresh graduates who have long seen IT as a safe and promising career. So, is this the end of India’s IT success story? Not quite. Let’s break down what’s really happening and what it means for the future.
Why Are Layoffs Happening?
TCS says the layoffs are due to a “skill mismatch”—meaning the skills some employees have are no longer what the company needs. While many worry that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is taking away jobs, TCS insists that’s not the main reason. Meanwhile, other big IT companies like Infosys are actually hiring more freshers and retraining over 200,000 employees in new areas like AI and cloud computing.
The Changing Shape of IT Jobs
For years, Indian IT companies hired thousands of fresh graduates every year, trained them, and sent them to work on global projects. This “pyramid” model is now changing. Instead of lots of entry-level jobs, companies need more mid-level experts with specialized skills. The industry is moving from a focus on cost and scale to one on expertise and innovation.
Is This the End of the Road?
Not at all. Indian IT companies have a strong reputation worldwide for reliability and quality. They’ve adapted before—whether it was the Y2K bug, the rise of outsourcing, or the shift to digital services. The arrival of AI is just the latest challenge, but also a big opportunity.
What’s Next for Indian IT?
The future will need fewer, but more highly skilled, workers—think cybersecurity experts, AI specialists, data engineers, and cloud architects. These jobs pay better and are harder to automate, but they require deeper knowledge. Not everyone can be retrained for these roles, and that’s why some layoffs are happening.
What Should India Do?

Rethink Education: Schools and colleges need to teach new skills, especially in AI, cybersecurity, and data science, starting from a young age.
Focus on Quality, Not Just Quantity: Instead of counting how many freshers are hired, we should look at how much value each employee brings.
Encourage Lifelong Learning: The industry, government, and educational institutions must work together to help people keep learning new skills throughout their careers.

The Bottom Line
AI and new technologies will change the IT industry, but India’s story is far from over. With the right focus on skills and innovation, Indian IT can continue to shine on the global stage—just in a new way.

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Google’s Gemini 2.5 Deep Think: Redefining AI Reasoning Power

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5 Key Takeaways

• Google has launched Gemini 2.5 Deep Think, a new AI reasoning feature for Google AI Ultra subscribers.
• Gemini 2.5 Deep Think outperforms competitors like Grok-4 and OpenAI o3 in complex reasoning tasks.
• The feature is available in the Gemini app, with users able to enable it via the Gemini 2.5 Pro option and a daily prompt limit.
• Deep Think integrates with tools such as code execution and Google Search for enhanced functionality.
• Google plans to expand access to Deep Think through the Gemini API, allowing broader use by developers and enterprise testers.

Google Unveils Gemini 2.5 Deep Think: The Next Big Leap in AI Reasoning
If you’ve been following the world of artificial intelligence, you know that Google’s Gemini models have been making waves. Now, Google has just launched something even more impressive: Gemini 2.5 Deep Think. This new feature is designed to take AI reasoning to the next level—and early reports say it’s already outperforming some of the biggest names in the field, including Grok-4 and OpenAI’s o3.
What is Gemini 2.5 Deep Think?
Gemini 2.5 Deep Think is a powerful new AI tool that’s now available to Google AI Ultra subscribers through the Gemini app. What sets Deep Think apart is its ability to handle really complex reasoning tasks—think of it as an AI that can “think deeper” and solve tougher problems than before. After months of testing and research behind the scenes, Google is finally letting more people try it out.
How Can You Use It?
If you’re a Google AI Ultra subscriber, getting started is easy. Just open the Gemini app, select the Gemini 2.5 Pro model, and turn on the “Deep Think” option. There’s a limit to how many prompts you can use each day, but the feature works seamlessly with other tools like code execution and Google Search. This means you can ask Deep Think to help with everything from writing code to answering tricky research questions.
Why Does This Matter?
AI models are getting smarter, but true “reasoning”—the ability to connect the dots, solve puzzles, and think through complicated scenarios—has always been a challenge. With Deep Think, Google is pushing the boundaries of what AI can do. Early users say it’s already beating out competitors like Grok-4 and OpenAI o3 when it comes to handling tough questions and complex tasks.
What’s Next?
Google isn’t stopping here. The company plans to open up access to Deep Think through the Gemini API, which means developers and businesses will soon be able to build their own apps and tools using this advanced AI. This could lead to smarter chatbots, better research assistants, and new ways to solve problems in fields like science, education, and business.
In Short
Gemini 2.5 Deep Think is Google’s latest step forward in AI, offering more powerful reasoning than ever before. Whether you’re a developer, a researcher, or just curious about the future of technology, this is one AI breakthrough you’ll want to keep an eye on.

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Will Your Company Survive the Next Decade? Why 70% Won’t—and How You Can Beat the Odds

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5 Key Takeaways

• 70% of companies are predicted not to survive the next decade
• Jason Averbook shared this insight at TechHR’25
• The statement highlights significant business risks ahead
• Adaptation and innovation may be crucial for company survival
• The information underscores the urgency for organizational change

Why Most Companies Might Not Survive the Next 10 Years – And What That Means for You
Have you ever wondered what the future holds for the companies we know today? According to Jason Averbook, a well-known expert in the world of work and technology, the future might be a lot more uncertain than we think. Speaking at the TechHR’25 conference, Averbook made a bold prediction: 70% of companies that exist today won’t survive the next decade.
That’s a huge number! Imagine walking down a street lined with businesses – in ten years, only three out of every ten of those companies might still be around. So, what’s behind this dramatic forecast?
The World is Changing Fast
Averbook points out that the main reason for this massive shake-up is the rapid pace of change in technology and the way we work. New tools, software, and ways of doing business are popping up all the time. Companies that can’t keep up with these changes risk falling behind – and eventually disappearing.
Think about how quickly things have changed in just the last few years. Remote work, artificial intelligence, and automation have all become part of our daily lives. Businesses that adapted quickly to these trends have thrived, while others have struggled.
It’s Not Just About Technology
But it’s not only about having the latest gadgets or software. Averbook says that companies also need to change the way they think and operate. This means being open to new ideas, listening to employees, and being willing to try new things. Companies that stick to “the way we’ve always done it” are the ones most at risk.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you work for a company, or even run your own business, this prediction is a wake-up call. The key to survival is adaptability. Here are a few things you can do:

Stay Curious: Keep learning about new trends in your industry.
Be Open to Change: Don’t be afraid to try new ways of working.
Focus on People: Technology is important, but so is listening to your team and customers.

The next decade will bring big changes, but it’s also full of opportunities. Companies that are willing to learn, adapt, and grow will be the ones that survive – and even thrive – in the years to come.
So, whether you’re an employee or a business owner, now is the time to get ready for the future!

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India Launches Nation’s Largest AI Training Drive for Teachers: Here’s What’s Changing in Classrooms

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5 Key Takeaways

• upEducators and Google for Education have launched a nationwide AI training program for over 10,000 teachers in India.
• The initiative runs from July to December 2025, targeting both K–12 and higher education educators.
• Training covers AI literacy, prompt writing, ethical AI use, and practical classroom applications using tools like Gemini.
• Workshops are delivered both virtually and in-person, with tailored materials for school and college-level educators.
• The program supports NEP 2020’s vision for technology-enabled education and encourages school leaders to nominate teaching teams.

India’s Biggest AI Training Mission for Teachers: What You Need to Know
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword—it’s changing the way we live, work, and even learn. To make sure our schools and colleges keep up with these changes, a massive new initiative has just launched in India. Over 10,000 teachers across the country will soon be trained in using AI in their classrooms, thanks to a partnership between upEducators (a leading teacher training platform) and Google for Education.
What’s This All About?
Starting July 1, 2025, and running until the end of the year, this nationwide program aims to help teachers from both schools (K-12) and colleges learn how to use AI tools effectively. The goal is simple: prepare educators to use AI in ways that make learning more engaging, personalized, and effective for students.
What Will Teachers Learn?
The training will cover a range of important topics, including:

Understanding AI Basics: Teachers will get hands-on experience with popular AI tools like Gemini and Notebook.
Writing Better Prompts: They’ll learn how to ask the right questions and give clear instructions to AI tools, which is key to getting useful results.
Using AI Responsibly: The program will focus on the safe and ethical use of AI, so teachers can guide students in using these technologies wisely.
Boosting Creativity and Productivity: Teachers will discover how AI can help them create lesson plans, assess students, and make classroom activities more interactive.
Solving Real-World Problems: The training includes practical examples and case studies, so teachers can see exactly how AI can be used in their own classrooms.

How Will the Training Happen?
upEducators will run a series of workshops, both online and in-person, so teachers from all over India can take part. The training is designed to be practical and relevant, with materials tailored for both school and college educators.
Why Is This Important?
With technology moving so fast, it’s crucial for teachers to stay ahead. upEducators has already trained over 35,000 teachers in digital skills and new teaching methods, so they know what today’s classrooms need. As Ankush Bhandari, the founder of upEducators, puts it: “AI is not the future anymore—it is the present.”
This initiative also supports the government’s vision (as outlined in the NEP 2020) for technology-driven education. School principals and academic leaders are encouraged to nominate their teachers for this program, helping their schools stay ahead in an AI-powered world.
In short, this is a big step towards making sure our teachers—and students—are ready for the future!

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Modi’s Swadeshi Call: How ‘Vocal for Local’ Could Power India’s Economic Rise

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5 Key Takeaways

• PM Modi emphasized that India is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy and must remain vigilant about its own economic interests amid global instability.
• He called for a renewed national push for ‘Swadeshi’ (indigenous goods), urging citizens, traders, and political leaders to prioritize and promote Made-in-India products.
• Modi highlighted the importance of supporting farmers, small industries, and youth employment, citing ongoing government schemes and direct financial support to farmers.
• The remarks came shortly after US President Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods and criticized India’s trade policies and ties with Russia.
• Modi stressed that collective effort and a ‘Vocal for Local’ mindset are essential for realizing the dream of a developed India and paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

India’s Big Economic Dream: Why PM Modi Wants Us All to Go ‘Swadeshi’
Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke at a rally in Varanasi, sharing a bold vision for India’s future. He said that India is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy, but to get there, we all need to look out for our own interests—especially in these uncertain times for the global economy.
Why Now?
This speech came just days after US President Donald Trump called India a “dead economy” and announced a 25% import tax on Indian goods. Trump also criticized India for buying oil and military equipment from Russia, threatening more penalties. In short, the world is getting tougher for Indian businesses, and other countries are putting themselves first.
What Does ‘Swadeshi’ Mean?
PM Modi’s answer? Go ‘Swadeshi’—which means supporting and buying Indian-made products. He urged everyone, from shopkeepers to regular citizens, to choose local goods over imported ones. “Whenever you buy something, ask yourself: Was this made by an Indian? If yes, that’s Swadeshi,” he said. Modi believes that if we all make this small change, it will help Indian businesses grow, create jobs, and make the country stronger.
He called on all political parties and leaders to put aside their differences and work together to promote Swadeshi. “Every choice we make in favor of Indian products shapes our country’s future,” he said, adding that this would be a true tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, who also championed local goods.
Focus on Farmers and Small Businesses
Modi also talked about how his government is working to help farmers and small industries. He mentioned several schemes, like the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, which has sent nearly Rs 3.75 lakh crore directly to farmers’ bank accounts. In Uttar Pradesh alone, 2.5 crore farmers have received over Rs 90,000 crore. Other initiatives like the PM Fasal Bima Yojana (crop insurance), Lakhpati Didi (empowering rural women), and Drone Didi (using technology in farming) are also aimed at improving rural lives.
Big Projects for Growth
During his visit, Modi launched and laid the foundation for 52 new projects in Varanasi, worth about Rs 2,200 crore. These projects are meant to boost local development and create more opportunities.
The Takeaway
PM Modi’s message is clear: If we want India to become a global economic powerhouse, we all need to support local products and businesses. In a world where every country is looking out for itself, it’s time for us to do the same—by going Swadeshi and being ‘Vocal for Local’. Every purchase counts!

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Nandan Nilekani Warns: Will AI Widen the Wealth Gap or Empower Everyone?

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5 Key Takeaways

• AI will likely concentrate wealth and power in the hands of a few, according to Nandan Nilekani.
• Nilekani urges those with influence to use AI for public good and inclusive outcomes, not just personal gain.
• He believes societies should focus on practical AI applications to address critical challenges rather than seeking global AI dominance.
• Nilekani disagrees with universal basic income as a solution to job losses from automation, calling it a dystopian idea.
• He advocates for using AI to enhance human capabilities and highlights the importance of innovation and frugal design for scalable solutions.

Why Nandan Nilekani Thinks AI Will Make the Rich Richer—And What We Should Do About It
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the world at a rapid pace. But with all the excitement, there are also some big concerns—especially about who will benefit the most from this powerful technology. Recently, Nandan Nilekani, the co-founder of Infosys and a key figure behind India’s Aadhaar and UPI systems, shared his thoughts on this topic at an event hosted by the Asia Society.
Nilekani didn’t sugarcoat the truth: he believes that AI will likely lead to a concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few. In simple terms, this means that a small group of people or companies could end up controlling most of the money and influence that comes from AI. “Obviously, there is going to be a concentration of wealth and power with AI… we can't fight that. Forces at play are much bigger than any of us,” he said.
But instead of giving up or trying to stop this trend (which he thinks is nearly impossible), Nilekani suggests a different approach. He believes that those who do have access to AI and its benefits should use it for the greater good, not just to get richer or more powerful. In other words, AI should be used to solve real problems and help society as a whole.
Nilekani also challenged the idea of giving everyone a basic income (known as Universal Basic Income or UBI) as a solution to job losses caused by automation. He called this a “dystopian idea” and doesn’t think it’s the right answer. Instead, he wants to see AI used to make people more capable and productive, helping them do their jobs better rather than replacing them entirely.
He pointed to India’s own success stories—like Aadhaar (the world’s largest biometric ID system) and UPI (which made digital payments easy and accessible)—as examples of how smart, affordable innovation can benefit millions. According to Nilekani, the key is to keep innovating and finding practical ways to use technology for everyone’s benefit. If we don’t, he warns, we could face social unrest and other negative consequences.
In summary, while AI may make the rich richer, Nilekani believes we should focus on using it to improve lives and solve big challenges, rather than just chasing profits or global dominance. It’s a call for responsible innovation—something we all need to think about as AI becomes a bigger part of our world.

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Your Next iPhone Was Made in India: Apple Shifts US Production Out of China

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5 Key Takeaways

• Most iPhones sold in the US are now assembled in India, marking a major shift in Apple's supply chain.
• China mainly produces Apple products for non-US international markets, while Vietnam leads in MacBooks, iPads, and Apple Watches.
• Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed strong revenue growth in India, with the country being one of Apple's fastest-growing markets.
• Despite new US tariffs on Indian goods, smartphones and electronics remain exempt.
• Apple faces increased tariff-related costs, estimating $1.1 billion in the September quarter, but continues to expand its retail presence in India.

Big Changes for iPhones: Most US iPhones Now Made in India, Says Apple CEO Tim Cook
If you’ve bought a new iPhone in the US recently, there’s a good chance it was made in India—not China. That’s right! Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, has confirmed that most iPhones sold in America are now assembled in India, marking a major shift in how and where Apple makes its products.
Why the Change?
For years, China was the main place where Apple made its iPhones. But things are changing. According to Tim Cook, while China still makes a lot of Apple products, most of the iPhones sold in the US now come from India. China is now mainly making iPhones and other Apple devices for countries outside the US.
But it’s not just about iPhones. Apple is also making other products in different countries. For example, if you own a MacBook, iPad, or Apple Watch, it was probably made in Vietnam. Apple is spreading out its manufacturing to different countries, which helps the company avoid problems if one country faces issues like trade wars or factory shutdowns.
What About Tariffs and Politics?
This move comes at a time when there’s a lot of talk about tariffs (extra taxes on imported goods) and trade tensions between countries. Former US President Donald Trump even criticized Apple for moving production to India, saying he preferred Apple to make its products in the US. However, smartphones and electronics are currently not affected by the new 25% US tariffs on Indian goods, so your iPhone price shouldn’t go up because of this—at least for now.
India: A Growing Market for Apple
Apple isn’t just making iPhones in India for Americans. The company is also seeing big growth in India itself. Tim Cook said that iPhone sales are booming in India, and Apple is planning to open more stores there. In fact, Apple saw record sales in over two dozen countries last quarter, including India, the US, Canada, and many others.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re an iPhone user in the US, your next phone might say “Made in India” on the box. For Apple, making products in different countries helps keep things running smoothly and can even help keep prices stable. And for India, it means more jobs and a bigger role in the global tech industry.
So, the next time you unbox a shiny new iPhone, remember—it might have traveled all the way from India to your hands!

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