Consultancy / Audit
How physical AI and robotics are changing how productivity is measured in modern industries
Physical AI and robotics are redefining productivity beyond speed and cost savings, emphasizing resilience and better decision-making. These intelligent systems adapt to real-world changes, transforming sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare by enhancing judgment and oversight. This evolution necessitates new approaches to accountability, workforce development, and policy measurement.
What is autonomous voice AI, and how is it different from IVR?
Businesses are moving beyond traditional IVR systems to autonomous voice AI, which handles entire conversations and resolves customer issues in real-time. This technology understands natural speech, accesses backend systems, and completes tasks, transforming voice calls from mere routing to transactional resolutions for improved efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Why the next wave of SaaS will be built around workflows, not features
The SaaS industry is shifting from feature-heavy products to workflow-first solutions as enterprises prioritize seamless integration into daily operations. This evolution, driven by software fatigue and a demand for measurable productivity, sees AI embedded to streamline tasks and reduce friction. Future SaaS success will hinge on deep operational impact rather than sheer feature count.
ICAI bats for division of audit onus; signals truce with NFRA after a year
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India is set to propose a clear division of responsibility between principal auditors of corporate groups and those auditing subsidiaries. This move aims to ensure financial statement quality and establish accountability. The recommendations will be submitted to the corporate affairs ministry and the National Financial Reporting Authority.
What is Intelligent Document Processing, and why document AI could become the next big enterprise software category
Organisations across various sectors are grappling with overwhelming document volumes and limited processing time. Intelligent document processing (IDP) is emerging as a crucial automation layer, leveraging AI to transform messy documents into machine-readable data. This technology is poised for significant growth, with the UK leading adoption and India's software industry capitalising on its data engineering expertise.
Amid IPO boom, lawyers with capital markets exposure in demand
Law firms are hiring more capital markets lawyers. This is driven by a rise in initial public offerings and other fundraising activities. Demand for equity offering specialists is growing as multinational companies plan to enter Indian markets. Successful listings have encouraged global groups to consider listing local operations. This trend is expected to continue.
Lawyers sit pretty as lenders come hunting
Banks and NBFCs have ramped up legal hires amid regulatory checks, rising deal flows & compliance demands.
Defence boom pushing law firms to deploy specialists
The specialists, often former senior defence and government officials, help law firms create viable bid strategies for clients seeking defence contracts. Their experience is also invaluable during tough negotiations and compliance reviews. Also much in vogue are tech experts including engineers and technology-domain specialists, especially in aerospace, avionics, electronics, AI/ML systems, unmanned platforms, secure communications and dual-use tech.
TRP rigging: Broadcast Audience Research Council to conduct audit
BARC India has initiated a forensic audit by an independent agency following allegations of a Malayalam news channel concerning a BARC employee's involvement in manipulating TV viewership data for bribes. This development has triggered a police inquiry, with BARC urging caution and commitment to integrity amidst ongoing investigations.
Small and mid-sized law firms rush to merge for scale
Indian small and mid-sized law firms are merging to gain scale and offer multi-disciplinary capabilities, driven by client demands and a complex legal market. This consolidation aims to enhance expertise, expand bandwidth, and prepare for potential foreign competition. The growing Indian legal market, projected to reach $3.37 billion by 2030, fuels this trend as firms seek to remain competitive.
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McKinsey cuts about 200 tech jobs, shifts more roles to AI
McKinsey & Co. has eliminated approximately 200 global tech jobs, signaling a broader trend of consulting firms leveraging AI for automation. The company is assessing tasks for AI integration and may implement further reductions in non-client-facing roles over the next two years.
CAG launches nationwide audit to assess ease of doing business for MSMEs
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India is auditing the ease of doing business for micro, small, and medium enterprises. This audit will assess government reforms and their effectiveness. The report is planned for submission in Parliament in 2026. The goal is to improve policy for MSMEs, a key economic driver.
Chief of Nomura Fixed Income quits days after losses and media report on inflated profits
Bloomberg, citing people familiar with the matter, reported that Nomura Holdings is probing its India fixed-income business to determine if profits were overstated. Kumar resigned on November 13 with immediate effect, the company informed the exchanges.
Stake sale or merger: Grant Thornton is said to study options for $2 billion India unit
Grant Thornton India is considering selling a minority stake or merging its operations. The company is in preliminary talks with potential investors. A valuation exceeding two billion dollars is sought for the Indian unit. This move aligns with India's ambition to foster accounting and consulting firms that can compete with global leaders.
Dual engines to power India's global drive: Christophe De Vusser, Global Managing Partner & CEO, Bain & Co
"While there will be an ebb and flow of tariffs, ultimately there will be an equilibrium between US, China and India -- and India stands out with its dual engines of growth: a rising middle class and expanding role in global trade and manufacturing."
CAG to submit report on multi-modal transport, logistics initiatives in Parliament next year
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India will present a significant report on multi-modal transport and logistics initiatives to Parliament. This comprehensive audit, prepared with IIM Mumbai, focuses on improving India's logistics sector. It examines the National Rail Plan and aims to reduce costs and enhance business ease. The report will offer recommendations for seamless cargo movement and digital integration.
