MAM
62% Indians perceive Automation positively; hail, as an enabler: Ipsos-WEF Global Citizen & Automation Survey
MUMBAI: 3 in 5 Indians (62%) view the impact of Automation positively, placing India 2nd in the pecking order among the 26 markets covered in the survey (surpassed by China, with 64% Chinese endorsing the positive impact of Automation).
Global Citizens & Automation Survey by WEF and Ipsos, highlights ramifications of Automation on a slew of products and services and its impact on how we work.
“Automation is doing wonders as an enabler and is improving efficiencies at work, in terms of cost and time taken and is redefining how we work.Automated services minus human intervention have become a reality, with high dependence on technology, there can be roadblocks sometimes,” says Anthony D’Souza, Executive Director, Innovation, Ipsos India.
Products and Services most positively impacted!
Indians’ verdict on most profound impact of Automation on products and services has been on a plethora of them: 69% Indians approve of self-checkout/ check-in/ electronic ordering kiosks at stores, airports, restaurants etc.; 67% Indians feel internet connected appliances and home devices have had a positive impact on people’s lives; 66% approve of internet connected medical devices; 66% espouse benefits of voice recognition assistance (e.g. Siri, Alexa, Cortana, Google Assistant etc.). 60% approve of customer service online chatbots; 54% are positive of drones and 52% approve of robots.
Net-Net – Is Automation a Boon or a Threat?
Early days, though the findings underscore the positive rub off of Automation and Indians go ballistic in espousing the benefits of Automation: 74% Indians say automation has improved quality of their work; 73% feel automation has made their job easier; 72% Indians feel automation has transformed their work, what it was 10 years ago; 72% are confident that automation will alter their jobs 10 years hence; 70% Indians feel automation has made their job more interesting; 65% Indians credit automation for reduced risks of injury while working.
On the flip side, across all the 26 markets polled, Indians are most wary of the negative impact of automation – 49% feel that automation is putting their current employment at risk. 43% Saudis and 42% Chinese too seemed worried on the impact of automation.
Training on new technology & products – how does India stack up?
59% Indians say they have received internal training or education provided by employer for new technology and products; 31% have received external training; while 10% have received none. Interestingly, internal training was reported highest in the markets of India, Peru and Canada; and external training reported most in China, Saudi Arabia, India and Brazil. The survey also probed about training for technical skills – 66% Indians confirmed that their employer provides internal training and education for technical skills, 25% said external training was provided by employer and 9% received no training.
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Maharashtra panel orders Lodha to refund Rs 5 crore to homebuyers
Consumer court flags unfair practices in long-running property dispute case
MUMBAI: In a sharp rebuke to one of India’s biggest real estate players, the Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed Macrotech Developers to refund nearly Rs 5 crore to a senior citizen couple, Uttam and Anindita Chatterjee. The ruling, delivered on March 13, 2026, calls out the developer for “deficiency in service” and “unfair trade practices”, bringing closure to a dispute that has stretched over a decade.
The case traces back to 2015, when the couple booked a 3-BHK flat at World Towers in Lower Parel for Rs 12.22 crore, with possession promised within a year. What followed was a series of changes that complicated matters. After deciding to exit the project, they were persuaded to shift to a 4-BHK in another development priced at Rs 8 crore, with delivery scheduled for 2018. However, within months, the price was allegedly increased to Rs 10 crore. After demonetisation reshaped the market, similar flats were reportedly being offered at lower prices, but the couple were not given the benefit.
Despite paying over Rs 2.83 crore, the couple neither received possession nor clarity. Instead, in 2018, the developer unilaterally cancelled the booking, retained part of the amount as earnest money, and argued that the buyers were investors rather than consumers. The commission rejected this claim, observing that casual references to “investment” do not take away consumer rights when the purchase intent is residential.
The bench also held that the developer could not penalise buyers for payment delays while failing to meet its own delivery commitments. It noted the lack of formal documentation for revised terms and termed the prolonged retention of funds without delivering a home as exploitative.
As part of its order, the commission directed the developer to refund Rs 2.83 crore paid by the couple, along with interest at 10 per cent per annum, amounting to around Rs 2.12 crore. In addition, Rs 1 lakh has been awarded for mental agony and Rs 50,000 towards litigation costs, taking the total payout to over Rs 5 crore. The developer has been asked to comply within two months.
For now, the ruling serves as a reminder that in real estate, shifting terms and delayed promises can carry a significant cost.
