MAM
Narendra Modi logs into AI future at Paris summit with Macron
MUMBAI: India’s tech diplomacy got a high-tech twist as prime minister Narendra Modi landed in Paris to co-chair the artificial intelligence (AI) Summit alongside French president Emmanuel Macron. The summit, a hotspot for world leaders, tech moguls, and policy architects, is tackling the biggest brain-busting questions around AI and how to harness its potential while keeping the digital genie from wreaking havoc.
With AI rapidly reshaping industries from healthcare to defence, Modi’s presence at the summit signals India’s growing role in global tech governance. The discussions are expected to focus on ethical AI development, regulatory frameworks, and ensuring the technology doesn’t widen economic and social gaps. Amid growing concerns over deepfakes, job disruptions, and data privacy, the summit aims to establish a blueprint for responsible AI innovation.
Beyond the tech talk, Modi and Macron are set to discuss India-France collaborations across aerospace, defence, and energy sectors. With joint ventures already in the works from Rafale jets to nuclear reactors the visit is expected to reinforce the strategic ties between the two nations.
As AI continues to reshape the world at breakneck speed, the Paris summit is more than just a meeting of minds; it’s a race to ensure that intelligence, artificial or otherwise, serves humanity rather than outpaces it.
Brands
Radico Khaitan appoints Kunal Madan as chief marketing officer
Promotions signal focus on premium spirits, global expansion and homegrown leadership
UTTAR PRADESH: Radico Khaitan has elevated two long-serving insiders to its top leadership team, signalling a bold push into premium spirits and global markets. Kunal Madan steps in as chief marketing officer, while Sudhir Upadhyay takes charge as chief sales officer, both part of what managing director Abhishek Khaitan calls a consciously built next-generation leadership bench.
“At Radico Khaitan, our growth has always been powered by people,” Khaitan said. “True leadership is not imported, it is cultivated.” He added that empowering internal talent ensures continuity while keeping the company globally competitive and future-ready.
Madan, with over 20 years of experience across global sales and marketing, will drive brand architecture, marketing strategy, and the premiumisation agenda, including travel retail. Upadhyay, who has 25 years in the industry and was most recently national sales head, will oversee distribution expansion and execution across markets.
The leadership reshuffle comes amid Radico’s intensified focus on premium spirits, a segment driving higher margins and international growth. Last year, Ajay Kakkar was brought on to head the Premium On-Trade vertical, targeting modern and institutional channels to boost presence in high-growth segments.
Meanwhile, Amar Sinha stepped down as chief operating officer after contributing across multiple growth phases. Khaitan acknowledged Sinha’s role in supporting the company’s trajectory, while Sinha described his tenure as “an absolute privilege,” crediting Khaitan’s leadership for shaping the company’s strategic direction.
With a homegrown leadership bench and a clear premium agenda, Radico Khaitan is set to accelerate its global expansion while doubling down on brand elevation and market impact.
