When the story of Harish Rana captured the collective prayers of an entire nation, people paused, empathised, and watched the Supreme Court judgement unfold as it passed a historic decision allowing passive euthanasia for Rana, who was in a vegetative state for over 13 years
Oil prices rose above $110 (£82.78) a barrel after Iranian media reported an airstrike hitting a facility on the world's largest natural gas field. The Brent crude oil benchmark hit $112 a barrel in early Thursday trade in Asia, more than 5% higher than Tuesday's prices
US Vice President JD Vance and Energy Secretary Chris Wright will meet with oil industry leaders. The administration plans to announce measures to lower gas prices. These include releasing oil from emergency reserves and easing shipping regulations
Milk has long been a cornerstone of Indian diets, simple, familiar, and deeply rooted in tradition. But in urban India, that narrative is rapidly evolving. Today’s consumers are no longer satisfied with just a glass of milk; they are seeking products that align with their fast-paced lifestyles
The Karnataka High Court has granted bail to a 25-year-old woman from West Bengal who had been arrested in January for shouting “Jai Bangla” during a demolition drive in Bengaluru. On March 11, Justice S Rachaiah noted that Sarbanu Khatun was “instigated” to shout “Jai Bharath Mata Ki
Navratri is no longer just about simple fasting meals, it’s about celebrating tradition with flavour, variety, and a touch of indulgence. Across India, restaurants are reimagining vrat-friendly dining with thoughtfully curated menus that stay true to sattvik roots while elevating the overall
On March 14, the Narendra Modi government announced that it had decided to end Ladakhi climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s detention under the National Security Act – nearly six months after his arrest. The Union home ministry is not known to have made such a concession for any detainee held
India’s environment ministry notified the new solid waste management rules of 2026 on January 27, superseding the 2016 rules. The new rules signal a shift towards a more systematic compliance architecture, with a clearer outline of duties for waste generators
How hackathons have become the launching pad for the next generation of AI creators in India
The story of AI talent in India is undergoing a transformation from what's on paper to what solves problems for real. This article discusses why hackathons are fast becoming the only authentic method of sourcing AI builders with application skills, which reflect industry standards, and why hackathons are essential for people who are serious about AI development.
The Indian AI ecosystem is growing at a rapid pace, but the way talent is discovered is undergoing a clear paradigm shift. Degrees, certifications, and work history are no longer the most reliable indicators of an individual's ability to build and deploy real AI solutions. As applied AI becomes central to business and innovation, platforms that test real-world capability are gaining prominence. This is also why The Economic Times is launching a nationwide GenAI Hackathon, positioning hackathons as a credible lens to identify the next generation of AI builders.
At a fundamental level, hackathons mirror the realities of modern AI development. Participants are faced with ambiguous problem statements, limited timeframes, and real-world constraints. There is little room for theoretical grandstanding. What matters is how quickly one can understand the problem, choose the right approach, collaborate effectively, and deliver a working solution. These conditions closely resemble how AI products are actually built inside startups and enterprises today, where execution, iteration, and decision-making under pressure are critical.
For India, this shift carries particular significance. The country produces a large number of engineering and technology graduates every year, yet a persistent gap remains between academic learning and industry-ready AI skills. Hackathons help bridge this divide by prioritising application over abstraction. Builders are evaluated on how they frame problems, use models responsibly, work within data constraints, and communicate outcomes clearly. These are the competencies that organisations increasingly value when hiring AI talent.
Register now for free: AI Hackathon 2026
Another reason hackathons have gained credibility is their ability to surface interdisciplinary skill sets. AI solutions today do not exist in isolation. They sit at the intersection of business context, user experience, ethics, and engineering. Hackathons naturally attract participants from varied backgrounds, leading to solutions that are not only technically sound but also contextually relevant and scalable. For mentors and juries, this makes hackathons a far more reliable lens for identifying future AI leaders.
Visibility is a critical differentiator as well. Unlike closed-door interviews or assessments, hackathons are conducted in the open. Performance can be observed, compared, and stress-tested in real time. Participants receive feedback from mentors, peers, and judges, creating a transparent evaluation of capability. For emerging AI builders, this visibility can be career defining. For the ecosystem, it ensures that recognition is driven by execution rather than credentials alone.
Importantly, hackathons are not just talent discovery platforms. They also function as learning accelerators. Participants are exposed to real problem statements, evolving tools, and industry-grade expectations. Those who win gain sharper skills and clearer direction, while those who do not still walk away with valuable insights into how AI is applied in the real world. This continuous learning loop strengthens the broader AI ecosystem and raises the quality of innovation across the country.
As India positions itself as a global AI powerhouse, the question is no longer whether talent exists. The real challenge is creating credible pathways to discover, evaluate, and nurture that talent. Hackathons offer a scalable and outcome-driven answer.
The Economic Times GenAI Hackathon builds on this momentum by offering a ₹10 lakh prize pool, mentorship from seasoned industry practitioners, and opportunities for job offers. Designed around real-world GenAI problem statements, it brings builders into direct contact with decision-makers who value execution and impact.Register now for free: AI Hackathon 2026
Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
Source: EconomicTimes
Related Posts: Sonu Sood meets boy undergoing treatment Tamannaah shares why actors are not open about undergoing beauty procedures India’s Workforce Goes AI-First As Frontier Firms Lead Transformation India vital leader in AI transformation Transformation in Middle East relevant for India's relationship with Arab nations Bengaluru scientists win 2025 Tata Transformation Prize Make Up Artist Breaks Down Akshaye Khanna’s Transformation In ‘Dhurandhar’ Influencer Leads Transformation Of Dilapidated Century-Old Temple Arunachal Guv urges GBs to lead rural transformation from grassroots Transformation in Uttar Pradesh in last nine years due to PM Modi
The sun shone brightly across Liverpool on Wednesday and, come the evening, Liverpool delivered one of their performances of the season. "It was almost the perfect game for us, but definitely our fans," said Arne Slot, after his side secured a first Champions League quarter-final since 2022 with a
7 hours ago
SC says 1947 Act repeal no bar to defining ‘industry’The Supreme Court ruled that the repeal of the Industrial Disputes Act won't change how "industry" is defined, impacting ongoing disputes in courts. Published on: Mar 19, 2026 7:46 AM IST By Abraham Thomas
7 hours ago
China has long braced for a Gulf oil supply shock - but the Iran war's disruption of a key global shipping route is now putting its resilience to the test. Energy shipments from the Middle East have been at a standstill following Iran's threats to attack vessels that pass through a critical trade
7 hours ago
The Income-tax Act, 2025 will come into force, replacing the Income-tax Act, 1961 that has been in place for over 60 years. Instead of tinkering with tax rates, the government has focused on rewriting the law in a clearer, more structured manner. Over time
7 hours ago
The Donald Trump-led US administration has taken the rare step of preparing a temporary waiver for the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, commonly known as the Jones Act. This move comes as the United States grapples with a historic surge in fuel prices triggered by the escalating conflict between the US
7 hours ago
Players from the Iran women’s national football team have reportedly returned home after a dramatic and politically charged episode during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. According to Fars News Agency, the squad crossed back into Iran via the Bazargan border
7 hours ago
US Fed holds interest rate steady at 3.5-3.75% despite higher inflationUS Federal Reserve has guided for a single interest rate cut in 2026 as officials took stock of economic impact of Iran war on US economy. Updated on: Mar 18, 2026 11:39 PM IST Reuters Share via Copy link The US Federal Reserve
7 hours ago
Indian man wanted by FBI for defrauding victims in the US: What did Kalpeshkumar Rasikbhai Patel do?The Federal Bureau of Investigation has launched a hunt for an India national named Kalpeshkumar Rasikbhai Patel Published on: Mar 19, 2026 6:20 AM IST By Sanya Jain Share via Copy link The Federal
7 hours ago
Kerala's UDF, led by Congress and IUML, will contest 95 and 27 seats respectively in the upcoming assembly polls. The alliance aims to leverage recent electoral successes and anti-incumbency against the ruling LDF. Nominations close March 23, with voting on April 9 and results on May 4.Kerala's UDF
7 hours ago
Sc tells courts to notify convicts before appointing an amicus curiaeThe Supreme Court mandates notification to convicts before appointing amicus curiae to ensure fairness in appeals and prevent claims of unfair hearings. Published on: Mar 19, 2026 7:50 AM IST By Utkarsh Anand
7 hours ago
The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹33,660-crore scheme to establish 100 plug-and-play industrial parks nationwide, aiming to boost manufacturing and create 15 lakh direct jobs. Additionally, a ₹2,585-crore plan for small hydro power development and a national highway project in Uttar Pradesh
7 hours ago
Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar fever continues as the next instalment in the franchise, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, was released on Wednesday evening. Many queued up to watch the film on the first day itself, including Allu Arjun, who then took to X to share his review of the film. Now
7 hours ago
The Delhi High Court has halted legal proceedings against Bina Modi, chairperson of Godfrey Phillips India, and others. This action follows a complaint by former executive director Samir Modi alleging assault. Samir Modi claims he was physically attacked by his mother's security officer
7 hours ago
La Liga champions Barcelona moved into the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League with a commanding 7-2 win over Newcastle in the second leg of their Round of 16 at the Nou Camp on Wednesday. Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha netted a brace each, while Lamine Yamal
7 hours ago
The hugely popular Labubu dolls will soon star in their own feature film, Chinese toy company Pop Mart and Sony Pictures have announced. A Labubu movie that will combine live action and computer-generated animation is in "early development", the two companies said in a statement
7 hours ago
Obstructing demolition at hotel: Ex-MP Rinku, former MLAs Angural, Beri among 24 bookedThe Jalandhar MC on Tuesday evening demolished a portion of the hotel owned by Chopra Hotels Private Limited, an entity associated with the Punjab Kesari group Published on: Mar 19
7 hours ago
Love Horoscope March 19, 2026: A thoughtful Gesture Could Brighten Your DayDaily Love Horoscope for Feb 1, 2026: Explore relationship insights and emotional guidance for all sun signs today. Published on: Mar 19, 2026 6:02 AM IST By Neeraj Dhankher Share via Copy link Aries: Today
7 hours ago
Atanu Chakraborty resigns as HDFC Bank's part-time chairman due to ‘ethical concerns’Keki Mistry, who serves on the HDFC Bank board, is taking charge as interim part-time chairman immediately, for a period of three months. Updated on: Mar 19
7 hours ago
Barcelona, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid reach Champions League quarter-finals Updated on: Mar 19, 2026 7:20 AM IST AFP Share via Copy link Barcelona's German coach Hans-Dieter Flick and players celebrate after the Champions League last 16 second leg match win vs Newcastle United
7 hours ago
The Artesh, officially the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, is the conventional military of Iran, separate from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). While the IRGC focuses on safeguarding the ideological system, the Artesh is tasked with defending Iran’s territorial integrity and borders
7 hours ago
It was not long ago that fans and pundits were admiring the power of the Premier League. All six of its clubs competing in the Champions League reached the knockout stages of the competition for the first time. But across two legs of last-16 action
7 hours ago
Allu Arjun showers praise on Ranveer Singh, Aditya Dhar after watching Dhurandhar 2: ‘Patriotism with swag’Allu Arjun took to social media to share a review after watching the second part of Aditya Dhar’s spy thriller Dhurandhar, which is led by Ranveer Singh. Mar 19, 2026
7 hours ago
Prem Chopra recalls why he couldn't attend weddings, family functions without scaring female guests: Dad had to explain…Prem Chopra also said that Amitabh Bachchan's son-in-law Nikhil Nanda once got petrified and refused to enter his grandaunt's home for this reason. Mar 19, 2026
7 hours ago
Just a day after resigning from Congress, Assam Lok Sabha MP Pradyut Bordoloi on Wednesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and state BJP president Dilip Saikia. The development came after Bordoloi on Tuesday tendered his
7 hours ago
The Union government directed airlines to allocate a minimum of 60% of the seats on every flight without selection charges to ensure fair access. Airlines are also required to seat passengers travelling on the same Passenger Name Record together “preferably in adjacent seats”
7 hours ago
Humour and science fiction may not seem obvious bedfellows but a history of cinema will tell you different. Think Spaceballs, Mars Attacks! and Everything Everwhere All At Once to name but a few. And now Ryan Gosling is hopping on board. The 45-year-old is both the lead actor and producer of
7 hours ago
Even as the 8th Pay Commission (8th CPC) has extended the deadline to submit responses to its 18-question document related to pay, allowances and other job-related conditions of central government employees, Indian Railways Technical Supervisors’ Association (IRTSA) wants more elements to be
7 hours ago
