Food delivery giant Zomato is set to replace JSW Steel in the 30-share BSE Sensex, marking a historic moment as it becomes the first new-age company to enter the benchmark index. This change, announced by BSE’s subsidiary Asia Index Pvt Ltd, will take effect on December 23, 2024. The reconstitution also includes updates to indices like BSE 100, BSE Sensex 50, and BSE Sensex Nifty 50.

Zomato’s Entry: A Milestone Achievement

Zomato’s inclusion in the Sensex comes after an impressive rally in its stock over the past year, delivering a remarkable 130% return. In comparison, the Sensex has posted a 12-month return of 20%. On the last trading day before the announcement, Zomato’s stock closed at ₹264.15 per share, down by 0.97%.

Performance Comparison

• Zomato: 130% return over the past year.
• Sensex: 20% return over the same period.
• JSW Steel: Recorded a 27% gain in the last year.

Other Key Changes in Indices

In addition to Zomato’s entry into the Sensex, several other changes are being made across different indices:

New Entrants to BSE 100

The BSE 100 index will see six new entrants:

• Jio Financial Services
• Suzlon Energy
• Adani Green Energy
• Adani Power
• Samvardhana Motherson International
• PB Fintech

These will replace:

• Ashok Leyland
• PI Industries
• IDFC First Bank
• IRCTC
• UPL
• APL Apollo Tubes

Changes in BSE Sensex 50

In the BSE Sensex 50 index, Zomato, Jio Financial Services, and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will replace:

• HDFC Life Insurance Company
• Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL)
• LTIMindtree

Expansion of Futures and Options Contracts

BSE also announced the introduction of futures and options (F&O) contracts for 43 stocks, starting from December 13, 2024. Major names entering the F&O segment include:

• Adani Energy Solutions
• Adani Green Energy
• Adani Total Gas
• One97 Communications (Paytm)
• Yes Bank
• Avenue Supermarts (DMart)
• Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC)
• Zomato
• Jio Financial Services

Governance Update

In a circular released after market hours, BSE confirmed that the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved Subhasis Chaudhuri as the new Chairman of the exchange’s Governing Board.

Conclusion

Zomato’s inclusion in the Sensex is a significant milestone, reflecting the growing influence of tech-driven, new-age companies in India’s financial markets. As it joins the ranks of established blue-chip companies, this move is expected to attract more institutional investments and enhance its visibility among investors. The changes to various indices highlight an evolving landscape in India’s stock market, where innovative companies are gaining recognition alongside traditional industries.

After a significant upgrade to Siri with iOS 18 earlier this year, Apple is reportedly working on a groundbreaking version of its voice assistant, designed to rival OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this new Siri will utilize an advanced large language model (LLM) to enable smoother back-and-forth conversations and handle complex requests more efficiently.

What is ‘LLM Siri’?

The revamped voice assistant, referred to internally as ‘LLM Siri,’ is being developed to replace the current version of Siri. It is expected to deliver enhanced conversational abilities and improved processing speeds, marking a major leap forward in voice assistant technology.

Key Features of LLM Siri

• Conversational Abilities: The new Siri aims to engage in more natural and human-like conversations, allowing users to interact with the assistant more intuitively.
• Complex Request Handling: Enhanced capabilities will enable Siri to manage sophisticated queries and tasks that go beyond simple commands.
• Integration with Apple Intelligence: LLM Siri will leverage features from Apple’s AI initiatives, including personalized responses based on user data.

Apple plans to unveil this conversational Siri as part of the iOS 19 and macOS 16 updates, which are codenamed “Luck” and “Cheer.” These updates are slated for release in 2025, but the new Siri is likely to roll out in Spring 2026, rather than alongside the anticipated iPhone 17.

What Could ‘LLM Siri’ Offer?

The upcoming overhaul of Siri is anticipated to deliver a more intuitive and advanced AI experience, comparable to systems like ChatGPT or Gemini. Apple, known for prioritizing user privacy, is reportedly developing these capabilities in-house, ensuring stronger safeguards for personal data.

Privacy Considerations

Apple has emphasized that while it is enhancing Siri’s capabilities, it remains committed to user privacy. The LLM will be designed to process data on-device whenever possible, minimizing reliance on cloud processing and enhancing security.

Despite these advancements, Apple is unlikely to discontinue support for third-party AI integrations. Currently, ChatGPT is accessible via Siri, and Apple plans to expand compatibility with additional AI chatbots in the future.

Algorithmic Enhancements

The new Siri will utilize advanced algorithms that allow it to understand context better and respond more accurately. This includes:

• App Intents: Expanded use of App Intents will allow for more precise control of third-party apps.
• Contextual Awareness: The assistant will be able to consider user context—such as location and calendar events—to provide relevant responses.

Timeline for Release

• Announcement: The new LLM Siri is expected to be announced alongside iOS 19 and macOS 16 at Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2025.
• Public Launch: The public release of LLM Siri may occur in Spring 2026, following internal testing phases.

Conclusion

Apple’s anticipated revamp of Siri with the introduction of ‘LLM Siri’ represents a significant shift towards more advanced conversational AI. As the company seeks to catch up with competitors like OpenAI and Google, this initiative underscores Apple’s commitment to enhancing user experience while maintaining a strong focus on privacy. With these developments on the horizon, users can look forward to a more capable and interactive voice assistant that aligns with modern expectations for digital communication.

Prime Video has expanded its offerings in India with the launch of Channel K, a premium Korean entertainment channel available as an add-on subscription. This new channel promises a rich array of Korean series, movies, K-pop concerts, and reality shows, catering to the growing appetite for Hallyu (Korean Wave) content in the country.

What Channel K Offers

Subscribers to Channel K can access a variety of content, including acclaimed series like Summer Strike and Personal Taste, blockbuster films such as Joint Security Area and The Battle: Roar to Victory, and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of BTS, including the highly anticipated 2024 BTS FESTA: Message from Jin.

Content Highlights

• Popular Dramas: Notable titles include Summer Strike, Personal Taste, and classic dramas that have garnered significant attention.
• Blockbuster Films: Access to acclaimed films like Joint Security Area (JSA) and Our Season.
• K-Pop Specials: Concerts and events such as NCT Nation and Made in Korea: The K-Pop Experience.
• Exclusive BTS Content: Special features including concert footage and documentaries about the global icons.

Channel K is priced affordably at ₹79 per month, with a limited-time introductory offer of just ₹1 for the first month, making premium Korean entertainment accessible to a wider audience.

Seamless Integration for Prime Members

The new channel integrates seamlessly with existing Prime Video memberships. Subscribers won’t need additional logins or separate billing; the content is housed within the Prime Video app. This integration offers personalized recommendations, features like X-Ray, watch lists, offline downloads, and data management options for a hassle-free viewing experience.

Benefits of Integration

• Unified Access: All content can be accessed through a single login, simplifying user experience.
• Personalized Recommendations: Enhanced content discovery tailored to user preferences.
• Advanced Features: Enjoy features like X-Ray for additional context on shows and movies, consolidated watchlists, and offline viewing capabilities.

Riding the Korean Wave in India

Speaking about the launch, Gaurav Bhasin, Head of Marketplace for Add-on Subscriptions and Movie Rentals at Prime Video, noted the growing popularity of Korean entertainment in India:

“Since its launch in India, add-on subscriptions on Prime Video have been instrumental in introducing international streaming services to Indian audiences. Over the years, we’ve seen tremendous love for Korean content, including series like Marry My Husband, No Gain No Love, and Jinny’s Kitchen. With Channel K, we aim to expand the selection for our Prime members and deepen their engagement with Korean storytelling.”

A Global Collaboration

Channel K is a result of a collaboration between Prime Video and IMX, an international media company. Sohn Il-Hyung, CEO of IMX, expressed excitement about bringing the channel to India:

“Our mission with Channel K is to deliver premium Korean entertainment to a global audience. Following our success in Japan, we are thrilled to partner with Prime Video to introduce Channel K in India. This initiative not only enhances accessibility to top-tier Korean content but also strengthens cultural connections between Korea and Indian audiences.”

Conclusion

With the launch of Channel K, Prime Video continues to strengthen its position as a leading platform for international content in India. By offering a dedicated hub for Korean entertainment, Prime Video caters to the increasing demand for diverse programming while fostering cultural exchange. As Indian audiences embrace the Hallyu wave, Channel K stands poised to become an essential destination for fans of Korean culture and entertainment.