Author: Sreelatha M

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Technology

Tata invests ₹1,500 cr to expand iPhone production

Tata Group is stepping up its push in electronics manufacturing by investing an additional ₹1,500 crore into its iPhone production business.

The fresh funding will go into Tata Electronics, which has quickly become a key player in making iPhones in India. This investment is part of a larger plan to strengthen the company’s role in global supply chains and expand its manufacturing capacity.

Over the past few years, India has become an important base for smartphone production, especially for Apple. A growing number of iPhones are now being made in the country, and Tata is playing an increasing role in this shift alongside other global manufacturers.

The latest investment is expected to help Tata scale up operations, improve infrastructure, and support future expansion. It also reflects the group’s long-term commitment to the electronics sector, which is seen as a major growth area.

Tata has also been strengthening its position by taking control of existing manufacturing operations, including those previously run by international partners. This has helped the company quickly build capabilities and increase production.

Tata is aiming to build a broader presence in high-tech manufacturing, including semiconductors and advanced electronics. These sectors require large investments, but they are also key to the future of global technology.

The company’s growth in this space has been steady, with rising revenues and improving financial performance as production scales up. The new investment is expected to support this momentum.

Also Read: ₹10,000 cr fund 2.0 to boost India startups

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Beyond

₹10,000 cr fund 2.0 to boost India startups

The government has rolled out a new ₹10,000 crore fund to support startups, giving a fresh push to India’s growing innovation ecosystem.

The initiative, called Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0, is designed to help startups, especially those in early stages, get better access to funding. Many young companies struggle to raise money in their initial years, and this fund aims to ease that challenge.

Instead of investing directly in startups, the government will route the money through investment funds. These funds will then support promising startups across sectors. This approach is expected to attract more private investors and create a stronger funding network.

A key focus of the new fund will be on deep-tech sectors such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced manufacturing. These areas often require larger investments and longer time to grow, making funding harder to secure.

The scheme also aims to support startups beyond major cities, helping businesses in smaller towns and emerging hubs. By doing so, the government hopes to spread innovation more evenly across the country.

This is the second phase of the Startup India fund. The first phase, launched in 2016, helped several startups grow by improving access to capital and encouraging investor participation. The new phase builds on that effort with a sharper focus on future-ready technologies.

India’s startup ecosystem has grown rapidly in recent years, with thousands of new companies entering the market. However, many still face funding gaps, especially in high-risk or capital-intensive sectors.

Officials believe this fund will help bridge that gap and encourage more investment into innovative ideas. It is also expected to create jobs and support long-term economic growth.

Also Read: Lufthansa strike grounds flights, disrupts travel

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1 Minute-Read

Lufthansa strike grounds flights, disrupts travel

Thousands of passengers faced travel chaos as pilots at Lufthansa went on a two-day strike, leading to hundreds of flight cancellations.

Major airports like Frankfurt and Munich saw long queues and delays, leaving many travellers stranded or rushing to make alternate plans. The strike is part of an ongoing dispute between pilots and the airline over pay and benefits.

The situation may worsen, as cabin crew unions have also warned of possible strikes soon. Passengers have been advised to check flight updates regularly as talks continue, with no clear resolution yet.

 

Categories
Leaders

Disney to cut 1,000 jobs under new CEO

The Walt Disney Company has announced plans to cut around 1,000 jobs as part of a restructuring effort under its new CEO, Josh D’Amaro.

The decision comes just weeks after D’Amaro took over the top role, signalling a push to streamline operations and improve efficiency across the company. The layoffs are expected to affect multiple divisions, though specific departments have not been fully detailed.

In an internal memo to employees, D’Amaro said the move was necessary to align the company’s structure with its long-term goals. He acknowledged that the decision would be difficult but stressed that it was aimed at making Disney more focused and competitive in a rapidly changing entertainment industry.

The company has been facing growing pressure from shifts in consumer behaviour, particularly the move towards streaming platforms. Like many media giants, Disney has been trying to balance its traditional businesses, such as theme parks and television, with its expanding digital services.

This is not the first time Disney has undertaken job cuts in recent years. The company has been working to reduce costs and improve profitability, especially as competition in the streaming space continues to intensify.

Employees affected by the layoffs are expected to receive severance packages and support during the transition. The company has said it will handle the process carefully, keeping communication open with its workforce.

The announcement has raised concerns among employees, especially given the timing so soon after a leadership change. However, industry analysts say such steps are common when new leaders take charge, as they look to reshape organisations and set new priorities.

D’Amaro emphasised that despite the layoffs, Disney remains committed to investing in its core businesses, including content creation and experiences. He also highlighted the importance of innovation as the company adapts to evolving audience demands.

Also Read:Google brings AI search to Windows desktop

Categories
Technology

Google brings AI search to Windows desktop

Google has introduced a new desktop app for Windows users, making it easier to search the web and access information without opening a browser.

The app works on Windows 10 and newer versions and is currently available in English. It is designed to simplify how people search by bringing everything—web results, files, apps, and even cloud content—into one place.

One of its main features is “AI Mode,” which allows users to ask questions in a natural, conversational way. Instead of just showing a list of links, the app provides clear answers along with useful sources. This makes searching feel more like having a conversation than typing keywords.

Another useful feature is a quick shortcut. By pressing Alt + Space, users can instantly open the search bar and look for anything on their computer or online. This helps save time and reduces the need to switch between apps or browser tabs.

The app also includes tools like screen-based search and image recognition. Users can select something on their screen and ask questions about it, translate text, or identify images using built-in tools similar to Google Lens.

This launch is part of Google’s broader push to bring artificial intelligence into daily use. By placing AI tools directly on the desktop, the company is trying to make technology more helpful and less time-consuming.

For now, the app is limited to English, but more languages are expected in the future. With this move, Google is taking a step towards making search more personal, faster, and easier to use.

Also Read: Anthropic brings in Novartis CEO Narasimhan to board

 

Categories
Corporate

IBM settles US case over DEI practices

IBM has agreed to pay $17 million to settle a case brought by the U.S. Department of Justice over its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices.

The settlement resolves allegations that the company used hiring and promotion policies that considered factors such as race, gender, and national origin in ways that violated federal anti-discrimination rules tied to government contracts. The DOJ also claimed that some DEI-related programs and bonuses were linked to diversity targets.

IBM has denied any wrongdoing, and the settlement does not include an admission of liability. The company said it was pleased to resolve the matter and reiterated that its hiring approach is based on skills and business needs.

The case is part of a wider crackdown by U.S. authorities on corporate DEI programmes, particularly within companies that receive federal funding or work on government contracts. Officials have argued that such programmes must comply strictly with anti-discrimination laws.

As part of the resolution, IBM has agreed to pay the penalty and make changes to certain internal practices. The government said the case was handled under a civil rights enforcement initiative aimed at ensuring compliance with federal rules.

The settlement marks one of the more high-profile actions involving a major technology company and highlights growing legal and political scrutiny around DEI policies in corporate America.

While IBM maintains that it acted lawfully, the case underscores how companies are increasingly being required to reassess workplace diversity initiatives to align with evolving regulatory expectations.

Also Read: Microsoft to end Outlook Lite app

Categories
Corporate

Adani Green tops ESG rankings

Adani Green Energy Limited has emerged as the top-ranked Indian company on ESG (environmental, social, and governance) parameters, with a score of 87.3—the highest in the country.

The rating was given by CareEdge ESG Ratings Limited, which also assigned the company its top ‘ESG 1+’ grade. This reflects strong performance across areas like environmental impact, social responsibility, and corporate governance.

The company scored well for its efforts in managing climate risks, conserving water, reducing waste, and protecting biodiversity. It also stood out for maintaining transparency and strong internal systems to oversee operations.

ESG ratings have become increasingly important for investors, as they show how responsibly a company operates beyond just profits. A higher score often makes it easier for companies to attract global investment and access funding focused on sustainability.

For Adani Green, this recognition highlights its focus on clean energy and responsible growth. As one of India’s leading renewable energy companies, it has been expanding its projects while keeping sustainability at the centre of its strategy.

The achievement also reflects a broader shift towards more environmentally conscious business practices in India. Companies are now being evaluated not just on financial performance, but also on how they impact the environment and society.

Adani Green said the rating validates its long-term approach and ongoing efforts to build a sustainable business. The company has been working on improving efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and strengthening governance practices.

Also Read: Travel platform data breach exposes user details

Categories
Beyond

Travel platform data breach exposes user details

Booking.com has reported a data breach that may have exposed personal information of some of its customers, raising fresh concerns about online safety.

The company said it detected unauthorised access to part of its system, where booking-related data was stored. While the issue has now been controlled, some customer details may have been viewed by unknown individuals.

The information potentially exposed includes names, email addresses, phone numbers, and booking details. In some cases, messages exchanged between customers and hotels may also have been accessed. However, the company has clarified that financial information, such as credit card details, was not affected.

After identifying the problem, Booking.com took steps to secure its systems and began informing affected users. It also reset certain security details, such as reservation PINs, to prevent further misuse.

Users have been advised to stay alert, especially for suspicious emails or messages related to their bookings. Experts warn that attackers could use the leaked information to send phishing messages, pretending to be hotels or the platform itself, in an attempt to trick users.

The company has not shared how many customers were impacted, and investigations are still ongoing.

This incident highlights the growing risk of cyberattacks on online platforms that handle large amounts of personal data. For users, it serves as a reminder to be cautious while sharing information online and to verify any unexpected communication.

Also Read: Adani cargo shift plan draws US scrutiny

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1 Minute-Read

Adani cargo shift plan draws US scrutiny

The United States has raised concerns over the Adani Group’s plan to shift cargo operations from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to the upcoming Navi Mumbai airport.

The decision is linked to planned upgrades at the Mumbai airport, which may reduce cargo capacity temporarily. However, US authorities say forcing airlines, including American carriers, to relocate could violate bilateral aviation agreements and limit operational freedom.

They have also flagged competition concerns, as Adani operates both airports. The company says the shift is temporary and aimed at managing capacity. Talks are ongoing.

Categories
Leaders

Zeeshan Bakhrani builds ₹1.3 cr venture after layoffs

Zeeshan Bakhrani, a former product manager, has turned a difficult phase in his career into a successful business journey. After being laid off twice, he decided to move away from the corporate world and focus on his passion for food, something that has now grown into a venture earning around ₹1.3 crore a month.

Based in New York, Bakhrani had been experimenting with food as a side hustle before his layoffs. What started as small pop-ups soon became a full-time business when he chose to take the risk and invest in his idea.

In 2025, he launched Nishaan, a restaurant that blends Pakistani and American flavours. His menu features unique dishes like Bihari-style tacos and fusion street food, offering something different from traditional options. This mix of cultures has helped him stand out in a competitive market.

The response has been strong. His monthly revenue has grown quickly, reaching close to ₹1.3 crore, showing that customers are connecting with both the concept and the flavours.

Bakhrani says the journey hasn’t been easy. He now works long hours, often spending most of his day managing the business. But unlike his previous jobs, he has full control over his work and decisions, which he finds more fulfilling.

Also Read: LIC board announces 1:1 bonus shares