Author: Sreelatha M

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Technology

Netflix mandates unique emails for profiles

Netflix is introducing a new requirement that asks users sharing an account to link each profile with a unique email address, marking another step in the streaming giant’s effort to strengthen account security and personalise user access.

The feature is being rolled out gradually and is expected to affect users with multiple profiles under a single subscription. Until now, several profiles could exist without being tied to individual email addresses. Under the updated system, Netflix will prompt users to assign a separate email ID to each profile.

The company says the change is meant to make profile management easier while giving every user greater control over viewing history, recommendations and account settings. It will also simplify the process of transferring a profile to a new account if someone decides to move away from a shared subscription.

For families and households that legitimately share a Netflix account, the update is not expected to change the way they watch content. Instead, each profile holder will simply need to provide a unique email address when prompted. Users who ignore the request may eventually face restrictions in accessing or managing their individual profiles.

The latest move builds on Netflix’s broader strategy to curb password sharing outside a household. Over the past few years, the company has introduced paid sharing options in several countries and tightened verification measures to ensure subscriptions are used according to its policies.

For subscribers, the update means a slightly different login experience rather than a major change in service. Existing viewing preferences, watchlists and recommendations will remain linked to each profile after an email address is added.

As competition in the streaming market continues to grow, Netflix appears focused on balancing user convenience with stronger account protection. The latest update reflects the company’s ongoing effort to make shared subscriptions more secure while giving individual users greater ownership of their personal viewing experience.

Also Read: Gold nears ₹1.44 lakh, Silver hits ₹2.40 lakh

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Beyond

BYJU’S lenders eye 30% Aakash stake settlement

A long-running legal battle involving embattled edtech company BYJU’S may finally be nearing a resolution. The company’s global lenders are in advanced discussions to acquire a 30% stake in Aakash Educational Services, one of India’s largest offline coaching chains, as part of a comprehensive settlement aimed at ending multiple legal disputes.

The proposed agreement is linked to BYJU’S default on its $1 billion Term Loan B, which triggered legal proceedings across India, the United States and Singapore. Under the settlement, lenders represented by Glas Trust are expected to withdraw all lawsuits against founder Byju Raveendran and other related parties if the deal is successfully completed.

People familiar with the negotiations said the talks are in the final stages, although the exact structure of the transaction is still being worked out. Aakash, acquired by BYJU’S for nearly $1 billion in 2021, is currently valued at around $2 billion, making it the group’s most valuable remaining asset. The proposed stake transfer would give lenders a significant ownership position while helping bring years of litigation to an end.

The ownership structure of Aakash has changed considerably over the past year. Manipal Education and Medical Group has increased its holding to around 60%, emerging as the largest shareholder. If the proposed settlement goes through, lenders would become another major shareholder, while BYJU’S stake would reduce further. Industry experts believe this could provide greater stability to Aakash, which has largely remained operational despite the financial troubles of its parent company.

For BYJU’S, once India’s most valuable startup with operations in more than 20 countries, the agreement could mark a significant turning point. The company has faced financial distress, insolvency proceedings and several court battles over the past three years, leading to a sharp decline in its business and valuation.

While the settlement has not yet been finalised, both sides are reportedly keen to avoid further legal battles.

Also Read: Volkswagen plans massive 100,000 job cuts

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1 Minute-Read

Volkswagen plans massive 100,000 job cuts

Volkswagen is preparing a major restructuring that could cut up to 100,000 jobs over the next few years, according to reports.

The German carmaker is also said to be considering plant closures in Hanover, Zwickau, Emden and Audi’s Neckarsulm site. The move comes as the company faces weak demand in Europe, tougher competition from Chinese electric vehicle makers and higher costs.

Chief executive Oliver Blume is reportedly pushing a wider overhaul to reduce spending and improve efficiency. Labour unions have strongly opposed the plan, warning that workers should not pay for the company’s problems. Board decision is due next month.

 

 

 

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Beyond

US eases access to Anthropic’s Claude Mythos AI

The US government has allowed Anthropic to restore limited access to its powerful Claude Mythos 5 artificial intelligence model, easing restrictions that were imposed earlier this month over national security concerns. Even so, access remains tightly controlled and is available only to a select group of trusted American organisations, not the general public.

The move came after talks between Anthropic and US officials, following a temporary suspension of access for foreign nationals and a broader pause on rollout. Authorities had worried that such an advanced AI system could be misused for cyberattacks or accessed by hostile foreign actors if it was released without strong safeguards.

Under the revised arrangement, more than 100 approved organisations, including cybersecurity firms, critical infrastructure operators and selected Fortune 500 companies, will be able to use Mythos 5. Many of these groups are already part of Anthropic’s Project Glasswing, an initiative that uses advanced AI to find and fix software weaknesses before attackers can exploit them.

Anthropic said the model has shown strong results in spotting complex software flaws and improving cyber defences. The company believes that giving trusted security experts access to the technology can help strengthen digital safety while lowering the risk of misuse. It also said it will continue working closely with US authorities before expanding access further.

The controlled rollout comes as governments around the world step up scrutiny of powerful AI systems. The Trump administration has introduced new rules requiring frontier AI developers to coordinate with federal authorities before releasing highly capable models. Similar restrictions have also affected other leading AI companies building next-generation systems.

Also Read: YouTube Shorts adds cleaner viewing tools

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Leaders

OpenAI taps Prabhjeet Singh to lead India expansion

OpenAI has appointed former Uber India and South Asia President Prabhjeet Singh as its Managing Director for India, signalling a major push to strengthen its presence in one of the company’s fastest-growing markets. Singh will join OpenAI in September and become the company’s most senior executive in India, leading its business strategy and expansion across the country.

In his new role, Singh will oversee consumer growth, enterprise adoption, strategic partnerships, regulatory engagement and day-to-day operations. He will report to Kiran Mani, Managing Director for Asia Pacific, and will work closely with businesses, developers, government institutions and policymakers to expand the use of OpenAI’s artificial intelligence technologies across India.

Singh joins OpenAI after spending nearly 11 years at Uber, where he most recently served as President for India and South Asia. During his tenure, he led the company’s operations across India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, introduced new mobility services and helped expand Uber’s presence in the region through partnerships and digital initiatives. His experience in building large-scale businesses is expected to play a key role in OpenAI’s next phase of growth in India.

The appointment reflects OpenAI’s increasing focus on India, which has emerged as the company’s second-largest market for ChatGPT users globally. India is also among OpenAI’s fastest-growing markets for enterprise AI adoption and software development tools such as Codex. Over the past year, the company has expanded its local presence through new offices, strategic partnerships and investments aimed at supporting businesses, developers and educational institutions.

For Singh, the move marks a transition from mobility to artificial intelligence, while for OpenAI it represents another significant investment in India.

Also Read: YouTube Shorts adds cleaner viewing tools

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Beyond

Gold at ₹1.44 lakh, silver above ₹2.22 lakh

Gold prices edged higher across major Indian cities on Saturday, June 27, as global bullion markets recovered and investors once again turned to safe-haven assets. The rise came after softer US inflation data eased fears of more aggressive interest rate hikes. Even so, gold is still headed for a fourth straight weekly decline globally after touching multi-month lows earlier this month.

In Mumbai, 24-carat gold was priced at ₹1,44,300 per 10 grams, while 22-carat gold stood at ₹1,32,275 and 18-carat gold at ₹1,08,225. Silver (999 fine) was selling at ₹2,22,850 per kg.

Delhi also saw firm prices, with 24-carat gold at ₹1,44,060 per 10 grams, 22-carat gold at ₹1,32,055 and 18-carat gold at ₹1,08,045. Silver was quoted at ₹2,22,470 per kg.

Other major cities followed the same trend. Bengaluru reported 24-carat gold at ₹1,44,420 per 10 grams. Chennai recorded the highest price among the key metros at ₹1,44,720. Hyderabad quoted 24-carat gold at ₹1,44,530, while Kolkata stood at ₹1,44,110 per 10 grams. Silver prices across these cities ranged between ₹2,22,560 and ₹2,23,500 per kg.

In the international market, spot gold rose to $4,089.80 an ounce, while silver climbed to $59.15 an ounce. Analysts said the latest move was supported by expectations of softer inflation, which reduced pressure for immediate rate hikes. Continued uncertainty in financial markets also encouraged investors to move money into precious metals. Volatility in technology stocks added to that safe-haven demand.

Also Read: Zydus, Sunshine launch Sri Lanka pharma JV

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Corporate

Zydus, Sunshine launch Sri Lanka pharma JV

Zydus Lifesciences and Sri Lanka-based Sunshine Healthcare Lanka have announced a 50:50 joint venture to establish a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Sri Lanka, marking a significant step towards strengthening the island nation’s healthcare ecosystem. The partners will jointly invest more than $20 million to set up the greenfield manufacturing unit, which is expected to reduce the country’s dependence on imported medicines while improving access to high-quality, affordable treatments.

The new venture, named Zydus Sunshine Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd., will develop a modern pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Horana. Once operational, the plant will produce a wide range of medicines for domestic demand and, over time, explore export opportunities across the region. The project is also expected to create skilled jobs and support the growth of Sri Lanka’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities.

The collaboration combines Zydus Lifesciences’ global expertise in research, development and manufacturing with Sunshine Healthcare Lanka’s strong local presence and understanding of the Sri Lankan healthcare market. Company leaders said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to quality medicines while contributing to the country’s long-term healthcare resilience.

The investment comes at a time when Sri Lanka is actively encouraging domestic pharmaceutical production to reduce import dependence and strengthen supply chain security. By manufacturing medicines locally, the joint venture aims to improve product availability, ensure a more reliable supply of essential drugs and support the country’s broader healthcare goals.

For Zydus Lifesciences, the venture also fits its strategy of expanding in emerging international markets through strategic partnerships. The company already has a presence in more than 50 countries and sees the Sri Lankan investment as an opportunity to deepen its regional footprint while delivering affordable healthcare solutions. Sunshine Healthcare, meanwhile, will use the partnership to strengthen local manufacturing capabilities and bring advanced pharmaceutical technologies to Sri Lanka.

Also Read: Goldman Sachs lifts India’s GDP forecast to 6.8%

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Corporate

Goldman Sachs lifts India’s GDP forecast to 6.8%

Global investment bank Goldman Sachs has raised its forecast for India’s economic growth in calendar year 2026 to 6.8 per cent, expressing greater confidence in the country’s outlook amid easing inflation, lower oil prices and improving domestic demand.

The revised projection is higher than the bank’s earlier estimate of 6.5 per cent. Goldman Sachs also lowered its forecasts for inflation and the current account deficit, saying recent geopolitical developments and softer crude oil prices have improved India’s macroeconomic outlook.

According to the bank, easing tensions in West Asia have reduced concerns over energy prices, providing relief to an economy that imports a large share of its crude oil requirements. Lower oil prices are expected to help keep inflation under control, improve household spending power and reduce pressure on India’s import bill.

Goldman Sachs now expects inflation to remain lower than previously anticipated, giving the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) more room to support growth if required. Softer inflation could also help consumers by easing the cost of everyday goods and services.

The investment bank believes India’s domestic economy remains resilient, supported by steady consumption, continued government infrastructure spending and improving private investment. Strong economic fundamentals, it said, are helping India withstand uncertainties in the global economy.

The report also projects a narrower current account deficit, reflecting lower energy import costs and a favourable external environment. A smaller deficit is generally seen as positive because it indicates reduced dependence on foreign capital to finance imports.

Despite ongoing global challenges, including trade uncertainties and slowing growth in some major economies, Goldman Sachs expects India to remain one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world. The bank believes the country’s structural growth drivers, including rising consumption, manufacturing expansion and digitalisation, remain intact.

Economists say the upgraded forecast reflects growing confidence in India’s ability to maintain stable growth even amid external shocks. Lower inflation and easing commodity prices are expected to provide additional support to businesses and consumers over the coming months.

The improved outlook is likely to strengthen investor sentiment and reinforce expectations that India will continue to play a leading role in driving global economic growth in 2026.

Also Read: Rare earth magnet scheme gets longer bid window

Categories
Beyond

Rare earth magnet scheme gets longer bid window

The Centre has extended the deadline for companies to submit bids under its proposed rare earth magnet manufacturing incentive scheme to July 29, giving the industry additional time to participate in a programme aimed at reducing India’s dependence on imports.

The scheme is part of the government’s broader strategy to build domestic manufacturing capacity for rare earth magnets, which are essential components in electric vehicles, wind turbines, consumer electronics, defence equipment and several high-tech industries. At present, India relies heavily on imports, particularly from China, for these critical materials.

The deadline extension comes after industry players sought more time to prepare proposals and study the scheme’s guidelines. Officials believe the additional window will encourage wider participation and help attract more manufacturers to invest in the sector.

The proposed incentive programme is expected to support companies that manufacture high-performance rare earth magnets within India. By encouraging local production, the government hopes to strengthen supply chains, improve self-reliance and reduce the risk of disruptions caused by global geopolitical tensions or export restrictions.

Rare earth magnets are considered strategically important because they are used in products ranging from smartphones and electric motors to advanced defence systems. As global demand for clean energy technologies and electric mobility continues to rise, countries are increasingly focusing on securing reliable supplies of these critical materials.

The government has identified critical minerals and advanced manufacturing as priority sectors under its industrial policy. The rare earth magnet incentive scheme is expected to complement these efforts by encouraging domestic production and attracting fresh investments.

With the revised deadline now set for July 29, officials hope more companies will come forward with proposals, paving the way for a stronger domestic rare earth magnet industry and reducing India’s dependence on overseas suppliers in the years ahead.

Also Read: RBI simplifies government securities trading

Categories
Technology

Apple hikes MacBook, iPad prices

Apple has increased the prices of several MacBooks, iPads and other devices, saying soaring memory and storage chip costs driven by the artificial intelligence (AI) boom have made the move unavoidable.

The price revision affects multiple markets, including India, where some Apple products have become significantly more expensive. However, the company has not increased iPhone prices for now, although industry experts believe they could also rise later this year.

Apple said the sharp increase in the cost of memory components is the main reason behind the hike. As AI companies invest billions of dollars in building data centres, chipmakers are prioritising high-end AI hardware, reducing the supply of memory chips used in consumer electronics. This has pushed up prices across the industry.

The company had absorbed much of the additional cost over the past year, but said it was no longer sustainable. Several MacBook, iPad, HomePod and Apple TV models now carry higher price tags, with Indian customers among those seeing some of the steepest increases.

Industry analysts say Apple is unlikely to be the only company raising prices. Other laptop and smartphone manufacturers could follow if memory shortages continue, as demand for AI infrastructure keeps growing.

The development highlights how the AI revolution is beginning to affect everyday consumers. While artificial intelligence is creating new opportunities, it is also increasing competition for key components, making devices such as laptops and tablets more expensive.

For buyers planning to upgrade their devices, the latest hike means spending more than expected. Analysts advise consumers to compare configurations carefully and look for festive offers or exchange deals, as further price increases cannot be ruled out if component costs remain elevated.

Apple’s decision signals a broader shift in the technology industry, where the rapid expansion of AI is reshaping supply chains and influencing the prices consumers pay for everyday gadgets.

Also Read: Trump urges OpenAI to delay GPT-5, GPT-6 rollout