Author: Sreelatha M

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Technology

Trump urges OpenAI to delay GPT-5, GPT-6 rollout

The Trump administration has reportedly asked OpenAI to slow the public release of its next-generation AI models, including GPT-5 and GPT-6, as the US government considers stronger safeguards for increasingly powerful artificial intelligence systems.

According to reports, officials have urged the company to coordinate closely with the government before launching future frontier AI models. The discussions are part of a broader effort to ensure that highly advanced AI systems are released responsibly, with adequate measures to address national security, cybersecurity and public safety risks.

The move comes as governments around the world grapple with the rapid pace of AI development. Powerful AI models are becoming increasingly capable of generating human-like text, writing software, analysing complex information and performing tasks that were once considered exclusive to humans.

While no formal ban or legal restriction has been announced, the reported request signals a shift towards closer government oversight of advanced AI technologies. Officials are said to be exploring frameworks that would allow innovation to continue while reducing the risks associated with deploying increasingly capable AI systems.

OpenAI has not publicly confirmed any delay to its future models. The company has previously said it supports responsible AI development and has introduced safety testing and evaluation processes before releasing new systems. Industry experts believe collaboration between AI companies and governments is becoming increasingly important as the technology grows more powerful.

The discussions also reflect the intensifying global competition in artificial intelligence, with the United States seeking to maintain its leadership while ensuring advanced AI tools are developed safely. Technology companies are investing billions of dollars in larger and more capable models, raising fresh questions about regulation, transparency and accountability.

Although OpenAI’s development roadmap remains unchanged for now, the reported discussions underline a growing consensus that powerful AI systems will require greater oversight as governments seek to balance innovation with public interest and national security.

Also Read: IBM develops world’s first sub-1 nanometer AI chip

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Beyond

Adani to invest ₹20,000 cr in airport cities

Adani Airports has announced a ₹20,000-crore plan to develop integrated airport cities around six airports across India, in a major push to turn aviation hubs into business and lifestyle districts. The first phase will cover more than 655 acres across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow and Guwahati, with nearly 22 million square feet of built-up space planned.

The company said the airport cities will go beyond traditional aviation infrastructure by bringing together hotels, retail outlets, office spaces, convention centres, entertainment zones and business parks in a single ecosystem. Inspired by successful airport districts in cities such as Singapore, Dubai, Amsterdam and Seoul, the projects aim to turn airports into economic engines that support trade, tourism and investment.

Nearly 70 per cent of the investment will be concentrated in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, where around 440 acres have been earmarked for development. These two locations are expected to become the flagship airport city projects in the network.

According to Adani Airports, the integrated developments are designed to improve the overall travel experience while creating vibrant business and commercial districts around airports. The company believes the projects will generate employment, attract global businesses and support the growth of surrounding urban areas.

Airport cities, often referred to as “aerotropolises”, are increasingly becoming popular around the world as airports evolve from transport hubs into centres for commerce and urban development. Adani said the initiative reflects this global trend and aligns with India’s growing aviation sector and rising passenger traffic.

The move also reflects Adani Airports’ broader push to build commercial ecosystems around its airport assets.

Also Read: EPFO to suspend online services from June 26 to 28

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Corporate

Micron hits $1.398 trillion, briefly tops Meta, Tesla

US chipmaker Micron Technology briefly became more valuable than Meta and Tesla after its shares surged on the back of strong earnings and booming demand for artificial intelligence (AI) memory chips.

The company’s stock jumped 18.4 per cent, pushing its market value to $1.398 trillion. During the rally, Micron overtook Meta, valued at $1.392 trillion, and briefly moved ahead of Tesla before market values changed later in the trading session.

The sharp rise came after Micron reported better-than-expected quarterly results and issued a strong revenue forecast. The company said demand for its advanced memory chips, which are used in AI servers and data centres, continues to grow rapidly as technology companies expand their AI infrastructure.

Micron also revealed that customers have signed $22 billion worth of long-term agreements to secure future supplies of its high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips. These chips are essential for training and running advanced AI models, making them a key component of the fast-growing AI industry.

The company reported a 346 per cent year-on-year jump in revenue, reflecting the strong demand for AI-related products. Investors welcomed the results, seeing them as a sign that spending on AI infrastructure remains strong despite global economic uncertainties.

While companies like Nvidia have dominated the AI hardware market, Micron is becoming increasingly important because AI systems require large amounts of high-speed memory to process data efficiently. As more businesses invest in AI, demand for memory chips is expected to remain strong.

Also Read: EPFO to suspend online services from June 26 to 28

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Beyond

EPFO to suspend online services from June 26 to 28

Millions of Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) subscribers will face a temporary disruption in online services as the retirement fund body prepares for a major technology upgrade. The EPFO has announced that several digital services, including online claim submissions, will remain unavailable for three days, from June 26 to 28,  while its systems undergo scheduled maintenance.

The temporary shutdown is part of a planned overhaul aimed at improving the performance, reliability and security of the EPFO’s digital platform. Officials said the upgrade is expected to make online services faster, more stable and better equipped to handle the growing number of users accessing the portal every day.

During the maintenance period, members will not be able to submit online claims for provident fund withdrawals, pension benefits or insurance-related services. Other facilities, including profile updates, Know Your Customer (KYC) modifications, passbook-related services and certain employer functions, may also remain inaccessible until the upgrade is completed.

The EPFO has advised subscribers, employers and pensioners to complete urgent online transactions before the maintenance window begins to avoid inconvenience. Those with time-sensitive claims or requests have been encouraged to plan accordingly, as pending applications may experience short delays until services are restored.

Despite the temporary disruption, EPFO clarified that the exercise is intended to strengthen its digital infrastructure and deliver a smoother experience for users in the long run. The organisation has increasingly focused on expanding online services, reducing paperwork and enabling faster claim settlements through digital platforms.

The technology upgrade comes as EPFO continues to modernise its systems to meet rising demand from over 70 million active subscribers. With more members relying on online services for withdrawals, account transfers and pension-related requests, improving platform efficiency has become a key priority.

Officials have assured users that normal services will resume once the maintenance work is completed. They also said the upgraded system is expected to offer improved stability, enhanced security and quicker processing of online requests.

Also Read: Amazon CEO meets PM Modi, commits $48 bn

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Corporate

Elon Musk loses trillionaire status after market rout

Elon Musk has taken a major hit to his personal fortune after a sharp fall in US markets wiped billions of dollars from the value of his holdings, pushing his net worth below the trillion-dollar mark. The drop was driven mainly by weakness in technology stocks and fresh investor worries about the outlook for several fast-growing companies.

A large share of Musk’s wealth is tied to his stakes in Tesla and other businesses. As share prices slipped, the value of those holdings fell quickly, leading to one of his biggest single-day wealth losses this year.

Market analysts said the sell-off was caused by a mix of profit-taking, concerns about economic growth and uncertainty over how major technology companies will perform in the months ahead. The wider market decline also affected other billionaires whose fortunes depend heavily on stock prices, but Musk saw one of the steepest drops because of the size of his investments.

Even after the setback, Musk remains one of the richest people in the world and continues to wield major influence in the technology, auto and space sectors. Investors are paying close attention to Tesla, which still makes up the biggest part of his overall wealth.

The latest fall shows how quickly fortunes can change when they are linked to publicly traded companies. A strong market rally can add billions in days, while a broad sell-off can erase that value just as fast.

For Musk, the decline is unlikely to change his long-term plans, which include expanding electric vehicle production, pushing ahead with artificial intelligence projects and growing commercial space operations. Still, the episode is a reminder of how volatile tech-linked wealth can be.

With market conditions still uncertain, analysts expect investors to keep watching economic data, interest rate expectations and company earnings for clues about the direction of technology stocks. Until then, share price swings are likely to continue shaping the fortunes of some of the world’s richest business leaders, including Musk.

The latest drop may have reduced his wealth, but it has not changed his standing as one of the most powerful figures in global business and technology.

Also Read: Noel Tata steps down as Trent chairman

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1 Minute-Read

Info Edge bets big on India’s AI future

Info Edge, the parent company of Naukri, has invested more than ₹1,000 crore in India’s artificial intelligence and deep-tech ecosystem, reinforcing its long-term commitment to emerging technologies. The company said the value of its AI and deep-tech portfolio has crossed ₹1,800 crore, reflecting strong growth among its startup investments.

Over the years, Info Edge has backed several early-stage ventures focused on AI, automation and advanced technologies. The company believes India is witnessing a major innovation wave, driven by entrepreneurs building solutions for both domestic and global markets.

The growing portfolio highlights increasing investor confidence in Indian deep-tech startups. For founders and innovators, the support provides not just funding but also encouragement to pursue ambitious ideas. As AI adoption accelerates across industries, Info Edge expects the sector to remain a key driver of future growth and technological transformation.

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Corporate

S&P raises Airtel rating on strong India, Africa growth

Bharti Airtel has received a major vote of confidence from global ratings agency S&P Global Ratings, which upgraded the telecom giant’s long-term issuer credit rating to BBB from BBB-. The upgrade reflects Airtel’s strong business performance, improving financial position and sustained growth across its key markets in India and Africa.

S&P said the rating revision was driven by Airtel’s consistent revenue growth, expanding customer base and strengthening cash flows. The agency noted that the company has successfully improved its profitability while maintaining a strong competitive position in the telecommunications sector.

Airtel’s India business continues to benefit from rising demand for mobile data services, increasing smartphone penetration and higher average revenue per user (ARPU). The company has also strengthened its presence in the fast-growing 5G segment, helping it attract and retain subscribers in an increasingly competitive market.

The ratings agency highlighted Airtel Africa as another important contributor to the company’s growth story. Operations across several African countries have delivered steady revenue gains and improved earnings, providing geographical diversification and reducing dependence on a single market.

According to S&P, Airtel’s financial metrics have improved significantly in recent years. Strong operating performance, disciplined capital spending and effective debt management have helped the company strengthen its balance sheet. The agency expects Airtel to maintain healthy cash generation and continue reducing leverage over the medium term.

The upgrade places Airtel firmly within investment-grade territory and could help lower borrowing costs in future fund-raising efforts. It also signals confidence in the company’s ability to navigate market challenges while sustaining growth.

For investors, the upgrade is seen as a positive indicator of Airtel’s financial health and long-term prospects. It comes at a time when the telecom industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by technological advances and changing consumer behaviour.

As Airtel continues to expand across India and Africa, the S&P upgrade underscores growing confidence in the company’s strategy, operational strength and ability to deliver sustainable growth in two of the world’s most dynamic telecommunications markets.

Also Read: Vishal Sikka launches AI firm Hang Ten, secures $32 mn

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Leaders

Vishal Sikka launches AI firm Hang Ten, secures $32 mn

Former Infosys CEO Vishal Sikka has returned to the startup spotlight with the launch of Hang Ten Systems, a new artificial intelligence-focused company that has already secured $32 million in funding.

The venture aims to help businesses adopt and scale AI technologies more effectively at a time when demand for artificial intelligence solutions is growing rapidly across industries. The funding round has attracted support from investors who see significant opportunities in enterprise AI and the next phase of digital transformation.

Announcing the launch, Sikka described the current AI boom as a transformational moment for technology and business. He said organisations around the world are looking for practical ways to integrate AI into their operations, products and customer experiences, creating a major opportunity for companies that can simplify that transition.

Hang Ten Systems plans to focus on AI-powered services and solutions for enterprises. While specific product details remain limited, the company is expected to help businesses deploy AI tools, automate processes and improve decision-making through advanced technologies. The startup’s strategy is centred on making artificial intelligence more accessible and useful for organisations seeking measurable business outcomes.

Sikka is widely recognised for his role in shaping Infosys’ digital transformation strategy during his tenure as chief executive. After leaving the IT giant, he remained active in the technology sector through research, innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives. His latest venture reflects his continued belief that AI will fundamentally reshape industries and the future of work.

The launch comes amid intense global competition in artificial intelligence. Technology companies, startups and investors are pouring billions of dollars into AI development as businesses increasingly seek solutions that improve efficiency, productivity and customer engagement.

The $32 million funding provides the startup with resources to build technology, attract talent and expand operations. It also signals investor confidence in Sikka’s vision and leadership within the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Also Read: RBI tightens rules for large NBFCs

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Leaders

Noel Tata steps down as Trent chairman

A significant chapter in Indian retail is coming to a close as Noel Tata prepares to step down as chairman of Trent after nearly three decades of leadership that helped transform the company into one of the country’s most successful retail businesses.

Noel Tata’s final annual general meeting as chairman marks the end of a 26-year journey during which Trent evolved from a relatively modest retail player into a major force in India’s fast-growing consumer market. Under his leadership, the company expanded aggressively and built some of the country’s most recognised retail brands.

When Noel Tata took charge, organised retail in India was still in its early stages. Over the years, he played a key role in shaping Trent’s growth strategy, focusing on affordability, customer experience and expansion into new markets. The company steadily increased its footprint across the country, benefiting from rising consumer spending and urbanisation.

One of the biggest success stories during his tenure was the rapid growth of Westside, which became one of India’s leading fashion and lifestyle retail chains. Trent also strengthened its position through formats such as Zudio, which has emerged as a major player in the value-fashion segment and attracted younger, price-conscious shoppers.

Industry observers credit Noel Tata with maintaining a long-term approach to business, prioritising sustainable growth over rapid expansion. His leadership helped Trent navigate changing consumer trends, economic cycles and increasing competition from both domestic and international retailers.

The announcement comes at a time when Trent is enjoying strong business momentum. The company has reported impressive growth in recent years, driven largely by the success of its fashion and value-retail formats. Investors have rewarded that performance, making Trent one of the standout performers in India’s retail sector.

Although Noel Tata is stepping down from the chairman’s role, his influence on the company’s direction and culture is expected to remain significant. His tenure is widely viewed as one of the most successful leadership periods within the Tata Group’s retail businesses.

As Trent prepares for its next phase of growth, the transition also highlights Noel Tata’s broader contribution to Indian retail. From expanding store networks to building powerful consumer brands, his legacy is closely linked to the rise of organised retail in India.

Also Read: RBI tightens rules for large NBFCs

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Beyond

RBI tightens rules for large NBFCs

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has tightened rules for large non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), setting stricter criteria for identifying systemically important firms and removing some regulatory exemptions earlier available to government-owned entities.

Under the revised framework, NBFCs with assets of ₹1 lakh crore or more will automatically be classified as Upper Layer (NBFC-UL) entities. These firms will face closer regulatory supervision and tougher compliance requirements because of their size and their potential impact on the financial system.

The move is part of the RBI’s broader effort to strengthen risk management across the financial sector. By bringing the country’s largest NBFCs under tighter scrutiny, the central bank aims to improve governance, support financial stability and ensure that big institutions have stronger safeguards against shocks.

In another important change, the RBI has withdrawn concentration-risk exemptions that were earlier available to government-owned NBFCs. Until now, some state-backed finance companies had more flexibility on exposure limits to individual borrowers or groups. With the exemptions removed, these institutions will now have to follow the same concentration-risk norms as other NBFCs.

The central bank said the decision is meant to create a more uniform regulatory environment and reduce risks from excessive exposure to specific borrowers, sectors or projects. Financial experts say concentration risk can become serious if a large borrower runs into trouble, potentially affecting the lender’s stability.

The new framework is expected to affect several large NBFCs, especially those with rapidly growing balance sheets. Firms crossing the ₹1 lakh crore asset mark will now face additional expectations on governance, risk controls and supervisory oversight.

Market participants see the measures as part of the RBI’s wider effort to bring NBFC regulation closer to banking-sector standards. Over the past few years, the central bank has steadily increased supervision of non-bank lenders after episodes of stress in the sector.

The RBI’s message is clear: as NBFCs grow larger and play a bigger role in India’s financial system, they will also face greater regulatory responsibility and oversight to protect financial stability.

Analysts believe the latest changes could improve transparency and resilience across the NBFC industry, though some firms may need to adjust their business models and risk-management practices to meet the tighter rules.

Also Read: Adani targets 10 GW nuclear capacity by 2035