Author: Sreelatha M

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Leaders

Zomato CEO says New Year’s eve deliveries smooth

Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal has clarified that the food delivery platform’s record-breaking performance on New Year’s Eve was achieved without offering any extra incentives beyond standard pay. Despite some gig workers calling for a nationwide strike, over 4.5 lakh delivery partners completed more than 75 lakh orders for over 63 lakh customers across India, marking the busiest day in the company’s history.

Goyal explained that standard New Year’s Eve pay rates, combined with strong support from local authorities, were sufficient to keep operations running smoothly. He acknowledged that a small number of disruptions occurred due to “miscreants” but said these were effectively managed, ensuring minimal impact on customers.

The CEO also addressed criticisms about the gig economy. He argued that if the system were fundamentally unfair, large numbers of people would not choose to work in it. Highlighting the flexibility and earning potential of gig work, he said it has become an important source of organised employment in India, benefiting both workers and their families.

On calls for more regulation, Goyal stated that the gig economy does not need additional rules. He emphasised that existing measures, including pay transparency, insurance, and safety provisions, make the current model sustainable. He suggested that further regulation could inadvertently reduce opportunities for workers while limiting the industry’s growth potential.

Goyal’s remarks come amid ongoing debate about delivery pressures, pay structures, and social security for gig workers, especially in light of initiatives like the 10‑minute delivery promise and growing competition from quick-commerce platforms.

Thanking delivery partners and ground teams, Goyal said their dedication and resilience made the record-breaking day possible. He urged the public not to be influenced by “narratives pushed by vested interests” and described the performance as a testament to the professionalism and commitment of India’s gig workforce.

Also Read: Vision Pro hits sales snag, Apple halts production

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TVS Motor sales up 50%, shares rally

TVS Motor Company’s stock surged following a strong sales performance in December 2025 and the third quarter of FY26.

The company reported a 50% year-on-year jump in total vehicle sales for December, reaching 481,389 units, driven by a 48% rise in two-wheelers. Both domestic and export markets contributed to the growth, while electric vehicle sales also showed notable gains.

In Q3FY26, TVS achieved its highest-ever quarterly sales, reinforcing investor optimism. The impressive numbers highlight strong demand across segments and markets, fueling early trading gains and positive sentiment around the stock.

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Technology

Vision Pro hits sales snag, Apple halts production

Apple’s ambitious Vision Pro headset isn’t selling as expected. Sources say the company has drastically scaled back production and marketing after poor early sales, signaling a step back for the $3,499 device. Launched as a futuristic way to merge virtual and real‑world experiences, the headset hasn’t captured widespread interest.

Reviewers and early users have pointed out the device’s bulkiness, limited battery life, and a small selection of apps, making it less appealing to casual buyers. Estimates suggest only about 45,000 units were shipped during the holiday quarter, far below the numbers Apple usually achieves with its gadgets.

The Vision Pro is currently sold in just 13 countries, and Apple’s manufacturing partner reportedly paused production in early 2025. With competitors like Meta offering more affordable VR headsets that dominate the market, Apple faces an uphill battle in this premium niche.

Industry insiders say Apple is exploring a cheaper, more accessible version of the Vision Pro while also leaning into AI-enabled wearable devices. The headset’s early performance underscores the challenge of creating a new category from scratch, even for a tech giant known for redefining consumer electronics.

Also Read: India’s GST up 6%, Andhra Pradesh records highest

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Beyond

China’s DeepSeek reveals efficient AI training

Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has introduced a new way to train large AI models more efficiently. The approach, called Manifold‑Constrained Hyper‑Connections (mHC), helps models learn faster while using less computing power and energy. This is especially important as China faces limits on buying the latest AI chips from abroad due to US export restrictions.

The research paper, co‑authored by founder Liang Wenfeng and 18 other researchers, tested mHC on AI systems ranging from 3 to 27 billion parameters. The method stabilises training and avoids excessive computing costs, making it easier to build very large AI models without huge energy bills.

DeepSeek has a history of surprising the AI industry. Its 2025 R1 reasoning model was developed at a much lower cost than similar models from US companies. Experts now expect the next model, R2, to launch around China’s Spring Festival in February. The new mHC training method is expected to power this model, making it faster and more efficient.

China’s AI firms continue to face challenges due to limited access to advanced semiconductors. This has pushed companies like DeepSeek to create innovative, resource‑saving techniques to stay competitive globally.

Analysts suggest that R2 could make a significant impact internationally, even as companies like Google and OpenAI release high‑performance models. China’s lower-cost, efficient AI models are already gaining recognition in global rankings, showing the country’s growing technical capabilities.

DeepSeek has shared its research on open platforms like arXiv and Hugging Face, reflecting a trend of more openness and collaboration among Chinese AI developers.

The new method could set a benchmark for energy-efficient, large-scale AI training, helping China expand its AI capabilities despite hardware limitations.

Also Read: Aurobindo Pharma buys Khandelwal labs’ drugs for ₹325 cr

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Corporate

Aurobindo Pharma buys Khandelwal labs’ drugs for ₹325 cr

Aurobindo Pharma’s wholly owned subsidiary, Auro Pharma Ltd, has acquired the non-oncology prescription formulations business of Khandelwal Laboratories Pvt Ltd for ₹325 crore. The transaction, effective from 1 January 2026, was structured as a slump sale, meaning the business was acquired on a going-concern basis.

The acquisition includes 23 well-established brands marketed across 67 stock-keeping units (SKUs), along with nine pipeline products that are in development. The portfolio mainly comprises drugs in pain management and anti-infective therapy, two key segments in the Indian pharmaceutical market.

In the financial year 2024‑25, Khandelwal’s non-oncology business recorded a turnover of ₹113.5 crore and an EBITDA of ₹28.9 crore. It is supported by a field force of approximately 470 personnel and a distribution network covering more than 1,600 stockists across India. The acquisition, therefore, provides Aurobindo Pharma with an immediate presence in multiple therapeutic segments and strengthens its domestic reach.

Aurobindo Pharma stated that the move is aimed at broadening its prescription drug offerings while complementing its existing portfolio, particularly in pain management and anti-infective categories. The company clarified that the deal does not involve the transfer of Khandelwal Laboratories’ shares or control, and the acquired business will operate under the Auro Pharma umbrella.

The acquisition is part of Aurobindo’s broader strategy to expand its footprint in the Indian pharmaceutical market, increase its branded drug presence, and enhance overall product offerings. Analysts noted that integrating Khandelwal’s portfolio could provide synergies in sales, marketing, and distribution, allowing Aurobindo to leverage its existing infrastructure to boost growth.

Following the announcement, Aurobindo Pharma’s shares saw a modest rise, reflecting positive market sentiment about the company’s strategic expansion. Market watchers believe the deal will strengthen Aurobindo’s position in domestic prescription drugs and provide a steady revenue stream from established brands.

Also Read: Adani Power shares rises 7% as investor optimism surge

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Corporate

Adani Power shares rises 7% as investor optimism surge

Adani Power Ltd. shares jumped sharply on January 1, 2026, rising 7.1% to ₹153.20 on the BSE, marking their highest level in over a month. The stock witnessed heavy trading, with nearly 50 million shares exchanged, signaling strong investor interest.

Brokerages have highlighted that Adani Power is entering a multi-year earnings upcycle, driven by growing demand for power in India. Sectors such as manufacturing, data centers, and electric vehicles are expected to increase baseload electricity requirements, boosting revenue visibility for the company.

Research reports point to the company’s ongoing transformation from a stressed thermal power producer to one of India’s most efficient private power operators. Its current capacity of 18.15 GW is projected to expand to nearly 41.9 GW by FY33, largely through long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) that provide steady revenue streams. Around 90% of existing and planned capacity is already under contracts or letters of intent, giving investors confidence in sustained earnings growth.

Global brokerage Morgan Stanley recently maintained an “Overweight” rating on Adani Power, projecting a 20% EBITDA compound annual growth rate through FY33. The firm also raised its price target to ₹185, citing new PPAs and reduced reliance on merchant power sales as key drivers.

Despite the rally and positive outlook, analysts caution that the stock remains exposed to broader market fluctuations and sector-specific risks. They advise investors to weigh these factors before making decisions, noting that while fundamentals are improving, short-term volatility cannot be ruled out.

With strong trading activity and optimism surrounding long-term earnings, Adani Power has become a focus for investors seeking exposure to India’s growing energy sector. The stock’s recent surge underscores the market’s positive sentiment and the company’s potential to benefit from rising power demand and operational efficiency.

Analysts say the surge reflects renewed confidence in the company’s long-term growth prospects and a technical recovery supported by robust volumes.

Also Read: Tarun Garg named Hyundai India MD & CEO

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Leaders

Tarun Garg named Hyundai India MD & CEO

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has entered a new chapter with Tarun Garg taking charge as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) from January 1, 2026. His appointment is significant as he becomes the first Indian national to head the company since Hyundai began operations in India in 1996, underscoring the growing role of Indian leadership in global corporations.

Tarun Garg brings with him over three decades of rich experience in the automotive industry, spanning sales, marketing, strategy, finance, distribution and brand building. Since joining Hyundai Motor India in December 2019, Garg has played a pivotal role in strengthening the company’s market position. He previously served as Director – Sales, Service and Marketing, and later as Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer, during which the company reported record-breaking sales for three consecutive years, improved profitability and robust EBITDA margins.

One of the key highlights of his recent tenure was Hyundai Motor India’s landmark IPO in 2024, one of the largest public offerings in the Indian market, which further strengthened the company’s financial standing and public presence.

Before Hyundai, Garg spent a long and successful stint at Maruti Suzuki India, where he held several senior leadership roles, including Executive Director. His academic background includes a Mechanical Engineering degree from Delhi Technological University and an MBA from IIM Lucknow.

Speaking on his new role, Garg described the appointment as a privilege and said he aims to build on Hyundai’s strong legacy in India. His focus areas include sustainable growth, innovation, advanced mobility solutions and customer-centricity, while reinforcing the company’s commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Tarun Garg succeeds Unsoo Kim, who will move back to Hyundai’s global headquarters in South Korea. The leadership transition reflects Hyundai’s confidence in India as a strategic market and signals a future driven by local insight and global ambition.

Under his leadership, HMIL plans to accelerate investments in electric vehicles, hybrid technology and connected mobility, with a proposed investment of around ₹45,000 crore by 2030. Strengthening localisation, boosting exports and deepening engagement with employees, dealers and suppliers will also be key priorities.

Also Read: Warren Buffett retires as Berkshire CEO After 6 decades

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Technology

BSNL launches Wi‑Fi calling, never lose a call

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has rolled out its Voice over Wi‑Fi (VoWiFi) service nationwide starting January 1, 2026. The service, also known as Wi‑Fi Calling, is now available to all BSNL subscribers across every telecom circle in India, aiming to enhance call quality and connectivity even in areas with weak mobile signals.

VoWiFi allows users to make and receive voice calls and SMS using a Wi‑Fi connection, bypassing traditional cellular networks. This is particularly useful in locations such as basements, offices, homes, rural areas, or other regions where network coverage is poor. The service works with any stable broadband connection, including BSNL Bharat Fiber or other internet providers, ensuring uninterrupted communication in so-called “coverage shadow” zones.

The system operates on an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) platform, which enables smooth switching between Wi‑Fi and mobile networks without dropping calls. Users can make calls directly from their regular phone dialer, with no need for third-party apps. Most modern smartphones support VoWiFi, and subscribers may need to activate the Wi‑Fi Calling feature in device settings.

BSNL has made the service available at no additional cost. Calls made via Wi‑Fi are billed under the subscriber’s existing voice plan, meaning users can enjoy improved connectivity without extra charges. The move is part of BSNL’s efforts to enhance customer experience while managing network congestion as the operator continues expanding its infrastructure.

By launching VoWiFi nationwide, BSNL joins other telecom providers like Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea that already offer Wi‑Fi calling. This rollout aligns with the company’s broader strategy to modernize its network, strengthen coverage in underserved areas, and prepare for future 4G and advanced network developments.

BSNL’s nationwide VoWiFi service is expected to significantly improve call quality and reliability, particularly in regions with limited cellular connectivity, helping the operator bridge digital gaps while providing seamless communication for its customers.

Also Read: Warren Buffett retires as Berkshire CEO After 6 decades

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Tata Group charts 2026 path with innovation and impact

Tata Group chairman N Chandrasekaran has shared the group’s vision for 2026, focusing on execution with purpose and innovation that makes a real difference.

The group plans to advance artificial intelligence, expand future-ready manufacturing, and nurture talent for tomorrow. Sustainability is at the heart of their strategy, with green steel and electric mobility leading the way.

Chandrasekaran also highlighted resilience against cyber, operational, and geopolitical challenges, while exploring global opportunities that strengthen India’s position as a technology and manufacturing hub. The approach blends ambition with responsibility, aiming for growth that matters.

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OYO parent Prism files confidential IPO, raises Rs 6,650 cr

OYO’s parent company, Prism, has initiated plans for an initial public offering (IPO) via the confidential route, aiming to raise up to Rs 6,650 crore.

The filing with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) follows shareholder approval at an extraordinary general meeting in December 2025. Prism’s IPO could value the hospitality‑tech firm at $7–8 billion, reflecting strong market confidence.

This move revives its earlier listing plans that were put on hold due to market conditions. SEBI’s review of the draft red herring prospectus is now underway.