Author: Sreelatha M

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Technology

Vivo X300, X300 Pro launch in India on Dec. 2

Vivo is all set to launch its new flagship smartphones, the X300 and X300 Pro, in India on 2 December 2025 at 12 noon IST. These devices aim to bring top-tier performance and photography features to the premium segment.

The X300 Pro is built for photography enthusiasts, offering a triple rear camera setup with a 50 MP main sensor, a 50 MP ultra-wide lens, and an impressive 200 MP periscope telephoto camera. The regular X300 also packs a punch with a 200 MP main camera, complemented by 50 MP ultra-wide and 50 MP telephoto lenses, ensuring high-quality shots in varied conditions.

Both smartphones are powered by the 3 nm MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset, promising smooth performance and efficient power management. They come with high-end RAM and storage options, designed to handle demanding apps and multitasking effortlessly.

For the Indian market, Vivo is adding a special touch: the regular X300 will feature a red colour variant exclusive to India, adding a stylish edge for buyers looking for something unique.

While official pricing is yet to be revealed, industry estimates suggest the X300 could start around ₹69,999, with the Pro model priced near ₹99,999. With a combination of powerful cameras, flagship performance, and sleek design, the X300 series is shaping up to be a strong contender in India’s high-end smartphone market.

Also Read: Mozilla introduces AI browser mode for users

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Technology

Mozilla introduces AI browser mode for users

Mozilla is entering the AI browser race with a new feature called “AI Window” for Firefox. This add on comes as more browsers are integrating AI assistants to offer smarter, faster browsing experiences.

The AI Window is designed as an optional mode, separate from Firefox’s regular and private browsing. Users can choose to open it whenever they want and turn it off easily. Inside this mode, an AI assistant can help with searching, brainstorming, writing, or providing suggestions related to the user’s tasks, all without leaving the browser.

Mozilla has focused on giving users control. People can pick which AI model they prefer to use instead of being limited to one provider. The company also promises that the AI will act as a helpful companion rather than a chat interface that dominates the browsing experience.

Currently, the AI Window is in testing, and users can sign up to try it. Mozilla says it aims to develop the feature transparently, sharing updates and improvements with users along the way.

This move puts Firefox in direct competition with other AI-powered browsers. OpenAI recently released Atlas, a ChatGPT-powered browser, while Perplexity launched Comet, another AI-first browser focused on productivity.

Although Firefox has a smaller market share compared with Google Chrome, Mozilla is betting on its strengths in privacy and independence from the Chromium engine. By giving users choice and control, Mozilla hopes the AI Window will appeal to those who want AI assistance without sacrificing privacy or flexibility.

The AI Window reflects a growing trend in web browsing, where users expect AI to help them accomplish tasks quickly, summarize information, and provide personalized guidance. As AI becomes more common in everyday tools, browsers like Firefox are adapting to remain competitive in a market increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

Also Read: Kotak Mahindra Bank up 1% before Nov 21 split meet

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Corporate

Kotak Mahindra Bank up 1% before Nov 21 split meet

Kotak Mahindra Bank’s shares shifted higher on Monday as the market reacted to the lender’s announcement that its board will meet on November 21 to consider a stock split. The stock rose over 1% during the day and traded around ₹2,103, signalling strong investor interest ahead of the key decision.

The bank said the meeting will review a proposal to subdivide its fully paid-up equity shares, which currently carry a face value of ₹5 each. The exact ratio of the split will be decided by the board. If approved, the move will increase the number of outstanding shares while reducing the price per share, without altering the overall market value of the company.

This decision is significant because Kotak Mahindra Bank has not carried out a stock split for 15 years, with the last one taking place in 2010. Stock splits are generally used to make high-priced shares more affordable, encourage broader retail participation, and increase trading volumes. Market analysts believe the potential split could help improve liquidity in the stock, which has been trading at relatively higher price levels compared to some of its peers.

The announcement comes shortly after the bank reported mixed financial results for the second quarter of FY26. Kotak Mahindra Bank posted a 2.7% year-on-year decline in standalone net profit, which fell to ₹3,253 crore. The bank attributed this to higher operating expenses and softer growth in certain segments. However, not all indicators were weak. The bank’s loan book continued to show momentum, with advances rising 16% year-on-year to reach ₹4.63 lakh crore.

Despite the dip in profit, investor sentiment has remained broadly positive, supported by stable asset quality and confidence in the bank’s long-term strategy.

The market will now look for details such as the split ratio and the record date, both of which will be announced after the board meeting. Until then, Kotak Mahindra Bank is likely to remain in the spotlight as traders position themselves ahead of the November 21 announcement.

Also Read: Bitcoin falls 26% to $94,000, erases 2025 gains

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Corporate

Tata Motors PV shares fall 7% despite profit surge

Shares of Tata Motors’ passenger-vehicle (PV) business fell around 7% even though the company reported a huge year-on-year profit increase of 2,110% for the September quarter.

The big profit came mostly from a one-time gain of about ₹82,616 crore. Without this, the PV business actually made a loss of around ₹6,368 crore. Revenue also fell by about 13% year-on-year.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), the luxury car arm, faced a cyber-attack that temporarily halted production and weak global demand. It posted a loss of £559 million and cut its margin forecast for FY26 to 0–2% from 5–7%. JLR also expects negative cash flow of up to £2.5 billion.

Analysts say the Indian PV business is stable and improving, but the problems at JLR are worrying investors. As a result, brokers have downgraded the PV business stock to “Reduce” or “Sell.”

Also Read: Sensex climbs 200 pts, Nifty tops 25,950

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Leaders

Ira Bindra of Reliance among top global CHROs

Ira Bindra, Head of Human Resources at Reliance Industries, has been recognized as one of the world’s top HR leaders. She is ranked 28th on N2Growth’s 2025 Leaders40 CHRO list, which celebrates the most influential Chief Human Resources Officers globally.

Reliance is the only Indian company featured this year, making Bindra the first woman from India to achieve this distinction. In her role, she leads the HR strategy for around 360,000 employees across diverse sectors, including energy, telecom, retail, media, and green technologies. Her work focuses on shaping company culture, enhancing talent development, and driving organizational growth.

Before joining Reliance, Bindra held senior HR roles at Medtronic and spent 19 years at General Electric, gaining extensive experience in global talent and business management. She holds an MBA from Maastricht School of Management in the Netherlands and a History degree from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University.

The Leaders40 list by N2Growth is a prestigious global recognition that highlights HR leaders who act as strategic partners to CEOs and boards, influencing company performance, culture, and growth. According to Tony Morales, Co-Chairman of N2Growth, today’s top CHROs play a critical role in shaping organizational strategy while fostering a positive workplace environment.

Also Read: Reliance announces 1-GW AI data centre in Andhra

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Beyond

India’s data privacy law takes effect

India’s long-awaited data privacy law, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP), has finally come into force. The government notified the Rules on 14 November 2025, more than two years after the Act was passed. This move gives citizens greater control over their personal digital data.

Under the law, companies and organisations that handle personal data must follow rules on consent, transparency, and data security. The implementation will happen in phases to allow businesses time to adjust.

A key feature is the creation of a four-member Data Protection Board of India. This board will oversee compliance, handle complaints, and resolve issues related to personal data.

Phased deadlines for companies: Within 12 months, businesses must appoint consent managers and start obtaining clear permission from users before collecting personal data. Within 18 months, they must set up systems for consent notices, reporting data breaches, and appointing data protection officers.

The law also provides extra protection for minors. Platforms must get verifiable parental consent before processing data of children under 18. Targeted advertising or tracking children’s online activity is restricted.

For cross-border data, personal information can be stored outside India under certain safeguards. Transfers may be restricted to some countries, and stricter rules will apply to companies handling large amounts of sensitive data, called “significant data fiduciaries.”

For citizens, the law allows them to access, correct, update, or erase their personal data. Companies must clearly explain how the data is collected and used.

For businesses, compliance will require updating policies, training staff, and setting up governance systems. While phased deadlines give clarity, some experts have raised concerns over broad exemptions granted to government agencies.

The notification of the Rules finally puts India on track with global digital privacy standards.

Also Read: India, Canada partner on critical minerals, green energy

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Technology

Apple prepares for Tim Cook exit

Apple is intensifying its succession planning as CEO Tim Cook considers stepping down, potentially as early as next year. Internal discussions at the company indicate that John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice-president of hardware engineering, is widely seen as the leading candidate to succeed Cook.

The board and top executives are actively reviewing potential leaders and preparing for a smooth transition to ensure continuity in the company’s strategic vision and operations.

No formal announcement is expected before Apple releases its January quarter results, which cover the crucial holiday sales period. Cook has been at the helm since 2011, after succeeding Steve Jobs, and has overseen

Apple through significant product launches, global expansion, and growth in revenue and market value. His tenure has also included major innovations in iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other Apple products, cementing the company’s position as a technology leader.

The succession planning comes amid growing scrutiny from investors and the board about future leadership stability. By identifying a clear successor and preparing the company for a seamless transition, Apple aims to maintain investor confidence and ensure that its long-term strategy and innovation pipeline remain uninterrupted.

Also Read: Google to invest $40 billion in Texas

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Technology

Disney Channels return to YouTube TV after blackout

Disney and YouTube TV have reached an agreement, ending a blackout that left Disney’s channels, including ESPN, ABC, FX, and National Geographic, unavailable for over two weeks.

The disruption began when the two companies could not agree on licensing fees, preventing viewers from accessing live sports, news, and entertainment programs.

Under the new deal, all affected channels are being restored to YouTube TV, and subscribers can now enjoy full programming without extra cost.

Both sides had clashed publicly during negotiations, with YouTube TV citing high fee demands from Disney, while Disney argued for fair compensation for its content.

The resolution highlights growing tensions in the streaming and live‑TV market over content pricing and distribution rights.

Also Read: India, Canada partner on critical minerals, green energy

Categories
Corporate

Maruti recalls nearly 40,000 Grand Vitaras for fix

Maruti Suzuki has announced a recall of 39,506 units of its Grand Vitara SUV to fix a problem with the fuel indicator. The company said some vehicles may show incorrect fuel levels on the speedometer, and in certain cases, the low-fuel warning light may also malfunction.

The affected SUVs were manufactured between 9 December 2024 and 29 April 2025. Maruti Suzuki said the issue was found during internal checks and the recall is being carried out as a precautionary measure, not because of any reported safety incident.

As part of the recall, customers will be contacted by Maruti Suzuki. They will be asked to bring their vehicles to an authorised service centre, where the speedometer assembly will be replaced free of cost.

The company added that the recall is aimed at ensuring the vehicle’s fuel-related information is accurate and that customers do not face inconvenience while driving.

Also Read: Reliance announces 1-GW AI data centre in Andhra

Categories
Leaders

India, Canada partner on critical minerals, green energy

India and Canada are working to deepen their economic partnership, focusing on critical minerals, clean energy, and aerospace trade. The 7th Ministerial Dialogue on Trade and Investment in New Delhi brought together India’s Piyush Goyal and Canada’s Maninder Sidhu to discuss stronger cooperation.

Bilateral trade reached US$23.66 billion in 2024, with goods trade up 10% from last year. Both countries also plan to expand investments, creating jobs in each nation.

The ministers agreed to develop long-term supply chains for critical minerals, boost green energy projects, and collaborate in aerospace technologies. They also emphasized resilient supply chains in agriculture and stronger people-to-people ties.

Further discussions with business leaders are planned next year to keep the momentum going.

Also Read: Maruti recalls nearly 40,000 Grand Vitaras for fix