Author: Sreelatha M

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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

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Corporate

Adani targets 10 GW nuclear capacity by 2035

The Adani Group has unveiled one of its most ambitious energy expansion plans yet, betting heavily on nuclear power while committing trillions of rupees to strengthen its position across India’s fast-growing energy sector.

Addressing shareholders at the group’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), Chairman Gautam Adani laid out a roadmap that reflects the scale of India’s future electricity needs. At the centre of the plan is a target to build 10 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power capacity by 2035, signalling the conglomerate’s intention to become a major player in a segment that has traditionally been dominated by the public sector.

The announcement comes as India seeks to balance rapid economic growth with the need for cleaner and more reliable energy sources. According to Adani, the country’s rising population, expanding cities and accelerating industrialisation will significantly increase electricity demand over the coming decades, requiring investments across multiple power technologies.

To support this vision, Adani Power plans to invest more than ₹2 trillion over the next five years. The company aims to increase its total power generation capacity to 45 GW, strengthening its standing among India’s largest private electricity producers.

While renewable energy remains a key pillar of the group’s strategy, Adani indicated that conventional thermal power will continue to play an important role in ensuring energy security. The company intends to maintain a diversified energy portfolio that combines thermal, renewable and nuclear power generation.

Beyond electricity production, the group is expanding across the broader energy ecosystem. Gautam Adani highlighted investments in solar manufacturing, power transmission infrastructure, green hydrogen projects and renewable energy developments. The objective, he said, is to create an integrated energy platform capable of supporting India’s long-term growth ambitions.

The nuclear power target is particularly significant because India is increasingly exploring low-carbon energy sources that can provide stable electricity around the clock. Unlike solar and wind power, nuclear plants can generate power continuously, making them an important complement to renewable energy.

Although regulatory clearances and government policy support will be critical for the proposed nuclear programme, the message from the Adani Group was clear: it sees India’s energy demand growing rapidly in the years ahead and wants to be at the forefront of meeting that demand. With major investments planned across multiple sectors, the group is positioning itself for what it believes will be the next phase of India’s energy transformation.

Also Read: Gold slips to ₹141,220, silver falls to ₹211,710

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Beyond

Gold slips to ₹141,220, silver falls to ₹211,710

Gold prices stayed under pressure on Thursday as easing geopolitical tensions and a stronger US dollar reduced demand for safe-haven assets. Many investors also booked profits after the recent rally.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange, gold futures for August delivery were trading 0.16% lower at ₹141,220 per 10 grams around 9:13 am. MCX silver futures were also weak, slipping 0.96% to ₹211,710 per kg at the same time.

Retail gold prices across major Indian cities also saw a mild decline. According to market data, 24-carat gold was trading around ₹99,000 per 10 grams in several metros, while 22-carat gold stayed near ₹90,700 per 10 grams. Silver prices too softened, with the metal hovering around ₹1.08 lakh per kilogram in key markets.

The recent cooling in prices comes after a sharp rise earlier this month, when investors rushed to precious metals amid fears of rising tensions in the Middle East. But as geopolitical worries eased and concerns over supply disruptions faded, risk sentiment improved. That pushed some traders back towards equities and other riskier assets.

A stronger US dollar added more pressure on gold. Since the yellow metal is priced globally in dollars, a firmer greenback makes it costlier for buyers using other currencies, which can reduce demand. Market participants are also watching signals from the US Federal Reserve closely, as worries that interest rates may stay higher for longer continue to weigh on bullion.

The weakness was also visible in exchange-traded funds linked to precious metals. Gold and silver ETFs fell as much as 4% in recent sessions, reflecting investor caution and profit booking after months of strong gains. Analysts said the mix of a firm dollar, easing geopolitical stress and uncertainty over future rate cuts has temporarily softened sentiment for precious metals.

Even so, market experts remain positive on gold over the longer term. Ongoing global uncertainty, central bank buying and expectations of eventual monetary easing could continue to support prices. Many investors still see gold as a useful hedge against inflation and wider economic volatility.

Also Read: Tata Motors bets on value-led passenger vehicle growth

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Beyond

Tata Motors bets on value-led passenger vehicle growth

Tata Motors has laid out an ambitious plan for its passenger vehicle business, aiming to nearly double revenue and sales volumes by 2031 as it works to strengthen its position in India’s crowded auto market.

The company expects passenger vehicle revenue to rise from about ₹3.36 lakh crore in FY26 to more than ₹6 lakh crore by FY31. During the same period, sales volumes are projected to climb from around 6.4 lakh units to over 12 lakh units.

Tata Motors is also targeting a market share of about 20%, supported by a wider product range, stronger electric vehicle offerings and growth across multiple fuel technologies, including CNG and hybrid models.

To reach these goals, the automaker plans to invest heavily in passenger vehicles and electric mobility over the next five years. It will focus on launching new models, expanding production capacity and improving profitability. The company expects its manufacturing base to grow significantly to meet future demand.

The strategy comes at a time when competition in India’s auto sector is heating up, especially in the electric vehicle space. Rivals such as Mahindra & Mahindra and JSW MG Motor have been expanding quickly, pushing Tata Motors to move faster with its own plans.

Company executives said future growth will come from a mix of premium vehicles, electric cars and technology-driven offerings. Tata Motors is also aiming for better operating margins and stronger cash generation as part of its long-term roadmap.

The plan reflects the company’s confidence in the long-term potential of India’s passenger vehicle market. Rising incomes, growing cities and increasing interest in cleaner mobility are expected to support demand over the coming years.

Also Read: Vedanta promoter trims stake through ₹2,149 cr block deal

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Corporate

Vedanta promoter trims stake through ₹2,149 cr block deal

Vedanta shares came under pressure after promoter entity Twin Star Holdings sold a stake worth about ₹2,149 crore through a large block deal, triggering a sharp decline in the mining and metals company’s stock price. The transaction has attracted significant market attention as investors evaluate its impact on promoter ownership and the group’s broader financial strategy.

According to exchange data, around 7.3 crore shares, representing nearly 1.8% of Vedanta’s equity, changed hands through block transactions at ₹292 per share. The deal was valued at approximately ₹2,149 crore and was widely expected by market participants after reports emerged that Twin Star Holdings planned to reduce its stake.

Following the transaction, Vedanta shares fell sharply during trading, at one point dropping nearly 9% before recovering some losses. The decline reflected investor concerns over the large-scale promoter stake sale and the possibility of further share sales in the future.

Sources familiar with the matter indicated that the proceeds from the stake sale may be used to reduce debt at parent company Vedanta Resources. The group has been actively pursuing deleveraging efforts while advancing its restructuring plans following the recent demerger of several business units.

Despite the sharp fall in the stock, analysts said the transaction does not directly affect Vedanta’s operational performance. The company continues to maintain a diversified portfolio spanning metals, mining, oil and gas, and power businesses. However, investors are likely to keep a close watch on promoter actions and any additional stake sales that may emerge in the coming months.

Also Read: Teen entrepreneur builds crore-plus AI venture without degrees

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1 Minute-Read

Teen entrepreneur builds crore-plus AI venture without degrees

A 19-year-old entrepreneur Ayush Singh is drawing attention after reportedly building an AI venture that earns about ₹1 crore a month. Ayush Singh, who began learning machine learning at 13 during the pandemic, taught himself using a laptop, internet access and determination.

Coming from a family that faced financial strain, he turned early curiosity into real-world skills. He later worked with overseas startups, founded Antern and co-founded Second Brain Labs.

His story has gone viral, with many praising him as proof that persistence and practical skills can matter as much as elite degrees in fast-changing fields like artificial intelligence and startups today.