Author: Sreelatha M

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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

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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

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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

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Corporate

Google to invest $40 billion in Texas

Google has announced a massive $40 billion investment in Texas to expand its artificial intelligence and cloud computing capacity by 2027. The multi-year plan marks one of the company’s biggest infrastructure commitments in the US and positions Texas as a major hub for its next phase of AI growth.

The investment includes building three new data center campuses across West Texas, one in Armstrong County and two in Haskell County. One of the Haskell sites will be developed alongside a solar and battery storage facility, reflecting Google’s push to power AI infrastructure with cleaner energy. The company will also scale up its existing data center operations in Midlothian and the Dallas–Fort Worth region.

As AI workloads surge, Google is also focusing on securing long-term power supply. The company plans to add over 6,000 MW of new energy capacity through partnerships with energy developers. In addition, it has launched a $30 million Energy Impact Fund to support energy-efficiency and community projects across Texas.

To meet rising demand for skilled labour, Google will support electrical training programmes statewide, aiming to prepare more than 1,700 electrician apprentices by 2030. The company expects the investment to generate thousands of jobs over the next few years.

CEO Sundar Pichai said the Texas build-out will “power the new era of AI innovation,” while Texas Governor Greg Abbott welcomed the project as a major vote of confidence in the state’s business environment.

The move comes as global tech giants race to expand data center capacity to support AI models, cloud services, and advanced computing needs. While the scale of the investment highlights Texas’s growing importance in the AI economy, it also raises questions around energy consumption, environmental impact, and long-term sustainability.

Also Read: Trump drops tariffs to ease food prices

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Technology

OnePlus 15 debuts in India at ₹72,999

OnePlus has introduced its latest flagship, the OnePlus 15, in India, starting at ₹72,999 for the 12 GB + 256 GB model. The premium 16 GB + 512 GB variant is priced at ₹79,999. The smartphone is available online through the OnePlus website, app, Amazon India, and offline at major retailers like Reliance Digital, Croma, and Vijay Sales.

The device is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and incorporates a unique three-chip design,  a dedicated touch-response chip and a separate Wi-Fi chip, designed to enhance performance and connectivity. It sports a 6.78-inch QHD+ LTPO OLED display with a 165 Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of up to 1,800 nits.

Battery performance is driven by a 7,300 mAh battery, supporting 120 W wired fast charging and 50 W wireless fast charging, promising all-day usage with rapid top-ups. The phone is also built to withstand tough conditions, carrying IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K certifications for dust and water resistance.

Photography enthusiasts can expect a triple 50 MP rear camera setup with main, telephoto, and ultra-wide lenses. Video recording supports 4K at 120fps, along with LOG format and real-time LUT previews for detailed, professional-style footage.

The OnePlus 15 runs OxygenOS 16, based on Android 16, and introduces the Plus Mind feature, which uses AI to summarize content, assist with travel planning, and offer tools like AI-powered writing and voice recording.

As part of the launch, buyers can get up to ₹4,000 off with select bank cards, trade-in discounts for older OnePlus phones, and complimentary OnePlus Nord Buds 3.

With its combination of high-end hardware, AI enhancements, and advanced photography capabilities, the OnePlus 15 aims to make a strong impact in India’s premium smartphone segment.

Also Read: PhonePe brings ChatGPT into UPI payments

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1 Minute-Read

LG Electronics India Q2 Profit Falls 27%

LG Electronics India reported a net profit of ₹389 crore for Q2 FY26, down 27% from ₹536 crore a year ago, as rising costs offset modest revenue growth.

Total revenue grew 1% to ₹6,174 crore, while expenses rose 3% to ₹5,729 crore, compressing margins. EBITDA stood at ₹547–548 crore, with a margin of 8.9%, down from 12.4% previously.

Segment-wise, Home Appliances & Air Solutions remained flat at ₹3,947 crore, and Home Entertainment rose 3% to ₹2,261 crore.

The company cited softer demand ahead of GST cuts but expects improvement in Q3 as festival-season sales and channel inventories stabilize.