Author: Staff Writer

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Leaders

Sergey Brin becomes World’s No. 3 richest

Google cofounder Sergey Brin has become the world’s third-richest person after a sharp rise in Alphabet’s share price pushed the company’s market value beyond $4 trillion. According to the Forbes Real-Time Billionaires List, Brin has overtaken Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison in global wealth rankings.

The jump in Brin’s wealth comes as Alphabet, the parent company of Google, gained strong investor confidence due to its rapid progress in artificial intelligence. Alphabet recently joined an elite group of companies to cross the $4-trillion market capitalisation mark, reflecting strong demand for its AI products and services.

Alphabet shares rose about 1.3 per cent in the latest trading session, adding to a strong rally seen over the past year. In contrast, shares of Amazon and Oracle slipped during the same period, contributing to the change in billionaire rankings.

A major boost for Alphabet came from a new partnership with Apple. Apple announced that it will use Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence models to power future versions of its digital assistant Siri and other AI-driven features. This deal strengthened Alphabet’s position as a key player in the global AI race and reassured investors about its long-term growth.

In 2025, Alphabet stock rose nearly 65 per cent, marking its best annual performance in over a decade. Investors have shown growing interest in the company’s AI offerings, including advanced Gemini models and custom-built AI chips, which are expected to drive future revenue.

Sergey Brin’s net worth is now estimated at around $255 billion. He is ranked behind only Elon Musk and his Google cofounder Larry Page, who remains the second-richest person in the world. Jeff Bezos has slipped to fourth place with an estimated fortune of about $253 billion, while Larry Ellison follows close behind.

Although Brin stepped back from daily management at Alphabet, he remains actively involved in major technology decisions. He is also known for donating large portions of his wealth to charitable causes, including medical research.

The latest reshuffle among the world’s richest highlights how artificial intelligence and big tech partnerships are reshaping global wealth and corporate power.

Also Read: Apple launches Creator Studio with new AI tools

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Technology

Apple launches Creator Studio with new AI tools

Apple has introduced Creator Studio, a new all-in-one subscription aimed at content creators, as it looks to expand its fast-growing services segment. The launch comes at a time when Apple is focusing more on software and subscriptions to balance slower growth in hardware sales.

Creator Studio combines Apple’s professional creative applications into a single monthly plan. The service will go live on January 28, 2026, and will cost $12.99 per month or $129 annually, with discounted pricing for students. It will be available on both Mac and iPad.

The subscription includes powerful tools such as Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro and Pixelmator Pro, covering video editing, music creation and image design. Mac users also gain access to apps like Motion and Compressor, while iPad users can take advantage of improved touch controls and Apple Pencil support.

Apple is placing strong emphasis on AI-driven features to attract users. In video editing, new tools allow creators to search clips using spoken words, identify visuals automatically and sync edits with music beats. Music creators can use AI to recognise chords and generate sounds, reducing the time needed to produce tracks.

Beyond creative apps, Apple is adding AI upgrades to everyday tools such as Pages, Numbers and Keynote, helping users create content faster and more efficiently. Additional AI updates for Freeform, Apple’s digital collaboration app, are expected later this year.

Although Apple will continue to sell its apps separately, Creator Studio offers exclusive AI tools and premium features that are not available with one-time purchases. This strategy reflects Apple’s growing focus on subscriptions and predictable revenue.

With Creator Studio, Apple is positioning itself as a strong alternative to established creative software platforms, while deepening engagement within its ecosystem and reinforcing its long-term services strategy.

Also Read: China’s trade surplus soars to $1.2 trillion in 2025

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Beyond Corporate

Gold at ₹1.42 lakh, Silver at ₹2.75 lakh after fresh rise

Gold and silver prices edged higher in early trade on Wednesday, staying close to record levels amid firm global cues and steady domestic demand.

24-carat gold rose by ₹10 to trade at ₹1,42,540 per 10 grams in Mumbai and Kolkata. In Delhi, gold was priced at ₹1,42,690, while Chennai saw higher rates at ₹1,43,690 per 10 grams. 22-carat gold was quoted at around ₹1,30,660 per 10 grams across major markets.

Silver prices also increased by ₹100, trading at ₹2,75,100 per kilogram in Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. Chennai continued to command a premium, with silver priced at around ₹2,92,100 per kg.

Market experts said bullion prices are being supported by positive global trends, including expectations of lower interest rates and sustained safe-haven demand. Seasonal buying and investor interest have also contributed to the firmness in domestic prices.

Both gold and silver are currently hovering near their recent highs, with further movement likely to depend on global economic cues and currency trends.

Also Read: Sensex down 150 Points, Nifty below 25,700

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Corporate

Sensex down 150 Points, Nifty below 25,700

Indian stock markets opened on a weak note on Wednesday, where the BSE Sensex fell over 100 points in early trade, while the Nifty50 slipped below the 25,700 level. Signals from GIFT Nifty had already suggested a muted start for the domestic markets.

Global markets provided limited support, with Asian stocks trading mixed to weak. This, along with continued selling by foreign institutional investors (FIIs), kept pressure on Indian equities. However, buying by domestic institutional investors (DIIs) helped prevent a sharper decline.

Among key stocks, Infosys traded lower as investors remained cautious ahead of its quarterly results. Shares of HDFC AMC and Groww were also among the early losers due to stock-specific concerns.

On the positive side, ICICI Lombard gained in early trade, supported by buying interest after recent business updates. Waaree Renewable also saw some buying interest, bucking the broader weak trend.

Market analysts said the Nifty is facing resistance at higher levels and may remain volatile in the short term. They advised investors to stay cautious and focus on stock-specific opportunities rather than broad market buying.

Also Read: Bajaj Housing raises ₹509 cr via bonds

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Leaders

Apollo split strategic, not family issue, says MD

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise’s planned demerger of its pharmacy and digital health businesses from its hospital operations is a strategic move to enhance shareholder value, Managing Director Suneeta Reddy said, dismissing rumours of family disagreements. The decision is part of a broader plan to allow each business segment to focus on its own growth.

Reddy clarified that separating Apollo 24/7, the group’s online pharmacy and digital healthcare platform, from the hospital chain was based on business and economic reasons, not personal or family matters. She emphasized her strong collaboration with her sister Shobana Kamineni, who will lead the new entity. “Decisions are made based on what is right for the business and shareholders, not from a family lens,” Reddy said.

The demerger reflects the different growth profiles and financial characteristics of the hospital business and the pharmacy-digital arm. Each operates in distinct markets with separate return expectations and workforce structures. Standalone entities will allow both businesses to pursue tailored strategies and unlock greater value for investors.

Apollo HealthCo, the holding company for the pharmacy and digital health operations, is expected to list separately by March 2027. Management expects Apollo HealthCo to grow around 20 percent annually over the next three years, compared with 18 percent for the hospital business.

Reddy also highlighted the company’s focus on preventive healthcare, expansion in major cities and Tier‑II towns, selective bed additions, asset-light growth models, and targeted acquisitions. These steps aim to meet India’s growing healthcare demand while maintaining operational efficiency.

On leadership succession, Reddy said the next generation is being trained across different business areas to ensure continuity and long-term growth. She added that the restructuring positions Apollo Hospitals for a clear, focused future, with each segment having distinct responsibilities and strategies, driven by business goals rather than internal dynamics.

Also Read: Gold at ₹1,42,160, Silver up ₹100 per kg

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Beyond

India’s retail inflation hits 1.33% in December

India’s retail inflation rose to 1.33% in December 2025, the highest in three months, up from 0.71% in November. The increase was mainly due to slower falls in food prices and higher costs for items like vegetables, meat, eggs, pulses, spices, and personal care products.

Despite the rise, inflation remains well below the RBI’s target range of 4% ±2%, staying under the lower comfort limit of 2% for the eleventh month in a row. Food inflation, while still negative, eased compared with November, helping lift overall prices.

Both urban and rural areas saw rising prices, with urban inflation increasing faster. Some sectors, such as housing, education, and health, showed mixed trends, with housing costs slightly easing.

Economists say that even with this increase, inflation is still low by historical standards, and core inflation (excluding food and fuel) remains modest, indicating limited demand pressure.

The low inflation gives the RBI room to keep monetary policy accommodative. In 2025, the central bank cut interest rates, and with inflation below the comfort level, there is scope to support economic growth further. Policymakers will keep an eye on new data, especially with the upcoming revised CPI series using 2024 as the base year.

Also Read: Germany eases air transit rules for Indians

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Beyond

Trump plans 10% credit card interest cap

US President Donald Trump has suggested a plan to cap credit card interest rates at 10 per cent for one year, starting January 20, 2026. He says this is aimed at protecting consumers from high borrowing costs, as many credit cards charge 20–30 per cent or more in interest. Trump believes the cap would help Americans struggling to repay debt.

The proposal has sparked discussion in other countries, including India, where credit card interest rates are even higher. In India, cardholders can face rates of 36–48 per cent per year on unpaid balances. Some borrowers feel a lower interest cap, like Trump’s 10 per cent idea, could make repaying debt easier.

However, experts warn that strict limits on interest rates can also create problems. Banks and credit card companies might reduce lending to people with higher credit risks. They could also cut card benefits, like rewards or cashback, to make up for lost income. Some borrowers may turn to other options such as payday loans or buy-now-pay-later services, which can be costly.

The plan would need approval from the US Congress to become law. Similar attempts in the past have faced opposition from banks and financial groups. While the idea is intended to help consumers, economists say it could affect how easy it is to get credit.

In India, there is currently no official cap on credit card interest rates. A Supreme Court decision in 2024 allowed banks to charge more than 30 per cent per year, overturning an earlier limit. Experts say that while Trump’s plan may not directly affect India, it highlights a worldwide concern about the burden of high-interest debt on consumers.

Also Read: Rupee slips 5 Paise to 90.22 against US dollar

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Beyond

Germany eases air transit rules for Indians

Germany has removed the requirement for Indian passport holders to obtain an airport transit visa when travelling through its major international airports. The move will allow Indian travellers to transit smoothly through German airports while flying to a third country, provided they remain within the international transit area and do not enter German territory.

The decision was announced during high-level discussions between India and Germany and is being seen as a step to strengthen people-to-people ties and improve mobility between the two countries. Until now, Indian nationals needed a separate airport transit visa, also known as a Schengen Type A visa, even if they were only changing flights at German airports such as Frankfurt or Munich. This often involved additional paperwork, costs, and processing time.

With the new rule, Indian travellers holding valid passports and onward tickets can transit through major German airports without applying for this visa. The change is expected to benefit passengers travelling to destinations in North America, Latin America, and other parts of Europe, for whom Germany is a key aviation hub.

However, the visa waiver applies strictly to airside transit. Indian travellers will still not be allowed to exit the airport or pass through immigration without a valid Schengen visa. Those planning to enter Germany for tourism, business, study, or work will continue to require the appropriate visa as per existing rules.

Indian authorities have welcomed the decision, calling it a positive development that will make international travel more convenient for Indian citizens. The move is also expected to boost the attractiveness of German airports as transit hubs for Indian passengers, potentially increasing air traffic and connectivity between India and Europe.

Aviation and travel industry experts say the change will save time and reduce uncertainty for travellers, especially those with short layovers. It may also encourage airlines to offer more India-Europe and India-US connections via Germany.

The new transit policy is effective immediately. Travellers are advised to check with airlines and airport authorities to ensure they meet all transit conditions, including valid travel documents and confirmed onward tickets, before planning their journey.

Also Read: Smartphone security rules under review in India

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Corporate

Sensex volatile as Nifty hovers near 25,800

Markets traded volatile on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, as investors remained cautious amid mixed global cues and stock-specific action. The Sensex swung between gains and losses, while the Nifty 50 hovered near the 25,800 mark for most of the session.

After opening on a positive note, benchmark indices erased early gains due to selling pressure in IT and FMCG stocks. At the day’s low, the Sensex slipped over 200 points, while the Nifty briefly dipped below 25,750 before recovering partially.

Metal and energy stocks provided some support, helping limit deeper losses. Market participants remained selective ahead of key earnings announcements and continued to track global market trends.

Among the top gainers, Coal India, Hindalco Industries and Tata Steel rose on strong buying interest. Asian Paints and Trent also ended higher, supported by steady demand.

On the other hand, Eicher Motors, Titan Company and Bharat Electronics were among the major losers. Stocks such as Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Eternal also traded lower, dragged by profit-booking and weak sentiment in select sectors.

In the broader market, mid-cap and small-cap stocks showed mixed performance, with advances and declines evenly matched. Sectorally, metal and energy indices outperformed, while IT and FMCG indices underperformed.

Also Read: Sensex gains 302 points, Nifty crosses 25,750

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1 Minute-Read

HCL Tech Q3 revenue, margin seen rising

HCL Technologies is set to report a strong Q3 for December, with analysts expecting about 12% year‑on‑year revenue growth, supported by seasonal demand, engineering services, and large deal ramp‑ups.

Profit after tax may rise around 5%, as margin recovery offsets wage hikes and restructuring costs. Sequential revenue and margin improvements are also anticipated.

Market focus will be on deal wins, management’s FY26 guidance, and trends in GenAI and discretionary IT spending. Strong performance could reinforce investor confidence in HCL’s growth and operational strategy.