Author: Staff Writer

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Beyond

Air India begins Dreamliner safety upgrades

Air India has started upgrading parts of its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet after the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a safety directive highlighting a potential issue with door assist handles on certain aircraft. The airline has clarified that the modifications are purely precautionary and that there is no immediate risk to passengers or flight operations.

The phased upgrade programme is already underway and is being carried out alongside scheduled maintenance to avoid disruptions to domestic and international services. Air India said the work is part of its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety and regulatory compliance.

The FAA recently issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) covering select Boeing 787-8, 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft after receiving reports of door assist handles becoming detached from their lower attachment points during inspections. While the issue was discovered on the ground rather than during flights, the regulator warned that a detached handle could pose a risk of injury to passengers, crew members or maintenance personnel. In an emergency, the defect could also make opening an aircraft door more difficult.

Although the directive has drawn attention, aviation experts stress that it is a preventive measure rather than an indication that the aircraft are unsafe to fly. Airworthiness Directives are regularly issued by aviation regulators worldwide whenever a design improvement or inspection is considered necessary to maintain safety standards.

Air India has responded quickly to the directive by beginning modifications across the affected aircraft in its fleet. According to airline sources, several older Boeing 787 Dreamliners have already undergone the required changes, while the remaining aircraft will be upgraded in phases over the coming months.

The airline currently operates 35 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The fleet includes 26 Boeing 787-8 aircraft from the legacy Air India fleet and nine Boeing 787-9 aircraft, including those inducted after the merger with Vistara. These aircraft serve several long-haul international destinations and form an important part of the airline’s global network.

Officials familiar with the development said the modifications are being carried out without affecting passengers or scheduled services. Since the work is being integrated into routine maintenance checks, travellers are unlikely to notice any operational changes.

The FAA directive requires airlines to install additional retaining components on the door assist handle assembly to prevent the handle from becoming detached. Depending on the aircraft’s configuration, operators may also need to inspect the support brackets, install identification markings and carry out corrective actions wherever necessary.

These additional retainers are designed to keep the assist handle securely in place, reducing the possibility of accidental separation while the aircraft door is being opened or closed. The FAA said the modification will improve reliability and ensure emergency exits function as intended under all operating conditions.

The issue first came to light during routine inspections when maintenance personnel found that some door assist handles had become disengaged from their attachment points. Although there have been no reported injuries or incidents linked to the problem, regulators chose to act before it could develop into a larger safety concern.

Air India has maintained that there is no immediate operational impact and that passenger safety has never been compromised. The airline’s decision to begin the upgrades immediately reflects its intention to comply with international aviation standards and complete the modifications well within the regulator’s timeline.

The directive is not limited to Air India. Airlines around the world operating affected Boeing 787 aircraft are expected to carry out the required inspections and modifications. In India, IndiGo, which operates leased Boeing 787 Dreamliners for select international routes, will also be required to comply with the directive wherever applicable.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is one of the most widely used long-haul aircraft globally. Known for its fuel efficiency, lightweight composite structure and improved passenger comfort, the aircraft is operated by dozens of international carriers on medium- and long-haul routes.

The safety directives such as these are a routine part of aircraft maintenance. As manufacturers gather operational data from aircraft in service, regulators may identify components that require improvements or additional inspections. Airlines are then required to implement the recommended modifications within specified timelines.

For passengers, the latest development should be viewed as evidence of the aviation industry’s layered safety system rather than a cause for concern. Aircraft manufacturers, airlines and regulators continuously monitor fleet performance to identify even minor issues before they can affect operations.

By beginning the FAA-mandated Boeing 787 Dreamliner upgrades promptly, Air India aims to strengthen passenger confidence while ensuring its fleet continues to meet global safety standards. The phased modifications are expected to be completed without disrupting flight schedules, allowing the airline to continue operating its long-haul network smoothly while reinforcing its commitment to safety, compliance and operational excellence.

Air India’s ongoing fleet upgrade programme also aligns with its broader transformation strategy under the Tata Group. Alongside introducing new aircraft and refurbishing existing cabins, the airline has been investing heavily in engineering, maintenance and operational reliability to improve the overall travel experience.

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Beyond

Gold rises to ₹144,520, Silver at ₹225,120

Gold prices moved higher across India on Monday, giving jewellery buyers and investors a fresh reason to track the bullion market.

According to the latest retail rates, 24-carat gold in Delhi is priced at ₹1,44,690 per 10 grams, while 22-carat gold costs ₹1,32,630 per 10 grams. The price of 999 purity silver stands at around ₹2,39,500 per kilogram.

In Mumbai, the 24K gold rate is ₹1,44,740 per 10 grams, while 22K gold is selling at ₹1,32,675 per 10 grams. Silver is retailing at approximately ₹2,39,900 per kg.

Meanwhile, in Kolkata, buyers can purchase 24K gold at around ₹1,44,790 per 10 grams, while 22K gold is available for ₹1,32,720 per 10 grams. Silver prices remain close to ₹2,39,700 per kg.

The 24K gold pice increased by ₹240 per 10 grams, while the 22K gold price rose by around ₹220 per 10 grams in most major cities. In contrast, silver prices remained largely unchanged, indicating a steady domestic market despite fluctuations in global bullion prices.

Other cities, including Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, also witnessed a similar upward trend in gold prices, although the final retail rates differ slightly due to local taxes, transportation costs and jewellers’ pricing policies. Industry experts note that published bullion rates serve as benchmark prices and do not include making charges or GST, both of which increase the final cost of jewellery.

The rise in gold prices today mirrors developments in the international market, where bullion has gained support from growing demand for safe-haven investments. Investors have become increasingly cautious ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decision later this week, which is expected to offer clues on the future direction of interest rates.

Gold generally performs well during periods of economic uncertainty because it is viewed as a reliable store of value. A softer US dollar has also made the yellow metal more attractive to overseas buyers, boosting global demand. Analysts believe that if the Fed signals a slower pace of interest rate hikes or hints at future rate cuts, gold could continue its upward momentum. However, any hawkish stance may trigger short-term profit booking.

Unlike gold, silver prices today remained broadly stable across domestic markets. While silver is also considered a safe-haven investment, its price is influenced by industrial demand as well. The metal is widely used in sectors such as electronics, renewable energy, electric vehicles and solar panel manufacturing, making its price movement dependent on both investment demand and industrial activity.

Market participants say bullion prices could remain volatile over the coming days as investors react to global economic data, central bank decisions and geopolitical developments. Domestic demand is also expected to improve gradually with the festive and wedding season approaching, which traditionally boosts jewellery purchases across the country.

Financial experts advise buyers not to base purchasing decisions solely on daily price fluctuations. Instead, they recommend checking gold rates today, comparing prices across jewellers and ensuring that jewellery carries BIS hallmark certification before making a purchase. Investors looking to build long-term wealth are also encouraged to treat gold as a portfolio diversifier rather than a short-term trading asset.

The latest rise comes at a time when investors are closely watching international developments, particularly the upcoming US Federal Reserve policy meeting. Expectations around interest rates, along with a weaker US dollar and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, have kept gold in focus as a preferred safe-haven asset.

With global markets awaiting key economic signals, gold prices in India, 24K gold rate, 22K gold rate, silver prices, and the overall bullion market are likely to remain under close watch in the days ahead. While Monday’s gains were modest, the precious metals market continues to reflect investor caution amid an uncertain global economic environment.

Also Read: Sensex jumps 550 points, Nifty crosses 23,900

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Corporate

Sensex jumps 550 points, Nifty crosses 23,900

The markets staged a strong recovery on Monday, with benchmark indices rebounding after five straight sessions of losses. The BSE Sensex surged over 550 points, while the NSE Nifty crossed the 23,900 mark, as investors returned to equities amid easing geopolitical tensions, lower crude oil prices and optimism surrounding the ongoing corporate earnings season.

The rally was largely driven by a sharp decline in global crude oil prices after concerns over tensions in West Asia eased. As India imports nearly 85% of its crude oil requirement, lower oil prices are expected to reduce inflationary pressures, ease the country’s import bill and improve profitability for several sectors. This prompted investors to pick up beaten-down stocks across the market.

Buying was seen across most sectors, including banking, information technology, financial services, FMCG and power, helping both the Sensex and Nifty recover from last week’s steep decline. Positive global cues also supported investor sentiment, encouraging fresh buying in frontline stocks.

Among the biggest gainers on the benchmark indices were Infosys, NTPC, HCLTech, Axis Bank and TCS, all of which posted solid gains during the session. Technology stocks outperformed after improved global sentiment and favourable brokerage views, while banking shares rebounded on value buying after recent weakness.

On the other hand, ONGC and Coal India featured among the top losers as softer crude oil prices weighed on energy-related stocks. A few commodity-linked counters also witnessed profit booking even as the broader market remained firmly positive.

Corporate earnings continued to dictate stock-specific movements. Shares of IDFC First Bank, AU Small Finance Bank, NTPC and Tata Consumer Products remained in focus after reporting their quarterly results. Investors rewarded companies that delivered better-than-expected earnings or maintained a positive business outlook.

Lower crude oil prices also lifted shares of oil marketing companies, airline operators and other businesses that benefit from cheaper fuel costs. Companies in the paint, tyre and chemical sectors gained as falling crude prices are expected to reduce input costs and improve margins.

The Indian rupee strengthened against the US dollar during the session, supported by the decline in oil prices and the positive momentum in domestic equities. A stronger rupee further boosted confidence among investors.

Market participants said the recovery was fuelled by a combination of favourable global developments and bargain hunting after last week’s sharp correction. Investors also drew confidence from steady domestic institutional buying and encouraging corporate earnings, which helped offset concerns over foreign investor outflows.

Analysts, however, cautioned that volatility could continue in the coming days. The direction of crude oil prices, foreign institutional investor (FII) activity, global developments and upcoming quarterly earnings will remain key triggers for the market. They also believe the Nifty could face resistance near the 24,000 level, making it an important zone to watch.

Last week, Indian equities had come under heavy pressure as rising geopolitical tensions pushed Brent crude oil above $100 a barrel, raising fears of higher inflation and slower economic growth. The resulting sell-off led to the Sensex and Nifty registering five consecutive sessions of losses.

Monday’s rebound has restored confidence on Dalal Street, offering investors a much-needed breather after a turbulent week. While the recovery reflects improving global sentiment, market experts believe sustained gains will depend on stability in crude oil prices, strong corporate earnings and continued domestic buying in the sessions ahead.

Also Read: Flipkart CEO confirms food delivery launch

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Uncategorized

Flipkart CEO confirms food delivery launch

Flipkart is set to enter India’s highly competitive online food delivery market, taking on established players Swiggy and Zomato in a move that could reshape the country’s rapidly growing digital commerce landscape. The Walmart-owned e-commerce company plans to launch its food delivery service in the coming weeks, beginning with a pilot in Bengaluru before expanding to other cities.

Confirming the development, Flipkart Group CEO Kalyan Krishnamurthy said the company is ready to roll out the new service after months of preparation. The announcement marks another major step in Flipkart’s strategy to expand beyond its traditional e-commerce business and strengthen its presence in high-growth consumer services.

Speaking about the company’s plans, Krishnamurthy said entering a market later than competitors should not be seen as a disadvantage. According to him, companies that focus on delivering a better customer experience and creating real value can still succeed, even in sectors dominated by established players.

“Just because somebody enters a market late doesn’t mean they can’t build a strong business,” he said, expressing confidence that Flipkart can carve out its own space in the food delivery market.

The company is expected to leverage its existing logistics infrastructure, particularly the network built for Flipkart Minutes, its quick commerce platform. With thousands of delivery personnel, dark stores and fulfilment centres already operating across multiple cities, Flipkart believes it has a strong operational base to support restaurant deliveries.

The move comes at a time when India’s food delivery industry is largely controlled by Swiggy and Zomato, which together account for most online food orders. Both companies have spent years building extensive restaurant partnerships, delivery fleets and loyal customer bases. Even so, Flipkart believes there is room for another strong player in the market.

Industry experts say Flipkart’s biggest advantage lies in its massive customer base and well-established digital ecosystem. Millions of users already shop on the platform for electronics, fashion, groceries and household essentials. Adding food delivery could encourage customers to use a single app for multiple daily needs, making the platform even more integral to their lives.

Reports suggest the food delivery service will first be tested in Bengaluru. A pilot launch will allow the company to fine-tune delivery operations, strengthen restaurant partnerships and gather customer feedback before expanding to other metropolitan markets.

Krishnamurthy also shared his broader view on the rapid growth of quick commerce in India. He described quick commerce as simply another retail category rather than a separate business altogether, adding that Flipkart is focused on building a sustainable business rather than chasing growth at any cost.

His comments come as companies across India’s digital economy continue to invest heavily in faster deliveries and expanded services. Consumers today increasingly expect groceries, medicines, electronics and even restaurant meals to arrive at their doorstep within minutes, prompting major platforms to diversify their offerings.

For restaurant owners, Flipkart’s entry could open another important sales channel. More competition among food delivery platforms may also improve commission structures, offer better business terms and reduce dependence on a limited number of aggregators.

Consumers, meanwhile, are likely to benefit from increased competition. Industry observers expect attractive launch offers, discounts, loyalty programmes and faster delivery options as Flipkart attempts to win customers from existing players. Rival platforms may also introduce new incentives and service improvements to retain market share.

However, analysts caution that success in the online food delivery business will depend on more than competitive pricing. Efficient delivery operations, reliable service, strong restaurant relationships and consistent customer experience will be critical in a business where profitability has historically been difficult to achieve.

Flipkart’s entry also reflects the broader convergence of e-commerce, quick commerce and food delivery, with major technology companies increasingly trying to become one-stop platforms for consumers’ everyday needs.

Backed by Walmart’s financial strength and supported by one of India’s largest logistics networks, Flipkart believes it is well positioned to compete in the next phase of the country’s digital commerce evolution.

Whether the company can break the long-standing dominance of Swiggy and Zomato remains to be seen. But with Group CEO Kalyan Krishnamurthy publicly confirming the launch and expressing confidence in Flipkart’s strategy, the battle for India’s online food delivery market is about to become significantly more competitive.

Also Read: Infosys names Ashiss Kumar Dash CEO-Designate

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Technology

Tech giants push for open-weight AI

Some of the world’s biggest technology companies, including Nvidia, Microsoft and Meta, have joined forces to defend open-weight AI models, arguing that making powerful artificial intelligence models more accessible is essential for innovation, economic growth and maintaining the United States’ leadership in AI.

The companies, along with more than 150 technology firms, startups, research organisations and investors, have signed a joint letter urging the US government to support open-weight AI development rather than impose restrictions that could slow innovation. The appeal comes as policymakers debate tighter controls on advanced AI systems amid growing competition from China and increasing concerns over national security.

The coalition argues that open-weight AI models are becoming a crucial part of the global AI ecosystem because they allow developers, researchers and businesses to build advanced AI applications without starting from scratch. Unlike fully closed AI systems, open-weight models make their trained parameters, or “weights”, available to users, enabling them to fine-tune models for specific industries and use cases while still allowing developers to set licensing conditions.

The companies said this approach has accelerated AI innovation by lowering barriers for startups, universities and enterprises that cannot afford to build large AI models independently. They believe restricting access to open-weight models could weaken the broader AI ecosystem and reduce opportunities for smaller innovators.

The industry’s push comes at a time when the AI race is intensifying globally. Chinese AI companies have rapidly improved their capabilities by releasing powerful open-weight models, prompting concerns that limiting access to similar technologies in the United States could give overseas competitors a significant advantage.

In the letter addressed to US policymakers, the coalition warned that restrictions on open-weight AI could have unintended economic consequences. According to the signatories, hundreds of American companies currently rely on these models to develop AI-powered products and services. Limiting their availability, they argued, would hurt innovation, reduce competitiveness and place thousands of jobs at risk.

The companies also stressed that open-weight AI has become an important driver of entrepreneurship. Startups use these models to build applications across healthcare, education, financial services, software development, manufacturing and scientific research without having to invest billions of dollars in creating foundational AI models from the ground up.

Nvidia, one of the world’s leading AI chipmakers, said open-weight AI has played a key role in expanding the AI ecosystem by enabling developers to innovate more quickly. The company believes that broader access to AI technology encourages experimentation, improves software development and accelerates adoption across industries.

Microsoft echoed similar views, describing open-weight AI as an important element of responsible AI development. The company said making model weights available promotes transparency, collaboration and broader participation while allowing organisations to customise AI systems to meet local business, regulatory and cultural requirements.

According to Microsoft’s definition, open-weight AI models provide access to trained model parameters while giving developers flexibility to inspect, fine-tune and deploy the models. However, they are not the same as fully open-source software, as licensing terms and access conditions may still apply depending on the developer.

Meta, which has released several versions of its Llama AI models under an open-weight approach, has repeatedly argued that accessible AI benefits developers, researchers and businesses worldwide. The company says open-weight models encourage healthy competition and help prevent AI innovation from being controlled by only a handful of large corporations.

Supporters also argue that open-weight AI strengthens cybersecurity because researchers can independently test models, identify vulnerabilities and improve safety measures. They believe greater transparency enables faster identification of potential risks compared with closed systems, where only the original developers have full access.

The debate has intensified following rapid advances in Chinese AI, particularly after the emergence of competitive large language models that have challenged the dominance of American technology companies. Industry leaders fear that imposing stricter rules on domestic AI developers while competitors continue expanding overseas could slow US technological progress.

At the same time, governments remain concerned about the misuse of advanced AI models for cyberattacks, misinformation and other harmful activities. Policymakers are therefore trying to strike a balance between encouraging innovation and protecting national security.

The coalition acknowledged these concerns but argued that responsible governance can coexist with open-weight AI development. Instead of broad restrictions, the companies have called for targeted safeguards, responsible licensing practices and continued collaboration between governments, researchers and industry.

The letter reflects growing consensus across the technology sector that AI leadership will increasingly depend not only on powerful computing infrastructure and advanced chips but also on ensuring developers have access to high-quality AI models that can be adapted for real-world applications.

With governments worldwide preparing new AI regulations, the industry’s message is clear: maintaining access to open-weight AI models, while introducing appropriate safeguards, will be essential to keeping innovation alive and ensuring that the benefits of artificial intelligence are shared across the broader economy rather than concentrated among a few technology giants.

Also Read: Manipal Health launches ₹9,275 cr IPO next week

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Beyond

Delhi HC clears OpenAI in ANI case

In a significant ruling that could shape the future of artificial intelligence in India, the Delhi High Court has dismissed a copyright infringement suit filed by news agency Asian News International (ANI) against OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT. The judgment is being seen as a landmark decision that clarifies how India’s copyright law applies to AI training and could influence similar legal disputes in the years ahead.

The case centred on whether OpenAI had illegally used ANI’s news reports to train its artificial intelligence models without permission. ANI argued that the company had copied its copyrighted content for commercial purposes and sought legal protection against what it described as unauthorised use of its journalism.

However, the High Court ruled that OpenAI’s use of publicly available material to train its large language models does not amount to copyright infringement under the Indian Copyright Act. The court observed that training an AI system is fundamentally different from reproducing or republishing copyrighted work.

Justice Amit Bansal noted that AI models learn patterns, relationships and language structures from vast amounts of data rather than storing or reproducing original articles word for word. Since ANI failed to demonstrate that ChatGPT copied or reproduced substantial portions of its reports in user responses, the court found no violation of copyright.

The judgment also relied on the “fair dealing” provision under Section 52 of the Copyright Act, which allows copyrighted material to be used for research in certain circumstances. According to the court, AI model training falls within the scope of research and therefore qualifies for protection under this exception.

The lawsuit, filed in 2024, was one of India’s first major legal challenges involving generative AI and intellectual property. ANI had argued that its news reports, created through extensive journalistic effort, were valuable intellectual property that should not be used by AI developers without obtaining a licence or paying compensation.

The news agency also claimed that ChatGPT occasionally generated inaccurate information while attributing it to ANI, raising concerns about misinformation and reputational harm. While acknowledging these concerns, the court said there was no evidence that OpenAI had copied ANI’s original expression during the AI training process.

OpenAI defended its practices by explaining that ChatGPT is trained using a combination of licensed material, publicly available information and other legally accessible data. The company maintained that the system does not function as a searchable database of articles but instead learns statistical patterns that help it generate human-like responses. It also pointed out that publishers have tools available to prevent future web scraping if they do not want their content included in AI training datasets.

Legal experts believe the verdict provides much-needed clarity for India’s rapidly growing AI ecosystem. Until now, there had been uncertainty over whether developers could use publicly accessible content to train generative AI models without violating copyright law. The court’s decision suggests that using such material for AI training is legally distinct from reproducing protected content.

At the same time, the ruling does not give AI companies unrestricted freedom. The court made it clear that copyright protection still applies if an AI system reproduces substantial portions of an author’s original work or generates outputs that closely mirror copyrighted content. Each dispute, it said, would have to be assessed on its own facts.

The decision comes as courts around the world wrestle with similar questions. Several AI companies, including OpenAI, are facing lawsuits in the United States and other countries from authors, publishers and media organisations over the use of copyrighted material for AI training. As governments work to frame regulations for generative AI, the balance between encouraging innovation and protecting creators’ rights remains one of the technology sector’s biggest challenges.

For India’s technology industry, the ruling is expected to provide confidence to AI startups, researchers and developers working on next-generation language models. At the same time, it is likely to encourage publishers and content creators to explore licensing agreements and new business models as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into digital services.

The judgment is widely regarded as a milestone in India’s evolving AI policy landscape. By recognising AI training as a research activity while reinforcing that copyright protects original expression rather than ideas or language patterns, the Delhi High Court has set an important legal precedent.

As artificial intelligence continues to transform industries, from education and healthcare to media and finance, the ruling underscores the need to strike a careful balance between fostering innovation and safeguarding creative work. For now, the court’s verdict gives AI developers greater legal clarity while reminding content creators that the conversation around copyright in the age of AI is far from over.

Also Read: Infosys names Ashiss Kumar Dash CEO-Designate

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Leaders

Infosys names Ashiss Kumar Dash CEO-Designate

Infosys has announced the appointment of Ashiss Kumar Dash as its Chief Executive Officer-designate, marking a significant leadership transition at India’s second-largest IT services company. The decision was approved by the company’s board as Infosys prepares for its next phase of growth, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation and global technology services.

Dash, a long-serving Infosys executive with more than three decades of experience, will take over as CEO after the completion of the current leadership transition. The company said the appointment reflects its commitment to maintaining leadership continuity while positioning itself for the rapidly evolving technology landscape.

According to Infosys, Dash has played a key role in shaping several of the company’s strategic initiatives over the years. He has held multiple leadership positions across consulting, digital services, client engagement and business transformation, helping strengthen Infosys’ relationships with global customers across industries.

The board said Dash’s extensive understanding of the business, combined with his experience in managing large-scale digital transformation projects, made him the ideal choice to lead the company into its next chapter. His appointment comes at a time when enterprises worldwide are increasing investments in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, automation and data-driven technologies.

Infosys Chairman Nandan Nilekani said the board was confident that Dash’s leadership would help the company build on its strong foundation while accelerating innovation and long-term value creation. He described Dash as a leader who understands both the evolving needs of clients and the opportunities emerging from advances in AI and digital technologies.

Reacting to his appointment, Dash said he was honoured by the board’s decision and looked forward to leading Infosys during a transformative period for the global technology industry. He said the company would continue focusing on delivering value to clients, investing in talent, strengthening innovation and helping businesses adopt emerging technologies responsibly.

Artificial intelligence is expected to remain a key priority under the new leadership. Over the past two years, Infosys has significantly expanded its AI capabilities through platforms, enterprise solutions and strategic partnerships. The company has also invested heavily in generative AI, automation tools and workforce upskilling to meet growing client demand.

Industry analysts believe Dash’s appointment signals continuity rather than a major strategic shift. They expect Infosys to continue strengthening its position in digital transformation, cloud services, cybersecurity and AI-powered enterprise solutions while maintaining its focus on operational efficiency and long-term growth.

The leadership announcement comes at a time when India’s information technology sector is navigating a changing business environment. Although global economic uncertainty has slowed discretionary technology spending in some markets, demand for AI-led transformation and automation projects continues to remain strong.

Infosys has been among the companies actively helping enterprises integrate AI into their operations, enabling businesses to improve productivity, customer experience and decision-making. The company has also announced several AI-related initiatives over the past year, positioning itself as a strategic technology partner for organisations undergoing digital transformation.

Employees and investors are expected to closely watch the leadership transition over the coming months. Market experts say a planned succession provides stability and allows clients, employees and shareholders to adapt smoothly to the change in management.

Dash’s appointment also highlights Infosys’ long-standing tradition of promoting experienced internal leaders to top executive roles. Analysts believe leaders who have grown within the organisation often possess a deeper understanding of its culture, clients and long-term strategic priorities.

As competition intensifies among global IT services companies, Infosys is expected to continue investing in innovation, talent development and advanced technologies to strengthen its market position. AI, cloud computing, engineering services and digital consulting are likely to remain key growth areas under Dash’s leadership.

With Ashiss Kumar Dash set to take charge as CEO-designate, Infosys is aiming to ensure a seamless leadership transition while preparing for the next phase of technology-led growth. The appointment reinforces the company’s focus on innovation, customer-centricity and AI-driven transformation as it navigates an increasingly competitive global IT landscape.

Also Read: India eases FDI rules for e-commerce exports

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Beyond

India eases FDI rules for e-commerce exports

In a major policy reform aimed at boosting exports, the Centre has relaxed foreign direct investment (FDI) norms for e-commerce companies, allowing foreign-funded online platforms to own inventory for goods meant exclusively for exports. The move is being seen as the biggest easing of India’s e-commerce FDI policy in several years and is expected to strengthen the country’s export ecosystem.

The revised rules allow e-commerce companies with foreign investment to directly procure, store and export products manufactured in India. Earlier, such companies could only operate under the marketplace model, where they acted as intermediaries connecting buyers and sellers without owning the products being sold.

The government has clarified that the relaxation applies only to exports. The existing restrictions on inventory-based e-commerce for domestic retail sales remain unchanged. This means foreign-funded companies still cannot own inventory for products sold within India and must continue operating as marketplace platforms for the domestic market.

The policy change is intended to make Indian products more competitive in global markets by simplifying export operations. Allowing e-commerce companies to maintain inventory for exports is expected to reduce supply chain complexities, speed up deliveries and improve order fulfilment for international customers.

The decision is likely to benefit global e-commerce companies such as Amazon and Flipkart, which have invested heavily in India’s digital commerce sector. The revised framework enables these companies to source products directly from Indian manufacturers and exporters, store them in warehouses and sell them to overseas buyers through their global platforms.

Industry experts believe the move could significantly expand export opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), artisans and local manufacturers. Many smaller businesses often struggle with international logistics and distribution. By leveraging the infrastructure and global reach of large e-commerce companies, they could gain easier access to customers in foreign markets.

The government expects the policy to support its broader objective of increasing exports and integrating Indian businesses into global supply chains. With international demand for Indian products growing across categories such as textiles, handicrafts, electronics, home décor and engineering goods, digital commerce is emerging as an important channel for export growth.

The revised FDI norms also simplify operational processes for e-commerce companies. Under the earlier rules, firms often had to rely on third-party exporters or complex business arrangements to comply with investment regulations. The new framework allows them to manage export inventories directly, making the process more efficient and cost-effective.

Amazon welcomed the government’s decision, saying the policy would help thousands of Indian sellers and manufacturers expand their global presence. The company has been working to increase exports from India through its online marketplace and believes the revised rules will accelerate that effort.

However, trader bodies have expressed concerns over the policy. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has urged the government to ensure that the relaxation is used strictly for exports and does not indirectly affect India’s domestic retail market. The organisation has called for strong monitoring mechanisms to prevent misuse of the revised rules.

Experts note that the policy strikes a balance between encouraging exports and protecting domestic retailers. While it provides greater flexibility for export operations, it does not alter the government’s long-standing restrictions on inventory-led e-commerce within India.

The reform also comes as India seeks to strengthen its position in global trade and attract more investment into manufacturing and supply chains. By allowing foreign-funded e-commerce companies to play a bigger role in exports, policymakers hope to improve the country’s competitiveness in international markets while creating new opportunities for Indian businesses.

As India’s digital economy continues to expand, online platforms are expected to play an increasingly important role in connecting local manufacturers with global consumers. The latest policy change is expected to reduce export barriers, improve logistics and help Indian products reach overseas markets more efficiently.

With export-led growth becoming a key focus area, the revised FDI rules for e-commerce are expected to benefit manufacturers, exporters, online platforms and small businesses alike, while keeping domestic retail regulations unchanged. The government believes the move will strengthen India’s export capabilities and support the long-term growth of its digital commerce ecosystem.

Also Read: Shadowfax shares slide after ₹1,047 cr block deal

Categories
Corporate

AMD launches Helios AI System to challenge Nvidia

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) has taken a major step in the artificial intelligence race by unveiling Helios, a next-generation AI infrastructure system designed to compete directly with Nvidia’s dominant AI computing platform. The announcement signals AMD’s biggest push yet to win a larger share of the rapidly expanding AI chip market, where demand for powerful hardware continues to surge as businesses invest heavily in generative AI.

The Helios system was introduced as part of AMD’s broader strategy to offer customers a complete AI computing platform instead of just standalone chips. By combining advanced AI accelerators, high-performance processors, networking technology and open software, AMD hopes to provide enterprises with an alternative to Nvidia’s widely used AI infrastructure.

At the heart of the new platform are AMD’s upcoming Instinct MI500-series AI accelerators, which are expected to power the Helios system when it launches in 2027. These next-generation chips will succeed the company’s MI350 series and are designed to deliver significantly higher performance for training and running large artificial intelligence models.

AMD says Helios has been built to meet the growing demand for AI data centres capable of handling increasingly complex workloads. As companies develop larger language models and AI-powered applications, they require faster processors, greater memory capacity and high-speed networking to support billions of calculations every second. Helios aims to address those requirements through a tightly integrated computing platform.

A major boost for AMD came from Microsoft, which confirmed its support for the Helios platform. Microsoft plans to continue working closely with AMD as it expands AI infrastructure across its cloud business. The partnership is seen as an important endorsement because Microsoft is one of the world’s largest buyers of AI chips and data centre hardware.

Microsoft executives said the company wants greater diversity in AI hardware suppliers as demand continues to grow rapidly. While Nvidia remains the market leader, cloud providers are increasingly looking for additional options to reduce costs, improve supply flexibility and encourage greater competition in the AI ecosystem.

AMD Chief Executive Officer Lisa Su said the artificial intelligence market is entering a new phase where customers need complete AI solutions rather than individual components. According to her, Helios combines AMD’s processors, GPUs, networking technologies and software into a unified platform capable of supporting the world’s most demanding AI workloads.

The announcement comes as competition in AI infrastructure intensifies. Nvidia currently dominates the AI accelerator market with its powerful GPUs and integrated AI systems, which are widely used by companies including OpenAI, Meta, Amazon and Microsoft. However, rivals such as AMD and Intel are investing billions of dollars to challenge Nvidia’s leadership as spending on AI hardware continues to accelerate.

Industry analysts believe AMD’s strategy of offering an open ecosystem could appeal to businesses seeking greater flexibility. Unlike proprietary platforms, AMD supports open software standards that allow developers to build AI applications without being tied to a single vendor. This approach may attract enterprises looking to diversify their AI infrastructure.

The company also highlighted advances in its AI software stack, which has become increasingly compatible with leading machine learning frameworks. Improving software support is considered critical because developers want AI applications to run efficiently regardless of the underlying hardware.

The AI chip industry has become one of the fastest-growing segments in global technology, driven by the explosive popularity of generative AI. Companies across healthcare, finance, manufacturing, retail and software are investing in AI-powered tools that require massive computing resources. This has fuelled unprecedented demand for AI processors and data centre infrastructure.

Despite AMD’s ambitious plans, Nvidia remains the benchmark in AI computing with its mature hardware ecosystem, extensive developer tools and long-standing relationships with major cloud providers. Analysts say Helios represents AMD’s strongest attempt yet to narrow that gap, but widespread adoption will depend on its real-world performance, software compatibility and customer confidence once the platform becomes available.

For businesses investing in artificial intelligence, increased competition could prove beneficial. More AI hardware choices are expected to drive innovation, improve performance and reduce costs over time. As AI becomes central to digital transformation strategies worldwide, technology companies are racing to build the infrastructure that will power the next generation of intelligent applications.

With Helios, AMD has made its intentions clear. Rather than competing only in AI chips, the company is positioning itself as a full-scale AI infrastructure provider. Backed by Microsoft and a roadmap of increasingly powerful AI accelerators, AMD is preparing for a long-term battle with Nvidia in one of the technology industry’s most valuable and strategically important markets.

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Google’s Gemini surges to 950 mn monthly users

Google has delivered a strong statement in the global artificial intelligence race, with CEO Sundar Pichai announcing that Gemini now has 950 million monthly active users. The milestone, revealed during Alphabet’s second-quarter 2026 earnings call, underscores how rapidly Google’s AI chatbot has grown and positions it among the world’s most widely used AI platforms.

The announcement comes amid intense competition in generative AI, where companies including OpenAI, Meta and Anthropic are racing to attract users and launch more capable AI models. It also follows comments attributed to Meta’s Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang, who reportedly questioned Gemini’s popularity. While Pichai did not respond directly, the latest user figures have become Google’s strongest answer to such criticism.

According to Pichai, Gemini’s daily active users have tripled over the past year, reflecting rising adoption among both consumers and businesses. He said Google’s continued investments in AI research, infrastructure and product integration have helped Gemini reach users at an unprecedented pace.

Unlike standalone AI chatbots, Gemini is deeply embedded across Google’s ecosystem. It powers AI features in Search, Gmail, Google Docs, Android, Chrome and Workspace, enabling users to draft emails, summarise documents, answer complex questions, generate code and complete everyday tasks more efficiently. This broad integration has played a key role in accelerating user adoption.

Google has also expanded Gemini’s presence in enterprise software through Google Cloud, where businesses are increasingly using the AI assistant to automate workflows, improve customer service, analyse data and assist software development. As more organisations embrace artificial intelligence, enterprise demand has become an important growth driver for Gemini.

Pichai said Google’s advantage lies in its ability to combine cutting-edge AI models with its own cloud infrastructure, custom-built AI chips and billions of existing users across its products. This “full-stack” strategy allows the company to roll out new AI capabilities at scale while continuously improving performance and reliability.

The strong momentum in AI was reflected in Alphabet’s latest financial results. The company reported robust second-quarter revenue growth, driven by continued strength in Search, Cloud and AI-powered services. Google Cloud emerged as one of the fastest-growing businesses, benefiting from rising enterprise demand for AI infrastructure and generative AI tools.

Gemini’s rapid growth also highlights how the AI landscape has evolved over the past two years. When OpenAI launched ChatGPT, many industry observers believed Google had fallen behind despite years of AI research. Since then, Google has accelerated development of Gemini, introduced more advanced AI models and integrated them across nearly every major product.

The competition, however, remains intense. OpenAI continues to expand ChatGPT’s capabilities, while Meta is investing billions of dollars to strengthen its AI ecosystem. Anthropic and several other AI companies are also introducing increasingly sophisticated models, making innovation and user engagement key battlegrounds.

Rather than focusing only on benchmark scores, technology companies are now measuring success through real-world adoption and everyday usage. In that context, reaching 950 million monthly active users marks a significant achievement for Google and demonstrates that Gemini has become a mainstream AI assistant used across work, education and personal productivity.

Industry experts believe the next phase of competition will depend not only on building smarter AI models but also on making them more useful, accessible and seamlessly integrated into people’s daily lives. Google’s strategy of embedding Gemini across its products appears to be paying off, helping millions of users interact with AI without needing a separate application.

With Gemini now closing in on the one-billion-user milestone, Google has strengthened its position in the global AI race. For Sundar Pichai, the latest figures serve as clear evidence that the company’s long-term investments in artificial intelligence are translating into rapid user growth and expanding influence in one of the technology industry’s most competitive sectors.

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