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Technology

OpenAI launches $100 ChatGPT Pro

OpenAI has launched a new ChatGPT Pro plan priced at $100 per month, designed for users who need more power than the standard Plus subscription but do not require the top-end tier. The plan mainly targets developers and heavy users who rely on OpenAI’s Codex tool for coding tasks.

The Pro tier offers significantly higher usage limits, around five times more than the Plus plan, allowing longer and more complex coding sessions without interruptions. This makes it more suitable for professional and intensive workflows.

In India, the plan costs approximately ₹10,699 per month. It is part of a broader pricing structure that now includes a free tier, a low-cost “Go” plan, Plus, and Pro, giving users more flexibility based on usage needs.

Alongside the launch, OpenAI has also adjusted usage limits for Plus subscribers, indicating a reshuffling of resources as demand for AI tools continues to grow. The company appears to be balancing system load while expanding access to higher-performance options.

The move comes amid increasing competition in the AI coding space, with rivals also offering premium developer-focused tools. OpenAI’s new pricing strategy aims to retain advanced users while capturing a wider segment of the market.

Also Read: Unilever builds 300,000-strong Influencer network

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Corporate

Unilever builds 300,000-strong Influencer network

Unilever is changing how it connects with consumers, moving away from traditional advertising and focusing more on influencers and everyday voices.

Over the past two years, the company has grown its influencer network from around 10,000 people to nearly 300,000 worldwide. This marks a major shift in strategy, as Unilever looks to rely less on conventional ads and more on recommendations from real people.

According to CEO Fernando Fernandez, consumers today are more likely to trust individuals than brand messaging. Advertisements are often seen as less reliable, while opinions shared by influencers, experts, or even regular users feel more genuine and relatable.

Unilever’s approach is not limited to social media influencers alone. It includes a wider group of people, such as content creators, professionals, and everyday consumers, who share their experiences with products within their own communities. This reflects a growing trend where trust and authenticity matter more than big-budget campaigns.

The company is also increasing its investment in marketing, with spending rising from about 13% of revenue to over 16%. Much of this is being directed toward digital platforms and social-first strategies, where engagement is more direct and personal.

At the same time, Unilever continues to maintain its presence in retail stores and large events, ensuring it reaches consumers through multiple channels. It is also working with specialised agencies to manage and expand its influencer network across different regions.

Also Read: UK backs Tata EV battery plant with $510 mn

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Beyond

UK backs Tata EV battery plant with $510 mn

The UK government has announced a major funding boost of $510 million (£380 million) for Agratas, the battery arm of the Tata Group, to build a large electric vehicle (EV) battery plant in Somerset.

The new facility, often called a “gigafactory,” will manufacture batteries for electric cars and is expected to become one of the largest of its kind in the UK. Once fully operational, it will have the capacity to produce enough batteries to power hundreds of thousands of vehicles each year.

A major part of the production will supply Jaguar Land Rover, which is also owned by Tata Group. In the future, the plant could also cater to other carmakers, helping to strengthen the UK’s electric vehicle supply chain.

The funding is part of the UK’s wider plan to move towards cleaner energy and reduce reliance on imports for key technologies like EV batteries. By supporting domestic production, the government aims to make the country more competitive in the fast-growing electric vehicle market.

Officials say the project will also create thousands of jobs, both directly at the factory and indirectly through related industries. It is expected to bring investment into the region and support long-term economic growth.

The Somerset gigafactory is seen as a key step in the UK’s efforts to become a global hub for electric vehicle manufacturing. As demand for EVs continues to rise worldwide, countries are investing heavily in battery production to secure supply chains and stay ahead in the transition to cleaner transport.

For Tata Group, this project marks an important expansion of its global footprint in both the automotive and clean energy sectors. It also reflects the company’s growing focus on electric mobility.

Also Read: Wipro shares jump 3% on buyback buzz

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Wipro shares jump 3% on buyback buzz

Shares of Wipro rose about 3% after the company announced its board will consider a share buyback on April 16, alongside quarterly results. This would be its first buyback in three years, drawing strong investor interest.

The stock has declined over 20% this year, so the potential buyback is seen as a step to support prices and improve sentiment. While details such as size and price are yet to be disclosed, market expectations are building around a sizable offer. Analysts say the move could boost confidence amid ongoing weakness in the IT sector.

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Beyond

IMF warns of lasting impact of Iran war

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that the ongoing Iran war could leave long-lasting damage on the global economy, even if the conflict ends soon.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said the crisis has already disrupted global economic stability and may permanently affect growth. She cautioned that the world should not expect a quick return to normal, as the effects of the war are likely to continue for years.

One of the biggest concerns is the impact on energy supplies. The conflict has disrupted key oil and gas routes, especially around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical channel for global fuel shipments. This has pushed up energy prices, adding to inflation pressures in many countries.

The rising cost of fuel is also affecting food prices and transportation, making daily life more expensive, especially in poorer nations that depend heavily on imports. According to the IMF, these countries are the most vulnerable and could face worsening economic conditions and increased food insecurity.

The war has also shaken investor confidence and disrupted supply chains, slowing down global trade and business activity. As a result, the IMF is expected to lower its global growth forecasts in the coming months.

Georgieva noted that many countries are already seeking financial help to cope with the situation. The IMF estimates that demand for support could range between $20 billion and $50 billion as nations try to manage rising costs and economic uncertainty.

She also warned against protectionist measures like export bans, saying such steps could make the crisis worse. Instead, she urged countries to work together and focus on supporting vulnerable populations.

Also Read: Air India urged to stay focused amid challenges

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Beyond

RBI plans simpler rules for large NBFCs

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed a simpler way to identify and regulate large non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), in a move aimed at improving clarity and strengthening oversight.

In a draft framework released for public feedback, the RBI has suggested that NBFCs with assets of ₹1 lakh crore or more should automatically be placed in the “upper layer.” These are the biggest and most systemically important firms, and they are subject to tighter regulations.

Right now, NBFCs are classified using a mix of factors such as size, risk level and their connections with other financial institutions. This system can be complex and difficult to follow. By introducing a clear asset-based threshold, the RBI hopes to make the process more straightforward and transparent.

Another important change proposed is treating government-owned NBFCs the same as private ones. Until now, many state-run NBFCs were placed in lower regulatory categories. The RBI’s new approach removes this distinction, ensuring that any company—public or private—that meets the size requirement will face the same level of scrutiny.

This shift could bring more large NBFCs under stricter supervision. Companies classified in the upper layer are expected to follow tighter governance norms, improve risk management practices, and may also face requirements such as listing on stock exchanges.

The proposal could impact several large financial entities and corporate groups, potentially increasing compliance responsibilities for them. However, regulators believe this is necessary to maintain stability in the financial system, especially as NBFCs play a growing role in lending and financial services.

Also Read: India urged to cut West Asia energy dependence

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Beyond

Air India urged to stay focused amid challenges

Natarajan Chandrasekaran has asked employees of Air India to stay focused and work better as the airline goes through a tough phase. His message comes after the resignation of CEO Campbell Wilson.

At a recent internal meeting, Chandrasekaran told staff to concentrate on their work and improve how things are done. He said that while challenges are there, employees should focus on what they can control and try to perform better.

Air India is currently facing several issues. Rising fuel prices, global tensions and changes in flight routes have made operations more difficult. These factors have also increased costs for the airline.

N Chandrasekaran reminded employees to stay realistic and careful about spending. He stressed the need to manage costs properly while continuing efforts to improve services. He also assured staff that the Tata Group remains committed to supporting the airline.

Since returning to the Tata Group in 2022, Air India has been trying to rebuild its operations. The airline has expanded, upgraded systems and worked on improving its services. However, the journey has not been easy, and it continues to face pressure.

The recent exit of CEO Campbell Wilson has added to the uncertainty. The airline is now looking for new leadership to guide it through the next phase of its transformation.

Also Read: Firebomb thrown at Sam Altman’s home

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Corporate

Coal India shares slip by 5% on rising costs

Shares of Coal India fell around 5% after the company decided to absorb rising costs and lower coal prices, a move that worried investors about its earnings.

The drop came despite a steady broader market, showing that concerns were specific to the company. Investors reacted to the decision to take on higher expenses instead of passing them on to customers.

Coal India is currently facing increased costs in its operations. Prices of key inputs like explosives and fuel have gone up, making mining more expensive. This has put pressure on the company’s profit margins.

Even with these rising costs, the company has chosen to reduce prices in its e-auctions. These auctions usually bring in higher earnings, but the price cut is aimed at keeping coal affordable for industries, especially power producers. The move is expected to help prevent a rise in electricity costs.

However, this strategy may impact the company’s revenues. Lower auction prices and higher costs mean Coal India could earn less in the coming months. This has made investors cautious, leading to the fall in its share price.

The e-auction segment is a key source of profits for the company, and any decline in earnings from this segment could affect its overall performance. Analysts say this is one of the main reasons behind the negative market reaction.

Coal India remains a major supplier of coal in the country, and its pricing decisions play an important role in keeping energy costs stable. For now, the company appears to be focusing on supporting consumers rather than boosting short-term profits.

Also Read: Dubai flight cap hits Indian airlines

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Beyond

Dubai flight cap hits Indian airlines

Dubai’s decision to limit foreign airlines to just one flight a day is set to disrupt travel plans and hit Indian airlines hard. The temporary restriction, in place until May 31, comes at a time when passenger demand is usually high.

The move follows rising tensions in the Middle East, which have already affected flight routes and schedules across the region. Under the new rule, airlines that earlier operated multiple daily flights to Dubai will now have to scale back sharply.

Indian carriers are expected to be among the worst affected. Routes between India and Dubai are some of the busiest, with airlines like Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet running several flights daily. Cutting these down to one flight per airline means fewer seats and potential revenue losses.

Airline officials say the timing is especially difficult, as the summer travel season typically sees a surge in passengers, including families, workers and tourists heading to the Gulf. With fewer flights available, ticket prices could rise, making travel more expensive.

The Federation of Indian Airlines has raised concerns over the decision and urged the government to step in. It has also suggested that India consider similar restrictions on UAE carriers if the issue is not resolved soon.

This adds to the challenges already faced by Indian airlines. Many flights are taking longer routes due to restrictions over Pakistani airspace, leading to higher fuel costs and operational strain.

Also Read: Reliance caps fuel sales at ₹1,000 per pump

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Corporate

Reliance caps fuel sales at ₹1,000 per pump

Reliance Industries has begun limiting fuel sales at its petrol pumps, allowing customers to buy fuel worth only up to ₹1,000 per visit.

This step comes as the company faces supply pressure due to global disruptions, particularly tensions in the Middle East. These issues have affected the movement of crude oil, making supplies tighter.

The limits are being seen at several fuel stations run by Reliance’s joint venture with BP across the country. While there is no official nationwide announcement, many local dealers have started following the cap to manage available stock.

The idea behind this move is simple which is to ensure that fuel is available to more people and prevent sudden shortages at individual pumps. It also helps avoid panic buying, where people rush to fill large quantities fearing supply issues.

India depends heavily on imported crude oil, so any disruption in global supply chains can quickly impact availability in the country. Recent tensions have made the situation more uncertain, prompting companies to act cautiously.

In some areas, reports of possible shortages had already led to a surge in demand, putting additional pressure on fuel stations. By setting limits, retailers are trying to maintain a steady supply and avoid long queues.

Also Read: TCS shares fall 2% despite strong Q4 performance