Author: Staff Writer

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Corporate

Coca-Cola prepares for India bottling business in 2027

The Coca-Cola Company is exploring a potential initial public offering (IPO) of its India bottling business, Hindustan Coca-Cola Holdings (HCCH), as early as 2027, according to reports. The move could unlock value from one of the company’s most important growth markets and provide investors with exposure to India’s expanding beverage sector.

HCCH serves as Coca-Cola’s key bottling and distribution arm in India. Through its subsidiary, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB), the company manufactures, bottles and distributes a wide range of products, including Coca-Cola, Thums Up, Sprite, Fanta, Maaza, Limca and Minute Maid. The business operates an extensive production and distribution network across the country.

Reports suggest Coca-Cola has begun preliminary discussions with advisers regarding a possible listing. While no final decision has been taken, the company is evaluating various options, including an IPO that could be launched in 2027. The timing and structure of the offering will depend on market conditions and strategic considerations.

India has emerged as one of Coca-Cola’s fastest-growing markets, driven by rising disposable incomes, urbanisation and increasing consumption of packaged beverages. The country has become a key focus area for the global beverage giant as it seeks growth beyond mature markets in North America and Europe.

Industry experts believe an IPO could help unlock significant value from the India operations. It may also provide greater financial flexibility for future investments in manufacturing, distribution and product innovation. The listing would come at a time when investor interest in consumer-facing businesses remains strong.

The development follows Coca-Cola’s ongoing efforts to streamline and optimise its bottling operations globally. In recent years, the company has pursued a strategy of refranchising bottling assets in several markets while maintaining strategic oversight of key businesses.

Also Read: Apple readies biggest Siri AI upgrade yet

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Corporate

SoftBank emerges as Japan’s most valuable company

SoftBank Group has overtaken Toyota Motor Corp. to become Japan’s most valuable listed company, driven by strong investor optimism surrounding artificial intelligence and the company’s growing role in the global AI ecosystem.

The milestone comes after a sharp rally in SoftBank shares, which have surged on expectations that the company will be a major beneficiary of the AI boom. Investors have increasingly focused on SoftBank’s extensive investments in artificial intelligence, semiconductor technology and data infrastructure, helping push its market capitalisation above that of Toyota, long regarded as Japan’s corporate heavyweight.

At the centre of investor enthusiasm is SoftBank founder and CEO Masayoshi Son’s renewed focus on AI. Son has repeatedly described artificial intelligence as the most significant technological shift of the century and has positioned SoftBank to capitalise on the trend through investments in chip design, AI infrastructure and next-generation computing technologies.

One of the key drivers behind the company’s rising valuation is its stake in British chip designer Arm Holdings. Since Arm’s successful public listing, its market value has climbed significantly as demand for AI-related semiconductor technology has accelerated worldwide. Arm’s processor designs are widely used across smartphones, data centres and emerging AI applications.

SoftBank has also announced ambitious plans to expand its presence in AI infrastructure. The group is investing in data centres, advanced computing facilities and partnerships aimed at supporting the growing demand for artificial intelligence services. Investors view these initiatives as positioning the company at the heart of the AI supply chain.

The development marks a significant turnaround for SoftBank, which faced challenges in recent years due to losses at its Vision Fund investment unit and declining valuations among several technology startups. The resurgence of AI-related investments has helped restore market confidence in the conglomerate’s long-term strategy.

Toyota remains one of the world’s largest automakers and continues to command strong investor support, but market attention has increasingly shifted toward companies linked to artificial intelligence and advanced technology.

Also Read: HCLTech-Xerox contract end may impact 200 jobs

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1 Minute-Read

HCLTech-Xerox contract end may impact 200 jobs

The end of a long-running business process management (BPM) contract between HCLTech and Xerox could affect around 170 to 200 employees, according to reports. The contract covered back-office and business support services for Xerox.

Employees associated with the project have reportedly been informed about the closure. HCLTech is exploring options to redeploy affected staff to other projects where possible.

While concerns remain among employees about future roles, there has been no indication of large-scale layoffs. Industry experts say such workforce transitions are common when major outsourcing contracts come to an end.

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Technology

Apple readies biggest Siri AI upgrade yet

Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 8, with artificial intelligence set to take centre stage in the company’s next-generation software update.

According to reports, one of the biggest highlights of iOS 27 will be a significantly upgraded Siri powered by advanced AI capabilities. The digital assistant is expected to become more conversational, context-aware and capable of handling complex tasks across apps and devices. Apple is reportedly aiming to make Siri more competitive with AI-powered assistants offered by rivals such as Google and OpenAI.

The new version of iOS is expected to build on Apple’s broader AI strategy introduced over the past year. Industry observers believe the company will focus on practical AI features that improve everyday user experiences rather than offering standalone chatbot-style tools. These enhancements could include smarter notifications, improved text generation, advanced photo editing and more personalised recommendations.

Apple is also expected to introduce AI-powered productivity tools across its ecosystem. Features under development reportedly include intelligent email assistance, document summarisation, enhanced search capabilities and improved voice interactions. Many of these tools are expected to operate with a strong emphasis on privacy, a key element of Apple’s approach to artificial intelligence.

In addition to AI upgrades, iOS 27 may include design refinements, performance improvements and updates to core applications. The company is also expected to announce new software versions for iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and other devices during the annual developer conference.

WWDC is one of Apple’s most important events, providing developers with a preview of the technologies and software features that will shape the company’s products over the coming year.

Also Read: Cognizant brings new AI-era job roles

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1 Minute-Read

Cognizant brings new AI-era job roles

Cognizant has unveiled two new job roles—Frontier Engineer and Business Operator—to help organisations adapt to the growing use of artificial intelligence. The company said the roles are designed to bridge the gap between technology and business operations, enabling faster deployment of AI solutions and greater automation of workflows.

According to Cognizant, Frontier Engineers will focus on building and implementing advanced AI systems, while Business Operators will help integrate AI into business processes and decision-making. The move reflects rising demand for professionals who can combine technical expertise with business knowledge as companies increasingly adopt AI-driven technologies.

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Leaders

Google DeepMind CEO questions AI-led layoffs

Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis has criticised the growing trend of technology companies using artificial intelligence as a reason for workforce reductions, arguing that AI should be used to increase innovation and productivity rather than eliminate jobs.

In a recent interview, Hassabis said several companies appear to have “got AI backwards” by treating productivity gains as an opportunity to reduce headcount. He argued that if AI tools enable engineers to become three or four times more productive, companies should focus on creating more products, conducting more research and pursuing ambitious projects instead of laying off employees.

His remarks come at a time when several major technology firms, including Meta, Amazon and other companies, have announced layoffs while increasing investments in artificial intelligence. Many of these firms have cited efficiency improvements from AI as one of the factors behind workforce restructuring.

Hassabis strongly disagreed with that approach, describing it as a “lack of imagination” and a failure to understand the long-term impact of AI. He suggested that some companies may be overstating the threat of AI-driven job displacement for reasons unrelated to the technology itself, including business or fundraising considerations.

The DeepMind chief also extended an informal invitation to engineers affected by recent layoffs. He said he has “a million ideas” spanning areas such as drug discovery, scientific research and game development, and would welcome talented engineers to work on such projects. According to Hassabis, AI should free up human talent to tackle bigger challenges rather than make skilled workers redundant.

His comments have added to a broader debate within the technology industry about the future of employment in the age of artificial intelligence.

Hassabis maintained that productivity gains from AI should be viewed as a chance to expand ambitions rather than shrink workforces. As AI tools become increasingly capable, he believes companies that invest in innovation and new ideas will be better positioned to benefit from the technology’s long-term potential.

Also Read: Coinbase launches direct INR trading services in India

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Beyond

Coinbase launches direct INR trading services in India

Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase has rolled out direct Indian rupee (INR) trading services in India, enabling customers to buy and sell digital assets without relying on peer-to-peer transactions or external payment channels. The move is expected to make crypto trading more convenient for Indian users and strengthen Coinbase’s footprint in the country’s growing digital asset market.

Under the new system, customers can deposit and withdraw funds in rupees using the Immediate Payment Service (IMPS). The integration of local payment infrastructure is aimed at providing a smoother and more accessible trading experience for users across India.

The development represents another milestone in Coinbase’s return to the Indian market. The company had paused operations in the country in 2023 due to regulatory and payment-related hurdles. After securing registration with India’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Coinbase gradually resumed services and has now expanded its offerings with direct INR support.

Indian users will be able to access spot trading in a variety of cryptocurrencies, along with perpetual futures linked to major digital assets. Coinbase has also launched dedicated rupee-based order books, allowing traders to transact directly in INR while benefiting from the exchange’s global liquidity network.

The company views India as a strategically important market, citing the country’s strong technology ecosystem, growing blockchain community and rising interest in digital assets. Coinbase executives have repeatedly highlighted India’s potential to play a significant role in the future development of the global crypto industry.

The expansion comes even as India’s crypto sector operates under a stringent tax framework. Profits from virtual digital assets are subject to a 30% tax, and exchanges must comply with anti-money laundering requirements. Despite these regulations, interest in cryptocurrencies continues to grow, although a comprehensive legal framework for the sector is still awaited.

Also Read: Manufacturing growth sees 3-month high in India

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Beyond

ED searches Vedanta premises in FEMA case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted searches at multiple premises linked to the Vedanta Group as part of an investigation under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), officials said on Tuesday. The action marks the latest regulatory scrutiny of one of India’s largest mining and natural resources conglomerates.

According to officials, the searches were carried out at locations in Delhi, Mumbai and Rajasthan after the agency initiated a probe into suspected foreign exchange violations. The investigation is being conducted under FEMA’s civil provisions, although authorities have not disclosed the full details of the alleged irregularities.

Reports indicate that the probe is linked to royalty payments made by Vedanta to its parent company, Vedanta Resources. Investigators are examining whether the transactions complied with foreign exchange regulations and whether any FEMA provisions were violated. However, the ED has not officially confirmed the exact nature of the allegations.

The searches reportedly began on Monday and continued at multiple locations connected to the Anil Agarwal-led group. During the operation, officials are understood to have examined financial records, digital data and documents related to overseas transactions and fund flows.

Responding to the development, Vedanta said it was extending full cooperation to investigators. In a statement, the company said it is providing all information sought by the authorities and remains committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations. The company declined to comment further, citing the ongoing regulatory process.

The investigation comes at a significant time for Vedanta, which is in the process of implementing a major corporate restructuring plan aimed at splitting its businesses into separate verticals. Market sentiment was affected by the news, with Vedanta shares trading lower during the day following reports of the searches.

Also Read: Rupee recovers to 95.03 against US dollar

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Beyond

Rupee recovers to 95.03 against US dollar

The Indian rupee appreciated by 16 paise to 95.03 against the US dollar in early trade on Tuesday, aided by a decline in the US dollar index and improved sentiment across emerging markets.

Forex traders said the weakening of the dollar against major international currencies helped boost demand for the rupee. The domestic unit opened higher and maintained its upward momentum during the early hours of trading, recovering some ground after facing pressure in recent sessions.

The dollar has come under pressure globally amid expectations that the US Federal Reserve may move towards lower interest rates if economic growth moderates and inflation continues to ease. A softer dollar often encourages investors to allocate funds to higher-yielding emerging-market assets, providing support to currencies such as the rupee.

However, traders cautioned that the currency’s gains could be limited by elevated crude oil prices. Oil remains a critical factor for India’s external sector because the country imports a large share of its energy needs. Rising crude prices can widen the trade deficit, increase inflationary pressures and create additional demand for dollars.

Geopolitical tensions in West Asia are another factor being closely watched by currency markets. Any escalation in regional conflicts could disrupt energy supplies and trigger volatility across global financial markets.

Investors are also monitoring foreign institutional investor flows, which play a significant role in determining short-term currency movements. Strong inflows into Indian equities and debt markets can support the rupee, while persistent outflows may exert downward pressure.

The focus this week will remain on the Reserve Bank of India’s monetary policy meeting, along with key economic data from the United States and other major economies. Analysts expect the rupee to trade with a positive bias in the near term, though global developments, oil prices and foreign fund movements will continue to influence market direction.

The rupee’s appreciation reflects improving sentiment, but traders expect volatility to remain a feature of currency markets in the days ahead.

Also Read: Gold rises to ₹1,59,440, silver down at ₹2,66,850

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Beyond

Gold rises to ₹1,59,440, silver down at ₹2,66,850

Gold prices moved higher in domestic markets on Tuesday, supported by safe-haven buying amid ongoing global economic and geopolitical uncertainties. In contrast, silver prices witnessed a marginal decline due to profit-booking after recent gains.

According to market data, the price of 24-carat gold rose to ₹1,59,440 per 10 grams, while 22-carat gold also traded higher across major cities. Silver prices, however, slipped and were quoted at ₹2,66,850 per kilogram in the retail market.

In Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru and other key cities, gold prices remained firm with minor variations depending on local taxes and making charges. Retail rates of 24-carat gold continued to trade above ₹1.59 lakh per 10 grams, while 22-carat gold was available at comparatively lower levels. Silver prices remained elevated despite the latest decline.

Globally, gold prices remained supported by concerns over economic growth, geopolitical tensions and expectations that major central banks could consider interest rate cuts later this year. These factors have boosted demand for gold as a safe-haven asset during periods of uncertainty.

Silver prices, meanwhile, witnessed some profit-taking after a strong rally in recent sessions. Despite the correction, demand for silver continues to be supported by its extensive industrial use in sectors such as solar energy, electronics and electric vehicles, along with investment demand.

Jewellers and market experts said domestic demand for precious metals remains steady, aided by wedding-related purchases and investment buying. They expect gold and silver prices to remain volatile in the near term as global investors react to economic data releases, central bank policy signals and geopolitical developments.

Market participants will continue to track international trends, currency movements and global economic indicators for further direction in gold and silver prices.

Also Read: Sensex drops over 100 points, Nifty slips below 23,350