Author: Staff Writer

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Leaders

Bolt CEO defends sacking entire HR team

Bolt CEO Ryan Breslow has defended his decision to fire the company’s entire human resources team, saying it helped remove unnecessary “problems” and made the organisation more efficient.

Breslow said traditional HR systems were slowing things down with extra processes and approvals. According to him, removing the department reduced internal friction and helped teams communicate and work faster.

He claimed that many issues the company previously faced “disappeared” after the HR team was removed, suggesting smoother day-to-day operations without the function in place.

The decision has sparked strong debate in the tech and business world. Supporters say it reflects a growing startup trend of cutting layers of management and simplifying structures to move faster.

Critics argue that HR plays an important role in handling hiring, employee support, conflict resolution, and legal compliance. They warn that removing it completely could create risks for both employees and the company.

Despite the criticism, Breslow says the goal was to build a more direct and efficient workplace, where teams can operate without unnecessary bureaucracy.

Also Read: Wearable cameras on workers help train robots

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1 Minute-Read

Wearable cameras on workers help train robots

Big tech companies are reportedly using data from Indian factory workers wearing wearable cameras to train robots. The footage captures real-time tasks like assembly, inspection, and routine factory work, helping machines learn how to perform similar actions more accurately.

The aim is to improve automation systems by teaching robots how humans carry out industrial jobs. Companies say this can boost efficiency and reduce errors on production lines.

However, the practice has raised concerns about privacy and consent, with experts warning that using workers’ data in this way could lead to ethical and labour-related issues.

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1 Minute-Read

Intuit cuts 3,000 jobs globally

Intuit has announced layoffs of around 3,000 employees globally as part of a restructuring tied to its artificial intelligence strategy. The US-based financial software firm, known for TurboTax and QuickBooks, said the move is aimed at improving efficiency and shifting focus toward AI-driven products.

The job cuts mainly affect roles linked to legacy systems and non-core functions. Alongside the layoffs, Intuit has expanded partnerships with OpenAI and Anthropic to boost AI integration across its platforms.

The company said it will continue hiring in AI and engineering roles while supporting affected employees with severance and transition assistance.

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Corporate

Sammaan Capital shares jump 8% despite ₹8,101 cr Q4 loss

Sammaan Capital shares moved higher in trading even after the company reported a steep net loss of ₹8,101 crore in the fourth quarter. The stock gained around 7–8%, showing that investors were not overly worried by the headline loss.

The loss was largely driven by one-time accounting adjustments and provisions rather than day-to-day business performance. Market participants said this made the results look weaker on paper than the company’s actual operating health.

Sammaan Capital operates in the financial services sector, mainly focused on lending. Despite the reported loss, investors appear to believe the company’s core business remains stable and could improve in the coming quarters.

Traders also pointed out that such large quarterly losses often come from balance sheet clean-ups, which do not always affect long-term cash flow or business activity. Because of this, many investors chose to look beyond the numbers and focus on future recovery.

The stock had also seen pressure in earlier sessions, which some analysts say may have made it attractive for bargain buying once results were announced.

However, sentiment in the broader lending and financial sector remains cautious. Investors are still watching credit demand, repayment trends, and overall asset quality closely, as any weakness in these areas could impact future earnings.

Also Read: Dr Reddy’s launches oral semaglutide diabetes tablets in India

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Technology

Apple blocks $2.2 bn app store fraud in 2025

Apple has reported that it prevented more than $2.2 billion worth of fraudulent transactions on its App Store in 2025, as it continues tightening security across its global digital marketplace.

The company said the figure reflects scams and suspicious activity blocked before users or developers could be impacted. These include fake apps, fraudulent payment attempts, impersonation schemes, and misleading subscription practices.

Apple credited its mix of automated detection systems and human review teams for catching much of the activity early. Every app submitted to the App Store is reviewed before it goes live, and the company said this process is a key barrier against fraud.

Alongside app screening, Apple said it also removed thousands of developer accounts linked to suspicious behaviour. These accounts were often found distributing deceptive apps or trying to bypass App Store rules.

The company noted that fraud attempts are constantly evolving, with scammers regularly changing tactics to avoid detection. As a result, Apple said it continuously updates its security tools and policies to stay ahead of new threats.

With millions of apps and billions of downloads globally, the App Store remains one of the world’s largest digital marketplaces. Apple said maintaining user trust is essential, especially as more people rely on apps for payments, shopping, entertainment, and subscriptions.

The company also highlighted its broader investment in privacy and payment security systems designed to protect users during transactions. According to Apple, these safeguards help reduce risks linked to online financial fraud.

While Apple did not break down the numbers by region, it said its anti-fraud systems operate across all markets where the App Store is available.

Also Read: Parle Industries shares jump on viral “Melody” confusion

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Beyond

Gold near Rs 98,000, Silver below Rs 1 lakh

Gold and silver prices declined on Thursday as weak global cues and cautious investor sentiment weighed on the bullion market. The drop brought temporary relief for consumers and jewellers after precious metal rates remained elevated over the past few weeks.

In the domestic market, 24-carat gold prices hovered around Rs 98,000 per 10 grams in major cities, while 22-carat gold traded near Rs 89,800. Silver prices also slipped below the Rs 1 lakh mark per kilogram in several markets.

Traders said the correction was mainly driven by softer international gold prices and reduced demand for safe-haven assets. Hopes of easing tensions in the Middle East and signs of stability in global markets prompted investors to book profits after gold recently touched record levels.

Market participants are also closely tracking signals from the US Federal Reserve regarding interest rate decisions. A stronger US dollar and rising bond yields generally make gold less attractive to investors, adding pressure on bullion prices globally.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), both gold and silver futures traded lower during the session. Analysts believe investors are currently taking a cautious approach as they wait for fresh economic data and clarity on global inflation trends.

Despite the short-term decline, experts say gold continues to remain a preferred long-term investment option. Economic uncertainty, currency fluctuations, and geopolitical risks are still supporting overall demand for the yellow metal.

Jewellers expect the fall in prices to encourage fresh retail buying, especially during the ongoing wedding season. Many buyers who had postponed purchases due to record-high rates may now return to the market if prices remain stable.

Silver prices also moved lower alongside gold, affected by weak industrial demand and volatility in international commodity markets. However, analysts believe silver could remain active due to its strong industrial use in sectors like electronics and renewable energy.

Also Read: Sensex jumps 550 points, Nifty reclaims 23,800

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Corporate

Sensex jumps 550 points, Nifty reclaims 23,800

Indian stock markets bounced back sharply on Thursday, with the Sensex jumping more than 550 points and the Nifty reclaiming the 23,800 mark after a volatile few trading sessions.

The rally was largely driven by easing crude oil prices and hopes of reduced tensions between the United States and Iran. Investor confidence also improved as the rupee recovered from recent record lows, helping calm fears around inflation and import costs.

Buying interest was visible across most sectors, especially banking, healthcare, IT, and auto stocks. Shares of Apollo Hospitals and Grasim Industries emerged among the top gainers after strong quarterly earnings and positive business outlooks boosted investor sentiment. Banking stocks also saw healthy buying, contributing significantly to the market’s rise.

Broader markets participated in the recovery as several mid-cap and small-cap stocks traded in the green, reflecting renewed optimism among investors after days of uncertainty.

However, not all stocks joined the rally. Ola Electric remained under pressure amid concerns over slowing demand, pricing challenges, and rising competition in the electric vehicle segment. A few energy-related stocks also traded cautiously despite the broader market recovery.

The rebound comes after Indian markets witnessed sharp swings earlier this week due to concerns over rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Fears of supply disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz had triggered heavy selling in recent sessions, while the weakening rupee added to investor worries.

Thursday’s recovery offered some relief to Dalal Street, but analysts say volatility may continue in the near term. Market participants are expected to closely track global oil prices, geopolitical developments, foreign investor activity, and currency movements for further direction.

Also Read: Parle Industries shares jump on viral “Melody” confusion

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Corporate

Sensex falls 600 points, Nifty below 23,450

Indian equity markets ended under pressure on Wednesday as rising geopolitical tensions, record-low rupee levels, and Brent crude prices above $110 per barrel weighed on investor sentiment. The Sensex fell around 600 points in early trade, while the Nifty slipped below the 23,450 mark.

The selloff was driven by concerns over the Iran conflict, which has kept global oil prices elevated and raised fears of higher inflation and import costs. A weak rupee, which hit fresh record lows against the US dollar, further added to negative sentiment by increasing worries over foreign fund outflows and cost pressures for import-heavy sectors.

Among the major losers, auto stocks such as Tata Motors and Maruti Suzuki came under pressure, along with metal names like JSW Steel and Tata Steel. Oil marketing companies including BPCL and IOC also declined amid concerns of margin pressure due to high crude prices. Banking stocks such as HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank also saw weakness in line with broader market sentiment.

However, some stocks managed to buck the trend. Hindalco Industries gained on positive global metal cues, while Sun Pharma advanced on defensive buying in pharma counters. Select IT stocks such as Infosys and TCS also ended in the green, supported by steady overseas demand expectations.

Despite these pockets of strength, broader sentiment remained weak throughout the session. Foreign institutional investors continued to sell equities, adding further pressure on domestic markets.

Analysts said volatility is likely to persist in the near term as global cues, crude oil movement, and currency fluctuations continue to drive market direction. Investors remain cautious amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and inflation concerns.

Also Read: Meta lays off 8,000 employees after WFH notice

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Beyond

HDFC Bank introduces limited work-from-home policy

HDFC Bank has introduced a limited work-from-home (WFH) policy allowing select employees to work remotely for up to two days a week. The arrangement applies to staff in Business Enabling Functions and Corporate Enabling Functions, which include key support and administrative roles.

The policy has come into effect immediately and will remain in place for an initial period of 30 days. After this period, the bank will review the arrangement and decide whether to continue or modify it based on operational needs.

According to reports, the decision has been taken in the backdrop of rising crude oil prices and a broader call to conserve fuel. The move aligns with recent appeals encouraging organisations to reduce unnecessary travel and adopt hybrid or remote working options where possible.

Importantly, the policy will not impact customer-facing operations. Branch services, frontline banking staff, and public interactions will continue to function as usual without any changes. The WFH option is strictly limited to internal departments such as IT, HR, finance, compliance, risk management, and other corporate support functions.

Also Read: India considers $1 bn EV incentive plan

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Beyond

India considers $1 bn EV incentive plan

India is exploring a proposal worth more than $1 billion to encourage private companies to switch to electric buses and trucks, in a major push to speed up clean transport adoption in the country.

The idea under discussion is to offer financial support to fleet operators so they can replace diesel-powered commercial vehicles with electric ones. This would include buses used for passenger transport as well as heavy trucks used for freight movement.

Officials are reportedly working on how best to structure the incentives so that companies find it easier to bear the high upfront cost of electric vehicles. The aim is to make the shift more practical for private operators, not just government-run transport systems.

The move comes at a time when global oil prices remain volatile due to geopolitical tensions, adding pressure on India’s import bill since the country depends heavily on imported crude. Reducing fuel consumption in the transport sector is seen as one of the most effective ways to lower long-term energy costs.

Commercial transport is a major source of fuel usage and emissions, especially in cities and logistics corridors. By targeting this segment, the government hopes to reduce pollution levels while also improving energy security.

India has already been supporting electric mobility through various schemes that cover electric buses, two-wheelers, and charging infrastructure. However, the new proposal is expected to focus more directly on private operators, which could significantly expand the scale of adoption.

Also Read: DGCA flags Air India Boeing 787 fuel switch