Author: Staff Writer

Categories
Beyond

Disney plans 1,000 job cuts

The Walt Disney Company is planning to cut up to 1,000 jobs in the coming weeks as part of efforts to reduce costs and improve efficiency. The move comes under its new CEO, Josh D’Amaro, who took charge in March 2026.

The layoffs will affect less than 1% of Disney’s global workforce, which has over 230,000 employees. Most of the job cuts are expected to happen in the company’s marketing teams. Disney has recently combined several marketing functions, leading to some overlapping roles.

Although the layoffs are happening during D’Amaro’s leadership, reports suggest the plan was already in progress before he became CEO. Still, this is one of the first major steps under his leadership as he focuses on making the company more streamlined.

Disney is currently facing several challenges. Its streaming business is growing but is not as profitable as traditional TV. At the same time, the company is dealing with weaker box office performance and strong competition from digital platforms.

To manage these issues, Disney is restructuring its operations and cutting costs. A key part of this plan is to simplify its marketing structure and improve coordination across its film, television, and streaming businesses.

This is not the first time Disney has reduced its workforce. The company has made similar cuts in recent years as it adapts to changes in how people consume entertainment.

Also Read: Canva buys two AI startups in expansion push

Categories
Corporate

Canva buys two AI startups in expansion push

Canva is stepping up its push into artificial intelligence with the acquisition of two startups, Simtheory and Ortto, as it looks to expand beyond its core design business.

The move is part of a broader strategy to turn Canva into a more comprehensive platform that not only helps users create content but also manage and distribute it. While the company has not disclosed the financial details of the deals, the focus is clearly on strengthening its AI and marketing capabilities.

Simtheory brings tools that allow teams to build and deploy AI-powered assistants capable of handling complex tasks across workflows. These systems can help automate processes, making collaboration faster and more efficient.

Ortto, meanwhile, specialises in customer data and marketing automation. Its platform helps businesses run and track campaigns across multiple channels, including email, messaging, and apps, all from a single interface. By integrating these capabilities, Canva aims to offer users more control over how their content reaches audiences.

Both startups were founded by entrepreneurs Chris and Mike Sharkey, who will now join Canva and contribute to its growing AI and product teams.

The acquisitions reflect a larger shift in Canva’s direction. Once known primarily as a design tool for individuals and small businesses, the company is now positioning itself as a full “work platform” that combines creativity with automation and analytics.

This expansion comes at a time when artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the tech industry. Companies are racing to build smarter tools that not only generate content but also help manage workflows and improve productivity.

Canva has been actively acquiring companies to stay competitive in this evolving space. The addition of Simtheory and Ortto is expected to strengthen its ability to serve businesses looking for integrated solutions rather than standalone tools.

Also Read: Anthropic delays new AI model over risks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories
Technology

Anthropic delays new AI model over risks

US-based AI firm Anthropic has unveiled its most advanced artificial intelligence model yet, but decided not to release it publicly due to concerns over potential misuse.

The model, called Claude Mythos, marks a significant leap in AI capability. It is designed to detect software vulnerabilities with exceptional accuracy, outperforming human experts in several tests. In one notable case, the system identified a decades-old flaw that had gone unnoticed for years, showcasing its powerful analytical abilities.

However, these same strengths have raised serious concerns. Experts believe the technology could be misused to find and exploit weaknesses in digital systems, potentially enabling sophisticated cyberattacks. This has prompted the company to take a cautious approach.

Instead of a full public rollout, Anthropic is limiting access to a small group of trusted partners under a controlled programme. The aim is to study how the model behaves in real-world conditions while reducing the risk of misuse.

The company is also in discussions with the United States government to better understand the broader implications of such powerful AI systems. CEO Dario Amodei has stressed the importance of building safeguards as AI becomes more capable and widely used.

The development highlights a growing challenge in the tech industry, how to balance rapid innovation with safety. While advanced AI can strengthen cybersecurity by identifying threats early, it can also create new risks if it is not properly controlled.

Also Read: RBI keeps Repo rate at 5.25%

Categories
Beyond

Gold at ₹1.53 lakh, Silver near ₹2.60 lakh

Gold and silver prices remained steady with slight gains in the domestic market today. Gold prices rose marginally by ₹10 to ₹1,53,830 per 10 grams, holding firmly above the ₹1.5 lakh level. Silver also moved higher, gaining ₹100 to trade at ₹2,60,100 per kilogram, reflecting stable demand and supportive international cues.

The rise in bullion prices comes at a time when safe-haven demand has slightly weakened following a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran. The development has reduced immediate global uncertainty, limiting sharp upward movement in gold, which is typically seen as a safe investment during crises.

However, prices have not fallen significantly. Analysts say this is because investors remain cautious amid ongoing global uncertainties. Factors such as currency movements, inflation concerns, and central bank policies continue to support gold at elevated levels.

Silver prices, meanwhile, are being supported not only by investment demand but also by industrial usage. Demand from sectors such as manufacturing and electronics has helped keep silver prices resilient, even when broader market sentiment shifts.

In major Indian cities, bullion prices remained largely uniform, with only minor differences due to local taxes and demand conditions. Jewellers reported steady retail demand, which has also helped stabilise prices in the domestic market.

Also Read: Sensex rises to 3000 points, Nifty hovers near 24,000

Categories
Technology

Anthropic partners Google, Broadcom for AI expansion

Anthropic has entered into a major long-term partnership with Google and Broadcom to strengthen its access to advanced AI chips and computing infrastructure.

The agreement is aimed at meeting the growing demand for high-performance computing required to train and run advanced artificial intelligence models. As part of the deal, Anthropic will use Google’s custom-built Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), which are designed specifically for AI workloads.

The partnership is expected to significantly scale Anthropic’s computing capacity over the coming years. Reports suggest that the company could gain access to several gigawatts of compute power, reflecting the massive infrastructure needed for next-generation AI systems.

Broadcom will play a key role by helping design and supply custom chips that power Google’s AI infrastructure. The collaboration is part of a broader, multi-year arrangement that will support the development of future AI processors.

For Anthropic, the deal ensures a steady supply of critical resources needed to expand its AI offerings, including its Claude chatbot. The company has been rapidly growing and requires large-scale computing to keep up with increasing user demand and more complex AI models.

The partnership also highlights a wider trend in the tech industry, where companies are entering long-term agreements to secure access to chips and computing power. With AI systems becoming more resource-intensive, reliable infrastructure has become a key competitive factor.

For Google, the deal strengthens its cloud and AI ecosystem by promoting the use of its in-house chips. For Broadcom, it reinforces its role in the global semiconductor supply chain.

Also Read: Beacon Group names Dr Rajesh Patel as CEO

 

Categories
Corporate

Sensex jumps 2,900 points, Nifty nears 24,000

Indian equity markets staged a powerful rally, with benchmark indices posting sharp gains amid supportive global and domestic cues. The BSE Sensex surged about 2,900 points to close around 77,500, while the Nifty 50 climbed nearly 870 points to settle close to the 24,000 mark, marking one of the strongest single-day performances in recent times.

The surge was driven by improved global sentiment after signs of easing geopolitical tensions, particularly a temporary pause in conflict in the Middle East. This development helped calm investor nerves and triggered buying across global markets, including India.

A key factor supporting the rally was the decline in crude oil prices. Since India is a major oil importer, softer crude prices reduce inflationary pressure and improve macroeconomic stability, making equities more attractive to investors.

Domestically, the Reserve Bank of India’s latest monetary policy also reassured markets. The central bank kept interest rates unchanged and maintained a balanced outlook on growth and inflation. This signalled policy stability, encouraging investors to increase exposure to equities.

The rally was broad-based, with strong buying seen across banking, financials, auto and real estate stocks. Banking stocks led the charge, supported by stable interest rate expectations, while auto and realty sectors gained on improved demand outlook. Midcap and smallcap stocks also outperformed, rising sharply and reflecting strong participation beyond frontline indices.

Several heavyweight stocks contributed significantly to the upward move, with industrial, consumer and metal stocks posting notable gains. Positive business updates and sectoral tailwinds further boosted investor sentiment.

The sharp rise also led to a substantial increase in investor wealth, with overall market capitalisation of listed companies jumping significantly in a single session. At the same time, the Indian rupee strengthened against the US dollar, indicating renewed foreign investor interest.

Also Read: Anthropic signs long-term AI chip deal

Categories
Corporate

KreditBee raises $280 million, eyes IPO

Digital lending platform KreditBee has raised $280 million in a fresh round of funding, pushing its valuation to $1.5 billion and helping it enter the unicorn club.

The Bengaluru-based company attracted investments from both new and existing backers, reflecting growing confidence in its business model despite a slowdown in large funding deals across the fintech sector. The latest funding marks a major milestone for KreditBee as it continues to expand its presence in India’s fast-growing digital lending market.

KreditBee said it will use the new funds to scale up its lending operations and broaden its range of financial services. The company plans to grow its loan book, strengthen its assets under management, and explore new offerings such as insurance and wealth products. Its core focus, however, will remain on providing quick and accessible personal loans to customers through its digital platform.

Founded in 2016, KreditBee primarily caters to young professionals and first-time borrowers, offering unsecured loans with a fully online application process. Over the years, it has built a large customer base across the country and continues to see steady demand for its services.

The company is also investing in technology to improve efficiency and customer experience. It is increasingly using data analytics and artificial intelligence to assess credit risk, speed up approvals, and tailor financial products to user needs.

Looking ahead, KreditBee has set its sights on going public. The company is targeting an initial public offering (IPO) by early 2027 and has already begun preparing for it by strengthening its corporate structure and compliance processes.

Industry observers say the successful fundraise signals renewed investor interest in India’s fintech space, particularly in companies that demonstrate strong growth and disciplined risk management.

Also Read: IndiGo aircraft damaged by catering truck in Kolkata

Categories
1 Minute-Read

IndiGo aircraft damaged by catering truck in Kolkata

A parked aircraft of IndiGo was damaged after being hit by an unmanned catering truck at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport on April 7.

The aircraft was preparing for a Kolkata–Guwahati flight when the unattended vehicle rolled forward and struck its engine. No passengers were onboard, and no injuries were reported.

The airline has grounded the aircraft for inspection and repairs. An alternate plane was arranged to avoid disruption. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on possible lapses in ground handling and safety procedures by the third-party catering operator.

Categories
Beyond

Air India hikes fuel surcharge, flights costlier

Air India has announced an increase in fuel surcharges on both domestic and international flights, effective April 8 for domestic travel and April 10 for most international routes. The move comes as jet fuel prices surge worldwide, partly due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

For domestic flights, the surcharge will now vary by distance. Short trips up to 500 km will see an extra ₹299 per ticket, while long flights over 2,000 km could add ₹899. International travelers will also feel the impact: flights to nearby countries may add about $24, while long-haul journeys to North America or Australia could see $280 extra per ticket. Charges on routes to Europe, Africa, West Asia, and Southeast Asia will fall somewhere in between.

Air India says that even with the higher surcharge, it will continue to absorb part of the increased fuel cost. Tickets booked before the surcharge increase won’t be affected unless changes are made to the booking.

The airline’s decision follows similar moves by other carriers, including budget airlines, as aviation turbine fuel (ATF) costs rise sharply. Fuel is one of the biggest expenses for airlines, so when global oil prices spike, passengers often bear some of the increase.

The government has tried to reduce the impact by capping monthly ATF price hikes domestically, but rising fuel costs still push up airfares. Experts say travelers should expect higher ticket prices in the coming months if oil price volatility continues.

For passengers, this means budgeting more for travel and checking updated fuel surcharge details when booking tickets. While it helps airlines manage costs, it also adds to the overall cost of flying, especially for long-haul journeys.

With global oil prices unlikely to stabilize immediately, this surcharge hike highlights the direct impact of energy markets on everyday air travel, showing how international events can quickly translate into higher costs for passengers.

Categories
Beyond

Gold steady at ₹1.54 lakh, Silver slumps ₹1,600

Gold and silver prices showed mixed trends on wednesday as global uncertainty and volatile crude oil prices influenced investor sentiment. Gold prices remained largely steady near ₹1.54 lakh per 10 grams in futures trade, while silver prices declined by around ₹1,600 per kilogram in early sessions, highlighting uneven movement in the bullion market.

The primary driver behind this volatility is the ongoing geopolitical tension in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran. Rising crude oil prices have added to inflation concerns, prompting investors to remain cautious and limiting strong directional moves in precious metals.

During the day, however, market sentiment improved slightly following reports of a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran. This development led to a rebound in bullion prices in global and domestic markets. Gold saw mild gains, supported by its safe-haven appeal, while silver recovered sharply in later trade, reflecting its dual role as both a precious and industrial metal.

In the domestic physical market, gold prices continued to hover above ₹1.5 lakh per 10 grams for 24-carat purity across major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. Silver prices also experienced sharp intraday fluctuations, mirroring global trends and heightened market uncertainty.

Globally, gold prices stayed firm near recent highs as investors balanced safe-haven demand with improving risk sentiment. Silver, on the other hand, remained more volatile, reacting strongly to both geopolitical cues and industrial demand expectations. Analysts note that movements in the US dollar, crude oil prices, and interest rate outlook continue to play a key role in shaping bullion trends.

Despite the fluctuations, experts advise investors to remain cautious. Markets are highly sensitive to geopolitical developments, and any escalation in tensions could push gold prices higher. Conversely, easing tensions may reduce demand for safe-haven assets and cap further upside.

Also Read: Sensex jumps 3,000 points, Nifty nears 24,000