Author: Staff Writer

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Technology

Snowflake unveils AI tool to automate workflows

Snowflake has launched Project SnowWork, an AI platform that helps businesses automate multi-step tasks. Instead of just analyzing data, the tool can plan and complete workflows on its own. Employees can ask it to create reports, run forecasts, spot trends, or generate documents using simple conversational prompts.

The platform works within Snowflake’s secure data system, following company rules for access and data privacy. It ensures that sensitive information stays protected while automating tasks.

Currently, Project SnowWork is available as a research preview to select customers. Snowflake aims to make it easier for businesses to use AI for everyday operations, saving time and reducing manual work.

This launch is part of Snowflake’s growing AI strategy, which includes tools for conversational analytics and developer support. Project SnowWork reflects a trend in enterprise AI where systems not only provide insights but also take action, helping teams focus on higher-level work.

Also Read: YouTube brings AI ‘Reimagine’ tool for Shorts

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Corporate

Meta to pull the plug on Horizon Worlds VR in June

Meta, the social media giant led by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is shutting down the virtual reality (VR) version of its social metaverse platform, Horizon Worlds, marking a major retreat from one of its most ambitious technology bets.

Launched in 2021, Horizon Worlds allowed users with Meta Quest VR headsets to explore virtual 3D worlds, socialize, and create their own spaces. The platform was central to Meta’s metaverse vision and was heavily promoted as the “next frontier” for social interaction online. In 2021, Facebook’s rebranding to Meta underscored how critical this VR platform was to the company’s future strategy.

Despite these ambitions, the VR version of Horizon Worlds struggled to gain traction. User engagement remained low, reviews were mixed, and technical issues limited its appeal. Meta’s Reality Labs division, which developed the platform, has incurred massive losses over the years, with estimates suggesting more than $80 billion spent on metaverse development since 2020.

Under the new plan, the VR app will be removed from the Meta Quest Store by the end of March 2026, and the VR service will fully shut down on June 15, 2026. Existing users will have access until that date. Meta will continue the ‘Horizon Worlds’ experience as a mobile-only platform, where the company intends to concentrate its efforts.

Meta says this shift allows both mobile and VR experiences to evolve independently and reflects a broader strategic refocus toward artificial intelligence, mobile apps, and other emerging technologies.

The closure of Horizon Worlds VR comes amid industry-wide reconsideration of large-scale virtual worlds, following high-profile investments that failed to deliver expected user growth. Analysts say the move highlights the challenges of building fully immersive social VR platforms and signals a more cautious approach to Meta’s long-term metaverse ambitions.

Also Read: Wipro partners Harness for AI-led software delivery

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Corporate

L’Oréal plans to buy majority stake in Innovist

French beauty company L’Oréal is in talks to buy a majority stake in Indian personal care startup Innovist. The deal could value Innovist between $350 million and $450 million, according to reports.

Innovist is known for its digital-first brands like Bare Anatomy, Chemist at Play, Sunscoop, and Vinci Botanicals. These brands mainly sell online and focus on science-based beauty and personal care products. The company has grown quickly in recent years and has become popular among young consumers in India.

If the deal goes through, L’Oréal is expected to first buy a controlling stake in Innovist. Over time, it may increase its ownership and eventually take full control of the company. However, the final details of the deal are still being discussed and could change.

This move is part of L’Oréal’s strategy to expand its presence in India, which is one of the fastest-growing beauty markets in the world. The company has been increasing its investments in the country to tap into rising demand for skincare, haircare, and wellness products.

Innovist’s strong growth has made it an attractive option for acquisition. The startup has seen a sharp rise in revenue and has also improved its profitability. Its focus on research-driven products and online sales has helped it stand out in a crowded market.

Also Read: Wipro partners Harness for AI-led software delivery

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Corporate

Sensex gains 330 points, Nifty closes above 23,100

The BSE Sensex closed around 74,500, gaining roughly 0.5 percent, while the NSE Nifty50 settled near 23,100 with similar gains. However, the session remained volatile, with indices giving up a portion of early gains as investors stayed cautious.

The recovery was led by buying in information technology, metal stocks and public sector banks, which emerged as the top gainers of the day. Stocks in these sectors attracted investors looking to capitalise on recent corrections. On the other hand, weakness persisted in select financial stocks, with HDFC Bank continuing to remain under pressure following recent negative developments.

Friday’s gains come after markets witnessed a sharp sell-off on Thursday, when the Sensex plunged nearly 2,500 points in one of its worst single-day declines in recent years. The fall was triggered by escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia, particularly involving Iran, which sparked fears of disruption in global crude oil supplies.

Although crude oil prices showed some easing on Friday, they remained elevated, keeping concerns around inflation and economic stability intact. Rising oil prices are seen as a key risk for India, which is heavily dependent on imports.

The Indian rupee also remained weak against the US dollar, adding to investor concerns over macroeconomic stability. Currency pressure, along with foreign investor outflows, continued to influence market sentiment.

Despite Friday’s rebound, overall sentiment remained cautious. Analysts noted that while valuations have become more attractive after the recent correction, uncertainty around global developments and domestic factors could keep markets volatile in the near term.

Also Read: India appoints Vikram Doraiswami as envoy to China

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1 Minute-Read

Wipro partners Harness for AI-led software delivery

Wipro has partnered with Harness to boost AI-driven software delivery for enterprises worldwide. The collaboration will combine Wipro’s AI capabilities with Harness’ delivery platform to streamline how software is built, tested, and deployed.

The partnership aims to reduce manual processes, improve efficiency, and speed up development cycles while maintaining quality and security. It will help companies adopt AI-native development methods and respond faster to changing business needs.

The move highlights the rising demand for automation and AI in modern software development across industries.

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Technology

YouTube brings AI ‘Reimagine’ tool for Shorts

YouTube has introduced a new artificial intelligence feature called “Reimagine” for its short-video platform, YouTube Shorts, aimed at simplifying content creation and boosting creativity.

The new tool allows users to take a frame from an existing Short and transform it into a completely new video using simple text prompts. Creators can change backgrounds, styles, or entire scenes without needing advanced editing skills. The feature builds on YouTube’s existing “Remix” option, which already allows users to reuse parts of other videos.

With “Reimagine,” the process becomes more advanced. Users can generate fresh visuals or alter existing ones by describing what they want. For example, a regular scene can be turned into a different setting or artistic style in seconds. The tool can also use reference images uploaded by creators to guide the final output.

The generated clips are short and remain linked to the original content, ensuring that the original creator is credited. YouTube has also added safeguards, allowing creators to opt out if they do not want their videos to be used for AI-based remixing.

Currently, the feature is being tested with a limited group of users, mainly English-speaking creators. A wider rollout is expected after feedback from the initial phase.

The launch reflects a broader trend of tech platforms integrating AI into content creation tools. By making video editing easier and faster, YouTube aims to attract more users to Shorts and strengthen its position in the competitive short-video market.

At the same time, the use of AI in remixing content raises concerns about originality and ownership. YouTube says it will maintain transparency by clearly linking AI-generated videos to their source material.

With “Reimagine,” YouTube is taking another step toward making video creation more accessible, allowing users to experiment and produce content with minimal effort.

Also Read: Cathay Pacific suspends Gulf flights until April

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Beyond

Cathay Pacific suspends Gulf flights until April

Hong Kong-based airline Cathay Pacific has suspended its flights to Dubai and Riyadh until the end of April, as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East. The decision comes amid growing security concerns and instability in the region’s airspace.

The airline announced that all passenger and cargo services between Hong Kong and key Gulf destinations, including Dubai and Riyadh, will remain halted until April 30. The suspension is an extension of earlier cancellations that were initially scheduled to last until the end of March.

Cathay Pacific said the move was necessary due to the “volatile situation” in the region, emphasising that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority. The airline has been closely monitoring developments and indicated that further changes could be made depending on how the situation evolves.

The disruption is linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has led to airspace restrictions, missile activity, and security risks across several countries. The crisis began after military strikes in late February and has since escalated, forcing airlines worldwide to reassess their flight operations.

As a result, many global carriers have either suspended or rerouted flights to avoid affected airspace. The situation has significantly impacted major aviation hubs such as Dubai, causing widespread travel disruptions and forcing passengers to seek alternative routes.

Cathay Pacific has offered affected passengers options including rebooking, rerouting, or full refunds without additional charges. The airline is also increasing capacity on other routes, particularly to European destinations, to accommodate displaced travellers.

Also Read: UK honours Tata Chairman Chandrasekaran with Knighthood

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Leaders

UK honours Tata Chairman with Knighthood

The United Kingdom has awarded an honorary knighthood to Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of the Tata Group, in recognition of his contributions to strengthening business relations between India and the UK. The honour reflects his leadership in expanding the group’s presence and investments in the British economy.

Chandrasekaran received the distinction under the Order of the British Empire (Civil Division), one of the UK’s most prestigious honours for individuals who have made notable contributions to public life, business, and international cooperation. The award has been conferred with the approval of King Charles III.

Under Chandrasekaran’s leadership since 2017, the Tata Group has strengthened its footprint in the UK across sectors such as automotive, steel, information technology, and hospitality. The group owns major British brands, including Jaguar Land Rover and Tetley, and is among the largest employers in the country’s industrial sector.

The recognition also highlights the Tata Group’s long-standing commitment to the UK market, where it employs tens of thousands of people and continues to invest in manufacturing, technology, and research. These efforts have played a key role in deepening economic and commercial ties between the two countries.

Reacting to the honour, Chandrasekaran expressed gratitude and said he was humbled by the recognition. He emphasised the Tata Group’s enduring relationship with the UK and its continued focus on building partnerships across business and academia. The group has collaborated with leading institutions such as University of Oxford and London School of Economics, reflecting its broader engagement beyond industry.

An honorary knighthood is awarded to foreign nationals and does not grant the title “Sir,” but it remains a significant global recognition of leadership and influence.

Also Read: India appoints Vikram Doraiswami as envoy to China

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Beyond

Russian oil tanker diverted to India to dock March 21

A Russian oil tanker carrying around 7.7 lakh barrels of crude oil is set to arrive in India on March 21, highlighting a shift in global oil trade patterns as Indian refiners step up imports from Russia. The vessel, Aqua Titan, will dock at the New Mangalore port after being rerouted from its earlier destination in China.

The tanker had originally departed from a Russian port on the Baltic Sea in January, loaded with Urals crude. It was initially headed toward China but changed course in mid-March while sailing through Southeast Asian waters. The diversion reflects evolving demand dynamics and India’s increasing appetite for discounted Russian oil.

The shipment has been chartered by Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL), one of India’s key state-run refiners. The company has been actively sourcing crude from alternative suppliers to ensure stable operations and manage supply risks. The arrival of this cargo is expected to support refining activity at its Mangalore facility.

India has significantly increased its imports of Russian crude over the past few years, especially after global energy markets were disrupted by geopolitical tensions. Competitive pricing and flexible supply arrangements have made Russian oil an attractive option for Indian refiners.

Recent weeks have seen multiple instances of tankers changing routes toward India, indicating a broader trend of cargo redirection based on market conditions. Analysts say such diversions are often driven by price advantages, refinery demand, and logistical considerations.

The development also comes at a time when global oil supply chains remain volatile, with uncertainties affecting traditional supply routes from West Asia. By sourcing more oil from Russia, India is working to strengthen its energy security and reduce dependence on a limited number of suppliers.

Also Read: India appoints Vikram Doraiswami as envoy to China

Categories
Leaders

India appoints Vikram Doraiswami as envoy to China

India has appointed senior Indian Foreign Service officer Vikram K. Doraiswami as its next Ambassador to China, a significant diplomatic decision as New Delhi continues to navigate its sensitive and strategic ties with Beijing. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the appointment, noting that he will assume the role in the near future.

Doraiswami is currently serving as India’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and belongs to the 1992 batch of the IFS. Over the course of his three-decade-long career, he has held several key diplomatic assignments, including serving as Ambassador to Bangladesh and Uzbekistan, as well as postings in South Korea and other important missions. His extensive experience makes him one of India’s most seasoned diplomats.

Importantly, Doraiswami is regarded as a China expert. He has prior experience working in Beijing during the early years of his career and has also received training in the Chinese language. This background is expected to prove valuable as he steps into one of India’s most challenging diplomatic roles.

He will replace Pradeep Kumar Rawat, who served as India’s Ambassador to China during a period marked by both tensions and sustained diplomatic engagement. Rawat played a key role in maintaining communication between the two countries amid ongoing border issues and efforts to stabilize relations.

Doraiswami’s appointment comes at a time when India-China relations remain delicate. Tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh have persisted in recent years, even as both countries continue military and diplomatic discussions to ease the situation. At the same time, economic and regional considerations make continued engagement between the two nations essential.

By appointing a diplomat with deep regional expertise and prior China experience, India appears to be signaling its intent to maintain steady and informed engagement with Beijing. Doraiswami is expected to focus on strengthening dialogue mechanisms, managing differences, and identifying areas of cooperation where possible.

Also Read: Meta to pay $1,000–$3,000 per month to creators on Facebook