Category: Corporate

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Corporate

Zerodha closes Zero1 creator platform

Zerodha has shut down Zero1, its creator-focused content platform, bringing an end to a unique venture that worked with digital creators to produce educational content on finance and other subjects. The company said the move was driven by regulatory uncertainty.

Zero1 was launched as an effort to build meaningful, long-form content in areas such as investing, money management, health and climate. Unlike many short-form influencer channels, the platform aimed to create well-researched content through partnerships with creators who already had strong online audiences.

The initiative had attracted attention for trying a different model — giving creators access to Zerodha’s resources, production support and distribution network while allowing them creative freedom. It was seen as a fresh attempt to combine content creation with education.

However, Zerodha has now decided to discontinue the platform. The company said Zero1 had performed well and reached a wide audience, but changing regulations and uncertainty around creator-led financial content made the model difficult to continue.

The closure comes at a time when regulators are increasing scrutiny of online financial advice, influencer promotions and unregistered investment recommendations. Fintech companies and creators are facing growing pressure to ensure that content does not cross into misleading or unauthorised advice.

Going forward, Zerodha plans to focus on producing content internally rather than through outside creator partnerships. This means the company will continue its education efforts, but with tighter editorial control and direct oversight.

The move is significant because Zero1 had emerged as a rare example of a structured creator network backed by a major financial company. It also reflected how brands were beginning to treat creators as long-term partners rather than just marketing channels.

For creators who were part of the network, the shutdown closes a platform that offered funding, professional support and credibility. For the wider industry, it raises questions about how future partnerships between finance companies and influencers will evolve.

Also Read: Tamil Nadu sees record 84% voting in assembly polls

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Microsoft launches voluntary retirement scheme for US employees

Microsoft has introduced its first-ever voluntary retirement (buyout) programme in its 51-year history, offering eligible US employees an option to leave the company with a financial package. The move is expected to affect up to 7% of Microsoft’s US workforce, or roughly 8,000–8,750 employees.

According to internal communications, the programme is aimed at employees at the senior director level and below whose age and years of service combined equal 70 or more. For example, an employee aged 55 with 15 years at the company would qualify. Certain roles, including some sales positions, are excluded.

The company said the initiative is intended to give long-serving employees a voluntary and supported exit option, rather than relying on traditional layoffs. Eligible staff and managers will receive full details in early May.

The move comes at a time when Microsoft, like several other major tech firms, is undergoing structural changes driven by heavy investment in artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure. The company has been spending billions to expand data centre capacity and AI capabilities, while also tightening operational costs elsewhere.

In recent years, Microsoft has already gone through multiple rounds of job cuts. This new buyout programme is seen as another step in reorganising its workforce to better align with long-term strategic priorities, especially AI-focused growth.

At the same time, Microsoft is also adjusting its compensation structure, including changes to how stock awards are distributed and giving managers more flexibility in rewarding performance.

Also Read: Warner Bros Discovery shareholders approve Paramount merger

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Warner Bros Discovery shareholders approve Paramount merger

Warner Bros Discovery shareholders have approved a $110–111 billion takeover by Paramount Skydance, moving the blockbuster media merger a major step closer to completion.

The deal brings together two entertainment giants, combining Warner Bros’ portfolio, which includes HBO, CNN, DC Comics and Harry Potter, with Paramount assets like CBS, MTV and Paramount Pictures. If completed, it will create one of the largest media companies in the world.

Shareholders backed the offer in a formal vote, accepting a cash deal worth around $31 per share, which is higher than recent market levels. The approval reflects investor confidence in the value of the transaction.

However, the merger still needs approval from regulators in the US and other regions. Authorities are expected to closely examine the deal due to its size and potential impact on competition in the media industry.

While investors have welcomed the move, the deal has sparked debate within Hollywood. Critics are concerned it could lead to job cuts, restructuring, and reduced opportunities for smaller creators, as control becomes more centralised under a single large company.

Some shareholders also raised concerns about executive pay linked to the transaction, adding to the discussion around corporate governance.

Supporters argue the merger is a strategic response to a fast-changing entertainment landscape, where streaming competition and rising production costs are forcing companies to scale up.

Also Read: Rupee slips 24 paise to 94.25 against US dollar

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Sensex crashes over 1,000 points, Nifty slips below 23,900

Indian stock markets witnessed a sharp downturn today, with benchmark indices ending deep in the red amid widespread selling pressure and weak investor sentiment. The Sensex plunged over 1,000 points, while the Nifty 50 slipped below the 23,900 mark, reflecting a clear risk-off mood across Dalal Street.

The sell-off was broad-based, with heavyweights from key sectors such as banking, information technology, and financial services leading the decline. Investors appeared to be booking profits after recent gains, while global cues also weighed on sentiment. Concerns over inflation trends, interest rate expectations, and foreign fund outflows added to the negative tone throughout the session.

Mid- and small-cap stocks also came under pressure, showing that the weakness was not limited to large-cap counters alone. Market breadth remained firmly negative, with far more stocks declining than advancing, indicating widespread selling across sectors.

Despite the overall bearish trend, a few stocks managed to buck the trend and end in positive territory, driven by stock-specific triggers such as strong earnings updates, order wins, or defensive buying. However, these gainers were limited in number and were not enough to offset the broader market losses.

On the losing side, several frontline banking and IT names were among the biggest drags on the indices, along with select auto and metal stocks that faced selling pressure due to global demand concerns and commodity price fluctuations.

Market experts suggest that such volatility is not unusual after strong rallies, and investors are likely reacting to both global uncertainty and domestic valuation concerns. The focus now shifts to upcoming economic data, central bank commentary, and corporate earnings, which could set the tone for the next market direction.

For retail investors, analysts advise caution and discipline rather than panic selling, highlighting that short-term corrections are a normal part of market cycles. Long-term fundamentals remain intact, but volatility may continue in the near term.

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HCL Tech shares slide after weak Q4 show

Shares of HCL Technologies plunged more than 10 per cent after the company reported weaker fourth-quarter results and gave a cautious outlook for the coming year. The sharp fall erased nearly ₹38,000 crore from the company’s market value.

The stock was among the biggest losers in the market as investors reacted negatively to lower-than-expected earnings and slower growth guidance. It also dragged other IT shares lower during the session.

For the January-March quarter, HCL Tech posted a net profit of ₹4,488 crore. While the figure was higher than the same period last year, it was more than 6 per cent lower compared to the previous quarter. Revenue growth also came in below market expectations.

Analysts said investors were mainly concerned about the company’s outlook for FY27, which appeared weaker than expected. Several brokerages downgraded the stock and cut their target prices after the results.

Market experts said global uncertainty, cautious client spending and delays in decision-making by customers continue to weigh on the IT services sector. Some large overseas clients are reportedly reducing project sizes or postponing new contracts.

HCL Tech management said near-term demand remains mixed, especially in key markets like the United States. However, the company said long-term demand for digital transformation, cloud services and artificial intelligence remains strong.

The weak update from HCL Tech also raised concerns about the broader Indian IT industry, which has been facing slower growth due to reduced technology spending by global clients. Shares of other major IT companies also came under pressure following the announcement.

Despite the disappointing market reaction, HCL Tech declared an interim dividend of ₹24 per share for shareholders.

Also Read: Google Cloud, CVC partner to speed up AI adoption

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Google Cloud, CVC partner to speed up AI adoption

Google Cloud and private equity firm CVC have announced a new partnership to help companies adopt artificial intelligence faster and use it in day-to-day business operations.

The collaboration will support companies owned or backed by CVC across sectors such as healthcare, retail, finance, telecom, software and manufacturing. These businesses will gain access to Google Cloud’s AI tools, technical support and cloud infrastructure.

The focus of the deal is on “agentic AI”,  systems that can complete tasks, automate processes and make decisions with limited human involvement. Companies are expected to use these tools to improve efficiency, reduce costs and speed up services.

Under the partnership, CVC portfolio companies will be able to use Google’s Gemini AI models and other enterprise AI platforms. Some firms may also receive early access to new AI products before they are launched widely.

Google Cloud will also provide specialist engineering teams to work directly with these businesses. Their role will be to help companies build AI systems faster, solve technical problems and integrate the technology into existing operations.

Cybersecurity is another major part of the agreement. Businesses involved in the partnership will have access to advanced security tools to protect data, systems and AI platforms from threats.

CVC said the partnership would help many of its companies become more technology-driven and competitive. Google Cloud said the deal reflects a growing shift from AI experiments to large-scale practical use in business.

Also Read: Government brings new online gaming rules

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Jio Financial, Allianz partner for insurance business

Jio Financial Services has joined hands with global insurance giant Allianz to launch a new insurance business in India. The two companies will form a 50:50 joint venture focused on health and general insurance, marking a major expansion for Jio Financial.

The partnership combines Jio Financial’s strong digital network and large customer reach with Allianz’s global experience in insurance. Both companies said they aim to offer simple, affordable and easily accessible insurance products for Indian customers.

The announcement was positively received by the market, with Jio Financial shares rising around 4% during Thursday’s trade. Investors see the deal as an important growth move for the company as it builds its presence in India’s financial services sector.

India’s insurance market is growing rapidly as more people look for health cover, vehicle insurance and financial protection for their families. However, a large part of the population still remains uninsured or underinsured, creating huge opportunities for new players.

For Jio Financial, this is another step in building a wider financial ecosystem. The company has already entered areas such as lending, payments and investment services. The insurance business is expected to strengthen its long-term plans.

For Allianz, the partnership offers a fresh entry into India’s fast-growing insurance market with a strong local partner. Analysts believe Jio’s technology platform and reach across cities and smaller towns could help Allianz scale quickly.

The new venture will start operations after receiving regulatory approvals. Reports also suggest the two companies may explore future opportunities in life insurance, which could further expand the partnership.

Experts say digital insurance products are likely to play a key role in the business model. Easy online buying, faster claims settlement and simple customer service could attract younger users and first-time buyers.

The deal highlights growing interest in India’s financial sector, where technology-led companies are expanding into banking, insurance and wealth products.

Also Read: Havells appoints ex-Britannia Chief to board

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Sensex falls 850 points, Nifty ends below 24,200

Indian stock markets closed sharply lower on Thursday as the BSE Sensex dropped 852 points to end at 77,664, while the NSE Nifty50 fell 205 points to close at 24,173, slipping below the important 24,200 level.

The selloff was broad-based, with heavy pressure seen in banking, IT, auto and consumer stocks. Among the top losers on the Sensex and Nifty were Infosys, HDFC Bank, Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors and Axis Bank. These stocks saw strong selling as investors reduced exposure to economically sensitive sectors.

IT shares remained weak, with Infosys continuing to face pressure after concerns around global demand and slower technology spending. Banking stocks such as HDFC Bank and Axis Bank also dragged the market lower, while auto stocks like Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors declined on fears that higher fuel prices could affect demand.

A major reason behind the weak sentiment was the sharp rise in global crude oil prices, which moved above the $100 per barrel mark. Higher oil prices are a concern for India because they can increase inflation, raise transport costs and put pressure on the rupee.

The rupee also weakened against the US dollar during the day, adding to investor worries. A weaker rupee increases import costs and can affect several sectors dependent on overseas raw materials.

Despite the broad weakness, a few defensive stocks managed to gain. Sun Pharma was among the top gainers, supported by buying interest in healthcare shares. Some other pharmaceutical counters also remained firm as investors looked for safer sectors during market volatility.

Broader markets were also under pressure, with many midcap and smallcap stocks ending in the red. Market breadth remained negative, showing that selling was spread across a wide range of shares.

Also Read: Havells appoints ex-Britannia Chief to board

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Trent profit rises 30%, announces first bonus shares

Tata Group retail company Trent has reported a strong fourth-quarter performance, with net profit rising around 30% year-on-year. The company also announced its first-ever bonus share issue and declared a dividend, giving shareholders more reasons to celebrate.

Trent, which operates popular brands such as Westside and Zudio, said its quarterly profit rose to about ₹455 crore. Revenue also increased strongly, helped by steady consumer demand and continued expansion of stores across the country.

One of the biggest highlights of the results was the company’s first bonus issue since listing. Trent announced bonus shares in the ratio of 1:2, meaning investors will receive one extra share for every two shares they already own. Bonus issues are often seen as a sign of management confidence and are welcomed by retail investors.

Along with the bonus shares, the board also approved a final dividend of ₹6 per share for the financial year. This indicates that the company remains financially strong while continuing to invest in future growth.

Trent’s strong performance was mainly driven by Zudio, its fast-growing value fashion chain, and Westside, its established lifestyle brand. Zudio has expanded rapidly across cities and smaller towns, attracting young shoppers with affordable fashion options. Westside has also continued to benefit from steady demand in urban markets.

The company has become one of India’s fastest-growing retail businesses, benefiting from rising consumer spending and increasing demand for organised fashion retail. Analysts say Trent has successfully built brands that appeal to both budget-conscious and premium shoppers.

Despite the positive results, the stock saw some volatility in the market as investors booked profits after a recent rally. However, many analysts remain positive on the company’s long-term prospects because of its expansion strategy and strong brand presence.

Also Read: Meta to monitor employee activity for AI training

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Sensex falls 723 points, Nifty below 24,200

Indian equity benchmarks opened lower on Thursday, tracking weak global cues and cautious investor sentiment ahead of key earnings announcements. The BSE Sensex declined 312 points in early trade to open near 80,210, while the NSE Nifty slipped below the 24,300 mark, indicating a weak start for domestic markets.

Selling pressure was visible across major sectors, with information technology stocks leading the decline. Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, HCL Tech and Wipro were among the top losers in early trade as concerns over soft global demand and muted earnings outlook continued to weigh on the sector. Retail major Trent also traded lower amid profit booking.

Banking and financial shares opened mixed. Select private lenders showed resilience, but broader weakness in frontline counters kept benchmark indices under pressure. Reliance Industries traded range-bound in the opening minutes.

Among early gainers, defensive names such as ITC and Hindustan Unilever attracted buying interest. Some pharmaceutical stocks also edged higher as investors preferred relatively safer sectors amid global uncertainty.

Global sentiment remained cautious after a rise in crude oil prices and renewed geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Higher oil prices are seen as a concern for inflation and India’s trade balance, prompting a risk-off mood among investors.

Market participants will closely watch intraday movement in global markets, foreign fund activity and upcoming quarterly earnings for further direction. Analysts said Nifty may find immediate support near 24,200, while resistance is placed around 24,450 in the short term.

Also Read: Zen Tech jumps 11% on licence win