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Zoho founder faces $1.7bn bond in divorce case

Zoho co‑founder Sridhar Vembu has been asked by a California court to post a $1.7 billion bond as part of his ongoing divorce proceedings with his estranged wife, Pramila Srinivasan. The unusual order, issued in January 2025, is intended to protect her share of marital assets while the case continues.

Vembu, who relocated to India in 2019, and Srinivasan, who remained in the US., had been married for nearly 30 years. Their divorce, which began in 2021, involves complex disputes over property and financial interests accumulated during their marriage. Under California law, assets acquired while married are generally considered joint property, and both parties have a right to an equitable share.

The court order included the appointment of a receiver to oversee several US-based entities linked to Vembu and temporarily blocked certain corporate restructuring moves, aiming to prevent any transfers that might affect Srinivasan’s potential claims. Court filings suggest that Srinivasan’s legal team alleged Vembu transferred significant business stakes and intellectual property without her consent, prompting the court to act.

Vembu’s US attorney, Christopher C. Melcher, has strongly criticised the bond order, calling it “invalid” and legally impossible to meet. He said the order was issued on limited notice and based on incomplete information. Melcher also highlighted that Vembu had already offered Srinivasan a 50 percent share in Zoho Corporation Pvt Ltd and had transferred ownership of their family home to her, offers which she reportedly declined.

Melcher further pointed out that some of Srinivasan’s legal counsel were not licensed in California and accused them of misleading the court. He added that the matter is not about alimony, as no support order has been requested.

This case illustrates the challenges of high-stakes, cross-border divorces, especially when major business interests are involved. While the bond order has made headlines for its unprecedented size, insiders say the situation is less about money and more about ensuring fair treatment under the law.

Vembu and his team have indicated they will continue to contest the bond while the legal proceedings move forward, aiming for a resolution that respects both parties’ rights.

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Vedanta chairman Anil Agarwal’s son dies at 49

Agnivesh Agarwal, the eldest son of Vedanta Group chairman Anil Agarwal, passed away at the age of 49 in the United States, days after sustaining injuries in a skiing accident. He died following a sudden cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment, according to the family.

In an emotional message shared on social media, Anil Agarwal described the loss as the “darkest day” of his life, saying the family was devastated by the sudden turn of events.

“Today is the darkest day of my life. My beloved son, Agnivesh, left us far too soon. He was just 49 years old, healthy, full of life, and dreams. Following a skiing accident in the US, he was recovering well in Mount Sinai Hospital, New York. We believed the worst was behind us. But fate had other plans, and a sudden cardiac arrest snatched our son away from us,” Agarwal wrote in a post on X.

He said Agnivesh was admitted to Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. However, his condition deteriorated unexpectedly.

Born in Patna on June 3, 1976, Agnivesh studied at Mayo College, Ajmer, and later played a key role in setting up Fujeirah Gold and served as Chairman of Hindustan Zinc.

Tributes have poured in from industry leaders and associates, remembering Agnivesh as a capable professional and a warm, grounded individual.

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Rekha Jhunjhunwala’s Titan stake hits ₹20,000 crore

Rekha Jhunjhunwala’s investment in Titan Company Ltd has crossed the ₹20,000 crore mark, following a sharp rise in the company’s share price to record levels. The surge comes after Titan reported strong quarterly performance, reaffirming investor confidence in the Tata Group-owned company.

Titan shares climbed over 4 percent, hitting an intraday high of around ₹4,300 on the BSE. This rally significantly boosted the value of Jhunjhunwala’s 5.32 percent stake, underscoring the wealth creation potential of long-term holdings in India’s blue-chip companies.

The growth momentum was led by Titan’s jewellery business, which includes brands such as Tanishq, Mia, Zoya, and CaratLane. The division saw a remarkable 41 percent year-on-year increase, fueled by strong festive season demand, rising premiumisation, and a growing retail footprint. Gold coin sales nearly doubled, while studded jewellery saw solid double-digit growth. Titan also expanded internationally, targeting markets in the Gulf, Singapore, and North America.

Other segments of Titan’s diversified portfolio also contributed to the positive performance. The watches division grew by over 13 percent, while eyewear and fragrances continued to see steady gains. Titan’s omni-channel approach, combining physical stores and online presence, helped sustain consumer demand beyond the holiday season.

Market analysts have praised Titan’s growth strategy and operational execution. Brokerage Nomura reaffirmed a Buy rating, highlighting the company’s potential to outpace industry growth and capture further market share.

The rise in Titan’s stock demonstrates how consistent performance, strong brand equity, and strategic expansion translate into tangible investor value. For Rekha Jhunjhunwala, the milestone is a reflection of patience and faith in one of India’s most trusted consumer brands, illustrating the power of long-term investment in creating significant wealth.

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Marc Berson joins Mastek board to boost AI

Mastek, the global digital engineering and cloud transformation company, has appointed Marc Berson, a seasoned technology executive from Google, to its Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2026. This move reflects Mastek’s ambition to strengthen its AI and cloud initiatives as it expands its footprint across global markets.

Berson, currently Google’s Chief Information Officer, has over three decades of experience in driving digital transformation for major corporations. He has held leadership roles at Gilead Sciences, Hewlett‑Packard, IBM, and Philips, helping organizations modernize technology systems and leverage digital tools to achieve business growth. His deep expertise in cloud solutions and AI will provide Mastek with strategic guidance as it works to deliver innovative, enterprise-ready solutions.

Umang Nahata, CEO of Mastek, said, “Marc’s experience in leading large-scale technology transformations is a perfect fit for Mastek’s AI-first agenda. His insights will help us further strengthen our offerings and deliver measurable impact for our clients.”

Berson expressed excitement about joining Mastek, saying that the company’s focus on AI-enabled transformation resonates with his professional experience. “I look forward to contributing to Mastek’s journey of helping enterprises harness the power of AI and cloud technologies to create meaningful business outcomes,” he said.

Mastek, which operates in over 40 countries and serves clients across sectors like healthcare, retail, financial services, and the public sector, has been steadily investing in cloud and AI capabilities. The company is focusing on GenAI-powered solutions and strategic partnerships that simplify digital transformation and help businesses achieve faster results.

With Berson on board, Mastek aims to combine global technology insight with local execution expertise, positioning itself as a trusted partner for enterprises looking to embrace AI-first strategies and accelerate their cloud adoption. This appointment underscores Mastek’s commitment to innovation, leadership depth, and delivering tangible value to clients worldwide.

Also Read: Apple’s made-in-India iPhones cross $50 bn in 2025

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Air India seeks new CEO as leadership changes loom

Tata Sons has begun a global search for a new CEO to lead Air India, signaling a potential leadership change at the airline. Campbell Wilson, who joined as CEO in July 2022, still has a contract until June 2027, but the group is considering a transition sooner.

Chairman N. Chandrasekaran has reportedly spoken with executives from leading carriers in the UK and US as possible successors. The move is part of Tata Sons’ effort to strengthen Air India’s operations and improve overall performance.

Wilson has overseen major organisational changes, including the merger with Vistara and integration of other subsidiaries. However, sources indicate challenges remain, such as aircraft delivery delays, refurbishment slowdowns, and inconsistent service, particularly on long-haul routes.

Air India Express, the group’s low-cost carrier, is also under review, with leadership assessments ongoing across the airline group. Wilson’s exit from the Air India Express board in April 2025 hinted at early restructuring, although Tata Sons says no formal succession plan has yet been finalised.

The leadership search reflects Tata Sons’ focus on ensuring Air India not only grows but competes effectively on the global stage, building on investments made since privatisation while tackling lingering operational challenges.

Also Read: Trump flags tariff risk over India’s Russian oil imports

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Instagram enters AI era, Mosseri tells creators

Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri has signaled a major shift in how content will be valued on the platform, declaring the era of highly polished, curated posts effectively over. With AI-generated content becoming widespread, carefully staged visuals no longer hold the same appeal. Instead, Mosseri says, authenticity and originality are emerging as the most important qualities for creators.

In an end-of-year message shared on Instagram and Threads, Mosseri reflected on the challenges and opportunities posed by AI. “Flattering imagery is cheap to produce and boring to consume,” he noted, highlighting how users now often share raw, unpolished moments privately rather than posting them publicly. This trend is giving rise to a “raw aesthetic,” where candid, imperfect content feels more human and engaging.

Mosseri warned that AI’s ability to replicate creator styles at scale makes originality a crucial differentiator. Creators who focus on personal stories, real-life experiences, and their unique voice will be better positioned to connect with audiences than those chasing perfection.

AI also complicates trust on social media. Mosseri acknowledged that distinguishing real content from AI-generated media will grow increasingly difficult. He suggested exploring new ways to verify genuine human-created content, including marking photos at capture or enhancing ranking systems to reward originality.

For creators, the message is clear: the future of social media will favor genuine, relatable, human content over flawless visuals. Success in 2026 and beyond will depend less on aesthetic perfection and more on storytelling, honesty, and the ability to connect authentically with audiences in an AI-driven world.

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Zomato CEO says New Year’s eve deliveries smooth

Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal has clarified that the food delivery platform’s record-breaking performance on New Year’s Eve was achieved without offering any extra incentives beyond standard pay. Despite some gig workers calling for a nationwide strike, over 4.5 lakh delivery partners completed more than 75 lakh orders for over 63 lakh customers across India, marking the busiest day in the company’s history.

Goyal explained that standard New Year’s Eve pay rates, combined with strong support from local authorities, were sufficient to keep operations running smoothly. He acknowledged that a small number of disruptions occurred due to “miscreants” but said these were effectively managed, ensuring minimal impact on customers.

The CEO also addressed criticisms about the gig economy. He argued that if the system were fundamentally unfair, large numbers of people would not choose to work in it. Highlighting the flexibility and earning potential of gig work, he said it has become an important source of organised employment in India, benefiting both workers and their families.

On calls for more regulation, Goyal stated that the gig economy does not need additional rules. He emphasised that existing measures, including pay transparency, insurance, and safety provisions, make the current model sustainable. He suggested that further regulation could inadvertently reduce opportunities for workers while limiting the industry’s growth potential.

Goyal’s remarks come amid ongoing debate about delivery pressures, pay structures, and social security for gig workers, especially in light of initiatives like the 10‑minute delivery promise and growing competition from quick-commerce platforms.

Thanking delivery partners and ground teams, Goyal said their dedication and resilience made the record-breaking day possible. He urged the public not to be influenced by “narratives pushed by vested interests” and described the performance as a testament to the professionalism and commitment of India’s gig workforce.

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Tarun Garg named Hyundai India MD & CEO

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has entered a new chapter with Tarun Garg taking charge as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) from January 1, 2026. His appointment is significant as he becomes the first Indian national to head the company since Hyundai began operations in India in 1996, underscoring the growing role of Indian leadership in global corporations.

Tarun Garg brings with him over three decades of rich experience in the automotive industry, spanning sales, marketing, strategy, finance, distribution and brand building. Since joining Hyundai Motor India in December 2019, Garg has played a pivotal role in strengthening the company’s market position. He previously served as Director – Sales, Service and Marketing, and later as Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer, during which the company reported record-breaking sales for three consecutive years, improved profitability and robust EBITDA margins.

One of the key highlights of his recent tenure was Hyundai Motor India’s landmark IPO in 2024, one of the largest public offerings in the Indian market, which further strengthened the company’s financial standing and public presence.

Before Hyundai, Garg spent a long and successful stint at Maruti Suzuki India, where he held several senior leadership roles, including Executive Director. His academic background includes a Mechanical Engineering degree from Delhi Technological University and an MBA from IIM Lucknow.

Speaking on his new role, Garg described the appointment as a privilege and said he aims to build on Hyundai’s strong legacy in India. His focus areas include sustainable growth, innovation, advanced mobility solutions and customer-centricity, while reinforcing the company’s commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Tarun Garg succeeds Unsoo Kim, who will move back to Hyundai’s global headquarters in South Korea. The leadership transition reflects Hyundai’s confidence in India as a strategic market and signals a future driven by local insight and global ambition.

Under his leadership, HMIL plans to accelerate investments in electric vehicles, hybrid technology and connected mobility, with a proposed investment of around ₹45,000 crore by 2030. Strengthening localisation, boosting exports and deepening engagement with employees, dealers and suppliers will also be key priorities.

Also Read: Warren Buffett retires as Berkshire CEO After 6 decades

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Warren Buffett retires as Berkshire CEO After 6 decades

Warren Buffett, the iconic investor often called the “Oracle of Omaha,” has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer of Berkshire Hathaway, ending an extraordinary 60-year run at the helm of the conglomerate. Buffett, 95, officially retired as CEO on December 31, 2025, and passed the role to Greg Abel, a longtime lieutenant who has been widely seen as his successor. Buffett will continue to serve as Berkshire’s chairman and remain actively engaged from the company’s headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.

Buffett took control of Berkshire Hathaway in 1965, when it was a struggling textile company. Over the decades, he transformed it into one of the world’s most valuable and diversified conglomerates, with businesses spanning insurance, railroads, energy, manufacturing, retail, and services. Under his leadership, Berkshire delivered exceptional long-term returns to shareholders, with its shares gaining roughly 6.1 million per cent over six decades, a performance that far outpaced broader market indices.

On Buffett’s final day as CEO, Berkshire Hathaway shares edged lower, reflecting routine market movement rather than any major shift in investor confidence. Analysts and shareholders have long anticipated this transition, as Buffett had clearly signalled his succession plans and gradually delegated more responsibility in recent years.

Greg Abel, 63, who joined Berkshire in 2000, now assumes day-to-day control as CEO. He previously served as vice-chairman overseeing non-insurance operations, including Berkshire Hathaway Energy and BNSF Railway. Abel is expected to preserve the company’s core philosophy of disciplined capital allocation, long-term investing, and limited corporate bureaucracy.

Ajit Jain will continue to lead Berkshire’s vast insurance operations, a cornerstone of the company’s financial strength, while other senior executives retain oversight of key subsidiaries. One area of close attention will be Berkshire’s massive equity portfolio, valued at hundreds of billions of dollars, which Buffett personally managed for decades.

Buffett’s retirement as CEO marks the end of a defining era in global business. Known for his plain-spoken wisdom, patience, and focus on fundamentals, he reshaped how generations of investors think about value and long-term wealth creation. As Berkshire enters its post-Buffett chapter, markets will watch closely how the company evolves under new leadership,, guided, for now, by the steady presence of its legendary founder.

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PM Modi to inaugurate India AI Impact Summit

India is gearing up to host the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi from February 15 to 20, 2026, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to inaugurate the event. The summit aims to position India as a global hub for AI dialogue, focusing on ethical, economic, and social implications of artificial intelligence.

The summit has confirmed participation from representatives of more than 100 countries, including 15–20 heads of state and over 50 government ministers. The event highlights a strong representation from the Global South, reflecting India’s vision for inclusive global cooperation in AI.

Industry participation will be extensive, with over 100 CEOs of leading tech companies confirmed. Notable attendees include Bill Gates, Nvidia’s Jensen Huang, DeepMind’s Demis Hassabis, Adobe’s Shantanu Narayen, Salesforce’s Marc Benioff, and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei. Discussions are ongoing to involve additional leaders from OpenAI, Microsoft, Intel, and other technology giants.

The summit programme includes a leaders’ plenary, a CEO roundtable, and a Prime Minister-hosted official dinner, alongside the 8th ministerial council meeting of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence. An Innovation Festival and AI Impact Expo will showcase cutting-edge AI solutions for healthcare, agriculture, governance, and education.

Seven dedicated working groups have been set up to focus on key areas like AI for economic growth and social good, safe and trustworthy AI, inclusive technology access, human capital development, and democratizing AI resources. These groups aim to develop actionable frameworks for responsible and ethical AI use.

Organisers emphasise that the summit will produce tangible outcomes, including collaborative statements and governance guidelines, reinforcing a shared approach to AI innovation, safety, and global cooperation. The event is expected to strengthen India’s role as a global leader in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.

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