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OpenAI robotics head quits over Pentagon AI deal

A senior robotics executive at OpenAI has stepped down after raising concerns about the company’s agreement to provide artificial intelligence technology to the United States Department of Defense.

Caitlin Kalinowski, who led OpenAI’s robotics and consumer hardware division, announced that she was leaving the company following the deal that allows OpenAI’s AI tools to be used within the Pentagon’s secure systems. Her resignation has brought renewed attention to the ethical debate surrounding the use of artificial intelligence in military operations.

In a message explaining her decision, Kalinowski said she believes artificial intelligence can be useful in many areas, including national security. However, she expressed concern about how such powerful technology might be used in warfare or surveillance if strict safeguards are not in place.

The partnership between OpenAI and the Pentagon is intended to help the US military use advanced AI systems for tasks such as analysing large amounts of data, improving decision-making and supporting defence operations. Supporters of the agreement say such technology can help the military respond more effectively to security challenges.

However, the deal has also sparked debate within the technology community. Some experts and industry professionals worry that partnerships between major AI companies and defence organisations could lead to the development of systems that may be used for surveillance or autonomous weapons in the future.

OpenAI has said that its agreement with the Pentagon includes clear restrictions. The company stated that its technology will not be used for domestic surveillance or to create fully autonomous weapons. It also said it remains committed to developing AI responsibly and ensuring that its systems are used safely.

Kalinowski joined OpenAI in 2024 after previously working at Meta Platforms, where she was involved in hardware development for augmented reality projects.

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Sundar Pichai’s pay package may reach $630 mn

Google CEO Sundar Pichai could earn as much as $692 million over the next three years after parent company Alphabet Inc. approved a new compensation package linked largely to company performance.

The pay package places Pichai among the highest-paid executives in the global technology industry. However, most of the amount is not a fixed salary. Instead, it comes in the form of stock awards that depend on how well the company performs in the coming years.

Pichai’s base salary will remain $2 million per year, which is relatively modest compared to the overall compensation. The bulk of the package will come through performance-based shares that could increase in value if Alphabet continues to grow.

Reports say the deal includes performance stock units worth around $126 million, which could rise to about $252 million if the company significantly outperforms other large firms in the S&P 100 index. In addition, he will receive restricted stock worth about $84 million, which will be granted gradually over three years as long as he remains with the company.

The company has also linked part of the incentives to the growth of some of its future-focused businesses. These include self-driving car project Waymo and drone delivery service Wing. If these businesses perform well, Pichai could receive additional stock rewards.

Alphabet’s board said the compensation structure is meant to reward long-term leadership and align the CEO’s pay with the company’s success. In other words, Pichai will benefit the most only if the company performs strongly in the coming years.

Pichai has led Google since 2015 and became CEO of Alphabet in 2019. Under his leadership, the company has expanded rapidly in areas such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, hardware and digital services.

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US to raise global tariff to 15%, says Scott Bessent

The United States plans to increase a global tariff on imports to 15% starting this week, as the government looks for ways to maintain its trade policy while dealing with legal challenges.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the higher tariff will be introduced as a temporary step after a court decision blocked parts of the tariff programme earlier introduced by former president Donald Trump.

Earlier, the US had imposed a 10% tariff on imports from many countries after the court ruling created uncertainty around the previous tariff structure. The new 15% rate will replace that temporary level while the government works on restoring its earlier trade measures.

Bessent said the administration is using a trade law that allows the US president to impose tariffs of up to 15% for a limited period without full congressional approval. This provision can be used for up to 150 days. According to him, the government expects the higher tariff to remain in place for about five months.

During this period, the administration will work on bringing back the earlier tariff system through other legal mechanisms. Bessent said the goal is to ensure that the US can continue applying trade pressure where needed while also complying with legal requirements.

The tariff move is part of broader efforts by the US to reshape global trade relations and encourage domestic manufacturing. Tariffs are often used by governments to make imported goods more expensive, which can help protect local industries.

Bessent indicated that the administration expects the tariff situation to stabilise later this year once the earlier trade measures are reinstated through the proper legal process.

For now, the temporary 15% tariff is expected to remain in place while the government works to restore its broader trade policy framework.

Also Read: China raises defence budget to $275 bn

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Jio Platforms CEO bets on AI tokens for telecom’s future

Jio Platforms is positioning itself for a new phase in the telecom industry, where artificial intelligence rather than basic connectivity will drive growth. Speaking at Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, Group CEO Mathew Oommen said the technology landscape is undergoing a major transformation as AI becomes central to digital services.

Oommen said the telecom industry is moving beyond simply connecting people and devices. Instead, networks will increasingly function as intelligent digital infrastructure capable of powering AI applications across sectors. According to him, this shift represents a structural change in how technology platforms operate and generate value.

To prepare for this transition, Jio is working on what it describes as an “Intelligence Grid.” The idea is to combine connectivity, computing power and artificial intelligence into a single ecosystem that can support large-scale AI services. This infrastructure, the company believes, will help businesses, developers and consumers access AI capabilities more easily.

A key concept in Jio’s strategy is the use of “AI tokens.” These tokens represent the units used by AI systems to process data and generate responses. Oommen explained that in the emerging AI economy, tokens could function much like voice minutes and mobile data once did in telecom, as a way to measure and price usage.

Jio plans to make AI tokens significantly cheaper, following a strategy similar to the one it used when it disrupted India’s telecom market by drastically lowering the cost of mobile data. By reducing the cost of AI computing, the company hopes to accelerate adoption of AI technologies across industries.

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Sam Altman revises Pentagon AI deal after backlash

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has moved to calm growing concerns over the company’s deal with the US Department of Defense, saying the agreement will be revised to clearly prevent the misuse of its artificial intelligence tools.

The original partnership sparked criticism from privacy advocates and some users, who feared that OpenAI’s technology could be used for domestic surveillance or to track American citizens using personal data. The backlash intensified online, with critics questioning whether AI companies should be working so closely with military and intelligence agencies.

Responding to the concerns, Altman admitted that the initial announcement of the deal was not handled well. He said the communication around the agreement was “rushed” and lacked clarity, which led to confusion about how the technology could be used.

To address this, OpenAI is updating the contract to explicitly ban the use of its AI systems for domestic spying. The revised terms will make clear that the tools cannot be used to monitor US citizens or analyse commercially collected personal data for surveillance purposes. Additional safeguards are also being added to ensure intelligence agencies cannot access or use the models without proper approvals.

Altman stressed that OpenAI remains committed to protecting civil liberties while also supporting national security efforts. He said the company wants to strike a balance between helping governments with responsible AI solutions and ensuring strong privacy protections are in place.

The controversy highlights the growing debate around the role of artificial intelligence in defence and security. As AI becomes more powerful and widely used, tech companies are facing tougher questions about ethics, transparency and accountability.

While the amended deal is expected to reassure some critics, discussions around AI’s role in military operations are likely to continue.

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Sunil Bharti Mittal wins GSMA lifetime award

Telecom leader Sunil Bharti Mittal has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the GSMA for his outstanding contribution to the telecommunications industry. The award was presented at the Mobile World Congress and recognises his role in transforming mobile connectivity both in India and globally.

Mittal, founder and chairman of Bharti Enterprises, has been a key figure in India’s telecom revolution. Through Bharti Airtel, he expanded mobile services across the country, making phones and internet affordable for millions. Under his leadership, Airtel also grew into a major global telecom player.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mittal highlighted the importance of innovation, investment in networks, and collaboration between governments and the industry. He said mobile technology has transformed daily life, improving communication, education, business and financial inclusion, especially in remote areas.

The GSMA Lifetime Achievement Award is a top honour in the telecom sector, given to leaders who have made a lasting impact. Industry experts praised Mittal for his vision, noting how he helped expand networks, set industry standards, and promote innovation that benefits millions of people.

The award celebrates Mittal’s role not just in India, but also his influence on international telecom policies and connectivity projects. It also underlines how strong leadership in telecom can create opportunities, drive economic growth, and improve quality of life.

Also Read: Tata Trusts stand firm on Chandrasekaran’s leadership

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Tata Trusts stand firm on Chandrasekaran’s leadership

The Tata Trusts have reiterated their support for Natarajan Chandrasekaran as chairman of Tata Sons, saying their earlier resolution backing his third term remains unchanged.

The clarification comes after reports that Noel Tata raised concerns about certain business issues and the group’s future structure. The Trusts, which hold a majority stake in Tata Sons, said there has been no review of their decision.

The move signals continuity in leadership as the conglomerate navigates strategic and structural challenges.

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PM Modi urges peace, flags economic risks in Gulf

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone call with Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, urging an “early cessation of hostilities” and emphasising that the safety of civilians must be a priority as tensions soar in West Asia following US–Israel strikes on Iran.

In his message on social media platform X, Modi said he had conveyed India’s concerns over the ongoing violence and called for de‑escalation to protect non‑combatants caught in the crossfire. He reiterated that India wants hostilities to end quickly and urged all sides to prioritise peace and civilian security.

The call comes amid growing concerns over trade and energy flows. India imports a significant portion of its crude oil and LPG from West Asia, and instability in the region, especially near strategic chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz, could affect fuel costs, shipping schedules, and supply chains.

PM Modi also spoke with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, condemning recent attacks on the UAE and expressing India’s solidarity, while thanking UAE leadership for looking after the large Indian expatriate community.

Although direct trade with Iran has declined due to sanctions, India continues to export agricultural products, machinery, and pharmaceuticals, while importing dry fruits, chemicals, and glassware. Analysts warn that escalating conflict could disrupt these trade flows, affecting businesses and exporters dependent on Gulf markets.

India’s government is closely monitoring the economic fallout, including potential delays at ports, shipping disruptions, and volatility in energy prices. The PM’s outreach reflects India’s dual focus: advocating for peace to protect civilians and ensuring continuity of critical trade and energy interests.

PM Modi’s calls to regional leaders signal proactive diplomacy, combining humanitarian concerns with strategic economic foresight as businesses watch the Gulf situation for its impact on energy, logistics, and trade stability.

Also Read: GST collections rise to ₹1.83 lakh cr in February

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Fino Payments Bank CEO arrested in GST case

Fino Payments Bank Managing Director and CEO Rishi Gupta has been arrested by tax authorities under provisions of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) law, the company confirmed in an exchange filing.

Gupta was taken into custody by officials from the Directorate General of GST Intelligence in Hyderabad as part of an ongoing investigation. The case relates to alleged violations under the GST Act, though the bank clarified that the matter is linked to certain business partners and not to the bank’s own GST filings.

In its statement, Fino Payments Bank said it is cooperating fully with investigators and is providing all required documents and information. The bank also sought to reassure customers and investors that its daily operations continue as usual and that there has been no disruption to services.

Following the arrest, the board of directors moved quickly to ensure continuity in leadership. Chief Financial Officer Ketan Merchant has been appointed interim head of the organisation until further decisions are taken regarding the CEO’s position.

Under the GST law, certain violations, including alleged irregularities in invoicing or tax reporting, can attract criminal proceedings if authorities believe there was intent to evade taxes. However, detailed allegations in this specific case have not yet been made public.

The arrest of a sitting CEO of a listed financial institution has drawn attention across the banking and corporate sectors. Industry observers note that regulatory scrutiny around tax compliance has increased in recent years, particularly in cases involving partnerships and third-party transactions.

Fino Payments Bank, which focuses on serving underbanked and rural customers through digital and assisted banking services, said it will keep regulators informed of any significant developments. For now, the company maintains that business remains steady as the legal process unfolds.

Also Read: Human skills will survive AI wave, states Sridhar Vembu

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Human skills will survive AI wave, states Sridhar Vembu

Sridhar Vembu, co-founder of Zoho, has weighed in on the growing debate around artificial intelligence and jobs, arguing that not all careers are at risk from automation.

In a recent public post, Vembu said the real concern about AI should not just be job displacement, but how people define their sense of worth. According to him, individuals who tie their identity solely to economic productivity may feel more threatened by technological change.

Rather than focusing on technical or high-paying roles, Vembu highlighted professions built around human connection and intrinsic motivation. He said caregiving,  including looking after children and the elderly,  is unlikely to be replaced by AI because it depends on empathy and emotional understanding. Teaching, he added, also requires mentorship and human engagement that machines cannot fully replicate.

Vembu also pointed to work rooted in tradition and community life. Small-scale farmers who cultivate land out of passion, forest conservation workers committed to environmental protection, and local priests who serve religious communities were among the examples he cited. Classical musicians and artists who continue practicing their craft regardless of commercial success were also included in his list of resilient professions.

His comments sparked discussion online. Some critics argued that even passion-driven fields require financial support and cannot exist entirely outside economic systems. Others agreed with his broader point that AI may struggle to replace roles grounded in care, culture and lived experience.

Vembu suggested that as AI increases productivity, societies may need to rethink how wealth and time are distributed. Instead of measuring success only by output, he said, greater value could be placed on activities that strengthen families, communities and cultural traditions.

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