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Ashish Sharma named CEO of GMR’s EdTech venture

GMR Group has appointed Ashish Sharma as the Chief Executive Officer of its EdTech venture, marking a fresh push by the infrastructure major into the education and skilling space. Sharma will lead the company’s efforts to build training programmes and learning platforms designed to prepare students and professionals for industry jobs.

The appointment comes at a time when demand for skilled talent is rising rapidly across sectors such as aviation, logistics, engineering and technology. With India expanding its infrastructure and airport network, companies are increasingly looking for trained professionals who can step into specialised roles.

Before joining GMR, Sharma held senior leadership roles in the EdTech sector. He was associated with PhysicsWallah’s PW Skills division, where he worked on expanding programmes focused on employability, upskilling and professional growth. His experience in helping learners build job-ready skills is expected to play a key role in GMR’s new venture.

He has also worked with companies such as upGrad, Paytm Mall and Amazon, giving him experience across education, digital business, operations and growth strategy. Industry observers say this mix of experience makes him a strong choice to lead an education business that aims to combine technology with practical training.

GMR Group is best known for its airports, energy and infrastructure businesses. The company’s entry into EdTech is seen as a strategic move to create a talent pipeline for industries where skill shortages are becoming a challenge. Aviation is expected to be one of the biggest focus areas.

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Gautam Adani becomes Asia’s richest

Business tycoon Gautam Adani has overtaken fellow billionaire Mukesh Ambani to become Asia’s richest person, according to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Adani’s net worth is estimated at around $92.6 billion, placing him ahead of Ambani, whose wealth is reported at about $90.8 billion. The shift also places both Indian industrialists among the top ranks of global billionaires.

The change at the top is mainly driven by a sharp rally in shares of Adani Group companies, which span infrastructure, energy, ports, airports and logistics. The surge in market value of these listed firms has significantly boosted Adani’s personal wealth in a short span of time.

Ambani, who leads Reliance Industries, continues to have a strong presence across energy, telecom and retail sectors, but recent fluctuations in stock performance have slightly reduced his net worth in comparison to Adani’s rapid gains.

According to market trackers, the rankings of global billionaires are highly sensitive to stock movements, meaning positions can change quickly based on daily trading trends. Both Adani and Ambani have frequently swapped positions in recent years as market conditions shift.

Globally, the top spot remains with Elon Musk, who continues to lead the billionaire rankings by a wide margin, while several other technology and retail magnates occupy the upper positions.

The latest reshuffle highlights the growing influence of infrastructure and energy-linked businesses in wealth creation, especially in emerging markets like India. It also reflects how closely tied billionaire rankings are to stock market performance rather than fixed assets.

While the difference between the two Indian business leaders remains relatively small, the symbolic shift underscores the intense competition between two of the country’s largest corporate groups, both of which play a major role in shaping India’s economic landscape.

Also Read: Reed Hastings to step down from Netflix

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Reed Hastings to step down from Netflix

Reed Hastings, the co-founder and long-time leader of Netflix, has announced that he will step down from his role as chairman of the company after nearly 29 years, marking the end of an era for the streaming giant.

Hastings confirmed that he will not stand for re-election at Netflix’s upcoming annual meeting in June 2026. He said he plans to focus on philanthropy and personal projects, bringing a gradual and carefully planned exit from the company he helped build from a DVD rental startup into a global entertainment powerhouse.

The announcement came shortly after Netflix’s recent corporate setback in its bid for Warner Bros. Discovery assets, a deal that ultimately went to rival Paramount Skydance. While the failed acquisition had been closely watched by the industry, Netflix executives have suggested Hastings’ decision was independent and part of a long-prepared leadership transition.

Investor reaction was swift, with Netflix shares slipping after the news broke, reflecting concerns over the departure of one of the company’s most influential figures. However, the company continues to show strong financial performance, with steady revenue growth and expanding global subscriber engagement.

Hastings co-founded Netflix in 1997 and played a central role in its transformation from a DVD-by-mail service into a dominant streaming platform that reshaped global entertainment. Under his leadership, Netflix pioneered binge-watching, invested heavily in original content, and expanded into nearly every major international market.

Over the years, he gradually reduced his operational responsibilities, stepping down as co-CEO in 2023 and later moving into the chairman role, while day-to-day leadership shifted to Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters.

His exit now places full responsibility on the current leadership team as Netflix navigates intensifying competition in streaming, advertising growth, and expansion into new formats like live content and gaming.

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Gucci-owner to launch AI smart glasses with Google

French luxury group Kering, best known for brands like Gucci, is planning to step into the world of smart technology with a new line of high-end smart glasses, developed in partnership with Google. The company aims to launch the product as early as next year, signalling a shift toward combining fashion with advanced digital features.

The idea is simple: take the elegance and style associated with Gucci and merge it with Google’s expertise in artificial intelligence and wearable tech. The result could be a pair of smart glasses that not only look premium but also offer practical features powered by AI.

This move comes at a time when the luxury industry is looking for new ways to attract customers. Kering, in particular, has been facing slower growth at Gucci, its biggest brand. By entering the smart eyewear space, the company hopes to open up a fresh revenue stream and appeal to younger, tech-savvy consumers.

Competition in this space is already heating up. Companies like EssilorLuxottica have partnered with Meta to produce Ray-Ban smart glasses, which combine classic design with features like cameras and voice assistance. Kering’s entry could raise the bar by bringing a stronger focus on luxury and design.

Kering’s leadership says the project is part of a broader plan to expand beyond traditional fashion and adapt to changing consumer habits. As people increasingly look for products that combine style with functionality, smart glasses could become a key category in the future.

Also Read: Sam Altman seeks relief in sister’s lawsuit

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Sam Altman seeks relief in sister’s lawsuit

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has asked a US court to dismiss part of a lawsuit filed by his sister, Annie Altman, who has accused him of sexual abuse during their childhood.

In his latest legal move, Altman has specifically challenged the claim for punitive damages, arguing that it should not be allowed under the law. While he is seeking to limit the scope of the case, he continues to strongly deny all allegations, calling them untrue.

The lawsuit was filed in Missouri and relates to alleged incidents that Annie Altman says took place between 1997 and 2006, when both were living at their family home. She has claimed that the abuse began when she was a minor.

Earlier, parts of the case were dismissed by the court on the grounds that they were filed beyond the usual legal time limits. However, the judge allowed her to file an amended complaint under a law that gives survivors of childhood sexual abuse more time to bring cases forward.

Following this, Annie Altman refiled her claims, bringing the case back into active legal proceedings.

Sam Altman has also responded with a defamation counterclaim, stating that the allegations have harmed his reputation and caused personal distress. His legal team has argued that the claims are baseless and suggested they may be linked to ongoing family disputes.

The case has drawn attention due to Altman’s prominent position in the technology industry, but it remains a private legal matter currently under review by the court.

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Disney to cut 1,000 jobs under new CEO

The Walt Disney Company has announced plans to cut around 1,000 jobs as part of a restructuring effort under its new CEO, Josh D’Amaro.

The decision comes just weeks after D’Amaro took over the top role, signalling a push to streamline operations and improve efficiency across the company. The layoffs are expected to affect multiple divisions, though specific departments have not been fully detailed.

In an internal memo to employees, D’Amaro said the move was necessary to align the company’s structure with its long-term goals. He acknowledged that the decision would be difficult but stressed that it was aimed at making Disney more focused and competitive in a rapidly changing entertainment industry.

The company has been facing growing pressure from shifts in consumer behaviour, particularly the move towards streaming platforms. Like many media giants, Disney has been trying to balance its traditional businesses, such as theme parks and television, with its expanding digital services.

This is not the first time Disney has undertaken job cuts in recent years. The company has been working to reduce costs and improve profitability, especially as competition in the streaming space continues to intensify.

Employees affected by the layoffs are expected to receive severance packages and support during the transition. The company has said it will handle the process carefully, keeping communication open with its workforce.

The announcement has raised concerns among employees, especially given the timing so soon after a leadership change. However, industry analysts say such steps are common when new leaders take charge, as they look to reshape organisations and set new priorities.

D’Amaro emphasised that despite the layoffs, Disney remains committed to investing in its core businesses, including content creation and experiences. He also highlighted the importance of innovation as the company adapts to evolving audience demands.

Also Read:Google brings AI search to Windows desktop

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Anthropic brings in Novartis CEO Narasimhan to board

Artificial intelligence company Anthropic has appointed Vas Narasimhan, the chief executive of Novartis, to its board of directors in a move that signals its growing ambitions in the healthcare space.

Narasimhan’s appointment brings a fresh perspective from the pharmaceutical industry, marking a step towards combining advanced AI capabilities with real-world healthcare applications. His experience leading one of the world’s largest drugmakers is expected to help Anthropic better understand how its technology can be used in areas such as drug discovery, clinical research, and patient care.

The development comes at a time when Anthropic is expanding beyond building AI models to focusing on practical use cases. The company, known for its Claude chatbot, has been exploring ways to apply AI in life sciences, where it can help speed up the development of new medicines and improve the efficiency of clinical trials.

Bringing Narasimhan onto the board is also seen as a strategic move as Anthropic prepares for its next phase of growth, including a potential initial public offering (IPO). Strengthening its leadership with industry experts is likely aimed at building credibility and ensuring the company can navigate complex, highly regulated sectors like healthcare.

Narasimhan’s background in managing global healthcare operations and working within strict regulatory frameworks is expected to play a key role in guiding Anthropic’s approach to responsible AI use. As AI becomes more deeply integrated into sensitive industries, having domain expertise at the board level is increasingly important.

The appointment reflects a broader trend where technology companies are collaborating more closely with traditional industries to unlock new opportunities. In healthcare, especially, AI is being seen as a powerful tool to reduce costs, speed up innovation, and improve outcomes.

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Zeeshan Bakhrani builds ₹1.3 cr venture after layoffs

Zeeshan Bakhrani, a former product manager, has turned a difficult phase in his career into a successful business journey. After being laid off twice, he decided to move away from the corporate world and focus on his passion for food, something that has now grown into a venture earning around ₹1.3 crore a month.

Based in New York, Bakhrani had been experimenting with food as a side hustle before his layoffs. What started as small pop-ups soon became a full-time business when he chose to take the risk and invest in his idea.

In 2025, he launched Nishaan, a restaurant that blends Pakistani and American flavours. His menu features unique dishes like Bihari-style tacos and fusion street food, offering something different from traditional options. This mix of cultures has helped him stand out in a competitive market.

The response has been strong. His monthly revenue has grown quickly, reaching close to ₹1.3 crore, showing that customers are connecting with both the concept and the flavours.

Bakhrani says the journey hasn’t been easy. He now works long hours, often spending most of his day managing the business. But unlike his previous jobs, he has full control over his work and decisions, which he finds more fulfilling.

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Musk post reignites debate on COVID vaccine safety

A fresh debate over COVID-19 vaccine safety has surfaced after Elon Musk shared and commented on claims made by a former pharmaceutical toxicologist during a hearing in Germany’s parliament. The discussion quickly spread across social media, drawing strong reactions from both supporters and critics.

The testimony was given by Dr Helmut Sterz, a former toxicology expert who has worked with pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer. Speaking before a parliamentary committee reviewing Germany’s COVID-19 response, he questioned whether all long-term safety studies for mRNA vaccines were fully completed before emergency approval was granted.

He also raised concerns about certain reported side effects, suggesting that broader interpretation of adverse event data could point to higher risks. However, these claims are not confirmed by independent scientific reviews and remain disputed within the medical community.

Elon Musk added to the attention around the hearing by posting about it on social media. He also shared his personal experience with COVID-19 vaccination, saying he felt extremely unwell after his second dose and at one point feared he might need medical attention. His comments were widely shared and sparked renewed discussion online.

Public health experts have responded by cautioning against drawing conclusions from isolated testimonies or raw reporting data. They point out that vaccine safety monitoring systems record all health events after vaccination, whether or not the vaccine is actually the cause. This means the numbers can be misunderstood without proper scientific analysis.

Health authorities in Europe and other regions continue to maintain that COVID-19 vaccines went through large-scale testing and ongoing safety monitoring, and they remain effective in preventing severe illness and hospitalisation.

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Firebomb thrown at Sam Altman’s home

A man has been arrested after allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail at the home of Sam Altman in San Francisco, sparking concerns about the safety of prominent tech leaders.

The incident happened early on April 10, when the device was thrown at the property’s entrance, causing a small fire near the gate. Emergency services responded quickly and managed to put out the flames before they could spread. No one inside the house was hurt.

Police said the suspect, a 20-year-old man, was tracked down and arrested within about an hour of the attack. Authorities later found him near the office of OpenAI, where he is believed to have made additional threats, including warnings about setting the building on fire.

Officials have not yet confirmed what motivated the attack. The investigation is ongoing, and police are looking into the suspect’s background and whether he acted alone.

In a statement, OpenAI said it is cooperating with law enforcement and thanked emergency responders for their quick action. The company also reassured employees that there is no immediate threat, though security has been tightened as a precaution.

The incident comes at a time when artificial intelligence companies are facing growing public attention and debate. Experts say tensions around the rapid development of AI technologies have increased in recent months, though it is still unclear if this played any role in the attack.

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