Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Elon Musk, speaking on the tech podcast All In, where venture capitalists host, described his time at the White House as a “one hell of a side quest.” The remark came alongside a blunt view that government is “unfixable,” reflecting his experience from a high-profile role linked to Donald Trump and DOGE.
Sabih Khan, born in Moradabad, has been appointed Apple’s chief operating officer, placing him among India-born executives at the helm of global corporations. His rise echoes the trajectories of leaders such as Satya Nadella and Sundar Pichai, underscoring how increasingly Indian talent is shaping top roles across multinational tech giants.
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Indian IT firms have embraced the AI wave, but revenue per employee growth is stalling. AI adoption is colliding with softer client demand and rising discounting, muting the payoff. HCL Tech’s reported USD 100 million in AI revenue signals early traction, but broader gains are expected only later, with experts pointing to FY30.
Indian students are increasingly choosing Ireland for higher education, with interest surging 38% in 2024 despite a global decline in outbound student mobility. The number has risen from about 700 to more than 9,000 over the past decade. The trend is driven by Ireland’s reputation for safety, stable education, strong STEM offerings, and post-study work options, spreading beyond metros to smaller Indian cities.
IIT placements 2026 are seeing record momentum on Day 1, with global recruiters including Amazon, Qualcomm and Nvidia pushing substantial compensation. The biggest buzz comes from proprietary trading firms and market makers offering packages above Rs 2.8 crore for Amsterdam-based roles, as algorithmic trading players intensify competition for top IIT talent.
A new report finds 98% of Indian employers believe assessing English during hiring improves workplace efficiency. HR leaders argue that strong language skills enable smoother communication, while weak English creates a measurable competitive disadvantage. The survey also stresses that AI tools cannot substitute for foundational language proficiency, making better testing and evaluation critical now.
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A new female employee reported her supervisor’s inappropriate conduct to HR after trying to resolve it directly. Instead of an investigation or corrective action, she received a termination email the next morning citing “poor attitude.” The case underscores how workplace misconduct can be ignored while the complainant is penalized, potentially harming others who may have experienced similar behavior.
Dubai’s real estate transactions have reportedly fallen 14% amid regional conflict, but the city’s standing as a resilient global financial hub is not in question. Its strategic strengths and history of crisis management point to stabilization ahead, with market corrections potentially creating buying opportunities—especially if peace and expat inflows return.
India and South Korea are sharpening their partnership as President Lee Jae-myung visits with an emphasis on trade and technology. South Korean firms have already invested heavily in India, but New Delhi wants deeper commitment in advanced manufacturing, including chips and ships. Both sides aim to double bilateral trade and make the economic relationship more balanced.
The Himachal Pradesh State Selection Commission has announced the final results for 169 Trainee Trained Graduate Teacher (Medical) vacancies under post code 25003. The merit list was based on candidates’ computer-based test performance and document verification. Applicants can download the result PDF from the official HPRCA website and check their selection status there.
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Haryanvi actress-singer Divyanka Sirohi died at 30 in Ghaziabad, reportedly after a heart attack at her home. As tributes poured in, an older pinned Instagram post—captioned “POV : Shiva take me with you”—went viral, with fans reacting emotionally. She also drew attention with her final devotional video, captioned “Radhe Radhe.”
After the pandemic accelerated online buying, shopping patterns have stayed changed. With quick commerce and home delivery, consumers can access the same high-end brands without visiting malls, shifting demand toward apps and fast delivery. The question now is whether malls can reinvent themselves—or whether they’re becoming optional for a growing share of shoppers.
ONGC had promised the turnaround would finally end its long decline this year. But the company now says the recovery is slipping, citing delays in KG, slower progress at Mumbai High, and shifting of key production volumes to next year. The revival that was eagerly awaited appears to be stalled once more, raising fresh questions about timelines.
An agentic AI platform startup, Lyzr.AI, says founders waste 40% to 60% of their time fielding the same questions from different venture capitalists. To reduce that repetitive work, it is rolling out “Agent Sam,” an AI assistant designed to help prepare and respond to common investor queries, potentially speeding up fundraising conversations.
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Japan’s 2026 travel bill is set to rise sharply as new taxes and price hikes hit travelers across accommodation, transport, and departure fees. Kyoto and other regions are introducing lodging taxes, while the international departure tax is expected to triple. Rail pass prices are also increasing, and visa fee hikes are being discussed.
India’s e commerce and quick commerce sector is moving into a capability led hiring phase, with total talent demand climbing 35% from about 73,000 roles in 2023 to nearly 99,000 in 2025, per CIEL HR. Hiring is increasingly technology driven, focusing on software engineering, DevOps, and AI/ML roles as firms scale digital infrastructure and customer experience.
Deepinder Goyal says his longevity venture has been investigating a new explanation for why humans age. Posting on X, he called it a “crazy insight” that has been hiding in plain sight, hinting at findings that could challenge existing understandings of aging. The entrepreneur didn’t share details yet, leaving many questions about the science behind the claim.
Asus is ramping up its push into India’s AI infrastructure, with talks involving the government and local hyperscalers to supply high-end compute servers. The move is partly driven by strains in the PC market, including component shortages and higher costs. Asus is also expanding domestic manufacturing capacity to support the growing India-led AI and server business.
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Maharashtra has set up a Civil Services Board to steer posting and transfer decisions for IAS officers. The state move follows a 2014 Union government directive and is designed to make cadre management more structured. The Chief Secretary will chair the board, alongside senior officials from multiple administrative departments.
Reliance Industries has named former Google executive Parminder Singh CEO of its AI subsidiary Reliance Enterprise Intelligence Ltd (REIL), effective immediately. Jio Infocomm chairman Akash Ambani said Singh will lead hiring a world-class team, as REIL runs a Meta-backed JV aimed at enterprise AI using Llama models. The move dovetails with Reliance’s push into deeptech.
India’s video gaming industry is rapidly turning into a true “Bharat” phenomenon, powered by expanding IT infrastructure, mass smartphone adoption, and better high-speed connectivity. The shift is visible in where players live: non-metropolitan gamers rose from 57% in 2022 to 66% in 2023, signaling gaming’s mainstream leap beyond big cities.
Independent MP Pappu Yadav reportedly fell ill on Tuesday soon after the Bihar State Women’s Commission issued him a show cause notice. The notice followed his sexist claim that 90% of women can’t do politics without entering a male politician’s room. Supporters and critics alike are reacting sharply to the timing, with fresh attention on his earlier comments.
A retired Indian Army officer’s firsthand account of 138 days on the Siachen Glacier reads like a survival log, including 98 days of intense firing. He faced relentless cold and danger, losing 19 kilograms and going without bathing for months. His stark comparison to COVID-era isolation reframes “hardship,” arguing perspective changes when survival is on the line.
The government has introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, aimed at curbing paper leaks and cheating in public exams. The law prescribes strict penalties, including imprisonment and heavy fines. It comes amid repeated controversies around exams like NEET and UGC-NET, and after the NTA postponed the CSIR UGC NET exam, spotlighting ongoing integrity challenges.
India Inc’s C suite hiring rose 12.1% year on year in calendar 2025, outpacing earlier growth rates. The surge is most evident in CEO and COO roles, pointing to companies prioritizing execution certainty and operational resilience even as the business environment stays unsettled. Leadership teams are being expanded to navigate volatility with faster decision making.
India’s markets are reacting to West Asia developments, and Kotak Institutional Equities’ Sanjeev Prasad warns of potentially severe macro fallout. He outlines two paths: a “bad” outcome with lingering pain, and an “ugly” one if conflict drags on. While Nifty 50 earnings may stay resilient due to insulated sectors, economically sensitive companies face sharper risk.
State-run ONGC cancelled a jack-up rig tender after spotting unusual bid patterns and steep price hikes it suspects are collusive. The company says day rates rose almost 60% in nine months, far above market expectations. ONGC wants fair competition and to protect public money by tightening procurement integrity and preventing cartelisation.
The Indian rupee weakened sharply against the US dollar on Thursday, sliding to its weakest level in over three weeks as oil prices surged. With global worries over possible supply disruptions adding to the pressure, the RBI is widely expected to have intervened to steady the currency. The move deepens existing FX stress.
IITs have opened the 2025–26 campus placement season with a brighter start, marked by more job and pre-placement offers, broader recruiter participation including first-timers, and firmer compensation trends. The momentum is largely linked to hiring demand for technology, data, and AI roles, suggesting recruiter sentiment is gradually improving across engineering campuses.
CBSE will start a new policy for Class 10 exams in 2026, making the first board examination compulsory for every student. Students must attempt at least three subjects; otherwise, they may be marked ‘essential repeat’. Those who need another shot can take a second exam to improve scores in selected subjects—but missing the first attempt could carry consequences.
Spandana Sphoorty, once a star in India’s micro-lending wave, is facing fresh turbulence as rising bad loans pressure performance. The situation worsened with CEO Shalabh Saxena’s exit, highlighting how internal governance and boardroom conflicts can amplify market stress. The setback is now reverberating across the wider non-banking finance sector.
IITs are set to let students take select courses at other campuses and even spend a semester away from their home institute starting this academic year. Reportedly the first formal academic exchange within the IIT system, the change aims to reduce the rigidity of the JEE rank driven pathway that has long tied entry to the entire academic journey.
The College Board has published SAT registration deadlines for spring 2025 and released exam dates spanning fall 2025 through spring 2026. It also highlights free official practice resources available globally via Khan Academy and the Bluebook Testing App. The update comes alongside plans to broaden test-center access and expand digital testing options.
JITO Incubation and Innovation Foundation plans to invest Rs 80–100 crore in early-stage startups over the next 12–18 months, backing 20–25 companies annually. The foundation has also taken a step to expand its deal flow by investing in Atomic Capital. It’s now preparing a new Asia-Pacific accelerator program focused on AI, fintech, and climate ventures.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said West Bengal’s voter turnout so far shows people’s “desire for change,” expressing confidence that BJP is headed for a landslide. He also announced ten new welfare guarantees for women and children. Modi added that once BJP forms the government, citizenship protections under the CAA will be extended to infiltrators, a claim that could shape the campaign narrative.
The Indian rupee fell 24 paise to 94.25 against the US dollar in early trade, extending a fifth straight day of decline. Traders blame a strong US dollar, volatile crude oil prices, and heightened West Asia tensions. Foreign investors are also pulling back from Indian equities, adding pressure as Sensex and Nifty trade lower.
RBI has reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points, offering fresh relief to home loan borrowers by potentially lowering floating-rate interest rates. On a 20-year loan, EMIs are expected to fall notably, though the extent depends on how lenders recalibrate pricing. Further cuts hinge on inflation staying subdued and growth risks, with timing unclear.
India’s semiconductor push is triggering a hiring surge as companies aggressively recruit for chip design and manufacturing roles. Demand is especially strong for VLSI and AI accelerator specialists, reflecting an industry-wide effort to build advanced capabilities. The momentum is fueled by government initiatives and rapid expansion of semiconductor-related needs, creating intense competition for scarce domain expertise.
Whistleblowers appearing before US Congress allege Meta prioritized virtual-reality profits over children’s safety. Former Meta user experience researcher Cayce Savage says the company shut down internal research indicating it knew children were using its VR products and were being exposed to sexually explicit material. The claims raise fresh scrutiny of safety systems across VR platforms and moderation practices.
Starting April 10, 2026, Indian citizens transiting through France by air will no longer need a transit visa. The Ministry of External Affairs announced the change, framing it as part of efforts to deepen India-France ties and make travel smoother. The update is expected to boost people-to-people connections by easing cross-border movement for travelers.
Bitcoin fell nearly 3% to around $67,000, with Ethereum down to roughly $2,044 as geopolitical tensions tied to Iran weighed on risk sentiment. Major altcoins also lost ground and total crypto market value dipped. Even so, steady ETF inflows are offering support, leaving traders cautious as the Easter period approaches.
Elon Musk’s Starlink has begun its first hiring phase in India, with finance and accounting roles based in Bengaluru. The early recruitment suggests the company is getting operationally ready for a planned commercial launch by late 2025 or early 2026, while working through India’s satellite communications regulations and required security demonstrations.
Cherry blossoms blooming earlier than usual are emerging as a visible signal of climate trouble. Scientists point to human-caused carbon dioxide emissions and expanding urban areas as key drivers. The timing shift isn’t just cosmetic: it hints at broader changes to agriculture and local weather patterns that could ripple into crop yields and livelihoods.
IELTS is set to complete its shift to fully computer based testing by mid 2026, with traditional paper exams phased out in stages. The change aims to meet demand for faster results and more flexible booking in key markets such as India. Test takers are expected to see quicker scores and be able to retake only one section instead of repeating the entire test.
As BJP and TMC intensify outreach in West Bengal, campaigns are increasingly leaning on fish and meat—deeply rooted Bengali staples—to resonate with voters. Beyond symbolism, the messaging spotlights the state’s non-vegetarian industry as an economic engine, supporting livelihoods and driving exports, suggesting election strategies are tapping into everyday incomes rather than pure politics.
India and the Republic of Korea have agreed to significantly deepen their strategic partnership, prioritizing defence cooperation, economic security, industrial collaboration and emerging technologies. The two sides also reiterated their shared commitment to maintaining a free, open Indo-Pacific. The move signals closer coordination across defence and supply-chain resilience as both governments look toward future technology cooperation.
India’s economic growth is projected to hold near 6.5% this year, Gita Gopinath says, even as global uncertainty—especially the West Asia crisis—directly weighs on activity. She warns inflation may look contained only because firms are absorbing costs. That cushion could fade, pushing food prices higher. Oil shocks could spread across multiple sectors and even delay rate cuts.
The GST Council will hold a virtual meeting on August 2 to finalize legal amendments for the 28% tax levy on online gaming, casinos, and horse racing. The maximum slab was decided on July 11 and applies to full face value. Officials say there is no change of heart, only work underway to settle technical and legal details.
A new Nature study says fossil fuel and cement producers have significantly amplified both the frequency and intensity of climate-change-driven heatwaves. Researchers report that emissions from the biggest carbon producers are a key factor in worsening extreme heat, and that emissions from just one major could be enough to produce events far more likely than current estimates suggest.
With its IPO approaching, the National Stock Exchange is reportedly seeking to settle a long-running predatory pricing dispute. The move aims to reduce legal uncertainty and prevent unpleasant surprises for investors after listing. While details of the case and timeline remain unclear, the intent is to clear risk factors ahead of a major market debut.
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