Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Even as broader tech hiring slows, experts say demand for senior technology leaders in India is rising. MNCs are increasingly shifting global tech roles to India, often via their GCCs, where country heads are also joining. Hiring mandates for director, vice-president and higher roles have grown about 20% over the past two to three quarters versus early FY25.
The Kerala High Court has clarified that a settlement deed has independent legal force even when a will excludes a son or daughter from family property. If the deed is executed in their favour, it can transfer rights over the property regardless of what the will says. The ruling underscores that inheritance outcomes may hinge more on settlement deeds than wills.
Your news, in seconds
Get the Beige app — every story in 60 words, updated hourly. Free on iOS & Android.
A CAG audit has raised alarms over multiple land allotment schemes linked to Greater Noida, citing irregularities in pricing, acquisition, and allotment. The report claims these lapses led to significant losses to the exchequer and also pushed end users into misery, beyond controversies around “sports city” projects.
A Chennai widow’s lawsuit seeking Dearness Allowance (DA) on her regular pension was dismissed by the Madras High Court. The court found she was already receiving DA on both her family and regular pensions, making the additional claim incorrect. Noting that a single individual cannot claim two DA allowances, the HC upheld the rejection of her request.
The Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education has declared Class 12 results on March 21, 2026. The overall pass percentage stands at 92.9%, with 16,067 of 17,283 registered students passing. Candidates can download scorecards from official websites or check results via SMS, as announced by the board.
Oil prices fell Tuesday as expectations of upcoming U.S.-Iran talks lifted hopes that Middle East supply could increase. Brent futures dropped 1% to $94.53, while WTI slipped 1.72% to $88.07. Traders are focused on whether negotiations produce an extended ceasefire or wider deal, even as disruption risks still linger.
Never miss a story
Set alerts for the topics and sources you care about. Download Beige for free.
India is adding millions of graduates to the labour force each year, but job creation is not keeping pace. A new Azim Premji University report flags rising graduate unemployment, especially among young adults, even as gender earnings gaps narrow. The stubborn difficulty of moving from education to stable employment threatens the country’s demographic dividend by limiting productivity gains.
With consumers increasingly choosing the best value, telcos are intensifying competition, but 5G is not expected to trigger major subscriber growth. Analysts warn the next phase could be a fresh price war—less about acquiring new users and more about retaining existing ones through tougher offers and loyalty-focused tactics.
Kritsnam Technologies is building DWAS, a “Defensible Water Accounting System” that treats water like financial data. Instead of relying on estimates, it uses smart ultrasonic meters, cloud validation, traceable digital records, and audit-ready compliance workflows. The result: more defensible reporting as regulators tighten groundwater rules and companies face ESG disclosure pressure.
A proposed retro GST amendment seeks to remove uncertainty around merchant trade, in-bond sales and high-sea sales. But the plan also fails to provide refunds for GST already collected under these categories, potentially leaving affected businesses with unanswered tax costs and setting the stage for new court battles.
Reading on mobile?
Open Beige in the app for a smoother experience — free on iOS and Android.
Meta has ended its contract with Kenyan content moderation firm Sama, setting off layoffs affecting more than 1,000 workers at Sama’s Nairobi office. Sama previously provided moderation services for Meta. The move comes amid an ongoing lawsuit from former moderators alleging poor working conditions and insufficient mental health support.
Crisil has warned that the West Asia conflict could reduce remittance inflows into India. With around a third of diaspora inflows linked to Gulf Cooperation Council countries, any dip in migrant incomes may widen pressure on India’s current account. The risk arrives as the trade deficit is already under strain, despite India being the world’s largest remittance recipient.
Humyn Labs, a physical AI startup, plans to deploy $20 million to scale its human data layer, aimed at making robots learn beyond controlled environments. The funding will expand data collection operations across India, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East—addressing a major bottleneck for robotics companies: limited availability of high-quality, real-world human data.
The Central Consumer Protection Authority has warned restaurants and hotels against automatically adding “LPG charges” or “gas surcharges” to customer bills. It has deemed such mandatory extras an unfair trade practice and said operational costs should be built into menu pricing. Consumers can ask for removal of these charges or file complaints if they appear on bills.
Follow your favourite sources
Track sources, tags and categories — all in the Beige app.
Chinese startup ShengShu has raised $293 million to accelerate artificial general intelligence. Founded in early 2023 by Tsinghua University alum Zhu Jun, the company made headlines by launching Vidu in April 2024—positioned as a rival to OpenAI’s Sora, which was later discontinued. The fresh funding signals intensifying global competition in advanced AI.
PM Rahat is a new cashless healthcare scheme for road accident victims, designed to cut delays that can cost lives. Under the technology-driven framework, eligible victims can get cashless treatment for up to seven days with coverage up to Rs 1.5 lakh. Here’s how to access services, check eligibility, understand coverage, and file claims step by step.
With India emerging from pandemic disruption and festive demand building, major e-commerce players like Flipkart are joining forces with multiple brands for annual mega discount days. The campaign aims to pull forward purchases through coordinated promotions, turning the shopping season into a crowded battleground for deals across categories. Expect heavy marketing and aggressive pricing as rivals race to capture spend.
Palantir CEO Alex Karp defended the company’s past ties with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and pushed back on criticism raised over data ethics. His comments at the New York Times DealBook Summit arrive as scrutiny of Palantir’s federal contracts intensifies, particularly amid public concern over ICE’s role in immigration enforcement raids.
Stay informed on the go
Bite-sized news from 100+ trusted sources, right in your pocket.
The Andhra Pradesh High Court rejected an ancestral land claim even though the claimant showed possession, mutation in revenue records, and bank loan documents. The court held that mutation and loan records do not establish legal title. It said claimants must prove lawful ownership through registered deeds or other legally recognized documents, not merely lineage or long possession.
The Orissa High Court allowed a criminal case to continue against a company director accused of not depositing Rs 15 lakh deducted from employees’ salaries for provident fund. The director argued that the firm later became insolvent and the dues were subsequently cleared. The court said later payment does not erase criminal liability for the original failure.
Several small-cap mutual funds that had temporarily restricted inflows due to stretched valuations and high liquidity are now reopening, but not uniformly. Some have lifted gates, while others—especially larger funds—remain closed, citing capacity limits and liquidity risks. Investors are urged to treat these moves as disciplined risk management, not signals to time the market.
Uttar Pradesh ATS has arrested two men in Noida over alleged links to Pakistani handlers, including claims of ISI involvement. Authorities say the accused received instructions from Pakistani gangsters and YouTubers, discussed plans for major disruptive acts, and targeted individuals. Investigations traced contact through social media, and weapons were reportedly recovered from them.
Tata Consultancy Services has denied claims that its Nashik facility was shut down, saying the unit continues to operate and serve clients. The company also confirmed that it has brought in external legal and consulting support, including Deloitte and Trilegal, as investigations intensify around the ongoing controversy.
A new report finds Indian enterprises are eager to deploy AI, but most remain far from large-scale implementation. Even after meaningful investments, progress is slowed by weak AI governance and poor alignment between business needs and execution. The report argues Learning and Development teams must shift from content delivery to decision support, building deeper capabilities for real AI adoption.
The Centre has defended its revised SO2 emission norms for thermal power plants, saying the changes come from scientific analysis and consultations rather than regulatory dilution. The ministry claims the decision is a strategic recalibration using ambient air quality data and sector-specific emission trends, backed by studies referenced in the debate.
As private equity firms stay private longer and expand, Indian IT companies are shifting strategy. Instead of waiting to be acquired, they’re pursuing PE portfolio companies directly—forming dedicated teams and tailoring offerings for private markets. The move signals a new bet: PE-driven spending could become a major engine for Indian IT growth as acquisition cycles slow.
Union Budget 2026 maintains India’s tax framework for senior citizens without introducing major new relief measures. While the changes are minimal and the overall rules stay largely the same, retirees hoping for fresh tax breaks may find their retirement planning assumptions need revisiting. The budget focuses more on continuity than on targeted senior-focused easing.
Two men arrested in a Nashik Tata Consultancy Services unit were sent to fresh police custody in a case involving alleged sexual harassment and forced religious conversion. Seven employees have been arrested so far, while a special investigation team is probing complaints from eight women. Tata Sons’ chairman called the allegations concerning, as the National Commission for Women also investigates.
China has launched an investigation into US green tariffs ahead of Donald Trump’s visit, focusing on restrictions affecting imports as well as cooperation on key technologies. Beijing is using the move to cast itself as a leader in global decarbonization, contrasting its strategy with what it frames as American protectionism. The probe could intensify already tense trade dynamics.
SpaceX is looking beyond rockets, estimating its total addressable market could reach $28.5 trillion, based on figures in an S-1 filing reviewed by Reuters. The metric reflects the maximum revenue potential if the company captured every customer in its targeted market. The leap signals growing expectations for AI and data-driven growth far bigger than its core launch business.
Indian business leaders are stranded in Dubai and Doha as missile alerts and sudden airspace closures disrupt flights. With travel suspended, many are monitoring embassy advisories for potential evacuation flights while their schedules and operations unravel. Repatriation services are beginning to resume slowly, offering cautious hope that executives can return home soon.
A former US ambassador warns that improving US ties with Pakistan could shift India’s strategic calculus around terrorism. Kenneth Juster says India may adopt more caution in military responses if it believes American support is weakening or changing. The evolving regional dynamics could affect how India evaluates risks, timing, and consequences before acting on future terror attacks.
India’s hospitality sector is entering a “golden cycle,” with Nomura pointing to rising average daily rates and attractive investment returns. Demand is outpacing supply, particularly for luxury hotels, as spending grows among wealthy travelers and business and tourism trips increase. A weakening rupee may also be drawing more foreign visitors, strengthening the outlook.
Semaglutide API prices are falling sharply as global demand for weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy drives rapid manufacturing expansion. With patents set to expire in key markets and Indian companies rolling out lower-priced generics, analysts expect additional price softening. The shift could widen access to these GLP-1 therapies for patients in the months ahead.
BharatPe cofounder Shashvat Nakrani will step down as COO from May 1, shifting to a strategic advisor and board director role. He will continue steering major priorities like fundraising, an IPO, M&A and long-term strategy. Sources indicate Nakrani may also be preparing to launch a new venture outside the company.
The government has announced GST rate rationalisation for textiles to remove distortions and strengthen exports, targeting a $350 billion industry by 2030. The move cuts GST on garments and fibres, aiming to make apparel more affordable while fixing the inverted duty structure that previously hurt manufacturers and encouraged distortions in supply chains.
Atomberg’s cofounders are reorganising top leadership ahead of a potential IPO. Manoj Meena has been named chairman and managing director, tasked with innovation and long-term strategy. Shibam Das steps in as CEO to oversee the consumer business, including fans and appliances. The internal reshuffle signals a new execution focus as the company positions for the next growth phase.
The Supreme Court has ruled that when a Karta buys property using both personal funds and ancestral income, the property is presumed to be joint family property. The Karta must prove how much came specifically from personal sources. If money is intermingled and not clearly separated, the entire property is treated as joint, shifting the burden of proof to the purchaser.
Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi said proposed GST reforms are expected to generate savings of Rs 1.5 lakh crore for India’s renewable energy sector. He added that the country is broadly on track to reach its 500 GW renewables capacity target by 2030, signaling policy support aimed at accelerating clean energy investment and deployment.
Princeton economist Owen Zidar points to a growing class of “stealthy wealthy” Americans: private business owners who build wealth gradually. He argues U.S. tax cuts disproportionately help this group, while support for lower-income households shrinks—fueling inequality. Zidar also urges investment in the young for long-term prosperity and questions whether tariffs are a sound revenue plan.
VR Global Media has launched a $250 million capital programme to build a global entertainment platform, and is already raising $120 million. The funding is set to flow into film production and distribution, sports franchises, and media-tech ventures, with the goal of creating an integrated, institutionally backed creative ecosystem—more than just a single-content push.
An AAR ruling could raise the cost of EV ownership in India. It holds that charging electric batteries at public charging stations counts as a supply of service, triggering GST instead of treating it like a simple utility. The decision may affect how operators price public charging and how customers plan their monthly charging budgets.
AI firms are increasingly buying startups to quickly assemble “full-stack” capabilities as enterprises ramp up large-scale AI deployments. The push is less about headcount and more about securing complementary product features and valuable intellectual property. With the market changing rapidly, consolidation is emerging as the fastest route to cover gaps and win enterprise-ready AI systems.
India’s OTT market is surging, reaching 1.45 billion monthly active users as mobile data and smartphone adoption keep expanding viewing. YouTube tops the user count, with JioHotstar close behind, while Netflix has edged ahead of Amazon Prime Video. Meanwhile, ZEE5’s focus on subscriptions and local content is translating into stronger revenue and profitability.
The Supreme Court allowed a 15-year-old girl to medically end her pregnancy that had crossed seven months. The judges stressed reproductive autonomy and warned that forcing a minor to continue an unwanted pregnancy can cause serious long-term harm, holding that such compulsion violates constitutional rights.
India’s CNG push, once marketed as a cheaper and cleaner alternative to petrol and diesel, is losing momentum as prices climb. Where CNG used to be cheaper by ₹30–₹60 per unit, it now tracks petrol costs in several cities and can even overtake petrol elsewhere. The big question: what changed in the pricing and supply equation?
Hospital stocks are holding up even as markets swing, backed by faster EBITDA growth than revenue. Over FY2019-20 to FY2024-25, sector revenues rose around 15.5% annually while EBITDA grew about 25%. Analysts point to steadier cash flows from insurance-led payments, strong demand for profitable inpatient care, and aggressive expansion plans that add more beds and facilities.
As 2026 begins, Indian IT stocks are slipping into “value” territory, drawing flexi-cap funds seeking longer-term bets. At the same time, digital-focused funds are trimming IT exposure and shifting toward higher-risk e-commerce themes. With fund strategies diverging, investors now face a harder question: is the switch signaling opportunity—or masking a potential value trap?
IIM Ahmedabad has wrapped up final placements for clusters 1 and 2, with Boston Consulting Group topping management consulting and Bharti Airtel leading consumer services. Recruiters from consumer goods, conglomerates, pharmaceuticals, and retail participated, including several first-time entrants. The institute will hold final placements for cluster 3 on February 9.
ScrapUncle has raised Rs 22 crore in a pre-Series A round led by Orios Venture Partners and Acumen. The funding will support expansion across Delhi NCR and help scale operations, with investments earmarked for fulfilment infrastructure and technology. The company plans to build a pan-India e-commerce platform for waste management.
Swipe through stories, personalise your feed, and save articles for later — all on the app.