Tag: #news

  • Apple Reportedly Courting Perplexity AI in Strategic AI Bid

    According to reports, Apple is thinking about putting in a bid to acquire Perplexity, an artificial intelligence (AI) startup.

    The Cupertino-based tech conglomerate has reportedly talked internally about the potential move to support its internal development of AI models and services.

    The possible transfer coincides with multiple delays in the company’s development of key features, like the AI-powered Siri, which still has no anticipated release date.

    But if the business decides to buy Perplexity, it will be the most expensive acquisition it has ever made.

    Multiple Rounds of Discussion Between Apply and Perplexity AI

    Apple’s head of mergers and acquisitions, Adrian Perica, has reportedly led discussions with senior officials, including Services SVP Eddy Cue and other important decision-makers in charge of Apple’s AI goal, according to a media outlet.

    The business has met with Perplexity several times in recent months to discuss the possibility of a deal, but it has not yet made a formal offer and may decide not to proceed.

    Perplexity AI, a rapidly expanding firm founded by Aravind Srinivas, combines conversational AI with real-time online search, perhaps serving as the basis for an Apple AI search engine.

    Apple is weighing two options: either a strategic partnership that incorporates Perplexity’s AI capabilities into Safari and other Apple services or a full acquisition that would incorporate Perplexity’s technology and talent into Siri and iOS.

    Apple Wants to Acquire More AI Talent

    Apple is actively seeking AI expertise, which is why it is interested in Perplexity. According to reports, the business is vying with Meta for the services of industry leaders including Daniel Gross, the creator of Safe Superintelligence Inc. Due to development issues, Apple has postponed the release of its next-generation Siri.

    During Google’s antitrust trial, Eddy Cue recently testified that Apple had talked about integrating Perplexity with Safari. The multibillion-dollar deal between Apple and Google, which guarantees Google Search will continue to be the default on iPhones, was clarified by the testimony.

    If regulators force a separation, that transaction, which was valued at $18 billion in 2021 alone, could be in jeopardy. In that case, purchasing Perplexity might give Apple a backup plan and enable it to develop its own artificial intelligence (AI) search engine.

    These behind-the-scenes initiatives indicate Apple is actively looking for ways to catch up with competitors like Google, Microsoft, and Meta in the rapidly changing AI landscape, even if the company’s WWDC 2025 keynote was rather silent on the subject.

    A $14 billion financing round was just concluded by Perplexity. Any transaction that approaches that magnitude would constitute Apple’s most significant acquisition to date.

    Although Apple has recently made billion-dollar transactions for Intel Corp.’s modem unit and a stake in Chinese ride-sharing company DiDi, the $3 billion acquisition of Beats in 2014 remains the company’s largest transaction to date.

  • Uber, Ola & Co. Demand GST Guidelines from Tax Authorities

    Ola, Uber, and Rapido are among the ride-hailing companies that will present a new set of arguments to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) regarding the controversial topic of whether the goods and services tax (GST) applies to services provided using the software as a service (SaaS) model.

    Instead of paying gig workers a commission, platforms that use the SaaS model charge them a set monthly price. According to a media report, businesses are anticipated to highlight any ambiguities resulting from the SaaS model’s uneven tax treatment in light of conflicting decisions made by the Karnataka Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR).

    They claimed that the Karnataka AAR’s ruling was skewing the industry’s competitive parity.

    Karnataka Govt Not Providing Same Level Playing Field

    The Karnataka AAR ruled that Uber and Rapido must pay the tax under the same scheme, even though it permitted ONDC-affiliated Namma Yatri to operate without imposing GST.

    While Uber has implemented this concept for three-wheeler ride-hailing, Rapido uses it for its auto-rickshaw and four-wheeler ride-hailing services. Earlier this month, Ola Consumer extended its subscription model, which it had initially used for autorickshaws, to include four-wheeler taxi services.

     According to a media report, some businesses have adopted a “no-tax position” regarding the subscription model, which results in inequity for players who pay taxes and charge commission.

    The ride-hailing industry is a price-sensitive one, and those that use a subscription model wind up offering riders substantially cheaper fares. This disadvantages some businesses in the marketplace.

    Subscription Model to Bypass GST

    As per a media report, the decision to introduce subscription-based plans, in which platforms charge driver partners on their platforms a set daily or weekly cost for an unlimited number of trips, may enable businesses to avoid paying the 5% GST that is applied to journeys that they facilitate.

    Section 9(5) of the Central GST Act, which requires e-commerce enterprises, including food delivery services, ride-hailing platforms, and online retailers, to collect and pay tax on behalf of service providers listed on their applications, applies the 5% GST. These consist of drivers, eateries, and online marketplace vendors.

    The new arguments follow a recent direction from the Karnataka High Court requesting that CBIC consult with interested parties and make clear its position on the issue.

    Due to uncertainty about whether a September 2023 advance tax ruling that held Namma Yatri need not collect and pay GST would also apply to other platforms, tax experts warned that companies using subscription models to avoid the 5% GST could potentially result in disputes between operators and tax authorities.

    However, the Karnataka AAR declared in July 2024 that Rapido had to pay GST for its taxi services, and in November of the same year, it declared that Uber would also be required to pay tax for services that were introduced under the subscription model.

  • Cyberin’s Journey: From Startup to Digital Powerhouse

    New Delhi [India], June 23:  Hey, have you ever stumbled upon a company that started out like a neighborhood lemonade stand and now runs the global lemonade empire? Well, that’s Cyberin for you. Founded back in 2012, right around the time I was figuring out how to untangle my headphones. Cyberin kicked off as a bold Delhi-based startup aiming to make web hosting and domain services as easy as pie. Fast forward 13 years, and they’re flexing seven self-managed data centers across India, the US (Seattle, Dallas, Atlanta, New Jersey), the UK, and Germany. That’s no small feat, kind of like going from playing cricket in your backyard to hosting the IPL! They’ve empowered over 26,000 community members and startups worldwide. Talk about putting India on the global digital map!

    How Cyberin Became a Developer’s Best Friend

    What really caught my eye about Cyberin is their developer-first attitude. It’s like they’ve built a clubhouse where developers feel right at home. Imagine high-speed SSD storage paired with LiteSpeed and NGINX tech—basically the Ferrari and Lamborghini of web hosting engines. And they didn’t stop there, their proprietary cPanel tweaks include one-click Softaculous installs and LiteSpeed caching that make managing websites less like rocket science and more like assembling IKEA furniture (well, almost).

    Prices? They start at a cool INR 149/month. No sneaky fees hiding in the bushes, plus domain inclusions and a 30-day trial with a money-back guarantee. I mean, finding affordable hosting that doesn’t nickel-and-dime you feels rarer than a traffic-free Delhi morning.

    The cherry on top? Their support. Toll-free calls, live chats, ticket systems, and even callbacks that respond in under 60 minutes—even if you’re running a tiny blog about your cat’s latest antics.

    Real People, Real Praise

    Cyberin doesn’t just talk the talk—they’ve got the reviews to back it up. Independent ratings clock in at a solid 4.3/5 for uptime, speed, and support. Customers rave about reliability and cost-effectiveness—phrases like “most reliable company I’ve come across” pop up more often than Bollywood song remixes on social media.

    And if you’ve ever tried migrating a website (hint: it can be a nightmare), you’ll appreciate their hands-on approach. Their team swoops in like digital paramedics, making sure your site moves smoothly without losing a single pixel or visitor.

    The People Behind the Magic

    Peek behind the curtain, and you’ll find a happy bunch of employees. Cyberin scores 4.4/5 on AmbitionBox, with top marks for culture, job security, and benefits—more smiles per square inch than your average office cubicle. Glassdoor reviews mention a “friendly and inclusive management” and a fast-paced environment that’s perfect for those early in their careers (or anyone who hates boredom).

    From Local Hero to Global Player

    Cyberin’s journey reminds me of those inspiring stories where someone starts small—serving local businesses and blogs—and then suddenly finds themselves supporting customers across Asia, Europe, and North America. Over 26,000 users later, they’ve transformed from a homegrown host into a global powerhouse.

    Key Ingredient

    Why It Matters

    Customer-first model

    30-day trials, free backups, no hidden fees

    Innovative tech

    SSDs, caching, and developer-friendly tools

    Global reach

    Seven data centres for speed & resilience

    Support excellence

    Lightning-fast help & migration assistance

    Employee happiness

    Positive culture fuels better service

    Why You Should Care

    Cyberin’s story isn’t just about hosting websites—it’s about sticking to your guns with solid tech, fair pricing, and real people who care. In a world where many companies chase hype like Black Friday sales, Cyberin chooses value over flashiness. Plus, their community-first vibe means users aren’t just customers—they’re part of the family.

    Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

    With digital demands exploding post-pandemic (seriously, every business wants an app or website yesterday), Cyberin is gearing up to expand data centers, beef up cybersecurity offerings, and roll out even slicker developer tools. Their growth is perfectly aligned with the evolution of the internet itself, offering not just hosting but a comprehensive digital ecosystem ready to fuel innovation.

    Final Thoughts

    From its scrappy Delhi startup days to becoming a global player, Cyberin proves that with grit, smarts, and a genuine focus on customers and culture, even small companies can punch way above their weight. They’re not just into cPanel web hosting, they’re powering dreams, boosting startups, and securing digital futures worldwide.

    If you ever find yourself stressing over where to host your next big project, consider Cyberin the underdog who turned into a champ without losing its heart. And hey, if they can do it while, so can you!


    Shared Hosting vs VPS vs Cloud Hosting for E-commerce
    Compare Shared, VPS, and Cloud Hosting to find the best option for your e-commerce website’s performance, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.


  • PharmEasy Founders Shift Gears, Enter Architecture & Interior Design Market

    Months after leaving the online pharmaceutical company, PharmEasy, co-founders Dharmil Sheth, Dhaval Shah, and Hardik Dedhia have launched a new business named “All Home” in an attempt to capitalise on the expanding home remodelling and interior design sector.

    Co-founder Dharmil Sheth told a media outlet that the Mumbai-based business has raised an undisclosed amount of money from Bessemer Venture Partners at a valuation of more than $120 million.

    Prominent angel investors Shalibhadra Shah (Motilal Oswal), Niket Shah (Motilal Oswal), Siddharth Shah (PharmEasy), Kabir Narang (B Capital), and Ankur Gulati (Warburg Pincus) also participated.

    All Home would provide brands across categories including furniture, sanitary ware, kitchen and wardrobe, and home hardware to develop an omnichannel platform, Sheth added. With labels like Colour Coats, House of W, and Fiamarc, the platform is already up and running.

    Changing the Way India Lives-All Home

    The co-founders jointly said that “makaan” is the next consumer wave in India, following roti and kapda, when discussing the enormous potential of the home sector.

    They further added that across residences, workplaces, and urban infrastructure, All Home is creating reputable brands that reflect the way people in India live, work, and upgrade. Although consumers frequently lack access to the right channels and products, they are becoming more and more eager to invest in their living and working environments. This platform seeks to close this disparity, as per the founders.

    To establish the new business, the three executives left PharmEasy’s daily operations in January. For the health tech company, which has suffered a sharp decline in valuation in recent years, this comes at a crucial moment. Temasek, TPG, Prosus, B Capital, GSV, and Think Investments are some of the investors in PharmEasy.

    In recent years, India has seen a surge in the organised furniture and home improvement markets. The country’s home and household sector is predicted to reach $237 billion by 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10%, according to a Deloitte analysis published in September 2024. This growth is supported by changing consumer tastes and an emphasis on convenience.

    Latching on the Opportunities Provided by the Interior Design Market

    Anant Vidur Puri, a partner at Bessemer Venture Partners, claims that the growing ambitions and disposable incomes in India are driving a significant turning point in the home infrastructure and interior design industry.

    Puri claims that despite the market’s size, it is still extremely fragmented and neglected, with customers and designers always confronting issues with efficiency, quality, and transparency.

    All Home wants to make it easier to get goods at affordable costs by using a transparent procurement process. According to Sheth, the founders plan to use internet-led manufacturing and distribution to address the major inefficiencies in the current procurement process, which include the need for designers to coordinate with multiple vendors, lengthy turnaround times, a lack of design coherence, and inadequate after-sales support.

  • Air India Trims Wings: 19 Narrowbody Routes Temporarily Suspended

    On 22 June, Air India declared that it will temporarily cease operations on three routes and cut back on 118 weekly flights using narrow-body aircraft across 19 routes.

    The move comes shortly after the airline, which is owned by the Tata Group, announced that it will temporarily reduce the number of international flights using wide-body aircraft by 15%.

    The airline said in an official announcement that it was temporarily reducing its overall narrow-body network by less than 5%. According to the announcement, Air India’s services would be temporarily suspended on three flights, and their frequency will be reduced on 19 routes as a result of this voluntary decision. The modifications will take effect at least until July 15, 2025.

    Restructured Flight Operations

    Until at least mid-July, seven weekly flights on the Bengaluru-Singapore, Pune-Singapore, and Mumbai-Bagdogra (AI551/552) routes will not operate. As part of the operational changes, flight frequencies on a number of important domestic routes, like Delhi-Bengaluru and Delhi-Mumbai, would also be decreased.

    The interim cuts, according to Air India, are meant to “minimise last-minute inconvenience to passengers” and strengthen network-wide operational stability.

    Citing ongoing safety inspections and operational difficulties following last week’s catastrophic disaster involving one of its Boeing 787 Dreamliners, Air India stated on June 18 that it would cut foreign operations on its wide-body aircraft by 15% over the next few weeks.

    The crash of flight AI171, which claimed 241 lives and was the deadliest aviation accident in ten years, is still being investigated by authorities.

    Enhanced Safety Check on Boeing 777 Fleet

    In a statement released on June 18, AI stated that the 15% reduction essentially increases the number of reserve planes available to handle unforeseen interruptions and will help it guarantee operational stability, improve efficiency, and limit passenger discomfort.

    The airline has said that it will conduct more thorough safety inspections on its fleet of Boeing 777s. Even if the capacity reduction occurs during the busiest travel season, the airline will at least be able to notify customers in advance that their flights would be cancelled and use AI to assist them in finding other arrangements.

    According to AI’s statement, the investigative authorities are still working to determine what caused the (AI 171) accident. The DGCA had ordered AI’s fleet of B787-8/9 aircraft to undergo “enhanced safety inspections”.

    Inspections on 26 of the 33 B787s have already been finished and are approved for service; the remaining B787s will undergo inspection in the next several days. The fact that 26 aircraft have received clearance demonstrates our commitment to safety protocols.

  • Amazon India Expands into Healthcare with Home Diagnostic Services in Six Cities

    On June 22, Amazon India announced that it is entering the diagnostics market with the launch of a new at-home diagnostics service that will allow customers to book lab tests, schedule and track appointments, and access digital reports from the Amazon app, completing the trinity of healthcare service offerings.

    Through Amazon Pharmacy, Amazon joined the online medication delivery market three years ago. It introduced nationwide virtual doctor consultation services through Amazon Clinic six months ago for more than a hundred different medical issues.

    By linking testing with doctor consultation and medication delivery—all of which can be accessed through the Amazon app—diagnostics closes the outpatient loop, Category Leader Jayaramakrishnan Balasubramanian told a media outlet.

    Amazon Diagnostics Partners with Orange Health Labs

    Amazon Diagnostics has formed a partnership with Orange Health Labs, a company that was established in 2020-21, to introduce testing services in six cities: Bengaluru, Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. The testing services will be available in over 450 pin codes and will be operational from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.

    The business asserts that although its diagnostic services are initially only available in a small number of PIN codes, its online medication delivery services are its fastest-growing offering and are available in the majority of PIN codes nationwide.

    For routine tests, customers can schedule among more than 800 diagnostic tests, receive digital findings in as little as six hours, and have samples collected at their doorstep in less than 60 minutes. According to Balasubramanian, Amazon Pharmacy offers both Prime and non-Prime members delivery advantages, a free telemedicine consultation service, and a large selection of prescription drugs and medical necessities.

    He went on to say that through a smooth online experience, Amazon Clinic allows users to contact qualified medical professionals for a variety of fundamental healthcare requirements. Lab testing is now included in the same continuum of treatment with the addition of diagnostics.

    Now that all three services are integrated, a complete stack health model on Amazon Medical offers a connected outpatient journey from consultation to testing through a single interface, according to Balasubramanian.

    The Segment has a Very High Potential

    Amazon Medical claims that the opportunity space is quite high, despite the presence of well-known healthcare companies like Practo in the online doctor consultation space and Tata-1MG and Pharmeasy in the online pharmacy market.

    The market is mainly fragmented, Balasubramanian told a media outlet. There are a number of well-established players, but how your ecosystem is constructed matters more than speed, he added.

    Regarding the amount of money invested in developing the whole stack of health services, including the pharmacy, clinic, and diagnostic verticals, Amazon Medical declined to say.

    According to Balasubramanian, even Tier two and tier three communities place a lot of orders with the pharmacy. The firm collaborates with several approved vendors who own more than 25 warehouses and authorised pharmacies. Amazon delivers the item to the buyer once the vendor ships it after the order is received.

  • Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 20 June 2025

    The Indian startup ecosystem saw some key developments today across tech, logistics, and AI. From new launches to major acquisitions and expansions, here’s a quick look at the top highlights for 20 June 2025.

    🚀 Funding Spotlight – 20 June 2025

    Renewbuy Raises $10 million from Apis Partners & 360 One

    Insurtech broker Renewbuy has secured $10 million (about INR 86 crore) from its existing investors, London-based Apis Partners and 360 One (formerly IIFL Wealth). The fresh capital will strengthen operations and fuel expansion as the company advances its proposed merger with InsuranceDekho, a deal that could value Renewbuy at $300–350 million.

    Key News Highlights – 20 June 2025

    Here are some key industry developments making headlines today:

    Ola’s AI arm Krutrim acquires BharatSah’AI’yak

    Ola’s advanced‑AI division Krutrim has acquired BharatSah’AI’yak, an AI platform from governance‑consulting firm Samagra, along with its core team. The move aims to strengthen Krutrim’s offerings in government‑focused AI initiatives—particularly leveraging language, education and agriculture tools deployed across India.

    Krutrim sees senior‑level exits & layoffs

    Amidst its expansion, Krutrim has experienced leadership turnover: senior director John Williamson, engineering head Dinesh Mittal, and applied‑AI director Sharath Adavanne have departed, with over a dozen linguist‑team professionals let go this week. The company maintains that development work on chips and AI models remains on schedule, now focusing on Kruti (its AI assistant), Bodhi chips and semiconductor partnerships.

    Swiggy pilots ‘Crew’ concierge app

    Foodtech giant Swiggy is trialling Crew, a travel and lifestyle concierge app to assist users with bookings, travel planning, and lifestyle services. The pilot, part of Swiggy’s expansion into broader everyday‑life services, is currently in beta.

    Delhivery launches on‑demand intracity shipping

    Logistics provider Delhivery has begun piloting Delhivery Direct, an intracity, on‑demand shipping service aimed at taking on competitors like Porter and Uber. Targeting small and medium enterprises needing rapid, local fulfilment, this move reinforces Delhivery’s push into shorter‑haul deliveries.

    Cognizant to invest INR 1,583 crore in Visakhapatnam IT campus

    Cognizant has announced an investment of INR 1,583 crore to expand its IT campus in Visakhapatnam, a strategic move to increase capacity, create new jobs, and support India’s growing digital services infrastructure.


    Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 19 June 2025
    Here’s your quick roundup of India’s top startup funding deals and key business developments from 19 June 2025.


  • The Sexy Illusion of Broking? Kamath Exposes Hidden Industry Risks

    Zerodha’s Founder and CEO, Nithin Kamath, has issued a candid reflection on India’s broking industry, questioning the sustainability and perceived attractiveness of the business. In a recent LinkedIn post, Kamath highlighted how a majority of brokerage revenue today is concentrated in just two contracts, Nifty and Sensex Futures & Options (F&O), posing a significant risk to the industry’s future stability.

    Concentration Risk Still Looms, Just in a New Form

    Kamath recalled a conversation with a private equity veteran who had evaluated a broking firm back in 2008 but chose not to invest. The key reason? The firm’s revenues were heavily dependent on a small number of active clients.

    “As I’ve mentioned numerous times, a small number of active traders contribute to most of the exchange turnover. This was a lot worse back then,” Kamath noted.

    Fast forward to 2025, and while the broking landscape has evolved, the core risk still remains, only now it’s the products, not the clients. Kamath revealed that for Zerodha, over 80% of revenue is generated from just two instruments: Nifty and Sensex F&O contracts.

    “That’s a massive concentration risk. One change can wipe out a big chunk of our revenues,” he warned.

    He further added that this scenario is not unique to Zerodha, but is common across most Indian brokerages. Kamath questioned whether this risk is properly accounted for when brokerage businesses are valued, especially as investor interest in the sector continues to grow.

    No PFOF, No Crypto, Forced Settlements

    Apart from the heavy reliance on just two contracts—Nifty and Sensex F&O—Kamath also pointed out other major challenges Indian brokers face. He noted that, unlike in the US and other markets, there is no payment for order flow (PFOF) in India, a controversial yet lucrative revenue stream for brokers overseas. However, Kamath clarified that Zerodha does not support this model regardless.

    Further complicating matters, the Indian regulatory framework restricts brokers from offering cryptocurrency trading. On top of that, they are required to return idle funds to customer bank accounts every quarter, as part of the quarterly settlement process.

    “It’s like a forced bank run,” Kamath wrote, describing the stress this causes for brokerages managing large client bases.

    While these rules are designed with investor safety in mind, they also make it harder for brokers to maintain steady cash flows and offer competitive services, especially in the absence of alternate monetisation avenues.

    Kamath on the Illusion of Glamour in Broking

    Kamath ended his post with a thought-provoking comment that summed up the contradiction:

    “I wonder why the brokerage business looks so sexy from the outside.”

    His remark highlights how broking may look attractive from the outside—with flashy apps, high trading volumes, and growing retail interest, but the underlying business model is fragile and exposed to multiple risks, both regulatory and structural.

    Bottomline

    As Indian equity markets continue to expand and attract global attention, Kamath’s perspective acts as a timely reminder for entrepreneurs, investors, and regulators to look beyond surface-level growth metrics. For the broking industry to remain sustainable, it must focus on diversification, smarter regulation, and reducing its heavy reliance on just a few trading instruments.


    Zerodha CEO Warns of WhatsApp Scam Ripping Off Indian Investors
    Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath highlights the growing threat of fake trading groups and apps deceiving investors through a WhatsApp investment scam.


  • Inside the Storm: ‘OpenAI Files’ Accuses Sam Altman of Misconduct

    OpenAI has gained attention for creating some of the most well-liked AI tools in the world. However, a significant new investigation is now shining a light on OpenAI’s governance, work culture, and leadership.

    What’s at the heart of all of this? Sam Altman, CEO. Two nonprofit tech watchdogs, the Tech Oversight Project and the Midas Project, made this report available to the public under the title ‘OpenAI Files’.

    The report’s conclusions, which comprise over 10,000 words of data and analysis, are the result of more than a year of investigation. The website claims that this is the most comprehensive public compilation of worries over OpenAI’s backend operations to date.

    Report Consolidates Open Letters, Newspaper Coverage, Staff Testimonies etc.

    Over the past year, Tyler Johnston, the project’s researcher, has been compiling public data regarding OpenAI’s internal decision-making process. These consist of open letters, newspaper coverage, staff testimonies, and more.

    The company’s transformation from a nonprofit AI research lab to a heavily funded, private AI powerhouse is chronicled on the highly interactive website OpenAI.

    The report identifies four primary areas of concern: conflicts of interest, transparency and safety, CEO integrity, and restructuring. Investor return limits are currently being eliminated, according to the summary of findings.

    Previously, OpenAI had a provision that allowed investors to profit up to 100 times their initial investment.

    This was to make sure that the wealthy wouldn’t be the only ones to profit if OpenAI was successful in developing AI that changed the world. According to the website, OpenAI now intends to do away with that cap completely.

    Findings of the Report

    The study claims that OpenAI is maintaining nonprofit control. However, the OpenAI Files’ conclusions imply that the nonprofit board may no longer have complete authority to hold the business to its original goals.

    According to the study, OpenAI’s latest structural adjustments were prompted by investor pressure. Even though its original structure was meant to withstand this kind of influence, it argues that OpenAI has acknowledged making recent adjustments to appease investors, such as removing return caps.

    In summary, this is the main point of The OpenAI Files. It’s a lot to process, and discussions on the nature of the AI future are already being fuelled by it.

    Altman on the Firing Line

    Sam Altman, the CEO, is the target of many of these extremely concerned voices. The issues are not brand-new. According to reports, senior coworkers at the company Altman left attempted to have him fired for acting in what they described as “deceptive and chaotic” ways.

    He brought that same sense of distrust with him to OpenAI. Ilya Sutskever, a co-founder of the company who spent years working with Altman before starting his own business, came to the disturbing conclusion that “I don’t think Sam is the guy who should have the finger on the button for AGI.”

    He believed Altman was dishonest and caused disorder, two terrible traits for someone who would be in charge of our future as a society. Former CTO Mira Murati was equally uneasy. “Sam leading us to AGI makes me uneasy,” she remarked.

     According to her, Altman had a poisonous habit of telling people what they wanted to hear and then undermining them if they disagreed. When the stakes for AI safety are this high, it implies manipulation, which former OpenAI board member Tasha McCauley argues “should be unacceptable”.

  • Amazon to Pump INR 2000+ Cr Into India in 2025 to Supercharge Infrastructure

    This year, Amazon plans to invest $233 million, or more than INR 2,000 crore, in India to develop and improve its operational infrastructure there.

    As the Seattle-based e-commerce company competes with well-funded companies Zepto, Zomato, and Swiggy in the lucrative rapid commerce market, some of the funds will also be used to develop new tools and technologies for the company’s fulfilment network.

    This additional investment builds on Amazon’s investments in building an operations network that enables the company to deliver to all operable PIN codes across India, the company said in a statement on June 19.

     This investment will boost the company’s operations network’s efficiency, processing capacity, and fulfilment speed, enabling Amazon to service consumers in India more quickly.

    Amazon Facing Stiff Competition in India

    Competition has increased for Amazon, which entered the Indian market twelve years ago and for a substantial number of years was mostly a two-player e-commerce industry with Walmart-controlled Flipkart.

    With the support of well-known investors like SoftBank, startups like Meesho are entering the market and making a name for themselves by focusing on an entirely new group of underserved clients.

    E-commerce is also being invested in by conglomerates like Tata Group and Reliance Industries. Additionally, the Indian market for 10-minute delivery is expanding thanks to firms Swiggy, Zepto, and Zomato‘s Blinkit. This presents a new obstacle for Amazon, which was a latecomer to the rapid commerce field.

    Amazon India Merged E-Commerce and Logistics Arms

    According to Amazon’s regulatory filing with the Registrar of Companies (RoC), the merger was given temporary clearance by the Bengaluru bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on February 5, 2025.

     In a second filing with the NCLT, the e-commerce giant stated that the action will assist Amazon in streamlining the business operations of the two companies and lowering legal and tax compliance.

    It added that the proposed merger would enable the transferor company’s assets and reserves to be consolidated with the Transferee Company (Amazon Seller Services), strengthening the latter’s finances and enabling it to make more significant business-related investments.

    A representative for Amazon India responded to a question from the media by stating that the merger will streamline the organisation’s structure.

     Amazon has several subsidiaries worldwide, just like the majority of international corporations, and we frequently assess our organisational structure. According to the spokeswoman, the goal of this transaction is to streamline our organisational structure.

    According to a media report published in March 2025, Amazon plans to spin off its Indian business with an eye towards going public here. However, the e-commerce giant has no intentions to go public in India, as per various media reports.

    Flipkart, Amazon’s rival, is reportedly working on plans for its highly anticipated initial public offering (IPO) and has received board approval to move its headquarters from Singapore to India.