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  • ChatGPT Browser Launch Costs Google $100B in Market Value

    Alphabet’s market value plummeted by $150 billion on 21 October as a result of OpenAI’s release of ChatGPT Atlas, an AI-powered web browser. This was one of the biggest one-day market reactions to a tech product launch this year. A mysterious six-second movie showcasing browser tabs was uploaded to X to make the announcement.

    CEO Sam Altman then said during a livestream that the browser is “a rare once-a-decade opportunity to rethink what a browser can be about.” Within hours following OpenAI’s statement, Alphabet shares dropped as much as 4.8% to $246.15, but they recovered considerably to settle down 2.4% at $250.46.

    OpenAI Directly Locking Horns with Google

    Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, positioned Atlas as more than just a rival to Chrome but as a revolutionary reinvention of web browsing. Nevertheless, it shares the Chromium core technology with Google Chrome. Atlas integrates ChatGPT directly into every webpage, removing the need for tab switching and copy-paste enquiries. It is now available on macOS, with mobile and Windows versions on the horizon.

    The browser’s defining feature is “agent mode”, in which AI uses your keyboard and cursor to perform intricate tasks like researching things, booking flights, and even editing documents while you watch or move on. Although free users can still use the basic browser, this capability is initially only available to Plus and Pro members. During the broadcast, Altman said, “We think AI represents a rare once-a-decade opportunity to rethink what a browser can be,” with programmers who had previously worked on Chrome and Firefox at his sides.

    Google Vs OpenAI Who will Dominate Web Browser Sector in Future?

    Market share for browsers is just one aspect of the stakes. Since AI answer engines provide direct answers rather than ad-filled results pages, they pose a challenge to Google’s whole business model, which depends on search advertising for the majority of its revenue. OpenAI has a sizeable existing audience that is prepared to move, with 800 million weekly ChatGPT users. Google isn’t sitting still; last month, it just escaped a court-ordered split of Chrome after integrating Gemini AI across the browser. Investors will be examining if AI competition is already undermining Google’s search dominance as third-quarter earnings draw near on October 29.

    Quick Shots

    •Alphabet’s
    market value fell by $150B on 21 October after OpenAI launched ChatGPT Atlas.

    •OpenAI
    released an AI-powered browser integrating ChatGPT directly into every
    webpage.

    •Sam
    Altman called it a “once-a-decade opportunity to rethink what a browser can
    be about.”

    •Alphabet
    shares dropped 4.8% intraday, closing down 2.4% at $250.46.

    •Atlas
    includes “agent mode,” letting AI perform tasks like research, booking
    flights, and document editing.

    •Initially on macOS; mobile and
    Windows versions coming soon.

  • Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella Earns Record $96.5 Million as AI Drives Growth

    For the fiscal year 2024–2025, Microsoft Corporation Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella received a pay increase to $96.5 million, the biggest since taking over the position more than ten years ago. According to Bloomberg, the board credited the rise to the business’s advancements in artificial intelligence (AI).

    The board’s remuneration committee stated in a message to shareholders contained in a regulatory filing made public on Tuesday that the results “show that Satya Nadella and his leadership team have positioned Microsoft as a clear artificial intelligence leader for this generational technology shift.” The document states that around 90% of Nadella’s compensation, which includes a base salary of $2.5 million, is in Microsoft stock. The prior fiscal year, he made $79.1 million. In 2014, Nadella was appointed as the third CEO of Microsoft.

    Microsoft’s Top Brass Also Received Salary Hike

    In the year that ended in June, Nadella’s top deputies also saw increases in pay. Amy Hood, the chief financial officer, was paid $29.5 million in total, while Judson Althoff, who was recently promoted to head Microsoft’s commercial division, was paid $28.2 million. Leading Microsoft’s successful transition to cloud computing has been Nadella’s most notable accomplishment.

    He supported Azure’s expansion since he saw the potential of cloud services early on, and it currently faces off against Amazon Web Services for market dominance. Microsoft also increased its presence in professional networking and software development through strategic acquisitions like GitHub and LinkedIn. Through significant investments, such as the purchase of Activision Blizzard, Nadella also fortified the company’s gaming portfolio, solidifying Microsoft’s position in the quickly expanding gaming industry.

    Nadella’s Current Focus on AI

    Microsoft invested $1 billion in OpenAI, a little-known AI start-up at the time, under Nadella’s direction. OpenAI is now the most well-known brand in AI because of ChatGPT. Microsoft invested an additional $10 billion to strengthen the alliance, and since then, it has integrated AI into almost all of its services and products.

    Nadella, who was reared in Hyderabad, graduated from Mangalore University in 1988 with a degree in electrical engineering. He joined Sun Microsystems’ technology team after relocating to the United States and earning a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee in 1990. After being hired by Microsoft in 1992, he first helped create Windows NT, an operating system designed for business users. Nadella went on to become executive vice president in charge of Microsoft’s cloud computing operations after serving as president of the company’s server and tools division.

    Quick Shots

    •Microsoft
    CEO Satya Nadella earned $96.5 million in FY 2024–25, up from $79.1 million
    last year.

    •Compensation
    hike credited to Microsoft’s advancements in artificial intelligence,
    including ChatGPT integration.

    •Around
    90% of Nadella’s pay comes from Microsoft stock; base salary is $2.5 million.

    •Microsoft invested $11B in OpenAI;
    AI integrated across products and services.

  • No More AI Chatbots Like ChatGPT or Perplexity on WhatsApp: Here’s What It Means

    Are you a business owner using ChatGPT or other chatbots for business purposes on WhatsApp? This news is for you. WhatsApp is banning AI chatbots from its business tools on the app. This bold move will come into effect from January 15, 2026. Meta’s main objective is to promote its own Meta AI as the primary chatbot on WhatsApp. So, there is some confusion relating to the topic. How will it impact businesses using other chatbots on WhatsApp? Will customer support, booking services and sending notifications take a hit too? How will it affect chatbot companies like OpenAI and Perplexity? For all that, learn more. 

    No More ChatGPT or Perplexity on WhatsApp

    Meta is updating its WhatsApp Business API policy. This will impact AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Luzia, and Poke from January 15, 2026.  

    What’s Still Allowed? 

    Allowed: AIs used for business functions like helpdesk chatbots and support chatbots are fine.  

    Not allowed: Chatbots like ChatGPT, Perplexity, or others whose main feature is chatting with the AI will be banned. According to Meta, the WhatsApp API is for businesses and not for AI chat assistants. 

    What Exactly Changed? 

    The rule states that AI providers are prohibited from using WhatsApp Business tools to offer their chatbot services. For instance, if you’re a chatbot startup and your main service is a chatbot, you’re banned by default. 

    However, if the business utilises AI for its business-related tasks on WhatsApp, it remains beneficial. For instance, as a travel company, you use AI for bookings or customer service.  

    Why Is WhatsApp Doing This? 

    According to Meta, it designed the WhatsApp Business API for businesses for things like:   

    • Customer support 
    • Booking services 
    • Sending notifications or verifications 

    Why Is WhatsApp Doing This? 

    Meta’s concern is that there’s an excessive use of AI chatbots on the app, it says: 

    • There are way too many chatbot-driven messages that are directly or indirectly putting pressure on WhatsApp’s system (affecting infrastructure load). 
    • And its impact is also extending to Meta’s revenue model, as these don’t fit the usual business use case.  

    What Happens Next? 

    • WhatsApp will no longer allow ChatGPT, Perplexity, Luzia, Poke, and other such AI bots. 
    • These AI chatbot companies (even the ones coming in future) will have to find services elsewhere, like other messaging apps. 
    • Meta will focus on its own AI assistant, “Meta AI”, and it will likely be the only general-purpose chatbot on WhatsApp. 

    WhatsApp Success Story – Founders, Business Model, Competitors and More
    WhatsApp is a Meta-owned, free, cross-platform, instant messaging and voice-over-IP service. Know more about its founders, business model and more.
    StartupTalky- Business News, Insights and StoriesSarika Anand

  • Walmart Halts Hiring of H-1B Workers Amid New $100K Visa Requirement

    After the implementation of a new US regulation that charges a substantial $100,000 cost for each new H-1B visa petition, the US retail giant Walmart Inc. has halted making job offers to applicants who need sponsorship for an H-1B visa, Bloomberg reported on 22 October. Given the dramatic increase in the expense and complexity of employing foreign specialists, the move underscores an increasing hesitancy among major US firms.

    Walmart’s corporate positions, which normally require highly qualified workers in technology, data, and finance activities, are reportedly the main targets of the pause. Domestic and store-level operations are not expected to be affected. The business stated that while it is still dedicated to employing top people, it is approaching visa-based employment with “thoughtfulness”.

    Confusion Among Companies as Trump Hikes Visa Fees

    The ruling follows the Trump administration’s recent directive to charge new H-1B visa applicants a one-time cost of $100,000. Renewals and pending applications submitted before the announcement are exempt from the new rule, which goes into effect in late September 2025. But it has raised a lot of worries in sectors like technology and professional services that depend significantly on talent from around the world.

    The financial ramifications for Walmart are significant. It is now far more expensive to sponsor a foreign worker, which makes it less feasible for businesses to hire applicants who require new visas. The company’s action is seen by analysts as a preventative measure to evaluate the administrative and financial effects prior to resuming sponsoring activities. The wider ramifications are not limited to Walmart. It is anticipated that many US businesses, particularly in the technology industry, may evaluate or reduce their H-1B hiring plans.

    To get around the increased cost, some employers would move more jobs offshore or use remote working options, while others might favour US nationals or permanent residents. The move creates additional uncertainty for foreign experts, especially those from India, who make up the majority of those with H-1B visas. Offers of jobs that need sponsorship for a visa can now be postponed, cancelled, or reorganised. Additionally, the regulation might hasten the trend of businesses shifting back-office and technological operations to less expensive locations like Eastern Europe or India.

    Critics Vs Supporters, Who is Right?

    The $100,000 fee’s critics contend that by limiting access to international talent, it might harm US innovation and competitiveness. However, supporters see it as a way to safeguard domestic workers and make sure businesses give local hiring priority. Walmart’s suspension emphasises the immediate disruption brought about by the policy change, even though it is stated to be temporary.

    Once the rule’s long-term effects and any legal challenges are more clear, the business and other employers are anticipated to review their international recruiting practices. Foreign job seekers hoping to work in the US in the interim might have to look into other options, including remote work through foreign offices, intra-company transfers (L-1 visas), or exceptional ability visas (O-1). The case highlights a larger change in the US labour and immigration environment, where corporate employment decisions are increasingly influenced by politics, cost, and compliance.

    Quick Shots

    •Walmart
    pauses job offers for candidates needing H-1B sponsorship due to $100,000
    visa fee.

    •Trump
    administration mandates $100K one-time fee for new H-1B visas, effective late
    Sept 2025.

    •Pause
    mainly affects tech, data, and finance positions; domestic/store jobs remain
    unaffected.

    •Sponsoring foreign workers has
    become far more expensive, prompting Walmart to reassess hiring.

  • ChatGPT Atlas Is Here: The AI That Lets You Talk to the Web

    OpenAI’s web browser ChatGPT Atlas is finally here. According to Reuters reports, work on Atlas began in July 2025 and was launched on October 21, 2025. OpenAI’s Atlas combines search, ChatGPT and AI automation into one. Having said that, the competition for browsers in Silicon Valley is currently intense. Chrome has over 3 billion users. Perplexity’s Comet is now free. Opera launched its AI-powered browser Neon in September, and Atlas has just entered the scene. So, how will Atlas sustain this AI browser race? What makes ChatGPT Atlas special? Where is Atlas available right now? For all that, learn more. 

    Image Credits - OpenAI
    Image Credits – OpenAI

    What Makes ChatGPT Atlas Special?

    ChatGPT Is Built Inside the Browser

    • Now, anyone can directly talk to the search results.
    • Less typing, random scrolling and clicking through links on Google.
    • One can use ChatGPT right there in Atlas.
    • This functionality is similar to that of Perplexity or Google’s new “AI Mode.”

    “Sidecar” Chat Feature

    • One can find a ChatGPT panel on the side of the screen.
    • The tool automatically understands what you’re looking at on the webpage, eliminating the need to copy and paste text or links.
    • For instance, when reading an article, you can ask ChatGPT on the left to “Summarise this” or “Explain this paragraph.”
    • This feature makes it very easy for professionals to multitask.

    Browser History + Personalisation

    • ChatGPT Atlas tracks the sites you visit, closely monitors your activity and uses this information.
    • The browser does this to personalise answers the next time (meaning, it learns your browsing habits to help you better).

    “Agent Mode” – Your AI Assistant for Small Web Tasks

    • This “Agent Mode” on Atlas can do things for you, for instance, you can ask it to book flights, movie tickets or compare any products.

    Note: This feature is only for “Paid users.

    “Where, Why and When It’s Launching

    • Atlas was first released on macOS (Apple computers).
    • Coming soon: Windows, iOS, and Android.
    • Who can access it: It’s a free tool, and everyone can access it.
    • OpenAI’s Goal: The company wants to replace Google in the long run. 

    AI Browser Competition

    • At the moment, Google Chrome is the most famous one of all. It has over 3 billion users.
    • Opera launched its AI-powered browser, Neon, on September 30, 2025.
    • Considering the competition, Perplexity’s Comet AI browser was made free for all users on October 2, 2025.
    • It’s still early to say where Atlas stands in the AI browser race.  

  • Warner Bros. Discovery Confirms it’s Open to Selling the Company

    Shares of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) rose 10% in morning trade after the firm announced on 21 October that it is broadening its strategic examination of the business and is open to a sale. WBD declared earlier this year that it will divide into two distinct companies: a worldwide networks business and a streaming and studios business. Additionally, the recently combined Paramount Skydance has expressed interest in taking it over.

    However, WBD announced on 21 October that it has received “unsolicited interest” from a number of companies and will now consider all of its alternatives. In the interim, the firm stated that it is continuing working towards the separation that was previously announced.

    According to a statement from CEO David Zaslav, stakeholders are making significant progress in positioning their company to thrive in the rapidly changing media landscape of today by expanding HBO Max internationally, regaining industry leadership for its studios, and advancing the brand’s strategic goals. The corporation firmly felt that this was the right course of action; therefore, it took the audacious move of getting ready to split into two separate, well-known media organisations, Warner Bros. and Discovery Global.

    Netflix and Comcast Showing Interest in Buying WBD

    CNBC’s David Faber was informed by sources that Netflix and Comcast are among the interested parties. According to the report, WBD chose to publicly declare that it has received interest from a number of companies after turning down multiple bids from Paramount and an offer from a separate business that was greater than the Paramount price. The seriousness of any proposals from sources other than Paramount is unknown.

    The media report further claimed that Netflix did not want WBD to go to another buyer at a low price, but it was also not interested in purchasing heritage media assets. According to those close to Comcast, the business will consider the option of pursuing WBD even though it does not feel the need to make a deal, CNBC’s Julia Boorstin was informed. Purchasing WBD’s studio and streaming assets after a split later this year is preferable for tax considerations if the buyer only wants them. WBD and Paramount representatives chose not to comment. Requests for comment were not immediately answered by Comcast or Netflix.

    Zaslav added that it’s not surprising that other market participants are becoming more aware of the brand’s substantial portfolio value. Following interest from many parties, stakeholders have started a thorough analysis of strategic options to determine the best course of action for releasing the full potential of the brand’s assets.

    Why WBD is on For a Sale?

    Since WarnerMedia and Discovery Inc. merged in 2022, leaving WBD with over $40 billion in debt, the firm has been dealing with escalating financial difficulties. Since then, it has aggressively reduced costs, reorganised its production pipeline, and concentrated on lucrative brands like the spinoffs of “Harry Potter” and “Game of Thrones”. As consumers shift to streaming, the company’s cable network portfolio has contributed to investors’ scepticism, despite the company’s success in debt reduction.

    Quick Shots

    •Warner
    Bros. Discovery (WBD) announced it is exploring a sale while continuing its
    previously planned company split.

    •WBD
    shares rose 10% in morning trade following the announcement.

    •WBD
    plans to divide into two entities: a global networks business and a streaming
    & studios business.

    •Multiple companies have shown
    interest, including Netflix and Comcast.

  • CCI Approves Torrent Pharma’s Acquisition of Stake in JB Chemicals

    The proposed purchase of a portion of JB Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals by Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd. was approved by fair trade regulator CCI on 21 October, contingent on voluntary changes made by the parties. The move followed Torrent Pharmaceuticals’ announcement in June of this year that it would pay INR 19,500 crore to acquire the bulk of JB Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals.

    In a statement, the regulator stated that the proposed combination is related to the acquisition of shares in JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd (target) by Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd (acquirer) and the subsequent merger of the target and the acquirer. Torrent Pharmaceuticals would be the second-most valuable pharmaceutical business in India if the deal is finalised.

    Second Largest Deal in India’s Pharma Sector

    Following Sun Pharmaceutical Industries’ 2015 acquisition of Ranbaxy Laboratories, this will be the second-biggest deal in the pharmaceutical industry history. JB Pharma will combine with Torrent following the acquisition of shares. For roughly INR 11,917 crore, Torrent announced in June that it would buy a 46.39% interest from promoters Tau Investment Holdings Pte Ltd, a division of the international investment group KKR.

    Additionally, it would pay about INR 719 crore to purchase an additional 2.80% from specific JB Chemicals employees. Following this, it would make an open offer to purchase a 26% interest for INR 6,842.8 crore in accordance with Sebi’s listing requirements. The primary business of the Torrent group, Torrent Pharmaceuticals, manufactures and markets pharmaceutical formulations (FDFs) for a variety of therapeutic areas. In addition to producing and selling a wide variety of FDFs and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), JB Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals also offers contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) services.

    In a post on X, the competition watchdog stated that the commission has approved Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd.’s acquisition of JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd. with voluntary changes. The Commission approved the proposed merger, the regulator added, provided that the parties (Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd. and JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd.) complied with the voluntary changes they presented.

    Financial Dynamics of Torrent Pharma & JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals

    KKR acquired a 65% share in JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals in 2020. Through open market transactions, KKR sold a 5.8% share in JB Pharma in March of this year for INR 1,460 crore. The cornerstone business of the Torrent Group, which generates INR 45,000 crore in total revenue annually, is Torrent Pharma, which generates around INR 11,500 crore. In an all-stock deal valued at USD 4 billion, including USD 800 million in debt, Sun Pharma announced in April 2014 that it will buy ailing rival Ranbaxy.

    A year later, in March 2015, the merger was “consummated” once the necessary permissions were obtained. The acquisition of Bharat Serums and Vaccines by Mankind Pharma last year for INR 13,768 crore was another significant deal. In a different announcement, CCI authorised Setu AIF Trust, Konark Trust, and MMPL Trust to purchase a portion of Edelweiss Asset Management Ltd and Edelweiss Trusteeship Company Ltd.

    According to the watchdog, Setu AIF Trust, Konark Trust, and MMPL Trust will acquire up to 15% of the shares in Edelweiss Asset Management Ltd (EAML) and Edelweiss Trusteeship Company Ltd (ETCL) as a result of the proposed combination’s interrelated processes. Setu AIF Trust is an alternative investment fund (AIF) that is registered with SEBI. Through MMPL, its investment manager, it takes action. ETCL serves as the trustee for Edelweiss Mutual Fund (EMF), while EAML manages the fund’s assets.

    Quick Shots

    •CCI
    approves Torrent Pharmaceuticals’ acquisition of a stake in JB Chemicals
    & Pharmaceuticals on 21 October 2025.

    •Total
    deal expected to cost INR 19,500 crore, making it the second-largest pharma
    deal in India after Sun Pharma-Ranbaxy.

    •After
    acquisition, Torrent Pharma becomes the second-most valuable pharmaceutical
    company in India.

    •Torrent Pharma manufactures
    formulations (FDFs); JB Chemicals produces FDFs, APIs, and CDMO services.

     

  • Shadowfax IPO Gets SEBI Clearance as Flipkart-Backed Firm Prepares Market Debut

    According to documents published on the Securities and Exchange Board of India’s (Sebi) website, Flipkart-backed logistics company Shadowfax Technologies has been given the go-ahead to move on with its IPO. In the week ending October 10, Sebi released its comments regarding the company’s pre-filed draft.

    In July, Shadowfax filed its draft red herring prospectus under Sebi’s pre-filing procedure, which allowed the company to test investor interest and fine-tune offering details without revealing critical company information to the public. According to sources, Shadowfax is anticipated to submit an amended draft prospectus in the days ahead now that regulatory clearance has been obtained.

    How Shadowfax Plans to Execute its IPO Listing

    By combining a new issuance with an offer for sale by current shareholders, the offering is anticipated to raise between INR 2,000 crore and INR 2,500 crore. The IPO might value the company at over INR 8,500 crore, according to reports. This price is a substantial premium over its February 2025 financing round valuation of almost INR 6,000 crore, indicating investor confidence in the future potential of the logistics industry.

    The company raised primary and secondary capital at an approximate valuation of INR 6,000 crore in February 2025, which was the last time it raised funds. According to insiders, the company intends to use the money raised from the new issuance to expand its network operations, boost growth, and increase capacity.

    How Shadowfax Plans to Use Proceeds?

    According to insiders, the company intends to use the money raised from the new issuance to expand its network operations, boost growth, and increase capacity. About 75% of the company’s revenue comes from the e-commerce division, which puts Shadowfax in a strong position to profit from India’s expanding online retail market.

    The rest is derived from hyperlocal delivery and rapid commerce. Prominent investors like Flipkart, TPG, Eight Roads Ventures, and Mirae Asset Ventures support Shadowfax. Several Indian logistics and delivery firms, such as Delhivery, XpressBees, Ecom Express, Blue Dart, and Shiprocket, compete with it. In fiscal 2024, the company’s revenue increased by 33.2% to INR 1,885 crore, but its losses decreased significantly to INR 11.8 crore, which was roughly 92% less than the year before.

    Quick Shots

    •Flipkart-backed
    Shadowfax Technologies secures SEBI clearance to move ahead with its India
    IPO.

    •SEBI
    issued its observations in the week ending October 10, 2025, as per filings
    on its website.

    •Shadowfax
    had filed its draft red herring prospectus in July under SEBI’s pre-filing
    route.

    •The
    logistics startup is expected to raise INR 2,000–INR 2,500 crore through a
    fresh issue and offer for sale.

    •The
    IPO may value Shadowfax at over INR 8,500 crore, up from INR 6,000 crore in
    its February 2025 funding round.

    •Proceeds
    from the IPO will be used to expand network operations, boost growth, and
    increase capacity.

  • Tata Trusts Reappoints Venu Srinivasan as Lifetime Trustee Amid Internal Dispute

    Despite internal strife among the organisation’s divisions, Venu Srinivasan was overwhelmingly reappointed as a trustee for life by Tata Trusts, the philanthropic arm of the Tata Group, according to a report by news agency PTI on October 21, 2025. At a time when Tata Trusts’ workforce is vertically divided, Venu Srinivasan’s reappointment occurs just before his term ends on October 23, 2025.

    Two factions support Mehli Mistry, who has connections to the Shapoorji Pallonji family, and Noel Tata, who assumed leadership upon Ratan Tata’s death. The agency was informed by those with knowledge of the development that there was unanimous support for Srinivasan’s reappointment. Tata Trust, however, declined to answer the news agency’s questions.

    Reappointment of Mehli Mistry Might be on the Cards

    Now that Venu Srinivasan has been reappointed, attention is turning to Mehli Mistry, whose tenure as a trustee ends on October 28, 2025, being reappointed. The report states that the unanimous consent of the trustees for the lifetime tenure appointment will be necessary for Mistry to be reappointed and continue serving as a trustee.

    According to a news agency report, in accordance with previous practice, a unanimous vote is needed for both renewal and a new appointment. Unanimous consent is needed for renewal, after which it will be permanent. Additionally, they stated that all trustees are automatically reappointed.

    Operations of Tata Trust

    The Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and the Sir Ratan Tata Trust are two of the charitable trusts that are under the management of Tata Trusts. Additionally, the organisation owns a 66% share in Tata Sons, the primary holding company that owns stock in every Tata Group company.

    The report states that the original meeting, which took place on October 17, 2024, decided that a trustee’s term should be extended by the trust in question, with no time limit on this appointment.

    A trustee would violate the commitment and be unfit to serve at “Tata Trusts by such conduct,” according to the report, if they decide to vote against this resolution. Over 18% of Tata Sons, the holding company for all Tata Group firms, is owned by the Shapoorji Pallonji family.

    Quick Shots

    •Venu
    Srinivasan reappointed as lifetime trustee of Tata Trusts on October 21,
    2025.

    •The
    decision comes amid internal divisions within the organisation.

    •Two
    factions reportedly exist — one aligned with Mehli Mistry (linked to
    Shapoorji Pallonji family) and the other with Noel Tata.

    •Srinivasan’s
    term was set to end on October 23, 2025, but trustees gave unanimous support
    for lifetime reappointment.

    •Tata Trusts declined to comment on
    the internal developments.

  • Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Finds New Oil Routes Away From Russia

    Reliance Industries Ltd, one of the world’s largest oil refineries and the biggest buyer of oil from Russia, is now moving away. Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Ltd. is finding new sources of crude oil that are away from Russia. Why is the company doing it now? Is it due to pressure from the U.S. and EU? Where exactly is the oil sourcing now? How will this impact Reliance Industries Ltd? What’s India’s role in it? For all that, learn more. 

    Why Reliance Industries Ltd. Is Finding New Ways Now?

    The company is under considerable pressure from Western countries, mainly the U.S. and the European Union (EU).

    U.S. Pressure

    The U.S. has long been asking India to reduce its purchases of Russian oil because of the war in Ukraine. However, India’s cordial relationship with Russia didn’t budge. In recent times, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that India has agreed to stop importing from Russia. But India didn’t confirm any of that. It also clarified that India might reduce but not completely stop buying from Russia.

    EU Ban Coming

    The EU announced that it will ban fuel made from Russian crude oil altogether starting on January 21, 2025. Here’s the catch: Reliance exports a lot of refined fuel (like petrol and diesel) to Europe. If the company didn’t change its ways, it would hurt its exports.

    Reliance values the European market highly and doesn’t want to disappoint the EU, so the company is shifting to non-Russian oil sources.

    What Reliance Is Doing?

    Reliance is buying oil from the Middle East. Recently, the company has bought at least 2.5 million barrels of oil. It’s apparently working with:

    • Iraq’s Basrah Medium
    • Al-Shaheen (from Qatar)
    • Qatar Land (also from Qatar)

    Several traders say this is a massive shift for Reliance as the company is now actively buying the region.

    The company is also looking for more oil types that are similar to Russian crude oil quality so that it can eventually replace Russian supplies.

    Note: Reliance didn’t confirm or comment on anything due to the holiday season

    India’s Role

    India is one of the largest buyers of Russian oil. Ever since the war began, Russia has been giving India oil at a discounted price. Reliance, on the other hand, is the single largest buyer of Russian oil. After being closely scrutinised by the U.S. and EU, the company had to change its ways to adjust and fit into the market. The company is more on its own, and India has very little to do with this shift. 

    Reliance Industries Case Study | Reliance Industries Success Story
    Learn about case study on Reliance Industries Limited. Know about Reliance’s history, founder, its success story, revenue, growth, marketing & more in this article.
    StartupTalky- Business News, Insights and StoriesDevashish Shrivastava