Blog

India’s Semiconductor Push: A Strategic Step Towards Technological Sovereignty

Manish Kumar

India’s recent moves to establish itself as a key player in the global semiconductor industry are being seen as a critical step towards technological sovereignty and economic security. The announcement of a US-India collaboration to build a multi-material fabrication unit dedicated to national security marks a historic moment, not just for military cooperation, but for India’s broader ambition to become a hub for chip manufacturing. This shift could reshape India’s economic trajectory and its role in the global tech supply chain, if managed effectively. A Partnership of Historic Proportions The…

Commvault Boosts AWS Security with Clumio Acquisition

Manish Kumar

Commvault has announced its intention to acquire Clumio, a data protection startup founded by a former executive from Nutanix, VMware, and Oracle. This strategic acquisition aims to enhance the recovery speed for applications hosted on AWS, particularly in scenarios involving hacks or significant outages. By integrating Clumio’s capabilities, Commvault intends to facilitate quicker recovery of Amazon S3 data, strengthening its data protection services. The acquisition will not only bolster Commvault’s existing offerings but also enable Clumio to expand its services on a global scale. This move is expected to enhance…

Foxconn Eyes $1 Billion Investment in Tamil Nadu for Apple Facility

Manish Kumar

Foxconn is considering spending $1 billion to establish a smartphone display module assembly plant in Tamil Nadu. This facility would mark Foxconn’s first display module unit in India and is intended to support Apple’s iPhone production efforts in the country. This investment aligns with the ongoing trend of major tech companies increasing their manufacturing capabilities in India to diversify supply chains and enhance local production.This will be Foxconn’s first display module plant constructed in India, and it will help with Apple’s iPhone manufacturing. Components from this plant may also be…

The Hackett Group announces acquisition of India’s LeewayHertz

Manish Kumar

 The Hackett Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: HCKT) has announced its acquisition of LeewayHertz, a renowned provider of advanced Gen AI solutions.  This strategic move strengthens The Hackett Group’s position in guiding clients through their generative AI journey. The acquisition further highlights India’s growing prominence in the global AI landscape. LeewayHertz’s CEO Akash Takyar will now be the CEO of this new joint venture. This partnership aims to provide highly customized AI solutions to clients, fueling The Hackett Group’s growth strategy. The joint venture, ZBrain, will seek additional strategic funding after initial backing…

Delhi Airport to Get India’s First AirTrain

Manish Kumar

India’s first AirTrain is set to debut at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), connecting its various terminals over a distance of 7.7 kilometers. The AirTrain will provide a seamless transit experience for passengers between terminals, making it easier and quicker to move around the large airport. According to the tender document issued by the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), plans are underway to implement India’s first AirTrain system at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi. The project will follow a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model, allowing for private investment and management before eventual transfer to the…

India’s Fast-Track Courts for Sex Crimes Falter Amid State Apathy and Judicial Shortfalls

Manish Kumar

India’s overburdened judicial system frequently takes years to try cases Delhi tried to incentivise states by funding 60% of sex-crime tribunal costs Target for number of fast-track courts cut due to low state interest, lack of judges Some opposition-led states slow in setting up such courts Government’s Ambitious Plan Falls Short The Indian government’s plan to establish a network of fast-track special courts (FTSCs) to tackle sex crimes has seen a drastic reduction, following a slow response from various states. Originally envisioned to expedite justice in the wake of increasing…

EY India office in Pune does not have a labour welfare permit

Manish Kumar

The lack of a labor welfare permit at a corporate office, such as EY India’s office in Pune, could indicate non-compliance with local labor laws and regulations.   Labor welfare permits are often required by state governments in India to ensure that companies provide adequate working conditions, benefits, and facilities to their employees. These permits are part of broader efforts to enforce labor standards, health and safety regulations, and employee welfare measures.   The situation at Ernst & Young (EY)’s Pune office has raised serious concerns about labor law compliance,…

UK Government Challenges Amazon’s Mandatory Office Return

Manish Kumar

Amazon’s decision to require staff to return to the office five days a week contrasts sharply with the UK government’s push to strengthen rights to flexible working, which includes the option to work from home. The UK government is at odds with Amazon over its decision to mandate a return to the office for its employees five days a week. While Amazon argues that in-person work fosters better collaboration and innovation, the government is advocating for flexible working arrangements, including the right to work from home. The government believes that…

Oyo’s $525M G6 Deal Indicates a Focus on Global Expansion before IPO

Manish Kumar

Blackstone, the renowned private equity firm, has agreed to sell Motel 6, the well-known American budget hotel chain, to Oyo for $525 million in cash. This significant acquisition, reported by The Wall Street Journal, represents Oyo’s strategic expansion into the U.S. hospitality market and marks the conclusion of Blackstone’s decade-long ownership of the Motel 6 brand. Motel 6, famous for its affordable lodging options, aligns well with Oyo’s business model, which focuses on budget-friendly accommodations. This move not only enhances Oyo’s portfolio but also provides an opportunity for the company…

Tirumala Temple to hold ‘shuddhikaran pooja’ today amidst the laddoo row

Manish Kumar

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) is set to hold a “shuddhikaran pooja” as pere the order of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu (purification ritual) in response to the ongoing controversy surrounding alleged ghee adulteration in the famed Tirupati laddu. The issue surfaced when concerns were raised about the purity of the ghee used in preparing the iconic prasadam, leading to widespread public outcry. The matter caught the attention of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, who has ordered the purification ritual to address the concerns and uphold the sanctity of the temple and its offerings.…