REWARDS PROGRAMME
Microsoft employees raise concerns over AI strategy amid 60,000-person buyout offer
The letter, cited in a report byThe New York Times, accuses Microsoft of pursuing AI with a “speed-at-all-costs” approach and urges the company to stop linking employees' use of AI tools to performance rewards or reprimands.
Iodine tablets and radiation fears: Is Iran preparing for the worst?
Iran has reportedly begun distributing iodine tablets to residents near its nuclear facilities amidst rising tensions. US military preparations against Iran have heightened anxieties about a potential attack on sensitive nuclear sites. Pickaxe Mountain, a key complex near Natanz, poses significant radiological risks if targeted in any confrontation. Iranian officials have warned of retaliatory actions that could extend far beyond the immediate conflict area.
US-Iran war: Tehran says forces 'stronger' than at beginning of war
Iran has asserted that its military has become stronger following the onset of its conflict with the United States. The United States has offered a $20 million reward for information related to Iran's nuclear programme. Both nations have engaged in dialogue to find a resolution to the ongoing crisis, which has affected their economies and military capacities.
Grandson of a vegetable seller in Egypt, raised by an imam father and a Michigan-born stepmother: The multi-faith family behind America’s first Muslim senator-elect, Abdul El-Sayed
Abdul El-Sayed, with his rich family heritage, triumphed in the Michigan Democratic primary for the Senate and now gears up for a showdown with Republican Mike Rogers in the forthcoming November election. Armed with a medical degree and a doctorate in public health, El-Sayed has dedicated his career to tackling public health challenges, including his leadership at the Detroit Health Department.
Why Big Tech companies Microsoft, Google, Meta and others are opting for voluntary buyouts
In response to fluctuating market demands, Meta has rolled out voluntary exit packages in France aimed at workforce restructuring. This initiative is part of a broader trend as tech giants like Google and Microsoft implement similar measures globally to optimize costs. These packages offer employees the choice to depart with financial incentives and transition support, showcasing a more favorable approach compared to traditional layoffs amidst economic uncertainty.
MSME ministry, Samsung sign MoU to train 1,600 youth in electronics, appliance repair
The MSME ministry has partnered with Samsung India Electronics under a three-year MoU to train youth in electronics, mobile phones and home appliance servicing across 15 Technology Centres. The programme will initially cover 1,600 trainees, offering successful candidates three-month internships with a monthly stipend of Rs 12,000, alongside placement support.
Hyundai to offer up to 15% savings on car insurance for safe drivers
Hyundai Motor India has launched a usage-based insurance program for its Bluelink-connected cars. Customers can receive potential savings on motor insurance premiums based on their driving behavior. Driving scores will be calculated from vehicle data without requiring additional tracking devices. The program aims to encourage safer driving practices while providing benefits at the time of policy renewal.
SaaS firm Capillary’s AI platform drives new customer wins, revenue grows 51%
Capillary’s aiRA (AI-powered Research Assistant) is an AI agent for enterprise brands that helps connect customer data across platforms and identifies opportunities to acquire, convert, retain and reactivate customers. It also executes campaigns through existing marketing tools, with human approval. It works with data from platforms such as Salesforce, Snowflake, Databricks, Google Ads and Meta, according to the investor presentation.
SaaS firm Capillary Technologies’ Q2 profit at Rs 21.9 crore, revenue rises 51%
Adjusted Ebitda (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation) rose 103% year-on-year (YoY) to Rs 44.9 crore, while adjusted Ebitda margin grew to 17% from 12% a year prior. SessionM, the US-based loyalty platform acquired from Mastercard in May, achieved breakeven during the quarter, Capillary said.
ET Product of the Year Awards 2026: Categories recognising products driving market impact
The Economic Times Product of the Year Awards 2026 celebrate cutting-edge innovations that make a substantial difference in the market and attract customer loyalty across diverse industries. Categories feature Enterprise SaaS, FinTech, Cybersecurity, as well as consumer goods such as banking solutions and smartphones. Judging criteria prioritize market presence, adoption rates, creativity, and execution excellence, with an emphasis on quantifiable achievements.
Forget festive hampers, companies are trading gift boxes for holiday getaways
Companies are shifting towards offering travel vouchers as a preferred gifting option for employees. This change allows for more personalised experiences with loved ones during holidays. Many firms are also providing flexibility in travel options, catering to individual preferences and interests.
UP looks beyond Lucknow to boost startups, MSMEs as Aavishkaar, Intellecap partner with Invest UP
With more than 11.5 million MSMEs across the state, Uttar Pradesh is looking beyond its established startup centres to build a wider enterprise ecosystem. A new Invest UP partnership with Aavishkaar Foundation and Intellecap aims to take capital, advisory support and market connections closer to entrepreneurs across its districts.
Amazon steps up creator investments as it looks to convert social media influence into sales
Between January and September, creator content influenced 42 million customers on Amazon, of whom 28 million made a purchase. A total of 133 million products were purchased through creators during the period, said Nidhi Thakkar, head of social commerce for emerging marketplaces at Amazon. Influenced customers grew 50% year-on-year, while purchasing customers increased 92%. The figures were recorded before the Diwali shopping season.
PB Fintech's UAE insurance business grows 19-fold as it looks beyond motor cover
PB Fintech has achieved impressive growth within the UAE insurance landscape, notably boosting its premium volumes since FY22. With a strategic plan in place, the company intends to diversify its offerings by introducing health and life insurance solutions geared towards NRIs. Key features will include cross-border protection and simplified claims processing.
Global Market: European automakers get earnings boost as Chinese competition weighs on recovery
European automakers have received a boost from recent earnings, but their recovery remains fragile. Rising competition from Chinese manufacturers, costly technological shifts and structural weaknesses continue to cloud the sector's long-term growth prospects.
CRC Group and Delhi Times host “Let’s Bring Back the Joy of Reading” in New Delhi
CRC Group, in partnership with Delhi Times, held a dynamic event to stress the significance of reading amidst digital distractions. Authors, educators, and prominent business figures shared valuable perspectives on fostering a reading culture in younger audiences. Two enlightening panel discussions delved into the impact of evolving reading habits on education and personal growth.
Axis Bank to revise savings account charges from December 1, 2026: Free transaction limit to fall; EDGE Rewards Program to end; charges to rise
Axis Bank will implement a new fee structure affecting its domestic and NRI savings accounts. The free cash transaction limit will reduce from four to three transactions or Rs 1 lakh. Minimum balance penalties will also change, particularly for semi-urban and rural accounts due to increased maximum charges. Additionally, the EDGE REWARD program will be discontinued for several account categories.
8% instant discount vs 10% cashback vs 1,000 reward points: Are they all the same? Know exactly which one will save more money
8% instant discount vs 10% cashback vs 1,000 reward points: Suppose you shop for Rs 10,000 online and are now getting a choice between an 8% discount, 1000 reward points or 10% cashback. What would you choose? Don't go by the biggest number alone, as all the three can deliver a very different true value than the other. Here's how you can assess the true value of savings.
Diwali travel rush: How to save on last-minute flight tickets and when to stop waiting for discounts
Waiting until the last minute in the hope of a sale can be costly. Airlines use dynamic pricing, and cheaper fares may disappear as more seats sell. If your dates are fixed, compare fares as early as possible and book when the price is reasonable for your budget. Set fare alerts to track changes, but don’t delay your booking expecting for a drop in prices.
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