QUICKREADS

IOC Q4 results: Indian Oil Corporation net profit halves, declares ₹7 dividend
Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) reported a 50% decrease in net profit for the March quarter due to fuel price cuts and petrochemical segment losses. Net profit was Rs 4,837.69 crore compared to Rs 10,058.69 crore a year ago. Revenue also decreased to Rs 2.21 lakh crore. Lower profit was attributed to refining margin decline, negative petrochemical segment, and price cuts despite rising crude oil prices.

Headphone Zone x Oriveti Blackbird review: Keep low-bitrate tracks at a distance
Headphone Zone x Oriveti Blackbird, priced at ₹4,999, offers impressive audio performance with a unique 10mm dynamic and two armature drivers. Delivers balanced sound, crisp vocals, and excellent bass without overshadowing mids, making it a high-quality, versatile in-ear monitor.

Gates Foundation to remain ‘engaged deeply’ in India: CEO Mark Suzman to HT
Bill Gates pledges to donate nearly $200 billion through his foundation by 2045, with a continued focus on India. The foundation will prioritize health, agricultural development, digital infrastructure, and climate adaptation, emphasizing partnerships and frugal innovation.

Bhutan signs MoU with Adani Group for 5,000 MW hydropower projects
Bhutan's Druk Green Power Corporation and Adani Group signed an MoU to develop 5,000 MW of hydropower projects. The agreement, witnessed by Bhutan's Prime Minister, builds on their existing partnership. This collaboration aims to enhance regional energy security and support Bhutan's renewable energy goals, facilitating access to Indian energy markets and reinforcing Bhutan's role in regional energy cooperation.
Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma settles ESOP case with SEBI
Paytm's CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma has settled a case with India's SEBI over employee stock option violations, paying 11.1 million rupees each. He is barred from receiving new ESOPs for three years. The case stemmed from the improper granting of 21 million ESOPs, leading to a significant financial charge for Paytm. Sharma reduced his stake to comply with regulations.

Tech and AI must advance user experience, from backstage: Sonos’ Rennie Addabbo
Sonos focuses on long-term product quality over annual upgrades, introducing the Arc Ultra with innovative Sound Motion technology. The company prioritizes user experience, customer feedback, and strategic market expansion, particularly in India, while exploring AI's potential to enhance audio technology.

Eli Lilly looks set to steal Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss crown
Eli Lilly's weight-loss drug Zepbound, approved in November 2023, has generated $4.9 billion in revenue, surpassing Novo Nordisk's Wegovy, which earned $8.2 billion. Zepbound's effectiveness, better execution, and pricing have driven its popularity, capturing 60% of U.S. weight-loss prescriptions by early 2025. Analysts predict Lilly will outpace Novo in sales by 2027 amid ongoing market competition.
Apple eyes move to AI search, looks to end era defined by Google
Apple Inc. is considering revamping its Safari browser to incorporate AI-powered search engines, influenced by a potential end to its lucrative partnership with Google. Eddy Cue highlighted declining searches on Safari, attributing this to AI usage. Apple may integrate options from various AI providers, though Google will likely remain the default for now. Investors reacted negatively, causing stock declines for both companies.
Google launches film, TV production initiative amid cost struggles in Hollywood: Report
Google partners with Range Media Partners for "100 Zeros," a multi-year film and TV production initiative. The project aims to promote AI tools, fund indie projects, and navigate Hollywood's cost challenges through strategic collaborations.

Sensex, Nifty fall as pharma stocks weaken despite Mahindra’s strong gains
India's benchmark indexes fell on Tuesday, with the Nifty 50 down 0.35% and the BSE Sensex down 0.32%. Pharma stocks led broader losses after U.S. manufacturing measures negatively impacted sentiment, while Mahindra & Mahindra surged 3.1% on positive earnings outlook. The auto index rose, but small- and mid-cap stocks dropped 1%. Overall, 11 of 13 sectors reported losses.

Indian film industry jittery over Trump’s tariff move
Trump proposed a 100% tariff on foreign films, causing concern in India's film industry. The move could impact US box office revenues for Indian movies, potentially affecting international film distribution and production incentives.
OpenAI to remain under nonprofit control, parent to hold for-profit arm as well
OpenAI announced it will retain nonprofit control while restructuring its for-profit arm to attract more investment amid criticism and legal challenges, including a lawsuit from Elon Musk. The nonprofit will oversee a public benefit corporation, balancing profit with social goals. CEO Sam Altman described this as a compromise to secure funding for advancing artificial intelligence.
Air India buys six Boeing 777s after over seven years: Report
Air India has acquired six Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft, marking its first purchase of this model in over seven years. This move, part of a five-year transformation plan following its acquisition by Tata Group, aims to expand the airline's fleet amid rising air traffic. The planes were previously leased and will enhance Air India's long-haul capabilities.

Trump Calls For 100% Tariff on Movies Made Overseas
President Trump announced a 100% tariff on films produced overseas, citing concerns over international tax incentives that attract Hollywood productions outside the U.S. He described this trend as a national security threat and part of a broader crisis in the American film industry. The practicality of implementing such tariffs on non-physical goods remains unclear.

China’s secret weapon in the trade war
China's export decline due to 145% tariffs risks 5.7 million jobs short-term and 15.8 million long-term, prompting government intervention. The gig economy, with 84 million workers, is seen as a potential buffer, as firms like Meituan and JD.com expand hiring and social security initiatives. However, skepticism remains about the sustainability of these benefits amid economic pressures and technological advancements.
Microsoft Authenticator to discontinue this feature soon. Here's what's changing
Microsoft Authenticator will discontinue autofill and password storage by July 2025. Users can continue accessing saved passwords through Microsoft Edge, with generated passwords requiring manual saving to preserve access.