As artificial intelligence adoption accelerates globally, a new industry report reveals that 94.5% of data center professionals anticipate a substantial rise in storage demand, posing mounting challenges to sustainability and operational efficiency. In India—a rapidly growing digital economy—this tension is particularly pronounced. While data storage needs expand exponentially, power efficiency improvements are lagging. The "Decarbonising Data" report by Seagate Technology underscores the urgent need for balance between digital growth and environmental responsibility.

In a bold move to equip India’s youth with 21st-century skills, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Reliance Foundation have jointly launched the Future Ready Skills Initiative across 700 educational institutions in Madhya Pradesh. The initiative, introduced at the MP Future Ready Skills Conclave, aims to provide high-quality training to over five lakh students in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and educational technology.

Jio Financial Services Ltd (JFSL), the financial arm spun out of Reliance Industries, reported a consolidated net profit of Rs. 316.11 crore for the March quarter, marking a modest 1.8% year-on-year increase. The company’s total income for Q4 surged 24% to Rs. 518 crore, driven by growth across its diversified financial services portfolio. As JFSL strengthens its foothold in India’s evolving fintech ecosystem, it is also expanding into new verticals such as wealth management and broking through its Jio BlackRock joint ventures.

In a move aimed at strengthening its financial governance, IndusInd Bank has elevated its Chief Accountant, Santosh Kumar, to the role of Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Special Officer – Finance & Accounts. This transition follows a series of accounting irregularities discovered in the bank’s derivative portfolio, which are estimated to have impacted its net worth by approximately Rs. 1,979 crore. Kumar, a seasoned finance professional with over two decades of experience, will head the bank’s finance and accounting operations until a full-time CFO is appointed.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has announced a strategic investment of JPY 150 million (approximately Rs. 8.9 crore) to acquire a 2% stake in HIPUS, a joint venture led by Infosys Singapore. This move aligns with MHI’s broader objective to enhance data-driven procurement capabilities across its global value chain. HIPUS—established in 2019 by Infosys Singapore, Hitachi, Panasonic, and Pasona—aims to deliver end-to-end procurement solutions powered by next-generation digital platforms for Japanese enterprises.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, confirmed that the national women’s cricket team will not be traveling to India for the upcoming Women's ODI World Cup later this year. In line with the hybrid model agreed earlier in 2023, Pakistan’s matches will be played at a neutral venue due to ongoing political tensions between the two countries. Naqvi’s statement highlights the challenges surrounding international cricket when political dynamics intersect with sports.

In recent weeks, Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli and Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma have once again garnered widespread attention, not for their professional accomplishments, but for a heartwarming video that has captured the public's imagination. The video, featuring the couple dancing together in a lively and spontaneous moment, was filmed in Dubai and has since gone viral on social media. Their natural chemistry and joyful expressions resonated with fans, further solidifying their status as one of India's most beloved celebrity couples.

Actor Soori, known for his evolving trajectory from comedic roles to leading performances, is charting new territory with his upcoming feature film Mandaadi. Produced by RS Infotainment’s Elred Kumar and directed by Madimaaran Pugazhenthi, a protégé of acclaimed filmmaker Vetrimaaran, the project is drawing early attention for its ambitious scope and artistic team. With Vetrimaaran himself serving as creative producer, and GV Prakash scoring the music, expectations are high. The film’s title poster—a blazing ship adrift at sea—has ignited curiosity about the film’s tone and narrative.

A resurfaced video of actor Abhishek Bachchan from a past episode of the comedy courtroom series Case Toh Banta Hai has captivated fans across social media. The lighthearted exchange between Bachchan and actor-host Riteish Deshmukh highlights the charm of the Bachchan family while underscoring the actor’s ability to handle personal jokes with grace.

In a significant development that signals its march toward an initial public offering (IPO), PhonePe, India’s most dominant digital payments platform, has transitioned from a private limited entity to a public limited company. This structural change, approved in an Extraordinary General Meeting on April 16, is a strategic milestone in the company’s long-term capital market ambitions. Backed by Walmart and commanding nearly half of India’s UPI market share, PhonePe is reportedly targeting a valuation of up to $15 billion.