Infosys Ltd., India’s second-largest IT services company, has announced a Rs. 18,000 crore share buyback program, signaling confidence in its long-term growth trajectory and commitment to rewarding shareholders. The move comes at a time when the technology sector faces global demand headwinds, with clients tightening discretionary IT spending. By returning capital to investors, Infosys aims to balance shareholder payouts with its ongoing investments in artificial intelligence, cloud services, and digital transformation projects.

India’s retail inflation in August moderated slightly from July’s levels, offering a degree of relief to policymakers and consumers. While headline inflation edged lower, food prices—particularly vegetables and pulses—remained elevated, keeping pressure on household budgets. Core inflation continued its softening trend, reflecting stability in non-food categories such as housing, clothing, and services.

India’s automobile sector is on track to become the largest in the world within the next five years, driven by rapid domestic demand, policy support, and global investment inflows. The industry, already among the top three globally in terms of production, is experiencing a surge in both passenger and commercial vehicle sales. Electric mobility, infrastructure upgrades, and rising consumer aspirations are reshaping the landscape, positioning India as a pivotal hub for global automakers.

India’s labor market showed signs of resilience in August as the unemployment rate eased to 5.1%, according to the latest government survey. The decline reflects stronger hiring momentum across urban and rural regions, supported by seasonal demand, infrastructure expansion, and service-sector recovery. Policymakers view the moderation as an encouraging indicator of economic stability, though concerns remain about underemployment and wage growth.

The Adani Group has announced plans to construct a ropeway connecting key points in Kedarnath, aiming to dramatically reduce travel time for pilgrims and tourists visiting the sacred site. The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance infrastructure, improve accessibility, and promote sustainable tourism in the region. By streamlining the arduous trek, the project is expected to benefit both local communities and the growing number of visitors seeking a safer, more convenient journey.

CRED, the Bengaluru-based fintech unicorn, is gearing up for a high-profile initial public offering (IPO) with a strategic emphasis on premium growth, according to founder Kunal Shah. The platform, which has carved a niche in credit card payments and financial management, aims to leverage its affluent user base to drive higher-value transactions and revenue streams. Shah underscored that the company’s growth trajectory hinges on deepening engagement among premium users rather than mass-market expansion.

In a striking statement, Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of DeepMind and Microsoft’s AI chief, has warned against assuming that artificial intelligence has achieved sentience. Suleyman emphasized that AI systems, while increasingly sophisticated, remain tools shaped by human input and algorithms, lacking consciousness or self-awareness. His comments come amid growing global discourse on AI ethics, regulation, and existential risks.

Spotify, the global music streaming giant, has announced the launch of lossless audio streaming for its premium subscribers, promising an enhanced listening experience with studio-quality sound. The new feature, branded as “Spotify HiFi,” enables users to enjoy music in CD-quality format, capturing finer details and richer audio depth. Spotify aims to compete with platforms like Tidal and Apple Music, which have already integrated high-fidelity streaming.

Flipkart, India’s e-commerce powerhouse, has announced a slew of offers and discounts for its highly anticipated Big Billion Days (BBD) sale. Set to feature significant price cuts across electronics, fashion, home appliances, and lifestyle categories, the event aims to attract millions of consumers and reinforce Flipkart’s dominance in the Indian e-commerce market. Strategic partnerships with top brands and flexible payment options, including no-cost EMI and instant discounts, are expected to enhance customer engagement.

Apple Inc. has unveiled its latest flagship smartphones, the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 series, marking a significant advancement in mobile technology. The new models feature cutting-edge A-series processors, enhanced camera systems, and improved battery efficiency, designed to appeal to both premium and mid-tier consumers. Apple emphasizes sustainability with the use of recycled materials and energy-efficient components. The launch reflects Apple's strategy to blend innovation with environmental responsibility while expanding its market reach globally.