Business - The Purbottar

15 Jan

California Opens Probe Into Grok Over AI Deepfake Abuse Claims

editorBusiness

California has launched a formal investigation into Elon Musk’s xAI following mounting allegations that its Grok model is generating sexually explicit deepfake images without consent. State Attorney General Rob Bonta said recent reports showing the spread of fabricated nude imagery including depictions of women and children were shocking and called on xAI to act immediately. The probe comes as global scrutiny intensifies. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has warned that X, which hosts Grok, could lose its ability to self-regulate. British watchdog Ofcom has separately opened its own investigation and could impose fines of up to 10% of global…

15 Jan

Shoppers Don’t Mind, Gig Workers Happy

Purbalee DuttaBusiness

In India’s rapidly expanding quick-commerce sector, the promise of “10-minute delivery” came to represent extreme convenience driven by nearby dark stores and streamlined logistics. However, as Blinkit drops this claim following intervention by the Labour Ministry, the focus is shifting amid growing concerns over the safety and well-being of gig workers. A delivery rider, who participated in a nationwide strike, said strict time expectations often led to customer harassment and risky behaviour on the road. He recalled being pressured during delays and even meeting with an accident due to constant calls from customers. The government’s intervention, he said, has brought…

15 Jan

Budget Countdown: Telecom Players Demand Sharper Cuts in Licence Charges

Preeti SinghBusiness

The telecom industry is lobbying the finance ministry for significant reductions in licence fees and a temporary suspension of compulsory contributions to the Digital Bharat Nidhi in the forthcoming Union Budget. They assert that the existing regulatory fees are hindering their ability to invest in next-generation networks. According to industry recommendations submitted in advance of the Budget, there is a request to reduce the licence fee from the current rate of 3% of adjusted gross revenue (AGR) to a range between 0.5% and 1%. Additionally, it is proposed that the 5% AGR contribution to the Digital Bharat Nidhi be temporarily…

15 Jan

Samsung announces the certification of 1,750 students in Uttar Pradesh under its flagship SIC programme

Business BureauBusiness

Samsung, India's largest consumer electronics brand, on the occasion of National Youth Day, has announced the certification of 1,750 students in Uttar Pradesh under its flagship Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) programme, marking a significant milestone in the company’s youth-skilling efforts in the state. The certification ceremony was held at the City Group of Institutions in Lucknow, in the presence of Smt. Rajni Tiwari, Hon’ble Minister of Higher Education, Government of Uttar Pradesh, along with academic leaders and programme partners. With this cohort, the total number of students trained under Samsung Innovation Campus in Uttar Pradesh has reached 3,900, making it one…

14 Jan

Namami Gange Mission gains momentum in West Bengal with two major sewerage projects going live

Business BureauBusiness

West Bengal has strengthened its push for river rejuvenation and urban sanitation with the operationalisation of two major sewerage treatment projects under Phase II of the Namami Gange Mission during the financial year 2025–26. The projects aim to significantly reduce the flow of untreated wastewater into the Ganga River, officials said. The first project, commissioned at Maheshtala in South 24 Parganas district, has been developed at an estimated cost of ₹286.97 crore under the Hybrid Annuity Model. It includes an Interception, Diversion and Treatment system along with a modern Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) of 35 MLD capacity, catering to Maheshtala…

14 Jan

Bandhan Mutual Fund announces the launch of the Bandhan Gold ETF FoF and Bandhan Silver ETF FoF

Business BureauBusiness

Bandhan Mutual Fund has announced the launch of the Bandhan Gold ETF FoF and Bandhan Silver ETF FoF, two open-ended schemes designed to provide investors with an easy, transparent, and cost-efficient way to participate in gold and silver. The New Fund Offers (NFOs) open on Monday, 12 January 2026, and close on Tuesday, 20 January 2026. Investments in the Bandhan Gold ETF FoF and Bandhan Silver ETF FoF can be made through licensed mutual fund distributors, investment advisors, online platforms, or directly at https://bandhanmutual.com/campaign/nfo/ Vishal Kapoor, CEO, Bandhan AMC, commenting on the launch, said, “Gold and silver can play a…

14 Jan

Ananya Panday embraces simple, sustainable habits to start 2026 on a mindful note

Business BureauBusiness

Actor Ananya Panday has chosen a refreshingly simple approach to welcome the New Year, stepping away from big resolutions and focusing instead on everyday habits that are easy to maintain. In a new Instagram reel shared in collaboration with California Almonds, the actor opens up about the pressure that often comes with the idea of “new year, new me.” In the candid video, Ananya is seen speaking to herself in front of a mirror, acknowledging how quickly time passes and how New Year resolutions can sometimes trigger anxiety. Rather than aiming for perfection, she stresses the importance of consistency and…

14 Jan

Makar Sankranti 2026: California Almonds add a healthy touch to harvest festivities

Business BureauBusiness

Makar Sankranti, which marks the arrival of longer days and the harvest season, is being celebrated across India with traditional fervour. Known by different names such as Pongal, Lohri, Uttarayan and Magh Bihu, the festival symbolises abundance, gratitude and new beginnings. As families prepare festive dishes and sweets, experts are highlighting the importance of mindful nutrition during celebrations. Nutritionists and health experts have pointed to the role of California Almonds in adding balance to festive meals. Rich in protein, healthy fats and antioxidants, almonds are known to support immunity, provide sustained energy and help manage blood sugar levels when consumed…

14 Jan

Regulatory Calm Drives Buying Interest in Swiggy, Eternal Shares

Preeti SinghBusiness

Shares of Swiggy Ltd. and Eternal Ltd., which manage Instamart and Zomato and Blinkit respectively, experienced a recovery from their lowest points of the day after government intervention encouraged them to suspend their 10-minute delivery service for the benefit of gig workers. On Tuesday, Swiggy's stock price initially dropped by 1.08% but ended the day with a slight gain of 0.43%. In contrast, Eternal's shares rose significantly by 3.24%. The broader market saw the S&P BSE Sensex decrease by 0.30% during the same period. Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya held a meeting with representatives from quick-commerce firms to address concerns regarding…

14 Jan

V-Guard’s in-house manufactured induction cooktop becomes India’s first to earn 5-Star Bureau of Energy Efficiency rating

Business BureauBusiness

V-Guard Industries Limited has achieved a major milestone in the home appliances segment with its in-house manufactured induction cooktop model VIC06V1 becoming the first in India to receive a 5-star energy efficiency rating from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). The recognition highlights V-Guard’s focus on indigenous design, energy-efficient innovation and manufacturing excellence. The VIC06V1 is designed and manufactured at the company’s Perundurai facility and has been engineered to deliver faster, cleaner and environment-friendly cooking while helping users reduce electricity consumption without compromising performance. The cooktop offers a maximum power output of 1600 W, eight power and temperature levels, and…