What is the Infosys layoff controversy?
and Maha Kumbh's impact
Ah, Tuesday: the day where Monday’s chaos settles, but Friday is still playing hard to get. You’ve made it this far, so let’s make it count!
Now, let’s dive in, because today’s news is packed with drama, money moves, and a sprinkle of controversy.
Let’s go!
📌 Top Headlines of the Day
Infosys training program or Mass Layoffs? Govt investigates Infosys is in hot water over its decision to terminate over 350 trainees at its Mysuru campus for failing internal assessments. The Union Labour Ministry has now sent a second notice to the Karnataka Labour Commissioner, urging action and updates on the matter.
A Pune-based IT workers’ union, NITES, has slammed the layoffs as "illegal and unethical," arguing they violate labor laws.
Their earlier attempts to address the issue hit a roadblock due to missing employee details in complaints, but this time, over 100 affected trainees have individually filed grievances.
Adding fuel to the fire, trainees claim Infosys enrolled them in the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS), which grants a ₹9,000 stipend for 12 months, only to remove them within four months.
Some also allege they weren’t properly informed about negative marking in assessments and haven’t received relieving letters.
Infosys, on the other hand, stands firm, stating that performance evaluations are an essential and transparent part of its globally recognized training program. They also claim that over 98% of eligible trainees received relieving letters.
Maha Kumbh’s impact on Uttar Pradesh’s economyChief Minister Yogi Adityanath expects the grand event to pump over ₹3 lakh crore into the state.
With millions of devotees and tourists flocking in from across the globe, it’s not just about spirituality; it’s a big win for businesses, too.
From tourism and transportation to hotels and local markets, every sector is gearing up for a boom. Maha Kumbh isn’t just a religious gathering; it’s an economic powerhouse in the making!
Nothing reveals design of another Phone 3a series smartphoneNothing’s upcoming Phone 3a series has sparked buzz after the company revealed its design ahead of the March 4 launch.
The device closely resembles last year’s Phone 2a, with a transparent back and glyph lighting, but introduces a third camera sensor, likely a telephoto lens.
This move has divided fans: some appreciate the upgrade, while others call it uninspired.
Adding to the debate, the Pro variant features a bulkier circular camera module, housing a periscope telephoto lens, setting it apart from the standard 3a.
Another talking point? A mysterious new button below the power button is rumored to enable AI features like text summarization.
Critics argue Nothing is just tweaking old designs rather than innovating, while supporters see it as a refinement over reinvention. With Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, a 120Hz AMOLED display, and Ultra HDR cameras, the series promises solid upgrades
📌 Startup News
upGrad allocates Rs 100 crore to support AI startupsIt has launched the upGrad AI Incubator with a ₹100 crore fund to support homegrown AI startups.
The initiative focuses on learning, skilling, and workforce development, providing startups with infrastructure, seed capital, and operational support to drive innovation.
Over the next few months, upGrad plans to take minority stakes in 5-6 AI startups, allowing it to stay ahead in AI advancements. The incubator aims to build adaptive learning paths, smarter assessments, and one-to-many tutoring models for scalable education solutions.
Co-founder Ronnie Screwvala emphasized AI’s critical role in India’s tech growth, calling it “no longer optional” but essential for future job readiness.
Zepto expands presence in Tamil NaduZepto, led by Aadit Palicha, is expanding its quick commerce footprint in Tamil Nadu, reaching cities like Coimbatore, Madurai, and Vellore beyond Chennai.
The startup now operates 20+ dark stores in the state, ensuring 10-minute deliveries with its 15–20 km/h speed limit for delivery partners.
Zepto is also strengthening local connections, sourcing fresh produce from 100+ farmers in Palacode and Pollachi.
Meanwhile, its rapid food delivery arm, Zepto Cafe, has hit 1 lakh daily orders.
📌 Global News
Bitcoin falls to $83,000 markBitcoin took a sharp tumble, dropping over 5% to $83,740 amid intense selling pressure.
The crypto giant is now down nearly 20% from its January peak, shaken by Trump’s tariff threats, high inflation concerns, and last week’s Bybit hack.
ETF outflows have added to the storm, with experts warning BTC could slide further to $74K.
This marks Bitcoin’s worst four-day slump since August, with a staggering $300 billion wiped off the crypto market. Other tokens like Ether and Solana have taken an even bigger hit, falling 7–10%.
Trump to impose 25% tariff on EU importsTrump just announced a 25% tariff on EU imports, mainly targeting cars.
Why?
The U.S. believes it's getting a raw deal. Europe slaps a 10% tariff on American cars, while the U.S. only charges 2.5%.This tariff battle isn’t new, but it’s heating up again. Along with import taxes, U.S. officials are also pointing fingers at Europe's high value-added tax (VAT), which makes American exports pricier.
The move is part of Trump's broader plan to fix trade imbalances, but it could spark retaliation from the EU.
📌 Now, Bolly News
Sanam Teri Kasam re-release box office day 19Sanam Teri Kasam flopped in 2016, making just 8 crores on an 18-crore budget.
But in a surprising twist, its 2025 re-release is a massive hit, now India’s highest-grossing re-release.
Despite competition from Chhaava and others, it has raked in 34.20 crores in 19 days, with a total lifetime collection of 43.20 crores.
The ROI? A whopping 140%, beating even Dear Zindagi and Baaghi!
Chhava box office collection day 13Chhaava is making waves at the box office, nearing ₹400 crore in just 13 days and challenging Padmaavat’s record as the highest-grossing period drama.
The film, delayed due to a clash with Pushpa 2, has been riding high on fan anticipation.
While its global earnings have already crossed ₹500 crore, its domestic run remains strong with consistent ₹20 crore+ daily collections.
Adding to the buzz, Chhattisgarh has declared it tax-free, following Madhya Pradesh and Goa.
So, that’s it for today. If you enjoyed this edition, subscribe to hear from us every day!
See ya 👋
