Category Archives: business

PM Modi In Mumbai Day 2: Bilateral Talks With UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Fintech Fest & More On Agenda; Check Full Schedule

PM Narendra Modi’s Two-Day Visit to Mumbai Enters Crucial Second Day

Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Mumbai entered its second and crucial day on Thursday, October 9, packed with high-level meetings and landmark events.

On the first day, Modi inaugurated the Navi Mumbai International Airport, the Phase 2B stretch of the Mumbai Metro Line-3, and the Mumbai One app—a unified digital mobility platform transforming urban connectivity and infrastructure across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

PM Modi’s Day 2 Schedule

On the second day of his visit, the Prime Minister’s schedule remains tight, featuring back-to-back engagements, including a key bilateral meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is in India on his first official visit at Modi’s invitation. The meeting is viewed as a major step forward in deepening the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi will host Starmer at Mumbai’s Raj Bhavan around 10 am, followed by the India–UK CEO Forum at the Jio World Centre at 1:40 pm. Later in the afternoon, both leaders will address the 6th edition of the Global Fintech Fest 2025, scheduled for 2:45 pm.

10-Year Roadmap Over Free Trade Agreement To Be Discussed During Bilateral Talks

During their bilateral discussions, the two leaders are expected to review the Vision 2035 roadmap, a 10-year plan aligned with the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed in July. The FTA, valued at approximately £6 billion in new investments and export gains, aims to create over 2,200 jobs in the UK while reducing tariffs on British goods entering the Indian market.

The discussions will cover a broad range of strategic areas, including trade and investment, defence cooperation, clean energy transition, digital innovation, education, healthcare, and climate resilience.

Both leaders will also engage with business executives and industry experts to explore emerging opportunities under the proposed India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which is expected to serve as a key pillar in their future economic relationship.

Global Fintech Fest 2025: Empowering Finance for a Better World

At the Global Fintech Fest, innovators, regulators, central bankers, investors, and policymakers from across the world will gather under the theme ‘Empowering Finance for a Better World – Powered by AI, Augmented Intelligence, Innovation, and Inclusion.’

The event highlights the synergy between technology and human insight in shaping an ethical, inclusive, and sustainable financial ecosystem for the future.

For those interested in exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai and surrounding regions, visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/pm-modi-in-mumbai-day-2-bilateral-talks-with-uk-prime-minister-keir-starmer-fintech-fest-more-on-agenda-check-full-schedule

Keep humans in command of AI

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine companies have begun adopting artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations. A recent survey conducted by PwC and the Management Association of the Philippines revealed that 68 percent of chief executive officers (CEOs) have explicitly factored AI into their business plans.

Additionally, the survey found that 60 percent of these companies have already started implementing AI initiatives. This growing trend highlights the increasing importance of AI technology in the Philippine business landscape.

https://business.inquirer.net/551619/keep-humans-in-command-of-ai

Beyond clothes, Bottomless Closet outfits women with tools for success

**Empowering Women in Midtown Manhattan: The Mission of Bottomless Closet**

For over 25 years, Bottomless Closet has been a beacon of hope for New York City women striving to land their next job. Located in Midtown Manhattan, this organization does more than offer career advice and a new outfit—it creates a supportive sisterhood of women across the city who are committed to helping one another succeed.

For Executive Director Melissa Norden, Bottomless Closet’s mission is deeply personal. “Before I came here, I lost my job. I always found I was pretty confident, but having gone through that experience, it knocked me down pretty quickly,” Norden shared.

Bottomless Closet welcomes all women, regardless of the challenges they have faced. “People have gone through homelessness, substance abuse, prison. We’ve all faced something that’s led us to Bottomless Closet’s doorstep,” Norden explained.

The organization offers a comprehensive range of services, including styling sessions, mock interviews, and clothing donations—all designed to reignite a woman’s spark. But the clothes are more than just outfits; they serve as a powerful vehicle for confidence, helping women envision themselves thriving in the professional environments they aspire to join.

“It felt warm walking in, and everyone was so kind. You put the hard work in, you do the time, and now you get the paycheck,” said Kamari Tuitt, a Bottomless Closet client who landed a job after her very first visit.

Through personalized, one-on-one attention, Bottomless Closet equips women with the tools and resources they need to get back on their feet and succeed in their careers.

If you or someone you know could benefit from Bottomless Closet’s support, this remarkable community is ready to welcome you with open arms.
https://abc7.com/videoClip/bottomless-closet-clothes-women-unemployment/17966660/

High Prices Crippling Japan’s Cleaning Sector

Analysts warn that a growing number of companies are now closing down not from sudden shocks, but from what some describe as “giving up” bankruptcies, where owners simply see no path forward.

At a pizza restaurant crowded with after-work customers, one diner remarked, “This is about the cheapest place around.” Yet behind the counter, the struggle to keep prices low is growing.

“Ideally, we’d like to set prices a little higher,” said Anju Kobayashi, manager of the Napolis Akasaka-Hitotsugi Street branch. Ingredients such as pizza dough, ham, and cheese have all risen in price—dough alone costs 20 yen more per piece than last year. A new notice from suppliers shows that from November, the price of dough will jump by 225 yen and cheese by more than 250 yen.

To keep prices unchanged, the store plans to reduce the number of part-time workers from three to two.

From April to September, Teikoku Databank recorded 488 bankruptcies attributed to inflationary pressures, the highest number since comparable data began. Retailers, including restaurants, accounted for more than 20 percent of all cases.

The price surge has also hit small dry-cleaning businesses particularly hard. At a family-run laundry factory, owner Fumiaki Kobayashi voiced concern: “I’m extremely anxious. I don’t need huge profits, but I just want stable work.”

The petroleum-based solvents required for dry cleaning have nearly doubled in price over the past five years. Yet passing those costs on to customers remains difficult. “People are more focused on saving money,” Kobayashi said. “If we raise cleaning fees, customer visits will drop—it’s a vicious cycle.”

Adding to the strain is a broader shift in how people dress. “In the past, almost everyone wore 100 percent cotton dress shirts, but that’s no longer the case,” he explained. Remote work and prolonged heat have accelerated Japan’s casualization, reducing demand for suits and shirts that require professional cleaning.

Faced with this triple burden of inflation, frugality, and casual fashion, analysts warn that more dry-cleaning businesses may soon face “giving up” bankruptcies. Industry-wide, total sales have fallen to about half of what they were 20 years ago, Kobayashi said. “Some of my peers tell me, ‘It’ll probably end with my generation.’”

For many small businesses unable to fully pass on rising costs, the endurance test of holding on shows no sign of ending.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147199.php

Nissan Bets on All-New Leaf to Drive Its Corporate Revival

“The new Leaf has evolved in every aspect—performance, comfort, and efficiency,” said Nissan Japan Marketing Chief Zen Sugimoto.

The most notable feature is its extended driving range: over 700 kilometers on a single charge, roughly 40% longer than the previous model. Charging time has also been significantly reduced, allowing the car to travel up to 250 kilometers after just 15 minutes of charging. With government subsidies applied, the price will be around 3.5 million yen.

For Nissan, the Leaf is a symbolic vehicle. As the world’s first mass-produced electric car, it once shocked the global automotive industry. Former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi commented at the time, “I’m confident it will spread as we move toward a society free from oil dependence.” Former CEO Carlos Ghosn also declared, “As a zero-emission leader, Nissan Leaf marks the first step toward a new era.”

However, the early bet on EVs faced challenges—charging infrastructure lagged behind, and the driving range fell short of consumer expectations. During that time, Tesla rapidly expanded with innovative production methods and cutting-edge technology, rising to dominance in the EV market.

Now that electric vehicles are gradually becoming mainstream in Japan, competition has intensified. Honda recently introduced a mini EV, Suzuki plans to enter the market with a compact EV, and China’s BYD is set to launch its own mini electric model in Japan next year.

Meanwhile, Nissan has been struggling financially, reporting massive net losses, closing seven factories, and cutting 20,000 jobs as part of restructuring measures. The Leaf now represents the company’s hope for revival.

“We take pride in leading Nissan’s brand through electric vehicles,” Sugimoto said. “With this Leaf, we aim to create a world that embodies Re: Nissan.”

Whether the new Leaf can become the symbol of Nissan’s resurgence remains to be seen.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147200.php

TCS skips post-earnings presser to mark Ratan Tata’s death anniversary

**TCS Skips Post-Earnings Press Conference to Mark Ratan Tata’s Death Anniversary**
*By Mudit Dube | October 8, 2025, 04:18 PM*

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s leading IT services company, has cancelled its post-earnings press conference for the second quarter (Q2) results. The event, originally scheduled for October 9, falls on the death anniversary of Ratan Tata, prompting the company to call off the media address out of respect.

While the press conference has been cancelled, an analyst call will still proceed as planned on October 9.

### Honoring Ratan Tata
Ratan Tata, former chairman of the Tata Group and an iconic figure in Indian industry, passed away on October 9, 2024, at the age of 86 due to age-related health issues. TCS’s decision to cancel the media interaction on the anniversary of his death reflects the deep respect for his legacy.

### Board Meeting and Changes in Schedule
Earlier, on September 22, TCS announced a Board of Directors meeting set for October 9. During this meeting, the board is expected to review and approve the audited standalone financial results for the quarter and six-month period ending September 30, 2025.

In a separate filing on September 23, TCS had initially confirmed that its leadership team would address the media at 5:30 PM on October 9, followed by an earnings conference call at 7:00 PM. However, the media address has since been cancelled due to the observance of Ratan Tata’s death anniversary, while the analyst call remains scheduled.

### Market Outlook for TCS Q2 Results
Analysts anticipate moderate revenue growth for TCS in Q2. Some clients are expected to reduce business, and the company might face some share losses.

Axis Securities projects a 3.5% quarter-on-quarter growth in topline revenue, largely driven by the Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) sector, Hi-Tech clients, and favorable cross-currency movements. However, they also forecast a 21-basis-point decline in EBIT margin, attributed to wage increases, higher investments, and lower utilization rates.

Investors are also closely watching TCS’s restructuring efforts, which include plans to separate around 12,000 employees. This move is aimed at sharpening the company’s focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technology priorities.

Stay tuned for further updates on TCS’s Q2 performance and strategic initiatives.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/tcs-cancels-q2-press-conference-due-to-ratan-tata-anniversary/story

PVL: Maddie Madayag still adjusting in return from overseas, Alas

MANILA, Philippines — Maddie Madayag made her comeback for Choco Mucho after a fruitful stint with Kurobe Aquafairies in the Japan V.League and Alas Pilipinas.

Though Madayag saw limited action, she made a huge impact by scoring five points. Her contributions included back-to-back kill blocks that sealed Choco Mucho’s 33-31, 26-24, 25-23 sweep of Capital1 on Tuesday night.

https://sports.inquirer.net/643389/pvl-maddie-madayag-still-adjusting-in-return-from-overseas-alas

Jio introduces safety-first JioBharat phones starting at ₹800

**Jio Introduces Safety-First JioBharat Phones Starting at ₹799**

*By Mudit Dube | Oct 08, 2025, 03:57 PM*

Reliance Jio has unveiled its latest range of JioBharat phones, featuring an innovative “Safety-First” solution aimed at enhancing family connectivity and security. The announcement was made at the India Mobile Congress 2025 (IMC 2025).

The new Safety-First feature enables guardians to monitor their children, elderly parents, and other dependents through a simple and secure interface. Key functionalities include location tracking, control over calls and messages, and real-time updates on battery life and network strength, ensuring peace of mind for families.

**Tailored for Every Member of the Household**

Jio has designed these safety features specifically to cater to the diverse needs of Indian households. For children, the device offers distraction-free connectivity by eliminating social media access. Elderly users benefit from a straightforward phone experience complemented by health and location alerts. Additionally, women can rely on the phone as a dependable safety and connectivity companion when they need it most.

**Empowering Indians Through Technology**

Speaking at IMC 2025, Sunil Dutt, President of Reliance Jio, emphasized the company’s vision: “Technology should serve a deeper purpose to connect and empower every Indian.” He described the JioBharat Safety-First solution as more than just a phone feature—it is a life-enabling innovation designed to provide families with affordable and accessible peace of mind.

**Availability**

The new JioBharat phones featuring the Safety-First solution are now available on various sales platforms, starting at just ₹799.

Stay connected and safeguard your loved ones with Jio’s latest innovation in affordable mobile technology.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/jiobharat-phones-launched-with-enhanced-safety-features/story

Russia mocks America: ‘Civil war is coming’…

A Russian lawmaker has claimed that a civil war is brewing in America, while calling Donald Trump “dumb.” Andrey Lugovoy, a member of the State Duma—the lower chamber of Russia’s parliament—argued that Moscow should take advantage of the deep divisions between Republicans and Democrats to cause a government shutdown.

In a staggering appearance on Russian state TV, Lugovoy said the differences between the two US political parties have reached a point where they are impossible to resolve, and suggested that the Kremlin should interfere. He stated that he does not consider claims of an impending civil war in America to be a conspiracy theory.

Referring to the Republicans and Democrats, Lugovoy said: “They’re currently using political repressions against each other in the most proactive way… Secondly, they will never agree about migration, we’ve heard it from their statements. Of course, we should take advantage of this unsolvable problem.”

He went on to accuse the US of meddling in Russian affairs and argued that Moscow should adopt a more politically aggressive stance.

Lugovoy is a former KGB officer suspected by the UK of involvement in the 2006 murder of ex-Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko in London. Litvinenko died after ingesting radioactive polonium-210, which was believed to have been administered in a cup of tea. Lugovoy has dismissed these accusations as “absurd.”

During his appearance on the state TV show *60 Minutes*, Lugovoy suggested that Russia could be more politically aggressive through outlets like its controlled news channel, Russia Today. Representing the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia—a party considered part of the country’s systemic opposition—he claimed Moscow should buy journalists and politicians abroad.

“We should plant our people into US domestic life,” Lugovoy said, adding that he was “deeply convinced” of placing operatives within the Democratic Party. “We should further pit them [Republicans and Democrats] against each other. We should take advantage of their existing differences. We should drive them not only to an economic shutdown, but a political one. We shouldn’t be shy about it.”

He continued: “They often accuse us of interfering in their elections; we say that we aren’t, we really aren’t, but we should interfere. We are developing our propagandist activities — I mean it in a positive sense — in Europe and America. We should intensify it even more.”

Commentators and guests on Russian state TV often share anti-Western messages. Earlier in his appearance, Lugovoy criticized the US President by saying that Trump “says whatever pops into his head,” and added, “Mr. Trump says things that are obviously dumb from every standpoint.”
https://www.express.co.uk/news/2117945

PVL: ZUS triumphs even as PNVF withholds ITC approvals

RODRIGUEZ, Rizal—On a day meant to showcase international talent, it was the locals who delivered the drama.

ZUS Coffee and Akari opened the PVL Reinforced Conference on Tuesday with thrilling five-set action at Ynares Center Montalban. The match kept fans on the edge of their seats, demonstrating the intense competition the league promises this season.

However, the game proceeded without their highly anticipated imports, who were sidelined by what the league hinted was a strategic move affecting the sport’s international players.

https://sports.inquirer.net/643313/pvl-zus-triumphs-even-as-pnvf-withholds-itc-approvals