General Awareness

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY - October 2021

Oct 2021

Feb 22, 2026

Asha Sharma Appointed CEO of Microsoft Gaming and Xbox Head

Microsoft named Asha Sharma as the new Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Gaming and head of Xbox in a 2026 leadership transition. Sharma, of Indian origin, replaces Phil Spencer, who is retiring after leading the division since 2014. The appointment signals a shift for the company as it balances console gaming with artificial intelligence innovation. Sharma is expected to steer product strategy, developer relations, and partnerships across Xbox and related services, while Microsoft pursues growth in cloud gaming and cross‑device experiences. The move marks a milestone for Indian-origin executives in global tech leadership roles.

Asha Sharma named CEO of Microsoft Gaming and head of Xbox
Replaces Phil Spencer, retiring after 2014 leadership
Indicates strategic shift toward console gaming and AI
Role includes product strategy, partnerships, developer relations
Milestone for Indian-origin executives in tech

Feb 21, 2026

Amazon surpasses Walmart in 2025 revenue, becoming the largest company by annual revenue in 2026

Amazon has reportedly surpassed Walmart to become the world’s largest company by annual revenue for 2025. Amazon reported 717 billion dollars in sales for fiscal year 2025, edging past Walmart’s 713.2 billion dollars for the 12 months ending 31 January 2026. The milestone underscores Amazon’s expansion beyond retail into cloud computing and AI-driven infrastructure, reshaping the global corporate landscape. Analysts note that the shift reflects evolving business models, logistics networks, and data-driven strategies that broaden Amazon’s revenue base beyond traditional retail activities.

Amazon reports 717 billion USD in 2025 revenue
Walmart reports 713.2 billion USD for year ending 31 Jan 2026
Amazon overtakes Walmart as largest company by revenue
Growth driven by cloud, AI and infrastructure services
Significant implications for global retail and tech sectors
Marks a major shift in corporate rankings

Feb 19, 2026

Top-5 richest cities in India by GDP 2026

An analysis of gross domestic product places Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Chennai among the five richest Indian cities by GDP for 2026. The piece discusses how these cities have developed diversified economies—finance and services in Mumbai and Delhi; manufacturing and IT in Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata—driving job creation, tax incomes, and infrastructure investment. It notes continued urban growth and the need for sound urban planning to manage congested transport, housing affordability, and resource demand while sustaining growth. The ranking highlights economic disparities and growth potential across major Indian metros in 2026. The analysis underscores investment opportunities in fintech, logistics, and smart city initiatives.

Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai top GDP 2026.
Economies span finance, services, manufacturing, IT.
Urban planning and housing affordability challenges noted.
Growth opportunities in fintech, logistics, smart cities.
Shows widening disparities among major metros.

Feb 18, 2026

Kotak Mahindra and DCB Bank Name New Directors

Kotak Mahindra Bank announced the appointment of Ramesh Iyer as an additional and independent director for a four‑year term, effective 17 February 2026. The bank also noted that Dr. Ashok Gulati will retire as an independent director on 5 March 2026. Separately, DCB Bank approved Suhail Nathani as an independent director for a three‑year term, effective 18 February 2026. The changes reflect ongoing governance refresh in major Indian lenders and align with broader board‑level reforms in the sector. ([newindianexpress.com](https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2026/Feb/06/hyderabad-set-to-host-bioasia-summit-2026?utm_source=openai))

Ramesh Iyer appointed for four years
Dr. Ashok Gulati to retire in March 2026
DCB Bank appoints Suhail Nathani as independent director
Board refresh aligns with governance norms
Effective dates: 17–18 February 2026

IOB Launches Online Death Claim Settlement Portal

Indian Overseas Bank launched an Online Death Claim Settlement Portal to provide a secure, time‑bound digital solution for families and legal heirs. The portal centralizes the death claim process, enabling claim initiation and completion online with status tracking. The move reflects the bank’s digital transformation while emphasising a compassionate, human‑centred approach during sensitive times. By offering a one‑stop platform, IOB aims to improve transparency, reduce processing times, and simplify documentation. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to modernize public sector banking through end‑to‑end online services. ([metroindia.net](https://www.metroindia.net/news/articlenews/hyderabad-to-host-bioasia--35143?utm_source=openai))

Online Death Claim Portal launched
Secure, end‑to‑end digital process
Aims to reduce processing times
Improves transparency for claimants
Part of broader digitisation in banking

Feb 14, 2026

Deepak Gupta named CMD of GAIL; leadership transition aligned with March 2026 start

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) has appointed Deepak Gupta, Director (Projects) at GAIL (India) Ltd, as Chairman and Managing Director of the company. The regulatory filing states that Gupta assumes charge on or after 1 March 2026, date to be confirmed. This leadership change comes as India expands its natural gas network and city gas projects. Gupta is expected to drive project execution, strategic planning for LNG imports, and network expansion while upholding corporate governance and sound financial management at GAIL. The appointment signals continuity amid ongoing energy infrastructure development.

Appointer: MoPNG
New CMD: Deepak Gupta, GAIL (India) Ltd
Effective date: on or after 1 March 2026
Role: leadership of GAIL, project execution
Context: expansion of gas networks and LNG planning
Governance: emphasis on corporate discipline

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