General Awareness

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY - August 2025

Aug 2025

Feb 28, 2026

Smartphone Makers May Get Production Linked Incentive Scheme 2.0

India is reportedly considering a second phase of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for electronics, with smartphone makers among potential beneficiaries. Government officials and industry bodies are evaluating policy design to sustain domestic manufacturing momentum beyond the current programme, which ends next year. PLI 2.0 could extend incentives, refine eligibility, and address global competition and supply chain challenges, particularly from China. The move aims to attract investment, create jobs, and boost export potential in the electronics sector, while maintaining India’s push for localised supply chains and self-reliant manufacturing. Industry groups stress timely policy design to avoid implementation gaps.

Possible second phase of Electronics PLI; smartphones likely beneficiaries.
Policy to extend incentives and refine eligibility criteria.
Aims to sustain domestic manufacturing and exports.
Considerations include global competition and supply chains.

Paramount Skydance Wins Warner Bid as Netflix Walks Away

Paramount Skydance emerged as the winner in a months-long bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery after Netflix declined to raise its offer. The deal would place CNN, HBO, and Nickelodeon under the Ellison-led group if regulators approve. Warner Bros. Discovery’s board has signaled ongoing discussions with Netflix, but Paramount Skydance’s higher bid is advancing as the main path to a combined company. The negotiations involve financing and regulatory considerations, with executives stressing potential shareholder value amid industry consolidation. The outcome could reshape content distribution, rights, and production strategies across the global entertainment landscape.

Netflix chose not to raise its bid; Paramount Skydance remains in the lead.
Potential assets include CNN, HBO, and Nickelodeon under PSky.
Regulatory and financing considerations are central to the deal.
Impact could affect global content rights and production networks.

Feb 27, 2026

South Central Railway launches Rail Parcel App

South Central Railway unveiled a next‑generation Rail Parcel App at Rail Nilayam, Secunderabad, creating a digital e‑marketplace to transform freight logistics. The app offers end‑to‑end services, including doorstep pickup and delivery, real‑time tracking, automated notifications and secure digital payments. Initial pilots run across seven locations, including Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Bengaluru. General Manager Sanjay Kumar Srivastava inaugurated the platform, highlighting its role in eliminating long queues and delivering parcel services to customers’ fingertips. Separately, SCR signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IIM Bangalore to study the freight logistics market and to align rail operations with India’s cargo target of 3,000 million tonnes by 2030.

Rail Parcel App introduces end‑to‑end freight services with doorstep pickup and delivery.
Features include real‑time tracking, notifications and digital payments.
Pilot rollout covers seven locations, including Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Bengaluru.
A collaboration with IIM Bangalore will study freight logistics and infrastructure gaps.
The initiative supports India’s target of 3,000 million tonnes of cargo by 2030.

Feb 25, 2026

Slice Small Finance Bank appoints Rajan Bajaj as MD & CEO

Slice Small Finance Bank appointed its founder Rajan Bajaj as managing director and chief executive officer. The appointment, approved by the bank’s board, shareholders, and the Reserve Bank of India, reflects confidence in Bajaj’s digital-first leadership. Bajaj, IIT Kharagpur alumnus, founded Slice in 2016 as a Bengaluru fintech offering innovative credit and payment solutions for young and underserved customers. After a 2024 merger with North East Small Finance Bank, Slice became a fully regulated small finance bank. Bajaj succeeds Satish Kumar Kalra, with plans to expand credit access and digital banking services across the customer base.

Rajan Bajaj appointed MD & CEO of Slice SFB.
Approval from RBI, board, and shareholders.
Founder of Slice since 2016; fintech focus on underserved customers.
2024 merger with North East Small Finance Bank completed.
Aims to expand digital lending and payments.

Feb 23, 2026

Annu Gupta Named CEO – International Business at Haldiram’s

Annu Gupta has been appointed Chief Executive Officer – International Business at Haldiram Snacks Food Pvt. Ltd. He succeeds after a 13-year stint at Britannia Industries, where he most recently served as CEO – International Business. Gupta announced on LinkedIn his excitement to take on the new role. With nearly three decades in FMCG, he brings expertise in scaling international businesses, especially across the Middle East and Africa. The appointment signals Haldiram’s focus on expanding global markets and strengthening its international brand presence in a competitive sector.

Annu Gupta appointed CEO – International Business at Haldiram’s.
Previously 13 years at Britannia as CEO – International Business.
Nearly three decades in the FMCG sector.
Focus on expanding global markets, particularly in the Middle East and Africa.
Announcement shared on LinkedIn.

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

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