News

Google revealed its plans to invest $15 billion in India over the next five years to establish its first artificial intelligence hub in Visakhapatnam. This hub will feature gigawatt-scale data center operations, energy infrastructure, an expanded fiber-optic network, and a new international subsea gateway. The investment highlights India’s importance as a key technology and talent base in the global AI competition, bringing in high-value infrastructure and foreign investment that can boost the country’s digital transformation ambitions.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai discussed the ambitious plans with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who emphasized that the investment aligns with India’s vision of becoming a developed country and democratizing technology. The initiative is set to pioneer a generational shift in AI capability, creating economic and societal opportunities for both India and the United States. Business conglomerate Adani Group has also partnered with Google for developing the AI hub, showcasing the collaborative effort to drive AI innovation and growth across the country.

Amazon.com Inc announced its plan to hire 250,000 workers for the holiday season across its fulfillment and transportation networks in the U.S. This comes as concerns arise about cautious consumer spending due to President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. Despite projections of slower U.S. holiday online sales growth, e-commerce is expected to outshine overall sales growth. Amazon will offer competitive wages and benefits to full-time and part-time employees, as well as seasonal workers, as part of its efforts to support its workforce. With retailers issuing mixed outlooks for the holiday season, Amazon gears up for increased orders and maintains its commitment to investing in its employees’ well-being.

As California faces refinery closures and a transition away from fossil fuels, thousands of oil industry workers are uncertain about their future. The planned closures of the Valero and Phillips 66 refineries in the state will have a significant impact on jobs and communities. With efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, state lawmakers are grappling with how to support displaced workers and provide opportunities for transitioning into new industries.

While initiatives like the Displaced Oil and Gas Worker Fund have provided some support, there is a need for a clear plan to ensure that workers can find new, sustainable employment. As workers navigate this uncertain time, there is a call for stronger policies to protect jobs and support a successful transition for those impacted by the changing energy landscape in California.

Former first lady Michelle Obama is leading the charge to ensure that girls in economically disadvantaged areas have access to education. The Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance has pledged $2.5 million to support grassroots groups working to break down barriers for adolescent girls, from covering school costs to challenging patriarchal practices like child marriage. This initiative aims to create future leaders and ensure that when girls succeed, everyone benefits.

With nearly three-quarters of out-of-school girls worldwide being of secondary school-age, the Girls Opportunity Alliance’s focus on helping girls between ages 10-19 graduate is crucial. As international aid groups warn of budget cuts leading to more girls dropping out of school, the Alliance’s efforts are more important than ever. By providing funding, support, and connections to community leaders, this initiative is making a real difference in the lives of girls who face challenges like child marriage, teenage pregnancy, and school dropout.

A recent survey by HSBC revealed that a significant percentage of wealthy entrepreneurs are considering adding a new residence in the coming year, with Gen Z entrepreneurs leading the pack in wanderlust. Surprisingly, the majority of respondents cited reasons other than tax efficiency for their potential move, such as expanding their business to new markets or gaining access to new investment opportunities. The desire for a better quality of life also ranked high among respondents, showing that taxes are not the sole driving factor for where these entrepreneurs choose to live.

Despite the potential wealth tax proposal in France and recent tax changes in the U.K. causing concerns about a wealth exodus, the survey found that interest in moving among U.S. respondents was relatively low. Those who did express interest in moving were more likely to prioritize experiencing a new culture over other factors. Switzerland emerged as a standout destination where attaining a better quality of life was a major draw, reflecting the diverse motivations driving high-net-worth individuals in their relocation decisions.

After 13 years at Microsoft, principal software engineer Scott Sutfin-Glowski is resigning due to the company’s continued sale of cloud services to the Israeli military amidst the conflict in Gaza. In a letter to colleagues, Sutfin-Glowski cited his refusal to support what he considers to be “the worst atrocities of our time.” The engineer’s departure follows ongoing protests from employees regarding Microsoft’s business ties with the Israeli military, resulting in the firing of five employees. Despite Microsoft’s previous statement about halting certain services to an Israeli Ministry of Defense division, controversies regarding the use of Microsoft products by the military persist, leading to Sutfin-Glowski’s decision to leave the company.

Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian reassured CNBC that the airline’s operations are currently unaffected by the federal government shutdown, but expressed concerns that if the shutdown extends another 10 days, there could be potential disruptions. This comes as more than 13,000 U.S. flights faced delays this week, with shortages of air traffic controllers being a contributing factor.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted a slight increase in sick calls among air traffic controllers, further exacerbating concerns about the strain on the aviation industry. With thousands of federal employees, including air traffic controllers and TSA officers, working without pay, the situation is becoming increasingly precarious. While Delta has not experienced any negative impacts yet, Bastian stressed the need for a prompt resolution to avoid potential disruptions in the near future.