THE HOT STORY

TCS layoffs herald AI shakeup, experts say

The decision by Indian tech giant Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to cut over 12,000 jobs signals the start of a broader AI-fuelled trend that could eliminate up to 500,000 roles from the $283bn outsourcing sector over the next two to three years, experts say. "About 400,000 to 500,000 professionals are at risk of being laid off over the next two to three years as their skills don't match client demands," observed Gaurav Vasu, the founder of tech market intelligence firm UnearthInsight, who added that about 70% of those layoffs would affect workers with 4-12 years' experience. "This [fear stemming from TCS layoffs] may hurt consumer demand for tourism, luxury shopping and even delay long-term investments such as real estate," Vasu said.

Reuters

ECONOMY

India fights back against US tariffs

India has condemned the US's new 25% tariff on its goods, calling it "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable." Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India will protect its farmers and fishermen. The total tariff now stands at 50%, one of the highest globally. Indian lawmakers, including Rahul Gandhi, labelled the tariffs as "economic blackmail." Economists suggest India should diversify its trade partners, with a focus on the UK and EU. The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry expressed concern over the tariffs' impact, urging government intervention to support exporters facing significant challenges.

Chinadaily US Edition

SUSTAINABILITY

OECD warns of rising plastic pollution

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) warns that plastic waste leakage in Southeast Asia, China, Japan, and South Korea could rise by nearly 70% by 2050 without effective intervention. The OECD's Regional Plastics Outlook report highlights that 8.4m tons of plastic waste leaked into the environment in 2022. It notes that informal practices, such as open burning and dumping, are prevalent in many ASEAN countries. The report projects that annual leakage could reach 14.1m tons by 2050, with 5.1m tons entering rivers and oceans.

South China Morning Post

WORKFORCE

Alibaba and Meituan fight for customers with free drinks

South China Morning Post reports on how Shanghai delivery rider Xie Yu has experienced a significant increase in orders during the past week due to the "free drinks war" between food delivery giants Alibaba Group Holding and Meituan. The price war has been an extension of a broader price war designed to draw more consumers to their respective platforms. Alibaba launched the Taobao Instant Commerce service in April, facilitating rapid deliveries for various products, including food, electronics, and flowers. Meanwhile, Meituan announced its free drinks promotion, offering 1m free cups of milk tea over seven days. Both companies tagged their campaigns as "the first cup of milk tea in autumn", a viral meme in China since 2020 that encouraged tea enthusiasts to indulge in liqiu day, a traditional solar term marking the beginning of autumn.

South China Morning Post

LEGAL

Chinese woman charged under Australia's foreign interference laws

A Chinese citizen has been charged under Australia's foreign interference laws for allegedly gathering information on an Australian Buddhist association. The woman, a permanent resident in Canberra, is the third individual charged since the laws were enacted in 2018. Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt said that she is the first to be accused of interfering with the general population. This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding foreign influence in Australia.

Washingtonpost.com

STRATEGY

Paytm slashes workforce by 10%

Payments platform Paytm has reduced its workforce by approximately 10%, equating to around 4,600 employees, as part of a restructuring plan aimed at enhancing efficiency and focusing on core operations. The average employee count fell from 43,960 in FY24 to 39,368 in FY25. The company reported a significant decrease in employee-related costs, from ₹3,124 crore to ₹2,473 crore, saving ₹650 crore. Founder and CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma said: "We aim to expand into insurance and wealth solutions." The restructuring follows regulatory challenges faced by Paytm Payments Bank.

The Tech Portal

Nissan exits car production in India

Nissan Motor has sold its 51% stake in an Indian manufacturing joint venture to Renault for INR 35.3bn (US$404m). The sale leaves Nissan without direct production capacity in India. The joint venture, now a fully-owned Renault subsidiary, will continue to produce Nissan vehicles through contract manufacturing.

Automotive World

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Vocational training programme for sex workers in Mumbai

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has launched a skills training programme aimed at empowering women involved in sex work. The initiative focuses on integrating these women into society by providing essential skills for personal and economic independence. The programme includes training in digital literacy, Mehndi (henna) application, beautician services, and sewing techniques. Sixty-one participants have already enrolled. Municipal commissioner Kailas Shinde said the programme "stands as a beacon of progress, offering new pathways and opportunities for women seeking to transition from prostitution to alternative livelihoods."

The Times of India

TAX

Chinese authorities clear actress of tax evasion allegations

Chinese actress Liu Xiaoqing has been cleared of tax evasion allegations by the Shanghai tax authorities. The investigation, conducted by the fourth inspection bureau of the Shanghai Municipal Tax Service, found no evidence of wrongdoing. Liu said on Weibo: "The tax authorities have completed their investigation and found no irregularities as alleged." The allegations originated from an individual named Wang, who claimed Liu engaged in tax evasion through her businesses. Liu denied these claims, asserting that they were malicious and retaliatory after losing a court case against her.

Chinadaily US Edition

INTERNATIONAL

US targets UN aviation gender program

The United States is pushing to rename and defund the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Gender Equality Programme, advocating for it to be called the Empowerment Program for Women "in order to remove the ideological term of 'gender.'" A working paper ahead of the UN agency's triennial assembly which starts on September 23 said: "The United States recognizes anticipated future personnel shortages in the global aviation industry, including the future need for highly trained professionals . . . However, we do not support programs that grant preferences based on sex or other characteristics other than individual merit." The move aligns with President Donald Trump's administration's broader efforts to dismantle diversity policies.

U.S. News

Philippines to set up new migrant workers office in Nigeria

The Philippines' Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) plans to open an office in Abuja, Nigeria, to support overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the region. The office will also assist OFWs in several West African countries, including Senegal and Ghana. DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac highlighted the growing labour market in West Africa, and noted the need for ethical recruitment and worker protection. The office aims to provide direct legal, medical, financial, and humanitarian services. Cacdac and officials will visit Nigeria and Liberia to engage with OFW communities and prepare for the office's establishment.

Khaleej Times Online

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