ELIXIIR FOODS raises $9 million to build a destination-led, technology-driven grocery...
OpenAI Employee Fired After She Opposed ‘Adult Mode’ In Chat
OpenAI has dismissed one of its senior policy leaders, Ryan Beiermeister, amid controversy surrounding her opposition to a controversial new feature known as “Adult Mode” in ChatGPT. The move has sparked debate about internal disagreements at the company over the future direction of its AI products and how they balance innovation with safety concerns. Beiermeister, who served as Vice President of Product Policy, was reportedly terminated in early January 2026 following a leave of absence. OpenAI has said the decision was based on an allegation of sexual discrimination lodged by a male colleague — a claim Beiermeister strongly denies — but the timing has drawn attention because it came shortly before the planned launch of the adult-oriented mode for ChatGPT. What “Adult Mode” Is and Why It Matters The proposed Adult Mode feature would allow ChatGPT users to engage in adult-oriented conversations and generate erotic content when age verification indicates they are adults. OpenAI’s leadership has defended the feature by saying it aims to treat consenting adults responsibly while providing optional functionality. The plan to introduce this mode represents a major shift in how ChatGPT defines permissible content, and has been central to internal debates at the company over safety,… Read MoreBusiness Archives - Trak.in - Indian Business of Tech, Mobile & Startups
Milk Samples Fom Amul, Country Delight and Mother Dairy Fail Quality...
Several major milk brands — including Amul, Country Delight and Mother Dairy — have recently failed quality tests, raising alarm among consumers about milk safety and standards. Samples from these popular dairy products were found to contain contaminants or issues that did not meet regulatory expectations, prompting food safety inspectors to issue warnings and consider further action. The development has sparked widespread concern, as these brands are among the most widely consumed milk suppliers in India, trusted by millions of households. What Went Wrong in the Milk Quality Tests In government-mandated sampling and testing carried out at multiple dairy testing facilities, authorities reported that certain milk samples did not conform to the prescribed standards for purity, composition and hygiene. While the specific failures varied from brand to brand, common issues included: Presence of contaminants beyond permissible limits Inaccurate fat or solids-not-fat (SNF) content values Indicators of poor handling or storage conditions The findings do not necessarily mean that all batches of milk from these brands are unsafe, but the results suggest lapses in quality control somewhere in the processing or supply chain. Understanding Milk Quality Standards in India Milk sold commercially is expected to adhere to strict quality standards that… Read MoreBusiness Archives - Trak.in - Indian Business of Tech, Mobile & Startups
Social Media Networks Ordered To Remove Unlawful Content In 3 Hours
The Indian government has introduced a much tighter timeline for social media companies and digital platforms to remove unlawful online content, requiring such material to be taken down within three hours of notice. This is a sharp change from the previous framework that allowed up to 36 hours for platforms to act, and represents one of the most rapid takedown requirements in the world. Under the amended Information Technology rules, companies that host user-generated content — including major platforms — must comply with takedown directives quickly or risk losing legal protections granted under Indian law. The new deadline will come into effect soon as part of broader online safety and content regulation reforms. What the Three-Hour Rule Entails The updated digital rules mandate that when a government authority issues a removal notice for unlawful, harmful or illegal content, platforms must: Remove or disable access to that content within three hours of receiving the notice. Act on all categories of unlawful material — including content that affects public order, security, defamation, hate speech or illegal activities. Adjust internal moderation systems and staff responsibilities to meet the accelerated compliance requirements. This shortened compliance window significantly raises the pressure on online platforms to… Read MoreBusiness Archives - Trak.in - Indian Business of Tech, Mobile & Startups
Maharashtra’s Longest Expressway Closed For 10 Days
Maharashtra’s flagship 700-kilometre Samruddhi Expressway — one of the longest and most strategically important high-speed road corridors in the state — will be closed to vehicular traffic for the next 10 days. The closure is necessary to carry out essential repair and maintenance work on key stretches of the expressway to ensure long-term safety and smooth travel conditions. Motorists travelling between major cities such as Mumbai, Nashik, Aurangabad and Nagpur will need to plan alternative routes during this period while maintenance activities are underway. Why the Samruddhi Expressway Is Being Shut Temporarily Highway authorities have scheduled comprehensive maintenance works, including: Repairing damaged pavement sections Reinforcing road shoulders Addressing drainage and surface wear Upgrading signage and safety barriers Officials stressed that periodic maintenance is essential to preserve the expressway’s structural integrity, especially after heavy monsoon seasons, increased vehicle loads and regular usage. What Sections Are Affected by the Closure The temporary closure will apply to selected segments of the Samruddhi Expressway that require attention. These may include: Stretches near major junctions Areas showing early signs of wear Sections where drainage issues have surfaced Exact segment details have been communicated by the expressway operator, and alternative routes have been mapped out for… Read MoreBusiness Archives - Trak.in - Indian Business of Tech, Mobile & Startups
Barbeque Nation Ordered To Stop Charging Service Fees
Barbeque Nation, one of India’s largest casual dining chains, has been directed by the Consumer Protection Authority to stop collecting mandatory service charges from diners. The ruling comes after complaints that the automatic service fee was unfair, non-transparent and not optional, prompting authorities to step in and protect consumers from hidden charges. Under the new directive, Barbeque Nation can no longer add a compulsory service charge to customer bills. The restaurant group must immediately comply with the order and ensure all billing is transparent and optional in nature. Why the CCPA Took Action Against Service Charges The Consumer Protection Authority reviewed multiple complaints from customers who objected to the automatic service charge imposed on bills at Barbeque Nation outlets. Patrons argued that they were being forced to pay extra fees with no clear explanation of how the money was used, what benefit customers received in return, or whether it actually went to service staff. The authority found that compulsory service charges violated consumer rights because: They were often not clearly disclosed upfront Customers had no option to refuse the charge The benefit to consumers was unclear As a result, a decisive ruling was issued to end mandatory service charges at… Read MoreBusiness Archives - Trak.in - Indian Business of Tech, Mobile & Startups
New Bill Introduced In US To End H1B Visa Program Forever
A major immigration reform bill known as the “EXILE Act” has been introduced in the United States Congress with the goal of ending the H-1B visa program entirely. If the legislation is passed, it would mark one of the most dramatic changes to U.S. work-visa policy in decades, reshaping how foreign professionals — particularly those from India and China — secure employment opportunities in the United States. The H-1B program has long been a key route for skilled foreign workers, especially in technology, engineering and specialised sectors. The EXILE Act seeks to eliminate that route, phasing out new H-1B visas so that employers can no longer petition for foreign talent under this category. What the EXILE Act Proposes The EXILE Act — short for the Ending Exploitative Imported Labour Exemptions Act — aims to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to abolish the H-1B visa program. Under the bill: The annual cap of H-1B visas would be reduced to zero starting in fiscal year 2027, effectively ending the program. Employers would no longer be able to file petitions for H-1B workers once the cap reaches zero. The underlying legal provision that permits H-1B visas would be repealed or modified to… Read MoreBusiness Archives - Trak.in - Indian Business of Tech, Mobile & Startups
French Company To Supply 60% Of Mumbai’s Drinking Water By 2030
Mumbai is set for a significant transformation in its water supply system as Veolia, a global water and environmental services company, has secured a contract to supply up to 60% of the city’s drinking water by 2030. The agreement marks one of the largest public-private water supply collaborations in India and reflects growing efforts to modernise Mumbai’s ageing water infrastructure. Under the plan, Veolia will partner with authorities to manage, treat and distribute potable water across large parts of the metropolitan area, with the aim of improving service reliability, reducing wastage and ensuring sustainable access for homes, businesses and institutions. What the Veolia Contract Entails The deal envisages a phased rollout over the next several years, with Veolia assuming responsibility for critical segments of the water value chain, including: Water Treatment Veolia will upgrade and operate treatment facilities to ensure drinking water meets high quality standards, using advanced purification and monitoring technologies. Distribution Network Management The company will help streamline water distribution systems, reduce leakages and improve pressure management so that consumers receive water more consistently. Customer Service and Billing Veolia may also work with local bodies on customer service platforms, metering, billing systems and real-time usage tracking — modernising… Read MoreBusiness Archives - Trak.in - Indian Business of Tech, Mobile & Startups
Rs 6000 Crore To Be Spent For Pune’s 2nd International Airport...
The Maharashtra state cabinet has approved a major financial decision to raise a ₹6,000 crore loan to fund the development of the Purandar Greenfield Airport near Pune. The move marks a significant step forward in the state’s aviation infrastructure push and reinforces Purandar’s position as a key future air connectivity hub. The loan will support land acquisition, runway construction, terminal facilities and other essential infrastructure for what is projected to be one of western India’s largest airports once completed. Why the Purandar Airport Project Matters The Purandar Greenfield Airport is envisioned as a next-generation aviation centre to support rising passenger and cargo demand in and around Pune, one of India’s fastest-growing economic and industrial regions. Current capacity constraints at the existing Pune International Airport have prompted authorities to accelerate plans for a larger, modern facility that can handle future traffic projections. Once operational, the Purandar airport is expected to: Reduce pressure on Pune’s current airport Enhance regional and international connectivity Attract investment and boost economic activity Create jobs in aviation, logistics, tourism and allied sectors The project is also seen as vital for supporting the state’s strategic development goals in the Maharashtra Aviation and Aerospace Policy. Loan Structure and Funding… Read MoreBusiness Archives - Trak.in - Indian Business of Tech, Mobile & Startups



















