Category: Communications

Acting on the Central Government’s directive to investigate Infosys’ recent layoffs of freshers at its Mysuru campus, Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad spoke with the company’s management.

Lad met with senior officials from the Labour Department and Infosys at Bengaluru’s Vikas Soudha. He urged greater transparency in layoffs, consistent recruitment policies across IT firms, a stress-free work environment, and the challenges female employees face.

The minister told the company officials, “We don’t know what industry practices are because we don’t meet and discuss them frequently. We only meet for things like signing MOUs, but are yet to understand labour practices. We should have more interactions. You must build a consensus with the government so we are more aligned on the matter, because when people ask us questions we are clueless. Being a second-term minister, I’m trying to understand the process. Only when I sit and speak with you, I can upgrade myself, get better insights and analyse the complaints.”

Infosys management officials stated that the criteria for termination is over two consecutive years of under-performance.

“For performance-based terminations, we have a certain policy. If someone has been a low performer for two years continuously, we have a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). If they clear the 60-90 days PIP, they can continue with us. Otherwise, we show them a show-cause notice and issue them termination. It’s never sudden. We also call them and tell them they’re not performing. The person can always opt to resign and we give them additional months of salary so they can find a job somewhere else.”

Lad also highlighted complaints about the IT industry hiring aggressively, only to bench thousands and trim the workforce when projects decline to maintain profitability, to which the company officials replied the percentage of those being terminated annually is less than 1%. He said Infosys currently has 20,000-25,000 people on the bench. The Hindu BusinessLine

Salary increments in India’s USD 250 billion IT services sector are projected to be moderate in fiscal year 2025, as companies navigate a complex landscape of global economic uncertainties, evolving skill demands, and the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), according to experts.

Industry experts predict an average wage increase of 4-8.5 per cent, a notable step down from previous years, signalling a shift towards more pragmatic compensation strategies.

“The outlook for salary hikes this year is quite cautious,” noted Krishna Vij, VP, of TeamLease Digital.

Industry players are looking at increments in the 4 per cent to 8.5 per cent range, which is lower than what we’ve seen in previous years. This slowdown is largely due to global economic challenges, reduced discretionary spending, and shifting business priorities.

” Companies are being more conservative with their salary budgets, and many have even pushed their appraisal cycles beyond the usual April-June period”, she said, which has made salary revisions less predictable in the current scenario.

“Organisations are shifting to skills-based pay, leveraging Tier II hiring for cost efficiency. Instead of salary hikes, retention bonuses, ESOPs, and project-based incentives are being implemented as compensation strategies,” Vij said.

Reed & Willow CEO Janoo Motiani also gave a similar expected hike range, pegging it between 5-8.5 per cent.

“The days of double-digit hikes seem behind us–at least for now. The industry is settling into a more pragmatic rhythm, with average hikes expected to hover between 5 per cent and 8.5 per cent. This aligns with the cautious optimism seen across the sector” she said.

“TCS has taken the lead, announcing hikes ranging from 4-8 per cent effective April 2025, setting the tone for the rest of the industry. However, Infosys, HCLTech, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra are holding off on final announcements, likely waiting to gauge market movements in Q2 before locking in their plans,” she shared.

While this might seem like a conservative approach, she said, it reflects the market reality–tempered growth, the rise of AI-led efficiencies, and shifting client demands are influencing how companies allocate compensation budgets.

Salary increments in India’s USD 250 billion IT services sector are projected to be moderate in fiscal year 2025, as companies navigate a complex landscape of global economic uncertainties, evolving skill demands, and the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), according to experts.

Industry experts predict an average wage increase of 4-8.5 per cent, a notable step down from previous years, signalling a shift towards more pragmatic compensation strategies.

“The outlook for salary hikes this year is quite cautious,” noted Krishna Vij, VP, of TeamLease Digital.

Industry players are looking at increments in the 4 per cent to 8.5 per cent range, which is lower than what we’ve seen in previous years. This slowdown is largely due to global economic challenges, reduced discretionary spending, and shifting business priorities.

” Companies are being more conservative with their salary budgets, and many have even pushed their appraisal cycles beyond the usual April-June period”, she said, which has made salary revisions less predictable in the current scenario.

“Organisations are shifting to skills-based pay, leveraging Tier II hiring for cost efficiency. Instead of salary hikes, retention bonuses, ESOPs, and project-based incentives are being implemented as compensation strategies,” Vij said.

Reed & Willow CEO Janoo Motiani also gave a similar expected hike range, pegging it between 5-8.5 per cent.

“The days of double-digit hikes seem behind us–at least for now. The industry is settling into a more pragmatic rhythm, with average hikes expected to hover between 5 per cent and 8.5 per cent. This aligns with the cautious optimism seen across the sector” she said.

“TCS has taken the lead, announcing hikes ranging from 4-8 per cent effective April 2025, setting the tone for the rest of the industry. However, Infosys, HCLTech, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra are holding off on final announcements, likely waiting to gauge market movements in Q2 before locking in their plans,” she shared.

While this might seem like a conservative approach, she said, it reflects the market reality–tempered growth, the rise of AI-led efficiencies, and shifting client demands are influencing how companies allocate compensation budgets.

“Demand is driven by digital transformation, GCC expansion, and talent scarcity. Niche roles like DevOps, data science, and blockchain development are also seeing premium hikes, especially for experienced professionals with specialised skills,” she added.

Adecco India observes a shift towards more agile performance management, with companies increasingly adopting mid-year or quarterly reviews to align compensation more dynamically with performance.

Further, companies are prioritising upskilling and reskilling initiatives to bridge skill gaps, and employees who actively participate in learning programs may see better salary growth and career progression.

Non-monetary benefits like flexible work, healthcare, and wellness programs are also becoming crucial retention tools, especially for companies unable to offer top-tier salary hikes.

According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the IT industry accounted for 7 per cent of India’s GDP, as of FY24. PTI

Bangladesh interim government’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has invited top US businessman and Chief Executive Officer of SpaceX Elon Musk to visit the country and launch Starlink satellite internet service in the country.

In a letter on February 19, Yunus told Musk that his visit to Bangladesh would allow him to meet young Bangladeshi men and women who would be among the main beneficiaries of this leading technology.

“Let us work together to deliver our mutual vision for a better future,” he said in the letter.

“Integrating Starlink’s connectivity into Bangladesh’s infrastructure will have a transformational impact, particularly for Bangladesh’s enterprising youth, rural and vulnerable women, and remote and underserved communities,” state-run BSS news agency reported on Sunday, quoting the letter.

Yunus also asked his High Representative, Khalilur Rahman, to coordinate closely with his SpaceX team to ensure completion of the necessary work to make Starlink ready for launch in Bangladesh within the next 90 working days.

On February 13, Yunus held an extensive telephonic discussion with Musk to explore future collaboration and to make further progress in introducing Starlink satellite internet services in Bangladesh. PTI

US negotiators pressing Kyiv for access to Ukraine’s critical minerals have raised the possibility of cutting the country’s access to Elon Musk’s vital Starlink satellite internet system.

Ukraine’s continued access to SpaceX-owned Starlink was brought up in discussions between US and Ukrainian officials after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy turned down an initial proposal from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Starlink provides crucial internet connectivity to war-torn Ukraine and its military.

The issue was raised again on Thursday during meetings between Keith Kellogg, the US special Ukraine envoy, and Zelenskiy, said one of the sources, who was briefed on the talks.

During the meeting, Ukraine was told it faced imminent shutoff of the service if it did not reach a deal on critical minerals, said the source, who requested anonymity to discuss closed negotiations.

“Ukraine runs on Starlink. They consider it their North Star,” said the source. “Losing Starlink … would be a massive blow.”

Zelenskiy has rejected demands from President Donald Trump’s administration for $500 billion in mineral wealth from Ukraine to repay Washington for wartime aid, saying the US has offered no specific security guarantees.

On Friday, the Ukrainian president said the US and Ukrainian teams were working on an agreement and Trump said he expects a deal will be signed soon.

Musk rushed thousands of Starlink terminals to Ukraine to replace communications services destroyed by Russia after its February 2022 invasion. Hailed as a hero in Ukraine, Musk later curtailed access at least once before in the fall of 2022 as he became more critical of Kyiv’s handling of the war.

US lawmakers are divided over Trump’s efforts to find a quick end to the Ukraine war and some have raised questions about Musk’s rapid-fire efforts to cull thousands of federal workers and shut down Federal agencies.

Melinda Haring, a senior fellow with the Atlantic Council, said Starlink was essential for Ukraine’s operation of drones, a key pillar of its military strategy.

“Losing Starlink would be a game changer,” Haring said, noting that Ukraine was now at 1:1 parity with Russia in terms of drone usage and artillery shells. Ukraine has a wide range of different drone capabilities, ranging from sea drones and surveillance drones to long-range unmanned aerial vehicles.

The Ukrainian embassy in Washington, the White House and the US Department of Defense did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

SpaceX, which operates Starlink, also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Last fall, Ukraine floated the idea of opening its critical minerals to investment by allies. This was part of a “victory plan” that sought to put it in the strongest position for talks and force Moscow to the table.

Trump has embraced the idea, saying he wants Ukraine to supply the US with rare earths and other minerals in return for financially supporting its war effort.

Zelenskiy rejected a detailed US proposal last week that would have seen Washington and US firms receiving 50% of Ukraine’s critical minerals, which include graphite, uranium, titanium and lithium, a key component in electric car batteries.

Since then a rift has emerged between the leaders, with Trump denouncing Zelenskiy as “a dictator without elections” on Wednesday after Zelenskiy said Trump was trapped in a Russian disinformation bubble, a response to the US president suggesting Ukraine started the war. Reuters

South Africa’s biggest mobile operator Vodacom aims to accelerate group core profit growth into a double-digit rise from 7.8% in its latest annual results, with more customers and targeted financial services growth.

Chief Executive Shameel Joosub and Chief Financial Officer Raisibe Morathi hosted shareholders and potential investors to share the operator’s “Vision 2030”, where they laid out medium-term plans to grow on the continent.

The targeted normalised group earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) growth of double-digits for 2025 to 2030 is an upgrade from the existing target of high single-digit growth for 2024 to 2027.

In its latest results for the year ended March 31, Vodacom reported group EBITDA growth of 7.8% on a pro-forma basis. On a reported basis, EBITDA grew by 24.3%.

According to presentation slides on its website, future growth will be supported by an increase of 50 million customers to reach 260 million customers across eight African countries by 2030. It also expects to add more than 35 million financial services customers from the current 85 million as smartphone penetration grows from 63% to 75%.

Mobile operators have been expanding in financial services across Africa, where a large part of the population does not have good access to traditional banking. They see fintech and digital services as quick revenue generators.

Vodacom, majority-owned by British Vodafone, is targeting financial services revenue growth of between 15% and 20% by 2030, as it scales beyond core financial services, introducing products and services such as wealth management.

Overall, full-year group revenue is seen accelerating to just over 200 billion rand ($10.80 billion) by 2030, from 151 billion rand in 2025, according to the presentation slides. Reuters

Dutch chipmaking parts supplier BE Semiconductor Industries (Besi) forecast an unexpected sales drop for the first quarter on Thursday, as weakness in its traditional markets offsets positive AI related orders.

The chip assembly equipment maker expects its quarterly sales to fall by up to 10% from the 153.4 million euros ($159.9 million) it reported for the final quarter of 2024.

Analysts were expecting revenue to grow to 170.2 million euros in the first quarter, according to LSEG’s IBES data.

Degroof Petercam analyst Michael Roeg said the first quarter guidance came well below market expectations, while fourth quarter results were a broad miss, with order bookings significantly below estimates.

Bookings, an important metric to forecast future growth, were 121.9 million euros in the fourth quarter, against analysts’ estimate of 171 million euros in a Visible Alpha consensus.

“We enter the year 2025 with cautious optimism based on strong momentum in our advanced die placement solutions for AI applications partially offset by ongoing weakness in mainstream automotive, smart phone, industrial and Chinese end-user markets,” CEO Richard Blickman said in a statement.

Investors are banking on growing orders for Besi’s hybrid bonding solutions and the company’s first-mover advantage amid a surge in demand for AI-enabling technology.

But its traditional markets – tools destined for the production of chips used in cars and smartphones – are facing a more than two year long downturn, as manufacturers push back orders to manage their excess manufacturing capacity.

Besi said it expects recovery in the mainstream assembly markets to start only in the second half of 2025, which will also depend on end market trends and the course of global trade restrictions. US News

A total of 23 defendants, including key members of several major telecom fraud groups based in northern Myanmar stood trial in China on multiple charges including crimes that had killed 14 Chinese nationals and injured six others.

A local court in Wenzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, heard the case from Feb. 14 to 19.

The defendants included Mg Myin Shaunt Phyin and Ma Thiri Maung, ringleaders of a criminal gang led by their family, as well as major members of the gang and members of other related gangs who served as the “sponsors” of the family’s criminal activities.

They were facing 11 counts of criminal charges including fraud, intentional homicide, intentional injury, illegal detention, operating casinos, drug trafficking, and organizing prostitution.

According to the prosecutors, the defendants took advantage of the family’s influence in relevant areas in northern Myanmar and set up several compounds to house criminal gangs, providing armed protection for the operations of the “sponsors” and colluding with them in relevant crimes, such as telecom fraud schemes targeting people in China.

The gambling and fraud crimes involved funds of more than 10 billion yuan (about 1.4 billion U.S. dollars) and caused the deaths of 14 Chinese nationals and injuries to six other Chinese, the indictment said.

In a high-profile incident, on Oct. 20, 2023, the gang, in collaboration with the “sponsors,” organized armed escorts to relocate people working for their gangs in an attempt to evade an upcoming crackdown.

During the relocation, some individuals attempted to escape but were shot by the armed escorts, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.

At the trial, prosecutors presented evidence and each defendant and their lawyers examined it. Both sides gave their respective accounts, and the defendants made their respective final statements.

More than 100 people, including Chinese legislators, political advisors, journalists, family members of those involved, and members of the public, observed the court proceedings.

The verdict will be announced in due course.

In addition to the latest trial, several thousand other suspects linked to the criminal groups have been put under investigation after they were linked to more than 10,000 reported telecom fraud cases.

A prior official statement emphasized that the handling of the case reflects China’s dedication to protecting the legitimate rights and interests of the nation and its citizens.

The crimes partially took place within Chinese borders, specifically targeted Chinese citizens, and jeopardized the shared interests of the international community, thus granting China jurisdiction under its Criminal Law and international treaties, according to procuratorial sources. Xinhua

South Korea’s data protection regulator has alleged that Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek’s chatbot shared user data with ByteDance, the owner of social media giant TikTok, according to a report by Yonhap News.

On Sunday, the South Korean government temporarily halted new downloads of DeepSeek due to concerns over its data collection practices.

“We confirmed DeepSeek communicating with ByteDance,” a South Korean Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) official told Yonhap News. However, the government has yet to confirm the extent of data sharing between the two Chinese tech companies. The PIPC has also issued a formal request to DeepSeek for clarification regarding its data collection and management practices.

DeepSeek is a generative AI built by a Chinese artificial intelligence startup known for developing advanced chatbot technology powered by large language models (LLMs). It has gained recognition for its sophisticated natural language processing capabilities, competing with global AI giants like OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

DeepSeek’s rapid expansion into international markets, including South Korea, has raised concerns over data privacy.

This is the first time a regulator has confirmed potential leaks of user data by DeepSeek to a third party.

TikTok, owned by Chinese tech company ByteDance, has also faced scrutiny worldwide over national security and data privacy concerns. In 2020, India permanently banned TikTok, along with several other Chinese apps, citing threats to national security and data sovereignty.

The US has also attempted to restrict TikTok’s operations, with lawmakers arguing that the app could share user data with the Chinese government. While India enforced an outright ban, the US has considered legislative actions and forced divestment to address these concerns, keeping TikTok under continued regulatory pressure. On Monday, both Google and Apple restored TikTok on their app stores following assurances in a letter from US Attorney General Pam Bondi that a ban on the app wouldn’t immediately be enforced. The two companies had removed TikTok in the US last month to comply with a law passed in 2024. Business Standard

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he intends to impose auto tariffs in the neighborhood of 25% and similar duties on semiconductors and pharmaceutical imports, the latest in a series of measures threatening to upend international trade.

Trump said levies on automobiles would come as soon as April 2, the day after members of his cabinet are due to deliver reports to him outlining options for a range of import duties as he seeks to reshape global trade.

Trump has long railed against what he calls the unfair treatment of US automotive exports in foreign markets.

The European Union, for instance, collects a 10% duty on vehicle imports, four times the US passenger car tariff rate of 2.5%. The US, though, collects a 25% tariff on pickup trucks from countries other than Mexico and Canada, a tax that makes the vehicles highly profitable for Detroit automakers.

EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic will meet with US counterparts – Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Trump’s nominee to be US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett – in Washington on Wednesday to discuss the various tariffs threatened by Trump.

Asked whether the EU could avoid reciprocal tariffs he proposed last week, Trump repeated his claim that the EU had already signaled it would lower its tariffs on US cars to the US rate, although EU lawmakers have denied doing so.

He said he would press EU officials to increase US imports of cars and other products.

Pharma, chips duties
Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on Tuesday that sectoral tariffs on pharmaceuticals and semiconductor chips would also start at “25% or higher”, rising substantially over the course of a year.

He did not provide a date for announcing those duties and said he wanted to provide some time for drug and chip makers to set up US factories so that they can avoid tariffs.

Trump said he expected some of the biggest companies in the world to announce new investments in the United States in the next couple of weeks. He provided no further details.

Since his inauguration four weeks ago, Trump has imposed a 10% tariff on all imports from China, on top of existing levies, over China’s failure to halt fentanyl trafficking. He also announced, and then delayed for a month, 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and non-energy imports from Canada.

He has also set a March 12 start date for 25% tariffs on all imported steel and aluminum, eliminating exemptions for Canada, Mexico, the European Union and other trading partners. Trump also announced, that these tariffs would apply to hundreds of imported downstream products made of steel and aluminum, from electrical conduit tubing to bulldozer blades.

Last week, he directed his economic team to devise plans to impose reciprocal tariffs that match the tariff rates of every country product-by-product.

Shelved car tariffs
An auto import tariff of 25% would be a game-changer for a global auto industry that is already reeling from uncertainty caused by Trump’s tariff drama.

A similar drama played out in 2018 and 2019 during Trump’s first term, when the Commerce Department conducted a national security investigation into auto imports and found that they weakened the domestic industrial base. Trump had threatened car tariffs of 25% at that time, but ultimately took no action, allowing the tariff authority from that probe to expire.

But some of the research that went into the 2018 investigation may be reused or updated as part of a new automotive tariff effort. Reuters