Human Interest

American CEO Gifts โ‚น2,155 Crore to Employees, Sets Benchmark in Corporate Generosity


In an extraordinary display of corporate goodwill, an American CEO has captured global attention by distributing a staggering โ‚น2,155 crore as bonuses to nearly 540 of his employees. This landmark move, widely praised across media platforms, has been seen as an inspiring example of generosity and employee recognition in the corporate world.

The distribution represents more than just a financial rewardโ€”it underscores the CEOโ€™s commitment to acknowledging the contributions of his workforce and fostering a culture of appreciation. Industry analysts note that such initiatives not only boost employee morale but also strengthen loyalty and productivity, setting a high benchmark for organizations worldwide.

While the specifics of the company and the CEOโ€™s identity have not been fully disclosed, the impact of the act has resonated across social media, business forums, and news platforms, sparking discussions on the evolving role of corporate leaders in prioritizing human capital alongside profits.

The move also raises questions about employee expectations and the potential ripple effect for corporate culture globally, encouraging other leaders to explore innovative ways to reward and motivate their teams

Business

Virat Kohliโ€™s One8 Merges with Agilitas Sports in Global-Scale Sportswear Ambition


In a major development in Indiaโ€™s sports and lifestyle business ecosystem, Virat Kohliโ€™s sportswear label One8 has officially merged with Agilitas Sports, marking a strategic transformation into a fully integrated, high-performance sportswear platform with global aspirations.

Agilitas Sports, founded by former Puma India executives, aims to build an end-to-end sportswear powerhouse โ€” from product design to manufacturing to retailing. The addition of One8 strengthens its brand portfolio and leverages Kohliโ€™s iconic influence in the sports and lifestyle market.

As part of the merger, Virat Kohli has invested โ‚น40 crore, securing a mid-single-digit minority stake in the combined entity. This move further expands his diverse investment portfolio across sectors like beverages, nutrition, gaming, fitness, and hospitality.

One8, which began as Kohliโ€™s athleisure line, has grown into one of Indiaโ€™s most successful celebrity-driven lifestyle brands, spanning apparel, fragrances, grooming products, footwear, cafรฉs, and more.

The merger signals a shift toward building a global Indian sportswear brand capable of competing with international giants in performance gear, footwear innovation, and sustainable manufacturing.

Industry insiders view the move as a strong message: Indian athletes are not just endorsers โ€” theyโ€™re now becoming co-creators and strategic investors reshaping the sportswear landscape.

Business

Zomato Founder Deepinder Goyal to Venture into Aviation with LAT Aerospace


New Delhi, July 2025 โ€” In a bold new leap, Deepinder Goyal, founder and CEO of food-tech giant Zomato, has announced his foray into the aviation industry with the launch of LAT Aerospace, a venture that signals his growing interest in Indiaโ€™s expanding mobility and infrastructure sectors.

Known for revolutionizing food delivery and restaurant discovery in India, Goyal now sets his sights on the skiesโ€”diversifying into a domain far removed from his digital roots but no less ambitious. LAT Aerospace is expected to focus on next-generation aviation technologies, with early indications pointing toward regional connectivity, air logistics, and aviation infrastructure innovation.

While detailed plans remain under wraps, industry insiders suggest that LAT Aerospace may target tier-2 and tier-3 city aviation solutions, a segment that aligns with Indiaโ€™s push for regional air mobility under the UDAN scheme. The venture is also rumored to be exploring unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tech-driven solutions for cargo transport and air navigation support.

A Visionaryโ€™s Next Frontier

Deepinder Goyalโ€™s track record speaks volumes. Having built Zomato into a household name and taken it public in 2021, his strategic mindset and tech-first approach have consistently disrupted traditional industries. LAT Aerospace seems to be an extension of this mindsetโ€”tapping into an underserved, high-potential market with a fresh perspective.

โ€œIndiaโ€™s aviation sector is at an inflection point,โ€ Goyal reportedly shared in a closed-door investor interaction. โ€œThereโ€™s a massive opportunity to improve connectivity, logistics, and safety through innovation and smart infrastructure. LAT Aerospace is our attempt to do just that.โ€

The move also reflects a growing trend of Indian tech entrepreneurs stepping into infrastructure-heavy sectors, leveraging digital expertise to solve problems in traditional industriesโ€”from mobility to energy.

LAT Aerospace: What We Know So Far

  • Founder: Deepinder Goyal
  • Industry Focus: Aviation, regional air mobility, aerospace tech
  • Stage: Early development
  • Headquarters: Likely to be based in Delhi-NCR or Bengaluru
  • Backers: Yet to be disclosed, though Goyal is expected to fund the initial phase personally

What This Means for Indiaโ€™s Startup Ecosystem

Goyalโ€™s pivot into aerospace is emblematic of the second wave of Indian entrepreneurshipโ€”where unicorn founders are branching into deeper, more complex problems with national significance. LAT Aerospace joins a small but growing cohort of startups focused on aviation tech, drone logistics, and air infrastructure, including companies like Asteria, Garuda Aerospace, and IdeaForge.

As India aspires to become a global aviation hub, LAT Aerospace could emerge as a key player in building the backbone of that vision, especially if it brings Goyalโ€™s hallmark traitsโ€”tech-enabled execution, user-centric design, and operational scalabilityโ€”into the fold.

Automobiles

Goa Automobile Dealers Association Welcomes New Executive Committee Led by Rajesh Khaunte


The Goa Automobile Dealers Association (GADA) is proud to announce its newly elected Executive Committee, ushering in a fresh chapter of leadership and commitment to the stateโ€™s automotive retail industry. At the helm is Mr. Rajesh Khaunte, who takes over as President, bringing with him an impressive 35 years of experience in the auto sector.

The committee was elected unopposed during GADAโ€™s Annual General Meeting held on Friday, 27th June 2025. The unanimous support for the new committee highlights the collective confidence of GADA members in the vision and capability of the incoming team.

Mr. Rajesh Khaunte, a respected name in Goa’s business community, has been a pivotal part of the stateโ€™s automobile ecosystem for decades. With his in-depth knowledge of market trends and a strong track record in operations, he aims to address key challenges faced by dealerships while fostering ethical business practices and sustainable growth in the sector.

โ€œI am deeply honoured to be elected as the President of the Goa Automobile Dealers Association,โ€ said Mr. Khaunte. โ€œMy focus will be on resolving long-standing issues in the industry, engaging proactively with stakeholders, and promoting professionalism within the dealer network.โ€

He also expressed his gratitude to outgoing President Mr. Prashant Joshi, commending his leadership and relentless efforts over the last decade. โ€œMr. Joshi and his team have done a commendable job in advancing the interests of the auto industry in Goa. I sincerely thank them for their humongous efforts and dedication.โ€

New Executive Committee (2025โ€“2027):

  • President: Mr. Rajesh Khaunte
  • Secretary: Mr. Aniket Kuncolinekar
  • Treasurer: Mr. Suraj Caculo
  • Joint Secretary: Mr. Ashok Sapra

Committee Members:

  • Mr. Matin Naik
  • Mr. Parind Nachinolkar

GADA continues to represent the collective voice of authorized automobile dealers across Goa. The association plays a crucial role in engaging with government departments, OEMs, and financial institutions, while also acting as a platform for collaboration among dealers.

With a fresh leadership team, GADA is set to enhance its role as an advocate for industry progress, fair policies, and transparent business practices.

Sports

United Spirits Denies RCB Stake Sale Talks Amid Market Buzz; Shares Jump Over 3%


Bengaluru, India โ€“ June 11, 2025
Amid widespread speculation around Diageoโ€™s potential stake sale in Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), United Spirits Ltd. โ€” a subsidiary of global beverage giant Diageo โ€” has firmly denied any ongoing discussions related to a divestment.

In a formal statement released to the stock exchanges, United Spirits clarified, โ€œWe would like to confirm that there are no discussions or decisions at this time regarding the sale of our stake in Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL), which owns the RCB franchise.โ€

Despite the rumors, investor sentiment remained bullish. Following the companyโ€™s clarification and a strong set of quarterly financial results, shares of United Spirits surged by over 3% in intraday trading on Wednesday. The rally highlights market confidence not only in the company’s core business performance but also in the continued brand value of the RCB franchise.

The company reported better-than-expected earnings for the quarter ended March 2025. Strong volume growth in its premium segment, improved operational efficiency, and favorable input costs contributed to the positive performance. The management also reiterated its focus on portfolio premiumization and digital transformation.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru remains one of the most valuable and popular franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite not having clinched a title yet, RCB boasts a massive fanbase and significant brand equity, further fueled by high-profile players and celebrity ownership associations.

The speculation surrounding a potential stake sale began after unconfirmed reports suggested that Diageo might be considering a strategic reshuffle of its Indian sports and entertainment assets. However, todayโ€™s statement puts those rumors to rest โ€” at least for now.