Barkha Mathur

What Microsoft's VRS signals about workforce design in Big Tech in AI era

As Microsoft rolls out a voluntary retirement programme for its US workforce, experts say AI may push firms to trim middle layers and redirect costs

Myth vs Fact: Can microwave use lead to cancer? Here's what doctors say

Fact-check Friday: From radiation myths to plastic risks, we ask an oncologist what happens when you microwave food and whether there is any proven link to cancer

Vedanta demerger: What it signals for India's metals and mining sector

As Vedanta splits into independent verticals, the move signals India's evolving mining sector, focused on supply chain control, critical minerals, and specialised companies

From discounts to Dior: What's driving premium pivot in fashion ecommerce

India's fashion ecommerce players are increasingly betting on luxury over mass, testing whether margins can grow without losing scale

India's workforce faces surge in metabolic risks, chronic illness: Report

A new report analysing over 400,000 employees reveals rising risks of diabetes, obesity and heart disease, often without symptoms, pointing to a growing preventive healthcare gap in India

RBI action on Paytm Payments Bank: What it means for One97's strategy

RBI's revocation of Paytm Payments Bank licence raises questions on governance lapses and what it means for One97 Communications' ambition to build a full-stack financial services platform

Toronto HIV patients in rare remission list after bone marrow transplant

A Toronto man living with HIV for 27 years is in sustained remission after a bone marrow transplant using HIV-resistant donor cells, according to University Health Network clinicians

Is MakeMyTrip weighing IDR route for India listing? Here's what it means

MakeMyTrip is reportedly evaluating IDR route over a traditional IPO as it looks to access Indian investors while managing tax exposure, regulatory complexity in its offshore structure

How India is emerging as testing ground for agri-based carbon markets

Amazon's $30 million rice carbon credit deal highlights India's role in scaling agriculture-based carbon markets while raising questions on trust, verification, and farmer benefits

Five-second rule: Is dropped food ever really safe to eat? Myth debunked

Fact-check Friday: You've probably followed the five-second rule after dropping food; here's how bacteria transfer instantly, what factors matter, and why this popular rule may not protect you at all

Razorpay's reported IPO route signals cautious market play among fintechs

Razorpay's reported IPO move points to a shift in market entry strategy with firms opting for confidential filings, and greater control over disclosures amid evolving market and regulatory conditions

OpenAI's India test: Can massive AI use scale turn into a paying market?

India may be OpenAI's largest user base outside the West, but monetisation remains the harder challenge

Protein shift is adding much-needed margin to India's dairy industry

Rising protein awareness is pushing India's dairy sector beyond low-margin liquid milk, driving a shift towards value-added products like whey, cheese, and fortified dairy

Do blue light glasses really help? Here's what an eye doctor wants you to know

Are blue light glasses a must-have for screen users or just clever marketing? Here's what an eye specialist wants you to understand before buying them

Why your hair is losing density: Hidden health triggers you may be missing

Hair thinning isn't always about age or genetics; dermatologists explain how stress, poor nutrition, hormonal imbalance, and lifestyle habits can quietly reduce hair density

Delimitation and proportionality: Why southern states are raising concerns

As the govt considers increasing Lok Sabha seats, concerns are rising in southern states that a population-based delimitation could reduce their share and alter India's federal balance

Smoothies may be calorie bombs: Why your healthy drink may add weight

From nut butters to excess fruit and sweeteners, smoothies can pack more calories than expected, making this "healthy" habit a hidden risk for weight gain and blood sugar spikes

As risky as obesity? How losing too much body fat can harm your health

New research shows that losing fat the wrong way can disrupt metabolism, trigger inflammation, and increase long-term disease risk, challenging the idea that less fat is always better

What TCS's FY27 hiring plan tells about shifting fresher model in Indian IT

Is this a temporary slowdown driven by demand uncertainty, or the beginning of a structural change in how large IT firms build their workforce in the age of AI?

Can Thalapathy Vijay turn celebrity appeal into votes in Tamil Nadu polls?

Actor Vijay's political debut may disrupt Tamil Nadu's two-party system, but analysts say converting popularity into votes remains a key challenge ahead of 2026 polls