Infosys Public Services chief Lax Gopisetty remains unreachable after flash floods in Nepal, where he was visiting in a personal capacity. Infosys said its immediate priority is to locate Gopisetty, establish contact and ensure his safety. The company is coordinating with relevant agencies to gather information and remains in close communication with his family, providing necessary support. The Ministry of External Affairs said 320 Indians remain missing following the floods, while 400 people are stranded on the Chinese side. The situation has prompted continued efforts by authorities to locate missing Indians and assist those stranded. Gopisetty’s disappearance adds to concerns surrounding the impact of the deadly flash floods in the region. (PC: India Today)

American brands that once relied on China as a dependable growth engine are losing ground as economic weakness, cautious consumers and sophisticated domestic rivals reshape the market. Nike’s China business has shrunk about 30% since 2021, while Starbucks faces growing competition from lower-priced, digital-first chains such as Luckin and Cotti. General Motors has also struggled as Chinese electric-vehicle makers expand rapidly. Yet foreign brands can still succeed: Lululemon, Ralph Lauren and KFC continue growing by adapting to local preferences. Analysts say localisation, faster innovation, competitive pricing and strong local distribution are increasingly crucial. China remains a major consumer market, but global brand prestige alone can no longer guarantee success. (PC: The Economic Times)

India’s food regulator FSSAI has proposed front-of-pack warning labels for packaged foods and drinks following growing public anger over the absence of strict warnings for products high in sugar, fat or salt. The proposal marks a reversal of FSSAI’s earlier position and comes amid repeated calls from activists and the Supreme Court, which has highlighted concerns including obesity. In a filing before the Supreme Court on Friday, FSSAI proposed a red-coloured hexagonal warning symbol for products high in any two or more of three nutrients: saturated fat, sugar or salt. Food companies including Coca-Cola, Nestle and PepsiCo have opposed such labels, arguing they could be confusing, creating a setback for the industry. (PC: Times Now)  

Nestle has urged India to consult food manufacturers while developing front-of-pack warning labels for products high in sugar, salt and fat, arguing industry participation could help ensure the rules are scientifically sound. The comments come amid growing public anger after Reuters reported that Coca-Cola, Nestle and industry groups opposed India’s proposed warning-label measures, which the government later dropped. India’s Supreme Court has criticised delays and called for front-facing warning labels. Health activists oppose industry involvement, arguing it could weaken public-health policy. Nearly 80% of products in India’s more than $100 billion packaged food and beverage market could be considered high in fat, sugar and salt. Consumers have also criticised differences between products sold in India and European markets. (PC: fity.club)

The NCLT has approved a repayment plan for Zee founder Subhash Chandra that will allow creditors to recover around Rs 6.5 crore against admitted claims of Rs 22,006.57 crore. The plan, backed by creditors holding 80.81% of the voting share, results in a haircut of nearly 99.97%. Several lenders opposed the proposal, including LIC Housing Finance, which had claimed more than Rs 1,322 crore. The tribunal said it could not replace the commercial decision of the majority of creditors with its own judgment. The case arose from Chandra's personal guarantee for a Rs 170-crore loan.  

Air India and Bhutan's national carrier Drukair have entered an interline partnership, allowing passengers to book connecting flights on both airlines under a single ticket. The arrangement will also enable baggage to be transferred to the final destination through Delhi. Air India passengers can travel to Paro and connect to Bumthang, Gelephu and Yonphula, while Drukair passengers gain access to Air India's domestic and international network through Delhi, Guwahati and Kolkata. The airlines said the partnership will improve connectivity, offer more travel options and strengthen links between India, Bhutan and destinations beyond. (PC: Business Today)

India’s egg prices have risen 35-40% over the past year as increasing diversion of maize to ethanol production raises poultry feed costs. Eggs now cost about ₹7 each ex-farm, while retail prices are around ₹8.50-₹9. Maize, which accounts for 65-70% of poultry production costs, has climbed to nearly ₹26,500 per tonne from ₹14,000 three years ago. Nearly 37% of India’s maize production is now going to ethanol distilleries, while maize-based ethanol output has risen from about 1 million tonnes in 2022 to around 17 million tonnes currently. With winter demand expected to increase, poultry executives anticipate further egg-price rises. India’s maize imports also hit a record 1 million tonnes in FY25. (PC: X)

Air India is seeking around $1.5 billion in fresh funding from owners Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, Reuters reported. The airline is seeking the money as it faces rising losses and a costly turnaround plan. Air India and Air India Express posted combined losses of $2.33 billion in the year ended March. Singapore Airlines owns about 25% of Air India. The proposed funding could be provided in stages, with both owners expected to contribute. Air India has also faced problems from airspace restrictions, disruptions to international routes and the impact of last year’s deadly crash. Talks are still ongoing.

Four Indian companies have been sanctioned by the US for allegedly helping Iran trade and transport oil, as Washington expands its economic pressure campaign under “Operation Economic Outcast”. The measures target entities accused of facilitating Iranian petroleum sales through shipping, financial and trading networks. The US Treasury has warned that businesses and banks continuing to deal with Iran could face further action. The sanctions come as Washington seeks to isolate Tehran economically and pressure its trading partners. The move could raise concerns for Indian firms with exposure to Iranian oil and related business networks. (PC: HT)

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has announced a €320 million acquisition of Germany-based Porsche AG’s automotive and industrial-consulting arm, MHP Management- und IT-Beratung GmbH. The deal will be anchored by a five-year partnership between TCS and Porsche worth €1.25 billion, strengthening TCS’ AI-transformation strategy and its position among European automotive and industrial customers. TCS will acquire 100 per cent of MHP’s shares within the next three to four months. The digital-transformation, AI and SAP-transformation-focused consulting firm recorded €742 million in turnover in calendar year 2025 and employs approximately 4,500 people. The acquisition will expand TCS’ presence across Germany, Romania, the UK, the US, India and Mexico, while deepening its strategic relationship with Porsche. (PC: Santosh V Perumal _12549)