Business — Page 5
Companies, markets, economy, finance, trade and commercial activity

Bumble Ditches Signature Women-First Messaging Rule for More Flexibility
Bumble has removed its long-standing rule requiring women to send the first message in heterosexual matches. The change aims to increase user engagement and provide more flexibility, following user feedback and declining growth in the dating app market.

Tata Trusts Initiate Search for New Tata Sons Chairperson Amidst Procedural Delays
Tata Trusts have begun the process to select a new chairperson for Tata Sons after N. Chandrasekaran declined a third term. However, the formation of a selection committee is currently stalled due to an order restricting the Sir Ratan Tata Trust from conducting business.
Shiprocket IPO Sees Strong Investor Demand, Signals 35% Listing Gain
Shiprocket's Initial Public Offering is experiencing robust investor interest, with the retail portion heavily subscribed. Grey market premiums suggest a potential 35% gain upon listing.

Uber and Pony.ai Expand Robotaxi Services Across Europe and Middle East
Uber and Chinese autonomous vehicle company Pony.ai are expanding their robotaxi services to four additional European cities and the Middle East. The partnership aims to deploy 2,000 self-driving taxis and collect data to enhance safety and efficiency for autonomous vehicle development.
Brock Bowers Among Tight Ends Poised to Reshape NFL Market
Tight end salaries in the NFL have lagged behind other offensive positions. Several emerging players, including Brock Bowers, have the potential to significantly increase the market value for their position.

GTA 6 Ultimate Edition Dominates Preorders, Exceeding Industry Norms
Grand Theft Auto 6's $100 Ultimate Edition has seen an unprecedented 89% of preorders, far surpassing the typical 10-20% for premium game versions. This suggests a strong consumer appetite for premium content and a unique market position for the highly anticipated title.

Cowboys Sign Quinnen Williams to 3-Year, $105.9 Million Extension
The Dallas Cowboys have signed defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to a three-year contract extension worth $105.9 million. The deal includes significant guaranteed money and solidifies Williams' future with the team through 2030.

Delta Launches First Nonstop Austin-Paris Flights in March 2027
Delta Air Lines will introduce its first-ever nonstop service between Austin, Texas, and Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) starting March 27, 2027. The daily summer-season flights will operate on an Airbus A330-900 and aim to enhance international connectivity for Austin.

CAG Flags Unrealistic Rates and Cost Overestimations by CPWD
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has identified significant discrepancies in the Central Public Works Department's (CPWD) rate-setting methodology. The report highlights that 93% of projects were awarded below CPWD's own cost estimates, suggesting inflated initial valuations.

Arsenal's Pursuit of Atletico Madrid Defender Marc Pubill Reportedly Blocked
Arsenal has reportedly made contact with Atletico Madrid regarding defender Marc Pubill, but the Spanish club is unwilling to negotiate. Pubill has become a key player for Atletico Madrid since his transfer from Almeria.

Japanese Chef's Biryani Obsession Leads Tokyo Restaurant to Michelin Listing
A Japanese chef's journey inspired by a single plate of biryani in Tamil Nadu has culminated in his Tokyo restaurant, Biriyani Osawa, earning a coveted spot in the 2026 Michelin Guide. The 10-seat establishment focuses exclusively on mastering the iconic Indian dish.

Stocks See Varied Movements: Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Everpure Among Gainers
Several stocks experienced significant movements on Monday, with notable gains for Everpure and Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Palo Alto Networks also saw an increase following reports of AI-driven cyber threats.

Wilfried Zaha Trains at Crystal Palace Amid Transfer Speculation
Wilfried Zaha, a free agent after leaving Galatasaray, has been filmed training at Crystal Palace's facilities. While fans speculate about a return, the club reportedly has no plans to re-sign the winger.

Ninja HydraSense Water Filter Launches for $199, Promises Speed and Purity
SharkNinja has introduced the Ninja HydraSense, a countertop water filter priced at $199. The system aims to provide faster filtration and remove a higher percentage of contaminants compared to traditional pitcher filters.

Rangers in Talks for James Penrice Amid AEK Athens Fee Disagreement
Rangers are reportedly negotiating a loan move for defender James Penrice from AEK Athens. The clubs are currently at odds over the loan fee, with Penrice reportedly keen on the transfer.

Reddit Stock Dips Amidst Google Search Friction and AI Licensing Concerns
Reddit's stock experienced a significant pre-market decline despite strong earnings, as investors focused on slowing user growth and the company's relationship with Google. Analysts highlight friction with Google's AI Overviews and potential AI licensing risks as key concerns.

Empirical Capital Management Significantly Boosts Reddit Stake
Empirical Capital Management LLC has substantially increased its investment in Reddit Inc., reporting a 1,642.2% rise in holdings during the second quarter. The move positions Reddit as the sixth-largest holding in the firm's portfolio.

Sam Altman's $1B Reddit Stake Highlights AI Data Value
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman holds a significant stake in Reddit, valued at over $1 billion, despite having no direct equity in OpenAI. This investment underscores the economic value of data for AI companies.

Cardi B's Old Navy Jeans Sell Out Again, Prompting Restock
Cardi B's recent Old Navy denim campaign led to a sell-out of the "Curvy Extra High-Waisted Cuffed Wide Leg Jeans." The popular style has been restocked due to high demand.
Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express to Expand to 16 Coaches
The Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express will increase its coach capacity from eight to 16. This decision follows a demand in the Lok Sabha to accommodate growing commuter needs.

Judge Orders Apple to Propose App Store Fees Within 24 Hours
A federal judge has denied Apple's request to halt proceedings regarding App Store fees. The ruling compels Apple to propose a commission rate for external purchases within 24 hours, impacting how developers and consumers pay for in-app transactions.

Australia's NRL Offers Investment to Super League for Global Growth
Australia's National Rugby League (NRL) has formally offered an investment to Super League as part of a broader plan to recapitalize the sport. The offer aims to foster global growth and strengthen the game in the UK and Europe.

Chief Minister Vijay Inaugurates ₹95 Crore Infrastructure at Ranipet SIPCOT Complex
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay virtually inaugurated new infrastructure facilities worth ₹95.05 crore at the SIPCOT complex in Ranipet. The facilities are designed to attract non-leather manufacturing and other companies, and support staff welfare.
Silver Lake Reportedly in Talks to Acquire Workday for Over $43 Billion
Private equity firm Silver Lake is reportedly in discussions to acquire Workday, a deal that could become one of the largest software buyouts. Workday's stock has declined amid investor concerns about AI's impact on traditional software.