INDIA'S economy will double in size to $5,000 billion ($5 trillion) in the near future, prime minister Narendra Modi said.
The country was a "land of opportunities" to investors, the prime minister told a business summit in Seoul, during his visit to the Republic of Korea today (21).
"No other large economy in the world is growing at over seven per cent year after year," Modi added.
More than 600 South Korean companies - including Hyundai, Samsung and LG Electronics – have invested in India and the visiting prime minister said, "We aspire to welcome many more."
Car maker Kia is set to join this club, he added.
To ease business visits, India has provided South Korean nationals visa on arrival since October 2018, the prime minister said.
India is among the top 10 trade partners of South Korea and India is the sixth largest export destination for Korean goods.
Trade between the two nations reached $21.5 bn in 2018.
"Our vision of a India-Korea Startup Centre will provide a hub for Korean startups and Indian talent to freely communicate.
“South Korea’s national IT promotion agency has already opened Indian offices in Bengaluru," Modi said.
Leaks surrounding the upcoming Google Pixel 10 have started surfacing, offering a first look at the tech giant’s next flagship device. Spotted on a public beach in Vancouver, Canada, the phone was reportedly being filmed for a TV advert, giving passers-by an unexpected preview. From design changes to new features and colour options, here are seven key things we’ve learnt from the leak.
1. Pixel 10 caught on camera during filming The Pixel 10 Pro (or possibly the Pixel 10 Pro XL) was seen in public during what appeared to be a promotional shoot for Google. A video production crew was spotted working on a beach, where a bystander was able to view the phone and even the storyboard for the shoot — a rare, unguarded glimpse into Google’s plans.
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2. New AI-powered camera feature: ‘Google Add Me’ The storyboard revealed an upcoming feature called Google Add Me, an AI tool designed to enhance group photography. The feature will allow users to add people to the same photo after it’s taken, such as including the photographer in the final image. This builds on Google's continued use of AI in the Pixel’s camera software.
3. Refined camera design continues The Pixel 10 appears to maintain the camera design introduced in previous models, a horizontal camera bar with a black oval housing the sensors. However, the leaked phone shows a slightly larger protruding oval with additional space, presumably for the LED flash, suggesting some refinement in the hardware layout.
4. Colour options revealed New colour variants were also uncovered in the leak. The Pixel 10 will reportedly come in:
Obsidian (Black)
Blue
Iris (Purple)
Limoncello (likely Yellow)
Meanwhile, the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL models are expected in:
Obsidian
Green
Sterling (Grey)
Porcelain (White)
5. Blue model spotted in the wild The device seen on the Vancouver beach appeared to be the Blue version of the Pixel 10, indicating Google will lean into bolder colours this time around. This adds visual variety compared to the typically muted palette of previous Pixel phones.
6. Possible multiple Pro models The leak mentions both Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL, suggesting Google may release two larger flagship models. If true, this would mark a return to the XL naming convention, which had been previously dropped in favour of the regular and Pro distinction.
7. Expected launch in August While the Pixel line traditionally launched in October, Google moved up the release of the Pixel 9 series to mid-August 2024. Based on the filming timeline and consistent patterns, it’s likely the Pixel 10 series will also launch around August 2025, maintaining this revised schedule.
With a mix of AI-powered features, new colours, and potential model variants, the Pixel 10 is shaping up to be one of Google’s most anticipated releases. The official launch is expected within the next few months.
US PRESIDENT Donald Trump on Friday said Apple could face a 25 per cent tariff if iPhones sold in the United States were not manufactured domestically, a move that impacted the company’s stock price.
Trump has frequently criticised companies for producing goods outside the US, and his direct mention of Apple for potential tariffs was unusual.
Although iPhones are designed in the United States, most of the assembly takes place in China, which remains involved in a tense trade dispute with the US.
Apple has announced plans to shift parts of its production to countries such as India, but Trump said this was not an acceptable solution.
“I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhones that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“If that is not the case, a tariff of at least 25 percent must be paid by Apple to the US,” he added.
Trump repeated similar comments last week while visiting Qatar, where he called on Apple to move iPhone manufacturing to the US.
“I had a little problem with Tim Cook,” Trump said on May 15.
He added that he told the Apple CEO: “We’re not interested in you building in India... we want you to build here and they’re going to be upping their production in the United States.”
Analysts have said moving iPhone production to the US would be a major challenge and could take years, if possible at all.
Wedbush Securities estimates that about 90 per cent of Apple’s iPhone manufacturing and assembly still happens in China.
“Reshoring iPhone production to the United States is a fairy tale that is not feasible,” Wedbush analyst Dan Ives said in a note.
Apple’s share price has dropped more than 20 per cent since Trump took office, amid ongoing trade-related pressure.
On Friday, the company’s stock was trading down nearly three per cent.
During Trump’s first term, Apple was largely exempted from some of the administration’s trade measures against China. But the company is now facing more direct criticism.
Last month, Tim Cook warned about the uncertain effects of US tariffs on Chinese goods, some of which had reached as high as 145 per cent, though high-end tech products like smartphones had temporary exemptions.
Cook said Apple expects to pay $900 million in tariffs this quarter.
“Prices of handsets look set to rise, given iPhones will end up being more expensive, if the threats turn into concrete trade policy,” said Susannah Streeter, analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown.
“While die-hard fans will still be prepared to pay big bucks for Apple’s kit, it’ll be much harder for the middle-class masses who are already dealing with price hikes on other goods, from Nike trainers to toys sold in Walmart,” she added.
Last week, the US and China agreed to reduce some of the tariffs on each other’s goods for 90 days, offering a brief pause in the ongoing trade conflict.
(With inputs from agencies)
FILE PHOTO: Apple iPhones are seen inside India's first Apple retail store in Mumbai, India, April 17, 2023. REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas
FILE PHOTO: Apple iPhones are seen inside India's first Apple retail store in Mumbai, India, April 17, 2023. REUTERS/Francis MascarenhasREUTERS
ASIAN executive Ashwin Prasad has been appointed as the UK CEO of Tesco replacing Matthew Barnes, who has stepped down to pursue other opportunities, the company announced on Thursday (22). Prasad, who is Tesco Group’s chief commercial officer, will assume the role on June 30.
Prasad is currently responsible for the group’s product and customer strategy. He has been a member of Tesco’s executive team since 2020 and brings a wealth of retail and commercial experience to this role.
In recent times, he has successfully led the business through supply chain disruptions, as well as driving Tesco's trading strategy and accelerating our digital marketing transition.
Prasad said, “I pick up the reins of a business with strong momentum, a winning strategy and a talented team. I am privileged to be appointed UK CEO and my priority will be to continue offering our customers an unbeatable experience, every time they shop with Tesco. I would also like to thank Matthew for his support and wish him well for the future.”
At Tesco, he wields influence far beyond the aisles of its stores. Under his stewardship, the supermarket group has launched groundbreaking initiatives in sustainable agriculture. The partnership with potato supplier Branston and livestock processor ABP to create two low-carbon concept farms exemplifies his innovative approach.
Prasad was ranked 52nd in the GG2 Power List 2025, published by Asian Media Group, which profiles Britain's 101 most influential Asians.
Born in Suva, Fiji, and raised in New Zealand, he brings a global perspective to his leadership. Educated at Auckland University and Harvard Business School, he cut his teeth in commercial and marketing roles at The BOC Group and Mars Inc. before joining Tesco in 2010.
Prasad’s rise in retail has coincided with some of the most volatile years in modern business history. From Brexit to Covid-19, from supply chain crises to soaring inflation, he has had to navigate Tesco through relentless turbulence.
He credits his father for instilling in him an unwavering work ethic, teaching him that “giving up was just not an option” - a philosophy that would shape his leadership style and career trajectory.
His personal passions – scuba diving, wildlife conservation, and discovering the world’s best food and wine – offer a glimpse into a leader who values both adventure and precision. He admires Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s transformational CEO, for his ability to cultivate a learning organisation rooted in curiosity and empowerment – qualities Prasad himself embodies.
Murphy, said, “Matthew leaves with our respect and sincere thanks for his contribution. Under his leadership, our business has gone from strength to strength. His obsession with customers has made a big impact and we are winning in the market by offering customers unbeatable value. We wish him the very best in his next chapter.
“Ashwin is an exceptional leader with a strong track record for delivering for our customers. His experience leading our product and customer strategy makes him the ideal person to take over as UK CEO."
He added, “Our strategy focuses on being brilliant at the basics whilst stepping forward on big strategic initiatives – by becoming increasingly digital & delivering more personalised customer engagement, through new growth avenues such as Marketplace, and by further developing leading capabilities such as retail media.
"We are pleased to be making strong progress against our growth ambitions, and the newly created role of Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer will set us up even better to continue winning in the future. I am delighted to appoint Natasha, one of our most experienced and capable leaders, into this role.”
In a major shake-up at Tesco, Natasha Adams, currently Tesco Ireland & NI CEO, has been appointed to a newly created role on the executive committee as chief strategy & transformation officer, effective from June 9.
Geoff Byrne, currently chief operating officer in Ireland, has been promoted as Tesco Ireland & NI CEO. All executive roles continue to report to Group CEO Ken Murphy, the company said.
Barnes said, “I have decided to step down to pursue other opportunities. Leading Tesco’s UK business has been a privilege, and I am proud of everything we have achieved together. I believe our colleagues are the best in the industry, and I would like to thank everyone for their support. I would also like to wish Ashwin the very best in his new role.”
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Steel sector emits 11 per cent of global carbon dioxide
INDIA’S intent to massively expand coal-based steel and iron production threaten global efforts to reduce the sector’s carbon emissions, a key contributor to climate change, a report said on Tuesday (20).
The sector accounts for 11 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions, and India aims to double production by 2030.
Switching from coal-dependent blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces (EAFs), which produce significantly fewer emissions, could reduce that figure.
EAF production is projected to account for 36 per cent of the sector by 2030, but that remains slightly below the 37 per cent the International Energy Agency says is necessary to stay on track for net-zero by 2050.
“The only realistic way to meet that 37 per cent goal is with a change of plans from India,” said Astrid Grigsby-Schulte from the Global Energy Monitor (GEM) think tank.
That seemingly marginal one-per cent gap translates to tens of millions of tonnes of CO2 emissions, Grigsby-Schulte said.
EAFs generally rely on melting scrap steel, a process that does not use coal. They produce significantly fewer emissions, even when they rely on electricity from coal-dependent grids.
Meeting the 2030 target is “critical”, she said, “not only because of emissions immediately avoided, but also because it means we are laying the necessary groundwork for broader decarbonisation by 2050.”
China currently dominates global steel production, but its sector is stagnant. Meanwhile India, which targets carbon neutrality only by 2070, plans to massively expand domestic capacity.
And the majority of India’s announced steel development plans involve higheremissions blast furnace production, in a country whose steel industry is already the world’s most carbon intensive.
However, there is a growing gap between India’s steel capacity plans and actual developments on the ground, GEM said.
Just 12 per cent of its announced new capacity has come online since the country released its 2017 National Steel Policy. The comparable figure for China is 80 per cent, GEM said.
That suggests India’s “ambitious growth plans are more talk than action thus far,” the group added.
And it “leaves a huge percentage of their development plans that could still shift to lower-emissions technologies,” added Grigsby-Schulte.
Demand for steel is continuing to grow, and the iron and steel industry is expected to be one of the last to continue using coal in the IEA’s 2050 net-zero pathway.
The organisation has warned that the sector needs to “accelerate significantly” to meet 2050 targets, including with innovative production methods that are currently in their infancy.
Sir Jony Ive, the British designer credited with shaping the iPhone and other iconic Apple products, is returning to the heart of Silicon Valley’s innovation scene – and this time, he may be aiming to disrupt the very device he helped make indispensable.
Six years after leaving Apple, Ive has partnered with OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman in a bold new venture. OpenAI has announced the acquisition of IO, a start-up founded by Ive, in an all-share deal reportedly worth $6.5 billion (£4.9 billion). The move marks a major step for the artificial intelligence company, as it seeks to expand beyond software and into consumer hardware.
While Ive will not become a full-time employee at OpenAI, he will serve as a consultant. IO’s 60-strong team of designers and engineers, many of whom are former Apple staff, will now work under the OpenAI umbrella. Their mission is to “reimagine what it means to use a computer”, with the help of ChatGPT and other AI tools developed by the company.
Altman has shared few specifics about what the first product will look like, but he has suggested it will not be a traditional smartphone or even include a screen. Instead, he and Ive plan to build a “family of devices” that could serve as intelligent companions, enhancing and potentially replacing the functions of a smartphone.
One potential outcome is a compact AI “pod” designed to work alongside existing gadgets like laptops or phones. OpenAI reportedly hopes to launch the first device by 2026 and eventually sell up to 100 million units. These devices could be offered through a subscription model linked to ChatGPT.
Ive, born in Essex and educated in industrial design in Newcastle, played a pivotal role at Apple from the 1990s onwards, creating the design language for products such as the iMac, iPod, iPhone and MacBook. His work, in close collaboration with the late Steve Jobs, helped transform Apple from a struggling tech firm into one of the world’s most valuable companies.
Jobs once described Ive as his “spiritual partner” at Apple, and said he held more power at the company than any other executive apart from himself. After Jobs’s death in 2011, Ive was widely viewed as Apple’s most influential figure until his departure in 2019.
Since leaving Apple, Ive has led his design consultancy LoveFrom, which has worked with high-profile clients including Ferrari and contributed to ceremonial design elements for the King’s Coronation. But he has also voiced disillusionment with the modern tech industry, criticising the dominance of “corporate agendas” focused on money and power.
In his new collaboration with Altman, Ive sees a return to what he calls “trying to move things forward”. He said, “Everything I have learnt over the last 30 years has led me to this place and to this moment.”
Despite the buzz surrounding the deal, some analysts have expressed scepticism. Technology analyst Richard Windsor called Ive “the most expensive consultant in history”, warning that the consultancy arrangement could allow him to quietly exit the partnership if it falters. Others have raised concerns about the valuation placed on IO and questioned whether the move is another sign of an AI investment bubble.
OpenAI is currently one of the most prominent players in the artificial intelligence race, valued at $300 billion and backed by Microsoft. The company has committed to building artificial general intelligence (AGI) and is investing heavily in data centres and infrastructure. In March, it raised $40 billion to fund these ambitions.
The new hardware project follows a string of unsuccessful attempts by others to challenge the smartphone’s dominance. Start-ups like Humane and Rabbit have launched compact AI-driven devices but failed to gain traction. Ive has criticised these efforts, calling them “very poor products”.
Meanwhile, tech giants such as Meta and Apple have explored wearable devices like AI-powered glasses and augmented reality headsets, but adoption remains limited. Analysts say consumers have been slow to embrace such technologies, and the market remains difficult to crack.
Still, the combination of Altman’s AI expertise and Ive’s design credentials has generated significant interest. “Jony did the iPhone, Jony did the MacBook Pro,” Altman said. “These are the defining ways people use technology.”
Whether this new venture can redefine consumer tech once again remains to be seen, but many in the industry believe that with Jony Ive involved, it is not a possibility to be dismissed lightly.
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