Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Sunak’s father-in-law stirs debate over longer work weeks

Narayana Murthy expressed disappointment over India’s shift to a five-day work week

Sunak’s father-in-law stirs debate over longer work weeks

NARAYANA MURTHY, the co-founder of Infosys and father-in-law of former UK prime minister Rishi Sunak, has reignited controversy with his advocacy for a 70-hour work week.

Speaking at a leadership summit, the 78-year-old billionaire criticised the notion of "work-life balance," describing it as detrimental to India’s productivity.


Murthy expressed disappointment over India’s shift to a five-day work week in 1986, calling the change a missed opportunity for economic growth.

“Frankly, I was not happy when we moved from a six-day week to a five-day week. In this country, there is no substitute for hard work, even if you’re the most intelligent person,” he was quoted as saying.

He cited Indian prime minister Narendra Modi as an example of relentless dedication, claiming Modi works up to 100 hours a week without holidays.

According to him, hard work is crucial if India is to compete globally and urged young people to take responsibility for the nation’s progress.

“In this country, there’s no substitute for hard work. Even the smartest people must work hard. I stand by my opinion and will hold onto it until my last breath," he said.

“My request to youngsters is simple: say, ‘This is my country, and I’m willing to work 70 hours a week."

Murthy reflected on his own career, during which he worked 14-hour days, six and a half days a week. “I’m very proud of it,” he remarked, maintaining that his views on hard work are deeply ingrained and unchangeable.

Murthy’s remarks have sparked widespread debate across India, with critics highlighting the already gruelling work culture many Indians endure. Reports from the International Labour Organisation show that Indian workers clock in over 2,000 hours annually on average—significantly higher than their counterparts in countries like the US and Germany.

For many in India’s informal economy, weekends are a luxury. Labourers, drivers, and delivery workers often work long hours just to make ends meet. However, younger professionals are questioning the practicality of Murthy’s suggestions.

“At the end of the day, companies treat us as numbers. Why should I sacrifice my well-being for a job that offers no security?” said Atish Fernandes, a 28-year-old web designer from Delhi. “We value a balanced life over burning out.”

More For You

Samsung unveils Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and Z Flip 7 FE at Unpacked event in New York

AI and performance take priority across devices

YouTube/ TechTalkTV

Samsung Unpacked 2025 showcases Z Fold 7 Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Watch 8 upgrades

Highlights:

  • Samsung unveils Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and Z Flip 7 FE at Unpacked event in New York
  • Galaxy Watch 8 series revealed with upgraded health and fitness tracking
  • AI and performance take priority across devices
  • All products available for pre-order now, releasing on 25 July 2025

New York event showcases Samsung’s foldable future

Samsung Unpacked July 2025, the company’s second major launch event of the year, took place today in New York and brought a strong focus on foldables and wearable innovation. Leading the announcements were the next-generation Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 series, alongside a reimagined Galaxy Watch 8 lineup. All devices are now available for pre-order and will be released globally on 25 July.

The event reinforced Samsung’s commitment to flexible form factors and AI-powered experiences, with its foldables and wearables receiving notable upgrades in design, display, performance, and health tracking.

Keep ReadingShow less
Cardi B wears blooming 3D flowers

Cardi B continues her bold fashion streak with floral runway glamour

Instagram/rahulmishra_7

Cardi B stuns in a 3D floral Rahul Mishra gown at Paris Couture Week

Highlights:

  • Cardi B wore a ruby-red custom Rahul Mishra gown with sculptural 3D flowers at Paris Couture Week.
  • The outfit followed her earlier dramatic appearance at Schiaparelli in a fringe dress with a live crow.
  • She’s currently working on her debut album Am I the Drama? and a beauty venture with Revolve.
  • The look featured diamond accessories, a sculpted bun, and smoky makeup to match the theatrical dress.

Cardi B took her fashion game to new heights in Paris, stepping out in a dramatic Rahul Mishra creation that fused red carpet glamour with runway sculpture. The rapper’s custom-made gown, featuring 3D blooming flowers and a shimmering ruby base, was a highlight at Paris Haute Couture Week, making it one of her most talked-about looks this season.

 Cardi B wears blooming 3D flowers Cardi B's red gown features 3D sculpted flowers and intricate embroideryInstagram/rahulmishra_7

Keep ReadingShow less
Barbie with type 1 diabetes

This is also part of Mattel’s mission to extend the boundaries of imaginative play

Mattel

Mattel introduces first Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes to promote inclusion

Highlights

  • Mattel launches new Barbie with type 1 diabetes
  • The doll features a glucose monitor, insulin pump and CGM app
  • Created in collaboration with type 1 diabetes charity Breakthrough T1D
  • Part of Mattel’s broader push for inclusivity and representation in toys

Barbie with type 1 diabetes joins inclusive fashionistas range

Mattel has launched its first diabetes Barbie doll, designed to represent children with type 1 diabetes and promote greater inclusivity in children’s toys.

The new addition to the Barbie Fashionistas line comes with realistic medical features including a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) on her arm, secured with heart-shaped medical tape, and an insulin pump to help manage her blood sugar levels. She also carries a smartphone with a CGM app to monitor glucose throughout the day, and a bag large enough to store snacks and other essentials.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa

Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa expecting first child, share news with sweet Instagram post

Instagram/patralekhaa

Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa announce pregnancy in joint Instagram post

Highlights:

  • Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa announced their pregnancy via a joint Instagram post on Wednesday.
  • The image showed a floral cradle with “Baby on the way” written on it, captioned simply: “Elated ❤️.”
  • Industry friends including Farah Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Bhumi Pednekar, and Esha Gupta congratulated them.
  • The couple, who were together for 11 years before marrying in 2021, recently launched their production house, KAMPA Film.

Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa shared that they are expecting their first child together in a joint Instagram post on Wednesday. The announcement came with a floral-themed image featuring a cradle illustration that read, “Baby on the way,” along with their names. The couple summed up their feelings in one word: “Elated.”

 Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa smiling during a public appearance earlier this year Instagram/patralekhaa/rajkummar_rao 

Keep ReadingShow less
IPL valued at £13.5bn as Bengaluru tops franchise rankings

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Virat Kohli (C), along with his teammates, celebrates with the trophy after winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 final cricket match against Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 4, 2025. (Photo by ARUN SANKAR/AFP via Getty Images)

IPL valued at £13.5bn as Bengaluru tops franchise rankings

THE Indian Premier League's business value has been estimated at $18.5 billion (£13.5bn) with reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru its wealthiest franchise, according to a report by an investment bank.

The world's richest cricket tournament has been a top revenue earner for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and in 2020 was estimated to generate more than $11bn (£8bn) a year for the Indian economy.

Keep ReadingShow less