5152: Tata Trusts rift deepens, AI-led Asian market surge & Freshworks’ global layoffs

Fault lines within the Tata Trusts are widening as Venu Srinivasan and Vijay Singh exit the Tata Education and Development Trust ahead of a crucial board review at Tata Sons. Meanwhile, AI-driven optimism is powering a surge in Asian tech stocks, bringing markets like Taiwan and South Korea closer to India’s valuation. In the tech sector, Freshworks plans to cut 11% of its workforce amid mounting pressure on global SaaS firms. India is also stepping up its regulatory response, preparing a financial sector cybersecurity framework to counter AI-led threats. On the manufacturing front, China’s Midea Group is moving ahead with an India joint venture after eased FDI norms. As summer travel demand rises, more passengers are opting for buses over flights on shorter routes due to rising airfares. Tune in for all this and more in the day’s edition of Moneycontrol Editor’s Picks.