The Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation has fully exited its investment in Microsoft, selling its remaining shares in the first quarter of 2026. The move marks the end of a long-standing financial link between the foundation and the company co-founded by Bill Gates.According to regulatory filings cited in reports, the foundation’s trust sold its final 7.7 million Microsoft shares, valued at approximately $3.2 billion (around Rs 26,500 crore).&nbsp;<h2>A phased exit over two years</h2>The exit did not happen all at once. It was part of a gradual reduction that began around two years ago. At that time, the foundation held about 28.5 million Microsoft shares, making it one of the largest positions in its portfolio.The biggest reduction came in the third quarter of 2025, when nearly 65 per cent of the holding was sold. The final tranche was completed in early 2026, closing the remaining position.<h2>Microsoft’s role in the foundation portfolio</h2>For many years, Microsoft stock formed a major part of the foundation’s investments. The shares largely came from donations made by Bill Gates, who founded the company with Paul Allen in 1975. The foundation’s portfolio was also supported by contributions from Warren Buffett, who donated shares through Berkshire Hathaway.At its peak in 2022, Microsoft accounted for about 27 per cent of the foundation’s total holdings, highlighting its importance in the overall investment strategy.<h2>Why the foundation sold its shares</h2>The decision to exit Microsoft is linked to a broader shift in the foundation’s strategy. Bill Gates has said that the foundation plans to spend down its endowment by 2045, rather than operate indefinitely like traditional charitable organisations. This approach requires more liquidity and diversification, as the foundation aims to increase its spending on global programmes. The foundation is expected to distribute around $9 billion (about Rs 74,700 crore) in grants in the current year alone, reflecting an accelerated pace of funding.<h2>Portfolio after the Microsoft exit</h2>Following the sale, the foundation’s investment portfolio is estimated to be worth around $31.7 billion (approximately Rs 2.63 lakh crore).The exit reduces concentration in a single company and allows the foundation to allocate resources across a broader range of investments.<h2>What this means for markets and philanthropy</h2>The move signals a shift in how large philanthropic organisations manage their investments. Instead of holding long-term stakes in a single company, there is a growing focus on diversification and liquidity.For Microsoft, the exit does not directly affect its operations, but it marks the end of a historic connection with one of its founders’ philanthropic initiatives.&nbsp;The Gates Foundation is expected to continue adjusting its investment strategy in line with its long-term goal of increasing charitable spending. As the foundation moves towards its 2045 target, further changes in asset allocation may follow, reflecting its focus on funding global health, education and development programmes.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has fully exited its investment in Microsoft, selling its remaining shares in the first quarter of 2026. The move marks the end of a long-standing financial link between the foundation and the company co-founded by Bill Gates.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has fully exited its investment in Microsoft, selling its remaining shares in the first quarter of 2026. The move marks the end of a long-standing financial link between the foundation and the company co-founded by Bill Gates. According to regulatory filings cited in reports, the foundation’s trust sold its final 7.7 million Microsoft shares, valued at approximately $3.2 billion (around Rs 26,500 crore). A phased exit over two years The exit did not happen all at once. It was part of a gradual reduction that began around two years ago. At that time, the foundation held about 28.5 million Microsoft shares, making it one of the largest positions in its portfolio. The biggest reduction came in the third quarter of 2025, when nearly 65 per cent of the holding was sold. The final tranche was completed in early 2026, closing the remaining position. Microsoft’s role in the foundation portfolio For many years, Microsoft stock formed a major part of the foundation’s investments. The shares largely came from donations made by Bill Gates, who founded the company with Paul Allen in 1975. The foundation’s portfolio was also supported by contributions from Warren Buffett, who donated shares through Berkshire Hathaway. At its peak in 2022, Microsoft accounted for about 27 per cent of the foundation’s total holdings, highlighting its importance in the overall investment strategy. Why the foundation sold its shares The decision to exit Microsoft is linked to a broader shift in the foundation’s strategy. Bill Gates has said that the foundation plans to spend down its endowment by 2045, rather than operate indefinitely like traditional charitable organisations. This approach requires more liquidity and diversification, as the foundation aims to increase its spending on global programmes. The foundation is expected to distribute around $9 billion (about Rs 74,700 crore) in grants in the current year alone, reflecting an accelerated pace of funding. Portfolio after the Microsoft exit Following the sale, the foundation’s investment portfolio is estimated to be worth around $31.7 billion (approximately Rs 2.63 lakh crore). The exit reduces concentration in a single company and allows the foundation to allocate resources across a broader range of investments. What this means for markets and philanthropy The move signals a shift in how large philanthropic organisations manage their investments. Instead of holding long-term stakes in a single company, there is a growing focus on diversification and liquidity. For Microsoft, the exit does not directly affect its operations, but it marks the end of a historic connection with one of its founders’ philanthropic initiatives. The Gates Foundation is expected to continue adjusting its investment strategy in line with its long-term goal of increasing charitable spending. As the foundation moves towards its 2045 target, further changes in asset allocation may follow, reflecting its focus on funding global health, education and development programmes.

The Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation has fully exited its investment in Microsoft, selling its remaining shares in the first quarter of 2026. The move marks the end of a long-standing financial link between the foundation and the company co-founded by Bill Gates.

Gates Foundation exits Microsoft, ends long-standing investment position

Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI, set for a jury trial on April 27, 2026, alleges that the company abandoned its founding mission to develop artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity in favor of maximizing profits for Microsoft. The lawsuit seeks to remove CEO Sam Altman, reverse the company's for-profit pivot, and return "ill-gotten gains" to the non-profit. 


Elon Musk Takes OpenAI To Court; What The Lawsuit Alleges?

Microsoft is facing a second major investigation in the United Kingdom over its cloud software licensing practices. The probe by the Competition and Markets Authority will examine whether Microsoft’s licensing terms make it harder or more expensive for businesses to run its software on rival cloud platforms.


Microsoft Aces Second Major UK Investigation Over Cloud Licensing 

Microsoft has created a storage device that can keep several terabytes of data safe for nearly 10,000 years. It has been made as part of "Project Silica" and is a breakthrough in long-term data storage. The technology involves laser-modified glass storage for data, which can never be erased as it is etched into the glass with a laser. The system called Silica has been described in a paper published in the journal Nature. The system uses a tiny square of borosilica glass, roughly 0.08 inches (2 millimetres) thick, on which data is encoded by harnessing the properties of light. The thin slice of glass has been theoretically built to last for thousands of years. Unlike regular hard disks, data on this tiny glass cannot be erased. Which means, anything added to it will be available to future humanity.&nbsp;Silica is made to resist all kinds of threats, such as fire, water, microwave radiation, and electromagnetic pulses. Data in Silica is recorded using differences in the phase of light wavelengths in voxels, or a three-dimensional equivalent of a pixel. The glass chip can store 4.8 terabytes of data—equivalent to about 2 million printed books or 5,000 ultra-high-definition films, according to the paper. The team took inspiration from an earlier research that experimented to check the feasibility of harnessing the physical properties of light as an extra “dimension” for data storage, Gizmodo reported. &nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/turkey-north-anatolian-fault-marmara-sea-mega-earthquake-1770805526312">'Invisible' fault line silent for centuries could trigger the next mega earthquake in THIS region</a><h2>How laser-etched glass storage started</h2>James Chon, an optical physicist at Swinburne University of Technology in Australia, used extremely quick pulses of light to make glass material for encoding information. &nbsp;Peter Kazansky, an optical physicist at the University of Southampton, took the work ahead and was able to make etch Isaac Asimov’s Foundation trilogy on glass, which was sent to space.&nbsp;Microsoft took note and saw the potential to create a storage device that would be like an "archival storage technology." Richard Black, Project Silica’s research director, told Gizmodo, “We realised that if we could tame the physics and scale it, there was the potential for [laser-modified glass] to be disruptive as archival storage technology."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-autonomous-drone-swarming-tech-musk-s-spacex-xai-place-bids-in-secret-pentagon-competition-wion-explains-1771301948635">What is autonomous drone swarming tech? Musk's SpaceX, xAI bid in secret Pentagon competition</a><h2>How it works</h2> To write information on the chip, an ultra-fast "femtosecond" laser etches tiny 3D shapes (called voxels) inside the glass. To read the information, a high-speed microscope is used to scan the glass, and AI algorithms translate those 3D shapes back into digital data. The glass plates need no maintenance and are a sustainable method.&nbsp;

Microsoft has built a glass chip that can store more than 4 terabytes of data. But the main thing about this store device is that it can last for eternity, at least 10,000 years theoretically. This gives man a way to archive information that he thinks future humans should know.

Microsoft has created a storage device that can keep several terabytes of data safe for nearly 10,000 years. It has been made as part of "Project Silica" and is a breakthrough in long-term data storage. The technology involves laser-modified glass storage for data, which can never be erased as it is etched into the glass with a laser. The system called Silica has been described in a paper published in the journal Nature. The system uses a tiny square of borosilica glass, roughly 0.08 inches (2 millimetres) thick, on which data is encoded by harnessing the properties of light. The thin slice of glass has been theoretically built to last for thousands of years. Unlike regular hard disks, data on this tiny glass cannot be erased. Which means, anything added to it will be available to future humanity. Silica is made to resist all kinds of threats, such as fire, water, microwave radiation, and electromagnetic pulses. Data in Silica is recorded using differences in the phase of light wavelengths in voxels, or a three-dimensional equivalent of a pixel. The glass chip can store 4.8 terabytes of data—equivalent to about 2 million printed books or 5,000 ultra-high-definition films, according to the paper. The team took inspiration from an earlier research that experimented to check the feasibility of harnessing the physical properties of light as an extra “dimension” for data storage, Gizmodo reported. Also Read: 'Invisible' fault line silent for centuries could trigger the next mega earthquake in THIS region How laser-etched glass storage started James Chon, an optical physicist at Swinburne University of Technology in Australia, used extremely quick pulses of light to make glass material for encoding information. Peter Kazansky, an optical physicist at the University of Southampton, took the work ahead and was able to make etch Isaac Asimov’s Foundation trilogy on glass, which was sent to space. Microsoft took note and saw the potential to create a storage device that would be like an "archival storage technology." Richard Black, Project Silica’s research director, told Gizmodo, “We realised that if we could tame the physics and scale it, there was the potential for [laser-modified glass] to be disruptive as archival storage technology." Also Read: What is autonomous drone swarming tech? Musk's SpaceX, xAI bid in secret Pentagon competition How it works To write information on the chip, an ultra-fast "femtosecond" laser etches tiny 3D shapes (called voxels) inside the glass. To read the information, a high-speed microscope is used to scan the glass, and AI algorithms translate those 3D shapes back into digital data. The glass plates need no maintenance and are a sustainable method.

Microsoft has built a glass chip that can store more than 4 terabytes of data. But the main thing about this store device is that it can last for eternity, at least 10,000 years theoretically. This gives man a way to archive information that he thinks future humans should know.

Scientists develop tiny glass tablet that can store laser-etched data for 10,000 years

Microsoft outage hits cloud services; users face app install failures and Windows update time-outs.
Microsoft says recovery continues after weekend disruptions.

Azure, Microsoft 365 Affected By Power Outage

Big Tech earnings highlight a growing AI divide as investors reward companies showing AI success while punishing those missing growth expectations. Microsoft shed ₹350 billion after cloud growth disappointed, signaling high stakes for AI-driven performance.


Big Tech Earnings Highlight AI Spending Divide 

Big Tech Earnings Reveal AI Winners and Losers, Microsoft Loses ₹350 Bn

AI spending surges are triggering Wall Street repricing, with bubble fears resurfacing as Oracle shares plunge over 50% from peaks and Microsoft drops 11% after earnings.


Wall Street Reprices AI Hype- Oracle Crashes, Microsoft Tumbles

Google, Microsoft and Anthropic have launched new artificial intelligence tools for teachers this week, signalling a growing race among tech giants to shape how AI is used in classrooms. The announcements come at a time when many educators remain cautious about the impact of AI on learning.These companies unveiled separate initiatives aimed at teachers, students and schools, promising better access to AI tools, training and support. However, a new survey suggests that concerns around student dependence, critical thinking and data privacy remain strong among faculty members.<h2>Anthropic partners with Teach For All</h2>Anthropic announced a partnership with non-profit organisation Teach For All to bring AI tools and training to more than 100,000 educators across 63 countries, reaching over 1.5 million students. The initiative, called the AI Literacy &amp; Creator Collective, will give teachers access to Anthropic’s AI assistant, Claude.Unlike many other AI programmes, Anthropic said teachers will help shape how the technology develops. Educators will act as “co-architects”, offering feedback on how AI should be designed and used in classrooms.According to Wendy Kopp, CEO of Teach For All, teachers must play a central role if AI is to make education more fair and effective. She said educators should guide how AI tools are built, rather than simply adapting to them.&nbsp;

Anthropic partners with Teach For All

&nbsp;<h2>Google and Microsoft expand education AI</h2>Google introduced its biggest education-focused AI push so far at the Bett UK 2026 conference. The company announced free SAT practice exams through its Gemini assistant, with content reviewed by The Princeton Review. Google also announced that Khan Academy’s Writing Coach will now run on Gemini, offering writing feedback to students from Classes 5 to 12.&nbsp;In addition, Google said Gemini will be available across its Workspace for Education tools, including Gmail, Docs, Slides and Sheets, at no extra cost to schools.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Microsoft launched its Elevate for Educators programme. The initiative offers free professional training, AI-focused certifications developed with ISTE+ASCD, and access to educator networks in more than 13 languages. Microsoft said the programme supports its goal of helping 20 million people gain AI skills over the next two years.<h2>Teachers remain cautious about AI</h2>Despite the push from tech companies, many educators remain uneasy. A survey of 1,057 faculty members, released by the American Association of Colleges and Universities and Elon University, found that 95 percent believe AI will increase student overreliance on technology. Around 90 percent said it could weaken critical thinking skills.&nbsp;The survey also showed that 68 percent of faculty feel their institutions have not prepared them properly to use AI in teaching, while nearly one in four said they do not use AI tools at all.&nbsp;Eddie Watson, vice president for digital innovation at AAC&amp;U, said the findings show higher education is at a turning point, with strong warnings from faculty that AI may harm learning if not used carefully.&nbsp;<h2>Privacy and data concerns</h2>Privacy experts have also raised concerns as AI adoption in schools accelerates. While companies must follow student data protection laws such as FERPA in the United States, enforcement has often been weak.&nbsp;Some experts warn that student data protections may fade after graduation, while others suggest companies may be focused on building long-term user loyalty.Tam Winc, CEO of Secur, said that while many AI firms want to improve education, schools and parents must prioritise student safety and well-being as competition for classroom adoption increases. &nbsp;&nbsp;The growing interest in AI-powered education is also creating opportunities for specialised platforms that focus on the day-to-day needs of schools. Alongside global technology companies, India-based Neev Learn is among the platforms integrating AI into school management to support teachers, administrators, students and parents. By combining school management software with AI-powered features, the platform aims to streamline routine administrative tasks, improve communication and help educators spend more time on teaching than paperwork. As schools continue to evaluate how AI can be used responsibly, such purpose-built platforms reflect a broader shift towards practical AI applications that complement teaching rather than replace it.

Google, Microsoft and Anthropic have launched new AI tools for teachers, expanding AI use in classrooms worldwide. While firms promise support and training, surveys show educators remain worried about student dependence, weak critical thinking and data privacy risks.

Google, Microsoft and Anthropic have launched new artificial intelligence tools for teachers this week, signalling a growing race among tech giants to shape how AI is used in classrooms. The announcements come at a time when many educators remain cautious about the impact of AI on learning. These companies unveiled separate initiatives aimed at teachers, students and schools, promising better access to AI tools, training and support. However, a new survey suggests that concerns around student dependence, critical thinking and data privacy remain strong among faculty members. Anthropic partners with Teach For All Anthropic announced a partnership with non-profit organisation Teach For All to bring AI tools and training to more than 100,000 educators across 63 countries, reaching over 1.5 million students. The initiative, called the AI Literacy & Creator Collective, will give teachers access to Anthropic’s AI assistant, Claude. Unlike many other AI programmes, Anthropic said teachers will help shape how the technology develops. Educators will act as “co-architects”, offering feedback on how AI should be designed and used in classrooms. According to Wendy Kopp, CEO of Teach For All, teachers must play a central role if AI is to make education more fair and effective. She said educators should guide how AI tools are built, rather than simply adapting to them.

Google, Microsoft and Anthropic have launched new AI tools for teachers, expanding AI use in classrooms worldwide. While firms promise support and training, surveys show educators remain worried about student dependence, weak critical thinking and data privacy risks.

‘AI-powered teaching’: Google, Microsoft and Anthropic roll out AI tools for teachers

Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella, speaking at the AI Tour in Mumbai, said the world is entering a new phase where artificial intelligence is rapidly expanding what people and organisations can achieve.He said this while speaking at the Microsoft AI Tour in Mumbai on Friday.&nbsp;He said AI is not just a new tool but a major shift that allows governments, companies and individuals to rethink how they work, deliver services and solve problems.&nbsp;<h2>AI allows organisations to rethink how they work</h2>Speaking at the event, Nadella said technology is helping people completely reimagine their daily operations, from customer experience to employee productivity and efficiency.&nbsp;“The frontier of what is possible is changing,” he said.According to him, AI makes it possible to rethink systems at every level, whether in government, businesses or personal life. He explained that organisations are no longer limited by older systems and can now design faster, more flexible ways of working using AI-powered tools.&nbsp;Highly regulated sectors are also seeing change&nbsp;Nadella said AI is also transforming industries that traditionally move slowly, such as pharmaceuticals.&nbsp;As per him, drug companies can now study whether AI can help speed up clinical trials and bring new medicines to market faster.This shows how innovation is moving forward even in sectors that face strict rules and controls. He said this shift reflects how industries are trying to move closer to the “frontier” of innovation made possible by AI technologies.&nbsp;<h2>AI needs a new way of thinking and learning</h2>Nadella said that entering this new phase means people must be ready to unlearn old methods and learn new ones.&nbsp;At the event, he also explained that building AI systems is very different from building traditional software.In the past, developers started with detailed instructions. With AI, the process begins by deciding the outcome first.&nbsp;“You don’t start with a specification. You start with the test,” Nadella said.&nbsp;<h2>New skills are essential in the AI era</h2>Nadella said adapting to this new AI-driven world requires everyone to develop new skills and use modern tools every day. He added that organisations must bring together their data, tools and workflows so AI becomes part of everyday work, not just an experimental idea. According to him, the future belongs to those who are willing to adapt, learn continuously and use AI as a practical tool to solve real-world problems.&nbsp;

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said the world is entering a new phase where artificial intelligence is reshaping how governments, businesses and individuals work. 


Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella, speaking at the AI Tour in Mumbai, said the world is entering a new phase where artificial intelligence is rapidly expanding what people and organisations can achieve. He said this while speaking at the Microsoft AI Tour in Mumbai on Friday. He said AI is not just a new tool but a major shift that allows governments, companies and individuals to rethink how they work, deliver services and solve problems. AI allows organisations to rethink how they work Speaking at the event, Nadella said technology is helping people completely reimagine their daily operations, from customer experience to employee productivity and efficiency. “The frontier of what is possible is changing,” he said. According to him, AI makes it possible to rethink systems at every level, whether in government, businesses or personal life. He explained that organisations are no longer limited by older systems and can now design faster, more flexible ways of working using AI-powered tools. Highly regulated sectors are also seeing change Nadella said AI is also transforming industries that traditionally move slowly, such as pharmaceuticals. As per him, drug companies can now study whether AI can help speed up clinical trials and bring new medicines to market faster. This shows how innovation is moving forward even in sectors that face strict rules and controls. He said this shift reflects how industries are trying to move closer to the “frontier” of innovation made possible by AI technologies. AI needs a new way of thinking and learning Nadella said that entering this new phase means people must be ready to unlearn old methods and learn new ones. At the event, he also explained that building AI systems is very different from building traditional software. In the past, developers started with detailed instructions. With AI, the process begins by deciding the outcome first. “You don’t start with a specification. You start with the test,” Nadella said. New skills are essential in the AI era Nadella said adapting to this new AI-driven world requires everyone to develop new skills and use modern tools every day. He added that organisations must bring together their data, tools and workflows so AI becomes part of everyday work, not just an experimental idea. According to him, the future belongs to those who are willing to adapt, learn continuously and use AI as a practical tool to solve real-world problems.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said the world is entering a new phase where artificial intelligence is reshaping how governments, businesses and individuals work.&nbsp;

AI is expanding the ‘frontier of what is possible’, says Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella

Prime minister Narendra Modi has had a packed schedule, meeting the world’s most influential tech leaders. From Microsoft and Google to intel and cognizant, Global giants are placing unprecedented bets on India’s role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.


Big Tech Invests Billions in India’s Digital Transformation 

French antitrust watchdog on Thursday dismissed a complaint filed against Microsoft, opens new tab by local search engine Qwant which accused the U.S. company of abusing its dominant position. The Autorite de la Concurrence, as the watchdog is known, said Qwant failed to bring elements sufficiently convincing to sustain its claims and also declined to enforce the interim action against Microsoft requested by Qwant.


French antitrust watchdog dismisses complaint filed against Microsoft 

Microsoft made it easier for corporate workers to make AI agents that go off and do work. Now it’s demonstrating a tool that IT specialists can use to see and manage those agents.

The software, named Agent 365, provides a list of artificial intelligence agents inside companies’ systems, even if they’re from other companies, Microsoft announced Tuesday. The company will present the product to business leaders and information technology practitioners at its Ignite conference in San Francisco this week.

Microsoft Unveils Tool to Help Companies Control, Track AI Agents |

Microsoft has signed a $9.7 billion deal with data-center operator IREN. The deal includes access to Nvidia's advanced chips. The news of the deal caused a surge in IREN's share in premarket trading. The share prices of Dell also rose 5 per cent because it will provide IREN with Nvidia's GB300 chips and other equipment Microsoft will use.<h2>Full details of Microsoft-IREN deal</h2>This partnership will allow Microsoft to increase its computing capacity without constructing new data centers or securing additional power to meet the company's AI demand. Tech companies need data centers and power to realize their AI goals.&nbsp;After the deal, the company will also sidestep the need to spend heavily on chips, which will eventually give way to more powerful chips in the near future.&nbsp;IREN's market value is $16.52 billion. The company operates several data centers across North America. These facilities are powered by renewable energy, and their total capacity is 2,910 megawatts.&nbsp;IREN said in a filing that the money from Microsoft will help finance its $5.8 billion deal with Dell.&nbsp;Its Microsoft contract could be terminated if it fails to meet the delivery timelines. The $9.7 billion agreement will strengthen IREN’s position in the AI data center market. The company's share rose 20 per cent in pre-market trading on Monday.&nbsp;Microsoft will prepay 20% of the total&nbsp;contract value, according to Reuters.&nbsp;The hardware will be installed at IREN’s 750-megawatt Childress, Texas campus. This liquid-cooled AI data centre will support 200 megawatts of critical IT load.&nbsp;IREN co-founder and co-CEO Daniel Roberts said the deal demonstrates the scalability of the company’s vertically integrated AI cloud platform.&nbsp;Microsoft said that the deal would ensure that the company's customers get efficient AI infrastructure. IREN is one of the top three public bitcoin mining companies. It is now expanding its operations into AI infrastructure, hoping for long-term revenue stability.&nbsp;IREN's share rose from $60.75 on Friday to $73 on Monday.

Microsoft has signed a $9.7 billion deal with data-center operator IREN. The deal includes access to Nvidia's advanced chips.

Microsoft has signed a $9.7 billion deal with data-center operator IREN. The deal includes access to Nvidia's advanced chips. The news of the deal caused a surge in IREN's share in premarket trading. The share prices of Dell also rose 5 per cent because it will provide IREN with Nvidia's GB300 chips and other equipment Microsoft will use. Full details of Microsoft-IREN deal This partnership will allow Microsoft to increase its computing capacity without constructing new data centers or securing additional power to meet the company's AI demand. Tech companies need data centers and power to realize their AI goals. After the deal, the company will also sidestep the need to spend heavily on chips, which will eventually give way to more powerful chips in the near future. IREN's market value is $16.52 billion. The company operates several data centers across North America. These facilities are powered by renewable energy, and their total capacity is 2,910 megawatts. IREN said in a filing that the money from Microsoft will help finance its $5.8 billion deal with Dell. Its Microsoft contract could be terminated if it fails to meet the delivery timelines. The $9.7 billion agreement will strengthen IREN’s position in the AI data center market. The company's share rose 20 per cent in pre-market trading on Monday. Microsoft will prepay 20% of the total contract value, according to Reuters. The hardware will be installed at IREN’s 750-megawatt Childress, Texas campus. This liquid-cooled AI data centre will support 200 megawatts of critical IT load. IREN co-founder and co-CEO Daniel Roberts said the deal demonstrates the scalability of the company’s vertically integrated AI cloud platform. Microsoft said that the deal would ensure that the company's customers get efficient AI infrastructure. IREN is one of the top three public bitcoin mining companies. It is now expanding its operations into AI infrastructure, hoping for long-term revenue stability. IREN's share rose from $60.75 on Friday to $73 on Monday.

Microsoft-IREN deal: After the deal, the company will also sidestep the need to spend heavily on chips, which will eventually give way to more powerful chips in the near future.&nbsp;

Microsoft signs $9.7 billion deal with IREN to advance AI push | Full details

Do you know which are the most valuable companies in 2025? Well, here is the list of the top 7 most valuable companies in the world by market capitalisation. The leading firms have valuations ranging from nearly $5 trillion to around $1.7 trillion.

Do you know which are the most valuable companies in 2025? Well, here is the list of the top 7 most valuable companies in the world by market capitalisation. The leading firms have valuations ranging from nearly $5 trillion to around $1.7 trillion.

Top 7 most valuable companies in 2025: Nvidia hits $5 trillion, Apple joins $4T club

Microsoft said on Thursday it was investigating issues with its cloud services in the Central US region, which has disrupted services worldwide. Major airlines across the world said that the outage has adversely affected their flight operations, including in Delhi and Mumbai. 

Microsoft Investigating Azure Outage: Traced To System Configuration Issue

Amid the raised demand for artificial intelligence solutions and cloud services, Microsoft Corporation reported a revenue of USD 77.7 billion for the quarter ending September 30, 2025. This is an impressive increase of 18 per cent year-on-year.The company's operating income rose 24 per cent to USD 38 billion, while net income reached USD 27.7 billion.&nbsp;Satya Nadella, chairman and chief executive officer of Microsoft, attributed the impressive results to the company's AI and cloud prowess.&nbsp;He said that Microsoft will continue increasing AI investments in terms of capital and talent.&nbsp;"Our planet-scale cloud and AI factory, together with Copilots across high-value domains, is driving broad diffusion and real-world impact," Nadella said.&nbsp;Amy Hood, executive vice president and chief financial officer, also lauded the company's strength in the cloud services sector.&nbsp;"Continued strength in the Microsoft Cloud reflects the growing customer demand for our differentiated platform," she said.<h2>What Satya Nadella said on the company's AI future</h2>Nadella said that his company plans to increase its AI capacity by 80 per cent this year and double the data center footprint in two years. He said its upcoming Fairwater facility in Wisconsin will be capable of scaling to two gigawatts.&nbsp;He said its Copilots surpassed a total user base of 150 million monthly active users.&nbsp;He said the company's Microsoft 365 Copilot is used by 90 per cent of Fortune 500 companies.&nbsp;"90 percent of the F500 now use M365 Copilot - and we're shipping updates very fast. GitHub Copilot now has 26 million-plus users," he said.<h2>Google's earnings</h2>Google recorded its first-ever USD 100 billion quarter. Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said in a post that the company's growth was driven by cloud services and AI.&nbsp;"We delivered our first-ever $100B quarter, driven by double-digit growth across every major part of our business. Five years ago, our quarterly revenue was $50B," he wrote on X.

Amid the raised demand for artificial intelligence solutions and cloud services, Microsoft Corporation reported a revenue of USD 77.7 billion for the quarter ending September 30, 2025.

Amid the raised demand for artificial intelligence solutions and cloud services, Microsoft Corporation reported a revenue of USD 77.7 billion for the quarter ending September 30, 2025. This is an impressive increase of 18 per cent year-on-year. The company's operating income rose 24 per cent to USD 38 billion, while net income reached USD 27.7 billion. Satya Nadella, chairman and chief executive officer of Microsoft, attributed the impressive results to the company's AI and cloud prowess. He said that Microsoft will continue increasing AI investments in terms of capital and talent. "Our planet-scale cloud and AI factory, together with Copilots across high-value domains, is driving broad diffusion and real-world impact," Nadella said. Amy Hood, executive vice president and chief financial officer, also lauded the company's strength in the cloud services sector. "Continued strength in the Microsoft Cloud reflects the growing customer demand for our differentiated platform," she said. What Satya Nadella said on the company's AI future Nadella said that his company plans to increase its AI capacity by 80 per cent this year and double the data center footprint in two years. He said its upcoming Fairwater facility in Wisconsin will be capable of scaling to two gigawatts. He said its Copilots surpassed a total user base of 150 million monthly active users. He said the company's Microsoft 365 Copilot is used by 90 per cent of Fortune 500 companies. "90 percent of the F500 now use M365 Copilot - and we're shipping updates very fast. GitHub Copilot now has 26 million-plus users," he said. Google's earnings Google recorded its first-ever USD 100 billion quarter. Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said in a post that the company's growth was driven by cloud services and AI. "We delivered our first-ever $100B quarter, driven by double-digit growth across every major part of our business. Five years ago, our quarterly revenue was $50B," he wrote on X.

Microsoft's quarterly results: Satya Nadella, chairman and chief executive officer of Microsoft, attributed the impressive results to the company's AI and cloud prowess.

Amid AI, cloud boom, Microsoft's revenue rises to $77.7 billion this quarter

NVIDIA inches closer to becoming the first $5 trillion company while apple topped $4 trillion in market value. The development makes apple one of the most valuable companies in the world alongside NVIDIA and microsoft which also surpassed $4 trillion.

Nvidia's Market Cap Close To $5 Trillion Mark: Apple, Microsoft Close By

Microsoft faces legal action in Australia over allegations of misleading pricing for its AI365 services. The case highlights growing scrutiny on tech giants and AI product transparency.

 Microsoft Sued in Australia Over Misleading AI365 Pricing 

Australia: Microsoft Sued in Australia Over Misleading AI365 Pricing | Legal Update | WION 

US tech giant Microsoft have reduced access to Microsoft's certain services like Azure to the IDF's intelligence unit, after reports of it being used as a tool to spy on the Palestinians.&nbsp;“I want to let you know that Microsoft has ceased and disabled a set of services to a unit within the Israel Ministry of Defence (IMOD),” &nbsp;said Brad Smith, Vice Chairman and President of the company. This was in response to an investigation by The Guardian, +972 magazine, and Local call, which revealed that Israel's Unit 8200 have used Azure for storing data they obtained after spying on Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.<h2>Role of Microsoft in the Genocide</h2>The investigation revealed that in 2021, following a meeting between Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and the Unit 8200’s leader, Yossi Sariel, an AI-powered surveillance system was created. Since 2022, the system has recorded ‘one million calls an hour’.&nbsp;The process used a cloud computing platform of Azure to record, compile, playback, translate and analyse millions of phone calls, which contributed to and aided the airstrikes and other operations in the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;Read Also: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-disturbing-case-of-sderot-cinema-1753794317516">Watching war as entertainment: The disturbing case of Sderot Cinema</a><h2>Consequences of the report</h2>Following the report, Brad Smith, Vice Chairman and President of Microsoft, released an external investigation which supported the probes of the journalists.&nbsp;“First, we do not provide technology to facilitate mass surveillance of civilians. We have applied this principle in every country around the world, and we have insisted on it repeatedly for more than two decades,” read a statement from the company.“At no point has Microsoft accessed IMOD’s (Israeli Defence Ministry) customer content,” read the statement.&nbsp;However, the services were stopped only for Israel's Unit 8200 and the specific services. It continued for other commercial products of Microsoft and other wings of IDF. This has drawn criticism from Palestinian activists, with protests like "No Azure for Apartheid," implying that Microsoft still aids in the military operations of Israel.Just after the publication of the report, the IDF's Unit 8200 reportedly took off the large trove of data from Microsoft's server in the Netherlands, Ireland, and according to reports, it plans to use Amazon Web Services now.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Microsoft suspends Azure services to Israel’s Unit 8200 after reports revealed AI-powered mass surveillance of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

US tech giant Microsoft have reduced access to Microsoft's certain services like Azure to the IDF's intelligence unit, after reports of it being used as a tool to spy on the Palestinians. “I want to let you know that Microsoft has ceased and disabled a set of services to a unit within the Israel Ministry of Defence (IMOD),” said Brad Smith, Vice Chairman and President of the company. This was in response to an investigation by The Guardian, +972 magazine, and Local call, which revealed that Israel's Unit 8200 have used Azure for storing data they obtained after spying on Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Role of Microsoft in the Genocide The investigation revealed that in 2021, following a meeting between Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and the Unit 8200’s leader, Yossi Sariel, an AI-powered surveillance system was created. Since 2022, the system has recorded ‘one million calls an hour’. The process used a cloud computing platform of Azure to record, compile, playback, translate and analyse millions of phone calls, which contributed to and aided the airstrikes and other operations in the Gaza Strip. Read Also: Watching war as entertainment: The disturbing case of Sderot Cinema Consequences of the report Following the report, Brad Smith, Vice Chairman and President of Microsoft, released an external investigation which supported the probes of the journalists. “First, we do not provide technology to facilitate mass surveillance of civilians. We have applied this principle in every country around the world, and we have insisted on it repeatedly for more than two decades,” read a statement from the company. “At no point has Microsoft accessed IMOD’s (Israeli Defence Ministry) customer content,” read the statement. However, the services were stopped only for Israel's Unit 8200 and the specific services. It continued for other commercial products of Microsoft and other wings of IDF. This has drawn criticism from Palestinian activists, with protests like "No Azure for Apartheid," implying that Microsoft still aids in the military operations of Israel. Just after the publication of the report, the IDF's Unit 8200 reportedly took off the large trove of data from Microsoft's server in the Netherlands, Ireland, and according to reports, it plans to use Amazon Web Services now.

Microsoft suspends Azure's cloud and advanced AI services to Israel’s Unit 8200 after reports revealed AI-powered mass surveillance of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

Microsoft blocks its cloud and AI services to IDF's Unit 8200, after reports of aiding in genocide

Top tech firms like Meta and Microsoft on Saturday (Sep 20) have issued urgent advisories to their H-1B visa holders, asking them not to leave the United States (US) for at least 14 days. This came after President Donald Trump announced new restrictions on immigration and tightened rules for foreign workers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Internal emails accessed by NDTV Profit revealed that companies have also told their employees who are currently outside the US to return within 24 hours to avoid being denied re-entry to the country. Both tech firms said that the instructions should be followed until further notice.&nbsp;Meta has asked its H-1B and H4 visa holders in the US to stay in the country for at least two weeks until the new rules are clearer. Those abroad were advised to return immediately. Microsoft have also urged its H-1B employees in the US not to travel and told those overseas to make every effort to come back quickly.&nbsp;Also Read - ‘<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-a-one-day-deadline-creates-what-indian-trade-body-nasscom-said-on-trump-s-100-000-fee-order-or-h-1b-visa-1758374106801">A one-day deadline creates…’: What India’s MEA, Nasscom said on Trump’s $100,000 fee order for H-1B visa</a>&nbsp;The H-1B visa program allows US companies to employ foreign professionals in specialised fields, often in the tech industry. These visas are valid for three years and can be renewed for another three years. Many Indian software engineers, IT managers, and other skilled workers use this to work in the US.&nbsp;On Friday (Sep 19), Trump raised the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 per year, a sharp increase from $215. This move will heavily affect Indian workers working in the US. He said that the move was aimed at encouraging companies to hire more Americans while keeping room for “extraordinary talent” from abroad. Fees for investor visas also went up sharply, from $10,000 to as high as $20,000 annually.&nbsp;At the same time, the administration announced a new visa scheme, offering the Trump Gold Card and the Trump Platinum Card for individuals and a Trump Corporate Gold Card for businesses. India remains the biggest user of H-1B visas, accounting for 71 per cent of approvals last year, while China was second at 11.7 per cent.<h2>What is the H-1B visa?</h2>The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa that lets US employers hire foreign workers in specialised jobs, such as in technology, finance, research and defence projects. &nbsp;

Tech entrepreneurs in the US have warned against the new order, saying that the US does not have enough talent in the country to fill vacancies for important jobs in the tech sector.

Top tech firms like Meta and Microsoft on Saturday (Sep 20) have issued urgent advisories to their H-1B visa holders, asking them not to leave the United States (US) for at least 14 days. This came after President Donald Trump announced new restrictions on immigration and tightened rules for foreign workers. Internal emails accessed by NDTV Profit revealed that companies have also told their employees who are currently outside the US to return within 24 hours to avoid being denied re-entry to the country. Both tech firms said that the instructions should be followed until further notice. Meta has asked its H-1B and H4 visa holders in the US to stay in the country for at least two weeks until the new rules are clearer. Those abroad were advised to return immediately. Microsoft have also urged its H-1B employees in the US not to travel and told those overseas to make every effort to come back quickly. Also Read - ‘A one-day deadline creates…’: What India’s MEA, Nasscom said on Trump’s $100,000 fee order for H-1B visa The H-1B visa program allows US companies to employ foreign professionals in specialised fields, often in the tech industry. These visas are valid for three years and can be renewed for another three years. Many Indian software engineers, IT managers, and other skilled workers use this to work in the US. On Friday (Sep 19), Trump raised the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 per year, a sharp increase from $215. This move will heavily affect Indian workers working in the US. He said that the move was aimed at encouraging companies to hire more Americans while keeping room for “extraordinary talent” from abroad. Fees for investor visas also went up sharply, from $10,000 to as high as $20,000 annually. At the same time, the administration announced a new visa scheme, offering the Trump Gold Card and the Trump Platinum Card for individuals and a Trump Corporate Gold Card for businesses. India remains the biggest user of H-1B visas, accounting for 71 per cent of approvals last year, while China was second at 11.7 per cent. What is the H-1B visa? The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa that lets US employers hire foreign workers in specialised jobs, such as in technology, finance, research and defence projects.

Tech entrepreneurs in the US have warned against the new order, saying that the US does not have enough talent in the country to fill vacancies for important jobs in the tech sector.

Return within 24 hours to avoid...: US tech firms warn H-1B visa holders after Trump's new visa order

Microsoft Inc announced on Tuesday that it had seized nearly 340 websites linked to a rapidly expanding phishing service based in Nigeria, which enabled users to steal credentials from at least 5,000 Microsoft accounts.


Microsoft Seizes Hundreds Of Websites Linked To Growing Phishing Subscription Service

Tech giant Microsoft has leased 2.6 lakh sq. ft. of premium office space in Hyderabad, committing to a massive monthly rent of ₹5.4 crore. The move signals Microsoft’s continued expansion in India, reinforcing Hyderabad’s position as a leading tech hub.

Microsoft Expands in Hyderabad, Leases 2.6 Lakh Sq Ft Office for ₹5.4 Crore Rent

Microsoft India (R&amp;D) has signed a 264,000 sq ft office lease in Hyderabad for R&amp;D expansion, marking one of the largest deals in the financial district. The global technology giant has signed a new five-year lease with managed workspace provider Table Space Technologies, set to begin on July 1, 2025, according to lease documents accessed via Propstack.&nbsp;As per the ET report, the agreement covers 264,000 sq ft across the third and fourth floors of the building, in which Microsoft will pay a base rent of Rs 1.77 crore at a rate of Rs 67 per sq ft. Including common area maintenance, operating expenses, capital expenditure and management fees, the total monthly expenditure of the company to touch Rs 5.4 crore per month or Rs 204 per sq ft.&nbsp;An annual escalation of 4.8% and a security deposit of Rs 42.15 crore for a 60-month lease are also covered in the agreement. Table Space has a registered lease pact with Phoenix Tech Zone. It acts as the sub-lessor for the company.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/global-debt-2025-top-5-countries-with-the-highest-public-debt-to-gdp-ratios-1756036362415">Global Debt 2025: Top 5 countries with the highest public debt-to-GDP ratios</a><h3>Big boost for Microsoft</h3>This new lease by Microsoft marks a significant expansion of its Hyderabad footprint and shows the appeal of the city to large tech occupiers due to its talent infrastructure, availability, and cost advantage.&nbsp;In 1998, Microsoft first set up its India Development Centre in the city, making the largest R&amp;D base outside the US. The Gachibowli campus already acts as a spot for artificial intelligence, engineering, and cloud innovation.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/global-gold-reserves-2025-top-countries-impact-economy-1755950962586">Global gold reserves 2025: Countries with highest gold reserves and how it impacts their economy</a>&nbsp;Its Gachibowli campus already serves as a hub for engineering, artificial intelligence, and cloud innovation. The new space at Phoenix Centaurus is expected to house additional R&amp;D teams and technology units. Meanwhile, additional R&amp;D teams and technology units are likely to get housed in the new space at Phoenix Centaurus.&nbsp;"Large tech occupiers continue to bet on Hyderabad due to its talent availability, infrastructure and cost advantage," said a senior workspace real estate consultant. "Transactions like this indicate that global corporations are not just consolidating but also expanding in the city, especially in premium Grade-A spaces," he said.&nbsp;

The agreement of 264,000 sq ft covers the third and fourth floors of the building, in which Microsoft will pay a rate of Rs 67 per sq ft at a base rent of Rs 1.77 crore, according to a lease document accessed via Propstack.

Microsoft India (R&D) has signed a 264,000 sq ft office lease in Hyderabad for R&D expansion, marking one of the largest deals in the financial district. The global technology giant has signed a new five-year lease with managed workspace provider Table Space Technologies, set to begin on July 1, 2025, according to lease documents accessed via Propstack. As per the ET report, the agreement covers 264,000 sq ft across the third and fourth floors of the building, in which Microsoft will pay a base rent of Rs 1.77 crore at a rate of Rs 67 per sq ft. Including common area maintenance, operating expenses, capital expenditure and management fees, the total monthly expenditure of the company to touch Rs 5.4 crore per month or Rs 204 per sq ft. An annual escalation of 4.8% and a security deposit of Rs 42.15 crore for a 60-month lease are also covered in the agreement. Table Space has a registered lease pact with Phoenix Tech Zone. It acts as the sub-lessor for the company. Also read: Global Debt 2025: Top 5 countries with the highest public debt-to-GDP ratios Big boost for Microsoft This new lease by Microsoft marks a significant expansion of its Hyderabad footprint and shows the appeal of the city to large tech occupiers due to its talent infrastructure, availability, and cost advantage. In 1998, Microsoft first set up its India Development Centre in the city, making the largest R&D base outside the US. The Gachibowli campus already acts as a spot for artificial intelligence, engineering, and cloud innovation. Also read: Global gold reserves 2025: Countries with highest gold reserves and how it impacts their economy Its Gachibowli campus already serves as a hub for engineering, artificial intelligence, and cloud innovation. The new space at Phoenix Centaurus is expected to house additional R&D teams and technology units. Meanwhile, additional R&D teams and technology units are likely to get housed in the new space at Phoenix Centaurus. "Large tech occupiers continue to bet on Hyderabad due to its talent availability, infrastructure and cost advantage," said a senior workspace real estate consultant. "Transactions like this indicate that global corporations are not just consolidating but also expanding in the city, especially in premium Grade-A spaces," he said.

The agreement of 264,000 sq ft covers the third and fourth floors of the building, in which Microsoft will pay a rate of Rs 67 per sq ft at a base rent of Rs 1.77 crore, according to a lease document accessed via Propstack.

Microsoft cracks one of Hyderabad’s largest office deals, leasing 264k sq ft for R&D at THIS whopping amount

GRAVITAS | Microsoft’s head of Artificial Intelligence has warned that digital chatbots are fuelling a “flood” of delusion and psychosis. This was after
a section of users reported experiencing mental breakdowns when using tools like ChatGPT in recent times. Watch this video to find out more. 


AI Chatbots Can Trigger a Mental Health Crisis | GRAVITAS

In a bold move to expand its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, Microsoft is targeting top engineers and researchers from its competitor Meta, offering multimillion-dollar compensation packages to attract them. According to internal documents viewed by Business Insider, the tech giant has compiled a list of Meta’s most coveted AI talent, focusing on key teams such as Reality Labs, GenAI Infrastructure, and Meta AI Research. The recruitment push comes as Microsoft’s valuation approaches $4 trillion, driven largely by the booming demand for generative AI technology.Microsoft’s aggressive hiring strategy follows a period of massive layoffs across the company, with approximately 9,000 positions cut earlier this year. Despite these layoffs, the company has insisted that its overall headcount will remain flat, signalling that selective recruitment, particularly for high-value roles in AI, will remain a top priority.<h2>Competing with Meta’s jaw-dropping compensation packages</h2>The competition for AI talent has reached unprecedented levels, with both Meta and Microsoft offering eye-watering compensation to secure the brightest minds in the field. Meta has been known for offering nine-figure pay packages, including $100 million signing bonuses, and reportedly attracting some hires with total compensation packages as high as $250 million. In response, Microsoft is ramping up its own recruitment efforts, including matching or even exceeding Meta’s offers in some cases.Media reports suggest that Microsoft is now making multimillion-dollar offers to AI professionals. These packages include competitive base salaries, up to $408,000, along with stock awards that can total nearly $3.4 million (including both on-hire and annual stock grants) and cash bonuses of up to 90 per cent. For particularly desirable candidates, Microsoft’s new fast-track hiring process can ensure that offers are made within 24 hours, with a compensation modeller used to create customised pay ranges and input from a compensation consultant.Two Microsoft divisions are leading the charge in these recruitment efforts: Microsoft AI, which is overseen by former DeepMind cofounder Mustafa Suleyman, and CoreAI, managed by former Meta engineering boss Jay Parikh. The documents reveal that specialised recruiting teams within these groups are identifying and flagging “critical AI talent”, allowing the company to respond quickly and ensure it doesn’t lose out on the competition for top engineers.<h2>AI talent becoming the core of Microsoft’s growth strategy</h2>The drive to recruit elite AI engineers is central to Microsoft’s broader strategy to maintain its position at the forefront of the AI industry. The company has benefited greatly from its generative AI investments, especially through partnerships with OpenAI and its own AI divisions. As AI technologies continue to advance, Microsoft aims to stay ahead of rivals like Meta, Google, and Amazon, all of whom are in a fierce race to dominate the next wave of innovation.Jay Parikh’s leadership within CoreAI, comprising several former Meta executives, illustrates Microsoft’s intention to directly challenge its rival by drawing from the same talent pool. The company's efforts underscore the escalating importance of securing top-tier researchers and engineers, whose work will be instrumental in shaping the future of AI-driven products and services.Microsoft’s efforts to poach Meta talent are more than just a tactical move to fill open positions; they are a reflection of the growing power of AI within the tech industry and the broader economy. With the AI market forecasted to continue growing rapidly, securing the best and brightest minds is now viewed as an essential element for future success. As the battle for AI supremacy intensifies, Microsoft’s recruiting efforts are set to shape not only its own future but also the broader trajectory of the tech industry, which is increasingly defined by its ability to innovate in artificial intelligence.&nbsp;(With inputs from agencies)

Microsoft’s aggressive hiring strategy follows a period of massive layoffs across the company earlier this year. Despite these layoffs, it has insisted that its overall headcount will remain flat, signalling that selective recruitment, particularly for high-value roles in AI.

In a bold move to expand its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, Microsoft is targeting top engineers and researchers from its competitor Meta, offering multimillion-dollar compensation packages to attract them. According to internal documents viewed by Business Insider, the tech giant has compiled a list of Meta’s most coveted AI talent, focusing on key teams such as Reality Labs, GenAI Infrastructure, and Meta AI Research. The recruitment push comes as Microsoft’s valuation approaches $4 trillion, driven largely by the booming demand for generative AI technology. Microsoft’s aggressive hiring strategy follows a period of massive layoffs across the company, with approximately 9,000 positions cut earlier this year. Despite these layoffs, the company has insisted that its overall headcount will remain flat, signalling that selective recruitment, particularly for high-value roles in AI, will remain a top priority. Competing with Meta’s jaw-dropping compensation packages The competition for AI talent has reached unprecedented levels, with both Meta and Microsoft offering eye-watering compensation to secure the brightest minds in the field. Meta has been known for offering nine-figure pay packages, including $100 million signing bonuses, and reportedly attracting some hires with total compensation packages as high as $250 million. In response, Microsoft is ramping up its own recruitment efforts, including matching or even exceeding Meta’s offers in some cases. Media reports suggest that Microsoft is now making multimillion-dollar offers to AI professionals. These packages include competitive base salaries, up to $408,000, along with stock awards that can total nearly $3.4 million (including both on-hire and annual stock grants) and cash bonuses of up to 90 per cent. For particularly desirable candidates, Microsoft’s new fast-track hiring process can ensure that offers are made within 24 hours, with a compensation modeller used to create customised pay ranges and input from a compensation consultant. Two Microsoft divisions are leading the charge in these recruitment efforts: Microsoft AI, which is overseen by former DeepMind cofounder Mustafa Suleyman, and CoreAI, managed by former Meta engineering boss Jay Parikh. The documents reveal that specialised recruiting teams within these groups are identifying and flagging “critical AI talent”, allowing the company to respond quickly and ensure it doesn’t lose out on the competition for top engineers. AI talent becoming the core of Microsoft’s growth strategy The drive to recruit elite AI engineers is central to Microsoft’s broader strategy to maintain its position at the forefront of the AI industry. The company has benefited greatly from its generative AI investments, especially through partnerships with OpenAI and its own AI divisions. As AI technologies continue to advance, Microsoft aims to stay ahead of rivals like Meta, Google, and Amazon, all of whom are in a fierce race to dominate the next wave of innovation. Jay Parikh’s leadership within CoreAI, comprising several former Meta executives, illustrates Microsoft’s intention to directly challenge its rival by drawing from the same talent pool. The company's efforts underscore the escalating importance of securing top-tier researchers and engineers, whose work will be instrumental in shaping the future of AI-driven products and services. Microsoft’s efforts to poach Meta talent are more than just a tactical move to fill open positions; they are a reflection of the growing power of AI within the tech industry and the broader economy. With the AI market forecasted to continue growing rapidly, securing the best and brightest minds is now viewed as an essential element for future success. As the battle for AI supremacy intensifies, Microsoft’s recruiting efforts are set to shape not only its own future but also the broader trajectory of the tech industry, which is increasingly defined by its ability to innovate in artificial intelligence. (With inputs from agencies)

Microsoft’s aggressive hiring strategy follows a period of massive layoffs across the company earlier this year. Despite these layoffs, it has insisted that its overall headcount will remain flat, signalling that selective recruitment, particularly for high-value roles in AI.

Microsoft targets Meta’s top AI talent with multimillion-dollar pay packages

A new study by Microsoft has recently identified 40 jobs that are most likely to be affected by the artificial intelligence (AI). The research is based on the Unites States (US) job market but has the global implications. It shows how AI tools like ChatGPT can be used in jobs and can change many professions. Microsoft’s team used something called an “AI applicability score” to see how easily AI could be used in different roles. While the company admits that the AI won’t fully replace humans but it will definitely change how people work. Kiran Tomlinson, a Microsoft researcher, said that the goal was to understand how AI can help in different roles.&nbsp;"Our research shows that AI supports many tasks, particularly those involving research, writing, and communication,” he explained.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jobs involving writing, editing, customer service and data analysis are among the most affected fields by the AI. These fields includes roles like writers, editors, translators, public relations workers and journalists. Microsoft itself has reportedly let go of thousands of employees earlier this year due to the growing(partially) use of AI.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="Are humans still better than AI at coding? Human coder beats AI in epic 10-hour showdown">Are humans still better than AI at coding? Human coder beats AI in epic 10-hour showdown</a>&nbsp;On the other hand, there are jobs that are least affected by AI and are that jobs which requires physical and a human presence. These jobs includes plumbers, roofers, nursing assistants, massage therapists and phlebotomists. These jobs are considered safe for now because AI can’t do physical tasks or make real-time human decisions.&nbsp;The study also raises important questions about how societies and governments will deal with the changes that artificial intelligence brings.&nbsp;&nbsp;While some experts believes that the AI can help in solving major problems, while others fear that AI could lead to unemployment, inequality and social unrest. &nbsp;Professions most at risk from AI:<ul><li>Interpreters and translators</li><li>Historians</li><li>Passenger attendants</li><li>Sales representatives of services</li><li>Writers and authors</li><li>Customer service representatives</li><li>CNC tool programmers</li><li>Telephone operators</li><li>Ticket agents and travel clerks</li><li>Broadcast announcers and radio DJs</li><li>Brokerage clerks</li><li>Farm and home management educators</li><li>Telemarketers</li><li>Concierges</li><li>Political scientists</li><li>&nbsp;News analysts</li><li>Reporters</li><li>Journalists</li><li>Mathematicians</li><li>Technical writers</li><li>Proofreaders and copy markers</li><li>Hosts and hostesses</li><li>Editors</li><li>Postsecondary business teachers</li><li>Public relations specialists</li><li>Demonstrators and product promoters</li><li>Advertising sales agents</li><li>New accounts clerks</li><li>Statistical assistants</li><li>Counter and rental clerks</li><li>Data scientists</li><li>Personal financial advisors</li><li>Archivists</li><li>Postsecondary economics teachers</li><li>Web developers</li><li>Management analysts</li><li>Geographers</li><li>Models</li><li>Market research analysts</li><li>Public safety telecommunicators</li><li>Switchboard operators</li><li>Postsecondary library science teachers</li></ul>Professions most safe from the risk of AI:<ul><li>Dredge operators</li><li>Bridge and lock tenders</li><li>Water treatment plant and system operators</li><li>Foundry mold and coremakers</li><li>Rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators</li><li>Pile driver operators</li><li>Floor sanders and finishers</li><li>Orderlies, Motorboat operators</li><li>Logging equipment operators</li><li>Paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators</li><li>Maids and housekeeping cleaners</li><li>Roustabouts (oil and gas)</li><li>Roofers</li><li>Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators</li><li>Helpers–roofers</li><li>Tire builders</li><li>Surgical assistant</li><li>Massage therapists</li><li>Ophthalmic medical technicians</li><li>Industrial truck and tractor operators</li><li>Supervisors of firefighters</li><li>Cement masons and concrete finishers</li><li>Dishwashers</li><li>Machine feeders</li><li>Packaging and filling machine operators</li><li>Medical equipment preparers</li><li>Highway maintenance workers</li><li>Helpers–production workers</li><li>Prosthodontists</li><li>Tire repairers and changers</li><li>Ship engineers</li><li>Automotive glass installers and repairers</li><li>Oral and maxillofacial surgeons</li><li>Plant and system operators</li><li>Embalmers</li><li>Helpers–painters, plasterers, and similar</li><li>Hazardous materials removal workers</li><li>Nursing assistants&nbsp;</li><li>Phlebotomists &nbsp;</li></ul>

The number of entry-level job openings in the UK fell from 315,550 in November 2022(when ChatGpt was launched) to 214,934 last month, according to the job site Adzuna.

A new study by Microsoft has recently identified 40 jobs that are most likely to be affected by the artificial intelligence (AI). The research is based on the Unites States (US) job market but has the global implications. It shows how AI tools like ChatGPT can be used in jobs and can change many professions. Microsoft’s team used something called an “AI applicability score” to see how easily AI could be used in different roles. While the company admits that the AI won’t fully replace humans but it will definitely change how people work. Kiran Tomlinson, a Microsoft researcher, said that the goal was to understand how AI can help in different roles. "Our research shows that AI supports many tasks, particularly those involving research, writing, and communication,” he explained. Jobs involving writing, editing, customer service and data analysis are among the most affected fields by the AI. These fields includes roles like writers, editors, translators, public relations workers and journalists. Microsoft itself has reportedly let go of thousands of employees earlier this year due to the growing(partially) use of AI. Also Read - Are humans still better than AI at coding? Human coder beats AI in epic 10-hour showdown On the other hand, there are jobs that are least affected by AI and are that jobs which requires physical and a human presence. These jobs includes plumbers, roofers, nursing assistants, massage therapists and phlebotomists. These jobs are considered safe for now because AI can’t do physical tasks or make real-time human decisions. The study also raises important questions about how societies and governments will deal with the changes that artificial intelligence brings. While some experts believes that the AI can help in solving major problems, while others fear that AI could lead to unemployment, inequality and social unrest. Professions most at risk from AI: Interpreters and translators Historians Passenger attendants Sales representatives of services Writers and authors Customer service representatives CNC tool programmers Telephone operators Ticket agents and travel clerks Broadcast announcers and radio DJs Brokerage clerks Farm and home management educators Telemarketers Concierges Political scientists News analysts Reporters Journalists Mathematicians Technical writers Proofreaders and copy markers Hosts and hostesses Editors Postsecondary business teachers Public relations specialists Demonstrators and product promoters Advertising sales agents New accounts clerks Statistical assistants Counter and rental clerks Data scientists Personal financial advisors Archivists Postsecondary economics teachers Web developers Management analysts Geographers Models Market research analysts Public safety telecommunicators Switchboard operators Postsecondary library science teachers Professions most safe from the risk of AI: Dredge operators Bridge and lock tenders Water treatment plant and system operators Foundry mold and coremakers Rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators Pile driver operators Floor sanders and finishers Orderlies, Motorboat operators Logging equipment operators Paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators Maids and housekeeping cleaners Roustabouts (oil and gas) Roofers Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators Helpers–roofers Tire builders Surgical assistant Massage therapists Ophthalmic medical technicians Industrial truck and tractor operators Supervisors of firefighters Cement masons and concrete finishers Dishwashers Machine feeders Packaging and filling machine operators Medical equipment preparers Highway maintenance workers Helpers–production workers Prosthodontists Tire repairers and changers Ship engineers Automotive glass installers and repairers Oral and maxillofacial surgeons Plant and system operators Embalmers Helpers–painters, plasterers, and similar Hazardous materials removal workers Nursing assistants Phlebotomists

The number of entry-level job openings in the UK fell from 315,550 in November 2022(when ChatGpt was launched) to 214,934 last month, according to the job site Adzuna.

Microsoft reveals 40 jobs AI will take over sooner -  Check which jobs are still safe

Microsoft’s stock surged after a strong earnings report revealed a record $30 billion capital spending forecast for the fiscal first quarter. The software giant’s market cap surpassed $4 trillion in after-hours trading on July 30, marking a key milestone as it joins Nvidia in the exclusive $4 trillion club. Shares of Microsoft jumped 8 per cent following its earnings announcement, lifting the company’s market cap to about $4.1 trillion. This move puts Microsoft in the rarefied ranks alongside Nvidia, which crossed the $4 trillion threshold earlier this month. With the stock up 22 per cent year-to-date, Microsoft is on track to potentially outpace its competitors in capital spending over the next year.<h2>Azure cloud sales and AI investments fuel growth</h2>A major driver behind the company’s surge was its cloud computing business, Azure. Microsoft revealed for the first time that Azure sales had surpassed $75 billion on an annual basis, beating Wall Street’s expectations of $74.62 billion. Azure’s revenue growth was a standout, with a 39 per cent year-over-year increase in the June quarter, outpacing the analyst estimate of 34.75 per cent.For the upcoming fiscal quarter, Microsoft projects Azure revenue growth of 37 per cent, again exceeding analyst expectations of 33.5 per cent. This growth is driven in large part by the company’s heavy investment in artificial intelligence (AI), which has allowed it to develop new products such as the Copilot AI tools. Microsoft reported that Copilot AI tools had surpassed 100 million monthly active users, further showcasing the growing adoption of its AI-powered services.The company’s capital expenditure forecast of $30 billion, which represents the largest for any single quarter, is a clear signal that Microsoft is doubling down on its investments in AI and data centres to meet soaring demand.<h2>Market outlook and competitive edge in AI</h2>Microsoft’s investment strategy and its successful pivot to AI-powered cloud services have positioned the company as a leader in the ongoing AI boom. Although Amazon Web Services (AWS) remains the market leader in cloud services, Microsoft's aggressive spending in AI and data infrastructure has paid off handsomely.The company’s ties to OpenAI, which have allowed it to integrate cutting-edge AI models into products like Microsoft 365, have also helped boost its competitive edge. But investor confidence remains strong, despite concerns over the ongoing renegotiation of Microsoft’s deal with OpenAI, which could affect its stake and access to future technologies.For now, Microsoft appears to be managing this risk effectively by developing in-house AI solutions and expanding its AI model lineup with new partnerships, such as with xAI, Meta, and Mistral.As of July 30, Microsoft’s stock closed at $513.24, continuing its strong performance for 2025. With capital spending poised to reach new heights and Azure leading the way in cloud services, Microsoft’s growth shows no signs of slowing down. As the company focuses on expanding its AI and cloud infrastructure, it remains a key player in the tech world, likely to continue outperforming its competitors in the coming quarters.&nbsp;(With inputs from agencies)

Shares of Microsoft jumped 8 per cent following its earnings announcement, lifting the company’s market cap to about $4.1 trillion. This move puts Microsoft in the rarefied ranks alongside Nvidia, which crossed the $4 trillion threshold earlier this month.

Microsoft’s stock surged after a strong earnings report revealed a record $30 billion capital spending forecast for the fiscal first quarter. The software giant’s market cap surpassed $4 trillion in after-hours trading on July 30, marking a key milestone as it joins Nvidia in the exclusive $4 trillion club. Shares of Microsoft jumped 8 per cent following its earnings announcement, lifting the company’s market cap to about $4.1 trillion. This move puts Microsoft in the rarefied ranks alongside Nvidia, which crossed the $4 trillion threshold earlier this month. With the stock up 22 per cent year-to-date, Microsoft is on track to potentially outpace its competitors in capital spending over the next year. Azure cloud sales and AI investments fuel growth A major driver behind the company’s surge was its cloud computing business, Azure. Microsoft revealed for the first time that Azure sales had surpassed $75 billion on an annual basis, beating Wall Street’s expectations of $74.62 billion. Azure’s revenue growth was a standout, with a 39 per cent year-over-year increase in the June quarter, outpacing the analyst estimate of 34.75 per cent. For the upcoming fiscal quarter, Microsoft projects Azure revenue growth of 37 per cent, again exceeding analyst expectations of 33.5 per cent. This growth is driven in large part by the company’s heavy investment in artificial intelligence (AI), which has allowed it to develop new products such as the Copilot AI tools. Microsoft reported that Copilot AI tools had surpassed 100 million monthly active users, further showcasing the growing adoption of its AI-powered services. The company’s capital expenditure forecast of $30 billion, which represents the largest for any single quarter, is a clear signal that Microsoft is doubling down on its investments in AI and data centres to meet soaring demand. Market outlook and competitive edge in AI Microsoft’s investment strategy and its successful pivot to AI-powered cloud services have positioned the company as a leader in the ongoing AI boom. Although Amazon Web Services (AWS) remains the market leader in cloud services, Microsoft's aggressive spending in AI and data infrastructure has paid off handsomely. The company’s ties to OpenAI, which have allowed it to integrate cutting-edge AI models into products like Microsoft 365, have also helped boost its competitive edge. But investor confidence remains strong, despite concerns over the ongoing renegotiation of Microsoft’s deal with OpenAI, which could affect its stake and access to future technologies. For now, Microsoft appears to be managing this risk effectively by developing in-house AI solutions and expanding its AI model lineup with new partnerships, such as with xAI, Meta, and Mistral. As of July 30, Microsoft’s stock closed at $513.24, continuing its strong performance for 2025. With capital spending poised to reach new heights and Azure leading the way in cloud services, Microsoft’s growth shows no signs of slowing down. As the company focuses on expanding its AI and cloud infrastructure, it remains a key player in the tech world, likely to continue outperforming its competitors in the coming quarters. (With inputs from agencies)

Shares of Microsoft jumped 8 per cent following its earnings announcement, lifting the company’s market cap to about $4.1 trillion. This move puts Microsoft in the rarefied ranks alongside Nvidia, which crossed the $4 trillion threshold earlier this month.

Microsoft’s record capital spending and Azure growth push stock to $4 trillion market cap

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Jul 23) warned American tech giants operating overseas against outsourcing manufacturing to China and employing workers in countries like India. Speaking at the AI Summit in Washington, Trump said that such practices would not be tolerated under his administration, as he urged to prioritise hiring workers in the US rather than creating jobs in India and China.&nbsp;“Many of our largest tech companies have reaped the blessings of American freedom while building their factories in China, hiring workers in India and slashing profits in Ireland, you know that,” the US president said. “All the while dismissing and even censoring their fellow citizens right here at home. Under President Trump, those days are over.”

Trump made the remarks as he signed three executive orders aimed at boosting the artificial intelligence (AI) sector in the US. This included America’s AI action plan, which is a White House action plan aimed at securing US leadership in global AI development. The US president urged companies like Google and Microsoft to adopt a more patriotic approach, which aligns with national interests, as he described. “We need US technology companies to be all in for America. We want you to put America first. You have to do that. That's all we ask,” said Trump. He further called for “a new spirit of patriotism and national loyalty in Silicon Valley and beyond.”

Trump’s statements have sparked concern among the global tech community, especially in countries like India. Although no formal policy changes have been announced yet, experts believe that Trump’s remarks may influence the hiring decisions of major tech companies.

“America is the country that started the AI race, and as president of the United States, I’m here today to declare that America is going to win it,” Trump said at the summit. “Winning this competition will be a test of our capacities unlike anything since the dawn of the space age.”

The US president urged companies like Google and Microsoft to adopt a more patriotic approach, which aligns with national interests, and warned the tech giants against hiring workers in India and China.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Jul 23) warned American tech giants operating overseas against outsourcing manufacturing to China and employing workers in countries like India. Speaking at the AI Summit in Washington, Trump said that such practices would not be tolerated under his administration, as he urged to prioritise hiring workers in the US rather than creating jobs in India and China. “Many of our largest tech companies have reaped the blessings of American freedom while building their factories in China, hiring workers in India and slashing profits in Ireland, you know that,” the US president said. “All the while dismissing and even censoring their fellow citizens right here at home. Under President Trump, those days are over.”

The US president urged companies like Google and Microsoft to adopt a more patriotic approach, which aligns with national interests, and warned the tech giants against hiring workers in India and China.

Will Google, Microsoft stop hiring Indians? Trump instructs tech giants to ‘put America first’

Microsoft has halted the use of engineers based in China to provide technical support for US military cloud systems, following public outcry and an investigative report by ProPublica that exposed the practice. The revelation prompted immediate action from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who on July 18 announced a two-week review of all Pentagon cloud service contracts. The report detailed how Microsoft used engineers in China to support Department of Defense (DoD) cloud systems, with their work monitored by US-based “digital escorts”—subcontractors with security clearances but limited technical expertise. The setup raised major cybersecurity concerns, especially given that Microsoft’s systems have previously been compromised by Chinese and Russian state-linked hackers.Senator Tom Cotton, who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, sent a letter to Secretary Hegseth demanding a full list of contractors using Chinese personnel and clarification on the training and capabilities of these so-called digital escorts. “The US government recognises that China’s cyber capabilities pose one of the most aggressive and dangerous threats to the United States,” Cotton wrote. “We must guard against all potential threats within our supply chain, including those from subcontractors.”<h2>Microsoft responds, Pentagon reviews</h2>In response to the uproar, Microsoft said on July 18 that it has revised its practices to ensure that no China-based engineering teams provide technical assistance to Pentagon clients using its Azure cloud services. “In response to concerns raised earlier this week, Microsoft has made changes to our support for US government customers,” said Frank Shaw, the company’s chief communications officer, in a statement on social platform X.The move affects Microsoft’s massive Azure division, which now accounts for more than a quarter of the company’s global revenue. Microsoft is a major US government contractor and received more than half of its $70 billion in Q1 2025 revenue from US-based clients.Defense Secretary Hegseth confirmed that China-based engineers had been involved in the support of Pentagon systems and said this would end immediately. In a video posted to X, he criticised the “legacy” system dating back to the Obama administration and pledged to ensure “China will no longer have any involvement whatsoever” in US defence cloud operations.<h2>Cloud contracts under scrutiny</h2>Microsoft’s involvement in Pentagon cloud services dates back to a now-cancelled $10 billion contract awarded in 2019. In 2022, the company was again selected, alongside Amazon, Google, and Oracle, for defence cloud contracts worth up to $9 billion. The ProPublica report has now triggered renewed scrutiny of all such agreements.Hegseth’s review aims to ensure that no other vendors are using foreign-based personnel in sensitive military infrastructure. “We will continue to monitor and counter all threats to our military infrastructure and online networks,” Hegseth said. The episode has highlighted growing bipartisan concern over cybersecurity risks linked to China and could mark a turning point in how US tech firms handle national security work, especially as digital threats become more complex and state actors more aggressive.&nbsp;(With inputs from agencies)

The move affects Microsoft’s massive Azure division, which now accounts for more than a quarter of the company’s global revenue. Microsoft is a major US government contractor and received more than half of its $70 billion in Q1 2025 revenue from US-based clients

Microsoft has halted the use of engineers based in China to provide technical support for US military cloud systems, following public outcry and an investigative report by ProPublica that exposed the practice. The revelation prompted immediate action from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who on July 18 announced a two-week review of all Pentagon cloud service contracts. The report detailed how Microsoft used engineers in China to support Department of Defense (DoD) cloud systems, with their work monitored by US-based “digital escorts”—subcontractors with security clearances but limited technical expertise. The setup raised major cybersecurity concerns, especially given that Microsoft’s systems have previously been compromised by Chinese and Russian state-linked hackers. Senator Tom Cotton, who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, sent a letter to Secretary Hegseth demanding a full list of contractors using Chinese personnel and clarification on the training and capabilities of these so-called digital escorts. “The US government recognises that China’s cyber capabilities pose one of the most aggressive and dangerous threats to the United States,” Cotton wrote. “We must guard against all potential threats within our supply chain, including those from subcontractors.” Microsoft responds, Pentagon reviews In response to the uproar, Microsoft said on July 18 that it has revised its practices to ensure that no China-based engineering teams provide technical assistance to Pentagon clients using its Azure cloud services. “In response to concerns raised earlier this week, Microsoft has made changes to our support for US government customers,” said Frank Shaw, the company’s chief communications officer, in a statement on social platform X. The move affects Microsoft’s massive Azure division, which now accounts for more than a quarter of the company’s global revenue. Microsoft is a major US government contractor and received more than half of its $70 billion in Q1 2025 revenue from US-based clients. Defense Secretary Hegseth confirmed that China-based engineers had been involved in the support of Pentagon systems and said this would end immediately. In a video posted to X, he criticised the “legacy” system dating back to the Obama administration and pledged to ensure “China will no longer have any involvement whatsoever” in US defence cloud operations. Cloud contracts under scrutiny Microsoft’s involvement in Pentagon cloud services dates back to a now-cancelled $10 billion contract awarded in 2019. In 2022, the company was again selected, alongside Amazon, Google, and Oracle, for defence cloud contracts worth up to $9 billion. The ProPublica report has now triggered renewed scrutiny of all such agreements. Hegseth’s review aims to ensure that no other vendors are using foreign-based personnel in sensitive military infrastructure. “We will continue to monitor and counter all threats to our military infrastructure and online networks,” Hegseth said. The episode has highlighted growing bipartisan concern over cybersecurity risks linked to China and could mark a turning point in how US tech firms handle national security work, especially as digital threats become more complex and state actors more aggressive. (With inputs from agencies)

The move affects Microsoft’s massive Azure division, which now accounts for more than a quarter of the company’s global revenue. Microsoft is a major US government contractor and received more than half of its $70 billion in Q1 2025 revenue from US-based clients.

Microsoft cuts China-based engineers from US military support after security backlash

microsoft

Microsoft, News on Microsoft, stories on Microsoft, articles on Microsoft, Microsoft stories at Wion, Microsoft news, Microsoft latest news