UniBlurb #1

Good morning! and welcome to the first edition of UniBlurb - Your Weekly Dose of Management. Today, we will be going over:

#Microsoft and its AI supremacy
#Paytm’s Falloff
#Barclays Farewell to Fossil Fuels
#Internships, Competitions & Events

MONDAY MOTIVATION

OUR TWO CENTS
Nadella Navigates Microsoft to AI Supremacy

Forget flying cars, 2023 was all about AI, and Satya Nadella steered Microsoft right to the forefront. He splashed billions on the tech, integrated it into everything from Bing to Office, and kept his cool under pressure (unlike some robot overlords we know).

This AI blitz saw Microsoft stock soar 55%, making Wall Street do a double take. So impressed was CNN Business, they crowned Nadella "CEO of the Year," beating out even a cyborg CEO (probably).

While some might point to Nadella's stock magic or crisis composure, CNN saw something deeper: his impact on the AI revolution. As analyst Gil Luria says, "He steered the Microsoft aircraft carrier into this new era like a boss."

Now, before you cry "brofest," CNN also named Taylor Swift "Business Leader of the Year," proving they appreciate all kinds of innovators. But for 2023, Nadella's leadership in AI makes him a hard act to follow. Next year, maybe a robot CEO will take the crown?

OUR TWO CENTS
Paytm's Wild Ride: From Wallets to Woes

Picture this: Paytm, the digital darling of India's financial landscape, has taken a nosedive that would make even the most seasoned skydiver sweat. Imagine the stock market bears throwing a wild party while the bulls cower in their cubicles!

But hold your e-wallets, my fellow investors, because this saga might just be getting started. Let's dissect it like a curious cat with a penchant for financial drama:

• The Plunge: Paytm's stock price has been doing the limbo dance, hitting the lower circuit for the third consecutive trading session. It's like watching a bungee jumper freefall without the bungee. Shares are now chilling at an all-time low, sipping chai and contemplating life choices.

• RBI's Wrath: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) decided to play referee and threw a penalty flag at Paytm Payments Bank Limited. The offense? Strict regulatory action. The result? A stock market rollercoaster that would make Six Flags jealous.

• Money Laundering Whispers: Rumor has it that Paytm and its CEO, Vijay Shekhar Sharma, are under the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) magnifying glass. Allegations of money laundering have turned the spotlight into a heat lamp. But wait, Paytm's official statement is all, "Not us, mate! We're as clean as a laundered shirt."

• RBI's Next Move: Word on the street (and Bloomberg) is that the RBI might revoke Paytm Payments Bank's license. It's like threatening to take away a kid's candy, but this candy is a full-fledged bank. Meanwhile, the trader association CAIT is advising businesses to ditch Paytm like a bad Tinder date.

• Target Prices Tango: Brokerages are adjusting their target prices for Paytm faster than a salsa dancer on caffeine. RBI restrictions have everyone jittery, like a squirrel in a coffee shop.

So, is Paytm truly going down the rabbit hole? Let's say they're aiming for a greener shade of...grey. The jury's still out, my friends, but one thing's certain: the fintech drama ain't over yet.

OUR TWO CENTS
Barclays Bids Farewell to Fossil Fuels (Well, Sort of...)

Barclays, the financial friend of oil tycoons and fracking fans, has pledged to ditch direct funding for new oil and gas projects. Imagine the champagne corks popping in polar bear habitats! Unfortunately, the celebration might be premature.

Think of it as this: Barclays is swearing off cigarettes, but still happily sells lighters and cough drops. They'll restrict lending to energy companies expanding their fossil fuel empires, but existing clients get a free pass. Loopholes abound, like a Jenga tower built by hedge funds.

Campaigners are applauding, albeit with the enthusiasm of a lukewarm tea party. They point out that Barclays can still pour billions into companies merrily drilling for tomorrow's climate disaster. So, progress? Maybe. Enough? Definitely not.

Barclays insists fossil fuels are a tiny blip on their radar. Sure, just like that rogue iceberg is a minor inconvenience for the Titanic, right? Remember, this is the same bank Wimbledon almost ditched for "profiting from climate chaos."

So, is Barclays truly going green? Let's say they're aiming for a greener shade of...grey. The jury's still out, but one thing's for sure: the fight for a sustainable future isn't over yet. Stay tuned for the next episode of "Banks Behaving Badly," where we'll see if Barclays walks the climate walk, or just talks the fossil-fueled talk.

INDUSTRY CONNECT
Internship opportunities

1. Invest India (Government Internship)
   
   Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with a Nation building platform in a start-up setup. Invest India is the National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency.
   Apply Here!

2. Geek Master (Google Ads Intern)
   
   As a Google Ads Intern, you will work closely with our marketing team to support the planning, executing, and optimizing our pay-per-click advertising efforts. This role will expose you to various aspects of digital marketing, including keyword research, ad copywriting, campaign management, and data analysis.
   Apply Here!

3. Times Internet (Sales Intern)
   
   Are you passionate about events and sales? Do you have the enthusiasm to drive engagement and connect with potential clients? Join our dynamic team as an Event Delegate Sales intern for a rewarding 6-month paid internship!
   Apply Here!

EVENTS ON THE RISE
Best events and competitions in the upcoming week

1. NationBuilding Case Study Competition
   
   NationBuilding, India’s largest college case study competition is an annual event designed to engage the youth in the nation-building process by working on some of the most pressing issues facing India. Participants will dive into a 2-month extravaganza across multiple online and offline rounds which will be evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges.
   Register Here!

2. Engifest’24 (DTU)
   
   Engifest, DTU's cultural festival is currently in its 51st edition and has grown to become North India's largest college cultural festival. Engifest, DTU provides the students with the best experience at DTU campus. Hope to see you at Engifest, DTU 2024!!
   Register Here!

3. FinWeekend 2024 (IIM SHILLONG)
   
   Niveshak, The Finance and Investment Club of IIM Shillong presents to you 'FinWeekend' 2024 - a Finance and Economics Festival, which will test participants' knowledge and acumen about the world of Finance and Economics.
   Register Here!