Apple to make AirPods in India too; After TCS, Wipro calls staff back to office; NetSPI raises $410 mln from KKR

Apple is asking suppliers to move some AirPods and Beats headphone production to India for the first time, as it attempts to step up the diversification of its global supply chain that is currently almost entirely dependent on China, Nikkei reports. Wipro has asked staff to turn up for work at the office at least three times a week, Business Standard reports. NetSPI, with $410 million from KKR, plans to set up a base in India. Notes: Apple is asking suppliers to move some AirPods and Beats headphone production to India for the first time, as it attempts to step up the diversification of its global supply chain that is currently almost entirely dependent on China. Apple’s top contract manufacturers are already expanding their production of iPhones, iPads, and MacBook series laptops in India and Vietnam. Meanwhile, the European Parliament voted to confirm an earlier agreement to standardise the USB type C charging port for mobile phones, tablets and cameras by 2024 – a move that is likely to affect Apple the most, whose iPhones use the company’s proprietary lightning connector, The Guardian reports. Wipro has asked employees to be in the office at least three days a week, joining larger rival TCS in getting staff to return to the office, Business Standard reports. India’s top IT services companies are seeking to get staff to spend more time in the office as concerns mount over moonlighting, high staff churn, and the global economic slowdown. In an e-mail to its employees, the Bangalore-based company said “Starting October 10, Wipro’s office will be open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays. We will not be open on Wednesdays,” according to Business Standard. “We encourage you to work from the office on at least three of these four days,” the email reads. Last month, TCS, India’s biggest IT services company, installed a mandatory rostering system to ensure that employees worked from the office at least three days a week, according to Business Standard. As concerns about the trustworthiness and ethical use of AI rise with its growing capabilities, the US government, this week, released a Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights, following the EU and joining a growing international movement to counter the impact of AI on human rights and values. The blueprint outlines five principles that should guide the design, use and deployment of automated systems, VentureBeat reports. NetSPI, a provider of enterprise penetration testing and attack surface management technologies, yesterday announced that private equity firm KKR is increasing its investment in the company with $410 million in new funding. This investment will help NetSPI deepen and expand its products, and establish strong teams in Canada, EMEA, and India, the Minneapolis-based company said in a press release. Theme music courtesy Free Music & Sounds: https://soundcloud.com/freemusicandsounds