The Minister of Higher Education, Hardjot Singh Bains, announced on Sunday that the 'Business Class' program in Punjab, launched as part of the state government's Sikhya Kranti initiative, enabled more than 20,000 student enterprises to generate nearly 90 crore rupees in income over a year.
This program started in the 2025-26 academic semester and included a mandatory two-credit course for students enrolled in B.Com, BBA, B.Tech, and B.Voc programs, as well as for students in Industrial Training Institutes (ITI) and polytechnic colleges.
According to the government, approximately 95,000 students from 925 higher and technical education institutions participated in the program. Of these, 25,693 students started their own businesses, and 20,241 enterprises earned almost 90 crore rupees during their first year of operation.
Bains emphasized that the goal of this initiative is to transform students from mere job seekers into entrepreneurs and job creators. He stated in his address: 'Our goal is not just to hand out degrees, but to nurture a generation of young innovators, entrepreneurs, and job creators.'
The Minister noted that the achieved results demonstrate the youth's capacity to build their own ventures and contribute to the state's economy when provided with appropriate opportunities.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Sikhya Kranti in Punjab is preparing youth 'not only for the jobs of tomorrow, but also for creating the opportunities of tomorrow.'
The program was implemented in 20 universities, 494 colleges, 320 ITIs, and 91 polytechnic colleges. Instead of traditional classroom teaching, the course focuses on practical entrepreneurial skills such as identifying business opportunities, market validation, business creation, digital marketing, pricing, customer acquisition, financial planning, and communication.
The government reported that about 57,000 students, or roughly 60 percent of participants, were actively engaged in practical business activities during the academic semester. Students launched projects in fields such as e-commerce, food service, digital content creation, coding, graphic design, retail, beauty services, agri-based enterprises, and handicrafts.
Examples cited by the government include a matcha drink startup by a student at Guru Nanak Dev University, a digital career counseling platform developed by a student at Maharaja Ranjit Singh Technical University Punjab, an online jewelry business, a mushroom farming enterprise, a home manicure business, and an electronics online store.
Thanks to the program's success, university vice-chancellors across Punjab have recommended extending this course to all undergraduate programs, including BA and BSc, starting from the 2026-27 academic semester. The government stated that such an expansion will allow a larger number of students to acquire entrepreneurial skills alongside their regular studies.
Intel released its second-quarter financial results on Thursday (23), surpassing market projections and achieving the highest quarterly revenue growth rate since 2011. This positive performance was significantly driven by the growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, which boosted sales of server processors.
The company reported an adjusted earnings per share of $0.42 (equivalent to R$ 2.14), exceeding the estimate of $0.21 (R$ 1.07) set by the LSEG consensus. Total revenue reached $16.1 billion (R$ 82.1 billion), surpassing analyst forecasts, which expected $14.4 billion (R$ 73.5 billion). Furthermore, the company presented optimistic outlooks for the current quarter, forecasting an adjusted earnings per share of $0.38 (R$ 1.94) and projected revenue between $15.8 billion and $16.8 billion (R$ 80.6 billion/R$ 85.6 billion).
Intel attributed the 25% revenue growth—the largest recorded in any quarter since the third quarter of 2011—to the advancement of AI, which intensifies the need for computational capacity, primarily benefiting server processor sales. In a statement, CEO Lip-Bu Tan emphasized the impact of AI on business expansion, stating that the technology is generating unprecedented demand for computing power and that Intel is well-positioned to achieve sustainable growth in its processor line.
The company has begun negotiating long-term contracts with customers for its server processors. These agreements may include pre-defined prices or be structured focusing on chip volume. Intel has already formalized ten such contracts. CFO David Zinsner mentioned that the company faces supply constraints, as data centers are requesting more processors than current production capacity allows. Such contracts have become more frequent, especially in the memory sector, serving as a mechanism to maintain high prices and market power should AI demand decrease in the future.
The client computing unit, responsible for personal computer processors, remains Intel's largest division, recording 13% revenue growth in the second quarter, totaling $8.9 billion (R$ 45.4 billion). However, the data center segment showed the fastest growth, advancing 59% compared to the same period last year, reaching $6.3 billion (R$ 32.1 billion). The company forecasts stability in PC sales in the third quarter due to memory shortages.
Additionally, Intel plans to substantially increase its capital investments next year, aiming to accelerate its transition to a semiconductor foundry for third parties. David Zinsner commented that the company's latest manufacturing process, named 14A, is more advanced than previous technologies at equivalent stages. The foundry unit generated $5.8 billion (R$ 29.6 billion) in revenue this quarter, representing a 31% year-over-year increase. Although most of the foundry's production is destined for Intel's own processors, Fortinet was announced as the first public customer of this unit since Lip-Bu Tan took the helm, although it uses an older manufacturing technology.
A notable indicator of improvement was Intel's gross margin, which rose to 42% in the second quarter, compared to just 2.5% in the same period last year. The company explained that this recovery was facilitated both by economies of scale resulting from increased revenue and by selling chips at higher prices and superior margins.
Smartphones with 128 GB capacity are ideal for average users, as they allow storing photos, videos, and essential daily applications with good space reserve. In 2026, it is possible to find economical models from manufacturers such as Samsung, Xiaomi, and Motorola that offer this internal memory, along with features like high-definition screens and long-lasting batteries.
This compilation presents nine suggestions of devices with 128 GB, aimed at those who prioritize economy, functionality, and balanced specifications, catering to various budgets and usage profiles.
The Galaxy A36 is a notable mid-range device, equipped with the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor and 6 GB of RAM in the 128 GB version. Although it uses the UFS 2.2 memory standard, which does not offer ultra-fast read speeds, it ensures smooth performance for daily tasks. This device features a Super AMOLED screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate, rear cameras with a 50 MP main sensor and optical stabilization (OIS), capable of recording in 4K at 30 fps. Samsung guarantees six years of Android updates support, extending it until 2031.
The Redmi Note 15 is a mid-range device focused on social media, streaming, and gaming. Its 128 GB version comes with 6 GB of RAM and uses the UFS 2.2 standard, allowing expansion via microSD card. The main camera features a 108-megapixel sensor and f/1.7 aperture, providing good images within the price range, although videos are limited to 1080p at 60 fps. A strong point of this model is its 6,000 mAh battery and 33W fast charging.
For basic tasks, the Galaxy A17 5G is an entry-level phone priced under R$ 1 thousand. It features a large Super AMOLED screen with a 90 Hz refresh rate, ideal for watching videos. With 128 GB of storage in the UFS 2.2 standard and microSD expansion capability, it has the Exynos 1330 processor, efficient at 5 nm, and a 5,000 mAh battery, offering autonomy for a day of moderate use.
The Galaxy A07 5G has a basic 6 nm processor but with good energy efficiency for calls and browsing. It offers 128 GB of UFS 2.2 internal memory and 4 GB of RAM, expandable via microSD. Its 6.7-inch PLS LCD screen facilitates content viewing but presents less vibrant colors than AMOLED screens. It stands out with a robust 6,000 mAh battery, which can last more than a day with common use.
The Galaxy A06 5G is a more economical alternative, presenting camera, screen, and processor specifications similar to the A07 5G, but at a lower cost. The difference lies in the battery, which has 5,000 mAh and shorter autonomy, and the update policy, which will only reach Android 19 in 2029.
Among Xiaomi models, the Redmi 15C 5G is one of the most affordable with 128 GB in 2026. It uses an efficient 6 nm processor and 4 GB of RAM, ensuring basic performance without freezing during daily use. The UFS 2.2 storage is expandable via microSD. Additionally, it has a 6,000 mAh battery and supports 33W fast charging.
The Poco C85 shares similarities with the Redmi 15C, using the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor (6 nm). However, this model is often found with 6 GB of RAM in the 128 GB version, which improves multitasking fluidity. It also has UFS 2.2 memory, a microSD slot, a 6,000 mAh battery, and 33W fast charging.
Motorola presents the Moto G35, an entry-level phone with a Unisoc T760 (6 nm) processor and 4 GB of RAM in the 128 GB version, using UFS 2.2 and a memory card slot. Its 6.72-inch IPS LCD screen offers high resolution, and the audio with Dolby Atmos certification contributes to immersion. The cameras include 50 MP (wide) and 8 MP (ultrawide) sensors, capable of recording videos in 4K at 30 fps. It is important to note that it was launched with Android 14 and will no longer receive system version updates, only security patches until 2027.
Motorola's cheapest option is the Moto G06, which has a less efficient processor (12 nm) and 4 GB of RAM. Although the company does not specify the storage standard, the MediaTek Helio G81 Ultra processor suggests it is eMMC 5.1, slower than UFS. This device is recommended only for simple activities, such as messaging and social browsing, as performance may be compromised in more demanding applications.
When deciding which 128 GB smartphone to purchase, it is crucial to analyze several components. The storage standard (UFS or eMMC) defines data transfer speed and app startup time. For gaming and heavy applications, it is recommended to prioritize models with at least 6 GB of RAM and efficient processors (6 nm lithography or lower). Media consumers should opt for AMOLED panels due to their superiority in color and contrast over LCD. Finally, batteries above 5,000 mAh and support for charging over 25 W ensure greater autonomy and faster recharging.
128 GB of space is sufficient for most users, supporting hundreds of applications, photos, and videos without overloading the system. However, the overall quality of the device depends on other factors such as the processor, RAM, cameras, and battery. Generally, after installing the operating system and pre-installed apps, the user will have between 100 GB and 112 GB free. Memory expansion via microSD card is common in entry-level and mid-range models, allowing media storage without filling up the main space. Meanwhile, the 256 GB version is advised for those who record in 4K or use very heavy games, but 128 GB models offer a great balance between price and usability.
Shares of Tesla and Alphabet suffered sharp declines on Thursday, the 23rd, driven by both companies' announcements regarding the continuation and expansion of their investments in artificial intelligence (AI). This increase in expenses generated apprehension among investors, who began questioning the growing costs inherent in the current technology race focused on AI.
Tesla's stock closed the day with a retraction of 14.5%, while Alphabet's shares, which own Google, fell by 7.1%. For the electric vehicle manufacturer led by Elon Musk, this represented the worst daily performance recorded since March 2025. With this devaluation, Tesla lost about US$ 200 billion (equivalent to R$ 1 trillion) in market value in a single day. Simultaneously, Alphabet saw its capitalization decrease by approximately US$ 300 billion (R$ 1.5 trillion).
The market movement also impacted Amazon, whose shares declined by 4.6% during the session, resulting in an estimated market value reduction of US$ 120 billion (R$ 612 billion).
In an analysis conducted on Wednesday, the 22nd, both Tesla and Alphabet released their financial reports for the second quarter. Both companies reported negative free cash flow during this period. Alphabet, for its part, raised its capital expenditure (capex) projection for the current year, adjusting the estimated range from US$ 180 billion to US$ 190 billion (R$ 918 billion/R$ 969 billion) to a new range between US$ 195 billion and US$ 205 billion (R$ 994.5 billion/R$ 1.04 trillion). Furthermore, the company warned that investments will be even higher in 2027.
Tesla, meanwhile, communicated that its capex increased substantially by 142% compared to the same period last year, reaching US$ 5.79 billion (R$ 29.5 billion) in the second quarter. The company expressed the expectation of investing more than US$ 25 billion (R$ 127.5 billion) throughout the year.
During the earnings conference call, Elon Musk sought to calm investors, arguing that the high levels of investment would bring significant returns. He stated: 'This is a huge year of capital investment. I am confident that everything we are investing in will yield incredible returns. Perhaps the best returns on capital investments we have ever seen.' The executive cited company projects, such as semiconductor production and the development of Optimus, Tesla's humanoid robot, as examples of resource allocation. The company reported that it is 'installing first-generation Optimus lines' and that it will 'begin production soon.'
Anat Ashkenazi, Alphabet's Chief Financial Officer, clarified that the increase in investments is primarily due to the urgency of increasing the company's computational capacity to meet the growing demand for AI. According to the executive, the rise in spending stems mainly from the acceleration in delivering capacity to meet increasing demand. Alphabet has indicated that it currently lacks adequate computational infrastructure to keep pace with the demand for its AI services.
Ben Barringer, Director of Technology Research at Quilter Cheviot, pointed out that investor concern goes beyond just the increase in contributions, encompassing other aspects of Alphabet's strategy. He observed to CNBC that 'investors seem to be focusing on the strong increase in capital expenditures, alongside a weaker outlook for margins, while the continuous delays of Gemini 3.5 Pro and the lack of truly groundbreaking product launches have raised doubts about whether Alphabet's AI investments are already translating into a clear competitive advantage.'
Despite market apprehensions, the results showed positive signs. Google Cloud division revenue grew by 82% in the second quarter, totaling US$ 24.8 billion (R$ 126.5 billion) and exceeding analyst expectations. Alison Porter, Portfolio Manager at Janus Henderson, commented to CNBC that this performance indicates that some of Alphabet's investments are already bearing fruit. She emphasized that 'this is one of the strongest revenue growth quarters Alphabet has had in the last five years, and Alphabet is an excellent barometer for this entire wave of artificial intelligence.' Porter also mentioned the improvement in Google Cloud's operating margin, which rose from 20.7% in the second quarter of last year to 35.6% in the same period this year, as another indicator of the positive effect of the investments. She concluded: 'We find this scenario very encouraging for capital investments aimed at AI and also for the returns these platforms are achieving with these expenditures.'
In the automotive sector, Tesla's main segment also showed progress during the quarter. The automotive division recorded revenue of US$ 20.5 billion (R$ 104.6 billion), representing a 23% increase compared to the same period last year.
