Ceasefire or Just a Pause Button?

Good morning, Deals are in the air—some trying to stop a war, others chasing billions in EVs and renewables. Meanwhile, teenage coders are making millions tracking your calories. Guess we’re all just negotiating something.

Have a productive day!

WORLD
A ceasefire on the Line?

President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to speak this week as the U.S. pushes for a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war, according to Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff. This will be their second publicized call since Trump’s second term began in January.

Witkoff, who recently met with Putin in Russia, expressed optimism about progress, suggesting a potential deal could be reached within weeks. While Ukraine has already agreed to a 30-day ceasefire, Putin has indicated support in principle but insists on further discussions.

Trump’s previous conversation with Putin followed a prisoner swap involving American teacher Marc Fogel. Witkoff downplayed concerns raised by French President Emmanuel Macron about Russia’s sincerity in peace efforts, insisting he saw a "constructive effort" from Putin during their talks.

Though details remain unclear, the upcoming call is seen as a crucial step in negotiations, with both leaders holding the key to any potential resolution.

ECONOMY
Skoda bets on India for EVs

Despite Volkswagen’s $1.4 billion tax battle in India, Skoda Auto is pushing ahead with plans to manufacture electric vehicles in the country. CEO Klaus Zellmer confirmed the company’s commitment, stating it will invest independently if a local partner isn’t found.

With stricter fuel norms coming in 2027, Skoda aims to leverage Volkswagen’s EV technology to gain a foothold in India’s competitive auto market. The company has partnered with Mahindra & Mahindra for EV components and signed a $1.7 billion investment deal with Maharashtra’s government.

As Skoda shifts focus away from China and Russia, India has become a key growth market, serving as a "gateway" to expansion in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

ENERGY
Jakson Green eyes $1 billion renewable expansion

Jakson Green is set to invest up to $1 billion over the next four years to expand its renewable energy portfolio, targeting 5 GW across solar, wind, battery storage, and firm dispatchable renewable energy (FDRE) projects.

Backed by steady cash flows from its EPC business, the Noida-based company secures funding through debt, equity, and strategic partnerships. A recent deal with Macquarie-owned Blueleaf Energy saw the latter acquire a stake in Jakson Green’s 1 GW solar projects in Rajasthan for $400 million.

The company, part of Jakson Group, has rapidly diversified from its roots in diesel generators to renewable energy. With plans to invest $400–$500 million annually from FY27, Jakson Green aims to establish itself as a key player in India’s clean energy transition.

AI & TECHNOLOGY
Teen coders behind viral Cal-AI

At just 18, Zach Yadegari and Henry Langmack have built Cal AI, a photo-based calorie-tracking app that has skyrocketed past 5 million downloads since launching in May. The app, leveraging AI models from Anthropic and OpenAI, claims 90% accuracy in identifying food and has generated over $2 million in revenue in a single month, though these figures remain unverified.

Yadegari, who sold his first startup at 16, met co-founder Langmack through the online coder community before moving to a San Francisco hacker house to build Cal AI. Unlike many in the startup world, he now plans to attend college, realizing the relentless grind of tech life wasn’t for him. Meanwhile, Cal AI continues to grow, with a team that now includes co-founder Jake Castillo and eight full-time employees.