Top Trending Technology News & Highlights
"AI cannot exist in a vacuum. Deep investments are being made in infrastructure development: Google executives announce the company's $15 billion commitment to an India data center powerhouse. "
Many tech companies' fortunes are directly tied to AI technology, and billions of dollars have been invested in building the AI infrastructure. However, a top Google executive has denied that artificial intelligence is in a bubble, despite growing voices in Silicon Valley and Wall Street suggesting that a bubble may be forming and could eventually burst."It cannot just be a bubble when you consider the magnitude of the money coming in from the entire ecosystem. The construction of AI infrastructure is a significant financial commitment. The process is self-fulfilling. At an event in Delhi on Tuesday, Karan Bajwa, President of Google Cloud, Asia Pacific, told IndianExpress.com, "We are developing capabilities, building infrastructure, bringing them to market, and customers are using them."Following the announcement of a $15 billion investment by the Mountain View, California-based corporation to construct data center capacity for a new AI hub in Andhra Pradesh, the CEO made these remarks. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw of Electronics & Information Technology, Railways, and Information & Broadcasting attended the high-profile event in Delhi.The Visakhapatnam data center will become Google's largest AI hub outside of the US after the investment is implemented over the course of the following five years.
Published 14 Oct 2025 09:14 PM
Keep music out of your ears rather than in them with SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2.
Given how many calls we have to answer, we all spend a lot of time between earphones. We also try to relax by taking walks and running while listening to music or podcasts. Since noise-cancelling devices literally create a vacuum in the canal, our ears are not really designed to handle in-ear audio.This explains why some people, at the very least, favor open-ear headphones and earbuds that allow for natural music listening without isolating you from the outside world. The alternative strategy is used by SHOKZ, a company that produces open-ear headphones that provide sound without causing any damage to the ear canals by using bone conduction technology. The SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 maintains your ear canals entirely open while producing high-quality audio through the use of bone conduction and air conduction technology. You can simultaneously hear music and your surroundings thanks to this "open-ear" design, which is especially helpful for safety when running and cycling.
Published 13 Oct 2025 05:31 PM
I gave the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold a try… I am now convinced that I don’t need multiple devices
After a month of work-related travel to four major US cities, I returned to India and realized that managing three phones, a laptop, a tablet, a handheld console, and over-ear headphones was no longer feasible for me. It could be overwhelming at times – flying from one city to another, undergoing numerous security checks, and constantly fearing that a device might be left behind. This journey prompted me to reconsider the limits of excess, particularly given that I was going to consecutive tech events in various locations. It seems that I have at last come to understand that juggling several devices is simply not for me. For tech journalists, it is now far more sensible to have a single device, such as the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Though foldables are not yet mainstream (their high cost keeps them out of reach for most consumers), in my experience, the phone-tablet duo does provide a difference compared to carrying a separate phone and tablet; In addition, the user experience appears to have enhanced.While the Pixel 10 Pro Fold may appear similar to last year’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold that I reviewed, it boasts significant enhancements including a larger battery, a quicker Tensor G5 chip, upgraded cameras, improved displays, water resistance for folding phones, and enhanced integration with Google’s Gemini AI tools. It didn’t take me long to adapt to the folding Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which felt more polished and personal, but switching from my iPhone to the Google phone was still a challenge.
Published 09 Oct 2025 04:24 PM
OpenAI DevDay 2025: ChatGPT introduces apps, AgentKit for developers, and cost-effective GPT models
The third edition of the DevDay developer conference has been concluded by OpenAI. This year’s conference was a mixed bag, with some new and useful features alongside incremental upgrades, in contrast to last year when OpenAI did not conduct any major product launches. It appears that OpenAI may be working to develop ChatGPT into a fully realized AI-powered operating system. Additionally, the company launched two new, more affordable real-time voice models, a developer toolkit named AgentKit, and introduced apps within ChatGPT. Take a quick glance at all the announcements OpenAI made at DevDay 2025.OpenAI CEO Sam Altman unveiled AgentKit, a robust toolkit aimed at simplifying the creation and implementation of AI agents, in an exciting announcement at the recent Dev Day event. Altman explained, “AgentKit is a comprehensive set of resources on the open AI platform designed to assist developers in moving their agents from initial concept to full-scale production.” This effort forms part of OpenAI’s wider strategy to boost developer engagement by simplifying the process of building agents. With the introduction of AgentKit, OpenAI demonstrates its dedication to maintaining competitiveness in a fast-changing environment, where numerous AI platforms are working to offer integrated solutions for developing autonomous agents that can manage intricate tasks. A key highlight of the event was the introduction of a feature that allows users to build applications right within ChatGPT, which has recently reached an astonishing 800 million weekly active users.
Published 07 Oct 2025 09:09 PM
Technology
21st century is dedicated to the Technology and technology is dominating everywhere and every part of the world and almost all the industries are now a days is technology dependent or they need technology help to drive more scale and deliveries.
Spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharaj arrives ahead of PM Modis opening of the BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi.
On Monday, the spiritual guide Mahant Swami Maharaj traveled to Abu Dhabi in advance of the BAPS Hindu temple's opening. On February 14, the spiritual guru traveled to the Gulf country as a state guest to oversee the historic opening of the first Hindu temple in the United Arab Emirates.The spiritual head of BAPS, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, has arrived in the United Arab Emirates ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's February 14 ceremonial opening of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. The President of the United Arab Emirates, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed (MBZ) Al Nahyan, and the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Mubarak Al Nahyan, welcomed him.India invited the ambassadors of 42 nations to visit the temple on January 29. Sunjay Sudhir, the Indian ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, hosted the international diplomatic corps for the exclusive tour. The Indian embassy later stated in a statement that the envoys were in awe of the temple's distinctive construction, elaborate motifs, and message of harmony, peace, and unity. The temple is anticipated to draw large audiences because of its elaborate hand-carved stone statues.2015: LAND ALLOTMENT DECISION Modi's visit will highlight the strong relations that exist between the UAE and India. Modi's seventh visit to the UAE as prime minister will take place this time. He spent a day in Dubai last December attending the COP28 Summit. As the chief guest of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit in January, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited India and conducted a road show in Ahmedabad.After Indira Gandhi in the 1980s, PM Modi became the first Indian prime minister to visit the United Arab Emirates in 2015. Under Modi's leadership, the UAE President has made four trips to India thus far. In2015, during Prime Minister Modi's first visit, the UAE decided to set aside land in Abu Dhabi for the construction of a temple. Being the first Indian prime minister to visit this strategically important Gulf state in thirty-four years—after Indira Gandhi—the PM's visit was significant diplomatically.EVERYTHING ABOUT BAPS The Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha is known by its acronym, BAPS. The late 1700s religious guru Bhagwan Swaminarayan is the inspiration behind the organization's name.According to the BAPS website, it is a socio-spiritual Hindu religion with origins in the vedas that was founded in 1907 by Shastriji Maharaj (1865–1951) and pioneered by Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781–1830) in the late 18th century.
Over $1 billion was processed by Indias UPI Digital Payment Service last year.
Along with Indians residing overseas, the service is also being extended to other nations, such as Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates.According to India's Finance Minister Bhagwat Karad, the unified payment interface (UPI) processed over 9,300 crores ($1.21 billion) in 2023—a substantial rise over previous years.Through a scan-and-app mechanism, UPI enables rapid payment for products and services. It also consolidates bank accounts into a single digital wallet.Karad declared that accounts held by foreigners and Indians living overseas were added to the system in February 2023. According to reports, there have been more foreign transactions made through the app than the 386 that were registered in 2022.Karad also stressed that as long as their phone numbers are connected to their non-resident external (NRE) or non-resident ordinary (NRO) accounts, Indians residing overseas are eligible to use the system. The system's installation in a number of India's international airports, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, and New Delhi, was also praised by the minister.
Third UN Conference Consultative Meeting on LLDCs
The Consultative Meeting on the Third Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) will provide a forum for informal discussions on the main objectives, potential results, and deliverables of the third UN Conference on LLDCs (LLDC3) between the Permanent Representatives of the LLDCs, transit nations, Friends of LLDCs, and a chosen group of experts. Interactive thematic sessions on the following subjects will be included in the meeting:utilizing regional integration, trade facilitation, and trade's revolutionary potential for LLDCs' sustainable development; LLDCs can become more competitive in the regional and international trading system by fostering an unrestricted transit system and deepening robust connectivity. LLDCs can also become more resilient and capable of adapting to the deteriorating effects of climate change. coordinating the use of both internal and external resources and promoting technology access to ensure that the SDGs and the New Programme of Action for LLDCs are implemented successfully.The consultative meeting is being organized by the Office of the High Representative for Least Developed Counties (LDCs), LLDCs, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) (UN-OHRLLS), which will also be creating a summary of the areas of convergence that emerge from the working sessions.The Consultative Meeting's primary goal is to facilitate a casual discussion on the main priorities, potential outcomes, and deliverables of the LLDC3 among the Permanent Representatives of the LLDCs, transit nations, Friends of LLDCs, and a few chosen experts.
Apple Vision Pro cost is about Rs 2.8 lakh, Tim Cook explains why it is priced so high
Apple's latest innovation, the Apple Vision Pro, hits stores today with a hefty price tag of $3,500 (around Rs 2.8 lakh). The sticker shock may leave some wondering why such a steep cost, but Apple CEO Tim Cook took the opportunity to shed light on the matter during a recent earnings call.He emphasized that the high price is a reflection of the incredible technological advancements packed into the mixed-reality headset. The Vision Pro, built on a foundation of 5,000 patents, stands as a testament to Apple's commitment to cutting-edge technology.During the earnings call, Cook addressed concerns about the steep pricing, stating, "If you look at it from a price point of view, there's an incredible amount of technology packed into the product." He went on to highlight the inclusion of two Apple Silicon chips and the availability of 600 new apps and games tailored for the device. The Apple Vision Pro introduces spacial computing, allowing wearers to integrate digital content into their physical surroundings. This technology is a result of years of innovation, from silicon advancements to displays, and significant strides in AI and machine learning.Cook elaborated on the role of AI, stating, "It's, of course, built on many innovations that Apple has spent multiple years on, from silicon to displays and significant AI machine learning — all the hand tracking, the room mapping, all this stuff is driven by AI. Despite the seemingly high price, many Apple fans didn't hesitate to grab their piece of the future when preorders opened on January 19 as there were reports that that the company has already sold around 2 lakh headsets. However, some analysts predict that the demand may taper off due to the niche nature of the headset.Interestingly, major corporations like Walmart and Nike are already exploring potential applications for the Vision Pro among their customers and employees, according to Apple's CFO Luca Maestri. This indicates that the headset's capabilities extend beyond entertainment. The headset is yet to be launched in India.
Apple extends agreement with Qualcomm for 5G modem chips until 2027: Report
Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon in an interview with CNBC has confirmed that Apple has agreed to extend its patent licence agreement related to 5G modem through March 2027. Last year, Apple extended the agreement for using Qualcomm’s 5G modems until 2026 which has now been extended further until 2027. Amon in his interview with CNBC said that after last year’s deal, Apple had an option to extend the deal further, which they have until March 2027. “We are very happy with the relationship with Apple right now, and we will continue to be supplying modems to them,” said Amon. Apple has been working on developing in-house modems since 2019 when the Cupertino-based company acquired the majority of Intel's smartphone modem business. However, there have been news reports alleging that Apple's attempt to produce in-house 5G modem chips has been hampered by major problems related to unrealistic goals, an inadequate understanding of the challenges involved, and unusable prototypes. Last month, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple has shifted its attention to focus on the 6G cellular modem, while continuing to work on its first 5G modem chip. According to the analyst, Apple is racing to get its modem finished so it does not need to extend a contract with Qualcomm. He stated that the two companies have feuded over the years, and Apple really does not want to rely on Qualcomm for this vital iPhone component.Apple is yet to comment on the deal with Qualcomm, but with the new contract extension in place, it is highly likely that Apple’s attempt of producing in-house modem chips have been hindered further.
interior design advice Here are five original ideas to update the aesthetics of your house with mirrors.
Discover the decorative power of mirrors! See how these reflective marvels may provide a sophisticated and stylish touch to your environment.Mirrors are a very adaptable design element that can instantly brighten and enliven any home. The key to using mirrors in your home décor is to use them with passion, accuracy, and interest to captivate you and transport you to a mysterious place. When mirrors are used in Victorian-style home design, the result is an extravagant experience where every piece of décor exudes grandeur. With beautiful chandeliers, wood carvings, and stairs in addition to conventional mirrors, it is definitely a sight and delight to see. When strategically placed, mirrors may produce breathtaking optical illusions, enlarge spaces, and even produce endless pictures. They have the power to change how we see space, giving it a bigger, brighter appearance.Advice for Using Mirrors to Enhance the Interiors of Your Home The chief interior architect of De Panache, Atreyee Choudhury, gave HT Lifestyle some original ideas and creative advice on how to use mirrors to improve the interior design of your house. 1. Makeover any dim areas inside your house Mirrors may help bounce light throughout a room, making it appear more welcome and timeless while also brightening up any gloomy corners. 2. Above your foyer console, hang a historic mirror with elaborate carvings. Mirrors are a good substitute for pricey paintings. Your home's halls may look better with an ornate mirror made out of metal or solid wood. In your living area, a large antique mirror will make a statement. 3. For the backsplash in the bar area, use tinted mirrors with beveled edges. For the bar area, use beveled mirror work as a backsplash. It will brighten the room and draw attention to the bar in your living or dining area. 4. Choose a mirror with a bronze or grey hue for the wardrobe shutters. Even though the walk-in closet is a little place, when you get ready for a new day, magic happens there. An entire wardrobe shutter is the height of elegance. The most important wardrobe element is a full-length mirror since it serves a practical purpose and gives the impression of enhanced opulence. It is also possible to incorporate mirrors into the furniture design. Use the furniture with the mirrors broken as a focal point in your dining console or foyer. Adding elegant coffee tables with mirrors tinted black to your living area can make a statement.
Employees at startups are always on edge due to layoffs at large internet corporations.
For those employed by huge, well-capitalized startups, the start of the new year has been gloomy as companies such as Swiggy, Flipkart, and Paytm are letting go of a significant portion of their workforces.This has increased fear among job searchers and prompted human resources (HR) professionals in the startup ecosystem to realign their expectations for the upcoming year.A somewhat astonished Flipkart employee affected by job layoffs told ET last week, "We had received good incentives and hikes all through 2022 and 2023," adding that it felt like a haphazard exit.As ET had reported on January 8, the nation's leading e-commerce giant has started a process to cut its workforce of 22,000 employees by 5-7%, affecting 1,100–1,500 workers. Overview For those employed by huge, well-capitalized startups, the start of the new year has been gloomy as companies such as Swiggy, Flipkart, and Paytm are letting go of a significant portion of their workforces.SUMMARY 121 Indian firms have laid off an estimated 34,785 people since the start of the funding winter in 2022. Since the beginning of the year, up to 24 Indian edtech startups—six of the seven unicorns in the edtech space—have let go of 14,616 workers. Up to 15,247 workers have been let go by 69 startups so far this year, demonstrating how little progress has been made in addressing job losses.
Bhavish Aggarwal, the CEO of Ola, created Krutrim, the first $1 billion AI firm in India.
Bhavish Aggarwal, a serial entrepreneur, launched the AI business Krutrim, which has achieved unicorn status after raising $50 million from investors including Matrix Partners India.With OpenAI's ChatGPT launch more than a year ago, a plethora of Indian entrepreneurs and academic institutions are racing to develop large language models in Indian languages, or so-called Indic LLMs. In instead of depending solely on technology from the US or China, nations are attempting to develop their own rival AI systems. Europe's investors are flooding Mistral AI, France, which was formed a year ago and is currently valued at $2 billion. The Falcon concept, supported by a government research organization in Abu Dhabi, is highly promoted by the United Arab Emirates.India, a country of 1.4 billion people, is concentrating on developing more affordable, smaller AI systems. Last month, the generative AI startup Sarvam released OpenHathi, its first open-source Hindi LLM. Sarvam developed its system using readily available open-source models. Days after raising $41 million in funding from investors including billionaire Vinod Khosla and Lightspeed Venture Partners, the news was made.Ola, an Indian ride-hailing business, was founded by Aggarwal, who stated in a statement that "India has to build its own AI." "We are fully committed to constructing the first AI computing stack in the nation."
Overview for 2024 It is expected that the advertising market in India will reach a value of US$15.84 billion.
The Indian advertising industry has had a remarkable resurgence, outpacing forecasts and positioning itself as one of the fastest-growing sectors globally. It emerged as the fastest-growing market in the top 10 in 2023, taking eighth place in the worldwide ad expenditure rankings. Although the digital advertising business was initially predicted to develop at a moderate rate of 8–10% in the fiscal year 2022–2023, it exceeded predictions. Digital ad spending is expected to more than quadruple, reaching US$ 21 billion by 2027–2028, driven by economic tailwinds in 2023–2024.The growth of internet and smartphone users has caused a digital change in India's advertising industry. This has spurred a booming digital ad market that is expected to grow at a 12.3% annual rate to reach US$ 7.9 billion by 2027, according to IBEF. The internet and digital platforms are dominant, yet TV and traditional marketing still have a place. With 30% of advertising spending (about Rs. 8,757 crore or US$ 1.05 billion), social media takes the lead, followed by online video at 28% (almost Rs. 8,319 crore or US$ 1 billion). Display banners make up 16% (Rs. 4,816 crore or US$ 579.2 million) and paid search accounts for 23% (Rs. 6,895 crore or US$ 892.23 million).What's in store for 2024? For long-term business growth, the dynamic Indian digital marketing environment necessitates ongoing awareness of changing trends. According to projections, by 2024, advertising income in India is expected to reach Rs. 394 billion (US$ 5.42 billion). COO of Red Matter Technologies Vaasu Gavarasana, mentor and coach for marketing at T-Hub and IIT Madras, says: "Look for big changes in marketing strategies, especially a rise in TV advertising that is predicted to reach Rs. 394 billion (US$ 4.89 billion) in 2024. Surpassing its international rivals, Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising is expected to expand at an astounding 9.9% CAGR. As with television, the digital sector is expected to make about 38% of India's total advertising revenue. Anticipate a significant increase in spending on social media marketing, driven byFurthermore, in view of the impending interim budget declaration on February 1st, 2024, Red Matter Technologies CEO and co-founder Srikant Rajasekharuni emphasizes that "the proposed tax reduction for digital platform advertising from 18% to a lower rate lies in a potential game-changer." At the moment, there is an 18% tax on digital advertisements, which is far more than the 5% tax on ads in print media. Taking into account the rapidly expanding digital market in India, the Indian budget must review and reduce taxes on digital media in order to promote advertising and further revenue growth.A number of issues will influence the state of digital marketing and advertising in 2024. With 40% of the market, television is expected to dominate the Indian media landscape. Print media, at 13%, and the rapidly growing OTT and gaming sectors, at 8%, will follow closely behind. With a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 24%, the advertising-based video on demand (AVoD) market is expected to grow significantly and reach a substantial US$ 2.6 billion by 2025. This environment is favorable for digital advertisements on these platforms.According to IBEF, 600–650 million Indians are expected to actively connect with short-form videos in the future, devoting 55–60 minutes of their day to this content. India is projected to overtake the US, Japan, and China as the world's four largest TV advertising markets by 2027. Furthermore, by that same year, mobile internet advertising is expected to account for 73% of all online advertising revenue in India, further reshaping the constantly shifting landscape of digital advertising. These advancements herald a new era of interactive marketing and innovation and mark a turning point for digital advertising, affecting companies at all levels. The future seems like a dynamic environment where companies looking to succeed will need to strategically adapt to new trends.
Tencent chief says gaming business under threat, catching up in AI
Tencent's past hits such as “Honor of Kings” and “PUBG Mobile” continue to deliver strong revenue, but recent products are falling short of expectations. Pony Ma, chief executive and co-founder of Tencent Holdings, has said that the company’s video games business faces great challenges from competitors but is catching up in artificial intelligence (AI) development. Ma, speaking at Tencent’s annual meeting in a stadium in Shenzhen on Monday, said that the company has been resting on its laurels in gaming while competitors have delivered new hits. Video games account for more than 30% of Tencent’s revenue.Chinese media outlet Jiemian published parts of Ma’s speech online. A person with direct knowledge of the matter, who declined to be named because they are not permitted to speak to the media, confirmed the contents. Ma’s speech underscores concerns whether Tencent, the world’s biggest gaming company and the operator of China’s biggest social network WeChat, can defend its status as China’s No.1 tech company at a time marked by intensifying competition and new disruptive technologies.“Gaming is our flagship business…But in the past year, we have faced significant challenges,” Ma said, “We have found ourselves at a loss, as our competitors continue to produce new products, leaving us feeling having achieved nothing. ” Ma added that the new games that Tencent has launched had not performed as well as the company had hoped.
Arc Search app uses AI to offer customised search results by browsing the internet
Arc Search aims to redefine the way we search for information on the internet by browsing the internet on your part and giving you customised search results on a newly generated webpage.The Browser Company, the makers of the Arc browser have announced a new app called Arc Search. The new iPhone-only app aims to redefine your browsing experience by generating a web page from scratch that offers customised search results. Arc Search’s ‘Browse for me’ feature lets you type in a query in the search bar and looks up information on the internet on your behalf. The company says the app uses AI to read several web pages and offers customised search results on a new webpage with different sections, which entirely depend on the search term. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Josh Miller, the CEO of The Browser Company said that launching the Arc Search app on your iPhone will make the keyboard pop up with the cursor automatically focusing on the search box. You can see in the video below that typing a search query in Arc Search and tapping on the ‘Browse for me’ button scours through at least six web pages and creates a new website that offers customised results.The Browser Company also says that navigating between open tabs on the Arc Search app is more efficient compared to other mobile browsers. Instead of showing small thumbnails like Chrome or Edge, Arc Search uses an iOS-like recent apps menu that stacks the older tabs behind the new one. For added privacy, Arc Search automatically cleans up your tab history and closes all tabs every night. The company also announced that it is ditching iCloud in favour of its own cross-platform syncing service, which will sync things like all your Spaces and Pinned tabs to Arc Search. The app is currently available for download on the App App Store, but the developers plan to drop the word ‘Search’ from its name in a month or two, meaning it will be called ‘Arc’ for iPhone.
Boosting Innovation Getting Ready for Startup Chances Before Budget 2024
The Indian startup industry is looking forward to initiatives that would address funding and layoff issues while also promoting innovation ahead of Budget 2024. In spite of earlier programs such as the Fund of Funds for Startups, the ecosystem experienced shocks such as job losses and depreciation. There are several calls for tax laws, rewards for ESG compliance, and assistance with digital trade and environmentally friendly transportation. It is anticipated that the budget would lay the groundwork for a supportive startup climate that will encourage entrepreneurship and creativity in order to increase the number of unicorns that arise in India.Important lessons learned While the budget of the previous year included a number of measures for startups, there were obstacles in the Indian startup funding scene. Startup funding fell to a level not seen in seven years. The startup ecosystem has been damaged by the disruption in funding and layoffs, which has created a difficult environment for growth and innovation. Key initiatives to foster innovation and open the door for more unicorns in the Indian startup scene are anticipated in the next budget.Numerous firms' growth trajectory has been disrupted by the decrease in funding and the layoffs. Therefore, we will have to wait to see what decisions the Finance Ministry makes this year regarding the Startup Sector. This is due to the fact that the startup environment has been greatly impacted by the consequences of past budgeting decisions. They frequently create the conditions for more unicorns to appear in India.Prior Budget The Indian government included a number of initiatives in the Union Budget last year with the goal of assisting the startup industry. This includes the creation of the ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds for businesses (FFS), tax incentives for businesses, and the development of digital payments and economies. These budgetary measures have led to a notable expansion of India's startup environment. India is currently home to more unicorns than any other country in the globe, with the nation's startup ecosystem ranking third in the world overall. But there were significant obstacles facing the Indian startup scene. The startup industry saw an all-time high in layoffs, which added to the ecosystem's uncertainty. Moreover, it was evident that startups were losing value.Extension of the Indian Startup Landscape It is anticipated that the government will set aside additional money to promote entrepreneurship and aid in the expansion of startups. This can be accomplished by offering more funding, lowering tax laws, and easing regulations to draw in newer technology and foster innovation. Proposals have been made for tax policies such Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and carry-forward losses on investments. This entails offering incentives specific to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies and matching capital gains tax on unlisted startup shares with listed shares. In addition, the government has to prioritize bolstering digital commerce programs, offering incentives to retailers in remote locations, and providing funding to improve last-mile connectivity for Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) e-commerce. Additionally, with updated regulations promoting international trade, India may becomeIt is expected that the interim budget for 2024 will prioritize green mobility for electric vehicles (EVs) by addressing insurance requirements, safety standards, and licensing specific to EVs. The promotion of green mobility and possible revisions to programs like Production-Linked Incentives (PLI) for EVs and Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) are two ways to promote this.$1 billion in startup capital was raised in 2023 alone, demonstrating the ecosystem's resiliency in the face of difficulties. Moreover, the need to create an atmosphere that supports the expansion and longevity of startups is the foundation for the anticipation of tax reforms and regulatory clarity. As a result, the impending budget is well-positioned to lay the groundwork for an atmosphere that is more favorable for startups, encouraging creativity and entrepreneurship. In order to foster a thriving startup industry in India and create the conditions for the future development of other unicorns, this proactive strategy is imperative.
Startup India More than 12 lakh jobs have been created by 1.14 lakh startups to date
OVERVIEW As of October 2023, 1.14 lakh enterprises recognized by the government under "Startup India" had created over 12 lakh employment, according to the Department of Economic Affairs. According to the Department's report, until November 2023, 2.1 lakh loans were given under the Startup India initiative. According to the government-backed ONDC, the platform recorded over 63 lakh transactions until November 2023.A study released by the Ministry of Finance states that the companies approved by the Indian government have generated over 12 lakh employment.The Department of Economic Affairs stated that as of October 2023, the 1.14 lakh firms approved by the government under the Startup India initiative had created over 12 lakh employment in its report, "The Indian Economy: A Review January 2024," which covered data through the end of October 2023.The Department of Economic Affairs stated in the report "The Indian Economy: A Review January 2024" that as of October 2023, the 1.14 lakh firms approved by the government under the "Startup India initiative" had produced over 12 lakh jobs.As stated in its most recent assessment of the Indian economy, the Finance Ministry stated that over 1.14 lakh startups had so far generated over 12 lakh jobs in India. The Department of Economic Affairs stated in the report "The Indian Economy: A Review January 2024" that as of October 2023, the 1.14 lakh firms approved by the government under the "Startup India initiative" had produced over 12 lakh jobs. According to the document, the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), a state-owned e-commerce network, recorded over 63 lakh transactions by November 2023.With over 950 tech firms launched last year, India continues to have the third-largest tech start-up ecosystem internationally, despite confronting global obstacles in 2023 such as valuation issues, few IPOs, regulatory changes, and macroeconomic and geopolitical factors.According to Debjani Ghosh, President of Nasscom, "Indian tech startups have prioritized the imperative of enhancing their business fundamentals, driving profitability and growth in 2023, despite facing global economic and regulatory challenges." "The resilience of the ecosystem is demonstrated by the growth of tech startups in tier 2 and tier 3 cities," she continued.digital company owners anticipate that in 2024, they will maintain the current trajectory of revenue growth, taking calculated risks to optimize expenses and maximize profitability for business-to-business (B2B) digital businesses. In 2024, deeptech investments are expected to keep growing. Seventy percent of start-up entrepreneurs are integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their products as generative AI (GenAI) accelerates.
Reliance Jio Urges Government to Frame Policy to Shut Down 2G and 3G Services
Reliance Jio, in response to a consulting paper published by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), titled Digital Transformation through 5G Ecosystem, suggested that the government should frame a policy to shut down the 2G and 3G networks in India and move the existing users to 4G and 5G networks. In a separate response, Vodafone Idea (Vi) also made the same suggestion and highlighted that the existence of such barriers lead to a digital divide and impacts the ecosystem for 5G use cases.The regulatory body sought opinions on the barriers to the development of the ecosystem for 5G use cases, which need to be addressed and the possible policy and regulatory interventions that can overcome them. Responding to this, Reliance Jio stated, “The Government should come out with a policy and glidepath for closing down the 2G and 3G networks completely so that unnecessary network costs should be avoided, and all customers can be migrated to 4G and 5G services.” The telecom operator added that this will also boost the developing ecosystem to 5G use cases. Separately, Vodafone Idea also submitted its suggestion highlighting a similar measure. “The inability of users to switch to smartphones on account of the cost of these devices also leads to the users continuing on older technology and hence, not using digital services and most likely ending up being not updated on latest digital technologies and services,” it added. The two major issues with shifting users to a higher network bandwidth include the abundance of phones used in India that are only 2G/3G capable, and the pricing of the 4G and 5G enabled smartphones that might be unaffordable for the rural and remote population of the country. Vodafone Idea highlighted the issue as well and stated that the cost of smartphones for low-income groups is a very big challenge. Reliance Jio also underlined the necessity for the availability and allocation of a “massive amount” of spectrum bands to better implement a robust 5G connectivity. To solve this, the telecom operator urged that the 6GHz band, full C-Band, and 28GHz (on a flexible use basis) should also be auctioned, along with the planned auction of the E-Band and V-Band spectrum.
Xiaomi 15 Series Tipped to Run on Qualcomms Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 SoC
Xiaomi 14 series with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and HyperOS operating system was launched in Chinese markets in October last year. They are yet to make their India debut, but ahead of it, rumours about the next-generation flagship smartphones from Xiaomi have already started surfacing online. The Xiaomi 15 series is tipped to be powered by next-generation Qualcomm flagship processor. The Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro are said to go official in September. Tipster Smart Pikachu (translated from Chinese) on Weibo claimed that the Xiaomi 15 series will be equipped with Qualcomm's unannounced Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 SoC. The displays of the purported devices are said to offer a 1.5K resolution. The Xiaomi 14 series was the first handset to feature Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. Previous leaks suggested that mass production of the Xiaomi 15 lineup will kick off in September. The regular model is expected to retain a flat display and have the same screen size as the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 13. The Xiaomi 15 Pro is rumoured to come with a slightly curved 2K display with 0.6 mm narrow bezels. Since there's no official announcement from Xiaomi about the 15 series yet, these details should be taken with a pinch of salt. Xiaomi's 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro were launched in China in October. The price of Xiaomi 14 Pro starts at CNY 4,999 (roughly Rs. 56,500) for the 12GB + 256GB RAM and storage model whereas the Xiaomi 14 is priced at CNY 3,999 (roughly Rs. 50,000) for the 8GB + 256GB RAM and storage variant. There is no official word yet on their debut in markets outside China. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC powers Xiaomi's 14 series. They run on Xiaomi's HyperOS interface and feature up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage. They also have an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The Xiaomi 14 series has LTPO OLED displays with up to 2K resolution and 120Hz dynamic refresh rate. They have a Leica-tuned triple rear camera setup as well.
Toyota Innova Crysta, Fortuner, Hilux despatches temporarily on hold in India
Toyota Kirloskar Motor will be temporarily suspending despatches of the Innova Crysta, Fortuner and Hilux utility vehicles in India, amid the discovery of irregularities in horsepower output certification test on the diesel engines in these models. Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) said it had commissioned Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO) to develop its diesel engines. On Monday, TICO reported to Toyota that a special investigation committee set up to look into the potential certification irregularities stated that irregularities had occurred during the horsepower output certification testing for three diesel engines that Toyota had commissioned to TICO.In a global statement, Toyota Motor Corporation said that during certification testing, the horsepower output performance of engines was measured using electronic control units (ECU) with software that differed from that used for mass production, so that results could be measured to make values appear smoother with less variation. Ten models use the affected engines globally, including six in Japan. The Innova Crysta, Fortuner and Hilux account for almost a third of Toyota Kirloskar Motors’ (TKM) total sales in India. To our sister publication Autocar Professional’s query, a Toyota Kirloskar spokesperson explained that the irregularities concern the ‘smoothing’ of power and torque curves, but did not lead to any over-stating or over-claims on horsepower, torque or other powertrain-related values. “Moreover, this does not have any impact on the emissions or safety of the affected vehicles,” assured the spokesperson.Thus, while despatches have been suspended, the company will continue to produce and take orders for the Innova, Fortuner or Hilux. "For cars that have already been despatched but have not yet been delivered to the customer, we will carefully explain to them about this condition. Thereafter, we will proceed with registration and delivery for customers who opt to receive their vehicles,” explained the spokesperson.In its statement, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “Nevertheless, TKM sincerely apologises for any inconvenience and concern this irregularity may cause to our customers and other stakeholders." Toyota Kirloskar Motor also said it is working with relevant authorities to reconfirm the data used for the certification of the affected vehicles. Meanwhile, Toyota Motor Corporation added that the company has reverified the mass-produced products manufactured at the plant and confirmed that the affected engines and vehicles meet engine performance output standards. “Therefore, there is no need to stop using the affected engines or vehicles. However, we deeply apologise to our customers who have been supporting affected vehicles and waiting for a long time, and also to all other stakeholders for the significant inconvenience and concern that this has caused,” added Toyota Motor Corp.Based on the results of the investigation, its subsidiary TICO decided on Monday to temporarily suspend shipments of the affected engines. Going forward, Toyota said it will provide detailed explanations to authorities and proceed with appropriate measures, including conducting testing in the presence of witnesses, if appropriate. “We consider the appropriate process of certification to be a major prerequisite for doing business as an automobile manufacturer. We recognise the gravity of the fact that the repeated certification irregularities at TICO, following those at Daihatsu, have shaken the very foundations of the company as an automobile manufacturer,” said the release.The episode may lead to a restructuring of the relevant business, which will require a change, claims Toyota, “in the mindset of all individuals, from management to employees, as well as a drastic reform of corporate culture. Such tasks cannot be accomplished overnight. Hence, as the party responsible for transferring the diesel engine business, Toyota will continue to provide support toward the revitalisation of TICO's engine business.”
Porsche Launches New Macan EV At Rs 1.65 Crore: 5 Things You Need To Know
Porsche has launched the 2024 Macan EV, confirming that the nameplate will now be solely offered with an electric powertrain. It is the first all-electric SUV by Porsche and was launched in India immediately after its global debut. For now, you only get the bonkers Turbo variant, priced at Rs 1.65 crore (ex-showroom). But we expect lower-end versions to be available down the road. Here are five things you need to know about. The Macan might be instantly recognisable as one thanks to its familiar silhouette. However, there’s plenty new with certain design elements taking inspiration from the Taycan. That includes the new four-point LED DRLs, which get their own housing on top with the headlights located lower down the bumper. Shifting to the side profile, the 2024 Macan flaunts new sporty five-spoke alloy wheels, which can be configured up to 22 inches in size. And moving on to the rear, you get a new set of connected LED tail lamps that increases its wow factor. Another highlight is that it features an adaptive rear spoiler instead of one integrated above the rear windshield as seen in the ICE Macan. Inside, the cabin of the Porsche Macan EV is similar to that of the facelifted Cayenne, as its design closely resembles it. Displays galore as you get not one, but three screens for the driver, infotainment and co-driver. Thankfully, you still go get physical controls for operating the climate control. Another interesting touch is the ambient lighting along the dashboard, serving not only an aesthetic purpose but also functioning as communication lights for providing warnings and alarms. The all-electric Macan is equipped with a triple-screen setup comprising a 12.6-inch digital driver’s display, a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and another 10.9-inch display for the front passenger.
IBM is asking managers to work from office 3 days a week or get fired
IBM has issued a directive requiring all its managers in the United States to work from the office or client locations for a minimum of three days a week. Here are the details.IBM has issued a directive requiring all its managers in the United States to work from the office or client locations for a minimum of three days a week. The internal memo, which was just released by the company, has garnered attention for outlining a new policy that could potentially lead to job termination for non-compliance.The memo, obtained by Bloomberg, revealed that IBM wants to use badge-in data to track and assess the physical presence of its managers. Employees falling under this directive must reportedly reside within 50 miles of an IBM office or client location. Furthermore, the memo specifies that affected individuals must complete their relocation arrangements by August. Those unable to adhere to the new mandate or secure a remote position have been asked to "separate from IBM." A spokesperson for IBM verified the memo's contents and asserted the company's commitment to improve the work environment that balances flexibility with face-to-face interactions. The spokesperson clarified that executives and people managers in the United States are now required to be physically present in the office for at least three days each week.This policy marks a notable departure from IBM's previous approach to remote work. In May, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna stated that employees wouldn't be compelled to return to the office. However, the recent memo indicates a change in strategy, reflecting a belief that regular in-person presence is crucial for certain roles within the company. Notably, Krishna had acknowledged earlier that while remote work might allow for short-term productivity, it could impact employees' career progression. He suggested that those working remotely might find it more challenging to secure promotions as their contributions may be less visible in comparison to their office-bound counterparts.This move by IBM is not surprising because several tech companies have made similar decisions, which disappointed many employees. Some chose to leave their jobs, whereas a few people forcefully joined the company to comply with the policy.
