Setu strengthens top deck with senior execs from Razorpay, PhonePe, Wibmo

Pine Labs-owned fintech appoints Anand Raisinghani as CEO, brings in former leaders from Razorpay, Clear, and PhonePe across key roles.

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Grok steps into prediction markets with xAI, Kalshi partnership

Kalshi is now partnering with Elon Musk's artificial intelligence company xAI to integrate Grok, xAI's advanced chatbot, into the prediction market experience.

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US tariffs, big beautiful bill derail Indian IT’s big shift away from BFSI

India’s IT sector faces earnings pressure as key verticals like manufacturing, life sciences, and communications see spending cuts due to global disruptions and US policy changes. While firms pivot to BFSI and retail for stability, sector-wide growth remains cautious amid regulatory, pricing, and supply chain headwinds impacting client priorities.

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Meta launches new teen safety features, removes 635,000 accounts that sexualise children

The company also announced Wednesday that it has removed thousands of accounts that were leaving sexualised comments or requesting sexual images from adult-run accounts of kids under 13. Of these, 135,000 were commenting and another 500,000 were linked to accounts that "interacted inappropriately," Meta said in a blog post.

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Infosys profit surges 8.7% on deals, Europe show

Infosys raised its lower-end growth forecast for the fiscal, with revenue expected to expand between 1% and 3% from the earlier 0-3%. The company is also gaining from increased adoption of artificial intelligence, top executives said. AI programmes are improving productivity between 5% and 15% and this is being partly passed on to customers, according to CEO Salil Parekh who struck an optimistic note at the company’s post earnings call on Wednesday.

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Europe revival helps IT survive quarter shocks

HCLTech, LTIMindtree, and Tech Mahindra gained new business from European clients, marking a revival for the region after three quarters of deal slowdown. Overall revenues in these companies rose in low single digits in the three months ended June.

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Telegram introduces built-in crypto wallet, bringing its users into mainstream blockchain

The Open Network (TON) is a decentralised, layer-1 blockchain platform developed by the Telegram team, led by the Durov brothers, to create a highly scalable and user-friendly blockchain ecosystem integrated with the Telegram app.

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New-age travel accessories platform Escape Plan raises $5 million from Jungle Ventures, Fireside Ventures

Launched in May 2025, the Bengaluru-based company sells travel bags and accessories for everyday as well as vacation travel. The fresh funds will be used to expand its retail footprint, acquire customers, and launch its quick commerce services.

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Lawmakers want US tech CEOs to address concerns about submarine cables

Washington has been raising alarm about the network of more than 400 subsea cables that handle 99% of international internet traffic. The letter was signed by Representative John Moolenaar, who chairs a House panel on China and two other Republicans.

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Reliance Retail claims market leadership across channels

The retail arm of Reliance Industries said that while all segments performed well, the grocery and fashion segments propelled it to the market leadership spot.

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AI-assisted coding is the way to go when hiring graduates: LTIMindtree CEO

Venugopal Lambu said there was more emphasis in terms of the learning ability, and the foundational skill sets that freshers have on which companies can build, using their training and learning methods. “So those assessments will always improvise it…Whenever we hire people, we take all those aspects, whether it is related to the coding roles, cloud roles or infrastructure roles or data roles,” he said.

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IT companies tighten belt as AI, macro headwinds squeeze biz margins

The fiscal first quarter showed companies are stretching all internal levers aggressively to protect profits amid slowing large-deal momentum. This includes lowering selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) costs, delaying pay hikes, and rejigging bench policies. Analysts expect the trend to continue through the fiscal second half as the IT sector is turning into a "negotiator's market".

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New high tech incubators to get millions in funding

The Israel Innovation Authority (IIA) launched a competitive proceeding to establish new high-tech incubators with up to a 40 million Shekel (USD 11.9 million) investment per Incubator.

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Musk says xAI will make kid-friendly app 'Baby Grok'

Elon Musk’s AI firm xAI is set to launch "Baby Grok," a separate, kid-friendly chatbot app. Announced via Musk’s X post, the move follows efforts to enhance Grok’s features and public image. It comes amid xAI’s rapid AI expansion, including Grok 4’s debut and government-focused product offerings.

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RSSB PHED recruitment 2025: Application for 1,050 support engineer and chemist posts to begin shortly at rssb.rajasthan.gov.in

The Rajasthan Staff Selection Board (RSSB) has announced the recruitment of 1,050 Support Engineers and Support Chemists under the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED). The application process will begin soon at rssb.rajasthan.gov.in. Eligible candidates with relevant engineering or science qualifications may apply. The selection process includes a CBT, document verification, and a final merit list. Salary is set at Rs 16,900 per month, with additional allowances as per government norms.

from Latest Education news - Board Exam Results, Admit Cards, Exam Paper Analysis and Question Papers | Times of India
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Eight chipsets designed by IIT students sent to fabs: IT Minister Vaishnaw

Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) students have designed 20 chipsets, with eight already sent for fabrication, signaling significant progress in domestic semiconductor development. The first commercial-scale, made-in-India semiconductor chip is expected this year, supported by government initiatives like the India Semiconductor Mission and AIKosh. India's electronics exports have surged, marking substantial growth in the sector.

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Top tech and startup stories this week

Welcome to a new edition of ETtech Unwrapped – our weekend newsletter packed with the most important stories this week. Let’s take a look.

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Future-proofing of jobs: Mid-career pros rewire skills to ride AI current

TeamLease reported over 60% growth in enrolments for micro-credential courses this year, while Simplilearn noted growing demand from professionals in their 30s and 40s seeking domain pivots or deeper specialisation. Online learning platform Coursera also reported that 39% of its learners are career switchers, drawn by the promise of better growth, pay, and job security.

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OpenAI unveils ChatGPT agent to handle tasks as AI apps evolve

AI agents - considered to be an evolution of an assistant - have been embraced across the tech world with large firms, including Microsoft, Salesforce and Oracle, spending billions on the technology to boost productivity and make operations more cost efficient.

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Wipro Q1 net profit up 11% to Rs 3,337 crore, revenue flat

Wipro faced a compression in business in all geographies of Europe, Americas 2 and APMEA (Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa) and business verticals such as banking, financial services & insurance and consumer in the April-June period compared with the prior quarter.

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Wipro looking to become consulting-led, AI-powered company, says Rishad Premji

Addressing the Bengaluru-based company’s 79th annual general meeting through videoconferencing on Wednesday, the son of billionaire promoter Azim Premji said 2024-25 was a year of significant change for Wipro as well as the world.

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Sam Altman endorses Jensen Huang’s view on AI and its impact on jobs

In a post on X, Altman noted key themes Huang has emphasised: AI will not eliminate jobs wholesale but will fundamentally change how work is done.

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Sarvam AI will open source its IndiaAI Mission AI models

The company has received the highest subsidy allocated under the IndiaAI Mission so far at Rs 98.68 crore, out of a bill of Rs 246.71 crore for access to 4,096 Nvidia H100 GPUs for six months, as per the IndiaAI website.

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Mid-year ecommerce sales spike sets the stage for cracking festive season

Ecommerce order volumes rose 19% during the July 11–14 sale, driven by strong demand in electronics, appliances, and fashion. Tier-II and III cities led growth. Brands saw up to 8x sales spikes, prompting festive season preparations. The momentum signals recovery after last year’s slowdown, boosting industry optimism for Diwali.

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HCLTech’s first quarter net drops 10% YoY to Rs 3,843 crore, revenue up 8%

India’s third-largest software services company reported a net profit of Rs 3,843 crore in the three months ended June, historically a soft quarter for the software business. Margins fell 16.3% during the quarter amid lower employee utilisation “due to delay in implementation and ramp-down of a specific program, which resulted in a larger bench.”

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Very unfair criticism to call TCS one-trick pony: CEO K Krithivasan

TCS CEO K Krithivasan attributes recent revenue dips to global economic uncertainties impacting client spending. Despite challenges in sectors like airlines and auto, TCS remains confident, dismissing reliance on the BSNL deal as a mischaracterization. Strategic moves, including service line alignment and AI integration, aim to drive future growth and adapt to evolving IT service models.

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Smaller EV players nearly wiped out as FAME-II crackdown triggers sales collapse

Electric two-wheeler makers penalised for FAME-II subsidy violations have experienced a significant sales decline, with smaller players struggling. Government crackdown consolidated market share among compliant companies like TVS and Bajaj. Investigations into fraudulent subsidy claims led to subsidy suspensions and price increases, impacting consumer demand. A new FAME-III programme is anticipated to promote electric mobility with stricter compliance.

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JEECUP 2025: Round 2 seat allotment announced at jeecup.admissions.nic.in for UP Polytechnic

JEECUP has announced the round 2 seat allotment for UP Polytechnic admissions 2025. Candidates can check their results on jeecup.admissions.nic.in and must complete seat acceptance fee payment, document verification, or seat withdrawal within the specified dates. The counselling process includes seven rounds, and the current phase runs from July 13 to 17, 2025. Candidates are required to carry original and photocopies of specified documents for verification at district help centres.

from Latest Education news - Board Exam Results, Admit Cards, Exam Paper Analysis and Question Papers | Times of India
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Does AI actually boost productivity? evidence is murky

A survey of 2,500 professionals found generative AI actually increased workload for 77% of workers. Some 47% said they didn't know how to unlock productivity benefits. The study points to barriers such as the need to verify and/or correct AI outputs, the need for AI upskilling, and unreasonable expectations about what AI can do.

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SpaceX to invest $2 billion in Musk's xAI startup: Report

SpaceX has invested $2 billion in xAI as part of a $5 billion equity round, strengthening Elon Musk's AI endeavors. This investment values the merged xAI and X at $113 billion, with the Grok chatbot now supporting Starlink and potentially integrating into Tesla's Optimus robots. Despite controversies, Musk touts Grok as the smartest AI, driving xAI's heavy spending on development.

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xAI apologises for Grok's offensive posts

The company said the change occurred after the chatbot was prompted to "reply to the post just like a human" as well as "tell like it is and you are not afraid to offend people who are politically correct." As a result, Grok became susceptible to users' "extremist views," which made it produce "responses containing unethical or controversial opinions to engage the user."

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Top tech and startup stories this week

Welcome to a new edition of ETtech Unwrapped – our weekend newsletter packed with the most important stories this week. Let’s take a look.

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US move to lift chip software curbs on China puts India on alert

Regarding companies rethinking their ‘China Plus One’ strategy with the lifting of software curbs, Dixit said that companies considering investing in India for EDA development or other functions might choose to thoughtfully evaluate their timing. However, Shankar Krishnamoorthy, chief product development officer, Synopsys, said the company does not foresee the software export restrictions that were previously placed on China being placed on India, especially given India’s ambition to build its semiconductor ecosystem and the existing US-India collaboration in the sector.

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X slashes subscription fees in India by up to 48%

The social media firm has slashed premium account subscription fee for mobile app by about 48% to Rs 470 from Rs 900 it charged earlier on a monthly basis. The subscribers of premium and premium-plus service at X get a checkmark next to their name or ID.

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Capgemini's $3.3 billion WNS buy may revive IT-plus-BPO model

Capgemini's $3.3 billion acquisition of WNS signals a resurgence of the IT-plus-BPO model, driven by the need for AI integration. Analysts anticipate further consolidation in the BPO sector as companies seek to leverage AI for growth and digital transformation. This deal reflects a broader industry shift towards AI-led reinvention and service-as-software models.

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New 'strategist' COO at Apple faces tariff test

Sabih Khan, Apple's new COO, faces the challenge of reordering the global supply chain amid geopolitical tensions and the company's AI lag. He must balance US-China relations while expanding manufacturing in India and meeting sustainability goals. Khan's success hinges on ensuring timely delivery and quality of Apple products, navigating a complex and evolving global landscape.

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Only 47% of schools offer skill-based courses: Government study

A recent PARAKH survey reveals that less than half of Indian schools offer skill-based courses for Classes IX and above, with only 29% of students participating. This highlights a significant gap in vocational education, hindering the Skill India Mission's goals.

from Latest Education news - Board Exam Results, Admit Cards, Exam Paper Analysis and Question Papers | Times of India
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Open to supply products to US market from multiple sites, India based on tariff outcomes: Samsung

Samsung is closely monitoring US trade policy under the Trump administration and is prepared to shift production to India and other locations to maintain price and business stability. Amid high uncertainty, the company has diversified manufacturing, strengthened AI partnerships, and launched its new Galaxy Z foldable smartphone series.

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OpenAI is readying an open-weight model that will debut as soon as next week: Report

The move would mark a major shift toward openness for the company, potentially allowing developers and researchers greater access and flexibility compared to current closed models like GPT-4 and GPT-4o.

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IIT Delhi-incubated deeptech startup Green Aero secures 1.6 million from pi Ventures

The funds will be used for Green Aero’s R&D efforts, setting up an in-house testing facility, and hiring talent. Plans include commercialisation of its first small-category engine within the next 12 months while laying the groundwork for a larger engine platform.

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Over half of school kids struggle with basics, reveals government survey

A recent PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan reveals significant learning gaps among Indian schoolchildren. A large percentage of students in Classes VI and IX struggle with basic math, language comprehension, and science concepts. The survey, encompassing over 21 lakh students across India, highlights persistent rural-urban and gender disparities, with varying performance levels among states and school types.

from Latest Education news - Board Exam Results, Admit Cards, Exam Paper Analysis and Question Papers | Times of India
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OpenAI and Microsoft bankroll new AI training for teachers

The American Federation of Teachers is launching an AI training hub for educators, funded by Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic, to integrate AI tools into classrooms. This initiative follows similar moves by California State University and Miami-Dade County Public Schools to adopt AI technologies like ChatGPT and Gemini.

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Can AI plan your next holiday?

Agoda CTO Idan Zalzberg sees AI evolving into a personalised travel planner, capable of handling complex tasks through conversational, agentic interactions. While AI improves efficiency and customer understanding, challenges like unpredictability remain. India, with its tech-savvy users, serves as a key testbed. Agoda has launched 150 GenAI projects globally.

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Smarter AI needs smarter humans

As AI grows more advanced, the need for complex, high-quality training data has surged, making data annotation a critical industry. India is emerging as a key global hub, offering skilled talent across domains. With rapid market growth and increasing sophistication, data labelling now demands deep expertise in science, tech, and language.

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Xbox producer recommends ChatGPT, Copilot prompts to laid off Microsoft staff

After Microsoft’s Xbox layoffs, executive producer Matt Turnbull suggested using AI chatbots like ChatGPT for emotional support and career guidance. In a deleted LinkedIn post, he shared prompts for job planning, resume help, and networking, aiming to ease the stress of unemployment.

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Microsoft announces public preview of deep research in Azure AI foundry

This tool aims to accelerate research and deployment of frontier AI technologies, further strengthening Microsoft's position in enterprise-grade generative AI solutions.

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Startups weigh government nod to use Aadhaar KYC for gig workers

Food delivery and e-commerce startups are seeking government approval for Aadhaar authentication to streamline gig worker verification, following a crackdown on unauthorized Aadhaar usage. Protean eGov Technologies offers a secure channel for Aadhaar access with ministry clearance, potentially simplifying KYC processes. Startups are exploring Digilocker-based verification and redirection processes to comply with regulations and ensure secure onboarding.

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UGC NET answer key 2025 for June exams released at ugcnet.nta.ac.in: Raise objections online by this date, direct link here

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the provisional answer key for the UGC NET June 2025 examination on ugcnet.nta.ac.in. Candidates can now download their recorded responses and question papers. The objection window is open until July 8, 2025, allowing candidates to challenge discrepancies with a non-refundable fee of Rs. 200 per question.

from Latest Education news - Board Exam Results, Admit Cards, Exam Paper Analysis and Question Papers | Times of India
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AI robots fill in for weed killers and farm hands

Aigen's solar-powered, AI-driven robot "Element" autonomously weeds fields without chemicals, offering a sustainable solution to labour shortages and herbicide resistance. Designed by former Tesla engineer Richard Wurden, the robot mimics human weeding and runs on sunlight. The robot's AI system takes in data from onboard cameras, allowing it to follow crop rows and identify weeds.

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Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to interact with school students at NESAC on Tuesday

The interaction is planned via a telebridge set up NESAC in Shillong, said the Amateur Radio on International Space Station (ARISS), which facilitates interaction of school students with astronauts on the orbital laboratory.

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Top tech and startup stories this week

Welcome to a new edition of ETtech Unwrapped – our weekend newsletter packed with the most important stories this week. Let’s take a look.

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Ban-battered bike-taxi riders say struggling to make both ends meet

Karnataka's bike-taxi ban has severely impacted Bengaluru's gig workers, slashing incomes by half. Approximately 150,000 riders are affected, forcing many into already saturated delivery services. This shift has also reduced earnings for existing food and grocery delivery workers. While some find alternatives like DriveU, many struggle to cover expenses and support families, hoping for the ban's revocation with regulated rules.

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India GCC leasing now focusing on larger spaces as demand surges: Vestian report

Office space leasing by global capability centres in India surged 24% to 31.8 million sq ft in FY25, driven by IT, finance, and engineering services. Fortune 500 GCCs leased 13.5 million sq ft, a 25% increase, highlighting India's attractiveness. While the number of lease transactions decreased, larger office spaces became more prevalent, with large transactions rising significantly.

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Morocco bets on video game industry to provide jobs and diversify economy

Morocco is building a local gaming industry with a new developer hub, training programs, and a $26 million Rabat Gaming City. Hosting global developers at its gaming expo, the country aims to empower youth, attract investment, and double industry revenue by 2030 while combating high youth unemployment through tech-driven careers.

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Ambiq Micro files for US IPO as generative AI fuels chip demand

Strong investor demand for AI-focused tech stocks is helping revive the IPO market, as investors warm again to high-growth tech startups they had largely avoided for nearly three years. The Austin, Texas-based company disclosed a net loss of $39.7 million in 2024, narrowing from a loss of $50.3 million in the previous year.

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AI-backed brand analytics platform GobbleCube raises $3.5 million in round led by InfoEdge Ventures

Existing investor Kae Capital participated in the funding round. The fresh funds will be used to deepen its AI capabilities, expand platform coverage, and accelerate its global go-to-market efforts. Earlier in a seed round led by Kae Capital in 2024, the startup had raised $1.9 million.

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Bhim gets big boost as NPCI scales up incentives, offers

Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM), the govt's UPI-based payment app, has seen a resurgence, nearly doubling its monthly transactions to 70 million in June after a period of stagnation. This growth is attributed to a user-interface revamp, increased marketing spend by NPCI, and targeted incentives.

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India needs more telecom unicorns, says DoT secretary Neeraj Mittal

This follows the Union Cabinet clearing the Rs 1 lakh crore research, development, and innovation (RDI) scheme, which the government feels will give momentum to telecom startups in India.

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