Centre’s DLI tag helping semicon cos win over venture capital companies

Several Indian semiconductor startups are raising funds from local venture capital firms, driven by government self-reliance initiatives, rising geopolitical uncertainty, and increased investor interest as industry veterans enter the sector. The startups include CalligoTech, 3rdiTech, SandLogic and Terminus Circuits, ET has learnt.

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Columbia University braces for potential $20 million burden as new H-1B visa fee targets universities

Columbia University faces a potential $20 million annual hit from a proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee on new hires. This impacts recruitment of vital international researchers and staff. The university, already grappling with federal grant cancellations and a settlement over antisemitism claims, is assessing the fee's implications for its global talent acquisition.

from Latest Education news - Board Exam Results, Admit Cards, Exam Paper Analysis and Question Papers | Times of India
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15 college majors in the US that might drown students in debt

Graduating with a college degree often means facing substantial student loan debt, with some majors burdening students more than others. Fields like behavioral sciences, religious education, and human services see graduates carrying significant financial loads. While passion is important, smart financial planning and repayment strategies are crucial for navigating post-graduation debt.

from Latest Education news - Board Exam Results, Admit Cards, Exam Paper Analysis and Question Papers | Times of India
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Ohio universities face challenges as domestic enrollment grows but international numbers drop

Ohio's public universities report mixed enrollment for fall 2025. While domestic student numbers show modest growth at institutions like Shawnee State and Ohio University, international enrollment has plummeted across the board. Policy shifts and visa uncertainties are cited as key factors impacting global talent attraction, posing challenges for diversity and revenue.

from Latest Education news - Board Exam Results, Admit Cards, Exam Paper Analysis and Question Papers | Times of India
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DevDay 2025: OpenAI launches apps inside ChatGPT

The number of developers using OpenAI’s tools has also doubled to 4 million, and API usage has increased from 300 million tokens per minute to 6 billion, CEO Sam Altman revealed at the OpenAI DevDay in San Francisco. The new ChatGPT Apps SDK, now in preview for developers, lets them build apps that connect to data, trigger actions, and include interactive interfaces.

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Indian IT faces flat Q2 amid sluggish global tech spending

While the weakening rupee could cushion margins after a soft first quarter, at least three analyst reports warned that discretionary IT spending may remain muted as talk of potential US tariffs, along with uncertainty around inflation and policy shifts, continue to weigh on corporate budgets.

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Dhan turns unicorn with close of $120 million fundraise

Cofounder and CEO Pravin Jadhav said the raise began in September 2024, coinciding with key regulatory shifts. He added that Dhan fielded investment offers of $1 billion but deliberately chose a smaller, patient capital pool. Dhan expects to close FY25 with revenue of around Rs 900 crore, up from Rs 380 crore in the previous year.

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Urban Company eyes ACs foray via in-house co Native: sources

The Gurgaon-based company, which offers a host of home services such as spas and AC repairs, already sells water purifiers and electronic smart locks under the ‘Native’ label. The platform has held early discussions with component makers to assemble room ACs locally, sources said.

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EU to unveil new AI strategy to reduce dependence on US and China: FT

The EU plans to launch a fresh strategy to boost locally developed AI platforms, aiming to compete with tech leaders like the US and China. Called the "Apply AI strategy", the proposal encourages the use of European AI tools across key areas such as healthcare, defence, and manufacturing.

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When AI came for Hollywood

Emily Blunt expressed alarm after learning that rising “actress” Tilly Norwood is actually AI. Speaking on a podcast, she called the development terrifying. Created to rival real stars like Scarlett Johansson, Tilly’s rise has triggered concern in Hollywood, where many fear losing roles to lifelike digital creations.

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Will Arattai be India’s answer to WhatsApp?

India's Arattai, a WhatsApp rival, added two million users but faces skepticism due to strong network effects. Experts believe only disruptive events or open, interoperable platforms, like the UPI model proposed by Arattai's founder, can challenge incumbents. This strategy aims to foster an ecosystem rather than a closed monopoly.

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D2C startups in big FMCG bag, but still shy of gains

Hindustan Unilever, ITC, Marico, and Emami, among others, have either acquired or taken controlling stakes in at least a dozen digital-first brands over the past five years. Though sales accelerated for the acquired startups, they continue to incur losses.

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Industry welcomes six-month window to refund real-money game deposits

MeitY's draft online gaming rules propose a 180-day transition period for companies and payment partners to refund users for real-money games before their ban. This window eases potential criminal liability for firms, though legal experts caution about users missing the deadline. The government aims for zero tolerance after this practical compliance period.

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Tata Projects shifts gears, eyes next-gen manufacturing to chase high margins

Tata Projects is realigning its business strategy. The company focuses on predictable project delivery, new technology, and sustainability. Data centers present a growth opportunity. Tata Projects also targets clean and green manufacturing sectors. This shift includes moving towards high-tech private projects. The company expects a financial turnaround and aims for steady growth.

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Quick commerce reshapes festive shopping with idols, sweets, puja essentials

Quick-commerce platforms like Blinkit and Zepto are rapidly dominating festival puja essential sales, with the "spiritual commerce" segment nearing Rs 900 crore annually. Consumers increasingly prefer these platforms for convenience and curated assortments. Spiritual apps are also expanding into e-commerce, delivering prasad and religious items, reflecting a significant shift in festive buying habits.

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India nets $13 billion proposals under electronics component scheme: Vaishnaw

India's Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) has attracted $13 billion in investment proposals, nearly doubling its target and significantly boosting the nation's ambition to become a global electronics manufacturing hub. This overwhelming response, including strong MSME participation, aims to deepen the value chain, reduce import dependence, and achieve $500 billion in electronics manufacturing by 2031.

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Top 10 best value colleges in US for 2026: Affordable education with strong career outcomes

The Wall Street Journal's 2026 rankings highlight colleges offering the best value by weighing actual costs against graduates' earning potential. Baruch College leads the list for the third year, showcasing how affordable public institutions, particularly CUNY schools, provide strong outcomes and social mobility, reflecting a shift in family priorities towards value over prestige.

from Latest Education news - Board Exam Results, Admit Cards, Exam Paper Analysis and Question Papers | Times of India
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Microsoft launches 365 Premium with Copilot AI assistant

The company will stop selling Copilot Pro and existing Copilot Pro and Microsoft 365 Personal or Family customers can switch to Premium. Microsoft, which also has a free version of Copilot, had launched its Copilot Pro at $20 per month last year.

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AI data analytics startup Dataiku plans for US IPO, sources say

Dataiku held a meeting on Wednesday to kick off preparations for the IPO, which could come as soon as the first half of 2026, according to the people. The New York-based company has hired Morgan Stanley, Citigroup and other banks to take it public.

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