VC fundraising hits wall; WhatsApp’s new privacy headache

Indian VC firms are facing their hardest fundraising year in a decade as LPs tighten filters and demand cash returns. This and more in today's Morning Dispatch.

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Orchestration layer is new battleground for Indian AI talent

​​Recruiters told ET that hiring for standalone prompt engineering roles has plateaued as companies increasingly seek engineers who can build and orchestrate agentic or autonomous AI systems, signalling one of the fastest shifts yet in the country’s AI talent market.

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NRI equity inflow falls; Pi Ventures preps exits

NRI accounts are surging even as stricter compliance and a softer market cool equity inflows. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.

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UPTET Admit Card 2026 released at upessc.up.gov.in; here's direct link to download hall ticket

UPTET Admit Card 2026: The Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission has released the UPTET Admit Card 2026 on June 30, 2026. Candidates appearing for Paper 1 and Paper 2 can download their hall tickets using their registration number or mobile number. The examination will be conducted from July 2 to July 4 in multiple shifts. Candidates must verify all details on the admit card, carry valid identity proof, and follow the prescribed examination guidelines on the test day.

from Latest Education news - Board Exam Results, Admit Cards, Exam Paper Analysis and Question Papers | Times of India
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NRI flows into Indian equities dip as compliance rules bite

Investments by Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in Indian stock markets are slowing, despite a rise in account openings. While global uncertainties and market performance play a role, stringent Know Your Customer (KYC) rules are a major hurdle. Industry insiders believe easing these regulations, particularly through digitisation and e-notarisation, could significantly boost remittance flows and unlock substantial investment potential from affluent NRIs eager to participate in India's growth story.

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Amazon, Flipkart spark quick commerce price war as Blinkit, Instamart hold the line

India’s quick-commerce market is back in a discounting spiral. Amazon and Flipkart are turning up the heat, but incumbents Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart are largely refusing to dive into the price war as they prioritise profitability, industry executives said.

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Baidu's AI chip unit Kunlunxin targets $50 billion Hong Kong IPO: Report

Investors have been asked to ‌buy chips ⁠with ⁠a value three to seven times the worth of their ​planned subscription in Kunlunxin's initial public offering shares, the report ​said.

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How schools breach children’s data privacy: A snapshot

Schools and other organizations are posting children's photos and achievements online without proper parental consent, potentially violating the DPDP Act. This practice exposes minors to privacy risks, online abuse, and legal issues. While global governments are strengthening child online protections, compliance in India remains inconsistent, leaving many children vulnerable to exploitation and harassment, as highlighted by a recent student's experience.

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AIIMS Paramedical 2026 Admit Card released at aiimsexams.ac.in; direct link and download steps

The AIIMS Paramedical Admit Card 2026 has been released on the official examination website for candidates registered for the entrance test. Applicants can download their hall tickets using their registration ID and password. The AIIMS BSc Paramedical entrance examination is scheduled for July 4, 2026, in computer-based test (CBT) mode. Candidates must carry the printed admit card, a valid photo ID and any additional documents specified for entry to the examination centre.

from Latest Education news - Board Exam Results, Admit Cards, Exam Paper Analysis and Question Papers | Times of India
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Haryana HSSC announces final PMT chance for absentee Group C candidates with revised June 2026 schedule

The Haryana Staff Selection Commission has announced a final opportunity for absentee candidates to appear for the Physical Measurement Test under Group C recruitment advertisements 13/2024, 01/2026, 02/2026 and 04/2026. Revised PMT dates have been scheduled at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Panchkula. Candidates must report with their admit card and a valid identity proof. The Commission has clarified that no fresh admit cards or individual notifications will be issued, and no further opportunity will be provided.

from Latest Education news - Board Exam Results, Admit Cards, Exam Paper Analysis and Question Papers | Times of India
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West Asia conflict may delay India's chip projects

India's ambitious semiconductor projects, including Tata Electronics' Dholera fab, face potential delays due to the West Asia conflict. Logistical snags have disrupted the supply of crucial speciality gases, chemicals, and metals, leading to concerns about cost overruns and extended timelines. While some believe disruptions have eased, experts warn of significant pushes to production schedules, impacting both construction and operational phases.

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Living on borrowed AI won’t end well for India, warn experts

India's reliance on foreign-controlled advanced AI models, like Anthropic's, is under scrutiny after a US government directive suspended access. Experts warn this highlights a significant vulnerability, potentially hindering India's ambition to become an AI power. The incident underscores the need for stronger domestic capabilities and strategic infrastructure to avoid being merely an adopter of technologies controlled elsewhere, emphasizing the geopolitical implications of frontier AI.

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Xbox to raise console prices worldwide from August

Groups representing automakers, retailers, electronics firms and others had ‌warned earlier ⁠this ⁠month that the increasing demand for memory chips could lead to ​dramatic price hikes in U.S. consumer goods and disrupt supply chains.

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Pocket FM winds down microdrama to focus on audio dramas, overseas market

Audio entertainment firm Pocket FM is shutting down its microdrama vertical, Pocket TV, to concentrate on its core audio dramas and international expansion. This strategic shift precedes a potential public listing, as the company prioritizes profitability. While short video dramas are booming in India, Pocket FM is returning to its strengths in audio, where it has established content and monetization.

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Tech entrepreneurs seeking the next AI frontier are pivoting from chatbots to 'world models'

AI is evolving beyond text-based chatbots, with researchers now focusing on "world models." These advanced systems aim to teach AI to understand and interact with the physical world, much like humans do. This shift is attracting significant investment, with a new generation of entrepreneurs and prominent scientists exploring how AI can learn spatial and temporal structures, paving the way for smarter robots and more immersive virtual environments.

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AI risks spark 30% surge in India cybersecurity spends as enterprises ramp up defences

Corporate India is witnessing a significant surge in cybersecurity spending, up 30% year-on-year, as businesses race to safeguard data and AI systems. Even traditionally less-invested sectors like manufacturing are digitizing aggressively. This trend, driven by AI's expanding attack surface and increasing regulatory pressure from bodies like CERT-In, is making cybersecurity a crucial, ongoing operational expense for enterprises.

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India ranks 13th globally in QS World Future Skills Index 2027, emerges as a leading AI-ready economy

India ranks 13th globally in the QS World Future Skills Index 2027, highlighting its strong readiness for an AI-driven economy. The country excels in Future of Work readiness, ranking fifth worldwide, supported by its vast digital workforce and economic growth. However, the report identifies significant skills gaps and graduate quality challenges that could hinder long-term competitiveness. QS recommends strengthening higher education, expanding industry-aligned skills development, and accelerating AI, digital, and green talent creation to sustain growth.

from Latest Education news - Board Exam Results, Admit Cards, Exam Paper Analysis and Question Papers | Times of India
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Mark Zuckerberg directed Meta to create a prediction markets app: NYT

Meta is reportedly developing a new app, codenamed 'Arena,' designed to function like prediction markets such as Polymarket and Kalshi. Initially, it will likely use a points system, with the possibility of real-money wagering later. This move taps into the growing popularity of prediction markets, which have seen significant interest during the U.S. presidential election.

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Chevron signs pact with Microsoft for powering its Texas data centre

Chevron and Microsoft have partnered for a 20-year deal to power a Texas data center. The Kilby facility will supply 2.67 gigawatts using GE Vernova and Solar Turbines technology, mitigating grid impact. This collaboration highlights the immense energy needs for AI development, with Chevron leveraging its natural gas resources to meet this growing demand competitively.

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Dealmaking stays strong as startup M&A momentum carries into 2026

Indian startups are experiencing a surge in M&A exits, particularly in consumer, fintech, and ecommerce sectors, signalling a robust recovery in dealmaking. Major acquisitions by L'Oréal and Marico have been the latest in this trend, with strategic buyers increasingly seeking to integrate new capabilities.

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Trump tells Axios he no longer views Anthropic as national security threat

Senior Anthropic technical staff were scheduled to meet with Trump administration ‌officials earlier ⁠this week ⁠to discuss a dispute over foreign access to its most advanced ​AI models, Fable 5 and Mythos 5. The company last week disabled access ​for all users to those models after Trump ordered Anthropic to block foreign nationals from accessing them.

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NEET UG 2026 begins today: What candidates must carry before entering centres and exam-day instructions

NEET UG 2026 is being conducted today across 5,440 centres in 551 Indian cities and 14 overseas centres. NTA has reminded candidates that entry begins at 11:00 AM and closes at 1:30 PM, with no admission permitted afterwards. Aspirants must carry their admit card, a valid photo ID and two passport-size photographs. The agency has also advised candidates to avoid prohibited items, stay hydrated, reach centres early and rely only on official information.

from Latest Education news - Board Exam Results, Admit Cards, Exam Paper Analysis and Question Papers | Times of India
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UP Police Constable answer key 2026 released at uppbpb.gov.in; objections accepted until June 23

The Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board (UPPRPB) has released the provisional answer key for the UP Police Constable Recruitment Examination 2026 conducted for 32,679 posts. Candidates who appeared in the offline examination held on June 08, 09 and 10 can now check their responses and estimate their scores. The objection window is open from June 20 to June 23. The final answer key, after scrutiny of objections, will be used to prepare the recruitment result.

from Latest Education news - Board Exam Results, Admit Cards, Exam Paper Analysis and Question Papers | Times of India
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Meta AI glasses pilot faces privacy scrutiny

Privacy experts are flagging significant risks with Meta's AI glasses pilot for visually impaired citizens in Gujarat. Concerns centre on potential privacy violations for users and bystanders due to always-on cameras, and challenges under India's data protection law. While the technology promises independence, calls are mounting for stringent safeguards against data misuse and unauthorised access before deployment.

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Architect Labs raises $24 million to take on Broadcom, Marvell custom chip business

The company plans to target chip ​companies to ​help accelerate the design process but also software companies ⁠that could use custom chips to make their ​applications run faster or more efficiently, Architect co-founder Ebrahim ​Hussain said in an interview with Reuters.

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Nobel Prize winner John Jumper quits Google DeepMind after nearly a decade; set to join Anthropic

Nobel laureate John Jumper, a key figure behind the groundbreaking AlphaFold AI, is departing Google DeepMind after nearly nine years. He announced his move to rival AI firm Anthropic on X. Jumper's departure underscores the intense competition for top AI talent as startups like Anthropic vie with tech giants for leading researchers.

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Data centres, AI become IT's next growth bet

India's software services industry is finding new growth in data centers and AI. Companies like HCLTech, TCS, Accenture, and Cognizant are investing heavily in AI platforms and infrastructure. This strategic shift aims to position them as end-to-end partners.

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PE firms join GCC boom, push portfolio companies to set up captive centres

Private equity-backed firms are increasingly establishing Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India, moving beyond cost savings to build AI, engineering, and product capabilities. This trend signifies a shift from large corporations to mid-market companies leveraging GCCs as a strategic value-creation tool for portfolio companies.

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India has wide AI talent gaps in deployment, governance, security: Quess report

India faces significant AI talent gaps in deployment, governance, and security roles, with GenAI deployment showing the widest deficit. While the country boasts the second-largest AI talent pool globally, the demand is shifting towards production-ready skills, particularly in the three-to-five-year experience band, as AI becomes a horizontal capability across industries.

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Amazon Now to launch 100 large fulfilment stores in key markets ahead of Prime Day

Amazon Now is launching 100 large fulfillment centers across major Indian cities, significantly expanding its product assortment beyond daily essentials to include electronics and other everyday items. This strategic move aims to deliver products in 10-20 minutes, bolstering its presence in the rapidly growing quick commerce sector ahead of its Prime Day event.

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Talent shortage triggers AI adoption among insurers

A shortage of trained insurance professionals is driving insurers to automate claims processing, underwriting, and customer onboarding. This shift enables companies to handle growing business volumes with greater accuracy and efficiency, rather than replacing existing roles. Technology adoption is enhancing productivity and allowing employees to focus on higher-value client interactions.

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Red Hat sees an opening as Indian enterprises turn to AI sovereignty

Indian businesses are increasingly opting for Red Hat's open-source solutions to gain control over their AI and cloud infrastructure, said Red Hat India and South Asia vice-president Navtez Bal. Driven by concerns over data sovereignty and vendor lock-in, enterprises are moving beyond AI experiments towards production deployments.

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Mag 7? MANGOS? SpaceX forces name rethink on Wall Street's tech-stock moniker

The IPO, the biggest in US history, vaulted SpaceX's value above two Mag 7 members: CEO Elon ‌Musk's other company, Tesla , ⁠and ⁠Meta Platforms. With trillion-dollar contenders such as OpenAI and Anthropic waiting in the IPO wings, the club may soon need a name change, analysts said.

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Project Glasswing melts: US government suspends early access to Anthropic's Fable 5, Mythos 5 within days of rollout

India's brief access to advanced AI models from Anthropic has ended. A US government directive halted local access to Mythos 5 and Fable 5. This development signals a new AI export control regime. Governments now view frontier AI as strategic assets. India's engagement on technology policy faces new challenges.

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DLI-backed chip companies call for government procurement support

Indian semiconductor startups are urging the government for stronger market access and intellectual property protection. They highlight the need for procurement support to foster growth and maintain domestic ownership. Existing schemes have boosted design capabilities, but incentives for electronics makers to adopt Indian chips are lacking. Founders emphasize that capital availability, not just nationalism, drives ownership decisions.

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France’s Mistral in funding talks at about €20 billion valuation

French AI startup Mistral AI is reportedly in talks to raise approximately €3 billion ($3.5 billion) at a valuation of around €20 billion. This significant funding aims to bolster its position in the competitive AI landscape against US and Chinese rivals. The company, founded by former Google and Meta researchers, focuses on providing AI infrastructure for European governments and industries.

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Former Paisabazaar CEO Naveen Kukreja eyes $9-million raise for new wealthtech bet

Former Paisabazaar CEO Naveen Kukreja is reportedly seeking $9 million for his new wealthtech startup, aiming to build a platform for retail investors. The venture will focus on investment advisory, including emergency funds, insurance gaps, and asset allocation rebalancing, while also offering distribution services. This move enters a competitive market with existing players targeting similar demographics.

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SpaceX officially confirms Nasdaq listing date

SpaceX is set to make history with the largest initial public offering ever, commencing trading on the Nasdaq exchange on Friday.

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Aum Ventures plans to invest Rs 750 crore in innovative startups in 5 years

VC firm Aum Ventures has launched its second fund, India Innovation Fund II, targeting Rs 750 crore. The fund aims to invest in 25-30 innovative, IP-driven startups over five years, focusing on pre-seed and seed-stage companies. This follows their previous deployment of $30 million across 24 early-stage ventures.

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Infosys-backed 4baseCare raises Rs 128 crore, plans to take its cancer testing platform global

Precision oncology startup 4baseCare has raised Rs 128 crore. This funding will expand its genomics labs globally and scale its AI platform, OncoTwin. The company aims to make precision oncology inclusive for under-represented populations. 4baseCare is also decentralising genomic testing infrastructure in India. This move brings advanced cancer diagnostics closer to patients and doctors.

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Exponent Energy raises Rs 200 crore led by 360 ONE Asset, TDK Ventures

Exponent Energy, an EV charging startup, has secured Rs 200 crore in a funding round co-led by 360 ONE Asset and TDK Ventures. The company plans to expand its rapid charging network for commercial electric vehicles across India. This funding will support network expansion beyond Bengaluru and Delhi, new vehicle segments, and R&D.

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Zepto files updated papers for Rs 9,500 crore IPO; aims July listing

Quick commerce firm Zepto has filed its updated draft prospectus for a significant $1 billion IPO with Indian regulators. The offering includes a substantial fresh issue and a component for existing investors. This move brings the five-year-old company closer to one of the year's most anticipated new-age stock market debuts, following earlier confidential filings and regulatory approval.

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Z47 managing director Tarun Davda to exit firm amid string of top-level departures at VC funds

Tarun Davda, a key figure at Z47 for ten years, plans to exit the venture capital firm by year-end. Sources told us that Davda is exploring launching his own fund or returning to entrepreneurship. This departure follows other senior exits at Z47 and mirrors broader churn in India's venture capital sector.

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Here to win quick commerce, will become market leader in near-term: Samir Kumar, Amazon India chief

Amazon is planning to aggressively expand its 10-minute delivery service, Amazon Now, aiming for market leadership despite moderating quick commerce growth. The ecommerce giant plans to launch in over 100 cities with 1,000 dark stores, emphasising customer experience, wide selection, and speed to compete with rivals like Blinkit and Zepto.

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UP TGT Answer Key 2026 released at upessc.up.gov.in; here's how to download and raise objections

Uttar Pradesh TGT answer key for 2026 has been released by UPESSC on its official website. Candidates can now check the provisional key to estimate their scores for the June 3-4 exams. The commission also allows objections with evidence before the final key is published, crucial for filling 4,181 vacancies.

from Latest Education news - Board Exam Results, Admit Cards, Exam Paper Analysis and Question Papers | Times of India
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Who is Dhiman Chakma? IAS officer accused of taking bribe, posted in revenue department

Odisha government reinstated 2021-batch IAS officer Dhiman Chakma, who was arrested in June 2025 for allegedly accepting a Rs 10 lakh bribe and possessing Rs 47 lakh in unaccounted cash. Despite an ongoing corruption case, Chakma has been posted as Deputy Secretary in the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, drawing criticism online.

from Latest Education news - Board Exam Results, Admit Cards, Exam Paper Analysis and Question Papers | Times of India
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Rupee slide pushes overseas students back to lenders for top-up loans

A significant rupee depreciation has forced Indian students studying abroad to seek top-up loans from lenders, as initial loan amounts fall short of rising tuition and living expenses. This has led to a nearly threefold increase in demand for additional funding, with students requiring Rs 1-6 lakh more.

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Donald Trump says his team will 'look into' US taking stake in AI companies

Digital news outlet NOTUS reported on Thursday that senior U.S. ​officials held preliminary discussions with AI companies about the potential for the government to buy ​some shares in their firms.

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IT secretary signals stricter government controls for AI, biometric devices

India is prioritising strategic autonomy and control over AI and biometric hardware, following global trends. Concerns over trusted sources for IoT devices and potential espionage are driving this focus. Mandates for CCTV and telecom equipment highlight the government's commitment to securing digital public infrastructure.

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Meta weighs big equity raising to finance AI infrastructure: FT

Meta ​is ​considering raising tens of ‌billions ⁠of ⁠dollars ​in a stock ​offering as ​it ⁠seeks new ‌sources ​of ​capital ⁠to fund the ​company's AI ​ambitions, according to a report by the Financial ‌Times.

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Jobless growth in IT: Revenue grows, headcount stagnates

India's top IT companies are achieving revenue growth with stable employee numbers. This trend highlights a shift towards automation and improved productivity. Job openings have decreased, indicating a more selective hiring approach. Companies are focusing on delivering integrated business outcomes rather than expanding teams for individual projects. This strategy allows for more efficient operations and growth.

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Peak XV in talks to back Ringg AI as voice AI gains attention: Sources

Peak XV Partners is reportedly leading a $10 million funding round for Bengaluru-based voice AI startup Ringg AI, highlighting investor enthusiasm for the technology. This move underscores the growing recognition of voice AI beyond call centers, with investors now segmenting the market into various applications. The trend signals a significant shift towards voice as a primary interface, especially in India.

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FirstClub raises $55 million from Peak XV, Sofina; valuation doubles to $255 million

Quality-focused grocery delivery startup FirstClub has secured $55 million in a Series B funding round led by Peak XV Partners and Sofina, valuing the company at $255 million. The capital will fuel expansion into new cities, enhance supply chain and technology, and broaden product categories.

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IT firms spend big on acquisitions as AI hits growth

Indian IT firms are buying smaller companies to boost growth. Acquisitions are happening due to AI's impact on pricing and organic growth. Companies are spending billions to gain clients and market share. These deals help IT providers enter new markets and offer expanded services. This strategy aims to counter revenue pressures and vendor consolidation.

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Microsoft showcases new PC, cloud AI tools at developer conference

Microsoft's Build conference showcased the new Surface RTX Spark Dev Box. This powerful machine features an Nvidia chip, promising to bring advanced AI directly to personal computers. Microsoft aims to enhance AI safety for its Windows users and compete with rivals in the cloud and PC markets.

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Japan's MUFG readies $250 million India fund as new investors emerge with bold bets in Indian startup market

Japan's MUFG is launching a significant $250 million fund for Indian startups. This new fund will focus on early and growth-stage companies, especially in fintech. This move comes as other major investors have slowed their activity. MUFG's initiative aims to fill this gap, backing India's digital growth. The fund could expand to $400 million.

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