SoftBank's PayPay moves closer to public markets with US IPO filing

PayPay's stock market flotation was initially expected in December, but the longest-ever U.S. ​government shutdown delayed the regulatory review and pushed back the planned listing. The offering could raise ​more than $2 billion, Reuters reported in August. PayPay did ​not disclose the size or the proposed price range.

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Voice AI moves from an add-on to the core for Indian companies

As digital services reach deeper into tier-II and III cities, and rural India, companies are rethinking text-heavy and English-first systems in favour of voice-led and Indic-language AI.

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New Sovereign AI hub to create 5,000 high-skilled jobs in Odisha following Sarvam AI MoU

The project follows a strategic proposal from Sarvam AI, a leading Indian startup, which plans to invest approximately Rs 20,000 crore ($2.3 billion) to set up the hub. This facility will serve as a cornerstone for the state's digital transformation, transitioning Odisha from its traditional roots in mining and metals toward a technology-driven future.

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Uber rolls out Baidu's self-driving taxis for ride hailing in Dubai

Uber and Baidu said on Tuesday they would ‍launch autonomous ride-hailing ​services in Dubai in the coming month, the ⁠latest step in the Chinese tech firm's push toward global expansion.

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Govt assures equal tax treatment for domestic, foreign data centre players; industry seeks deeper value capture

The government’s clarification that domestic and foreign investors will be treated at par when it comes to the 20-year tax holiday is an important and reassuring signal for the data centre industry, executives from firms such as Yotta and ESDS said. The announcement of a 20-year tax holiday till 2047 initially created a perception that foreign hyperscalers were being given a special runway, they said.

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Petcare startup Supertails raises $30 million led by Venturi Partners

Petcare startup Supertails has raised $30 million in a round led by Singapore-based investment firm Venturi Partners with participation from Nippon India Alternative Investments, Titan Capital, and existing investors Fireside Ventures, RPSG Capital Ventures, Sauce VC, and Saama Capital.

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Trial against Meta in New Mexico focuses on dangers of child sexual exploitation on social media

A trial focused on the dangers of child sexual exploitation on social media and whether Meta misrepresented the safety of its platforms began Monday in New Mexico with opening statements.

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Investors catch a big whiff of money in D2C fragrance firms

India’s direct-to-consumer (D2C) fragrance and deodorant sector is seeing early signs of a funding boom, with venture capital firms negotiating multiple deals with emerging brands on the back of Gen Z demand and a wave of premiumisation. Investors see a wide gap in products priced between Rs 1,500 and Rs 4,000 for a 100 ml pack.

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India, Malaysia pledge deeper semiconductor ties on Modi visit

India and Malaysia pledged Sunday to deepen their semiconductor partnership as the Indian Ocean neighbours ramp up trade and security links during a visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Along with AI and digital technologies, we will advance our partnership in semiconductors, health, and food security," Modi said.

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ISM 2.0 to prioritise chip design, ecosystem partners, talent: Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 aims to attract global partners and build a skilled workforce. India plans to manufacture advanced chips. This initiative will boost the nation's deep tech capabilities and startup ecosystem. The government is investing significantly to achieve these goals.

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Very excited to invite India to join Pax Silica, says top US official

The United States has invited India to join the Pax Silica initiative focused on supply chain security. This move signals strong positive momentum in US-India relations. Under Secretary of State Jacob Helberg will soon sign an agreement with the Indian government. India's vast young, technically trained talent pool is seen as a key asset.

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