Cloud kitchen brand Curefoods has filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to raise funds through an initial public offering (IPO). The IPO will consist of a fresh issue of equity shares worth ₹800 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of 4.85 crore shares by …
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In the early days of building a business, there are a lot of things that impact performance. If there’s one thing that needs to be looked after consistently, it’s your financials. Profitability is important, but that can’t be your only focus. You need to start thinking beyond just the profit and loss statement. The balance …
Google has officially launched Gemini 2.0 Flash, making it widely available alongside two new models: Gemini 2.0 Pro Experimental and Gemini 2.0 Flash-Lite—a cost-effective AI designed for high-efficiency tasks. These releases mark another step in Google’s push to enhance AI-powered automation and agent capabilities. Key Highlights A Powerful AI With Massive Context Capacity Among the new models, Gemini 2.0 Pro stands out with its 2-million token context window—allowing it to process nearly 1.5 million words in one go. This makes it ideal for handling complex tasks, extensive documents, and advanced coding projects. Logan Kilpatrick, Senior Product Manager for the Gemini API and Google AI Studio, stated that the Pro variant is particularly strong in coding and managing intricate prompts. It also integrates seamlessly with Google Search and external tools, further solidifying Google's focus on AI-powered automation. High-Speed AI for Businesses Gemini 2.0 Flash, initially introduced for Gemini app users, is now available to businesses looking for high-performance AI models. This model is optimized for high-volume and high-frequency tasks, making it a great choice for large-scale AI applications. On the other hand, Flash-Lite is a more budget-friendly version designed to provide solid performance at a lower cost. It delivers the benefits of the Gemini 2.0 series but at the same price as its Gemini 1.5 Flash predecessor. This model is particularly appealing for developers working with high-volume applications, as it offers an affordable rate of 0.75 cents per million tokens for text, image, and video inputs—a significant price drop compared to …
During a recent visit to India, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met with IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to discuss India’s plans to establish a cost-effective AI ecosystem. Their conversation centered on India’s comprehensive strategy for AI development, encompassing essential elements like GPUs, foundational models, and AI applications. Altman expressed OpenAI’s interest in collaborating with India, recognizing the country’s potential to influence the future of artificial intelligence. This visit reflects a notable change from Altman’s earlier skepticism in 2023, when he had questioned India’s ability to create its own foundational AI models, describing such efforts as "hopeless." However, with the rapid evolution of AI technology and reduced development costs, he now views India’s AI aspirations as both realistic and attainable. Altman also acknowledged India’s increasing impact on the global AI stage, noting that India has become OpenAI’s second-largest market, with user numbers tripling over the past year. He praised India’s innovation, efficiency in developing reasoning models, and its vast pool of skilled talent as key drivers of its potential to lead in AI. Altman’s visit underscores a renewed optimism in India’s AI ecosystem and opens doors for potential partnerships between OpenAI and Indian AI developers. As India advances its AI capabilities, the global tech community is increasingly recognizing the country’s progress and ambitions.
South Korea’s Ministry of Trade Industry and Energy has temporarily blocked employee access to Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek citing security concerns A ministry official confirmed this on Wednesday The move comes as the South Korean government urges public sector organizations to exercise caution when using generative AI services Government Calls for Caution on AI Use On Tuesday the government issued an advisory to all ministries and agencies warning against the use of AI platforms such as DeepSeek and ChatGPT in official work environments While DeepSeek has faced immediate restrictions it remains unclear whether similar actions have been taken against OpenAI’s ChatGPT State-run Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power had already blocked access to DeepSeek earlier this month while the Ministry of National Defense has now restricted its use on military-designated computers The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has imposed similar restrictions on computers connected to external networks according to reports from Yonhap News Agency However the foreign ministry declined to disclose further details on its specific security measures DeepSeek has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding these restrictions Global Concerns Over DeepSeek’s Security Risks South Korea now joins a growing list of governments tightening restrictions on DeepSeek due to security and privacy concerns Australia and Taiwan have recently imposed outright bans on the use of DeepSeek across all government devices citing potential security threats posed by the Chinese AI firm In Italy the national data protection authority ordered DeepSeek to suspend its chatbot services earlier this year following the …
India’s snack market and organic food startups are set for significant expansion in 2025 driven by changing consumer preferences increasing health consciousness and rapid urbanization With evolving lifestyles and higher disposable incomes the demand for innovative and healthy food options is fueling market growth across both traditional and organic segments India’s Snack Market Projections for 2025 The Indian snack industry which includes both traditional and packaged snacks is expected to witness robust growth in 2025 Industry estimates suggest that the market could reach ₹1.2 lakh crore by the end of the year growing at a CAGR of 12-15% This surge is being driven by key trends such as: Shift Toward Healthier Snacks Consumers are opting for baked roasted and protein-rich snacks over deep-fried or high-calorie options leading to increased demand for millet-based and gluten-free products Expansion of Regional and Ethnic Snacks While western-style packaged snacks continue to dominate there is a growing market for locally inspired snack flavors such as makhana bhujia and banana chips Growth of E-commerce and Quick Commerce Online platforms including quick-delivery services like Zepto Swiggy Instamart and Blinkit are accelerating the reach of premium and niche snack brands Premiumization of the Market Consumers are willing to pay more for high-quality and innovative snack options particularly those with organic or functional ingredients Rise of Organic Food Startups and Clean Eating TrendsIndia’s organic food industry is experiencing a strong upward trajectory driven by increasing health awareness government support and evolving consumer behavior The organic food market is …
The Zomato brand and app will remain unchanged but the corporate entity will transition to Eternal Ltd The company’s stock ticker will also change from ZOMATO to ETERNAL subject to shareholder approval The transition will also see the company’s corporate website shifting from zomato.com to eternal.com Zomato to Rebrand as Eternal Ltd Marking a New Chapter in Its Growth Story In a bold move reflecting its evolving business landscape Zomato Ltd India’s pioneering food delivery and quick commerce platform is set to rebrand itself as Eternal Ltd The company’s CEO Deepinder Goyal announced the decision in a letter to shareholders emphasizing that the name change is not just a corporate rebranding but a reflection of the company’s broader ambitions The announcement comes shortly after Zomato became the first Indian tech startup to enter the BSE Sensex a significant milestone that underscores its influence in the country’s digital economy Goyal highlighted the company’s journey from its humble beginnings in 2007 when it started as Foodiebay to becoming one of India’s top 30 listed companies He described Zomato as an accidental company born out of a simple desire to serve which over time grew into a major business that has created millions of direct and indirect jobs With the acquisition and rapid growth of Blinkit Zomato’s quick commerce arm Goyal believes the company has outgrown its original identity The rebranding to Eternal Ltd will encompass four major businesses Zomato,Blinkit, District and Hyperpure signaling a shift towards a multi-faceted technology-driven ecosystem A Name …
Imagine a world where companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon run their operations smoothly with the help of smart teams sitting in India. These teams handle everything from customer support to advanced technology research. This is possible because of Global Capability Centers (GCCs)—the hidden engines powering some of the biggest companies worldwide. But what exactly are GCCs, and why are they booming in India? Let’s dive in. What is a Global Capability Center (GCC)? A Global Capability Center (GCC) is an extension of a multinational company's operations, set up in another country to handle key business functions. These centers manage tasks such as IT services, finance, human resources, research & development (R&D), and customer support. Think of a GCC like a remote control center for global businesses, where experts in one country help a company function efficiently across multiple locations. India is home to over 1,600 GCCs, employing nearly 1.7 million people! When Did GCCs Start Capturing the Market? GCCs started as simple outsourcing hubs in India in the 1990s when global businesses sought cost-effective ways to manage back-office operations. Initially, companies viewed India as a place for cheap labor in IT support and customer service. However, over time, these centers transformed into strategic innovation hubs, driving business decisions and product development for global brands. According to NASSCOM, the Indian GCC market is expected to grow from $64.6 billion in 2024 to nearly $105 billion by 2030. This shift highlights how India is no longer just a “support center” but a hub of innovation and leadership. How Do GCCs …
Ola Electric Faces Challenges in Q3 FY25 Despite Market Leadership Ola Electric, the electric vehicle (EV) company backed by SoftBank, encountered a difficult third quarter in fiscal year 2025. The company's revenue saw a significant decline of 19.4% year-over-year, and losses surged by 50%, highlighting the financial struggles Ola Electric faced during this period. According to unaudited financial statements from the National Stock Exchange (NSE), Ola Electric's revenue dropped from Rs 1,296 crore in Q3 FY24 to Rs 1,045 crore in Q3 FY25. The primary driver of revenue remained the sale of electric scooters, with battery sales contributing only a minor portion to the company’s income. Rising Costs and Declining Margins A major factor affecting Ola Electric’s financial performance was the high cost of materials, which accounted for 56% of total costs. In Q3 FY24, material costs stood at Rs 851 crore, while additional expenses such as employee salaries, advertising, and technical support pushed total expenditures to Rs 1,505 crore in Q3 FY25. The combination of declining sales and high fixed costs led to a 50% increase in net losses, reaching Rs 564 crore in Q3 FY25, up from Rs 376 crore in Q3 FY24. Retaining Market Leadership Amid Challenges Despite financial setbacks, Ola Electric managed to regain its position as the top seller of electric two-wheelers in January 2025. According to Vahan data, the company captured 24.91% of the market, selling 24,330 electric scooters. This put it ahead of its competitors, with TVS Motors selling 23,788 units and Bajaj …
Oyo Reports Strong Q3 FY25 Performance with Sixfold Profit Growth Oyo, the travel tech company led by Ritesh Agarwal, has delivered a remarkable performance in the third quarter of fiscal year 2025. The company reported a net profit of Rs 166 crore, marking a sixfold increase compared to Rs 25 crore in the same period last year. This significant growth highlights Oyo’s successful expansion strategy and operational efficiency. Revenue Growth and Market Expansion Oyo’s revenue surged to Rs 1,695 crore in Q3 FY25, a 31% rise from Rs 1,296 crore in Q3 FY24. The company attributed this strong growth to robust sales in key markets such as India, the United States, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. These regions have witnessed an increasing demand for budget-friendly and technology-driven hospitality solutions, which has played a crucial role in Oyo’s revenue boost. Improved Profitability and EBITDA Growth The company’s adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) increased to Rs 249 crore, reflecting a 22% rise from Rs 205 crore in the previous year. This improvement is a result of cost optimization efforts and an enhanced focus on high-margin properties. Furthermore, Oyo’s gross booking value (GBV) grew by 33%, reaching Rs 3,341 crore, demonstrating a higher volume of bookings across its properties. Impact of G6 Hospitality Acquisition The recent acquisition of G6 Hospitality, finalized in the third week of December, is expected to further strengthen Oyo’s foothold in the U.S. market. While the Q3 FY25 results do not include the financial …
Flipkart Expands Dark Stores to Boost Quick Commerce and Big Billion Days Sales Flipkart, one of India’s leading e-commerce giants, is making a major move to enhance its delivery system. The company plans to launch up to 550 ‘dark stores’ across the country, significantly strengthening its logistics network. This expansion is strategically timed to improve delivery speeds ahead of its flagship sale event, the Big Billion Days, set for late 2025. According to The Economic Times, Flipkart is aiming to compete with quick commerce platforms like Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart. By March 2025, the company plans to set up 300 of these mini-warehouses to support its ‘Flipkart Minutes’ service, which focuses on ultra-fast deliveries. Preparing for the Big Billion Days Rush The expansion comes as Flipkart gears up for the Big Billion Days sale, which usually takes place in September or October. This annual shopping festival attracts millions of buyers, offering deep discounts on a wide range of products. To handle the massive surge in orders, Flipkart is strengthening its supply chain with an extensive dark store network, enabling faster and more efficient deliveries. By investing in quick commerce infrastructure, Flipkart is positioning itself to rival Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart in the ultra-fast delivery space. The quick commerce model promises deliveries within 10 to 30 minutes, particularly for high-demand categories like electronics, groceries, and essential items. Enhancing Customer Experience and Seller Benefits With a larger network of dark stores, Flipkart aims to provide customers with quicker deliveries, improved product …