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Wealthtech firm Neo to raise $19 Mn

Neo is raising ₹162 crore (~$19M) led by VT Capital with 17 investors, including Ramesh Kunhikannan and Sattva Family Office. In Q1 CY2025, it raised $20M at a ₹5,500 crore valuation, after securing $120M earlier. With ₹2,000 crore equity base, Neo manages ₹50,000 crore in wealth and ₹14,000 crore in alternative assets. FY24 revenue surged 2.7X to ₹177 crore, with losses at ₹13.7 crore.

Wipro acquires HARMAN’s Digital Transformation Solutions (DTS), enhancing AI-powered engineering

Wipro Limited will acquire HARMAN’s Digital Transformation Solutions (DTS) to expand its AI-driven engineering services, with the deal set to close by December 31, 2025. Over 5,600 DTS employees will join Wipro, enhancing digital engineering and AI-native platforms. CEO Srini Pallia said the acquisition boosts client value and market position, while HARMAN CEO Christian Sobottka highlighted faster scaling. Srikumar Rao emphasized bridging virtual and physical realms seamlessly.

UIDAI unveils Aadhaar-based authentication framework to benefit over 380 cooperative banks across India

UIDAI has launched a new Aadhaar authentication framework to integrate 380 cooperative banks, enhancing financial inclusion. Built with the Ministry of Cooperation and NABARD, it streamlines Aadhaar adoption for 34 State Cooperative Banks (SCBs) and 352 District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs). SCBs act as Authentication User Agencies, letting DCCBs use their IT systems. This reduces costs, speeds secure onboarding via biometric eKYC, expands AePS services, and strengthens cooperative banks in India’s financial ecosystem.

Nvidia reportedly halts H20 chip production amid China’s security concerns

Nvidia has asked Amkor, Samsung, and Foxconn to halt H20 chip production after China’s security concerns. The Cyberspace Administration of China questioned the chip’s risks, though CEO Jensen Huang denied any “backdoors.” Despite Huang’s lobbying, Beijing is prioritizing domestic chip development amid trade tensions. Nvidia, which recently took a $4.5 billion write-down from export curbs, now faces further uncertainty as analysts see China reinforcing chip self-sufficiency plans.

EPFO Records All-Time Highest Net Addition of Nearly 22 Lakh Members during June 2025

EPFO recorded a record 21.89 lakh net member additions in June 2025, up 9.14% from May. New subscribers stood at 10.62 lakh, with the 18–25 age group making up 60.22%. Rejoining members totaled 16.93 lakh, transferring funds for long-term security. Female participation rose notably, while Maharashtra led state contributions. Expert services drove a large share. The provisional data reflects strong employment and social security growth.

India’s Rajya Sabha approves bill banning real money online games, raising concerns for the $4.3B industry

The Rajya Sabha has passed the Online Gaming Bill, 2025, raising concerns over a potential ban on real money games due to financial and illicit risks. Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stressed user safety, but the $4.3 billion industry, including Dream11 and MPL, faces disruption. The AIGF seeks regulation instead of a ban, while startups and investors explore legal options. The Bill restricts financial transactions, exempting only esports competitions.

UIDAI has partnered with Starlink to streamline customer verification using Aadhaar-based authentication

UIDAI has partnered with Starlink to enable Aadhaar-based authentication for seamless, paperless customer onboarding, the electronics and IT ministry announced. The move strengthens security while showcasing synergy between India’s digital infrastructure and global satellite technology. Starlink will use Aadhaar e-KYC for user registration of its satellite internet services. The company recently received a DoT Letter of Intent and secured licenses for satellite-based connectivity.

India aims to launch its first homegrown chip by December, 2025 – Jitin Prasada

India expects to launch its first indigenous semiconductor chip by end-2025, Minister Jitin Prasada confirmed, in line with Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s ‘Made in India’ vision. Supported by the India Semiconductor Mission (₹76,000 crore outlay), the plan spans design to exports. Four new projects worth ₹4,594 crore were recently cleared. Led by CEO Amitesh Kumar Sinha, ISM targets making India a global hub in the $150 billion chip market by 2030.

India and Eurasian Economic Union sign Terms of Reference to launch FTA negotiations

India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) have signed Terms of Reference (ToR) to launch Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. Shri Ajay Bhadoo and Mr. Mikhail Cherekaev led the discussions, joined by Mr. Andrei Slepnev, outlining next steps and organizational aspects. Bilateral trade hit USD 69 billion in 2024, up 7%. With a combined GDP of USD 6.5 trillion, the FTA is expected to expand market access, boost MSMEs, and deepen economic ties.

Mitra, an FMCG startup, raises $1.6M to expand its FMCG offerings

Mitra, an FMCG startup, raised $1.6M led by Bestvantage Investments to set up a 3,000-ton refined flour plant and expand into millet-based, gluten-free, and organic spice products, targeting GCC markets. Using ‘Chakki Fresh’ stone-grinding, it focuses on tier II/III markets. Revenue grew from ₹11 crore in FY24 to ₹40 crore in FY25, projected at ₹120 crore this year. Mitra plans a Series A in April 2026 at a ₹500 crore valuation.

Edgehax raised Rs 1.39 crore in seed funding to scale manufacturing and expand globally.

Edgehax has raised ₹1.39 crore in seed funding led by Inflection Point Ventures (IPV) to expand manufacturing and global reach. Founded in 2025 by Prabhu Stavarmath and Savitri Patil, it develops modular Edge AI platforms for robotics, autonomous vehicles, and defense. With 150+ partners and 100,000 students engaged via kits, Edgehax has shipped 5,000 edge gateway boards and now targets 10,000 compute modules, competing with Raspberry Pi and Nvidia.

CCPA fines Rapido ₹10 Lakh for misleading ads

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) fined Rapido ₹10 lakh for misleading ads promising “AUTO IN 5 MIN OR GET ₹50.” Investigations showed refunds were given as restricted ‘Rapido coins,’ contradicting the claim. The CCPA ordered full compensation for users, citing rising complaints on the National Consumer Helpline. Acting under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, it flagged Rapido’s campaign as deceptive and stressed the need for transparent advertising.

88% of Students Turn to AI for Emotional Support, ChatGPT as Most Preferred – Survey

A Youth Ki Awaaz (YKA) and YLAC survey of 506 students shows 88% seek AI for emotional support, with ChatGPT most preferred. About 57% use AI when stressed or lonely, with teenagers and young women engaging more. While 67% fear social isolation and 58% worry about privacy, AI is seen as filling emotional support gaps. The study notes AI isn’t replacing human bonds but offering an outlet for expression.

IT and ITES Employees’ Union Protests Against TCS Over Mass Layoffs

UNITE protested against TCS for allegedly replacing laid-off employees with freshers at 80–85% lower pay, risking 30,000–40,000 jobs. The union demands re-skilling instead of replacement. TCS denied large-scale impact, saying only 2% of staff are affected, and announced salary hikes for 4 lakh employees in the C3A band and below, effective September 1, 2025.

India’s Growth Moves Beyond Metros: Dun & Bradstreet’s City Vitality Index Maps New Urban Powerhouses

Dun & Bradstreet’s City Vitality Index (Q3 2025), analyzing 700+ districts via satellite data, highlights India’s shifting economy. Tier-2/3 cities rise, with Prayagraj leading on infrastructure and tourism. Bengaluru tops metros, while UP dominates with 19 cities in the top 100. Chandel records the steepest climb. Correlating strongly with India’s 7.4% GDP growth, the CVI offers policymakers and investors key insights into emerging economic drivers.

Databricks is raising a Series K investment at >$100 billion valuation

Databricks has signed a Series K term sheet, valuing it at over $100 billion. The funding will accelerate its AI strategy, expanding Agent Bricks and investing in Lakebase, an AI-optimized database built on Postgres. Unveiled at the Data + AI Summit, Agent Bricks enables production AI agents trained on enterprise data. CEO Ali Ghodsi cites soaring AI demand. Databricks, with 15,000+ customers, recently partnered with Microsoft, Google Cloud, and others.

LambdaTest Unveils the World’s First Platform to Test AI Agents: Introducing Agent-to-Agent Testing

LambdaTest has launched Agent-to-Agent Testing, a private beta platform for validating AI agents. It addresses challenges in testing dynamic chat and voice AI using 15 AI testing agents. The tool analyzes documents, auto-generates scenarios, and validates criteria within HyperExecute, enabling up to 70% faster execution. With metrics like Bias and Completeness, it leverages GenAI to create context-aware scenarios across multiple LLMs, ensuring wider coverage, real-world simulation, and reduced costs.

PeelON raises $1M to boost R&D and expand reach in US & India.

PeelON, an agri-biotech startup, raised $1M in seed funding led by growX Ventures to expand R&D, production in Visakhapatnam, and hiring. Founded by Taraka Ramji Moturu and Venkata Ravi Sankar Ummidi, it develops biodegradable films that extend produce shelf life up to 3x. Its B2B model serves farmers and retailers with products like PeelON-Fresh and PeelON-Retail+, deployed across India and the US. Plans include scaling capacity and piloting blockchain traceability.

Mithila Foods secures ₹1.5 Cr seed funding to expand distribution and product lines.

Mithila Foods, a Bihar-based food startup, raised Rs 1.5 crore in seed funding from AJVC for a 9% equity stake. Founded in January 2025 by Shubham Sunderka, Ankit Kumar, and Anshu Kumar, it sells staples like sattu and makhana. With over Rs 3 crore in annualized revenue, the company serves 25,000+ customers across 4,000 pin codes via Amazon and Flipkart, aiming to expand products and distribution.

Kiwi Secures INR 208.5 Cr in Series B funding to boost UPI-linked credit cards

Kiwi has raised INR 208.5 Cr ($24M) in a Series B round led by Vertex Ventures, with Nexus Ventures, Stellaris, and Omidyar Network participating. Founded in 2022 by Siddharth Mehta, Mohit Bedi, and Anup Agrawal, Kiwi issues digital RuPay credit cards with Axis Bank, linkable to UPI. A licensed TPAP, Kiwi has facilitated 5.8 Lakh transactions across 586 cities. With this round, total funding reaches $43M.

Online money gaming platforms being misused for money laundering, terror financing – Ashwini Vaishnaw

IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has flagged risks of online money gaming platforms being exploited for money laundering, terror financing, and communication by extremist groups. To counter this, the “Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025” was approved on August 19 and will be introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 20. The bill targets offshore operators evading taxes and regulations and proposes strict penalties for promoting online money games.

TDB backs Primary Healthtech’s AI-powered blood testing device

The Technology Development Board (TDB) is backing Primary Healthtech’s AI-powered portable blood testing device, Mobilab, developed by IIT Guwahati alumni Sahil Jagnani and Ankit Choudhury. Supported by BIRAC, Mobilab conducts over 25 tests, holds one patent with six pending, and has been used on 10,000 patients. TDB Secretary Rajesh Kumar Pathak emphasized its role in advancing indigenous diagnostics and healthcare access, aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat.

House of Biryan raises INR 32 Cr to expand its cloud kitchen biz

House of Biryan has raised $3.6 Mn in funding led by Bestvantage Investments, with MS Dhoni and others participating. Founded in 2022 by chefs Mohammed Bhol and Mikhail Shahani, the cloud kitchen brand has served 2.8 Mn customers with biryani, pizza, and sushi. Operating 22 kitchens across Mumbai, Delhi, and Dubai, it targets 120 – 150 outlets, INR 450 – 550 Cr revenue, and global expansion, while already being EBITDA-positive with INR 50 Cr ARR.

Accenture to Acquire CyberCX, Expanding Cybersecurity Capabilities in Asia Pacific

Accenture is acquiring CyberCX, a leading Asia Pacific cybersecurity firm, to strengthen its regional cyber resilience. The deal adds 1,400 experts and AI-powered platforms, enhancing Accenture’s managed detection, response, and security operations. Founded in 2019, CyberCX runs advanced security centers across the region. The move follows Accenture’s report showing 97% of Australian firms lack AI security readiness, underlining the deal’s strategic significance.

Vodafone Idea Partners with IBM for AI-Powered Managed Services Transformation

Vodafone Idea has partnered with IBM to modernize operations through AI and a unified DevOps model. The collaboration includes an AI Innovation Hub where Vi and IBM Consulting teams will co-develop AI solutions and automation tools. CTO Jagbir Singh highlighted its role in accelerating software development, while IBM leaders stressed its importance for India’s telecom sector. The initiative aims to boost IT agility, digital resilience, and customer experience.

R for Rabbit raises $27M to boost its baby product biz in India

R for Rabbit, a D2C baby product brand, raised $27 million in a round co-led by Filter Capital and 3one4 Capital, enabling Xponentia Capital’s exit. The funds will drive growth, omnichannel expansion, and product innovation. Founded by Kunal and Kinjal Popat, the company offers strollers, car seats, and more. With 2,000+ partners and 5 million parents served, it reports 35% CAGR since FY21, FY24 revenue of ₹170 crore, and $30M+ ARR target for FY25.

Credgenics acquires Arrise to become a full-stack debt collection platform

Credgenics, a SaaS debt collection platform, has acquired Arrise BPO Solutions under its ‘CG Setu’ initiative to expand into a full-stack provider. The deal combines digital tools with on-ground personnel, improving efficiency for lenders and borrowers. With Arrise’s 18,000-pincode network, Credgenics targets INR 850 Cr revenue in three years. Valued at $340 Mn, it posted INR 220 Cr revenue in FY25, working with lenders like ICICI and HDFC Bank.

Beyond Appliances has secured $4 million in Series A funding, to boost manufacturing and R&D

Beyond Appliances has raised $4 million in Series A funding led by Fireside Ventures to strengthen manufacturing and R&D. Founded in 2024 by Eshwar K Vikas and Rakesh Patil, the startup sells smart kitchen appliances through its D2C site, Amazon, Flipkart, and retail stores. The funding will expand capacity and launch new products, tapping into India’s $19.31 billion smart kitchen market by 2030, where investor activity is surging.

Amnex Infotechnologies secures ₹460 Cr investment from The Wealth Company

Ahmedabad-based Amnex Infotechnologies has raised ₹460 Cr from Pantomath’s Bharat Value Fund to fuel growth. Founded in 2008 by Aditya Shah and Tapan Gosaliya, Amnex specializes in AI, IoT, GIS, and blockchain, with 18 platforms driving a 75% CAGR and 40%+ ROCE. The funding will expand its tech portfolio and critical infrastructure adoption, strengthening Amnex’s role in India’s digital backbone. The Wealth Company Asset Management managed the investment.

OpenAI launches ChatGPT Go in India at Rs. 399

OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Go in India at ₹399/month, its first country-exclusive plan, payable via UPI. Powered by GPT-5, it offers 10x message capacity, daily image generations, extended memory, and improved Indic language support. Positioned between the free and Plus/Pro tiers, the plan unlocks advanced tools like image generation and Python-based data analysis. Available on both web and mobile, it expands AI accessibility for Indian users.