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Current affairs articles
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Paramount’s £80bn takeover of Warner Brothers a step closer after EU approval
The Guardian – World
· Europe
European Commission says Paramount Skydance’s decision to end Universal venture addresses merger concernsParamount Skydance’s £80bn takeover of Warner Brothers…
Cathay Pacific expects first-half profit to jump 75% to HK$6.5 billion
South China Morning Post – World
· China
Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways expects its first-half net profit to jump by as much as 75 per cent to HK$6.5 billion (US$829 million) from HK$3.…
From bankruptcy to viral critic: the remarkable journey of Chinese veteran actor Li Chengru
South China Morning Post – World
· China
Li Chengru is a nationally famous Chinese actor, but before he gained fame as an entertainer, he was a self-made businessman who lost his entire US$13 million …
Defence stocks rally as John Healey appointed chancellor; UK borrows less than expected in June – business live
The Guardian – World
· Europe
Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial newsAnd in case you missed it overnight: Donald Trump has said he will impose 50% tariffs on most Canadia…
Jeff Bezos on returning to work after retirement: I just couldn’t sit on sidelines
Times of India – World
· India
Jeff Bezos has returned to an operational role to launch his new AI startup, Prometheus. He describes this demanding work as rewarding, which he calls "Type 2…
Traveltech startup 30 Sundays raises Rs 61 Cr led by Bessemer Venture Partners
Your Story
· India
The startup plans to use the fresh capital to enhance its product offerings, strengthen its technology and AI capabilities, and expand its team. It will also i…
Are you India's next big thing? Apply for Marico Innovation Foundation's Indian Innovation Icons 2027 to find out
Your Story
· India
Applications are open for the 11th edition of one of India's most prestigious innovation platforms, offering winners mentorship from Marico's Founder and Chair…
Ikea’s China remodelling: parent firm puts eight former retail sites on block
South China Morning Post – World
· China
Ikea’s parent company Ingka Group has hired property consultancy JLL as its sole sales agent to offload eight retail properties in mainland China, the multinat…
Musk son’s viral tiger-head bag shines light on China’s US$14.8b heritage e-commerce
South China Morning Post – World
· China
Sales of intangible heritage products are on the rise, highlighted by the online frenzy sparked by Elon Musk’s six-year-old son Little X wearing a Chinese-styl…
Wessex Water chief pockets above-inflation pay rise despite bonus ban over sewage spills
The Guardian – World
· Europe
CEO’s pay packet surges to £791,000 as union says public ‘sick of obscene pay’ and bosses ‘feathering own nests’Wessex Water awarded its chief executive an abo…
How South Korean hypermarket chain’s fall reflects ‘time-poor’ consumer demands
South China Morning Post – World
· China
Homeplus was once a retail haven for millions of South Korean families who shopped for groceries and household goods regularly at its cavernous hypermarkets.
B…
From Lithuania to the world: Hostinger’s evolution;
How LinkedIn India is driving global products
Your Story
· India
Hostinger CMO Kristina Strimaite believes artificial intelligence will not take away jobs, but it will leave behind those who refuse to engage with it. Malai L…
Brunch with your bichon frise? Some dog owners say pet dining off to ruff start
South China Morning Post – World
· China
Dog owners have welcomed Hong Kong’s first wave of pet-friendly restaurants, but some have been disappointed by restrictive rules, confused staff and limited s…
China’s Xpeng plants a flag in Germany’s auto heartland with Mona L03 launch
South China Morning Post – World
· China
Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng made its European ambitions clear on Thursday, as the firm unveiled its Mona L03 compact SUV at an event in the heart of G…
Trump Media pitched US$100,000 fee for fastest feed of US president’s posts, sources say
South China Morning Post – World
· China
Donald Trump’s social media company has discussed charging Wall Street traders and investment firms as much as US$100,000 a month for faster access to the US p…
Startup news and updates: Daily roundup (July 17, 2026)
Your Story
· India
Aurrevia launches Category III AIF, gets $10 million anchor commitment
Investment platform Aurrevia has launched its Category III Alternative Investment Fund …
He Revived Foxtrot. Now Its Old Bankruptcy Trustee Is Suing the Small Brands He’s Trying to Win Back
Inc.
· Global
After the Chicago-based market suddenly collapsed, the retailer’s founder, Mike LaVitola, reclaimed the brand he built. His attempt to relaunch has not been ea…
Malaysia can’t block MMC Port chief as state doesn’t meddle in company matters: minister
South China Morning Post – World
· China
Malaysia’s government could not interfere in the management of companies and only regulates shareholding structures, its transport minister said on Friday, f…
Andhra Pradesh’s founder-first growth strategy; Wipro’s net profit remains flat
Your Story
· India
Andhra Pradesh is pushing Mazzucato's entrepreneurial state further, treating entrepreneurship itself as public infrastructure across the state; Wipro delivere…
OnePlus, the ‘Flagship-Killer’ Smartphone Brand, Is All but Dead
Wired
· Global
The original OnePlus phone disrupted the mobile market 13 years ago with its affordable price and top-end specs. Now, the company is exiting North America and …
Emergent turns unicorn; Groww's net profit soars 94% in Q1
Your Story
· India
Emergent was valued at $300 million during its Series B funding round in January this year. The latest fundraise takes its total capital raised to $230 million…
Can Bose Help Skullcandy Shake Its Bargain-Bin Reputation?
Wired
· Global
Skullcandy’s audio products aren’t exactly known for their stellar audio quality or noise cancellation, but its latest headphones are getting an assist from Bo…
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Paramount’s £80bn takeover of Warner Brothers a step closer after EU approval
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- EU grants conditional approval for £80bn Paramount-Skydance-Warner merger, requiring ending Universal joint venture to address competition concerns.
- Paramount must exit the venture within 13 months and avoid co-distribution with Universal/Disney for 10 years to meet EU commitments.
- US court halts merger pending hearing on 3 August, citing competition risks; delays risk £5m daily penalties for Warner Bros.
- UK may intervene over news/children’s TV impact; Writers Guild sues, claiming deal harms writers’ livelihoods and industry health.
How Companies Slowly Fade From Relevance
Source: Inc.
·
- Companies lose relevance by clinging to past strategies, missing market shifts despite gradual consumer changes.
- Strategic product renewal is critical, as innovation often requires anticipating needs before customers ask.
- Leaders must prioritize staying relevant by monitoring startups and data, not just relying on instinct.
- Continuous attention to present market shifts helps companies adapt before large-scale changes occur.
Startup news and updates: Daily roundup (July 22, 2026)
Source: Your Story
·
- **Bioscan Research** raised $1M in seed funding to scale non-invasive brain injury detection tech, expanding markets and securing regulatory approvals.
- **EduFund’s Vittam** platform supports financial advisors in guiding families through education, investments, and retirement planning.
- **Social Alpha’s Techtonic** program funds clean energy startups with grants, mentorship, and market access for energy access/storage/efficiency solutions.
- **Groww Foundation’s INV.ENT** selected 19 IIT Bombay student projects, offering grants and mentorship for AI, climate tech, and social innovation ideas.
Cathay Pacific expects first-half profit to jump 75% to HK$6.5 billion
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- Cathay Pacific's first-half net profit could surge 75% to HK$6.5 billion, driven by passenger/cargo growth and a HK$1.4 billion one-off gain from Air China.
- Middle East war disrupted flights and raised fuel costs, yet passenger and freight volumes rose 9% year-on-year in June.
- Earnings are projected between HK$6 billion–HK$6.5 billion, with interim results last seen in 2019.
- Fuel price hikes and geopolitical tensions impacted operations, but strong demand offset challenges.
Helping women find sustainable work; Transition VC launches new fund
Source: Your Story
·
- India’s data centre capacity is projected to grow from 1.5 GW (2025) to 6.5 GW by 2030, with 65% concentrated in Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai.
- AI drives increased energy use in data centres, which support diverse functions beyond AI, including digital services infrastructure.
- Transition VC launches second fund targeting Rs 1,500 crore, achieving 57% IRR and 3x returns since its Rs 723 crore first fund.
- Karunya Gunavathy’s Kottravai platform empowers 10,000 women in Tamil Nadu by transitioning them from bidi rolling to sustainable livelihoods.
Apple teams up with Klarna to launch a lease-to-own program for iPhones, iPads, and Macs
Source: TechCrunch
·
- Apple partners with Klarna to launch Apple Upgrade, a lease-to-own program for devices like iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches.
- Leases span 24–36 months; users can keep or return devices, with upgrade options available.
- Program aims to ease price hikes amid supply chain issues caused by AI-driven memory shortages.
- Apple transitions from iPhone Upgrade to a broader program amid CEO changes and legal challenges.
Startup news and updates: Daily roundup (July 21, 2026)
Source: Your Story
·
- Karunya Gunavathy's Kottravai platform empowers 10,000 women in Tamil Nadu to transition from bidi rolling to sustainable livelihoods.
- Transition VC launches Rs 1,500 crore fund, targeting 20 energy transition startups with $2M–$5M investments over four years.
- 30 Sundays raises Rs 61 crore in Series A, while Suminter India secures Rs 25 crore debt to expand organic sourcing.
- SolarSquare secures $53M Series C with Mahendra Singh Dhoni's investment, aiming to expand solar access to 30–40 cities.
From bankruptcy to viral critic: the remarkable journey of Chinese veteran actor Li Chengru
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- **Early life:** Born in Beijing, Li grew up in poverty after his father’s death at age 2, surviving on wild vegetables and his mother’s railway work.
- **Business loss:** Self-made businessman lost $13 million in 1990s foreign currency trading before transitioning to acting.
- **Acting career:** Apprentice to actor Dong Xingji, later trained at Beijing Film Academy, but initially struggled to secure roles.
- **Notable roles:** Iconic performances in *The VI Group of Fatal Case* and *Big Shot’s Funeral*, shaped by his adventurous business and acting experiences.
Transition VC launches Rs 1,500 Cr Fund II
Source: Your Story
·
- Transition VC launches Rs 1,500 crore second fund, aiming to invest $2-5M in 20+ energy startups over four years.
- Fund II expands focus to advanced manufacturing, nuclear, geothermal, and next-gen energy infrastructure.
- Prior Fund I achieved 57% IRR, zero write-offs, with startups scaling to Rs 100 crore+ revenues.
- Firm targets "missing middle" ventures with proven tech but pre-PMF, emphasizing India’s energy transition potential.
Defence stocks rally as John Healey appointed chancellor; UK borrows less than expected in June – business live
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- UK government borrowing dropped £7.9bn in June, supporting Andy Burnham’s plan to cut electricity VAT and reshape the economy.
- Job vacancies fell to 712,000, signaling a fragile economy, while unemployment remained at 4.9%, complicating recovery efforts.
- Defence stocks surged after Andy Burnham appointed John Healey as chancellor, with Thames Water’s rescue bid including a government “golden share.”
- Oil prices rose 2% to $90.92 amid Middle East tensions, while US tech stocks rallied, and Novo Nordisk sued Eli Lilly over weight-loss drug claims.
India’s fertility chain raised ₹350 crore after 40 years without outside money
Source: Your Story
·
- Iswarya Fertility Center secured Rs 350 crore in its first external funding round from OrbiMed Asia, marking a 40-year self-funded growth journey.
- The clinic now operates 85+ centers across 8 states, prioritizing clinical excellence and compassion over rapid expansion.
- OrbiMed invested due to Iswarya’s proven model, strong clinical outcomes, and focus on underserved markets amid rising infertility demand in India.
- Funds will expand centers, enhance infrastructure, and build embryology talent, addressing gaps in IVF access and quality.
Paytm Q1 net profit rises 79% in FY27
Source: Your Story
·
- Paytm's Q1 FY27 net profit surged 79% to Rs 220 crore, revenue grew 28% to Rs 2,448 crore, driven by merchant payments and AI growth.
- Stock price fell 2.14% despite strong financials, reflecting market skepticism.
- Merchant loan distribution and AI-driven engagement boosted GMV and retention, with 56% revenue from payments.
- AI models and expanded TAM position Paytm for long-term profit growth, with key segments like finance and marketing contributing Rs 814 crore and Rs 239 crore.
Jeff Bezos on returning to work after retirement: I just couldn’t sit on sidelines
Source: Times of India – World
·
- TOI Tech Desk provides tech news to The Times of India, covering gadgets, trends, AI, cybersecurity, and social media platforms.
- Focuses on in-depth analysis, reviews, and exclusive reports with accuracy and authenticity.
- Delivers breaking stories and how-tos impacting technology and the digital ecosystem.
- Offers diverse content from product launches to platform updates, ensuring relevant tech insights.
Traveltech startup 30 Sundays raises Rs 61 Cr led by Bessemer Venture Partners
Source: Your Story
·
- 30 Sundays raised Rs 61 crore in Series A funding led by Bessemer Venture Partners, with Info Edge Ventures and Eximius Ventures participating.
- Funds will boost AI capabilities, expand into new markets (Georgia, Kazakhstan, etc.), and enhance brand-building efforts.
- Platform offers AI-driven full-stack travel planning, achieving Rs 200 crore annualized GBV across key destinations.
- Startup leverages AI for 2X sales productivity, with partners praising its rapid customer adoption and referral growth.
The Galaxy Card Is Samsung’s Answer to the Apple Card
Source: Wired
·
- Samsung launches Galaxy Card, issued by Barclays on Visa, targeting credit card market with rewards and no annual fee.
- Card offers tiered cashback (5% on Samsung purchases, 3% via Samsung Wallet) and no foreign transaction fees.
- Exclusive perks include VIP discounts, $200 sign-up bonus, and app-based rewards, but perks vanish if users switch non-Samsung devices.
- Experts note Samsung aims to boost brand loyalty, though rewards face challenges like interest rates offsetting benefits.
Startup news and updates: daily roundup (July 20, 2026)
Source: Your Story
·
- OpenAI promotes Uday Ruddarraju as CTO for Compute, highlighting AI infrastructure competition.
- Plazza raises $15M to expand pharmacy network and AI-driven inventory systems.
- LNGVTY secures Rs 5 crore to scale D2C operations and product innovation in India.
- ePlane Company unveils electric aircraft prototype for urban eVTOL operations.
Are you India's next big thing? Apply for Marico Innovation Foundation's Indian Innovation Icons 2027 to find out
Source: Your Story
·
- **Program Overview**: Indian Innovation Icons identifies hidden Indian innovators with scalable, impactful solutions, aiming to bridge gaps in recognition and funding for transformative ideas.
- **Categories & Criteria**: Two categories (Business/Social) evaluate applications on uniqueness, impact, scalability, and sustainability, with eligibility based on implementation timelines.
- **Winners’ Benefits**: Winners receive mentorship, networking access, public endorsements, and curated events to accelerate growth and visibility.
- **Jury & Impact**: Led by industry leaders, the program has recognized over 70 innovations since 2006, fostering scalable solutions for social and economic change.
Ikea’s China remodelling: parent firm puts eight former retail sites on block
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- Ikea’s parent company sells eight China retail properties via JLL, its largest asset disposal since entering the market 30 years ago.
- Sluggish property market and weak consumer spending in China drive the strategic asset review.
- Properties, including Shanghai’s former largest store (1.1M sq ft), are vacated and ready for conversion to rental flats or commercial uses.
- Disposal aims to optimize Ikea’s omnichannel operations and improve efficiency.
Musk son’s viral tiger-head bag shines light on China’s US$14.8b heritage e-commerce
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- China’s intangible heritage crafts transition from handmade nostalgia to a booming online industry led by young artisans and buyers.
- Over 7,000 bags sold at 398 yuan each, inspiring others to commercialize cultural icons.
- Yestee’s bags use complex handwork, taking a week each, with 19 years of Taobao sales.
- Goal: Transform traditional icons like lion/dragon dances and Peking Opera into trendy daily products for youth.
Wessex Water chief pockets above-inflation pay rise despite bonus ban over sewage spills
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- Wessex Water’s CEO received a 14% salary hike to £670k, 18x median employee pay, despite bonus bans due to sewage spills.
- Anglian Water paid £500k "retention payment" to CEO, avoiding bonus rules, but claims it’s not a bonus.
- Union criticizes CEOs for high pay amid company failures, urging regulators to stop such practices.
- Wessex and Yorkshire Water faced scrutiny for undisclosed payments from parent companies, prompting transparency demands.
How South Korean hypermarket chain’s fall reflects ‘time-poor’ consumer demands
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- Homeplus closed 67 outlets, suspended 37, with a 200 billion won loan to avoid liquidation.
- Loan allows challenging court order but unresolved issues remain: unpaid wages, supplier debts, and business viability.
- Analysts link crisis to online shopping growth and smaller households undermining hypermarket model.
- 80% of South Koreans shop online (2025 Statista), with online platforms driving 60% of retail sales (May trade ministry report).
Fierce competition and shifting tastes squeeze China’s yoga apparel market
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- China’s yoga apparel market faces slowed growth as consumers shift to other brands and activities, per analysts.
- Lululemon’s same-store sales in China fell 4% YoY in May, worsening from prior quarters.
- Analysts highlight intensified competition in the yoga apparel segment.
- Sluggish domestic consumption and middle-class diversification drive market challenges.
From Lithuania to the world: Hostinger’s evolution;
How LinkedIn India is driving global products
Source: Your Story
·
- India's first hydrogen-powered train operates on the Jind-Sonipat route, marking a clean fuel tech milestone.
- Generative AI transforms Netflix production, with 300 titles using the tech across pre-visualisation to post-production.
- Chinese air-conditioners dominate Europe amid a record heatwave, as traditional cooling methods fail.
- Skyroot Aerospace launches India’s first private orbital rocket, Vikram-1, from Sriharikota.
Brunch with your bichon frise? Some dog owners say pet dining off to ruff start
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- Over 900 Hong Kong restaurants now allow pets, but some face issues like restrictive rules, limited space, and confused staff.
- 971 restaurants joined the scheme, though some withdrew due to preparation challenges.
- A Tsuen Wan restaurant was prosecuted for unlicensed pet access, marking the first legal action.
- Pet owners report difficulty booking approved spots, with one struggling to fit a stroller in designated areas.
China’s Xpeng plants a flag in Germany’s auto heartland with Mona L03 launch
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- Xpeng debuted its Mona L03 SUV in Munich, signaling its intent to establish a long-term European presence.
- CEO He Xiaopeng emphasized building cars for Europe, delivering a first English keynote to underscore commitment.
- Targeting 8,000 German sales this year, with a 20,000-unit goal next year.
- L03 priced at €35,600 in Germany, undercutting Tesla’s Model Y and Audi’s Q4 e-tron by thousands.
Trump Media pitched US$100,000 fee for fastest feed of US president’s posts, sources say
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- Trump's company charges $100k/month for faster access to his posts, with a $60k discount for a 3-year plan.
- TMTG launched "Truth API" to provide real-time data feeds to banks and traders.
- Move marks first data licensing revenue stream, drawing criticism from Democrats.
- Senator Wyden accused Trump family of profiting and enriching Wall Street traders.
Polymarket’s Corporate Structure Is a Mystery—Even to Some of Its Former Employees
Source: Wired
·
- Polymarket established a Panamanian company (Adventure One QSS) in 2022 to comply with a CFTC settlement requiring offshore operations.
- Employees of the Panamanian entity worked remotely from New York, raising questions about its actual compliance with the settlement.
- CFTC has not accused Adventure One QSS of wrongdoing, but experts find its structure legally ambiguous and operationally odd.
- The company’s complex setup, including offshore and US-based teams, reflects legal compliance but sparks regulatory scrutiny.
Lyft’s CEO Says, ‘We’re the Good Uber’
Source: Wired
·
- Lyft's turnaround under David Risher includes global expansion, partnerships with Waymo/Nvidia, lower cancellations, and higher driver pay, leading to profitability but remaining second to Uber.
- Lyft now holds 31% market share, emphasizing better service and price competitiveness to capture more riders and expand into the vast private ride market.
- Lyft caps its fee at 30% post-insurance, while drivers bear fuel costs, and is advancing autonomous fleet management to reduce reliance on human drivers.
- Risher criticizes Uber as "evil" but acknowledges its success, stressing Lyft's customer-focused model as a key differentiator in the evolving ride-sharing landscape.
Startup news and updates: Daily roundup (July 17, 2026)
Source: Your Story
·
- **Foodwize**, a Bengaluru-based social enterprise, promotes healthier eating and sustainable food systems.
- **Naturis Cosmetics** raised Rs 100 crore in funding led by Sharrp Ventures, with Mirabilis and other investors.
- **ideaForge** achieved 1M UAV flights, expanding into logistics and combat capabilities.
- **TripleDart** hit $7M ARR with AI platform Slate, serving 300+ clients.
Aurrevia launches Category III alternative investment fund
Source: Your Story
·
- Aurrevia launches Category III AIF with $10M anchor from Kothari Family Office, targeting India's growing alternative investment market.
- Fund uses TechnoValue framework blending value and momentum strategies, excluding tobacco, liquor, and gambling.
- Co-founded by Sagar Nishar (ex-Aarii Ventures) and Suyog Dhavan (framework developer), focusing on research and governance.
- AIF aims for long-term, risk-adjusted returns through disciplined investing amid rising alternative asset allocations in India.
Naturis Cosmetics raises Rs 100 Cr led by Sharrp Ventures
Source: Your Story
·
- Naturis Cosmetics raised Rs 100 crore in its maiden funding round, led by Sharrp Ventures, to expand production, R&D, and team in India.
- The company aims to become India’s leading ODM platform in BPC, partnering with brands like Nykaa and pharma firms like Dr. Reddy’s.
- Plans to diversify into men’s grooming, fragrances, and exports while enhancing innovation for existing and new brands.
- India’s BPC market is projected to reach $40 billion by 2030, driven by growth in consumer awareness and disposable incomes.
He Revived Foxtrot. Now Its Old Bankruptcy Trustee Is Suing the Small Brands He’s Trying to Win Back
Source: Inc.
·
- Foxtrot founder Mike LaVitola relaunched his retailer after its sudden collapse, aiming to rebuild trust with small food brands.
- Bankruptcy trustee Jeffery Burtch is recovering pre-bankruptcy payments from over 70 suppliers, including those welcomed back.
- Lawsuits seek to reclaim payments made before bankruptcy, complicating LaVitola’s relaunch efforts.
- Big Fat Cookie, a former vendor welcomed back, is now a defendant in a recovery case.
Malaysia can’t block MMC Port chief as state doesn’t meddle in company matters: minister
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, former DP World CEO linked to Epstein, now leads Malaysia's largest port operator, MMC Port.
- MMC Port operates seven ports near Strait of Malacca, vital to global trade, owned by MMC Corporation with undisclosed shareholding.
- Emails between Sultan Ahmed and Epstein, released by US Justice Department, were part of Epstein's 2019 death investigation.
- Sultan Ahmed and MMC Port declined to comment on the emails or requests.
Becoming Quotient raises ₹7.5 crore to build a career growth platform
Source: Your Story
·
- **BQ raised ₹7.5 crore pre-seed funding** to expand in India, backed by family offices and industry experts, focusing on go-to-market, product development, and enterprise partnerships.
- **Employee disengagement costs India $351B annually**, with middle managers—key to organizational change—being underserved despite existing development investments.
- **Platform tracks career growth** via behavioral, psychometric, and personal metrics, creating a portable, individual-owned record to improve engagement and measure development ROI.
- **Founders with tech/business expertise** aim to disrupt HR tech by linking individual growth to organizational performance, testing if ownership of data changes enterprise adoption.
Andhra Pradesh’s founder-first growth strategy; Wipro’s net profit remains flat
Source: Your Story
·
- **Agnikul** prepares for Mission 02 with ISRO’s Dr. S Somanath as observer, aiming to recover India’s first orbital rocket booster and test reusable upper stages.
- **Tech Mahindra** reports 28.4% net profit jump in FY27’s June quarter, alongside 17.7% revenue growth and 863 employee cuts.
- **Nvidia** unveils Cosmos 3 Edge AI model for real-world robot navigation, while EU pressures Google to open services to rivals under Digital Markets Act.
- **Meta** adds safety features for teens, alerting parents to suicide/self-harm discussions and enabling emergency contacts via AI chatbots.
AI-powered travel agency Fora hits unicorn status, raises $60M
Source: TechCrunch
·
- Travel agency Fora raised $60M Series D, led by Forerunner and Tactile Ventures, valuing it at $1B.
- Funds will expand AI assistant Via to streamline tasks, enhancing agent productivity without replacing human roles.
- Agents booked $3B in travel since launch, with most users new to travel advising.
- Company plans to hire and expand into cruises, flights, and other travel categories.
Neo Group raises Rs 350 Cr in funding led by Peak XV Partners
Source: Your Story
·
- Neo Group raised Rs 350 crore from Peak XV Partners (earlier backer) to enhance tech, expand advisory, and launch new wealth products.
- TVS Capital previously invested Rs 550 crore; Neo manages Rs 1.3 lakh crore in assets, operates in 30 cities with 850+ professionals.
- Nitin Jain highlighted funds will boost talent, tech, and national expansion to meet growing wealth management demand.
- Peak XV cited rising demand for advisory services; Neo’s tech-driven platform and leadership position it for market growth.
Conquest BITS Pilani Selects 22 Startups from Over 3,000 Applications for Its 2026 Cohort
Source: Your Story
·
- Conquest 2026 cohort includes 22 startups from 3,000+ applications, focusing on climate, healthcare, AI, and robotics with zero-equity, zero-cost support.
- Shift toward deep-tech and research-driven ventures, emphasizing long-term innovation over consumer-focused models.
- Startups expand into manufacturing, logistics, and enterprise sectors, applying tech to traditionally slow-to-modernize industries.
- Program includes mentorship, workshops, and Demo Day to refine strategies and connect with investors and industry leaders.
5 Books that will change your mindset in a weekend
Source: Your Story
·
- Article highlights five short books offering life-changing insights in under a weekend, focusing on mindset shifts through simple, impactful ideas.
- *The Four Agreements* teaches emotional freedom via four principles, challenging self-limiting thoughts and stress.
- *Man’s Search for Meaning* emphasizes resilience and finding purpose amid adversity, reshaping perspectives on gratitude and adversity.
- These books deliver lasting lessons on success, happiness, and adaptability, proving profound change can come from concise, timely ideas.
Startup news and updates: Daily roundup (July 16, 2026)
Source: Your Story
·
- **Metastable Materials** pioneers battery recycling, refining spent lithium-ion batteries as critical metal sources to reduce India's reliance on imports.
- **Agnikul Cosmos** appoints former ISRO chief Dr. S Somanath to its board for Mission 02, aiming to test rocket recovery and in-orbit upper-stage tech.
- **SwitchOn** raises $8M for AI-based quality inspection systems, expanding globally and advancing next-gen physical AI research.
- **KuhlTherm** secures $1.1M seed funding to scale liquid cooling solutions for AI data centers and high-performance computing.
OnePlus, the ‘Flagship-Killer’ Smartphone Brand, Is All but Dead
Source: Wired
·
- OnePlus is exiting North America/Europe, laying off staff; employees transitioning to Oppo/Realme.
- Oppo states Realme will focus on overseas markets, while OnePlus China operations remain unchanged.
- Global smartphone shipments declined 11% in 2026, with Apple/Samsung growing, while Oppo/Xiaomi faced sharp drops.
- OnePlus struggled in the U.S. due to carrier reliance, losing 90% of sales since 2019, amid pricing and market strategy challenges.
Paytm remains majority Indian-owned for 2nd consecutive quarter
Source: Your Story
·
- Paytm's domestic ownership rose to 51.6% in Q1 FY27, reinforcing its Indian-Owned and Controlled status.
- Domestic institutional holdings hit 24.9%, led by mutual funds (17.9%) and insurance companies (5.3%).
- Paytm reported first full-year profit in FY26, with Rs 552 crore profit after tax and 22% revenue growth.
- Goldman Sachs raised revenue/EBITDA estimates, citing market share gains and potential valuation re-rating.
Emergent turns unicorn; Groww's net profit soars 94% in Q1
Source: Your Story
·
- India approves ₹1.27 lakh crore for Semicon 2.0 to boost semiconductor supply chains and incentivize critical raw material suppliers.
- Electric mobility gains traction: udaan raises $160M, E3 Electric.Ai secures ₹100Cr, Ather Energy gets ₹1,200Cr in funding.
- UK introduces social media curfew for teens, banning addictive features like auto-play to improve focus and sleep.
- AI startup Emergent raises $130M in Series C at $1.5B valuation, expanding talent and product development globally.
Can Bose Help Skullcandy Shake Its Bargain-Bin Reputation?
Source: Wired
·
- Skullcandy partners with Bose to enhance audio quality, launching Crusher 1080 ANC headphones with noise cancellation and refined bass.
- New Crusher models balance bass-boosting with clearer mids/highs via Bose’s engineering, improving sound fidelity.
- Priced at $280, Crusher 1080 ANC offers 60-hour battery life, rapid charge, and features like spatial audio and custom EQ.
- Skullcandy aims to rebuild its reputation as a lifestyle brand with tech-driven audio upgrades, targeting market growth.
Microsoft is reportedly training salespeople to talk down OpenAI and Anthropic
Source: TechCrunch
·
- Microsoft trains sales teams to highlight in-house AI models' efficiency and cost-effectiveness vs. competitors like OpenAI and Anthropic.
- Executives emphasize full end-to-end systems, with Copilot’s VP comparing it to Claude, noting slower performance and security gaps.
- Microsoft replaces OpenAI/Anthropic models in apps like Word/Excel with its own, a cost-cutting move after amending its OpenAI partnership.
- Strategy aims to boost investor confidence amid concerns over AI spending, showcasing competitive products to improve stock outlook.
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