StartupTalky

Tag: #news

  • Adobe Updates its Firefly App Using AI Models from Google and OpenAI

    On April 24, Adobe announced that it is bringing its Firefly app to mobile devices and integrating image-generation artificial intelligence models from OpenAI and Alphabet’s Google. Adobe is the proprietor of several software applications that are often used by visual arts professionals, including Photoshop and Premiere.

    In its Firefly service, the San Jose, California-based company has been creating its own AI models since 2023 to produce photographs and video clips. The company guarantees its users that they won’t be held legally responsible for utilising the images and videos produced by these models.

    However, Adobe stated last year that it was open to providing its user base with third-party models from OpenAI, the company that created ChatGPT, and others.

    What Adobe is Offering to Users?

    Firefly users will have the ability to generate images using OpenAI’s GPT image generation, Google Imagen 3, Google Veo 2, and Flux 1.1 Pro, in addition to a new version of Adobe’s proprietary Firefly image model, according to Adobe.

    In the upcoming months, the business intends to offer models from partners like Runway, Luma, and fal.ai. Adobe’s chief technical officer for digital media, Ely Greenfield, told a media outlet that the company still has a large number of customers that will only utilise Firefly when they are bringing items to production because they value commercial safety.

    However, they are also interested in trying out different models for other aspects of the process, such as brainstorming. Thus, Adobe is giving them that option. With just a few taps or clicks, users of Adobe’s Firefly app will be able to create content using third-party models and import it into the company’s other applications, like Photoshop.

    Adobe declined to reveal how the revenue will be divided between itself and third-party model providers. However, they will be able to pay for third-party models using the same system of credits that they use to pay for Adobe’s AI models.

    More and More big Companies Opting for AI

    Big businesses are setting the example as organisations begin to implement administrative reforms intended to create future value from emerging AI. Organisations are starting to take actions that have a direct impact on their bottom line, such as reworking procedures as they use gen AI and assigning senior leaders to crucial positions like managing AI governance, according to the most recent McKinsey Global Survey on AI.

    The results also demonstrate that companies are hiring for new AI-related positions and retraining staff to take part in AI deployment as they attempt to reduce an increasing number of gen-AI-related hazards. Businesses with yearly sales of at least $500 million are evolving faster than smaller ones.

    In general, the application of AI—both generative and analytical AI—keeps gaining traction: Currently, over 75% of those surveyed claim that AI is used in at least one business function at their companies. Particularly, the application of Gen AI is growing quickly.

  • Ray-Ban Meta Glasses with AI will Soon be Available in India

    The Ray-Ban Meta, one of Meta’s newest smart glasses, will soon be available in India, the company has revealed. These glasses, which are powered by Meta AI and provide a distinctive fusion of fashion and technology, were created in collaboration with the international eyewear manufacturer EssilorLuxottica.

    The glasses were first released in a few regions last year, but they are now being released in more nations, such as Mexico and the United Arab Emirates, with India likely to follow. The glasses, which are made for hands-free interaction, allow users to send messages, control music, translate languages, and ask enquiries by simply saying, “Hey Meta.”

     They can take pictures, record videos, and make calls via apps like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger in addition to having built-in cameras and speakers.

    The Ray-Ban Meta spectacles were initially introduced in September 2023 as the successor to the original Ray-Ban Stories, which were released in 2021.

    Features of Ray-Ban Meta Glasses

    With this new iteration, Meta has expanded app support, enhanced design, enhanced sound quality, and added more potent AI functions. The glasses are made to feel and look like standard Ray-Bans. However, they are now packed with smart technology that allows users to keep their phone in their pocket and stay connected.

    One can use his glasses to take brief videos, listen to their favourite playlist, and communicate with Meta AI without using his hands. Live translation is one of its most notable characteristics. Real-time speech translation between English, French, Italian, and Spanish is supported via this tool, which is currently being made available worldwide.

    It can even function offline if the language packs are downloaded. This makes it particularly useful for travellers or anyone conversing with multilingual individuals. With a transcript shown on your phone and the translation appearing as audio through the glasses, communication becomes easier and more accessible.

    Bringing Online World in Front of Users’ Eyes

    Major music streaming services including Shazam, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Spotify are also compatible with the glasses. Users may control playback, identify music, and play songs using a single voice command.

    In addition to their support for WhatsApp and Messenger, the glasses now enable direct messaging and calling over Instagram for users who use the app often. Meta is testing a cutting-edge function in a few countries that will allow the glasses to “see” user’s environment and react appropriately.

    Conversations can flow more naturally with this AI vision mode, eliminating the need to constantly say “Hey Meta”. Even though the functionality hasn’t been verified for India yet, it might be available when the glasses are formally released.

  • Swiggy and Zepto Received Notices from HC for Unfriendly Apps for Visually Impaired

    According to reports, the Delhi High Court (HC) has sent notifications to Zepto and Swiggy. This notice has been sent as their respective applications’ complicated user interfaces for those with visual impairments.

    The HC made the ruling after a hearing on a petition submitted by the non-governmental organisation Mission Accessibility. Justice Sachin Datta gave the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and both platforms four weeks to reply.

    The petition, spearheaded by accessibility advocate Amar Jain, contends that both platforms have not guaranteed compatibility with screen-reader software in spite of legislative requirements under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. According to the petition, visually challenged individuals are unable to browse products or place orders on the two sites on their own because screen reader software is not included.

     The argument contends that these apps’ inaccessibility denies people with disabilities (PwDs) equitable access to basic services like grocery shopping and meal delivery. Hence, infringing on their constitutional rights. The next hearing on the case has been set for May 28 by the court.

    Rapido Also Navigating in Same Waters

    This comes after a comparable incident with the unicorn ride-hailing service Rapido. In September 2024, while considering a plea filed by Jain and visually challenged banker Dipto Ghosh Chaudhary, the Delhi High Court ordered Rapido to provide an accessibility audit and compliance report within three months.

     Users with disabilities encountered challenges in accessing services due to Rapido’s app’s lack of compatibility with screen-reading software, as emphasised in the petition. Rapido responded by promising to update its software within six to eight months to comply with accessibility guidelines.

    Rapido Failed to Fix the issue

    The high court voiced its displeasure with Rapido’s progress during a March hearing. The ride-hailing app was given a four-month deadline by the court to address accessibility concerns or “pack up from India”.

    The judge also asked how Rapido was permitted to operate without adhering to current handicap access legislation during the hearing.

    Rapido’s audit report, which was presented to the High Court, identified 81 significant accessibility failures and 170 accessibility problems at Level A of the fundamental Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

     Notably, both cases highlight the growing judicial scrutiny of Indian internet companies for not adhering to digital accessibility requirements set forth by Indian legislation, specifically the RPwD Act of 2016.

  • Rakesh Ranjan, Head of Zomato’s Food Delivery Division, Resigns

    According to a media report, Rakesh Ranjan, the CEO of Zomato‘s meal delivery company, will be leaving his current role. As per the published news, Deepinder Goyal, the creator and group CEO of Zomato, would oversee food delivery operations in the upcoming months.

     Rakesh Ranjan will undoubtedly stay with the company and not be leaving. According to the report, this was a component of the company’s biannual leadership reorganisation.

    As part of the company’s continuous attempts to maximise organisational effectiveness, Zomato’s spokeswoman said that internal reorganisation of the executive team is seen as a routine practice at Eternal Group.

    Food Delivery Sector Witnessing a Meltdown

    Although Zomato regularly restructures its leadership, the management shift coincides with a slowdown in the larger food delivery sector. According to Rakesh Ranjan, the food delivery industry is currently seeing a widespread downturn in demand that began in the second half of November.

     In his January 20 shareholder letter detailing the company’s quarterly results, he made this announcement. Ranjan has worked at the Gurugram-based company for almost eight years, having been appointed CEO in June 2023.

     Zomato was already leading the market when Ranjan took over, but throughout the previous few months, it increased its advantage. However, the meal delivery industry is still developing since there is still no obvious leader, and Swiggy and Zomato’s market shares fluctuate periodically.

    Not just Zomato, the industry leader in meal delivery, is seeing a slowdown. In line with peers, Swiggy, its rival, has also experienced a downturn.

    Major Changes in Leadership at Zomato

    Zomato has made two significant leadership changes in its meal delivery company in the midst of a slower market and some market share erosion.

    Rakesh Ranjan has been replaced as the unit’s CEO by Deepinder Goyal, and earlier this month, Rinshul Chandra resigned as the chief operational officer (food delivery).

    Delhi HC Notifies Zomato and CCI

    As part of an ongoing antitrust probe against the foodtech giant, the Delhi High Court (HC) has sent notice to Zomato and the Competition Commission of India (CCI).

    According to reports, the HC made the rulings at a hearing on a plea against the National Restaurant Association of India’s (NRAI) exclusion from the confidential ring during the investigation. The HC was also urged by the NRAI to examine the company’s confidentiality claims.

    The confidential ring was first introduced in 2022 and gives parties access to private documents or information about other parties in an inquiry so they can better defend themselves.

    The confidentiality ring aids regulators in quickly resolving complaints, subject to specific riders. Exclusion from the ring inhibits a petitioner’s capacity to make a defence.

    It is important to remember that in October 2024, the competition watchdog removed the NRAI from the ring after it had been first included.

    At the hearing on 21 April, Zomato’s lawyer allegedly argued that the NRAI should not be included in the confidential ring because it included companies that are competitors of the foodtech juggernaut.

  • Avaana Capital Leads INR 32 Crore Bet on Insect Biotech Pioneer GreenGrahi

    It is the largest investment in India’s insect-based protein and agri-biotech sector to date.

    Avaana Capital, a venture capital fund focused on backing deep-tech and frontier innovation, has led an INR 32 crore (approx. $3.8 million) seed funding round in GreenGrahi, a next-generation biotech company building resilient & scalable alternatives to conventional animal feed and chemical agriculture inputs using insect biotechnology.

    This marks the largest-ever funding round in India’s insect biotech space. The round also saw participation from existing investors Huddle Ventures, Campus Fund, Blume Founders Fund, and leading angel investors, including Nitin Sharma (Nexus Ventures), Anchit Gupta (Samara Capital), David Chen (Equilibrium Capital), and Sameer Brij Verma (Northpoint Capital).

    GreenGrahi is creating category-shaping innovation in the food and agri-tech space,” said Shruti Srivastava, Investment Director at Avaana Capital. “Their proprietary insect biotechnology and bioprocessing platform enables the production of high-performance, cost-efficient ingredients at scale—helping build resilient food supply chains for global food security through science-backed, market-ready solutions.”

    “We’re excited to double down on our investment in GreenGrahi as they lead India’s journey in the insect bio manufacturing industry. The timing is right, the demand is real, and India needed a bold, full-stack operator to build for both local and global markets. We’re proud to back the team as they launch the country’s first and largest BSF bio-factory, and look forward to their continued progress in market adoption and measurable impact.”, said Ishaan Khosla, Partner at Huddle Ventures.

    Founded by Shivali Sugand and Siddharth Sharma, GreenGrahi is developing a differentiated insect biotechnology platform powered by the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) and its unique microbiome. The company produces high-performance insect proteins, functional oils, and hydrolysates tailored for aquaculture, poultry, and pets, designed to deliver superior nutrition, better digestibility, and greater price stability compared to conventional inputs like fishmeal and soya. Alongside, GreenGrahi has built a new generation of biological agri-inputs—including biofertilizers, biostimulants, and biopesticides—that help improve soil health, boost crop resilience and yield, and reduce the need for chemical fertilisers and pesticides.

    The company’s proprietary biomanufacturing system ensures consistent quality and high conversion efficiency, enabling price points that unlock mass-market applicability, moving insect protein and biologicals beyond niche use cases.

    As wild fish stocks continue to decline and protein demand rises, the pressure on aquafeed and livestock inputs is only going to grow,” said Siddharth Sharma, Co-Founder of GreenGrahi. “We’re building a platform that makes high-quality, science-driven feed and agri-inputs accessible, affordable, and scalable for global markets.

    GreenGrahi is already supplying to partners in the shrimp, poultry, and pet food sectors, with results including:

    • 7% improvement in shrimp growth and survival rates
    • 10% higher weight gain and 28% more egg production in poultry
    • Enhanced gut health, immunity, and palatability in functional pet food applications

    In agriculture, its biological products have demonstrated 25–30% yield improvements, better soil nutrient retention, and reduced pest attacks—delivering higher farmer incomes while helping offset the environmental costs of synthetic inputs.

    The ₹32 crore raise will be used to build India’s largest BSF bio-factory, capable of processing 150 tons of feedstock daily. With ready access and demand of 510 Crores annually for its products, the company will also expand its scientific team and enter global markets, including the US, UK, and EU.

    By combining cutting-edge microbiome science, bioengineering, and a strong manufacturing backbone, GreenGrahi is creating a reliable, cost-effective alternative to some of the most strained links in today’s food supply chain—from protein to crop inputs—while unlocking more value from underused agri-residues.

    About Avaana Capital

    Avaana Capital is India’s first and largest institutional investor in frontier innovation, investing in future market leaders leveraging deep technology to pioneer globally competitive solutions in Energy Security, Supply Chain Resilience, fortified Food Systems and Advanced Materials while delivering transformational impact and long-term value.

    Avaana’s portfolio features startups such as Kazam, AmpereHour, Dreamfly Innovations, Sentra.world, Eeki Foods, Aerem, FarMart, Turno, Terra.do, Phyx44 Labs, Eggoz, and more. Avaana’s Team has previously invested in category leaders like Delhivery, Nykaa, Urban Company, Shadowfax, NinjaCart, Moveinsync, and Tonbo Imaging.

    About GreenGrahi

    GreenGrahi is a biotech company using insect-based technology to turn agricultural waste into high-quality protein for animal feed and organic inputs for farming. Founded by Shivali Sugand and Siddharth Sharma, the company works with Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae to produce sustainable alternatives to fishmeal, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides. GreenGrahi’s science-led approach helps reduce landfill waste, cut carbon emissions, and improve food and farm systems in a way that’s better for both people and the planet. With its upcoming BSF bio-factory, GreenGrahi is working to bring cleaner, more efficient solutions to the global food and agriculture industry.

    The Reasons Behind the Massive Growth of AgriTech Startups In India
    The agritech startups have benefited many farmers in India. Let’s look at the growth, initiatives by the government and successful agritech startups.
    StartupTalkyRishita Jain

  • Meta Releases Edits, Free App for Instagram Users

    Edits is a new software that Meta has released. With this brand-new tool, users can shoot, edit, and export videos—including Instagram Reels. This can be done straight from their smartphones on both the iOS and Android operating systems.

     Meta claims that by providing an all-in-one solution, Edits is intended to streamline the content development process. It claims that using its new app to film, edit, and post removes the need to transfer between several apps.

    Edits is a stand-alone program that can be used to edit videos on any site, including Facebook and Instagram, in contrast to Instagram’s built-in editing capabilities. Users must, however, sign on with their Instagram login information.

    Edits Comes With Unique Features

    The Edits app has a number of integrated features designed to streamline mobile video production and make editing easier. Within the software, users can record video snippets that last no more than ten minutes each.

    According to Meta, the purpose of this function is to allow users to produce lengthier films without having to transfer between programs. A timeline-based editing interface is another feature of the software that allows users to add visual effects, apply transitions, and trim clips.

    Additionally, it has green screen capabilities that let users change the background. Users can save or share their edited films straight to Facebook, Instagram, and other websites. Meta claims that exported videos are watermark-free, enabling cleaner uploads.

    In addition to editing and exporting, the Edits app shows viewer engagement metrics, such as skip rates, once the video has been posted on a platform. Creators and other users may find this information useful in understanding how their work is being received and where viewers tend to lose interest, according to Meta.

    Steps to Follow to Get Edits

    The Edits app is available for download from the Google Play Store or App Store. Users will need to enter their Instagram login information after downloading.

    After logging in, users have the option to import film from their phone’s gallery or capture video from within the app. Users can edit audio, apply visual effects, rearrange clips, and chop chunks of film once it has been loaded into the timeline editor.

    Videos can be exported and shared on a variety of social networking sites after editing is finished. According to Meta, Edits is a part of a larger initiative to give creators more tools without relying on third-party software.

    Edits can be downloaded for free right now. All of the existing features are available for free, and no subscription is needed. Whether any upcoming features will be paid for or protected by a paywall has not been verified by Meta.

  • European Union’s Digital Competition Law Hits Tech Giants Apple and Meta

    On April 23, European Union regulators announced that Apple and Meta were the initial companies to be penalised for violating a new law that was designed to enhance competition in the digital economy.

    This development is expected to escalate tensions with the Trump administration. For violating the 2022-passed Digital Markets Act, Apple was fined 500 million euros ($570 million), and Meta was fined €200 million ($230 million).

    The goal of European legislation is to prevent large tech firms from misusing their power as digital gatekeepers, which allows them to unilaterally impose regulations on businesses and customers.

    The European Commission, the executive arm of the 27-nation EU, accused Apple of violating the Digital Markets Act by limiting the way app developers may inform consumers about deals and other offers. By enforcing a “consent or pay” system that requires users to either pay a subscription fee for ad-free versions of Facebook and Instagram or consent to the usage of their personal data to target advertisements, Meta violated it.

    Trade War Between EU and the US

    Despite the conflict between the US and the EU over trade, tariffs, and the conflict in Ukraine, there has been some agreement on how to deal with the market dominance of the biggest digital firms in the world.

    As owners of goods and services necessary for information, communication, trade, and other purposes, the tech giants have accumulated trillions of dollars in share value. Over the past year, Google has lost two significant antitrust cases in the US for abusing its dominance in the search and advertising industries.

    Meta is on trial in Washington on charges that it used acquisitions to stifle competition. Apple and Amazon are also being sued for antitrust in the United States. However, the Trump administration took offence at the decision.

    The United States will not allow this new type of economic extortion, according to National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes. Extraterritorial laws that specifically target and harm American businesses, impede innovation, and permit censorship will be acknowledged as trade obstacles and a direct danger to free civil society, he continued.

    According to a February White House letter, authorities would think about taking revenge if the European Union singled out American internet firms under the Digital Markets Act or the Digital Services Act, which are laws aimed at reducing disinformation and illegal online content.

     Meta declared that it will probably challenge the decision, comparing it to imposing high tariffs on American businesses’ services.

    Apple accused the commission of compelling it to make adjustments to its products that amounted to giving away its technology and said that it would appeal the ruling.

    The business was fined $2 billion by the European Union last year for undercutting competitors in the music streaming market through the App Store.

    In a statement, Joel Kaplan, chief global affairs officer at Meta, claimed that the European Commission is trying to hinder prosperous American corporations while permitting European and Chinese enterprises to function according to separate rules.

    This is more than simply a fine. The commission’s requirement that Meta should alter its business strategy amounts to a multibillion-dollar tariff on Meta and forces the company to provide a subpar service.

  • Candere Founder Rupesh Jain Launches Lucira, a Lab-Grown Diamond Jewellery Brand

    The company plans an aggressive two-year roadmap for phased omnichannel expansion.

    Rupesh Jain, the digital jewellery pioneer who built Candere into one of India’s most successful online fine jewellery platforms before its acquisition by Kalyan Jewellers, is returning to the spotlight with a bold new venture, Lucira. A modern lab-grown diamond jewellery brand, Lucira is built for today’s conscious, design-forward consumer and aims to transform the way people engage with fine jewellery.

    Positioning itself as the unrivalled “Rings King,” Lucira focuses exclusively on celebrating proposals, weddings, anniversaries, and personal achievements with intentional design and ethical brilliance. Lucira is born out of a simple but powerful idea: that luxury can be meaningful, personal, and responsible. Inspired by the Latin word Lucent, meaning “to shine,” the brand represents purity, brilliance, and a commitment to illuminating life’s most cherished moments with jewellery that reflects values as much as beauty. Merging heritage craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation, Lucira combines AI-led personalisation, certified lab-grown diamonds, and a seamless digital-first experience to build trust and intimacy in an industry that has traditionally relied on opaqueness and excess.

    The launch of Lucira comes at a time when lab-grown diamonds are reshaping the fine jewellery landscape, both in India and globally. These diamonds  are physically, visually, and chemically identical to mined diamonds, offering the same brilliance and longevity—but at a significantly lower financial cost. Certified by IGI, GIA, SGL, and Hallmark, Lucira diamonds offer complete transparency and assurance of quality. Each piece is handcrafted by artisans who blend traditional techniques with contemporary elegance, creating jewellery that celebrates individuality and connection.

    Currently available online with nationwide delivery, Lucira will soon debut its flagship experience stores in key metros, followed by an ambitious retail expansion across India and global markets. With a phased omnichannel growth strategy, the brand is poised to become India’s first global lab-grown diamond luxury house.

    Rupesh Jain, Founder of Lucira said, “Our vision is to create a premium, design-led fine jewellery destination that begins online and extends into beautifully curated physical spaces. With AI-powered customisation, virtual try-ons, and seamless e-commerce, we’re meeting customers where they are digitally native, value-conscious, and experience-driven. Our upcoming flagship stores will bring this vision to life, blending the ease of technology with the emotion of touch. As we expand across India and into global markets, our goal is simple: to make Lucira synonymous with modern luxury that’s personal, purposeful, and proudly Indian.”

    Lucira is carving a niche in the fast-evolving bridal jewellery space, with a sharp focus on solitaires, bespoke engagement rings, eternity bands, and convertible pieces for everyday wear. The brand has introduced five exclusive signature cuts, each designed to maximise light, emotion, and brilliance. These aren’t just rings, they’re declarations of love, symbols of milestones, and heirlooms reimagined for a new generation.

    Jain added, “Lucira is about elevating meaningful moments with timeless design and ethical brilliance. We’re not just shaping rings, we’re shaping what they represent in today’s world.

    For Rupesh Jain , Lucira is more than a comeback, it’s a vision for the future of fine jewellery. One where innovation, ethics, and emotional resonance converge. India’s robust diamond manufacturing ecosystem and supportive government policies provide an ideal backdrop for Lucira’s ambitions. Jain believes India is uniquely positioned to become a major supplier and brand builder in the global LGD market, which has already seen strong demand in international markets as well.

    About Lucira

    Lucira is a modern lab-grown diamond fine jewellery brand redefining what luxury means for today’s conscious consumer. Founded by Rupesh Jain, Lucira blends ethical craftsmanship with digital-first innovation to create jewellery that celebrates life’s most meaningful moments. With a sharp focus on proposals, weddings, anniversaries, and personal milestones, Lucira is positioning itself as the unrivalled “Rings King.”

    Currently available online with nationwide delivery, the brand will soon debut flagship experience stores across key metros, followed by an aggressive two-year roadmap for phased omnichannel expansion. Every Lucira piece is crafted with certified lab-grown diamonds, recycled gold, and transparent practices proving that sustainability and sophistication can go hand in hand. More than a jewellery label, Lucira is a movement toward purposeful luxury, made for those who choose meaning over materialism.

  • Bitcoin Surges Past $93,000 as Altcoins Rally: 5 Drivers Behind the Crypto Boom

    On Thursday, Bitcoin exceeded the $93,000 level, advancing over 6.5% in one day, while major altcoins surged as much as 15%. This increase occurred alongside an impressive turnaround in US policy. President Trump now seems to be in favor of the digital currency. He has proposed some relaxing measures that, if implemented, would take a lot of the regulatory weight off cryptocurrencies. In addition, we’ve just seen the SEC appoint a new chairman: Paul Atkins. Atkins certainly has some Bitcoin-like confidence to him, he’s headed to the SEC with plans to lighten up on some regulatory aspects that have made digital assets seem above-average risky.

    The Trump administration’s decision to disband the crypto enforcement unit at the Justice Department has given a shot in the arm to the positive momentum in the crypto market. The threat of clampdowns by regulators seems to be fading, and that can only push prices higher, as investors become more acceptable of the idea of taking on risk.

    Institutional Inflows and ETF Momentum

    One essential metric driving this surge is the heightened institutional involvement. Direct investment vehicles like crypto ETFs have enjoyed strong capital inflows, which seem to denote an increase in direct interest and confidence in the asset class from not just retail investors, but also from large fund managers who are allocating portions of their portfolios to cryptocurrencies.

    Over the same span, actual trading volumes have ramped up too, particularly for Bitcoin, which saw tracked trading volumes of over $56 billion in just the past 24 hours alone. That’s a 50% rise from the last recorded period, according to figures from Coinmarketcap.

    The whole digital asset market saw an increase of almost 7%, which pushed the overall market cap of digital assets to an impressive INR 2.94 trillion. The volume transacted within the digital asset market hit an astounding INR 133.5 billion, this was almost 10% more than the volume from the prior week and a clear indicator of the broad market participation we are seeing in the digital asset space. Among the many standout digital assets, Ethereum impressed greatly with a nearly 15% surge pushing the price of Ethereum to up near INR 1,816.52.

    Macro Tailwinds Drive Bullish Sentiment

    A depreciating US dollar has rendered crypto even more enticing as a substitute value store. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s recent comments on where the trade conflict might be headed have also worked to lift investor sentiment. Bessent sees the trade tensions with China resolving as a big plus for market stability, and we know how that kind of stability has historically paved the way for things like cryptocurrencies.

    Another promising indicator has been the drop in inflows to Bitcoin exchanges, which points toward diminished selling pressure. Analysts think that this trend will keep going, with Bitcoin looking to make a run at $100,000 if the bulls stay in charge.

  • Can India Regain Lost Global Manufacturing Ground from Vietnam?

    It is no secret that Vietnam has become a hub for global manufacturing. Like China before it, the Southeast Asian nation has lured multinational companies to set up production in its rapidly developing economy. Whether it’s sports equipment, smartphones or textiles, firms are making everything in Vietnam, and then shipping it all over the world.

    India Joins Race

    The “China Plus One” strategy has favored Vietnam above all other nations, and it’s not difficult to see why. This younger nation offers a competitive corporate tax rate, trade policies that are efficient, a geographic position that is practically next door to China, and a young, rapidly growing workforce. By 2023, with these assets and more, Vietnam was producing nearly half of Google’s premium Pixel phones. 

    The next event in this unfolding saga centers on India. Google is in negotiations with Indian manufacturers such as Dixon Technologies and Foxconn to pull part of its production of smartphones for the U.S. market out of Vietnam and relocate it to India. This is bound to become part of any conversation centered on the ambition of this next-corner nation to become a global hub for electronics.

    Tariffs and Trade Winds Shift Favorably for India

    For this pivot, one of the main reasons is the imminent threat of hefty US tariffs on imports from Vietnam. The United States recently slapped a 46% tariff on goods coming from Vietnam, compared to a 26% rate on exports coming from India. 

    These tariffs are on hold for the time being, but in the face of such pronouncements from Washington, companies are re-examining where they should base their overseas operations. And in that climate, India has suddenly become a lot more favorable.

    The Ripple Effect Beyond Smartphones

    Alphabet’s pivot might just be the beginning. Other sectors, such as electronics, apparel, furniture, and toys, all heavily reliant on Vietnamese manufacturing, are also under scrutiny. Given that companies like Nike, Hasbro, and Samsung are already deeply embedded in Vietnam, a broader shift could be on the horizon. As tariff policies continue to evolve, India stands to gain across multiple industries, provided it can scale up production and logistics quickly enough.

    Vietnam still retains some advantages, such as a clear ease of doing business and reliable infrastructure. However, India’s large domestic market and government incentives might finally give it the traction needed to become a manufacturing powerhouse.

    Even though it is a favorable trend for India, there are hurdles to overcome. Progress is still held up by challenges in acquiring land, labor laws that are more hindrance than help, and the kind of bureaucratic red tape that can slow and sometimes stop even well-intentioned projects. If India is going to really seize this opportunity and not just play catch-up, it has to fix these structural problems, preferably with an eye toward the kind of infrastructure, policy stability, and supply chain logistics that will be necessary to keep the global manufacturing machine humming.