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  • Kraken, Cryptocurrency Platform, Plans to Re-enter the Indian Market

    According to a prominent media outlet, Vishesh Khurana, a cofounder of Shiprocket, has been appointed as an advisor by San Francisco-based cryptocurrency trading platform Kraken, which is planning to relaunch its services in India. According to the report, Khurana will oversee Kraken’s operations in India. According to reports, Kraken will shortly interact with local authorities to submit applications for operating licenses. At the moment, Khurana is a managing partner at Tribe Capital India, a venture capital firm. Tribe Capital’s founder, Arjun Sethi, is currently Kraken’s co-CEO. A spokesperson for Kraken confirmed that the company is seeking authorisation and that Vishesh (Khurana) is functioning as an advisor to the firm.

    Why Kraken was Banned?

    In early 2024, Kraken and eight other cryptocurrency exchanges were banned from India for violating the nation’s anti-money laundering regulations. Cryptocurrency exchanges operating in India are required to abide by the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), which includes reporting suspicious transactions, adhering to know-your-customer (KYC) guidelines, and registering with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). Several media outlets reported in September of last year that in order to resume operations, offshore cryptocurrency exchanges could also need to pay outstanding goods and services tax (GST) obligations. Among the offshore cryptocurrency trading platforms that the FIU has approved to resume operations thus far are Binance and KuCoin.

    Reasons for Re-Entering  the Indian Market

    Following a surge in the value of major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, which is currently trading at almost all-time highs, Kraken aims to re-enter India. According to CoinMarketCap, Bitcoin was trading at over $96,000 on 19 February 2025. Based on 24-hour trading volume, CoinMarketCap ranked Kraken as the seventh-largest cryptocurrency exchange globally on February 19. The biggest was Binance, which was followed by Coinbase and Bybit. Sethi disclosed in a blog post on January 31 that Kraken made $1.5 billion in 2024, more than doubling $671 million in 2023, when the markets were weak.

    According to Sethi, clients trusted us with 2.5 million funded accounts and $42.8 billion in platform assets over the course of the year. Kraken’s average revenue per customer is now well over $2,000, significantly beyond any similar statistic recently seen from traditional or cryptocurrency exchanges. In 2024, total trading volumes hit $665 billion.

    Today, the brand is setting itself up for even more acceleration due to industry tailwinds and more regulatory certainty, both domestically and internationally. The election of Donald Trump as the US president has given cryptocurrencies a significant boost as an asset. According to a global news outlet, Trump has stated his strong support for digital assets and even pledged during his campaign to make the US the “crypto capital of the planet.”

    ED Seizes ₹10.63 Crore Dubai Assets in Bitcoin Scam Probe
    The ED seizes ₹10.63 crore in Dubai assets in a Bitcoin scam probe linked to Amit Bhardwaj, defrauding 8,000 investors with false crypto promises.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • KiranaPro Welcomes PV Sindhu as Investor & Brand Ambassador to Boost Quick Commerce

    KiranaPro, a top AI-powered quick commerce platform in India, has gained strong support with PV Sindhu joining, India’s renowned badminton star, as both an investor and brand ambassador. This is the first investment in KiranaPro’s seed funding round, supporting its mission to modernise India’s retail sector by helping small kirana stores adopt advanced technology.

    The partnership was arranged by Cornerstone Sport, ensuring a strong alignment between Sindhu and KiranaPro’s long-term goals. It will help small retailers go digital and expand KiranaPro’s presence in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.

    PV Sindhu’s Role in KiranaPro

    PV Sindhu’s involvement extends beyond financial backing. She will actively contribute to KiranaPro’s growth and brand vision, helping kirana store owners adopt technological solutions for improved efficiency and profitability. As the brand’s official ambassador during IPL 2025, she will help enhance KiranaPro’s national visibility, strengthening its position in quick commerce.

    Sindhu’s values of perseverance, excellence, and trust align well with KiranaPro’s mission. Just as she has broken barriers in sports, KiranaPro is pushing the boundaries of quick commerce by integrating AI technology to empower small retailers. Following this partnership, she will appear in multiple digital and traditional media campaigns and feature the KiranaPro logo on her jersey, helping build a stronger connection with consumers and retailers.

    KiranaPro’s Leadership on the Partnership

    Deepak Ravindran, Co-Founder and CEO of KiranaPro, welcomed Sindhu’s support, stating, “This partnership marks a significant milestone for KiranaPro. PV Sindhu is the embodiment of skill and determination. We have taken on the task of building a nationwide network connecting lakhs of kirana stores to millions of local customers. Sindhu’s support is a recognition of our efforts and will act as a catalyst for us to work even harder towards the cause of empowering local communities.”

    Dipankar Sarkar, Co-Founder and CTO, KiranaPro, said, “We are extremely excited that a national icon like PV Sindhu has decided to back our vision to empower neighborhood kirana stores. Her support for our tech-driven and AI-powered solutions will help accelerate the digital transformation of small businesses across the country. Together, we can bring positive change to smaller cities and towns in India.”

    PV Sindhu on Joining KiranaPro

    Expressing her excitement about the partnership, PV Sindhu said, “I’ve always believed in the power of empowerment, and KiranaPro is making a real difference by helping neighbourhood kirana stores embrace technology, unlock new opportunities, and thrive in an increasingly digital world. This goes beyond retail—it’s about transforming the rural economy and contributing to India’s overall development. I’m proud to join KiranaPro, both as brand ambassador and investor, to support this meaningful mission of empowering communities and creating a lasting impact.”

    Jogesh Lulla. Co-founder and COO, Cornerstone Sport, said, “PV Sindhu has always been an advocate for excellence and empowerment, both on and off the court. Her partnership with KiranaPro is more than just a collaboration—it’s a shared vision to uplift small businesses and bring digital transformation to India’s kirana stores. At Cornerstone Sport, we are proud to have facilitated this association and look forward to seeing it create a lasting impact.”

    KiranaPro’s Growth and Future Plans

    KiranaPro has already integrated over 30,000 kirana stores into its AI-powered platform, making it the first ONDC-integrated quick commerce company in India. The recent acquisition of Jopper.app has further accelerated its expansion. With PV Sindhu’s involvement, KiranaPro aims to scale its operations and solidify its leadership in AI-powered quick commerce.

    Additionally, KiranaPro is launching a community investment round, allowing everyday customers and supporters to participate in the future of commerce—alongside PV Sindhu. This initiative aims to create a more inclusive investment model while strengthening the company’s vision for digital transformation in the retail sector.

    With this strategic partnership, KiranaPro is all set to redefine the quick commerce space, empowering kirana stores with AI solutions and expanding its footprint across the country.

    AI’s Impact on Quick Commerce and the Government’s Role in Innovation
    Explore the tech-driven trends that are transforming the quick commerce landscape making the user experience more seamless, personalized, and altered as per the online world.
    StartupTalkyMuskaan Kapoor

  • With the Majorana 1 Processor, Microsoft Makes a Quantum Computing Breakthrough

    Majorana 1, the first quantum chip in the world constructed using a novel Topological Core design, was unveiled by Microsoft. This invention is a major step towards creating quantum computers that can solve challenging real-world issues in a matter of years as opposed to decades as previously predicted. Utilising the world’s first topoconductor—a groundbreaking substance that makes it possible to observe and manipulate Majorana particles—is essential to this development.

    The basic building blocks of quantum computers, qubits, can be made more robust and scalable because of this feature. Microsoft compares the potential of transistors to revolutionise quantum computing to the development of semiconductors, which transformed modern electronics. According to the business, transistors and the chips they enable open the door to quantum systems that can scale to a million qubits, enabling the solution of the most difficult societal and industrial issues. Microsoft said that this new architecture, which was utilised to create the Majorana 1 processor, provides a clear way to fit a million qubits on a single chip that is small enough to fit in the palm of one’s hand.

    Why Topoconductor is a Key Element?

    One special class of material that can create a completely new state of matter is the topoconductor, also referred to as a topological superconductor. This state is a topological state rather than a typical solid, liquid, or gas. Microsoft is using this special characteristic to develop a qubit type that is more reliable and stable. Significant benefits of this “topological qubit” are its speed, compactness, and digital control without the trade-offs of existing qubit designs. According to Microsoft, this innovation necessitated creating a whole new materials stack composed of aluminium and indium arsenide, much of which the business designed and manufactured atom by atom. According to Microsoft, the objective was to induce the creation of new quantum particles known as Majoranas and utilise their special characteristics in order to advance quantum computing.

    The Design of the Chip

    Beside a quantum dot, the chip’s qubits are made up of two nanowires connected by a third wire. This tiny semiconducting crystal dot is essential for data reading. By projecting microwaves onto the quantum dot and observing how they bounce back, one may quantify changes in the qubit’s capacitance brought on by the formation of Majorana zero modes. The significant mistake rates of existing quantum devices are allegedly addressed by the Majorana 1’s architecture, which promises increased reliability. It is said that the mistake frequency of Microsoft’s topological qubits is far lower, happening once every millisecond. Future scalability is supported by the chip’s design; Microsoft has shown a way to accommodate one million qubits on a single chip, which could exceed current quantum machines.

    Microsoft claimed that its qubit architecture, which is powered by quasiparticles, “offers a clear path to fit a million qubits on a single chip” in the future, opening the door for major breakthroughs in the capabilities of quantum computing. Microsoft expanded Azure’s portfolio to more than 1,800 AI models for developers and companies in January 2025 when it incorporated China’s DeepSeek R1 AI model into its GitHub and Azure cloud platforms.

    Zaggle and Google Team Up to Boost Business Operations
    Zaggle collaborates with Google to enhance business operations, leveraging advanced technology to drive efficiency and innovation.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • Dogsee Chew, Pet Food Brand, Acquired $8 Million to Expand Internationally

    In a Series B fundraising round headed by Ektha.com, Bengaluru-based pet food company Dogsee Chew has raised $8 million (INR 69.4 crore), with participation from Shivanssh Holdings and the Poddar Family office. The money will be used by the manufacturer of natural pet treats to increase production capacity and strengthen its position in global markets, especially in the US and Canada. Dogsee Chew, which was founded in 2015 by Bhupendra Khanal and Sneh Sharma, makes vegetarian snacks using Himalayan cheese. In a statement, Sharma stated that the brand’s objective is to become the world’s largest manufacturer of Himalayan chews with the assistance of this funding. The business had previously raised $7 million in November 2021, led by Sixth Sense Ventures, and INR 50 Cr in January 2022 from Mankind Pharma and Sixth Sense Ventures. “Our human-grade chews are in high demand. By increasing production and our global footprint, this investment guarantees that we are ready to satisfy this demand,” Khanal said in the release.

    Expansion Plan

    The company wants to establish distribution centres in strategic international markets, and now it operates in more than 30 countries. Additionally, it will concentrate on fortifying its Amazon Global Selling approach.

    Dogsee has established a strong worldwide brand in the natural pet food industry, according to Sreenivasa Musani Reddy, managing director at Ektha. Investors think that by expanding, they will maintain their market dominance. Dogsee Chew, which began with just seven products in 2015, is currently the fourth-largest pet food exporter in India.

    Dogsee Chew’s revenue in FY24 was INR 53.76 crore, up from INR 98 crore in FY23, according to data analytics platform TheKredible. In the most recent fiscal year, the company reported a nearly flat loss of INR 27.73 crore.

    Global Pet Food Market

    Fortune Business Insights, a market research company based in Pune, estimates that the size of the worldwide pet food market was USD 126.66 billion in 2024. The market is anticipated to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.52% from USD 132.92 billion in 2025 to USD 193.65 billion by 2032.In 2024, North America held a 40.6% market share, dominating the pet food industry. Furthermore, due to the increasing rate of pet ownership and the growing trend of pet humanisation, the pet food industry in the United States is expected to increase dramatically, reaching an estimated value of USD 59.76 billion by 2032.

     The global market offers pet food items in a variety of forms, including snack treats, wet foods, and dry foods. These goods may come from plants or animals. These products are sold through a variety of distribution channels, including speciality shops, internet platforms, hypermarkets, and supermarkets. The industry has grown significantly in recent years due to the growing number of pets worldwide. Along with the growing humanisation of pets, the market is anticipated to rise rapidly over the course of the projected period.

    Zaggle and Google Team Up to Boost Business Operations
    Zaggle collaborates with Google to enhance business operations, leveraging advanced technology to drive efficiency and innovation.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • Argentina and India Sign a Deal for the Discovery and Extraction of Lithium

    In order to improve collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of vital minerals, especially lithium, Argentina and India have formally established a partnership. According to a press release from the ministry, the deal was signed on February 19, in front of Raúl Alejandro Jalil, the governor of Catamarca, Argentina, and Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy. The countries talked about increasing cooperation in the mining industry, with an emphasis on lithium exploration and investment prospects, according to the Ministry of Mines’ statement. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Provincial Government of Catamarca, Argentina, and Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL), a PSU under the Ministry of Mines, was the main event of the meeting, according to the ministry’s statement. This will open the door to further cooperation in the exploration and resource development of critical minerals.

    Argentina the most Reliable Ally for India

    According to the statement, Argentina has substantial lithium reserves and is regarded as India’s main ally in obtaining vital raw materials needed for batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. The continuing lithium exploration activities in the Catamarca region by Greenko and Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL) were also discussed. The two parties discussed the possibility of more Indian involvement in Argentina’s mining industry, including joint ventures, long-term supply agreements, and possible investment.

    In order to ensure a mutually beneficial cooperation, the senior officials discussed legislative frameworks, regulatory elements, and sustainable mining methods. The interaction also emphasised how crucial infrastructure development and information sharing are to enabling India’s participation in Argentina’s mining sector. This deal coincides with India’s larger initiatives to acquire vital minerals needed to meet its objectives for electric mobility and the clean energy revolution. In an effort to fortify its supply chains in the industry, the nation has been aggressively pursuing alliances with mineral-rich countries.

    India’s EV Sector

    The electric vehicle market in India is expanding quickly as local producers boost output. Businesses like Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Tata Motors are actively growing their EV product lines. The e-Vitara was introduced at an auto exhibition in February by Maruti Suzuki, which had been a latecomer to the EV industry. New models were also displayed by other players, including VinFast from Vietnam.

    Additionally, local manufacturers are solidifying their positions at the same time as Tesla’s recruiting announcement. A Tesla entry might cause market disruption and put pressure on domestic companies that have invested heavily in the industry. Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors have resisted any decrease in import taxes, claiming that doing so will hurt their ability to compete.

    Tesla Finalizes Showroom Locations in Mumbai and Delhi
    Tesla has chosen Mumbai and Delhi as locations for its first showrooms in India, marking a significant step in its market expansion.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • Bitcoin Scam: In a Money Laundering Investigation, the ED Seizes INR 10.63 Crore in Dubai Assets

    On February 17, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) temporarily seized INR 10.63 crore in real estate in accordance with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The late Amit Bhardwaj is the owner of these assets. According to the agency’s statement on 19 February, the attached properties include commercial buildings situated in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates’ premier business districts.

    Following several FIRs against M/s Variable Tech Pte Ltd and a number of people, including the late Amit Bhardwaj, his family members Ajay, Vivek, Simpy, and Mahender Bhardwaj, as well as several MLM agents, the ED launched its investigation. The defendants allegedly promised a 10% monthly return in Bitcoin to gullible members of the public in exchange for significant sums of money in the form of Bitcoins. Investors were promised enormous returns in cryptocurrency assets, and the gathered Bitcoins were allegedly to be used for Bitcoin mining. The promoters, however, defrauded the investors and hid the illicitly obtained Bitcoins in hidden web wallets.

    Multiple Search Operations by ED

    The ED already carried out several search operations in connection with this investigation. Three people have been taken into custody: Nikhil Mahajan (arrested on January 16, 2023), Nitin Gaur (arrested on December 29, 2023), and Simpy Bhardwaj (arrested on December 17, 2023). In the same case, businessman Raj Kundra and his wife, actress Shilpa Shetty, had immovable and moveable properties valued at INR 97.79 crore seized by the ED. A bungalow in Pune, equity shares owned by Raj Kundra, and a residential unit in Juhu, Mumbai, registered in Shilpa Shetty’s name are among the attached assets. The famous couple contested these notices in the Bombay High Court, claiming that the ED had overreached itself and infringed upon their legal rights. The ED was ordered by the court to wait to issue the eviction notices until the couple appealed to the appellate body.

    ED’s Claims

    According to the ED, investors were expected to receive substantial returns on their cryptocurrency investments, and the gathered cryptocurrency was to be used for Bitcoin mining.However, according to the agency, the promoters defrauded the investors and were hiding the illicitly obtained Bitcoins in “obscure” online wallets. The ED has already arrested Simpy Bhardwaj, Nitin Gaur, and Nikhil Mahajan. The primary suspects, Ajay and Mahendra Bhardwaj, are still evading capture, according to the federal investigation agency. Since money obtained from the proceeds of crime has travelled outside, the ED has looked to other nations for assistance.

    Amit and Vivek Bhardwaj founded Variable Tech in Singapore in 2014, launching BitEx, a cryptocurrency exchange that offers Bitcoin mining contracts, according to the chargesheet filed by the Pune Police. A 10% monthly return on each investment for 18 months was promised under these contracts, and Bitcoin would be used for payout. The company’s scam resulted in the loss of 8,000 investors’ funds. On January 15, 2022, Amit Bhardwaj passed away from cardiac arrest.

    ED Seizes ₹1,646 Cr in Assets Linked to Global Crypto Scam
    The ED has seized ₹1,646 crore in assets as part of a global crypto fraud investigation, targeting money laundering and illegal transactions.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • Telecom Departments in Andhra and Maharashtra Penalise Airtel for Violating Norms

    The telecom departments of Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra have fined telecom major Bharti Airtel around INR 8 lakh. Bharti Airtel stated in an exchange filing on February 20 that it has been fined INR 6.59 lakh by the Andhra Pradesh telecom department for allegedly violating subscriber verification standards. The business added that Maharashtra authorities had fined it INR 1.37 lakh for allegedly breaking the rules governing electromagnetic field (EMF) self-certification. The filing explained the cause for the Andhra Pradesh telecom department’s penalty and the alleged infringement of terms and conditions with regard to subscriber verification criteria under the License Agreement, as per the Sample CAF Audit carried out by DoT for December 2024. However, the business clarified that the “maximum financial impact” of the two fines is only as much as the penalty that was assessed. The penalty warnings were sent to Airtel on February 20.

    ICIL Selling its Stakes in Bharti Telecom

    The aforementioned development follows the company’s announcement that Indian Continent Investment Limited (ICIL), a promoter-group business, had sold 5.11 Cr shares, or 0.84% of Bharti Airtel, in a market transaction valued at INR 8,485.11 Cr. In a subsequent exchange statement, the business stated that this deal comes after Bharti Telecom recently purchased an extra ~1.2% (~7.31 Cr. shares) in Airtel from ICIL in November 2024. This strengthens Bharti Telecom’s previously declared intention to become the primary vehicle to hold a controlling stake in Airtel, as it now owns approximately 40.47% of the company. Notably, Airtel and Vodafone Idea agreed to buy out all of their shares in Firefly Networks, their joint venture, to iBus Network and Infrastructure last month.

    Financial Dynamics of Airtel

    In the meantime, Airtel declared a net profit of INR 14,781 Cr for the third quarter (Q3) of the fiscal year 2024–25 (FY25), which is 505% more than the INR 2,442 Cr it reported for the same period last year. Additionally, the company’s sales increased by 19% from INR 37,900 Cr in Q3 FY24 to INR 45,129 Cr in the fiscal year under review. During the quarter, the telco’s average revenue per user (ARPU) was INR 245, compared to INR 208 in the third quarter of FY24. Additionally, the business teamed up with Bajaj Finance last month to provide their clients with digital financial services.

    According to a media report, of the 37 analysts that follow the company, thirty have a “buy” rating on the stock, three recommend a “hold,” and two recommend a “sell.” An upside of 13.2% is shown by the average price estimate of analysts over the last 12 months.

    SEBI Plans to Boost Angel Fund Investor Participation
    SEBI aims to increase the number of angel fund investors in India, enhancing startup funding and boosting early-stage investment opportunities.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • GoodGlamm is in Negotiations to Sell WLDD ScoopWhoop

    According to reports, the financially troubled The Good Glamm Group (GGG) is in negotiations to sell digital media platform ScoopWhoop to marketing firm Wubba Lubba Dub Dub (WLDD). According to a media report, WLDD has provided a term sheet, and due diligence is presently being conducted. The report went on to say that although the content-to-commerce unicorn paid INR 100 Cr for the digital media platform in 2021, GGG is aiming to sell ScoopWhoop for INR 18 Cr to INR 20 Cr.

    According to the article, the business, which is run by Darpan Sanghvi, intends to utilise the money it makes from the sale of the digital media vertical to cover some of its debts, such as vendor payments and staff salaries. The original ScoopWhoop founders are allegedly suing GGG for failing to pay the promised rewards, which include a second tranche of monetary consideration and stock upside.

    GGG Selling Sirona Hygiene Back to Founders

    As the group attempts to manage its financial responsibilities, this comes days after the ailing content-to-commerce startup returned Sirona Hygiene back to its original owners. According to earlier reports, the buyback would be mostly funded by the personal assets of Sirona cofounders Deep and Mohit Bajaj. It would also cover the repayment of debts accrued while Sirona was a part of GGG.

    Despite claiming profitability, preparations for an initial public offering, and aspirations to expand globally, GGG has been putting out fires on several fronts in the last year. But the reality seems to be very different from its hopeful predictions. Sukhleen Aneja, the CEO of Good Brands Co., resigned from her position last year. In addition, GGG has conducted numerous rounds of layoffs and offered several of its brands for sale in an effort to stay alive.

    GGG’s Financial Woes Continue

    Good Glamm is going through a reorganisation process. It anticipates raising money, but at a very low valuation because current shareholders have decided not to participate. Deferred pay, layoffs, and the loss of three board members representing significant investors Accel, Bessemer Venture Partners, and Prosus Ventures have all occurred at Good Glamm in the past two months alone.

    The business has also looked into selling a variety of brands, including Organic Harvest and The Moms Co., as well as media websites like Miss Malini, Bulbul, and PopXO. It has even attempted to merge with a sizable Thrasio-style company in India. Good Glamm raised money from investors like Prosus and Warburg Pincus, which allowed them to join the unicorn club in 2021. It focuses on creating and marketing beauty and personal care goods, utilising an approach that blends e-commerce with content production to advertise its products.

    Delta to Invest $500M for Major Expansion in India
    Delta is investing $500 million to expand its operations in India, reinforcing its commitment to growth and strengthening its market presence in the region.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • With a Starting Price of INR 59,900, Apple Introduces the iPhone 16e in India

    The newest model in the iPhone 16 series, the iPhone 16e, has been released in India by iPhone manufacturer Apple. Pre-orders for the February 19-launched iPhone 16e will open in 59 countries, including India, on February 21. According to the business, the newest smartphones will go on sale on February 28. The 128GB base variant of the gadget would cost INR 59,900 in India. Additionally, there will be 256GB and 512GB models available, with prices of INR 69,900 and INR 89,900, respectively.

    The phone is available with black and white finishes and a range of colourful cases to go with it. For INR 3,900, the iPhone 16e Silicone Case will come in five different colours: lake green, black, white, fuchsia, and winter blue.

    The iPhone 16e has all of the features that customers adore about the iPhone 16 lineup, according to Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing. These features include an innovative 2-in-1 camera system, fast performance driven by the latest generation A18 chip, breakthrough battery life, and Apple Intelligence.

    Features of iPhone 16e

    The iPhone 16e features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, a durable rear glass, and a Ceramic Shield front cover. According to Apple, the Ceramic Shield front cover has the hardest rear glass in a smartphone and a proprietary composition that makes it more durable than any other smartphone glass. Apple’s most recent A18 chip powers the iPhone 16e. A 4-core GPU is included to manage graphics-intensive operations, while the 6-core CPU is said to be up to 80% faster than the A13 Bionic engine found in the iPhone 11. The C1 is the first modem created by Apple and the most power-efficient modem ever on an iPhone, extending the advantages of Apple silicon and providing dependable and quick 5G cellular communication. According to Apple, exceptional battery life is a result of the A18 silicon, which includes the C1 with a completely new internal design, and the sophisticated power management of iOS 18.

    The phone has a 48MP Fusion camera with optical zoom capabilities and a built-in 2x Telephoto lens. The iPhone 16e can record at 60 frames per second in 4K with Dolby Vision. Additionally, the iPhone 16e allows for additional video sound editing options with Audio Mix and records video in Spatial Audio for immersive listening through AirPods, Apple Vision Pro, or a surround sound system. Furthermore, the iPhone 16e has Apple’s satellite capabilities, which allow for the use of Find My, Messages, Roadside Assistance, and Emergency SOS even when cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity is unavailable.

    Collaborating AI with ML

    The iPhone 16e is designed for Apple Intelligence, the company’s user-friendly personal artificial intelligence system, just like its predecessors in the iPhone 16 series. The 16-core Neural Engine can process machine learning (ML) models up to 6 times quicker than the A13 Bionic and is optimised for big generative models. Among its features is Clean Up in Photos, which uses Apple Intelligence to help users eliminate distractions from photos. Additionally, users can use Image Playground to experiment with different visual expressions, Genmoj to develop emojis, and work tools to add even more vibrancy to their work.

    Siri is more conversational and can follow along if users fumble their speech, much like the iPhone 16 models. Users can opt to utilise ChatGPT’s knowledge without switching between apps thanks to its seamless integration with Writing Tools and Siri. In addition to IP68 water and dust protection, Apple Intelligence prioritises user privacy and offers individualised support. According to Apple, the iPhone 16e can outlast the iPhone 11 by up to six hours. iOS 18 operates on the iPhone 16e. Users will be able to switch their primary iPhone language to either Bangla, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, or Urdu in April, according to Apple. Face ID, an action button for instant access to frequently used features and visual intelligence tools, and USB-C wired and wireless charging choices are other highlights.

    Apple is Manufacturing the iPhone 16e in India

    The IT juggernaut Apple is exporting the recently released iPhone 16e to foreign nations while building it domestically for domestic consumers through its contract manufacturers in India. The entire iPhone 16 lineup, including the iPhone 16e, is being assembled in India for Indian consumers and for export to a few other countries, Apple told a media outlet. Notably, the Tim Cook-led company already assembles previous models of its flagship iPhones, including the iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and iPhone 15, in India.

    Kraken Plans Comeback in Indian Crypto Market
    Kraken, the global cryptocurrency platform, plans to re-enter the Indian market, signaling renewed interest in India’s evolving crypto landscape.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • Kerala’s Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, Wants 15,000 Startups by 2026

    According to a news agency, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has outlined a bold strategy for the state’s startup ecosystem, aiming to generate 1 lakh jobs through 15,000 new businesses by 2026. In his opening remarks at the Invest Kerala Global Summit (IKGS) in Kochi, he stated that the state wants to launch 15,000 new businesses and generate one lakh jobs by 2026.

    Kerala has shown tremendous progress, according to Vijayan, with 6,200 businesses established in the previous eight years, drawing INR 5,800 Cr in investments and generating 62,000 jobs. The plan expands upon Kerala’s burgeoning entrepreneurial scene. The government allotted INR 90.52 Cr for the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) in the February 2024 state budget, of which INR 20 Cr was set aside for a Technology Innovation Zone in Kochi and other funds for young entrepreneurship initiatives.

    State Showing Great interest in Startup Ecosystem

    The state has always demonstrated its dedication to the development of startups. In October 2024, KSUM, which was founded as the startup nodal agency, invested INR 15 Cr in Transition VC, which focuses on the energy transition. In order to help local retail enterprises compete with e-commerce platforms, it intends to increase their use of technology and current management strategies. KSUM will also establish work pods aimed at businesses from other states.

    Kerala is among the top performers, along with Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, in DPIIT’s States’ Startup Ranking 2022, demonstrating the national recognition of Kerala’s efforts. By recently putting up a comprehensive AVGC-XR program that seeks to generate 50,000 jobs by 2029, the state is also broadening its focus. Over 4,000 firms were launched in Kerala between 2016 and 2021, bringing in $551 million in venture capital investments through 110 funding transactions, according to media statistics.

    Financial Backing to Startups

    According to Vijayan, the government is adamant that a lack of funding shouldn’t prevent a creative and amazing idea from becoming a commercial success. Startups can get interest-free loans from KSUM. A corpus of INR 750 crore would be made available for venture finance. It is also expected that financial institutions like Kerala Bank, KSIDC, KFC, and KSFE will provide venture capital totalling INR 250 crore.

    The administration is committed to carrying out its plans to support the state’s young entrepreneurs, according to Industries Minister P. Rajeev. According to Rajeev, the Kerala government is concentrating on the semiconductor industry and is in discussions with Belgian businesses. The state’s nodal agency for entrepreneurship development and incubation operations was established in 2006 and is called KSUM.

    Samsung Seeks TN Govt Help as Striking Workers Disrupt Operations
    Samsung has sought assistance from the Tamil Nadu government as striking employees attempt to disrupt operations, raising concerns over production stability.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde