StartupTalky

Tag: #news

  • Government to Cap Investment in Charging Networks Under New EV Policy

    According to reports, the Center’s soon-to-be-notified electric vehicle (EV) policy will require foreign automakers to allocate just 5% of their overall foreign investment in the nation to the development of charging infrastructure. The measure is intended to guarantee that EV manufacturers invest more in vehicle manufacturing rather than charging infrastructure, according to draft regulations obtained by Reuters.

    Therefore, the extra money spent by foreign automakers will not be considered an investment in the nation if they spend more than the 5% criterion. According to the 47-page draft paper dated January 2025, expenditures made on charging infrastructure will be taken into account up to (a) 5% of the promised investment. For those who are unaware, the government essentially gave international EV giants like Tesla a free pass when it introduced the EV policy last year. Under the new proposed regulations, global automakers who invest at least $500 million (INR 4,150 crore) in the construction of an Indian unit can import EVs with import charges of only 15% to 20%, as opposed to the existing 110%.

    What New Rules State?

    According to recent media reports, EV manufacturers cannot get around the anticipated EV regulations by only investing in charging infrastructure. In order to increase manufacturing in the nation, they will need to invest more money in manufacturing. The call is being taken because the government wants businesses to focus on production rather than just charging networks, according to a media report.

    However, the Centre is now discussing the draft guidelines with EV manufacturers and other interested parties. The guidelines should be finalised by the end of next month. In order to qualify for reduced import charges on up to 8,000 electric vehicles annually, the new regulations also require EV manufacturers to generate a minimum turnover of $577 million by the end of their fourth year of business, according to the report. Businesses must reach the $866 million minimum barrier by the fifth year of existence. A penalty of 1% to 3% of the income deficit would be imposed on original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that do not exceed the turnover requirement, according to the proposed regulations.

    Tesla is all Set to Explore Indian Market

    This coincides with preparations to re-enter India being initiated by Elon Musk’s Tesla. According to reports earlier this week, the US-based EV company has decided on two showroom locations in Mumbai and Delhi NCR. The EV manufacturer is also seeking to hire skilled workers to strengthen its attempt to re-enter India.

    In the upcoming months, the business is reportedly getting ready to sell a few thousand electric vehicles to India. According to rumours, the corporation is negotiating the establishment of a plant in states like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. To entice the corporation to the state, the Andhra Pradesh government has also provided incentives including “ready” land tracts. In addition to Tesla, other international automakers including Hyundai and Toyota Motor are considering plans to produce EVs in the nation at both their new and current factories.

    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

  • In the Largest Heist Ever, Hackers take $1.5 Billion from Cryptocurrency Exchange Bybit

    About $1.5 billion worth of cryptocurrency tokens were taken from Bybit by hackers in what the digital asset exchange called the worst crime in the history of the sector. The CEO of Bybit, Ben Zhou, said in a post on X that Ethereum tokens were being stolen from the company’s offline, or “cold,” wallet. Later, in a live-stream update, Zhou stated that, to the best of the company’s knowledge, this may be the biggest hack in the history of the cryptocurrency business.

    Zhou claimed that although there had been a rush to leave the market, things had cooled down. According to him, the website was receiving a bridging loan from its partners and would reimburse consumers for any coins that it was unable to retrieve. The attack is a setback for the cryptocurrency business, which has been booming in recent months due to hopes that the Trump administration will be more accepting of digital assets.

    Crypto Industry’s Security taken for Ride by Hackers

    Since the beginning of the crypto business, large-scale thefts have been a persistent problem that has brought attention to security issues. About 25,000 bitcoins, valued at about $470 million at the time, were lost by Mt. Gox in 2011, which was the preferred location for most bitcoin transactions at the time.

    In October 2022, a glitch in a smart contract—a computer software that takes action automatically when specific criteria are met—was found to be the cause of the $570 million that was lost from the Binance exchange. On Friday, Zhou acknowledged that approximately 400,000 coins, valued at approximately $1.5 billion, had been stolen. After Bitcoin and Tether—a so-called stablecoin whose value is based on the US dollar—Ethereum is the third most traded cryptocurrency.

    Donald Trump’s TRUMP

    Donald Trump claims he “doesn’t know much” about cryptocurrencies, which has led to criticism of his recent introduction of his own digital currency. After making an appearance on his social media channels, the digital currency known as TRUMP swiftly rose to prominence as one of the most valuable cryptocurrencies, but its value has subsequently dropped dramatically.

    It draws attention to security issues in the digital currency market, which was hoped for a boost in confidence following Mr. Trump’s coin debut. Elon Musk, his adviser and the multibillionaire owner of Tesla, has previously promoted Bitcoin. The cryptocurrency exchange Mt. Gox declared bankruptcy in 2014 after a security flaw allowed $350 million (£210 million) worth of digital currency to be stolen. Another significant cryptocurrency theft occurred in 2019 when hackers took $41 million worth of Bitcoin from the Binance exchange.

    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

  • Delta is Investing $500 Million to Expand its Operations in India

    According to reports, Delta Electronics, a Taiwanese power and energy management company, is spending $500 million to increase its footprint in India. According to a top official who spoke with a media agency, the investment, which was made public in 2015 as part of the “Make in India” campaign, intends to increase the company’s operations and manufacturing in the nation.

    Benjamin Lin, president of Delta Electronics India, stated at Elecrama 2025 that the company has made large investments through its local division since entering the Indian market in 2003. He went on to say that India is a significant market for Delta and that we are dedicated to using our cutting-edge solutions to propel its industrial and energy revolution. The company’s strategic investment in the Krishnagiri facility demonstrates its commitment to sustainability, superior production, and local innovation.

    Delta’s Expansion Plan

    Lin noted that Delta Electronics is now spending $500 million in India, which includes expanding its Krishnagiri facility. He emphasised that while upholding international industry norms, the investment seeks to increase India’s independence in smart manufacturing and energy infrastructure. Additionally, he stated that by the end of 2025, a portion of this expansion should be operational. It’s important to remember that the 125-acre Krishnagiri project, which included a special economic zone (SEZ), was supposed to be completed in five stages.

    At its Krishnagiri location, roughly 90 kilometres from Bengaluru, Delta Electronics produces solutions for telecom, data centre energy efficiency, and electric mobility. Since 2003, Delta Electronics India, a division of Delta Group, has been a prominent player in the power and energy management industry. It leads the market in telecom power, EV charging, and display solutions and specialises in power electronics, automation, and infrastructure. In addition, the company provides energy storage systems, rail transportation, UPS and data centre solutions, and industrial automation. With two R&D centres (Gurugram, Bengaluru), three manufacturing plants (Rudrapur, Gurugram, Krishnagiri), and sixteen regional offices, Delta has a significant national footprint.

    India’s EV Sector

    India has seen a tremendous increase in EV adoption due to government regulations and startups that prioritise sustainability. The market is expanding quickly despite its late start thanks to the creative solutions provided by companies like Ather Energy, Altigreen, BluSmart, and Exponent Energy. By 2029, the Indian EV market is expected to grow to a value of $110.74 billion. Indian EV entrepreneurs are lowering carbon emissions, providing affordable fossil fuel substitutes, and advancing sustainable mobility, energy infrastructure, and battery management solutions.

    The move coincides with the Indian government’s intention to restrict the amount of money that international manufacturers may spend on charging infrastructure to 5% of their overall investment. The purpose of this clause is to guarantee that EV producers concentrate more on making vehicles than on building charging stations. Their pledged commitment in the nation will not include any investments made above the 5% criterion. A few thousand electric vehicles will reportedly be shipped to a port close to Mumbai in the upcoming months by Elon Musk’s Tesla, which is getting ready to enter the Indian market. As part of its expansion strategy in India, the EV giant has also decided on two locations for its showrooms: Delhi and Mumbai.

    Meta Expands in India, Hiring AI and Engineering Talent
    Meta plans to expand in India, hiring engineers and AI talent to strengthen its presence and enhance technological innovation in the region.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • SEBI wants to Increase the Number of Angel Fund Investors

    By giving angel funds access to a larger pool of accredited investors, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the market watchdog, hopes to broaden the definition of qualified institutional buyers (QIB). The SEBI further suggested lifting the angel fund restriction of 200 investors in its February 21 consultation document. Up till now, private placements have restricted startup investment opportunities to no more than 200 investors under the Companies Act of 2013.

    Institutional investors that invest in securities that might not be accessible to ordinary investors include mutual funds, banks, insurance companies, financial institutions, and foreign institutional investors (FIIs). These investors are known as QIBs. The proposal also intends to require angel funds to onboard and only give investment options to accredited investors with a high risk appetite, out of concern for the investors’ financial well-being and investments.

    Attracting More Investors

    According to SEBI, angel funds can grow by drawing in additional investors who meet regulatory requirements and are independently confirmed to have the requisite risk appetite and understanding. According to SEBI, the deadline for submitting feedback and recommendations on the plan is March 14. The markets watchdog loosened its requirements for alternative investment funds (AIFs) to retain their investments in dematerialised form just days prior to this development.

    Additionally, SEBI stated that, with few exceptions, investments made prior to July 1 will not be subject to this rule. However, in order to stop illegal transactions in investors’ demat accounts, SEBI has also been striving to take the initiative to introduce new technological measures. A few days ago, the markets regulator proposed an authentication system that calls for stock broking or trading apps to detect a user’s unique client code (UCC), in addition to SIM cards and mobile devices.

    Suggested Modifications

    SEBI suggests adding Alternative Investment Funds (AIs) to the ICDR Regulations’ definition of a Qualified Institutional Buyer (QIB), particularly for angel funds. Like QIBs, this inclusion recognises AIs’ financial capability and risk assessment abilities.

    It may be possible to lift the current cap of 200 investors per Angel Fund investment. By drawing in more investors and boosting cash flow to start-ups, this modification aims to support the expansion of angel funds.

    After being evaluated by outside organisations, AIs are thought to possess the financial stability and risk awareness required to make investments in illiquid, high-risk assets like start-ups.

    The regulatory objective of enabling efficient capital raising while protecting investor interests is supported by the inclusion of AIs as QIBs. Angel Funds can invest more in start-ups and promote innovation and economic growth by broadening the pool of qualified investors.

    Comments from stakeholders can be posted on the SEBI website. The goal is to maintain strong investor protection measures while ensuring that the regulatory structure efficiently supports the expansion of angel funds.

    Plum to Invest $6M in Personal Insurance Expansion
    Plum will invest $6 million over the next two years to break into the personal insurance market, expanding its offerings beyond corporate health plans.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • Meta Plans to Expand in India and Hire Engineers and Artificial Intelligence Talent

    In an attempt to increase its footprint in India, Meta is establishing a new office in Bengaluru and is currently searching for artificial intelligence product and engineering positions in the city. Major tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have already begun establishing engineering and product teams in Bengaluru and throughout the nation, which comes following Meta’s statement. According to the company’s website, there are 41 job vacancies in Bengaluru, mostly for positions like hardware, software, and machine learning engineers.

    15 Years of Meta in India

    Meta has been a part of the Indian market for around 15 years. As of right now, it maintains offices in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi, and Gurugram. According to estimates, it currently employs between 300 and 400 people in India. Sales, marketing, business development, operations, policy, legal, and finance, however, make up the majority of this workforce. This action appears to be consistent with the tech giant’s overarching plan to improve its engineering prowess, especially in the area of artificial intelligence.

    A representative for Meta commented on the development, saying that in order to support its long-term investments, the company frequently updates its location strategies. The company is hiring for a few engineering jobs in Bengaluru as part of this. Last month, Mark Zuckerberg, the company’s CEO, declared that it would increase its spending on AI by double, potentially reaching “hundreds of billions of dollars” in the long run. Number-wise, Meta anticipates spending between $60 and $65 billion this year, primarily on AI data centres, as opposed to $39.23 billion in 2024. In order to put 1 GW of capacity online this year and finish 2025 with 1.3 million GPUs, the corporation is also constructing a 2 GW AI data centre.

    CM Fadnavis Says Maharashtra is on Track to Become India’s AI capital

    As part of a national initiative to boost the uptake of the rapidly evolving technology, Maharashtra hopes to become the artificial intelligence (AI) capital of India within the next four to five years, according to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Fadnavis stated at the Nascomm Technology and Leadership Forum on February 24 that the Maharashtra government is developing a new AI strategy in an effort to take the lead in the nation’s current AI revolution. According to CM, the committee, which is made up of business leaders, is working on creating a new AI strategy since the state government wants to spearhead this revolution.

    In fact, India’s prime minister outlined the nation’s AI roadmap at the AI conference in France. Additionally, he believes that India aspires to be a leader in AI. This comes after Ashish Shelar, the IT minister for Maharashtra, stated that the state was preparing to draft an autonomous AI policy shortly. Fadnavis added that the Maharashtra government has partnered with Microsoft, a supporter of OpenAI, to train and upskill 10,000 women in artificial intelligence. He declared, “We want everyone in Maharashtra to benefit from the AI revolution.”

    Microsoft Achieves Quantum Computing Breakthrough with Majorana 1
    Microsoft makes a quantum computing breakthrough with the Majorana 1 processor, marking a significant step toward more stable and scalable quantum systems.
    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

  • Shraddha Kapoor-Backed PALMONAS Secures ₹1.26 Cr on Shark Tank India Season 4

    PALMONAS, India’s leading demi-fine jewellery brand, has secured ₹1.26 crore in funding from Namita Thapar, Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, and Ritesh Agarwal, Founder of OYO, on Shark Tank India Season 4. The investment, made in exchange for a 1% equity stake, marks a significant achievement for the brand, which has been redefining the affordable luxury jewellery market in India.

    PALMONAS’ Pitch Wins Over the Sharks

    The pitch by PALMONAS’ founders, Amol Patwari and Pallavi Mohadikar, captured the attention of the investors, who recognised the brand’s potential in the fast-growing demi-fine jewellery segment. With the backing of two seasoned entrepreneurs, PALMONAS aims to expand its retail footprint, enhance technological capabilities, and scale its international presence in markets such as the USA, Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

    The brand has already gained great popularity with consumers who seek high-quality yet affordable jewellery. Shraddha Kapoor, who joined as a Co-founder in 2024, has played a key role in promoting the brand’s visibility and appeal.

    List of Ritesh Agarwal Investments | Companies Funded by Shark Tank India’s Youngest Shark
    Ritesh Agarwal, Founder and CEO of OYO is a keen Indian entrepreneur and angel investor. Explore the list of investments made by Ritesh Agarwal in and outside Shark Tank India. Check out Ritesh Agarwal’s investment portfolio.
    StartupTalkyMuskaan Kapoor

    Shraddha Kapoor’s Vision for PALMONAS

    Expressing her excitement about the brand’s journey, Shraddha Kapoor said, “Jewellery should be like your second skin—easy to wear and effortless. PALMONAS is bringing luxury jewellery to everyone at an accessible price, and I am thrilled to be part of this transformation. With the support of Shark Tank India, we are set to redefine how India wears jewellery.”

    Strategic Growth Plans

    The funds secured will be channelled towards:

    • Retail Expansion: Establishing exclusive experience stores in major metropolitan cities to strengthen offline presence.
    • Global Market Penetration: Entering high-potential markets like the USA and the Middle East.
    • Technology Advancements: Enhancing AI-driven personalisation to offer tailored jewellery recommendations for customers.

    Co-founder Amol Patwari highlighted the impact of the funding, stating, “Securing this investment from Namita Thapar and Ritesh Agarwal is a testament to PALMONAS’ vision and the demand for demi-fine jewellery. With Shraddha Kapoor as a Co-founder, we are confident about accelerating our growth and making premium jewellery accessible to a wider audience.”

    Founders’ Journey and Market Potential

    PALMONAS was founded with the idea of creating stylish, durable, and affordable demi-fine jewellery using surgical-grade stainless steel plated with 18k gold. This innovative approach has allowed the brand to carve a niche in the jewellery market.

    The global demi-fine jewellery market was valued at $3.33 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to $3.59 billion in 2025. PALMONAS aims to capitalise on this trend by expanding its product range and leveraging Shraddha Kapoor’s influence to reach a broader audience.

    A New Chapter for PALMONAS

    Pallavi Mohadikar, Co-founder of PALMONAS, summed up the brand’s aspirations: “Shark Tank India was more than just funding; it was about showcasing the potential of demi-fine jewellery in India. With this investment and mentorship from Namita and Ritesh, we are prepared to take PALMONAS to the next level.”

    With five retail stores launched in just three months and a fresh infusion of funds, PALMONAS is poised for exponential growth. As it continues to bridge the gap between fine and fashion jewellery, the brand remains committed to making luxury accessible to all.

    List of Namita Thapar Investments | Startups Funded by Namita Thapar of Emcure Pharmaceuticals
    Namita Thapar is Emcure Pharmaceuticals’ Executive Director and Shark Tank India judge. Check out the entire list of Namita Thapar’s investments in startups here.
    StartupTalkyBharath

  • Tesla Decides on Showroom Sites in Mumbai and Delhi

    Elon Musk-led electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla is allegedly finalising two locations for its showrooms in Delhi and Mumbai, marking another milestone in the company’s efforts to establish a foothold in India. According to sources cited by an international news agency, the company has decided on locations for its showrooms, which will span 5,000 square feet and be located in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex and Delhi’s Aerocity. According to the report, these showrooms would only be used to sell the company’s imported EVs; they would not be used as service centres. This comes after it was revealed in December of last year that Tesla was in negotiations with prominent real estate company DLF to look at potential locations for its showroom in India, including the Cyber Hub complex in Gurugram and DLF’s Avenue Mall in Delhi.

    Additionally, the development coincides with the company’s eagerly awaited debut in the Indian market. Musk, the richest man in the world and the CEO of Tesla, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week while he was in the United States. During their conversation, Musk talked about topics that Modi is “passionate about, such as space, mobility, technology, and innovation,” according to a post on X.

    Tesla Announces New Hiring Plans in India

    Tesla has taken a big step by starting its employment process in India in this short time frame and after Modi’s visit to the US, where India and US President Donald Trump agreed on a trade deal roadmap. It would appear that Tesla is reaffirming its plan to enter India.

    Tesla, which has long had a small presence in India, is currently hiring for 13 positions, both back-end and customer-facing ones. Following years of negotiations that experienced numerous setbacks due to tax exemptions and local manufacturing regulations, the news has rekindled rumours regarding Tesla’s long-awaited debut into India. Musk has long criticised India’s high import taxes, claiming that they are a significant obstacle to Tesla’s growth there. At the moment of Tesla’s action, US President Donald Trump is advocating for strict tariffs.

    Picture Still Not Clear

    Tesla’s abrupt decision to begin hiring in India has raised the prospect of large investments coming to the nation, but is there more to this than what first appears? Whether Tesla will get the tax breaks it has long desired is still up in the air. Additionally, we are currently unaware of Tesla’s plans to manufacture or assemble in India. However, the timing of Tesla’s ambitions to hire people in India has sparked a lot of debate due to growing tariff concerns and Musk’s tight relationship with Trump.

    Now a significant Trump buddy, Elon Musk has a lot of influence within the government. Trump’s election to a second term in office means that US trade policy will probably become more assertive. Although Tesla had previously backed out of its intentions for India, the country may now feel pressured to provide more favourable terms due to the shifting political climate. Tesla has been pursuing reduced import taxes for years prior to making significant investments in India. In the past, New Delhi has lowered electric vehicle import duties for businesses that made at least 41.5 billion rupees ($500 million) and set up local manufacturing within three years. However, Tesla faces growing competition in India’s quickly changing EV industry.

    Tesla Unveils Hiring Plans for India Expansion
    Tesla announces new hiring plans in India, signaling its commitment to expanding operations and entering the Indian market.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • RBI Releases App to Offer Financial and Economic Data Access

    A mobile application developed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will provide users with access to over 11,000 distinct sets of economic data about the Indian economy. The RBIDATA app allows users to download statistics for analysis and includes information on data source, unit of measurement, frequency, and recent developments for better comprehension. The software is designed to help researchers, students, and the general public, the central bank said in a statement. It also provides fast access to the database on the Indian economy webpage.

    This comes at a time when, in addition to launching programs for better data access throughout the nation, the RBI is also implementing a number of measures to fight financial crime and enhance transaction security. In order to combat cybersecurity threats and illicit actions like phishing, the central bank, for example, launched a special domain, “bank.in,” for Indian banks earlier this month.

    Commenting on this development Rajjat Gulati, Co-Founder, plutosONE stated, “The Reserve Bank of India is a treasure trove of information about the Indian Economy. From data about Payment Systems, to Macroeconomic Indicators, to the opinions of Policy-makers, Business Leaders depend on this information for knowledge and decision-making. By releasing the RBIDATA App, the RBI has taken a large step towards making this information much more accessible. Anyone looking to understand the Indian Economy or take Business Decisions will now have access in the palm of their hands. We know this will greatly benefit our workflows.”

    Echoing similar thoughts, Rajesh Katoch, CEO, EZ Capital said, “The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has made an important move in the direction of greater transparency and access to financial data with its new mobile application, RBI Data. This revolutionary platform empowers the user through instant access to a treasure of economic and financial data, comprising major indicators, reports, and statistics that form the basis for sound decision-making. In the age of data-driven insights, the RBI Data app is an invaluable resource for researchers, policymakers, and the public at large. By providing access to this information at their fingertips, the RBI is not only encouraging a culture of engaged financial literacy but also active participation in the economic landscape of India.”

    Further applauding the development, Sahil Lakshmanan, Chief Business Officer, CarePal Money stated,”The launch of the RBIDATA app is a significant step toward democratizing access to economic and financial data in India. For the lending industry, access to comprehensive macroeconomic and financial data is crucial for assessing market trends, credit risk, and economic stability. With features enabling real-time data analysis, the RBIDATA app can help lenders make more informed decisions, improve risk assessment models, and ultimately drive financial inclusion by enabling better access to credit.”

    ‘bank.in’ to Combat Financial Fraud

    Recently, the Reserve Bank of India has launched an exclusive domain name for Indian banks, “bank.in.”. This was announced at the Monetary Policy Committee meeting by Sanjay Malhotra, the recently appointed governor of the RBI. Later on, the central bank would also launch “fin.in” for the financial industry. “The Reserve Bank shall implement the ‘bank.in’ exclusive Internet domain for Indian banks,” the central bank stated in its most recent notification. This domain name registration will start in April of this year. This will lessen the likelihood of banking fraud. The finance industry’s “fin.in” domain will come after this. All Indian banks will be required to use the “bank.in” domain starting in April 2025.

    This would lessen digital fraud by assisting consumers in distinguishing authentic banking websites from counterfeit and similar ones. Stricter regulations for online banking have been strengthened by the RBI’s introduction of Additional Factor of Authentication (AFA) for domestic digital payments. The Reserve Bank has been taking a number of steps to improve digital security in the banking and payments system, according to the central bank’s official statement. One such approach is the implementation of Additional Factor of Authentication (AFA) for domestic digital payments. It is suggested that AFA be expanded to include digital payments made to offshore merchants who have been granted access to such authentication.

    Ongoing Scenario of Cybercrime in India

    A report by the Data Security Council of India claims that the country’s cyber threat landscape has reached a turning point, characterised by an unparalleled level of sophistication and number of threats aimed at both individuals and organisations. This research identifies 369.01 million unique malware detections using telemetry data from Seqrite’s installation base, which includes 8.44 million endpoints across the country. Rapid digitalisation in India has greatly improved connectivity and technological adoption in a number of industries, but it has also increased the attack surface and made the country more vulnerable to cyberattacks. These findings, which highlight important trends, threat vectors, and strategic implications for organisations, show the growing problems posed by cyber threats amid India’s rapid digital transformation.

    ‘Made-in-India’ Chip Set for Launch by Sep/Oct: Vaishnaw
    Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announces that India’s first indigenous semiconductor chip will be introduced by September-October, marking a major tech milestone.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • Transforming Healthcare HR Technology: Manoj Varma Lakhamraju’s Impact on ERP Solutions

    New Delhi [India], February 19: In an era where digital transformation is redefining industries, the role of advanced HR technology in healthcare has never been more critical. At the forefront of this evolution is Manoj Varma Lakhamraju, a seasoned expert in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) with over eight years of experience in optimizing HR and payroll operations for leading enterprises. Through his expertise in Workday ERP solutions, Manoj has played a pivotal role in enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring compliance, and streamlining workforce management across global organizations.

    As a Manager of Digital Products at CVS Health, Manoj has spearheaded key initiatives in Workday Payroll, Benefits Administration, and related downstream systems. His work has been instrumental in ensuring seamless operations, efficient data flow, and adherence to regulatory frameworks. Prior to this, his tenure at Teckpros LLC and Chags Health Information Technology saw him managing and designing large-scale ERP implementations for Fortune 500 companies. His contributions have minimized manual processes, automated complex HR workflows, and integrated advanced analytics for data-driven decision-making.

    Driving Innovation in HR & Payroll Technology

    The complexity of HR systems often leads to inefficiencies that hinder data accuracy and operational effectiveness. Recognizing these challenges, Manoj has been at the forefront of transitioning enterprises to integrated, cloud-based ERP solutions. His initiatives have enabled real-time payroll processing, automated benefits and absence management, enhanced HR operations, and reinforced security protocols for employee data protection.

    With the stringent regulatory landscape in the United States, Manoj’s expertise in Workday security, encryption, and compliance frameworks has been invaluable in mitigating risks and ensuring seamless business continuity. His ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams has resulted in customized HR solutions that align corporate goals with workforce needs, setting new standards for automation and efficiency.

    Blueprint for Scalable HR Optimization

    Manoj’s approach to HR digital transformation is built on five key pillars:

    • Strategic System Design: Leveraging predictive analytics to create adaptable HR, Payroll, and Compliance Systems that align with evolving business needs and regulatory landscapes.
    • End-to-End Automation: Reducing manual intervention in payroll, compensation, and benefits administration to enhance efficiency.
    • Data-Driven Insights: Implementing advanced reporting and analytics for real-time workforce decision-making.
    • Robust Security & Compliance: Deploying industry-leading security measures to safeguard sensitive employee data and ensure regulatory adherence.
    • Maximizing ERP Potential: Helping organizations optimize their ERP systems for enhanced workforce productivity and compliance assurance.

    Shaping the Future of HR Technology

    As organizations increasingly shift towards AI-driven automation and cloud-based HR systems, the need for structured workforce planning, Human Capital Management, and payroll optimization is more pressing than ever. Manoj’s expertise in developing custom integrations, AI-powered analytics dashboards, and payroll optimization tools has empowered businesses to scale efficiently while maintaining regulatory compliance.

    Committed to advancing digital transformation in HR technology, Manoj continues to drive innovation, ensuring that enterprises stay ahead of the curve. With intelligent automation, real-time analytics, and fortified security at the core of HR evolution, his vision is shaping the next generation of workforce management solutions.

    Professionals and industry leaders interested in discussing ERP innovations, HR technology trends, and digital transformation strategies are encouraged to connect with Manoj Varma Lakhamraju on LinkedIn.

    How AI Is Transforming HR Department?
    In 2022, 2.3 million jobs will be created, while 1.8 million jobs will be eliminated by AI worldwide. Here is how AI is transforming HR.
    StartupTalkyDevashish Shrivastava