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  • Tesla Announces New Hiring Plans in India

    Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a pivotal figure in the Trump administration, met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi less than a week ago to discuss a bilateral roadmap for enhancing technology ties. However, 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.

    India’s Current 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.

    Zomato Launches Nugget, Its AI-Powered Customer Service Platform
    Zomato launches Nugget, an AI-powered customer service platform designed to enhance user experience with faster and smarter support.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • Following Rapido’s Lead, Uber Introduces Zero-Commission Model for Drivers

    More than a year after rival Rapido extended its subscription fee-based strategy to vehicles, ride-hailing service provider Uber has introduced a software-as-a-service (SaaS)-based zero commission model for drivers throughout India.

    According to a notice on the app, Uber will only serve as a technological platform that links passengers and independent driver partners as of February 18. It further stated that it will not offer any kind of transportation. An Uber representative informed a media outlet, “The company has decided to align its approach accordingly in order to avoid being at a competitive disadvantage, given the industry’s shift towards a subscription-based model for drivers.”

    New Business Strategy by Uber

    Only the fare for a journey will be suggested by the Uber app; the rider and driver will have to negotiate the final price. The corporation will no longer be in charge of the rides’ quality, execution, or completion. The rules also stated that the business would not be held responsible for any ride cancellations made by drivers or their refusal to offer transportation services at any time.

    Last April, the massive ride-hailing company tested a subscription-based scheme for drivers of autorickshaws on its network. Uber launched the service in six locations, starting with Visakhapatnam, Chennai, and Kochi. It is important to note that over the years, drivers have frequently gone on strike against ride-hailing services like Uber and Ola because of the commissions these companies charge. In the meantime, this has also led to a deluge of client complaints over service problems on social media.

    Nowadays, consumers have many options and are discriminating. The primary differentiation for standing out from the competition and optimising the customer experience will be customer centricity. Despite its ability to facilitate customer happiness, technology is merely a tool for improving the customer experience. Therefore, brands that give customers more control over the car, price, and driver instead of relying only on technology to decide these factors will have an advantage over their rivals.

    Ride-hailing has emerged as a popular freelance option as hybrid employment models and a desire for flexibility gain traction. In order to become a popular job marketplace, many ride-hailing businesses are now including health and leave benefits in their drivers’ contracts.

    A research study released by a well-known media company states that in 2025, businesses would place a greater emphasis on underdeveloped suburban markets and Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities by making partnerships and infrastructure investments in these areas. Rapid technical and infrastructure development, a large consumer base, and inadequate public transit infrastructures all point to the growth of ride-hailing companies in these locations.

    ‘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

  • India-Qatar Commerce Expanding Beyond Energy to Include AI and Semiconductors, According to Piyush Goyal

    On February 18, India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the country wants to expand its commerce with Qatar beyond energy supplies to include semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI). At the first meeting of the India-Qatar Business Forum on February 18, Goyal stated that while India welcomes energy products from Qatar, he believes that both countries are now looking to the future, with AI, the internet of things, semiconductors, and other technologies replacing energy as the mainstay of their trade.

    Piyush Goyal went on to say that sustainability, technology and entrepreneurship, and energy will be the cornerstones of the future India-Qatar collaboration. The State of Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, was also in attendance at the Forum in New Delhi.

    Signing of MoUs

    The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) have inked two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs); Invest India and Invest Qatar have also signed one. Additionally, Minister Goyal declared that the Joint Working Group on Trade and Commerce would henceforth be at the ministerial level.

    Petroleum goods, plastics, and aluminium products are among the main items that India imports from Qatar, while its exports to Doha include cereals, copper products, iron and steel items, fruits, and vegetables, among other things. As of April–November 2024, India has a $6.9 billion trade deficit with the other country.

    Encouraging Companies from Qatar to Invest in India

    Piyush Goyal also extended an invitation to Qatari businesses to participate in India’s expansion in smart city development, manufacturing, renewable energy, and infrastructure. Goyal went on to say that India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 and Qatar’s Vision 2030 will work together to create a far larger and more promising future for their respective populations. India offers an oasis of stability, predictability, and continuity, Goyal said, adding that the country’s industrial evolution is largely due to its dynamic economy, rich population, reforms, ease of doing business, and quality. Referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks, the minister said that confidence in India is more than ever in both major countries and worldwide forums. He also exhorted corporate executives to continue this collaborative and self-assured attitude. He continued by saying that India has a young population, a thriving economy, ongoing reforms, and a strong emphasis on industrial growth and ease of doing business.

    According to Dr. Ahmed Bin Mohammed Al Sayed, Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs, the country is eager to broaden its economic connections with India beyond the conventional oil and gas industry, concentrating on new ventures and investments. Dr. Al Sayed emphasised the significance of Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of Qatar, visiting India in an exclusive interview with an Indian media outlet. He underlined that the visit is a reflection of the two countries’ solid strategic collaboration in a number of areas.

    India and US to Deepen Ties in AI, Semiconductors, and Space
    India and the US are strengthening partnerships in AI, semiconductors, and space technology, fostering innovation and strategic collaboration.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • India and the US Aim to Strengthen Partnerships in AI, Semiconductors, and Space

    After Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump met at the White House, India and the US announced significant efforts aimed at promoting collaboration in emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, and civil space. The US-India TRUST program, an AI infrastructure roadmap, and the INDUS Innovation platform to promote collaborations in energy, space, and defence are among the major announcements. In the official statement, the leaders announced the launch of the U.S.-India TRUST (“Transforming the Relationship Utilising Strategic Technology”) initiative, which will encourage the use of verified technology vendors and ensure the protection of sensitive technologies while promoting government-to-government, academic, and private sector collaboration to promote the application of critical and emerging technologies in fields like defence, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, energy, and space. By the end of the year, the business sectors in both nations will present a US-India Roadmap on Accelerating AI Infrastructure as part of this endeavour. With milestones and next steps, this roadmap will outline the obstacles to funding, developing, supplying, and linking extensive AI infrastructure of American provenance in India.

    Along with addressing the safeguards and controls required to protect these technologies and lower regulatory barriers, the two nations will also facilitate industry partnerships and investments in next-generation data centres, collaboration on the development and access to computing and processors for AI, innovations in AI models, and the creation of AI applications to address societal challenges.

    Launching of LNDUS Innovation

    To maintain India and US leadership in innovation and to meet 21st-century demands, the two leaders also announced the launch of INDUS Innovation, a new innovation bridge modelled after the successful INDUS-X platform. This bridge will promote investments in space, energy, and other emerging technologies and advance industry and academic partnerships. The leaders also welcomed the next summit in 2025 and reaffirmed their commitment to the INDUS-X project, which facilitates collaborations between Indian and American defence businesses, investors, and academic institutions to generate vital capabilities for our forces. According to the release, the leaders also pledged to create reliable and robust supply chains for sophisticated materials, semiconductors, vital minerals, and pharmaceuticals as part of the TRUST project. The leaders want to promote public and private investments to increase Indian manufacturing capacity for active pharmaceutical ingredients for essential medications, especially in the US, as part of this endeavour. These investments will lower the risk of shortages of life-saving medications in both India and the US, diversify essential supply chains, and generate excellent jobs.

    Unearthing the Potentials of Minerals

    India and the US will increase research and development cooperation and encourage investment throughout the critical mineral value chain, as well as through the Mineral Security Partnership, of which both countries are members, in recognition of the significance of critical minerals for cutting-edge manufacturing and emerging technologies. In addition to announcing the launch of the Strategic Mineral Recovery initiative, a new US-India program to recover and process critical minerals (such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earths) from heavy industries like aluminium, coal mining, and oil and gas, the leaders of the two nations pledged to step up efforts to deepen their understanding of various critical mineral technologies.

    In order to ensure technology security, the leaders of both the nations have decided that their governments will step up efforts to improve high-tech trade, ease export regulations, and lower obstacles to technology transfer between the two nations. According to the statement, the leaders also decided to cooperate in order to combat the shared problem of unfair export control activities by third parties looking to take advantage of the overconcentration of vital supply chains.

    OpenAI in Talks to Set Up Data Centre in India
    OpenAI is in discussions to set up a data centre in India, signaling a major expansion move to enhance AI capabilities and local infrastructure.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • ‘Made-in-India’ Chip to be Introduced by Sep/Oct: Vaishnaw

    By September or October of this year, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the minister of information technology, anticipates that the first “made-in-India” chip will be released from a commercial factory. The minister made the remarks during a media appearance in Bengaluru on February 15, according to various media reports. Notably, Tata Electronics is constructing a semiconductor facility in Dholera, Gujarat, in partnership with Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC).

    Nearly 60% of the building has already been finished at Micron’s semiconductor assembly and testing facility in Sanand, the state. According to Vaishnaw, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, has received grants of INR 334 Cr from the Centre “for new research and development (R&D) in gallium nitride, a technology in semiconductors, which is used in telecom and power.” Students at 234 institutions are receiving the “latest” semiconductor design tools, he added. Without going into detail, the minister also stated that the union government intends to launch a production-linked incentive (PLI) program for “components” shortly.

    India’s Manufacturing Sector Attracting Investors

    The nation has seen investments in the electronics manufacturing sector totalling INR 13,162 Cr in the “recent past,” according to the IT minister, and many more are on the horizon. In response to a query from the media, Vaishnaw stated that the IT ministry is collaborating with industry participants to finish the initial version of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM 1.0). The Centre intends to finish modernising the semiconductor lab in Mohali under the first edition.

    Upon this, he stated that the ministry will start the process of sanctioning ISM 2.0 and that funding for the second iteration of the mission would be determined upon Cabinet approval. This occurs when the union government is making every effort to turn India into a semiconductor hub by providing incentives and sops to international companies looking to establish operations there.

    Semicom India Programme

    To encourage silicon semiconductor fabs, display fabs, compound semiconductors, and other industries, the Centre started the Semicon India program in 2021 with an investment of INR 76,000 Cr. Establishing greenfield semiconductor and display factories, enhancing R&D and design skills, and being able to compete with other Asian bases to lessen India’s reliance on imports are some of the program’s main goals. The objective of the program is to entice major international chip manufacturers to establish India as their production base.

    India aspires to become a technology leader in these strategically important fields, which are also essential for safeguarding the nation’s vital information infrastructure. The objectives also support the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. ISM was also launched in 2022 as part of the Semicon India program. Investors are also following suit; domestic semiconductor firms raised $28 million in 2024 from just $5 million in 2023. The domestic semiconductor market is at the centre of all of this, and according to various published reports, it is expected to expand into a $150 billion potential by 2030.

    India Must Be at the Forefront of AI Revolution: Sam Altman
    OpenAI CEO Sam Altman emphasizes India’s role in the AI revolution, urging the nation to take a leadership position in artificial intelligence development.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • Lenskart Intensifies its Focus on its $10 billion IPO valuation

    According to those briefed on the subject, Lenskart is contemplating a possible $10 billion valuation for its impending initial public offering (IPO), which is quadruple that of its most recent investment round. According to the omnichannel eyeglasses store, the brand is planning to file draft papers in May. In recent weeks, Peyush Bansal, the CEO, and important investors spoke with the bankers overseeing the $1 billion IPO about valuation. However, the plans depend on the state of the market as the IPO approaches.

    According to a media report, efforts are being made to submit the draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) by May in order for it to be listed this year. Internally, some people feel even more aggressive about the valuation, but one must leave money on the table for potential IPO investors, and that may not be in line with the state of the market. Over the past year, investors had been considering accessing the public markets due to Lenskart’s size and profitability, but Bansal had not finalised those plans. Rather, over the past two years, investors have been able to part-sell holdings for liquidity through high-profile secondary sales.

    In contrast to a previous round of primary capital infusion of $4.5 billion, Lenskart closed a $200 million secondary round in June of last year at a $5 billion valuation. Secondaries usually occur at a discount, but both new and existing investors have been clamouring for Lenskart shares.

    Recent Developments at Lenskart

    Prior to the IPO, Lenskart has been striving for complete profitability through a significant decrease in losses and consistent sales growth. Due to technology-driven operational savings, net loss decreased from INR 64 crore in FY23 to INR 10 crore in FY24. As per quoted by a media report, “They (Lenskart) rely and leverage a lot from technology, which leads to operational efficiency in an omnichannel model.”

    In FY24, operating revenue increased 43% year over year to INR 5,428 crore. From INR 403 crore in FY23 to INR 856 crore in FY24, EBITDA more than doubled. Bansal stated in an interview last year that the success of its activities was demonstrated by the net promoter score, a crucial measure of consumer happiness, which increased from 65 in previous years to over 80. “Whether it’s enhancing the customer experience, streamlining the supply chain, or cutting down on delivery times, technology is at the core of everything we do,” he had stated.

    Lenskart is increasing its retail network and concentrating more on domestic manufacture. Its factory in Rajasthan now handles the majority of the manufacturing. The business is investing $200 million in a new Telangana facility. This will lower expenses and boost its export operations to India. The company intends to add 400 stores to its 2,500-strong brick-and-mortar network, despite the fact that internet sales have surpassed offline growth in the last two years.

    Joining the IPO Race

    This year, a number of fintech, business-to-business (B2B), and e-commerce startups have planned filings. Ather Energy, Zetwerk, Groww, Bluestone, PharmEasy, Oyo, and Zepto are a few companies at varying phases of IPO preparation. Despite bankers’ optimism, companies will price their products according to the state of the market when they go public, especially if they haven’t turned a profit yet, as was the case last year.

    Shein Delays IPO to H2 After US ‘De Minimis’ Repeal
    Shein’s IPO is postponed to the second half of the year following the US ‘de minimis’ repeal, impacting its supply chain and business strategy.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • Aeon & Trisl Group Makes History, Secures No.1 Spot at Emaar Awards for Second Consecutive Year and Sixth Consecutive Quarter with Record-Breaking Sales Performance

    New Delhi [India], February 17: Aeon & Trisl Group has once again set a new standard in the UAE’s real estate market by being awarded the No.1 ranked agency at the Emaar Annual Broker Awards 2024. This marks their second consecutive year at the top and an unprecedented sixth consecutive quarterly victory, underscoring the firm’s unwavering dominance in the industry. With over AED 2 billion in sales exclusively through Emaar—an all-time record—the group has outpaced all expectations and raised the bar for its peers.

    “Winning the No.1 title from Emaar for the second consecutive year and the 6th consecutive time for a quarter is a historic achievement for us. This success reflects our strategic vision, the dedication of our global team, and our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional experiences to our clients ” said Mr. Saleem Karsaz, Founder & Group CEO of Aeon & Trisl.

    This remarkable success is not solely attributed to leadership but also the company’s seamless operational execution. Under the stewardship of Chief Operating Officer Mr. Baber Shah, the company has been able to implement its vision with flawless precision.

    “These accolades from industry leaders like Emaar and other major players are the result of long-term strategic planning combined with operational excellence,” Mr. Shah stated.

    The momentum driving Aeon & Trisl’s dominance in the market is also reflected in the words of Mr. Noor Mukaty, Cofounder & Partner at Aeon & Trisl, who said, “We are well-positioned to sustain our momentum, achieve even greater milestones, and further expand our global presence in real estate.”

    Aeon & Trisl’s continuous recognition across multiple developers reaffirms its position as an industry leader committed to providing top-tier real estate solutions. Mr. Ali Saleem Gilani, CEO Pakistan & UK, emphasized, “Our global approach and innovative strategies have allowed us to consistently outperform in competitive markets.”

    Further reinforcing Aeon & Trisl’s international expansion, Mr. Hasnain Bayar, Partner UK, stated, “With our growing presence across key global markets including London Mayfair, we continue to adapt and innovate, ensuring that our international offices uphold the same standard of excellence.”

    One of the key driving forces behind this achievement is the single highest contributor, Mr. Sikander Aziz, Associate Partner, whose client-focused approach and exceptional negotiation skills have consistently secured high-value deals. His efforts have been crucial in driving the company’s record-breaking sales performance time and again. “Achieving this milestone is not just about numbers; it’s about trust, perseverance, and delivering excellence at every step. This is a testament to all the hard work put in throughout this incredible journey, and I am proud to be a part of this historical moment,” Sikander Aziz added.

    The success is not merely an individual achievement; it is a collective triumph powered by the dedication and expertise of the entire Board Members & Sales team. Mr. Sharjeel, Associate Partner, emphasized, “Every deal closed is a step toward an even greater goal, and this award is proof that when a team shares a vision, the results speak for themselves.” 

    The pursuit of excellence was also echoed by Mr. Kashif Qureshi, Associate Partner, who asserted that “Success in real estate is never given; it is earned through determination and an unwavering pursuit of excellence—something that defines Aeon & Trisl.”

    Ms. Fatima Alkobaisi, Associate Director, expressed immense pride in the team’s resilience, highlighting that “The real value of their work is reflected in this achievement, emphasizing that it belongs to everyone at Aeon & Trisl, and it’s a reflection of our collective commitment to excellence.”

    Mr. Mateen Lakhiya, Associate Director, acknowledged that “This milestone is a direct result of the dedication and relentless effort of the entire Aeon & Trisl team, where it is a true reflection of the benchmark they’ve set in the industry.” 

    The company’s key figures have repeatedly emphasized the importance of hard work and persistence. Mr. Shakir Chohan & Mr. Vineet Varma both agreed that success is earned through a client-first mindset. As This award validates the passion the team brings to the industry every day.

    This achievement also highlights the crucial role of a team that consistently refuses to accept anything less than the best. Mr. Hafiz Waqas praised the team’s unyielding commitment to excellence, while Mr. Rayyan Maniya & Mr. M. El Zein reiterated that real estate is about relationships, not just transactions, reflecting that the trust they built with clients makes this success even more meaningful.

    Mr. Usman Azam, who specializes in working with local investors, emphasized that dedication, consistency, and passion are essential to breaking records, expressing his gratitude for being part of a team that continuously pushes the boundaries of success.

    Finally, Ms. Firuza Sidikova concluded with a strong statement about the company’s ongoing commitment to growth, and Aeon & Trisl’s ability to consistently break records is just the beginning of an even brighter journey ahead.

    This achievement is a powerful demonstration of the value of teamwork, strategic planning, and unwavering commitment to excellence. “Success in real estate is a team effort, and this award is proof of the passion, dedication, and hard work we bring to the table every day,” Mr. Saleem Karsaz added. With such a talented and committed team, Aeon & Trisl is poised to reach even greater heights, continuing its legacy of excellence and leadership in the real estate industry.

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    If you are planning to market your property business online, here are some best ideas that will surely attract customers to your real estate business.
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  • Zomato Launches ‘Nugget’, an AI-Powered No-Code Customer Support Platform

    Zomato, a leading food delivery company, has introduced ‘Nugget’, an AI-driven customer support platform designed to help businesses enhance their customer service operations. This announcement was made by Zomato’s CEO, Deepinder Goyal, on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

    Nugget is a no-code platform, meaning businesses can use it without any coding knowledge. It offers options for customisation and is very cost-effective. This eliminates the need for a dedicated development team. The platform automates customer support processes without relying on fixed workflows, allowing for smooth operations.

    One of Nugget’s standout features is its ability to autonomously resolve up to 80% of customer queries. It continuously learns and adapts in real time, improving its responses over time. This ensures that customers receive timely and accurate assistance, enhancing their overall experience.

    From In-House Tool to Global Solution

    Originally developed as an internal tool, Nugget has been in use for over three years within Zomato. It currently manages more than 15 million customer interactions each month across Zomato’s services, including Blinkit and Hyperpure. Given its success, Zomato is now offering Nugget to businesses worldwide. According to Goyal, 90% of companies that have experienced the Nugget platform have chosen to adopt it.

    Nugget is the inaugural product from Zomato Labs, the company’s innovation hub focused on developing in-house solutions. This move signifies Zomato’s commitment to utilising technology to improve business operations and customer satisfaction.

    Enhancing Customer Support for Businesses

    For businesses looking to enhance their customer support without any major investment in technology or personnel, Nugget presents a great solution. Its user-friendly interface, combined with powerful AI capabilities, allows companies to scale their support operations efficiently and effectively.

    In summary, Zomato’s launch of Nugget marks a significant advancement in AI-driven customer support solutions. By making this platform available globally, Zomato is enabling businesses of all sizes to improve their customer service operations. This will ultimately lead to better customer experiences and operational efficiency.

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    Zomato is a reputed Indian food-tech company led by Deepinder Goyal. Here’s the story of Zomato’s growth, which covers its startup story, history, founders, ESOPs, revenue, funding, investors, and more! Explore the growth of Zomato’s startup story here.
    StartupTalkyRishabh Rathi

  • In an Agreement Worth More than $1 Billion, Indian Electric Aircraft Company ePlane will Deliver Air Ambulances

    At a time when the nation is struggling with increasing traffic in major cities, the ePlane Company, an Indian electric aircraft company, announced on17 February that it has committed to deliver 788 air ambulances in a deal worth over $1 billion. It will provide the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to ICATT, an air ambulance service provider, under the terms of the non-binding agreement. ICATT intends to use the aircraft in every Indian district. By creating battery-powered aircraft that can take off and land vertically, EVTOLs are attempting to transform urban transport and provide commuters with an opportunity to avoid traffic jams. Businesses like Archer Aviation and Sarla Aviation are also part of India’s emerging eVTOL sector.

    How Company is Planning to Build its Business?

    According to Satya Chakravarthy, the company’s founder, ePlane plans to begin commercial operations by the second half of 2026, producing 100 units annually at first. According to Chakravarthy, the corporation can increase production and market items much more efficiently with an air ambulance than by going straight to an air taxi. The company has the potential to increase the number of air ambulances in a more organic manner, as opposed to in a hurry with an air transport. The aircraft can eventually reach a range of over 200 kilometres, with an initial range of roughly 110 kilometres (68.4 miles).

    ePlane, which has garnered $20 million from investors so far, plans to begin with three ambulance prototypes that can hold a patient, a paramedic, and a pilot in addition to a stretcher. A further $100 million would be needed to construct more prototypes in other shapes, obtain type certification, and start commercial production, according to Chakravarthy, a professor at the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras, where his firm is incubated.

    India’s eVTOL Sector

    The Indian government, through the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has taken the initiative to establish an atmosphere that is favourable to the expansion of the eVTOL sector. This includes creating rules and guidelines to make it easier for eVTOL aircraft to be tested, certified, and eventually used commercially. Setting operational and safety requirements in accordance with international standards is the responsibility of important regulatory organisations like the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

    A number of strategic alliances are being formed in India with the goal of quickening the advancement and application of eVTOL technologies. The partnership between Australian vertiport companies Skyport and Nalwa Aero is a noteworthy example. The goal of this collaboration is to improve Vertiports’ capabilities in India. This partnership demonstrates India’s dedication to incorporating state-of-the-art technology into its eVTOL ecosystem.

    There are numerous technological and financial advantages to India’s deployment of eVTOL technology. Compared to conventional helicopters and urban transport vehicles, electric-powered eVTOL aircraft are quieter, cleaner, and more environmentally friendly. They also offer chances to create jobs in operations, maintenance, and manufacturing, which boosts the economy.

    Notwithstanding its bright future, the Indian eVTOL sector confronts obstacles such as the requirement for large infrastructure investments, public acceptance, and integration with current transit networks. The government, business, and academic communities must work together to address these issues. With its robust technological foundation and forward-thinking regulatory environment, India is well-positioned to emerge as a major force in the global eVTOL market.

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    MeitY has extended the feedback period for the DPDPA draft until March 2, allowing more time for public and industry input on the data protection policy.
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  • Zomato Introduces Nugget, An AI-Powered Customer Service Platform

    On February 17, the foodtech juggernaut Zomato introduced Nugget, an AI-powered customer service tool. Deepinder Goyal, the founder, shared the news on the social media site X. “With its high degree of customisation, low cost, and lack of a development team, Nugget helps businesses scale support with ease.” “Smooth automation, no strict workflows,” the post stated.

    Developed as an internal tool more than three years ago, the AI-native no-code customer care platform presently facilitates over 15 million support interactions per month for Hyperpure, Blinkit, and Zomato, according to the business. According to Goyals, the tool exhibits a 20% increase in agent efficiency and can answer up to 80% of queries on its own. According to Goyal, 90% of corporations that have seen Nugget have signed up, and the startup is offering it out to enterprises globally.

    Eagerness of Goyal with AI

    Executives that see AI as an extension of their own brain are the ones that Zomato‘s Deepinder Goyal is targeting for collaboration. Zomato CEO and co-founder Deepinder Goyal stated in a post on X that he is interested in working with product and business leaders who have already begun utilising AI as their second brain. It’s not the first time Goyal has requested applications on X. He posted a vacancy for the position of chief of staff in November of last year, and more than 10,000 people applied. In addition to a provision (since removed) requiring a donation of INR 20 lakh to the company’s Feeding India effort, the position came with no compensation for the first year. Zomato’s AI policy is different from that of its counterpart Swiggy, which outlawed the use of AI-generated graphics in restaurant menus and promotional materials last year.

    What Swiggy is Offering?

    Neural search technology was introduced by Swiggy in November 2023, enabling customers to place orders using conversational searches. Accessibility for a wide range of Indian demographics is promised by this invention and promises for voice-based searches in regional languages. By examining traffic patterns and driver availability, AI also improves delivery logistics, cutting down on delivery times and expenses. Swiggy’s incorporation of chatbots driven by GPT-4 further optimises customer service and raises customer satisfaction levels.

    For India’s food business, artificial intelligence is no longer a sci-fi idea; rather, it is a revolutionary force that is boosting productivity, sustainability, and consumer happiness. India is on the verge of a food revolution that will shape the future of the sector both domestically and internationally as AI usage spreads throughout agriculture, production, retail, and delivery. India can tackle issues like food security, waste, and supply chain inefficiencies by adopting AI technologies. AI positions India as a global leader in AI-driven food innovation by improving operational efficiencies and promoting the sustainability and inclusivity of the food ecosystem.

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