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  • BlackSoil Capital (NBFC) Raises Over ₹200 Cr Debt in H1CY25; Boosts its SME Credit Play

    BlackSoil Capital, the Non-Banking Financial Company of BlackSoil Group, has raised ₹210 crore in debt in the first half of 2025 (Jan to Jun). The fundraise highlights BlackSoil’s expanding role as a trusted alternative credit partner for India’s SMEs and high-growth businesses. 

    Despite the ongoing NBFC crisis and softening sentiment in credit markets, BlackSoil’s ability to mobilise fresh capital demonstrates strong investor confidence in its robust risk management, diversified granular portfolio, and proven track record in SME-focused alternative credit lending. 

    The majority of the latest capital raise came through Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) and co-investments from marquee family offices and HNIs. New lenders include global impact investor GrayMatters Capital and a public sector financial institution, alongside repeat participation from three existing lenders. This growing base of banks, NBFCs, and institutional partners reinforces BlackSoil’s resilience, borrowing capacity and expanding market presence. 

    The fresh capital will fuel BlackSoil’s SME-focused sector-agnostic lending strategy, with SMEs forming 80% of its portfolio across AgriTech, ClimateTech, EVs, SaaS, Healthcare, FinTech, and B2B platforms. A key driver is supply chain finance, where its arm SaralSCF provides tailored working capital solutions to ease liquidity and cash flow gaps for SMEs.

    BlackSoil Capital’s SME lending capabilities are set to further expand through its strategic merger with Caspian Debt, a pioneering impact investor with a deep SME lending franchise. Once approved by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), the combined entity will create a comprehensive alternative credit platform for SME lending, enhancing BlackSoil’s reach across sectors and geographies.

    Chirag Shah, President – Fundraising & Strategy, BlackSoil, said, “This fundraise reinforces BlackSoil’s differentiated position in India’s alternative credit landscape. The demand for non-dilutive, flexible capital is accelerating, particularly from SMEs that form the backbone of India’s economy. With the upcoming merger with Caspian Debt and the growing scale of SaralSCF, we are doubling down on enabling SMEs to scale sustainably while retaining ownership.”

    The Company’s portfolio spans ten unicorns and eight publicly listed entities. In the enterprise segment, it includes leading names such as Yatra.com, ideaForge, BlueStone, MobiKwik, Curefoods, Battery Smart, Jumbotail, and Moneyview. In the SME segment, the portfolio features Cellecor Gadgets, Manba Finance, Dar Capital, Parag Milk, among others. This diversified exposure reflects BlackSoil’s ability to back both emerging SMEs and category leaders, while effectively mitigating risk.

    With India witnessing rapid digital adoption, SME-driven economic growth, and structural shifts in the financing landscape, BlackSoil is well-positioned to continue unlocking innovative credit solutions and accelerate the next phase of SME empowerment.

    About BlackSoil

    Established in 2016, BlackSoil is an alternative credit platform comprising an RBI-registered systemically important NBFC and a SEBI-registered AIF. It provides alternative credit debt to Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), emerging corporates, financial institutions, and supply chain finance solutions for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) channel partners. The credit solutions, offered by BlackSoil, are designed to help fast-growing, scalable and underserved new economy businesses with their short-term financing needs.

  • MIRA Money’s AUM Hits ₹300 Crore in Record Time

    MIRA Money, the cutting-edge Technology-First Investment Management platform, has reached another important goal: it now has more than ₹300 crore in Assets Under Management (AUM), just five months after achieving the ₹250 crore mark in March 2025. The company’s amazing 20% growth rate puts it well ahead of its goal of ₹600 crore by the end of the year.

    The quick rise from ₹250 crore to ₹300 crore in just five months shows that MIRA Money is dedicated to being consistent and putting the needs of its clients first. This milestone was reached without spending any money on marketing, which shows how important it is to have real relationships with customers and make great products.

    Important Performance Highlights

    In this life-changing five-month period, MIRA Money has done very well on all of its major metrics:

    SIP Growth: The number of Systematic Investment Plans grew by 63%.

    Client Expansion: The number of clients grew by 34%.

    Zero Marketing Spend: All growth came from happy clients who referred others.

    Anand K Rathi, Co-founder of MIRA Money, noted, “This milestone taught us an important lesson about being consistent. Doing the right thing over and over will pay off, but sometimes it will happen right away, and other times it will take a while. We asked ourselves every day, “What can we do today that will help our customers in the long run?”

    The “Client First” Way of Thinking

    MIRA Money’s “Client First” policy has been the key to its success. This way of thinking goes beyond just helping customers; it means putting the needs of investors ahead of short-term profits. Serious investors who want to have trustworthy digital investing experiences still really like the company’s focus on openness, making decisions based on facts, and investing based on goals.

    The platform’s own RAPID™ architecture keeps giving better results by combining disciplined active investing with powerful analytics and decades of experience managing funds. This data-based approach to choosing and managing funds has continued to do better than traditional investment funds over the long run.

    Faster Growth Path

    With this recent achievement, MIRA Money is now in a good position to reach its original goal of ₹600 crore AUM by the end of 2025. The company’s steady growth, especially among young, serious investors, shows that there is a huge market need for clear, technology-based investing solutions.

    MIRA Money was started in 2022 by Anand K. Rathi (Co-Founder & Chief Business Officer), Naveen Shetty (Co-Founder & Chief Investment Officer), and Girish Ippadi (Co-Founder & CEO). The company is still using over 70 years of combined investment management experience to change the way India invests.

    “We want to thank all of our clients and supporters who helped us reach this milestone,” the founders said. “For a bootstrapped company like ours, getting this big without spending any money on marketing is a dream come true. We ask for your continuous support as we progress toward the next steps.”

    What’s Next

    MIRA Money is happy about this success, but the company is still focused on its main goal: providing ready-made portfolios that assist customers reach their financial goals over different time frames. The platform keeps adding new services, such as PMS, AIFs, and international funds, all of which are underpinned by clear, data-driven asset allocation techniques.

    MIRA Money is set to keep growing at an exceptional rate while keeping the faith and confidence of its growing base of investors. This is because it has a history of consistently delivering results and putting clients first.

    About MIRA Money

    MIRA Money (Money Invested in Right Assets) is a Technology-First Investment Management platform that offers tailored investment solutions based on your goals. The platform was started in 2022 and uses its own technology and decades of experience in fund management to offer clear, data-driven investing recommendations. The RAPID™ framework from the corporation focuses on investing that is fair and low-cost, which has traditionally done better than other ways of investing.

  • Talk to Your TV? Gemini Brings AI to the Big Screens

    AI is everywhere, on mobiles, laptops, tablets, and now TVs too. Google’s Gemini is now coming to your TVs. The announcement came out on September 22, 2025. This means more features, like you can talk to your TV more naturally and handle it without buttons. Help you find shows that you like, so don’t need to go back and forth from your remote to your phone. Well, does that mean that traditional TV is gone? What more can you do with the Gemini on your big screens? Learn more details.

    Google’s official annoucement of Gemini on Tvs

    Gemini Is Making Your Tvs Smarter

    • Google Powered Gemini will now roll out on (started on September 22, 205) TCL QM9K TVs.
    • The update will soon be live on Google TV Streamer, Walmart onn 4K Pro, Hisense 2025 U7/U8/UX models, and TCL 2025 QM7K/QM8K/X11K TVs.
    • The announcement also affirmed that it will bring more features to these devices in the days to come. 

    What It Does on TV:

    Human-like interaction – You interact (like naturally talking to the TV like a person) in a natural tone with the Gemini on TV.

    Shows and movie suggestions:

    • The AI will suggest shows and movies you’ll like.
    • Talk a little about what happened in the previous seasons.
    • Check the reviews directly on TV to see if the show is what you’ll like watching.
    • No more forgetting the names of the shows, the AI will help you find them with ease.

    What More Can Gemini Do on Tvs

    • The AI will respond to you like it normally does on your phone or laptop.
    • You can plan a family trip or even ask the Gemini to answer your homework questions.
    • All you have to do is say “Hey Google” or press the audio button on the remote. 

    Important Note:

    • No, this Gemini feature will not replace the old Google Assistant on your TV. Or make the TV any different from what it traditionally does. Commands like “turn on the TV” or “play music” will still work as it is.
    • The feature is still new, and once rolled out fully, it will be available on 300 million+ devices that use Google TV or Android TV OS.

    It’s a TV plus:

    • Watch shows.
    • Learn.
    • Plan.
    • And interact, all with your voice. 

    New Gemini Version vs Google Assistant on Tvs

    Feature

    Old Version (Google Assistant)

    New Version (Gemini AI)

    Basic TV control

    Traditional tasks like turning the TV on/off, change volume, switching inputs, playing/pausing, and opening apps.

    Same as before, nothing changes.

    Entertainment search

    Simple commands like “Play Stranger Things” or “Open Netflix.”

    Smart search: “Find a thriller movie released in 2025,” “Remind me what happened last season, or episode,” or “What do the reviews say about Nobody 2?”

    Conversations

    Short, command-based voice controls.

    The new version allows free-flowing, natural language chats (you can talk to it like a person).

    Other uses

    Mostly TV-related tasks only.

    Broader help: homework, brainstorming ideas, planning trips, and project work-related queries. 

    Availability

    Already on Google TV/Android TV devices.

    Rolling out to TCL QM9K first, then more devices (Hisense, Walmart onn, TCL 2025 models, etc.).

  • NPCI Plans to Introduce EMI Option on UPI Payments to Boost Digital Lending

    According to reports, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is working on enabling customers to convert their payments into EMIs in an effort to further boost the adoption of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).

    According to the Economic Times, the payments authority will permit fintech firms to incorporate the capability that enables consumers to convert their UPI payments into EMIs. As per the report, the capability would be comparable to card payments made at PoS terminals. Interestingly, the NPCI already offers two UPI credit products: RuPay credit cards and UPI credit lines.

    Commented on the development, Rohit Pateria, Founder & CEO, Lark Finserv stated, “NPCI’s initiative to enable EMI on UPI is a transformative step that will democratize access to credit at the point of digital payment. By allowing consumers to instantly convert their UPI payments into manageable monthly instalments, this innovation is set to deepen financial inclusion, empower merchants with higher sales, and expand the credit ecosystem within India’s most widely used payment platform. It marks a pivotal evolution from a payment system to a comprehensive credit network, fostering sustainable growth in the digital economy.”

    “Currently, UPI handles approximately 20 billion transactions monthly, with an active user base of 250-300 million. The ability for these millions of users to convert their UPI payments into EMIs at the point of sale, similar to how credit card EMIs work, will be greatly beneficial for the credit industry. This will impact individuals and MSME businesses who may not possess a credit card. For instance, or a family making a high-value appliance purchase could now opt for EMI through their UPI app by simply scanning a QR code, without needing additional paperwork. Similarly, a small vendor could offer their regularcustomers the option to pay in instalments, thereby improving cash flow for both parties. This can position UPI as an important credit tool for micro and small enterprises,” said Dipal Dutta, CEO & Founder- RedoQ.

    How UPI Credit Line Works?

    In 2023, the UPI credit line feature was introduced. It enables banks to provide pre-approved credit lines to consumers and small enterprises, which can then be used for UPI transactions.

    The credit line on UPI service is currently available from several finance businesses, including Paytm and PhonePe. Actually, just week ago Paytm reintroduced its BNPL offering as a UPI credit line. In the meanwhile, in 2022, the RuPay credit card for UPI was introduced.

    Many startups are now pushing the feature, which is widely used. In order to mainstream UPI-linked credit cards, Kiwi raised INR 208.5 Cr (about $24 million) last month.

    Expanding Network of UPI

    Earlier this year, Dilip Asbe, MD and CEO of NPCI, stated that the RuPay network handled about 16% of all credit card transactions in India. According to Asbe, UPI was used to process about half of these credit card transactions.

    The introduction of the EMI function for UPI payments is anticipated to fuel UPI’s upcoming growth phase and bring the NPCI one step closer to its goal of 100 billion UPI transactions per month.

    In August, UPI transactions reached a new all-time high of 20.01 billion, up 2.8% month over month. This represented a 34% YoY increase. Compared to INR 25.08 Lakh Cr in July, the value of UPI transactions in August was INR 24.85 Lakh Cr.

    Quick
    Shots

    •NPCI is working to allow UPI payments
    to be converted into EMIs.

    •Fintech firms can offer this feature
    similar to card PoS EMI options.

    •RuPay credit cards and UPI credit
    lines already available.

    •Launched in 2023; provides
    pre-approved credit lines for consumers & small businesses.

    •Paytm, PhonePe, and other fintechs
    already offer UPI credit lines; Paytm recently reintroduced BNPL via UPI.

    •RuPay handled around 16% of all
    credit card transactions; UPI processed around 50% of these.

  • Oracle Appoints Clay Magouyrk and Mike Sicilia as Co-CEOs in Major Leadership Shakeup

    Oracle replaced Safra Catz, who played a key role in developing the company’s cloud strategy and propelling it to the forefront of the ongoing AI boom with significant contract wins, with insiders Clay Magouyrk and Mike Sicilia as co-CEOs on September 22.

    During her 11 years in charge, Catz transformed Oracle from a database provider into a cloud powerhouse by vigorously vying with Alphabet and Microsoft for a piece of the profitable data centre industry, which helped increase Oracle’s market valuation to almost $1 trillion. According to Oracle, Catz will continue to serve as the vice chair of the board.

    Like Oracle, Tech Companies Focusing on Cloud Computing

    The two executives’ promotions highlight Wall Street’s and the tech sector’s emphasis on cloud computing strategy, as businesses invest billions of dollars in building up the infrastructure that supports artificial intelligence. In his current position, Sicilia, 54, is in charge of cloud-based apps and artificial intelligence (AI) products, and Magouyrk, 39, is in charge of Oracle’s cloud infrastructure platform, which underpins these apps.

    “Investors are already familiar with both Mr Magouryk and Mr Sicilia, and their promotions solidify the importance of the Cloud and Industry businesses as the growth levers for the company,” Evercore ISI analysts wrote in a note. “The bottom line is that with Larry remaining at CTO and Safra as Executive Vice Chair, we expect a smooth transition in the near term.”

     According to Reuters, Oracle is currently at the centre of high-profile talks to keep TikTok running in the US. All user data will be held on Oracle-run cloud computing infrastructure in the US.

    Additionally, the company pushed the stock to record highs by reaffirming its financial estimate earlier this month, which stated that it expected booked revenue at its Oracle Cloud Infrastructure unit to surpass half a trillion dollars.

    Oracle Partnering with OpenAI

    According to reports, Oracle and OpenAI have inked one of the largest cloud agreements in history. The ChatGPT manufacturer is anticipated to purchase $300 billion worth of computing capacity from Oracle over a five-year period.

    A key player in Oracle’s numerous acquisitions, Safra Catz assumed the company’s top position in 2014 alongside the late Mark Hurd after Ellison chose to leave running the day-to-day operations of the business.

    The company’s stock has increased more than 586% during her tenure. According to Forbes’ real-time net worth tracker, Catz has established herself as one of the most powerful female CEOs in the tech sector, with a net worth of $3.3 billion.

    Quick
    Shots

    •Safra Catz steps down as CEO after 11
    years; remains Vice Chair of the Board.

    •Catz transformed Oracle into a cloud
    powerhouse, competing with Microsoft & Alphabet; market cap nears $1
    trillion.

    •Promotions highlight emphasis on
    cloud computing and AI strategy.

    •Oracle in talks to keep TikTok
    running in the US via Oracle cloud data hosting.

  • JioBlackRock Asset Management Launches JioBlackRock Flexi Cap Fund, Powered by Systematic Active Equities (SAE)

    By leveraging BlackRock’s SAE approach, the fund will aim to deliver long-term capital appreciation while adapting to market dynamics   

    Jio BlackRock Asset Management Private Limited (JioBlackRock Asset Management), a 50:50 JV between Jio Financial Services Limited (JFSL) and BlackRock*, announced today the launch of its latest equity offering: the JioBlackRock Flexi Cap Fund, powered by BlackRock’s Systematic Active Equities (SAE) approach.      

    The New Fund Offer (NFO) will commence from Tuesday, September 23, 2025, and will close on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

    BlackRock’s SAE** approach uses big data, advanced analytics, and human expertise with an aim to deliver differentiated investment outcomes. By applying AI and cutting-edge technology, it aims to transform traditional and alternative data — ranging from social media conversations to satellite data — into investable insights for the benefit of the Indian investors.      

    Rishi Kohli, Chief Investment Officer, JioBlackRock Asset Management says: “The Flexi Cap Fund is our first active equity offering that leverages BlackRock’s proprietary Systematic Active Equity approach. This reflects our commitment to offering investors a dynamic, differentiated and potentially low-cost investment solution. Backed by SAE, the fund aims to deliver long-term value through a disciplined investment process within a controlled risk framework across market cycles.”

    Raffaele Savi, Senior Managing Director and Global Head of BlackRock Systematic says: “For 40 years, BlackRock Systematic has pioneered new frontiers in active investing — combining innovation, data-driven insights, and human expertise to deliver differentiated alpha for clients. We are honored to partner with JioBlackRock Asset Management to bring this investment approach to investors in India.”

    Details of the NFO are in the table below: 

    Name of Fund 

    What it Offers 

    JioBlackRock Flexi Cap Fund

    The investment objective of the Scheme is to generate long term capital appreciation by investing in equity and equity related instruments across market capitalization. There is no assurance that the investment objective of the Scheme will be achieved 

    Nation-wide access through leading digital platforms

    JioBlackRock Flexi Cap Fund is now live and investment-ready on jioblackrockamc.com and the JioFinance app during the ongoing NFO. The fund will also be available across major digital finance platforms in India, including Groww, Zerodha, Paytm Money, INDMoney, Dhan, Kuvera, 5Paisa, FYERS, along with other SEBI Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs). This expansive presence empowers investors with greater choice and reach. 

    About Jio BlackRock Asset Management Private Limited

    Jio BlackRock Asset Management Private Limited (JBAMPL or JioBlackRock Asset Management) is a 50:50 joint venture between Jio Financial Services Limited (JFSL) and BlackRock (‘the shareholders’). JioBlackRock Asset Management will seek to combine BlackRock’s global investment expertise and leading risk management technology with JFSL’s digital reach and knowledge of the local market in India. The organisation aims to provide innovative, affordable and easily accessible investment solutions for the people of India. 

    About Jio Financial Services Limited

    Jio Financial Services Limited (JFSL) is a Core Investment Company (CIC), registered with the Reserve Bank of India. JFSL is a new-age institution, which operates a full-stack financial services business through customer-facing entities, including Jio Credit Limited, Jio Insurance Broking Limited, Jio Payment Solutions Limited, Jio Leasing Services Limited, Jio Finance Platform and Service Limited, and Jio Payments Bank Limited.

    Its digital-first model aims to ensure the holistic financial well-being of Indian citizens by enabling them to borrow, transact, save and invest seamlessly. Through the JioFinance app, customers can access a range of services including loans, savings accounts, UPI bill payments, recharges, digital insurance, financial tracking and management tools and more. JFSL has also entered into a joint venture with BlackRock, the world’s leading providers of investment solutions, to offer asset management, wealth management and broking services in India.

    JFSL was originally incorporated as Reliance Strategic Investments Private Limited on July 22, 1999, under the Companies Act 1956. Subsequently, the name of the Company was changed to Reliance Strategic Investments Limited and a fresh certificate of incorporation was issued on January 14, 2002. Thereafter, pursuant to a scheme of demerger with Reliance Industries Limited, the name of the Company was further changed to ‘Jio Financial Services Limited’ and a fresh certificate of incorporation was issued on July 25, 2023. JFSL has been listed on the BSE and NSE since August 21, 2023.

    About BlackRock

    BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. 

    Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.

    BlackRock and Jio Finance Invest INR 117 Cr in Mutual Funds
    BlackRock and Jio Finance team up to invest INR 117 crore in mutual funds, marking a significant collaboration in the financial investment sector.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • Perplexity Comet AI Browser Rolls Out in India for Windows and Mac Users

    Perplexity has launched its Comet browser in India, making it available to Pro subscribers. The announcement was made by CEO Aravind Srinivas on X on 22 September. The browser, which has been in testing abroad, is now accessible on Windows and macOS for Indian users. Android users can pre-order the app through Google Play, while iOS availability is expected at a later stage.

    What Comet is and what it does

    Comet is an AI-powered web browser. It is built on the Chromium engine and uses Perplexity’s search and AI systems. The browser places an AI assistant in a sidebar.
    The assistant can summarise pages, manage tabs and workspaces, draft emails, and even attempt simple actions such as filling forms or adding items to a shopping cart.

    Key features users should note

    • An AI sidebar called Comet Assistant. It stays active across tabs.
    • A workspace interface that groups research and project items.
    • One-click import of bookmarks and extensions from other Chromium browsers.

    Availability and access

    The desktop build is available for Windows and macOS. Android users can pre-order via Google Play. iOS availability is not yet listed. Access in India is currently limited to Perplexity Pro (and related paid) subscribers. Perplexity has said it will expand invites over time. Some Indian users may gain access through promotions. For example, Airtel has previously offered Perplexity Pro subscriptions to its customers as part of a tie-up.

    Security and privacy considerations

    Perplexity has highlighted privacy and security as key elements of Comet. The browser supports encrypted storage of credentials and has partnered with 1Password to protect login details and two-factor authentication codes. Sensitive data is stored locally, which reduces exposure to external threats.

    However, independent experts have raised concerns. Security researchers warn that agent-driven browsers may create new risks, as AI systems could be exploited through malicious sites or automation loopholes. This means users must balance the productivity benefits against potential vulnerabilities when enabling automated browsing features.

    Part of a bigger shift in browsing

    The availability of Comet in India comes as major tech firms are integrating AI into their browsers. Google, for instance, has added Gemini AI features into Chrome. By positioning Comet as a browser built from the ground up with AI, Perplexity is hoping to appeal to early adopters seeking smarter ways to work and browse.

    Perplexity has confirmed that more features and broader access will roll out in the coming weeks. For now, Indian users with Pro subscriptions can experience the company’s AI-first approach to browsing, while keeping in mind the balance between innovation, security, and control.

  • Meta’s $10B Promise Shrinks: From 500 Jobs to Just 100 in Louisiana

    Meta Platforms Inc.’s $10 billion AI data center in Richland Parish, Louisiana, was billed as a major economic boost. The company initially promised 300–500 permanent jobs. State officials approved tax breaks and infrastructure deals partly based on those estimates.

    Now, Meta has revised the numbers. Only about 100 full-time jobs will be created once the facility is operational. The cut has sparked criticism from local communities, watchdog groups, and energy experts.

    Jobs Promise Falls Short

    The data center’s construction will employ hundreds temporarily. But long-term operations will need far fewer staff. “Taxpayers were promised hundreds of permanent jobs in exchange for millions in concessions,” said a community advocate to WIRED. “Now we’re left wondering who really benefits.”

    Lawmakers had justified incentives as a way to diversify Louisiana’s economy with high-skilled jobs. The sharp reduction raises questions about whether the deal delivers the promised public value.

    Energy and Environmental Concerns

    The facility is expected to consume electricity equivalent to a mid-sized city. Entergy Louisiana plans to build three new gas-fired plants and upgrade transmission infrastructure to meet demand. Environmental groups warn this could lock the state into carbon-heavy energy for decades.

    Meta has pledged to match the data center’s electricity use with 100% renewable sources. But critics remain concerned about higher utility bills and the overall environmental footprint.

    Water Usage Questions

    Cooling the data center requires substantial water. Servers produce heat that must be dissipated using water-intensive systems. Power generation also consumes water, adding to local strain. Meta says it will restore more water than it consumes, but experts note the long-term impact on surrounding communities.

    Project Scale and Financing

    The 4 million-square-foot facility is set to open in 2030. Meta is funding it through a $26 billion debt deal with Pacific Investment Management Co., plus equity from Blue Owl Capital. The model allows long-term leasing while limiting upfront costs. Analysts say this approach is a growing trend among Big Tech firms building AI infrastructure.

    Reactions in Richland Parish are mixed. Some welcome the temporary construction jobs and prestige. Others worry about energy, water, and transparency. A local official said, “People want to know what they’re trading off. Yes, it’s investment, but it comes with consequences.

    As the project moves forward, the gap between what was promised and what is now expected may shape the way future tech deals are judged in Louisiana and beyond.

    Meta’s AI Hiring Spree Hits the Brakes. Restructuring, Layoffs, What’s Going On?
    Mark Zuckerberg, with 50 top AI minds from Google, OpenAI, and more, has cut all AI hiring for now. The question of layoffs still looms… Learn more
    StartupTalkyAdepu Bindu

  • India Invests $18 Billion to Build Semiconductor Manufacturing Powerhouse

    Given the intense competition and its late entry into the race to produce the most cutting-edge chips, India’s chances of becoming a big player in the global chip industry are slim. A worldwide competition for semiconductor self-reliance started in 2022 when the United States limited exports of its sophisticated AI chips to China in an effort to limit Beijing’s access to cutting-edge technology.

    It presented an opportunity for India, which aims to diversify its electronics industry away from China, secure chips for vital industries, and lessen its reliance on imports. Despite being one of the biggest electronics users in the world, India has no domestic chip manufacturing and contributes very little to the global supply chain.

    The “Semiconductor Mission” in New Delhi seeks to alter that. The goal is audacious. It seeks to establish a whole supply chain in India, including design, manufacturing, testing, and packaging.

    India has Approve 10 Semiconductor Projects Till Now

    Ten semiconductor projects totalling 1.6 trillion rupees ($18.2 billion) in investment have been approved by the nation as of this month. These consist of many testing and packing facilities as well as two semiconductor production facilities. Global chip design businesses currently utilise a reservoir of engineering talent from India.

    However, experts claim that the talent pool and investments are insufficient to realise India’s chip aspirations and that progress has been uneven thus far. India needs a large number of fabs or ATP facilities, or “shiny objects”. As the vice president for global innovation policy at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, a think tank focused on science and technology policy, Stephen Ezell stated that India requires a dynamic, deep, and long-term ecosystem.

    Leading semiconductor manufacturers, according to Ezell, take into account “as many as 500 discrete factors” before making multibillion-dollar fab investments. India needs to improve in a number of sectors, including talent, taxation, commerce, technological policy, labour rates, regulations, and customs rules.

    Indian Govt Adding New Element to its Chip Ambition

    The Indian government expanded its chip goal in May by implementing a plan to boost the production of electronic components, which would alleviate a significant bottleneck. Since there are so few companies in India that manufacture electronic components, such as phone cameras, chipmakers have not yet seen any local market for their product.

    However, by providing financial assistance to businesses that manufacture active and passive electronic components, the new strategy opens up a possible domestic buyer-supplier base that chip makers can access. The nation also changed course in 2022 from offering better incentives to manufacturing facilities producing chips with a size of 28 nm or less.

    The smaller the chip, the better the performance and the more energy-efficient it is. By cramming more transistors into the same area, these chips can be utilised in cutting-edge technologies like quantum computing and superior artificial intelligence.

    Quick
    Shots

    •India is a major electronics consumer
    but has no domestic chip fabs.

    •U.S.–China chip war since 2022
    created opportunities for India.

    •India aims to build full supply
    chain—design, fabs, testing, packaging.

    •India needs for a large, long-term
    ecosystem with investment in fabs/ATPs.

  • Meta’s Llama AI Gets Green Signal From GSA for U.S. Government Use

    Meta’s Llama (AI system) has been approved by the U.S. government on September 22. Federal agencies will now use Llama on a day-to-day basis. It joins the list alongside Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI. One might think, how will these AI systems assist federal agencies? Is it safe in terms of data and security, considering Meta is often in the news for the same? Here’s everything you need to know: the approval, examples of use, and data security. Learn more. 

    Offical annoucement by General Services Administration (GSA), U.S.

    Who Approved Meta’s Llama?

    The General Services Administration (GSA) is the U.S. government’s ‘shopping department’ that handles all the buying of tools and services for federal agencies.

    And the head of GSA, Josh Gruenbaum, has announced the confirmation on September 22, 2025.

    What Does This Mean?

    • This means that any U.S. government agency can now use Llama safely.
    • The federal agencies can “test and experiment” with Llama now that GSA has confirmed that it meets the government’s security and legal rules.
    • Llama is a free tool, so the agencies can get their hands on the tool easily.

    What Exactly Is Llama?

    Llama is a large language model (LLM) powered by Meta. It understands and generates text, audio, images, and even video. It performs multiple tasks, such as analyzing data, answering questions, summarizing information, and more.

    Are Other AI Tools Approved, Too?

    Throughout the years, GSA has approved several tech companies, like:

    • Amazon Web Services (AWS) was approved in October 2013.
    • Microsoft was approved in November 2014.
    • Google was approved in December 2010.
    • Anthropic was approved on August 5, 2025.
    • OpenAI was approved in August 2025.

    These companies sell their services to the government at lower prices and follow several strict policies in terms of data security.

    Bigger Picture of AI in Federal Agencies

    The Trump administration wants to utilize the commercial AI tools inside the government for these reasons:

    • They firmly believe that it will modernize government operations, making them faster and more efficient.

    For example, Llama could help:

    Information Technology (IT) Support

    • Llama can help quickly troubleshoot IT problems across government networks.
    • It detects error patterns in the systems and prevents bigger issues.

    Contract Review

    • Human reviews can take a lot of time (say weeks and months), so Llama can speed up approvals.
    • Llama can outline the errors, missing clauses, and risky terms or non-compliance issues.

    Document Summarization

    • The tool can summarize long reports, memos, or legislation so that anyone can understand the subject matter.
    • It simplifies the complex legal or technical language into plain English.
    • Can translate documents from different languages to English. 

    Data Analysis

    • It takes seconds to understand and analyze large datasets like census data, budget spreadsheets, or traffic patterns.

    Public Communication

    • Llama is quick to draft hundreds of emails and press releases.
    • It can answer any questions and queries from the public. 

    Did the Discounts Mean Tech Companies Want Trump’s Favor?

    Many think that tech giants are providing big discounts to please Trump, and when asked about the same, Gruenbaum from GSA said:

    • No, it’s not about politics, but both government + tech companies working together to make the U.S. stronger.