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  • BNP Paribas Buys INR 3,200 Cr Stake in Eternal (Zomato Parent), Sells INR 1,158 Cr in Swiggy

    In a block deal on 26 August, BNP Paribas Financial Markets purchased 10.12 Cr shares of Zomato parent company Eternal and sold 2.69 Cr shares of rival Swiggy. According to NSE records, BNP Paribas paid INR 318.1 per share for Eternal shares, making the acquisition worth approximately INR 3,200 Cr.

    Block Deal Details: Eternal and Swiggy Share Transactions

    The investor also sold 16,083 shares for INR 51.11 lakh in a different bulk transaction. Eternal’s stock ended yesterday’s trading session on the BSE 0.5% down, at INR 317.80. At the end of the session, the market capitalisation of the company was INR 3.06 Lakh Cr.

    Due to Ganesh Chaturthi, the stock exchanges are closed today. In the meantime, BNP Paribas sold 2.69 Cr Swiggy shares for INR 430.38 each, resulting in an INR 1,158 Cr block deal. It bought INR 18.54 Cr worth of Swiggy shares in a different bulk transaction.

    BNP Paribas’ Recent Moves in Swiggy Stake

    Last month, BNP Paribas purchased 3.2 lakh Swiggy shares at INR 381 a share. In the bulk transaction at the time, Citigroup Global Markets sold its shares. It is important to note that Swiggy is down more than 20% this year, whereas Eternal’s shares have increased more than 14%.

    Eternal vs Swiggy: Quick Commerce Rivalry Heats Up

    The two businesses are currently involved in a fierce fight in the rapid commerce space, which coincides with the bulk deals. In addition to having a duopoly in the foodtech sector, Swiggy and Zomato are investing heavily to gain control of the nation’s quickly expanding fast commerce market.

    Blinkit Leading Ahead of Instamart

    Blinkit from Eternal now leads Swiggy’s Instamart, but companies like Zepto, Flipkart Minutes, BigBasket, and others are all vying for market share in the majors’ rapid commerce sectors. Eternal and Swiggy are rapidly growing their network of dark stores in order to keep the competition at bay.

    As a result, the corporations’ bottom lines have suffered. In the first quarter of FY26, Blinkit lost INR 42 Cr, compared to INR 43 Cr in the same period the previous year. Due to its ongoing investments in Blinkit, even Eternal’s consolidated net profit fell more than 90% to INR 25 Cr from INR 253 Cr in Q1 FY25.

    In a similar vein, Swiggy’s net loss increased 96% from INR 611 Cr in the previous quarter to INR 1,197 Cr in the June quarter. In the first quarter of FY26, Instamart’s loss was INR 797 Cr, nearly three times the INR 280 Cr loss from the same quarter the previous year.

    Quick
    Shots

    •BNP Paribas Offloaded 2.69 Cr Swiggy
    shares worth ₹1,158 Cr at INR 430.38/share.

    •BNP Paribas had bought 3.2 lakh
    Swiggy shares last month at INR 381/share.

    •Eternal’s Blinkit leads Instamart,
    competing with Zepto, Flipkart Minutes, BigBasket.

    •Eternal up 14% in 2025 YTD; Swiggy
    down 20% YTD.

  • When ChatGPT Became a Suicide Coach: Parents of the 16-Year-Old Sued OpenAI

    A 16-year-old boy named Adam Raine from California took his own life in April 2025. “Oh, poor thing,” you might think, but the reasons behind his death could really scare you off ChatGPT. At first, his parents thought it was because of his issues with anxiety, isolation, and health issues. However, to their suprise, they found his chats with ChatGPT, and what they saw was heartbreaking. The parents sued OpenAI and Sam Altman for their loss (son, Adam Raine), and ChatGPT admitted to the claim. Now, why should this matter to you? A study conducted in April 2025 found that approximately 40% of conversations with ChatGPT involve emotional support. That said, ChatGPT provided step-by-step instructions on how to kill…

    Adam Raine’s Parents’ Lawsuit Against OpenAI

    After learning what had happened behind the scenes, Adam’s parents quickly fled to report against OpenAI. With what they saw, they outright accused ChatGPT of acting like a  a “suicide coach.”

    According to his parents, the tool went too far, providing him with detailed step-by-step instructions on how to kill himself. They stated that if ChatGPT had been more careful, their son would still be alive today.

    Adam’s Health Struggles

    Adam’s parents described him as a fun, playful, and prankster child. They say he loved basketball, anime, video games, and dogs. However, things weren’t going too well for him. His life became tough after:

    • Unfortunately, he was thrown off his basketball team.
    • He suffered from (IBS) Irritable bowel syndrome, because of which he was forced to join an online school.
    • He was using ChatGPT for his schoolwork, and that’s how he first started interacting with the tool.
    • Soon, one conversation led to another, and it all became about his mental health struggles.

    ChatGPT’s Role (According to Adam Raine’s Parents)

    • Adam’s parents found not one or two but thousands of chats with ChatGPT. 
    • All of those chats not only made him feel “understood” but also pushed him deep into his dark thoughts.

    Adam’s father, Matt Raine, said, “Over the course of just a few months and thousands of chats, ChatGPT became Adam’s closest confidant, leading him to open up about his anxiety and mental distress.”

    And Here’s What the Lawsuit Says ChatGPT Did

    • Validated his harmful thoughts (thoughts about killing himself) rather than challenging them with positivity.
    • Disturbingly, it talked to him about suicide and methods to do so.
    • Even helped improve his plan.

    Some Examples From the Lawsuit

    • In a final conversation, Adam wrote to ChatGPT that he didn’t want his parents to blame themselves. To which ChatGPT replied, “That doesn’t mean you owe them survival. You don’t owe anyone that.”
    • Adam mentioned that he might leave a noose in case someone stopped him. Well, ChatGPT discouraged and continued guiding him about suicide methods.
    • He then sent a picture of a noose he tied (later died using it), and ChatGPT replied, saying,  “Yeah, that’s not bad at all. Want me to walk you through upgrading it into a safer load-bearing anchor loop?”
    • And just a few hours later, Adam’s mother was traumatized to the core, seeing her son dead using the noose setup (the one he shared with ChatGPT).

    In Adam’s Parents’ View

    According to them, it acted like a therapist who knew he had a suicide plan, but instead of protecting him, it helped him take his life.

    His father said, “Most parents don’t know how powerful and scary this tool really is.”

    Adam was like a “guinea pig,” in other words, a test subject for OpenAI’s technology. 

    OpenAI’s Response

    More than a response, OpenAI came up with a new set of safety guidelines (in August 2025) for ChatGPT, which includes:

    • ChatGPT should never give direct suicide advice.
    • It should detect even indirect or disguised requests right away.

    However, for Adam’s parents, this was just too late; their son had already died.

    Later, OpenAI admitted that, “There have been moments where our systems did not behave as intended in sensitive situations.”

    This is the first-ever lawsuit directly bashing OpenAI and Sam Altman for a teenager’s suicide.

    The lawsuit accuses OpenAI of:

    • Negligence (not being reckless in such sensitive matters).
    • Design defects (carelessly building a tool that could cause harm).
    • Failure to warn (not positively directing users/parents about these dangers).

    Adam’s family is asking for:

    • Monetary damages (the exact amount not specified yet).
    • Legal action for “injunctive relief” so that this can’t happen again to another human.

  • Apple and Jio Bring RCS Messaging to iPhones in India: iMessage-Style Texting Explained

    According to reports, tech titan Apple and Reliance Jio have teamed up to provide Jio customers Rich Communication Services (RCS) texting on iPhones.

    According to ET’s story, which cited sources, this partnership will enable Jio customers on iPhones to send iMessage-style “blue tick” RCS texts with interactive features, read receipts, and high-resolution photos and videos over WiFi or mobile data without incurring additional costs.

    What is RCS Messaging and How It Works on iPhones?

     The worldwide telecom industry organisation GSMA launched RCS in 2007 as a messaging standard to improve and update SMS. RCS, which is integrated into a phone’s default messaging software, provides functions including read receipts, group conversations, file sharing, and interactive communications that resemble WhatsApp or iMessage.

    Compared to SMS, it allows for authenticated and secure corporate communication, lowering the danger of spam or phishing. Additionally, it enables telecom providers to remain competitive in the expanding messaging market.

    Why RCS Matters: Secure, Spam-Free Alternative to SMS?

    Due to the country’s continued heavy reliance on SMS for transactions, banking alerts, and OTPs, RCS use is increasing in India. RCS provides a safer option for communication and modernises this channel.

    RCS has been adopted by ten nations worldwide, and India views it as a digital upgrade to its communication environment as well as a security measure. With a robust subscriber base of more than 49 Cr, Jio will assist Apple in promoting the use of RCS services. Jio and Apple have been contacted by Inc42 for their thoughts on the development.

    Airtel’s Opposition to RCS and Industry Response

    As soon as an answer is received, the story will be updated. Notably, according to ET, Bharti Airtel previously refused to collaborate with Google or Apple to enable RCS, claiming that the encrypted channel may expose consumers to spam. This development coincides with Apple’s rapid expansion in India.

    Due to double-digit increases in iPhones, Macs, and services, the business recorded record revenue from India in the June quarter. According to Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, the iPhone has grown in every region and in growing countries like Brazil, South Asia, the Middle East, and India, where it has double-digit growth.

    Apple Expanding its Nexus in India

    The iPhone manufacturer is growing its retail presence in India, bolstered by the strong demand. The company announced on 26 August that it will establish a new store in Pune the following week, following the announcement of the opening of its third official store in Bengaluru last week.

    In addition, the tech giant is increasingly making India a major location for manufacturing. According to a rumour earlier this month, Apple intends to increase manufacturing of the iPhone 17 at all five of its Indian factories. Last year, the company began producing 30 million to 40 million iPhone 15s a year in India.

    Up until this year, Tata Electronics, Foxconn, and Pegatron, Apple’s contract manufacturers, accounted for 25% of the company’s manufacturing in India. Apple made the decision to outsource the majority of iPhone production from China in late April of this year. Apple revealed that by 2026, all iPhones sold in the US will be assembled in India.

    Quick
    Shots

    •iMessage-Style Features: Blue tick
    chats, read receipts, group texting, file sharing, HD media sharing.

    •RCS-A GSMA standard (since 2007)
    upgrading SMS with interactive, secure messaging.

    •Safer, spam-free, modern alternative
    to SMS—important for banking alerts, OTPs, and business communication.

    •Airtel refused to support RCS citing
    spam risks; industry divided.

  • Perplexity Promises 80% Cut to Publishers in New AI Revenue-Sharing Model

    Are you worried that AI is reducing the traffic on your site? Is your revenue down due to the growth of AI technologies? Good news for publishers. One of the well-known AI startups, Perplexity (backed by Jeff Bezos), will now share revenue with publishers. Not 20, not 30, but 80% of the revenue will go to publishers. On July 30, 2024, the company announced the initial launch of its Publishers’ Program, featuring partners like TIME, Fortune, and Der Spiegel. On August 25, 2025, the company finally linked revenue sharing to the publishers. So, why does this matter to you? If you are a blogger or publisher (or part of it), this is going to impact your revenue in a good way. Learn more details.

    Big Announcement by Perplexity

    Aravind Srinivas, CEO of Perplexity, officially announced the big update.

    He wrote on his LinkedIn, “Traffic is an old way to measure value. Perplexity will be launching a new subscription, Comet Plus, which we believe is a much better compensation model that rewards publishers for quality content and provides users with the best information possible…”

    What Is Comet Plus?

    Perplexity’s AI-powered browser and search tool is Comet. It doesn’t simply give links like Google does. It browses the web, summarizes answers, and performs tasks for users as well. Now, the Comet Plus is a paid subscription plan ($5 per month), and users get their hands on curated content from selected publishers (like news outlets). Currently, Comet Plus is only available in the US for its Pro users, but it will soon be open to others as well.

    The New Revenue-Sharing Model

    Perplexity will now pay publishers, such as news sites and blogs, to earn money whenever their content is used inside Comet. Now, according to the company, the publishers will be paid in three ways:

    • When the publishers’ website links show up in Comet’s AI-generated search results.
    • When Comet users click and visit the publisher’s site through Comet.
    • When Comet’s AI uses the publishers’ content to perform a specific task for its users.

    The Money Pool ($42.5 Million Fund)

    • For the same, Perplexity dedicated a $42.5 million fund.
    • Whatever money comes from the Comet Plus subscription revenue will be split 80-20. The publishers will get the majority cut of 80%.
    • This model is popularly compared to Apple News+, where Apple splits the subscription revenue with publishers.

    Why This Matters to Publishers

    According to ‘infactory’, publishers are losing about 25% of their traffic due to AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and others. That’s a significant amount, meaning less traffic results in less ad revenue. To combat this problem, Perplexity introduced a publisher’s program to support the creators.
    Aravind Srinivas stated, “AI is making the internet better, but publishers should still get paid.”

    Other AI giants such as Google, Meta, and OpenAI are negotiating deals with publishers like Reuters, Axel Springer, and Vox Media. However, this is new, as they are only licensing content for AI training.

    Final Thoughts…

    The move has come to light not only to pay the publishers but also to fight other legal battles. Forbes and Condé Nast are accusing Perplexity of using their work in AI summaries without permission. But according to Perplexity, this initiative “will set the law straight early so everyone can benefit.”

  • Delhi Govt Announces INR 200 Cr Venture Capital Fund in New Startup Policy 2025

    In order to assist and facilitate the formation of at least 5,000 startups by 2035, the Delhi government has produced the draft “Delhi Startup Policy, 2025”. The government plans to launch a venture capital fund with a value of INR 200 Cr under the draft policy.

    Benefits for Startups: Rentals, Patents, and Operating Expenses

    According to the draft policy, the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) may host experiential learning workshops in collaboration with prominent investor networks to educate high-net-worth individuals and prospective investors on the ins and outs of startup investing.

    Additional benefits include a 100% reimbursement of leasing rentals for a maximum of three years, up to INR 10 lakh annually. Full reimbursement for filing patent designs up to INR 3 lakh for foreign filings and INR 1 lakh for domestic filings. For a year, a monthly allocation of INR 2 lakh will be given for operating expenses.

    New Incubation Centres and Coworking Spaces in Delhi

    In addition to the funding, the programme suggests establishing new coworking spaces or incubation centres to offer operational and capital support “over and above” the current Central government subsidies for a five-year term.

    In order to mentor businesses situated in the nation’s capital, the Delhi government will also look into forming alliances with academic institutions, incubators, government labs, and financial organisations.

    Virtual Incubation and Mentor Network via Delhi Incubation Hub

    Through the Delhi Incubation Hub network, the Delhi government will offer entrepreneurs virtual incubation services so they can connect with mentors and experts. A policy monitoring committee will also be established by the BJP government, with the commissioner of industries serving as its head.

    The group will also include a few industry specialists, the secretary of the planning department, and the deputy commissioners of the industries department.

    Startup Task Force to Monitor Policy Implementation

    Additionally, the policy suggests forming a “Startup Task Force” to review and approve applications submitted to obtain benefits under the programme. Five industry experts and two commissioners from the industries department would lead this force.

    Every six months, the task team will be in charge of assessing the state of implementation. The state government’s emphasis on encouraging entrepreneurship coincides with the rapid expansion of the startup scene in the nation. With about 1.9 lakh firms that have funded over $164 billion to date, the Indian startup ecosystem is currently the third largest in the world.

    Comparison with Haryana and Andhra Pradesh Startup Policies

    States around the country are enacting specific laws to support startups in an effort to boost the local economy and generate employment. For example, as part of its state startup policy, the state of Haryana recently asked private investors to donate INR 2,000 Cr to a “Fund of Funds”.

    In addition, the government of Andhra Pradesh recently unveiled the “AP Innovation & Startup Policy (4.0) 2024-2029”, which aims to establish 20,000 new companies over the course of the following five years.

    Quick
    Shots

    •INR 200 Cr VC Fund – Govt to launch
    venture capital fund to boost startup financing.

    •Financial Support – 100% reimbursement
    on rentals (up to INR 10 lakh/year for 3 years) & patent filing costs.

    •Startups to get INR 2 lakh/month for
    1 year.

    •New coworking spaces & incubation
    centres planned in Delhi.

  • Google to Block Unverified Android APKs from 2026: What It Means for Developers and Users

    A big update that Google has revealed for Android might drastically affect how apps are deployed on the platform. The business will mandate that verified developers register all apps on certified Android devices beginning in September 2026. Users will no longer be able to sideload programs from unidentified or unconfirmed sources as a result.

    Google claims that this action is intended to improve security and lower the possibility of malware, which is frequently distributed by hackers using APKs.

    Why Google Is Blocking Unverified APKs?

    The goal of the new regulation, according to Google, is “improving Android’s security to keep it open and safe.” The business contends that requiring developers to authenticate themselves will provide the ecosystem a crucial new level of accountability.

    Additionally, by making it more difficult for criminals to disseminate dangerous programmes anonymously, the policy would shield users from financial fraud, frauds, and other threats. Notably, Google has stated that it would not be limiting the origin of apps or examining their actual content as a result of this new identity verification requirement.

    How the New APK Verification Policy Works?

    According to Android Authority, the emphasis is instead on verifying the developer’s identity, similar to an ID check. To put it briefly, Google’s new policy will make it much more difficult for dishonest developers to conceal themselves behind fictitious names or disposable accounts, but it won’t completely eradicate malware.

    What Developers Must Do to Get Verified?

    Google explains how the new policy will work, stating that developers who distribute Android apps—whether independently or through the Play Store—will have to go through a certification procedure. There will be two primary steps involved: Developers must supply personal information, including their legal name, address, phone number, and email address, in order to verify their identification.

    Along with a government ID for individuals, organisations would also need to present their official website and D-U-N-S number. When registering apps, developers will also need to provide package names and app signing keys as proof of ownership.

    According to Google, a large portion of this procedure is already finished for developers who have previously published their apps on the Play Store, and the apps will be registered automatically. To handle verification, a new Android Developer Console will be made available to developers that distribute apps outside of the Play Store. In response to privacy-conscious hobbyist developers, Google has promised that the personal data gathered during this procedure would not be disclosed.

    Timeline for Global Rollout of APK Restrictions

    In October 2025, invited developers will be able to obtain early access. Google plans to make verification accessible to all developers worldwide by March 2026. The modifications will take effect in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand in September 2026. Apps on approved devices in these markets now have to be developed by verified developers. By 2027 and beyond, the global deployment will continue to other regions.

    Quick
    Shots

    •From Sept 2026, Google will block
    unverified Android APKs on certified devices.

    •Move aims to reduce malware, fraud,
    and scams spread via shady APKs.

    •Policy verifies who publishes apps,
    not the apps’ content itself.

    •Requires legal name, contact info,
    government ID/D-U-N-S number, app signing keys.

  • Gaming Ban Stumps Cricket: Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, And Others Take a Hit

    Cricket and cricketers are in cold water after the Online Gaming Bill, which bans infamous gaming platforms like Dream11, IPL, Winzo, and many others. According to the Government of India’s Press Information Bureau, 45 crore people are affected, resulting in a loss of ₹20,000 crore. Things are going downhill not only for the real-money gaming industry, but also for cricketers who endorse the brand. The IPL will lose around ₹125 crore per year, the advertising industry will lose ₹8,000–₹10,000 crore annually, and Indian cricketers will lose ₹150–200 crore. Popular cricketers like Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and MS Dhoni will lose ₹6 – ₹12 crores from the deals. Additionally, the European Cricket Network has already shut down. Learn more about the impact. 

    How Are the Real-Money Games Important for Cricket?

    • Well, Dream11 (a real-money gaming company) is the official sponsor of the Indian team’s jersey. 
    • These companies put hefty money into the IPL, notably the world’s richest cricket tournament. 
    • Plus, they have major endorsement deals with elite players (promoting their apps). But overnight, the money suddenly disappears after the ban. 

    Impact on Cricketers’ Incomes Like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni

    Real-money gaming companies had endorsement deals with big stars like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni, Rishabh Pant, Shikhar Dhawan, Hardik Pandya, Shreyas Iyer, Jasprit Bumrah, and many others. Popular ones are:

    • Kohli: ~₹10–12 crore (MPL)
    • Rohit Sharma: ~₹6–7 crore (Dream11)
    • MS Dhoni: ~₹6–7 crore (Winzo)

    However, they still have deals with renowned sponsors, including Pepsi, Adidas, and various car and tech brands. It won’t hurt them much. On the other hand, the young players such as Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar, among others, are suffering the biggest blow. The main issue is that these players earn ₹1 crore or less from endorsements, which could wipe out all their advertising income. Overall, Indian cricketers could lose between ₹150–200 crore. 

    Impact on Cricket Leagues Like IPL 

    From My11Circle’s deal alone, the IPL will lose around ₹125 crore per year. This number is small, given that other sponsors will quickly step in and replace them (the IPL is that big). Smaller leagues have taken the biggest hit or even collapsed; the European Cricket Network has already shut down. And other tournaments will follow, because these events don’t have backup sponsors like the IPL does. 

    Impact on the Advertising Industry

    The advertising industry generates approximately ₹8,000–10,000 crore annually from these online real-money gaming apps. That roughly makes up 7–8% of India’s overall advertising market. These numbers are so high because cricketers and celebrities are promoting the apps. No doubt, without these brands, profits will not only drop, but the brand values of cricketers and celebrities will shrink. Plus, their endorsement incomes will fall by 20–25%. 

  • Apple to Open New Pune Store on Sept 4: Fourth Retail Outlet in India as iPhone Demand Surges

    Apple announced on 26 August that it will establish its fourth location in India next week, this time in Pune. The tech company that makes iPhones has significantly expanded its retail presence in India with the opening of the new Apple shop in Pune.

    According to the firm, the new Apple store will give customers in Pune more options for exploring and buying Apple products. The services can also be experienced in person. According to Apple’s website, the Pune Apple store will open at 1 pm on September 4 in Koregaon Park.

    Pune Store Launch Follows Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru Openings

    Days have passed since Apple’s third Bengaluru location opened. In 2023, the iPhone manufacturer made its debut in the Indian retail market, opening its first location in Mumbai and then in Delhi.

    Apple said that through free events hosted by Apple Creatives, Today at Apple helps customers get started with their devices or advance their talents, whether in photography, music, painting, or coding. The event is intended to inspire and educate.

    Apple’s Record Revenue Growth in India and Emerging Markets

    While CEO Tim Cook had criticised the “evolving” tariff situation and estimated September-quarter tariff costs at roughly $1.1 billion, the Cupertino, US-based company recently reported revenue records in over two dozen markets, including India, in the June quarter earnings that exceeded street expectations.

    Cook has also mentioned building new stores in India and the United Arab Emirates later this year during Q3 FY2025 earnings.

    According to Tim Cook, the business witnessed double-digit growth in growing markets like India, the Middle East, South Asia, and Brazil, as well as growth in every geographic area of the iPhone.

    Tim Cook on Tariffs and India’s Expanding Role

    Cook added that the company saw an acceleration of growth in the vast majority of markets we track, including China and many emerging markets, and that double-digit growth across iPhone, Mac, and services was the driving force behind these results.

    Apple set revenue records for the June quarter in more than two dozen countries and regions, including the US, Canada, Latin America, Western Europe, the Middle East, India, and South Asia. He said that the situation regarding tariffs is “evolving” and that the corporation had to pay roughly $800 million in tariff-related expenses for the June quarter.

     “We project that the September quarter will result in an increase in our expenses of roughly $1.1 billion, assuming that the present global tariff rates, policies, and applications remain unchanged for the remainder of the period and that no new tariffs are imposed. Since a lot of things, including tariff rates, can change, this forecast shouldn’t be used to project future quarters,” he said.

    The computer giant reported $94.04 billion in revenue for the June quarter, above Wall Street’s estimates by 10% year-over-year. Net profit was $23.42 billion, up 9.2% year-over-year.

    Quick
    Shots

    •Store to offer hands-on Apple product
    demos and “Today at Apple” free creative sessions.

    •Part of Apple’s push to strengthen
    brand presence in India.

    •Double-digit sales growth across
    iPhone, Mac, and services in Q3 FY2025.

    •India, Middle East, South Asia, and
    Brazil among fastest-growing markets for Apple.

  • Cumin Co. secures $1.5 Million led by Fireside Ventures with participation from Huddle Ventures to accelerate Innovation and Manufacturing

    Cumin Co. India’s leading health-first kitchenware brand with 3 product patents; has raised USD $1.5 million in a strategic investment round led by Fireside Ventures with participation from Huddle Ventures. The funding will be used to scale R&D, accelerate product innovation, and strengthen manufacturing capacity, while building deeper market penetration through its direct-to-consumer online presence.

    Since its inception in 2025, Cumin Co., has been profitable, an exceptional achievement for a young brand in its category. In just a few months, the company has helped 7,000+ households across India kick off their journey to healthy kitchenware, with high repeat purchase rates growing at 20% MoM and strong word-of-mouth advocacy. Over the next 12 months, the company aims to expand its community of conscious consumers to 1,00,000+ households.

    Cumin Co.’s growth is driven by its strong focus on R&D and IP creation, including innovation in their proprietary Enviromax™ enamel coating technology. Unlike traditional cookware that uses toxin heavy chemical non-stick coatings, all Cumin Co. products are 100% toxin-free, naturally non-stick, certified by 3 global standards, and engineered to last for generations     .

    Niharika Joshi and Udit Lekhi, Co-Founders of Cumin Co. said, “Kitchenware has been overlooked for far too long in India, even though it’s central to every household. Our vision is to reimagine ware by combining rigorous R&D with design and safety.  This investment allows us to scale our innovation pipeline and set a new benchmark for healthy kitchenware in India.”

    ISB–Hyderabad alumni Niharika Joshi and Udit Lekhi bring over two decades of leadership experience to the venture. Joshi most recently served as Vice President – Enterprise at Noise, while Lekhi was Director – Growth, Strategy and Transformation at Mastercard. The couple founded Cumin Co. while searching for healthier, baby-food safe cookware for their own home, where they uncovered a significant gap between what was available and what Indian kitchens truly needed to be toxin-free.

    Shuchi Pandya, Principal at Fireside Ventures, said, “We believe enduring consumer brands will be built at the intersection of innovation, trust, and cultural relevance. Kitchenware is one of the few categories that sits at the heart of every home, yet it has seen little reimagination in decades. Cumin Co. is positioned to redefine this space by building a brand that elevates everyday cooking, modernizes a stagnant category, and creates lasting consumer trust at global scale.”

    “The combination of patented IP, toxin-free innovation, and category-first positioning is powerful on its own, but what truly sets them apart is the consistent engagement and the love they’ve built with their customers. From high repeat rates to a community that actively advocated for them, Cumin Co. is proving innovation backed by customer trust can redefine the category” commented Sanil Sachar, Partner at Huddle Ventures.

    Cumin Co. plans to expand its product portfolio with 80+ product launches by the year-end to meet the massive demand for their products. With the upcoming festive season, the brand is set to roll out its widest outreach yet, through the launch of its 2 new colours- Sarson (Mustard) and Malai (White), and new upgrades to customer favourites from their flagship collection.

    About Cumin Co.

    Cumin Co. is a health-first kitchenware brand reimagining how India cooks. Inspired by the rich food heritage of our country, Cumin Co. blends health, durability, and design to create products that are toxin-free, durable, and purpose-built for the modern kitchen. With three patents for its enamel-cast technology and its proprietary Enviromax™ 4-layer enamel coating, the brand is pioneering India’s first 100% toxin-free enamel cast iron kitchenware. Rust-resistant, stain-resistant, and engineered to handle high heat without leaching metals or chemicals, Cumin Co.’s products are built to last for generations. By combining thoughtful design and uncompromising safety, Cumin Co. is setting a new standard for healthy, beautiful cooking in India and beyond.

  • Eternal (Zomato & Blinkit Owner) Faces INR 40 Crore GST Demand Orders; Apparel Industry Seeks Tax Relief

    Eternal, the owner of the Zomato and Blinkit brands, has been subject to three notices from the Goods and Services Tax department. The orders amount to more than INR 40 crore in tax demands, including interest and penalties, as reported by PTI.

    According to the report, the Joint Commissioner-4 Bengaluru issued all of these directives between July 2017 and March 2020. Zomato, Blinkit, District, and Hyperpure are the four main companies that make up Eternal.

    Zomato & Blinkit Owner Plans to Challenge Tax Notices

    The company announced that it will challenge the tax demand orders. In a late-night regulatory filing on August 25, PTI cited Eternal as stating that the company received three orders on August 25, 2025, from the Joint Commissioner, Appeals-4, Bengaluru, confirming the total demand of INR 17,191,176,2 for GST, along with interest of INR 21,421,479.1 and a penalty of INR 1,719,117.7 for the period July 2017 to March 2020.

    Karnataka Hosiery & Garment Association Pushes for GST Rationalisation

    The Karnataka Hosiery and Garment Association advocated on August 25 for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council to rationalise tax slabs on clothing and hosiery items and to include petroleum products in the indirect tax system.

    According to the group, different GST rates on clothing lead to misunderstandings, make compliance more difficult, and increase consumer expenses.

    In a statement to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and members of the GST Council, Sajjan Raj Mehta, the chairman of the association’s taxation committee, was quoted by PTI as saying that a uniform 5% GST rate for all clothing and hosiery products would lower price volatility, reduce inflationary pressures on the general public, improve compliance, lessen classification disputes, and create a level playing field for MSMEs and organised players.

    Why Industry Groups Want Petroleum Products Under GST?

    Noting that petrol, diesel and other fuels that are not subject to the tax system result in cascading taxes and increased input costs for many industries, the group also pushed for the inclusion of petroleum products under the GST.

    It stated that “their inclusion will ensure a uniform tax structure across states, avoiding wide fuel price disparities, improve transparency, lower overall costs of goods and services, and benefit the logistics and textile sectors where transportation is a major expense.”

    Quick
    Shots

    •Orders cover July 2017 to March 2020,
    issued by Joint Commissioner (Appeals-4), Bengaluru.

    •INR 17.19 crore GST, INR 21.42 crore
    interest, and ₹1.71 crore penalty imposed.

    •Company to challenge orders,
    regulatory filing confirms appeal plans.

    •Karnataka Hosiery & Garment
    Association seeks uniform 5% GST on clothing & hosiery.