DriveU expands footprint in Tamil Nadu, launches operations in Madurai, Tiruppur, and Coimbatore
DriveU has expanded its on-demand driver services to Madurai, Tiruppur, and Coimbatore, boosting gig work opportunities. With three offices and 20,000 verified drivers across Tamil Nadu, it builds on its Chennai base. CEO Rahm Shastry cites the state’s strong automotive ecosystem as key. Nationally, DriveU has 100,000 drivers and 9 million trips, offering vetted services from commutes to outstation travel via its app.
Tribe Stays raises $2.8M to scale its managed accommodation biz
Tribe Stays raised $2.8 million in seed funding from Artha Venture Fund and Riverwalk Holdings, with Kunal Khanna participating. Founded in 2018 by Yogesh, Shantam, and Aman Mehra, the firm will expand its Tribe Student Accommodation, Commune, and Suites brands to cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, targeting 25,000 beds as India’s $2.3-billion coliving market grows amid rivals Your-Space and Colive.
Andhra Pradesh secures INR 13.25 lakh crore in MoUs across 12 sectors at CII Partnership Summit 2025
At the CII Partnership Summit 2025, Andhra Pradesh signed ₹13.25 lakh crore in MoUs across 12 sectors, targeting 16 lakh jobs. Major deals include Reliance’s 1GW AI data center with a 6GWp solar project and Brookfield’s $12 billion investment in a 3GW clean energy data hub. Projects like Amaravati Quantum Valley and twin Space Cities will drive innovation toward Naidu’s $1 trillion, one crore job vision.
TCS Faces Labour Commissioner Inquiry Over Alleged Unlawful Layoffs Amid Industry Wide IT Workforce Cuts
TCS has been summoned by the Pune Labor Commissioner after NITES alleged 2,500 unlawful terminations and forced resignations, violating the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. The issue arises as TCS plans a 2% global workforce cut (~12,000 roles) amid automation, reporting a Q2 FY26 headcount drop of 20,000 and Rs 1,135 crore in severance costs. The November 18 hearing may influence IT workforce policies.
LinkedIn launches AI powered people search for Premium users in US
LinkedIn introduced an AI-driven people search for Premium U.S. users, enabling natural language queries like “investors in healthcare with FDA experience.” Using 1.3 billion profiles, AI interprets intent and ranks results by relevance. Though early feedback notes inconsistencies, the feature aims to improve professional discovery for 175 million Premium subscribers.
Meta introduces third-party chats in WhatsApp for Europe
Meta rolled out third-party chats on WhatsApp for European users under the DMA, allowing communication with apps like BirdyChat and Haiket. The feature supports messages, images, and videos with end-to-end encryption. Developed over three years with EU partners, it prioritizes security, user clarity, and optional activation for European users.
India Enforces Digital Personal Data Protection Rules 2025: Compliance, Children’s Data, and Cross-Border Guidelines
The DPDP Rules, 2025, implement the DPDP Act, 2023, establishing a citizen-centric data protection system based on SARAL principles of consent, transparency, and accountability. MeitY’s consultations led to 18-month phased compliance. Data Fiduciaries must ensure clear consent, prompt breach reports, and enhanced child and disability safeguards. A digital Data Protection Board promotes transparency and privacy-driven innovation.
Karnataka unveils INR 967cr tech policy to triple software exports & lead in space tech by 2030
Karnataka’s ₹967 crore tech policy targets tripling software exports to ₹11.5 lakh crore by 2030, creating 90 lakh jobs, and fostering 25,000 startups across tier-2/3 cities. It aims for 50% of India’s space-tech market, $3B investments, 500 startups, and 50,000 trained professionals, with AI and defense tech Centers of Excellence, including one at IIT Dharwad, driving inclusive growth.
Codeyoung secures $5M Series A to expand US and Canada, develop AI tools, and introduce new categories
Codeyoung raised $5 million in Series A funding led by 12 Flags Group and Enzia Ventures. Founded in 2020 by Shailendra Dhakad and Rupika Taneja, it offers online courses for ages 5–17, serving 15,000 weekly learners, mostly from North America. With $15 million ARR and 1,100 trainers, funds will drive AI tool development and expansion into the US and Canada.
Shraddha Kapoor-Backed Palmonas Eyes INR 250 Crore Fundraise
Palmonas, co-founded by Shraddha Kapoor, is set to raise ₹200–250 crore from Xponentia Capital, valuing it at ₹1,600–1,800 crore. Founded in 2022, it runs at a ₹300 crore annual revenue rate after earlier funding from Vertex Ventures. The funds will expand stores, D2C operations, and supply chains for its 18K gold-plated demi-fine jewelry, meeting India’s growing affordable luxury demand.
Minister Piyush Goyal Outlines India’s Plan to Become a $35 Trillion Economy by 2047
India targets a $30–35 trillion economy by 2047, driven by technology, trust, and trade. Digital infrastructure powers UPI’s global lead in real-time transactions and supports 1 billion internet users. Expanding semiconductor capacity, FTA talks with major economies, and eased regulations have boosted exports to $825B and FDI to $81B. These reforms position India as a resilient global growth hub.
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) announced a 1 GW AI data center in Andhra Pradesh
Reliance Industries will build a 1 GW AI data center in Andhra Pradesh, linked to its Jamnagar unit to form an AI network. Backed by advanced GPUs and TPUs, it supports large-scale AI work. A 6 GWp solar project and a 170-acre food park will boost jobs and energy capacity. With $25B+ investments, RIL aims for 6 GW data center capacity by 2029.
Nia.one raises $2.4M seed funding to expand its “Niadel” hubs
Nia.one, a platform for gig workers, raised $2.4M in seed funding from Elevar Equity to grow its Niadel hubs. Founded in 2024 by Sachin Chhabra and Lt. Col. Pushkar Raj, it connects migrant workers to jobs, housing, and community support. Serving 3,000 workers in 50 cities, it targets 8,000, blending digital tools with physical hubs for holistic empowerment.
OpenAI pilots ChatGPT group chats in Asia-Pacific, enabling collaborative AI experiences for up to 20 users
OpenAI pilots ChatGPT group chats in Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Taiwan, allowing up to 20 users to collaborate via shareable links. Available on web and mobile for all subscription tiers, it uses GPT-5.1 Auto for contextual replies. Privacy safeguards include chat separation and minor content limits. This move positions ChatGPT as a collaborative tool rivaling messaging apps.
Hyderabad Angel Fund Launches INR 100 Crore VC Initiative to Back High-Growth Startups Across India
Hyderabad Angel Fund launches a ₹100 crore VC fund to back early-stage Indian startups in Generative AI and HealthTech, with ₹2–4 crore investments. Having secured 62% commitments, it’s already invested in one startup and issued three term sheets. This initiative fills local funding gaps, supports talent beyond Tier-1 cities, and aims to build a stronger, more innovative startup ecosystem.
OpenAI launches GPT-5.1 with personality controls
OpenAI launched GPT-5.1 on November 12, 2025, improving ChatGPT with adaptive reasoning and a warmer tone. The update introduces GPT-5.1 Instant for light chat and Thinking for deeper analysis. Users can choose from six personalities and adjust warmth, brevity, and emoji use. Legacy GPT-5 models stay available for three months, emphasizing user customization and emotional engagement.
Google Workspace and Drive services Faces Global Outage
Google Drive and Workspace services faced a major outage, with thousands across the U.S. reporting access issues to tools like Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Downdetector showed over 10,000 reports for Drive and 2,000 for Sheets by 10:28 a.m. PT. The disruption affected global businesses, with users citing server, file, and website connectivity problems.
Brandworks Technologies raises $11M Series A to boost global reach & innovation in AI/IoT hardwar
Brandworks Technologies completed an $11 million Series A round, adding $4 million from the Roha Family Office to its earlier $7 million led by Cactus Partners and GVFL. Founded by Nikita Kumawat, it plans global expansion, R&D scaling, and a new Design Centre in Taiwan. The company develops AI/IoT hardware and electronics to strengthen India’s high-tech ecosystem.
Pine Labs Bags All Three Payment Aggregator Licences
Pine Labs became the first Indian firm to obtain all three RBI Payment Aggregator licenses for offline, online, and cross-border transactions. After expanding via Pine Labs Online and acquiring Setu, it can now process payments across channels and tap global markets. The cross-border license boosts margins and merchant reach, solidifying Pine Labs’ leadership in payment processing.
ACS Energy raises INR 1.1Cr in Pre-Seed Funding led by Inflection Point Ventures
ACS Energy raised $132K in pre-seed funding from Inflection Point Ventures to install 5,000 UPI-enabled EV charging stations in Maharashtra and Gujarat. Founded in 2022 by Jash Sheth and Mihir Bhanushali, it offers integrated hardware-software solutions with AI-based energy management for high-rises. Operating across major cities, ACS targets nationwide growth in India’s $13 billion EV market by 2032.
Event Planet Technologies raises $250K to enhance its tech platform and vendor partnerships
Event Planet raised $250,000 in angel funding from Virendra Prasad at a Rs 30 crore valuation. Founded by Rohit Yagya, the Lucknow-based startup simplifies event planning through package-based models. Operating in 32 Indian cities and 8 international markets, it plans expansion into South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe while enhancing vendor ties and technology.
Trishul Space raises INR 4Cr Pre-Seed Funding to fuel innovation in propulsion systems for small satellite launches
Trishul Space raised INR 4 crore in pre-seed funding from IAN Angel Fund, 8X Ventures, and ITEL to develop turbopump technology for its Harpy-1 liquid rocket engine. Founded by Aditya Singh, Divyam, and Rajat Choudhary, it uses staged combustion and AI for failure detection. Based at IIT Delhi, the startup targets the $15 billion small to medium launch market by 2030.
Alive raises INR 6 Cr to expand its experience platform
Alive, founded in 2025 by Vivek Kumar, raised INR 6 Cr from Powerhouse Ventures and angels to boost expansion and tech growth. The startup offers 125+ curated experiences using proprietary design tools, with top creators earning up to INR 5 lakh monthly. Focused on young professionals, Alive targets INR 100 crore ARR by 2027 and is expanding beyond Bengaluru and Hyderabad to Goa.
Parag Agarwal’s AI Startup Parallel raises $100M Series A to build web infrastructure for agents
Parallel Web Systems, founded by Parag Agarwal, raised $100M in Series A funding at a $740M valuation to build AI web infrastructure. Backed by Kleiner Perkins, Index Ventures, and Spark Capital, it powers companies like Clay and Sourcegraph with precise automation tools. Its APIs improve crawling, indexing, and retrieval, advancing an open web for AI.
PhonePe Announces Strategic Collaboration with OpenAI
PhonePe and OpenAI partnered to bring ChatGPT to India via the PhonePe app and Indus Appstore, promoting AI access for daily use. The collaboration aims to boost technology adoption, with leaders from both firms stressing India’s innovation potential and the goal of making AI more accessible and useful to millions.
Andhra Pradesh Signs INR 15,000 Crore MoU with Tillman Global for 300 MW Hyperscale Data Center in Visakhapatnam
Andhra Pradesh signed a Rs 15,000 crore MoU with Tillman Global Holdings to set up a 300 MW data center, TDGAP1, in Visakhapatnam. Spanning 40 acres, it will create up to 1,300 jobs by 2028 and boost sectors like logistics and cloud services. The partnership supports Andhra Pradesh’s digital vision alongside projects like Google’s AI hub.
Google Faces Legal Firestorm Over Alleged Secret Gemini AI Activation across Gmail, Chat, & Meet without consent
A class-action lawsuit in San Jose accuses Google of activating Gemini AI across Gmail, Chat, and Meet without user consent, violating the California Invasion of Privacy Act. Filed in October 2025, it alleges Gemini analyzes user data secretly. The case could redefine AI ethics and privacy norms.
HRS Navigation raises $5M to drive product innovation and global expansion
HRS Navigation, a Bengaluru medtech firm founded by Arpit and Shweta Paliwal, raised $5 million in pre-Series A funding from GVFL and India EXIM Bank. The investment supports product innovation and global expansion of its easyNav surgical navigation system, already used in 20,000+ surgeries across cranial, spine, and ENT procedures.
Haircare brand &Done raises $780K in pre-Seed funding
&Done, an Indian professional haircare brand founded in 2025 by Saumya Yadav and Atit Jain, raised $780K in pre-seed funding led by All In Capital and M.G. Investments. The funds will drive team, product, and D2C growth. Using a salon-D2C model, it partners with 1,500 stylists and targets India’s $6B haircare market.
US Based VideoDB acquired Software Testing Startup Devzery
VideoDB, a San Francisco AI video infrastructure firm, acquired Chennai-based Devzery for an undisclosed amount to enhance AI-driven video platforms. Devzery, founded in 2021, automates API testing using AI and serves clients like Cimpress. Its founders join VideoDB to aid U.S. expansion and improve reliability and deployment speed.
