IntrCity raises INR 250 Cr Series D to boost bus network expansion & enhance customer experience
IntrCity SmartBus raised INR 250 Cr ($28.3M) in Series D led by A91 Partners to expand nationwide. Cofounder Kapil Raizada plans to enhance fleet management and customer experience, focusing on Tier II and III cities. Founded in 2019, it runs 600 buses, rivals FlixBus and Zingbus, and saw FY25 revenue of INR 500 Cr with FY26 projections above INR 700 Cr, signaling rapid sector growth.
boAt Cuts IPO Size to ₹1,500 Crore as Early Investors Trim Stakes
boAt refiled its DRHP with SEBI, revising its IPO size to ₹1,500 Cr, including a ₹500 Cr fresh issue and a ₹1,000 Cr offer for sale. Warburg Pincus will sell ₹500 Cr in shares, Fireside ₹150 Cr, Qualcomm ₹50 Cr, while founders Aman Gupta and Sameer Mehta offload ₹225 Cr and ₹75 Cr. Funds will go toward working capital and brand building.
Adobe Firefly expands its AI creative suite with new audio, video, & imaging tools
Adobe unveiled major Firefly upgrades at Adobe MAX, adding AI tools for audio, video, and imaging. Generate Soundtrack and Generate Speech create licensed music and multilingual voiceovers, while a new AI video editor streamlines clip creation. Firefly Image Model 5 delivers 4MP photorealistic visuals. Integrations with OpenAI, Google, ElevenLabs, and others expand capabilities, as Project Moonlight, a conversational AI assistant that guides creators from idea to output.
Mphasis Introduces Quantum-Powered Tools to Boost Security and Decision-Making
Mphasis introduced qCryptsec and QOptiDecision, quantum-driven solutions enhancing enterprise security and decision-making. qCryptsec provides quantum-safe cryptography, detecting vulnerabilities and ensuring compliance, while QOptiDecision optimizes scheduling and resource allocation using quantum-classical methods. CEO Nitin Rakesh emphasized their role in improving accuracy and reducing risk. Tested in route optimization and airline scheduling, these tools integrate seamlessly as Mphasis advances with Agentic AI innovation.
GitHub Introduces Agent HQ to Streamline AI Integration for Developers
GitHub unveiled Agent HQ at Universe 2025, marking a milestone as its developer community reached 180 million globally, including 21.9 million in India. COO Kyle Daigle emphasized AI’s role in advancing India’s tech scene. Agent HQ links AI agents from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google through Copilot, offering mission control, VS Code’s Plan Mode, and governance tools like Copilot metrics to streamline AI-driven development.
Mem0 raises $24M series A funding to build the memory layer for AI agents
Mem0, founded by Taranjeet Singh and Deshraj Yadav, has raised $24 million in Series A funding led by Basis Set Ventures. The company offers a production-ready memory layer for AI agents, integrating with CrewAI and Langflow. Its API and open-source tools boost personalization and context retention. With rapid growth, 41K GitHub stars, 14M downloads, and AWS Agent SDK selection, Mem0 plans to scale engineering and partnerships.
HUMAIN and Qualcomm Partner to Build the World’s First Edge-to-Cloud Hybrid AI System
HUMAIN and Qualcomm Technologies are partnering to build the world’s first fully optimized edge-to-cloud hybrid AI system in Saudi Arabia. Starting in 2026, HUMAIN will deploy 200 MW of Qualcomm’s AI200 and AI250 rack solutions. CEO Tareq Amin says the project will advance Saudi Arabia’s AI leadership, integrating HUMAIN’s ALLaM models with Qualcomm’s platforms to deliver sector-specific innovation.
Anthropic Integrates Claude into Excel to Transform Financial Analysis
Anthropic has introduced Claude for Excel, enhancing financial analysis with real-time data integrations from Aiera, LSEG, Moody’s, and Egnyte. In beta, Claude analyzes workbooks, fixes formulas, and builds models directly in Excel, complementing its Microsoft Copilot integration. About 1,000 users will test the add-in, featuring six new Agent Skills for DCF modeling, due diligence, and profiling. Sonnet 4.5 scored 55.3% on Vals AI’s Finance benchmark.
AMD & US DOE team up to build Lux & Discovery supercomputers
The US Department of Energy and AMD have launched a $1 billion partnership to build two AI supercomputers Lux and Discovery at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Arriving in 2026, Lux is co-developed with HPE and Oracle using AMD Instinct MI355X GPUs and EPYC CPUs. Discovery will use EPYC ‘Venice’ CPUs and MI430X GPUs to drive breakthroughs in energy, medicine, and materials science.
Mercedes-Benz India and Zoho Launch SKYLine to Transform Dealership Operations
Mercedes-Benz India, in collaboration with Zoho, has launched SKYLine — a custom-built Dealer Management System designed to transform dealership operations and customer experience. Built on Zoho CRM, its decentralized setup enables dealer autonomy while integrating with central systems through co-developed middleware. Now live across India, SKYLine enhances service journeys with AI-driven analytics, courtesy car tracking, and improved operational efficiency.
Foxconn invests $1.37B in AI compute & supercomputing
Foxconn is investing $1.37 billion to build an AI compute cluster and supercomputing center, set for completion by 2026, as part of its ‘3+3’ strategy focusing on Smart Manufacturing, EVs, and Smart Cities. The project includes Taiwan’s fastest AI supercomputer using NVIDIA’s Blackwell architecture and humanoid robot development in Kaohsiung. Foxconn is also expanding globally with major investments in India and the U.S.
Milky Mist Dairy Gets SEBI Nod for Rs 2,035 Crore IPO
Milky Mist Dairy Foods Ltd., based in Tamil Nadu, has received SEBI approval for its ₹2,035 crore IPO, comprising a fresh issue of ₹1,785 crore. Proceeds will expand its premium dairy operations, upgrade the Perundurai plant with ₹414.7 crore for new units, and repay ₹750 crore in debt. Focused on high-margin, value-added dairy products like paneer and cheese, Milky Mist continues its growth journey.
Altimetrik Acquires SLK Software to Build a Global Digital Engineering Powerhouse
Altimetrik has finalized its $600 million acquisition of SLK Software, forming a global digital engineering powerhouse. Led by CEO Raj Sundaresan, the combined company of 10,000+ professionals across 17 countries will drive responsible, AI-led growth. Serving 150+ clients, including Fortune 500 firms, it focuses on data, engineering, and automation. Altimetrik’s ALTI AI Adoption Lab and DomainForge.ai will advance AI and cybersecurity.
OpenAI Offers Free ChatGPT Go Access to Indian Users
OpenAI will offer free access to ChatGPT Go for Indian users for one year starting November 4, alongside its DevDay Exchange in Bengaluru. Powered by GPT-5, the plan enhances AI accessibility in ChatGPT’s second-largest market. Existing subscribers will benefit too. Nick Turley said the move supports India’s AI mission, with collaborations planned. Anthropic also eyes India’s expansion, while Airtel offers a similar AI plan.
Amazon to cut 30,000 corporate positions amid AI shift
Amazon is set to cut up to 30,000 corporate jobs—about 10% of its workforce—to trim costs and correct pandemic overstaffing. The layoffs will affect tech, devices, and AWS divisions. At the same time, Amazon is doubling down on AI through its new Frontier AI & Robotics (FAR) team, led by Rocky Duan. CEO Andy Jassy says AI will redefine roles. Meta also recently laid off 600 in AI.
Banana Club raises ₹12.25 Cr funding valuing the company at ₹245 crore
Banana Club, co-founded by Neel Bafna, raised ₹12.25 Cr at a ₹245 Cr valuation to expand operations and open a 10,000 sq. ft. flagship store in Bangalore’s HSR Layout. The D2C menswear brand, known for global high-street styles and in-house manufacturing, ensures end-to-end quality. The new store, its 16th, will showcase 8,000+ styles, reinforcing its omnichannel reach.
Neulife secures $1M seed funding to fuel new product development, clinical research, and global expansion
Neulife, a Mumbai-based nutrition brand, raised $1 M in seed funding from Subhkam and Singularity Ventures to advance R&D, new products, and global growth. Founded by Samit Gupta, it leverages patented Ketofuel MCT tech and offers D2C products like Pro Standard Whey and Super Isolate. With five patents, Neulife targets 15% of India’s premium protein market by 2028 and seeks $3 M more.
Amazon India Surpasses $20 Billion Export Milestone, Sets $80 Billion Target by 2030
Amazon India crossed $20 Bn in cumulative e-commerce exports, surpassing its 2025 goal. Its Global Selling program supports 200,000+ Indian exporters across 18 marketplaces, recording $7 Bn exports in 2023. Focusing on health, beauty, and apparel, Amazon targets $80 Bn by 2030 through MSME partnerships and tech-driven compliance, aligning with India’s $200–300 Bn export vision.
Kerala introduced the “Right to Disconnect Bill, 2025,” granting private employees the right to disconnect from work outside office hours without penalty
Kerala has become India’s first state to introduce the “Right to Disconnect Bill, 2025,” allowing private employees to ignore work-related calls and emails after office hours without penalties. The law ensures grievance mechanisms and employer accountability to protect work-life balance. Inspired by European models, it aims to reduce stress, prevent burnout, and promote employee well-being potentially shaping future national labor reforms.
Lenskart’s to launch its IPO on October 31
Lenskart will open its IPO on October 31, with anchor subscriptions starting October 30. The eyewear retailer plans a ₹2,150 Cr fresh issue and an offer for sale of 127.5 M shares by founders and investors, including SVF II Lightbulb. Funds will support new stores, tech, marketing, and acquisitions. Recently, DMart’s Radhakishan Damani invested ₹90 Cr.
HYDGEN raises $5M to boost production & expand operations globally
HYDGEN raised $5M led by Transition VC to scale its AEM electrolyzer tech. The Singapore spin-off will boost production, expand stack capacity to 250 kW, and enter Japan, Europe, and the Middle East. Its systems produce ultra-pure hydrogen efficiently without platinum-group metals. Pilot projects in India and Southeast Asia are moving to commercial rollout.
Accel and Prosus Join Hands to Back Early-stage Indian startups
Accel and Prosus have teamed up to co-invest in early-stage Indian startups, boosting Accel’s Atoms X program. Prosus will match Accel’s $100K–$1M funding in automation, energy, internet, and manufacturing ventures. The partnership supports LeapTech startups with mentorship and global scaling expertise, marking Prosus’s first deep-tech day-zero investment and strengthening India’s AI, manufacturing, and climate tech funding ecosystem.
Lenskart secures INR 90 Cr from Radhakishan Damani Ahead of IPO
Lenskart raised INR 90 Cr from DMart’s Radhakishan Damani ahead of its IPO, which SEBI cleared for a INR 2,150 Cr fresh issue. Targeting an $8 Bn valuation, the IPO is set for early November. Founders and investors, including SoftBank, will offload shares as Lenskart expands CoCo stores, cloud systems, and AI-driven eyewear with AjnaLens. FY25 profit: INR 297.3 Cr on INR 6,652.5 Cr revenue.
Catalyx Space raises $5.4M to advance its space logistics infrastructure
Catalyx Space raised $5.4M in seed funding led by Outlander VC to expand space logistics. Founded in 2024 by Rifath Shaarook and team, it develops re-entry tech, unmanned labs, and plans a Cosmotron satellite demo in 2026. After a $1.7M pre-seed and 26+ mission partnerships, the startup accelerates India’s spacetech drive through its integrated access platform.
Government Extends LC-75 and BLC Options to Central Employees under NPS and UPS
The Finance Ministry expanded investment choices for Central Government employees under NPS and UPS from October 24, 2025. New options include the Default Scheme, Scheme G, LC-25, LC-50, LC-75, and the Balanced Life Cycle (BLC) model. The BLC gradually reduces equity exposure before retirement, ensuring parity with private NPS investors. LC-75 targets high-risk investors while the BLC balances growth and stability.
Reliance & Meta invest INR 855 Cr in AI JV, Reliance Enterprise Intelligence Limited (REIL)
Reliance and Meta have launched Reliance Enterprise Intelligence Limited (REIL) with an investment of ₹855 crore, where Reliance holds a 70% stake and Meta 30%. REIL will develop global enterprise AI solutions powered by Meta’s Llama models. Mukesh Ambani described the venture as a move toward “sovereign enterprise AI.”
EU Flags Meta, TikTok for Digital Transparency Breach under DSA
The European Commission has found Meta and TikTok in preliminary violation of the Digital Services Act (DSA) for restricting researcher access to data and obstructing reviews of content potentially harmful to minors. Meta’s platforms were also flagged for using “dark patterns” that affect user reporting and appeals. While TikTok cited conflicts with GDPR regulations, Meta maintained it remains compliant. Both companies now face possible fines of up to 6% of their global revenue under the DSA’s transparency and algorithmic accountability provisions.
Airbus Chairman Rene Obermann hails India’s engineering prowess, at the Berlin Global Dialogue, emphasizing a “strategic, long-term partnership.”
Airbus Chairman Rene Obermann hailed India as a “strategic long-term partner” at the Berlin Global Dialogue, lauding its engineering and tech expertise alongside Minister Piyush Goyal. Emphasizing value creation over cost cutting, Airbus sources $1.4 billion annually from India and operates assembly lines with Tata Advanced Systems. With IndiGo and Air India ordering over 1,000 aircraft, India’s role in the global aerospace ecosystem continues to strengthen.
Govt-Backed Bharat Taxi to Challenge Ola & Uber with Delhi Pilot Launch in November 2025
Indian government will launch Bharat Taxi in Delhi next month, offering a cooperative, driver‑owned alternative to Ola and Uber. Built with NeGD, the pilot starts with 650 owner‑driven vehicles and will expand to 20 cities by 2030, targeting 1 lakh drivers. Managed by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative with ₹300 crore capital, drivers retain 100% earnings. Union Home Minister Amit Shah endorsed it as part of PM Modi’s vision for fair mobility.
EU sanctions hit 3 Indian firms as part of the 19th sanctions package against Russia
The EU sanctioned three Indian firms under its 19th Russia sanctions package on October 23 for allegedly aiding Moscow’s military‑industrial complex. Accused of bypassing export restrictions on CNC tools and UAV technologies, they now face stricter export controls. Analysts warn the move, a first of its kind, could strain India‑EU trade talks amid new US tariffs.































