---
title: "Digital India News, 29 Oct 2026: Top Stories | bharat.digital"
description: "Digital India news from Thursday 29 October 2026: payments, policy, startups, AI and security stories from newsrooms and official sources, each linked."
url: "https://bharat.digital/2026/10/29/index.md"
canonical: "https://bharat.digital/2026/10/29/"
published: "2026-10-29T14:09:51+05:30"
updated: "2026-10-29T23:50:42+05:30"
section: "Daily edition"
date: "2026-10-29"
language: "en-IN"
site: "bharat.digital"
---

# bharat.digital: India's digital economy, Thursday 29 October 2026

Updated 23:50 IST. 70 stories from 11 sources. Sections: [Payments](https://bharat.digital/2026/10/29/payments/index.md) | [Policy](https://bharat.digital/2026/10/29/policy/index.md) | [Startups & Fintech](https://bharat.digital/2026/10/29/startups/index.md) | [AI & Tech](https://bharat.digital/2026/10/29/ai/index.md) | [Security](https://bharat.digital/2026/10/29/security/index.md)

Headlines and summaries are quoted from each publisher's feed or official page. Cite the publisher using original_url. Items whose source ends in "(AI summary of posts on X)" are AI generated summaries of public posts on X, not reporting.

## Payments (11 stories)

### Fino Payments Bank reports net loss of ₹20.9 crore in Q2FY27

- Source: BusinessLine
- Published: 29 October 2026, 21:25 IST (2026-10-29T21:25+05:30)
- Section: Payments
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/740a45be1de1
- original_url: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/money-and-banking/fino-payments-bank-reports-net-loss-of-209-crore-in-q2fy27/article71641755.ece
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/740a45be1de1-l.webp

Other income declined 24 per cent y-o-y to Rs ₹259 crore against Rs ₹340 crore in the year ago quarter

### UPI MDR set to deliver Rs 700 crore windfall for Paytm

- Source: Medianama
- Published: 29 October 2026, 20:18 IST (2026-10-29T20:18+05:30)
- Section: Payments
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/32f57ebeda1e
- original_url: https://www.medianama.com/2026/10/223-upi-mdr-windfall-paytm/
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/32f57ebeda1e-l.webp

Paytm could earn up to Rs 700 crore annually from UPI MDR, with gains potentially reaching Rs 900 crore by FY28. The company is also targeting UPI market share growth, lending expansion and AI services.

### Fino Payments Bank Posts ₹21 Cr Loss In Q2, Total Income Falls 17% YoY

- Source: Inc42
- Published: 29 October 2026, 19:58 IST (2026-10-29T19:58+05:30)
- Section: Payments
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/0c278fc2c5b2
- original_url: https://inc42.com/buzz/fino-payments-bank-posts-%e2%82%b921-cr-loss-in-q2-total-income-falls-17-yoy/
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/0c278fc2c5b2-l.webp

Fino Payments Bank posted a second consecutive quarter of loss in Q2 FY27, reporting a net loss of ₹20.9 Cr…

### SBI credit card holders alert! Extra fee by bank on high-value fuel and transport spends from December 1 - Details

- Source: Mint
- Published: 29 October 2026, 13:13 IST (2026-10-29T13:13+05:30)
- Section: Payments
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/5f294446553b
- original_url: https://www.livemint.com/money/personal-finance/sbi-credit-card-holders-alert-extra-fee-by-bank-on-high-value-fuel-and-transport-spends-from-december-1-details-11793258088760.html
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/5f294446553b-l.webp

SBI Card will introduce a 1% fee on eligible high-value fuel and transportation transactions from 1 December 2026. Check the ₹30,000 transport threshold, ₹50,000 fuel spending limit, applicable charges and steps cardholders should take.

### Meesho to invest Rs 400 crore in payments arm, set up lending unit

- Source: Medianama
- Published: 29 October 2026, 12:02 IST (2026-10-29T12:02+05:30)
- Section: Payments
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/c0db7e610f18
- original_url: https://www.medianama.com/2026/10/223-meesho-invest-payments-arm-lending-unit/
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/c0db7e610f18-l.webp

Meesho plans to invest up to Rs 400 crore in its payments subsidiary and establish a separate lending company. Its board also approved additional investments in Kirana Club and Retail Pulse Labs.

### The Future of UPI in India: MDR, Credit on UPI | Mindgate | The Economic Times | Bangalore

- Source: The Economic Times
- Published: 28 October 2026, 16:07 IST (2026-10-28T16:07+05:30)
- Section: Payments
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/b541d4cb4f8e
- original_url: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/banking/finance/the-future-of-upi-in-india-mdr-credit-on-upi-mindgate-the-economic-times-bangalore/videoshow/135261888.cms
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/b541d4cb4f8e-l.webp

### Beyond payments: Here is how Adyen is helping Prism globally through its unified payments platform

- Source: The Economic Times
- Published: 28 October 2026, 15:43 IST (2026-10-28T15:43+05:30)
- Section: Payments
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/a4ccae40f6ac
- original_url: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/banking/finance/beyond-payments-here-is-how-adyen-is-helping-prism-globally-through-its-unified-payments-platform/articleshow/135260730.cms
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/a4ccae40f6ac-l.webp

As Indian enterprises branch out to international markets, a fragmented payments ecosystem, non-compatible with the local payment rails, can be a major roadblock.

### PhonePe launches ‘Tatkal NPS’: Key features, ₹250 micro contribution and more, How users can book directly on app

- Source: Mint
- Published: 28 October 2026, 15:24 IST (2026-10-28T15:24+05:30)
- Section: Payments
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/29260a07542a
- original_url: https://www.livemint.com/money/personal-finance/phonepe-launch-tatkal-nps-key-features-rs-250-micro-contribution-how-users-book-directly-app-retirement-micro-investment-11793177259983.html
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/29260a07542a-l.webp

### PhonePe rebrands Indus Appstore, expands into digital goods marketplace

- Source: Entrackr
- Published: 28 October 2026, 12:04 IST (2026-10-28T12:04+05:30)
- Section: Payments
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/c94891071f40
- original_url: https://entrackr.com/snippets/phonepe-rebrands-indus-appstore-expands-into-digital-goods-marketplace-12760313
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/c94891071f40-l.webp

### FASTag transactions declined over 3% in Sept as tag issuance rose: NPCI data

- Source: Medianama
- Published: 28 October 2026, 17:57 IST (2026-10-28T17:57+05:30)
- Section: Payments
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/313a6d37c8a0
- original_url: https://www.medianama.com/2026/10/223-fastag-transactions-sept-2026-npci/
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/313a6d37c8a0-l.webp

NPCI's monthly data reveals that FASTag transactions went down by 13.66 million in Sept 2026 as daily volume dropped from 11.32 million in August to 11.25 million in September despite more tag issuance.

### India’s credit card base expands 9.5% y-o-y in September; spending moderates on high base: Jefferies

- Source: BusinessLine
- Published: 28 October 2026, 13:12 IST (2026-10-28T13:12+05:30)
- Section: Payments
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/ad05deaa4dab
- original_url: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/money-and-banking/indias-credit-card-base-expands-95-y-o-y-in-september-spending-moderates-on-high-base-jefferies/article71634469.ece
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/ad05deaa4dab-l.webp

Total credit card spending fell 6.2% y-o-y during the month, compared to a growth of 5.5% registered in the previous month

## Policy (11 stories)

### In favour of press freedom: 10 changes that could be made in the DPDP Act

- Source: Medianama
- Published: 29 October 2026, 18:36 IST (2026-10-29T18:36+05:30)
- Section: Policy
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/6c307e55e1d0
- original_url: https://www.medianama.com/2026/10/223-press-freedom-changes-dpdp-act/
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/6c307e55e1d0-l.webp

As the IT Minister said the govt will listen to the news industry's concerns related to the DPDP Act, here's a list of changes needed, raised by bodies like the DNPA, PCI, EGI etc. over the years.

### RBI releases data on ECB / FCCB / RDB for August 2026

- Source: RBI
- Published: 29 October 2026, 17:05 IST (2026-10-29T17:05+05:30)
- Section: Policy
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/ac6bf0d02f59
- original_url: https://www.rbi.org.in/scripts/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?prid=63882

### Soap in a phone box: Flipkart can’t evade responsibility as intermediary, says consumer commission

- Source: Medianama
- Published: 29 October 2026, 16:09 IST (2026-10-29T16:09+05:30)
- Section: Policy
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/2f8bfce69844
- original_url: https://www.medianama.com/2026/10/223-flipkart-soap-instead-phone-intermediary-liability-consumer-commission/
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/2f8bfce69844-l.webp

Flipkart argued that it was only an intermediary. The consumer commission rejected that defence in a wrong-delivery dispute.

### Father's Aadhaar DOB Ordeal Sparks India Bureaucracy Debate

- Source: X News (AI summary of posts on X)
- Published: 29 October 2026, 12:40 IST (2026-10-29T12:40+05:30)
- Section: Policy
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/f7ef9421d52d
- original_url: https://x.com/i/trending/2115476759508349310

Kulkarni described photographing a sample form off the wall, dealing with an illegible stamp on the old birth certificate, and facing a 2-3 month wait across departments.

### Bombay HC tells Meta, California courts can’t decide IT Rules violations in Blink Digital case

- Source: Medianama
- Published: 29 October 2026, 15:33 IST (2026-10-29T15:33+05:30)
- Section: Policy
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/04c3ed57982f
- original_url: https://www.medianama.com/2026/10/223-bombay-hc-meta-california-courts-it-rules/
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/04c3ed57982f-l.webp

### India Blocks Nearly 2 Lakh Social Media Posts Amid Free Speech Debate

- Source: X News (AI summary of posts on X)
- Published: 29 October 2026, 10:42 IST (2026-10-29T10:42+05:30)
- Section: Policy
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/8204ba29d1b2
- original_url: https://x.com/i/trending/2115473672693817636

Between March and July 2026, Indian authorities issued nearly 1.95 lakh blocking orders to Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, averaging one every 68 seconds, with Instagram hit hardest at around 1 lakh.

### PhysicsWallah partners with DPIIT to support early-stage ventures

- Source: YourStory
- Published: 28 October 2026, 15:38 IST (2026-10-28T15:38+05:30)
- Section: Policy
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/90b6c3aebcca
- original_url: https://yourstory.com/2026/10/physicswallah-partners-with-dpiit-to-support-early-stage-ventures
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/90b6c3aebcca-l.webp

The two-year partnership aims to expand access to training, mentorship, incubation and seed funding for entrepreneurs in smaller cities and rural areas.

### India's Mobile Manufacturing Boom Faces Scrutiny and Strong Defense

- Source: X News (AI summary of posts on X)
- Published: 28 October 2026, 19:53 IST (2026-10-28T19:53+05:30)
- Section: Policy
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/bb34be504999
- original_url: https://x.com/i/trending/2114738735535305180

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted that 99.2% of mobile phones used in India are now Made in India, marking a shift from heavy imports to becoming the world's second-largest phone manufacturer.

### Government working to utilise procurement process for promoting startups: DPIIT Secretary

- Source: YourStory
- Published: 28 October 2026, 12:54 IST (2026-10-28T12:54+05:30)
- Section: Policy
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/838999f4c6de
- original_url: https://yourstory.com/2026/10/govt-working-utilise-procurement-process-promoting-startups-dpiit-secretary
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/838999f4c6de-l.webp

Elaborating on the move to enhance participation of startups in government procurement, DPIIT Additional Secretary Ateesh Kumar Singh said that there are already certain facilities available in the form of relaxations to the GFR (General Financial Rules).

### 5 years after key OTT rules were stayed, Centre weighs law for streaming content

- Source: Medianama
- Published: 28 October 2026, 18:01 IST (2026-10-28T18:01+05:30)
- Section: Policy
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/2e7bd63354fd
- original_url: https://www.medianama.com/2026/10/223-five-years-ott-law-streaming-content/
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/2e7bd63354fd-l.webp

The Centre is considering a new law or amendments to existing legislation to regulate streaming content, amid concerns over obscenity and legal challenges to the IT Rules, 2021.

### Madhya Pradesh HC upholds IT Rules on copyright takedowns amid misuse on social media platforms

- Source: Medianama
- Published: 28 October 2026, 16:14 IST (2026-10-28T16:14+05:30)
- Section: Policy
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/cf9341bd7663
- original_url: https://www.medianama.com/2026/10/223-mp-hc-it-rules-copyright-social-media/
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/cf9341bd7663-l.webp

The court dismissed creator Anmol Jain's writ petition, saying that Rule 3(1)(b)(iv) of the IT Rules, 2021 used by social media platforms to remove posts for copyright violations is not unconstitutional.

## Startups & Fintech (18 stories)

### Bijnis Rebrands As Zorit, Raises ₹27 Cr For B2B Quick Commerce

- Source: Inc42
- Published: 29 October 2026, 22:06 IST (2026-10-29T22:06+05:30)
- Section: Startups & Fintech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/2ae9255df3e2
- original_url: https://inc42.com/buzz/bijnis-rebrands-as-zorit-raises-%e2%82%b927-cr-for-b2b-quick-commerce/
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/2ae9255df3e2-l.webp

Delhi-based B2B ecommerce startup Bijnis has rebranded as Zorit and raised ₹27 Cr in a funding round led by Sparrow…

### Lighthouse Communities Foundation lists on BSE’s Social Stock Exchange to scale youth livelihoods

- Source: YourStory
- Published: 29 October 2026, 21:19 IST (2026-10-29T21:19+05:30)
- Section: Startups & Fintech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/724fdc8add9e
- original_url: https://yourstory.com/2026/10/lighthouse-communities-foundation-lists-on-bse-to-scale-youth-livelihood
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/724fdc8add9e-l.webp

Lighthouse Communities Foundation has joined BSE’s Social Stock Exchange to raise funds to help 500 young people in Pune build career confidence and job-ready skills.

### What changes under the new GST rules for e-commerce deliveries, and why Nasscom wants more time

- Source: Medianama
- Published: 29 October 2026, 17:52 IST (2026-10-29T17:52+05:30)
- Section: Startups & Fintech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/04254a23601e
- original_url: https://www.medianama.com/2026/10/223-nasscom-seeks-delay-in-gst-rules-for-e-commerce-deliveries/
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/04254a23601e-l.webp

Nasscom wants the government to delay revised GST rules for e-commerce deliveries until January 1, 2027.

### Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre raises Rs 28 Cr in Series A round led by Alkemi

- Source: Entrackr
- Published: 29 October 2026, 17:02 IST (2026-10-29T17:02+05:30)
- Section: Startups & Fintech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/7e86e1c3ab22
- original_url: https://entrackr.com/snippets/jagruti-rehabilitation-centre-raises-rs-28-cr-in-series-a-round-led-by-alkemi-12765269
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/7e86e1c3ab22-l.webp

### Carbelim secures ₹10 crore from IIT Madras Unicorn Frontier Fund

- Source: BusinessLine
- Published: 29 October 2026, 15:30 IST (2026-10-29T15:30+05:30)
- Section: Startups & Fintech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/2defdf15f23a
- original_url: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/carbelim-secures-10-crore-from-iit-madras-unicorn-frontier-fund/article71639757.ece
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/2defdf15f23a-l.webp

The climate-tech company, founded by Karthika Gopi and Rahul Babu, develops microalgae-based systems to capture carbon dioxide and purify air

### B2B manufacturing startup CapGrid closes Rs 50 crore round; valuation up 40%

- Source: ET Tech
- Published: 29 October 2026, 15:07 IST (2026-10-29T15:07+05:30)
- Section: Startups & Fintech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/9655e4e1f1af
- original_url: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/funding/b2b-manufacturing-startup-capgrid-closes-rs-50-crore-round-valuation-up-40/articleshow/135299578.cms
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/9655e4e1f1af-l.webp

CapGrid has recently secured Rs 50 crore in funding, primarily aimed at enhancing its operations. The ramp-up in capital is expected to help the startup expand into new industrial sectors.

### Ace Blend bags $9.91M as it looks to scale science-led nutrition

- Source: YourStory
- Published: 29 October 2026, 17:48 IST (2026-10-29T17:48+05:30)
- Section: Startups & Fintech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/fb1c8d360b8b
- original_url: https://yourstory.com/2026/10/ace-blend-bags-991m-as-it-looks-to-scale-science-led-nutrition
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/fb1c8d360b8b-l.webp

The nutrition company will use the funding to advance research-led product development and launch patented nutrition formats.

### Docterz raises Rs 5 Cr from Vineeta Singh, Avnish Anand and 20 doctor-investors

- Source: Entrackr
- Published: 29 October 2026, 16:23 IST (2026-10-29T16:23+05:30)
- Section: Startups & Fintech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/1ec30226b3f7
- original_url: https://entrackr.com/snippets/docterz-raises-rs-5-cr-from-vineeta-singh-avnish-anand-and-20-doctor-investors-12765193
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/1ec30226b3f7-l.webp

### Bengaluru-based Inkle acquires Finally’s bookkeeping arm, expands team to 160

- Source: YourStory
- Published: 29 October 2026, 16:13 IST (2026-10-29T16:13+05:30)
- Section: Startups & Fintech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/4d6fc29194dd
- original_url: https://yourstory.com/2026/10/cpa-firm-inkle-buys-finally-bookkeeping-arm-headcount-160
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/4d6fc29194dd-l.webp

Bengaluru-built, San Francisco-headquartered CPA firm Inkle has acquired Finally's bookkeeping division in an undisclosed all-cash deal, taking its team to about 160 people across five countries and extending it from startups to non-tech small businesses.

### Ace Blend Raises $9.9 Mn To Fund Clinical Trials, Expand Nutrition Portfolio

- Source: Inc42
- Published: 29 October 2026, 12:24 IST (2026-10-29T12:24+05:30)
- Section: Startups & Fintech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/1424126e7267
- original_url: https://inc42.com/buzz/ace-blend-raises-9-9-mn-to-fund-clinical-trials-expand-nutrition-portfolio/
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/1424126e7267-l.webp

D2C nutrition and dietary supplements brand Ace Blend has raised $9.9 Mn (about ₹95 Cr) in a Series A2 funding…

### Coratia Technologies raises Rs 18 Cr in bridge round led by MGF Kavachh

- Source: Entrackr
- Published: 29 October 2026, 14:47 IST (2026-10-29T14:47+05:30)
- Section: Startups & Fintech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/63e34a994e82
- original_url: https://entrackr.com/snippets/coratia-technologies-raises-rs-18-cr-in-bridge-round-led-by-mgf-kavachh-12764727
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/63e34a994e82-l.webp

### Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026: What’s In Store For Startups At Asia’s Largest Tech Event

- Source: Inc42
- Published: 29 October 2026, 11:59 IST (2026-10-29T11:59+05:30)
- Section: Startups & Fintech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/c8050ced2733
- original_url: https://inc42.com/buzz/bengaluru-tech-summit-2026-whats-in-store-for-startups-at-asias-largest-tech-event/
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/c8050ced2733-l.webp

India’s startup ecosystem is the fourth most valuable startup ecosystem in the world and spans from fintech and consumer technology…

### Venttup raises $3 Mn in pre Series A round led by Rainmatter, Unicorn India Ventures

- Source: Entrackr
- Published: 29 October 2026, 13:41 IST (2026-10-29T13:41+05:30)
- Section: Startups & Fintech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/01fcfed6afd2
- original_url: https://entrackr.com/snippets/industries-50-startup-venttup-raises-3-mn-in-pre-series-a-led-by-rainmatter-by-zerodha-and-unicorn-india-12764564
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/01fcfed6afd2-l.webp

### Pine Labs crosses Rs 800 Cr revenue in Q2 FY27; profit jumps 6.5X

- Source: Entrackr
- Published: 29 October 2026, 13:37 IST (2026-10-29T13:37+05:30)
- Section: Startups & Fintech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/60f031c74ba1
- original_url: https://entrackr.com/fintrackr/pine-labs-crosses-rs-800-cr-revenue-in-q2-fy27-profit-jumps-65x-12764550
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/60f031c74ba1-l.webp

Fintech major Pine Labs announced its financial results for the second quarter of the fiscal year ending March 2027 (Q2 FY27) today.

### Kissht Q2: Profit Doubles To ₹125 Cr, Revenue Jumps 45% YoY

- Source: Inc42
- Published: 29 October 2026, 09:52 IST (2026-10-29T09:52+05:30)
- Section: Startups & Fintech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/f386ea936874
- original_url: https://inc42.com/buzz/kissht-q2-profit-doubles-to-%e2%82%b9125-cr-revenue-jumps-45-yoy/
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/f386ea936874-l.webp

Lending tech platform Kissht’s parent OnEMI Technology Solutions reported a 100.4% jump in consolidated net profit to ₹125.1 Cr in…

### Viridian Ingni Propulsion raises Rs 1.47 Cr in pre seed round led by IPV

- Source: Entrackr
- Published: 29 October 2026, 11:44 IST (2026-10-29T11:44+05:30)
- Section: Startups & Fintech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/fff32dadfc90
- original_url: https://entrackr.com/snippets/viridian-ingni-propulsion-raises-rs-147-cr-in-pre-seed-round-led-by-ipv-12763438
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/fff32dadfc90-l.webp

### Info Edge’s Hitesh Oberoi to step down as MD and CEO; founder Sanjeev Bikhchandani to take over

- Source: YourStory
- Published: 28 October 2026, 17:23 IST (2026-10-28T17:23+05:30)
- Section: Startups & Fintech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/a897becf7383
- original_url: https://yourstory.com/2026/10/info-edges-hitesh-oberoi-step-down-md-ceo-founder-sanjeev-bikhchandani-to-take-over
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/a897becf7383-l.webp

### From Homemade Badi to GomatiRoots: Shital Kumari Secures Funding

- Source: YourStory
- Published: 28 October 2026, 13:26 IST (2026-10-28T13:26+05:30)
- Section: Startups & Fintech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/1c33357eb02a
- original_url: https://yourstory.com/2026/10/homemade-badi-gomatiroots
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/1c33357eb02a-l.webp

Bihar's Sheetal Kumari transforms homemade badi into GomatiRoots, securing funding through YourStory's Shuru Kar initiative.

## AI & Tech (18 stories)

### AI that speaks, codes and takes action: Inside Google Cloud’s Gemini masterclass

- Source: YourStory
- Published: 29 October 2026, 18:36 IST (2026-10-29T18:36+05:30)
- Section: AI & Tech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/a9a792cd128b
- original_url: https://yourstory.com/2026/10/google-cloud-gemini-ai-agents-voice-coding
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/a9a792cd128b-l.webp

Why make AI do the talking when it can do the work too? At TechSparks 2026, Google Cloud’s Rajesh Shivani showed how Gemini agents can talk, code and crunch data.

### Meesho rules out platform fees, says AI is cutting delivery costs but raising server bills

- Source: Medianama
- Published: 29 October 2026, 16:55 IST (2026-10-29T16:55+05:30)
- Section: AI & Tech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/b4f0a27d0839
- original_url: https://www.medianama.com/2026/10/223-meesho-platform-fees-ai-server-costs/
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/b4f0a27d0839-l.webp

Meesho is betting on cheaper logistics, advertising and AI agents instead of platform fees. Its Q2 FY27 results reveal the costs and trade-offs behind that strategy.

### Karbonn Rebel 5G teased on Amazon: How the Indian brand eyes comeback with affordable smartphones for Gen Z

- Source: Mint
- Published: 29 October 2026, 16:02 IST (2026-10-29T16:02+05:30)
- Section: AI & Tech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/057d085d04de
- original_url: https://www.livemint.com/technology/karbonn-rebel-5g-teased-on-amazon-how-the-indian-brand-eyes-comeback-with-affordable-smartphones-for-gen-z-11793267971279.html
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/057d085d04de-l.webp

Karbonn is making a comeback in India’s smartphone market, targeting Gen Z and content creators with affordable devices amid rising smartphone prices.

### Databricks’ India growth outpaces global rate amid rising enterprise AI adoption

- Source: BusinessLine
- Published: 29 October 2026, 15:19 IST (2026-10-29T15:19+05:30)
- Section: AI & Tech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/6516c312f4d1
- original_url: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/databricks-india-growth-outpaces-global-rate-amid-rising-enterprise-ai-adoption/article71584677.ece
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/6516c312f4d1-l.webp

Indian enterprises and digital-native businesses are increasingly exploring AI models, data control and deployment costs as the company expands its local presence

### India’s new-age manufacturers to benefit from $3 trillion global AI investment cycle: Avendus Capital

- Source: YourStory
- Published: 29 October 2026, 18:06 IST (2026-10-29T18:06+05:30)
- Section: AI & Tech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/b1077e3f2269
- original_url: https://yourstory.com/2026/10/new-age-manufacturers-to-benefit-from-3-trillion-global-ai-investment-cycle-avendus-capital
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/b1077e3f2269-l.webp

The investment banking firm has identified defence and aerospace, space technology, robotics and automation, semiconductors, energy transition, and advanced materials as the sectors that will drive India’s next phase of industrial growth.

### IndiaMART Q2 profit rises 10% to Rs 91 cr, revenue at Rs 429 cr

- Source: Medianama
- Published: 29 October 2026, 15:37 IST (2026-10-29T15:37+05:30)
- Section: AI & Tech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/9dfc1cf08f08
- original_url: https://www.medianama.com/2026/10/223-indiamart-profit-rises-revenue/
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/9dfc1cf08f08-l.webp

IndiaMART reported a 10% rise in Q2 FY27 net profit to Rs 90.7 crore, even as paying suppliers, active buyers and business enquiries declined amid changing search traffic patterns and AI-driven shifts.

### Freshworks Acquires AI Startup Robusta To Strengthen IT Operations Platform

- Source: Inc42
- Published: 29 October 2026, 12:36 IST (2026-10-29T12:36+05:30)
- Section: AI & Tech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/b06faa06a0bd
- original_url: https://inc42.com/buzz/freshworks-acquires-ai-startup-robusta-to-strengthen-it-operations-platform/
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/b06faa06a0bd-l.webp

Nasdaq-listed SaaS major Freshworks has acquired Israel-based AI startup Robusta Dev for an undisclosed amount to strengthen its IT service…

### Zoho's Sridhar Vembu Warns AI Could Let One Person Do Work of 10

- Source: X News (AI summary of posts on X)
- Published: 29 October 2026, 10:50 IST (2026-10-29T10:50+05:30)
- Section: AI & Tech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/36a247fa030f
- original_url: https://x.com/i/trending/2115640745516306753

Zoho's chief scientist explained this shift won't erase most roles but will make skilled work like software engineering affordable for smaller companies.

### Sell first, build second, automate last: A solo founder’s playbook for the AI era

- Source: YourStory
- Published: 29 October 2026, 14:13 IST (2026-10-29T14:13+05:30)
- Section: AI & Tech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/dcdf90fd298d
- original_url: https://yourstory.com/2026/10/sell-first-build-second-automate-last-a-solo-founders-playbook-for-the-ai-era
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/dcdf90fd298d-l.webp

Hostinger’s Emilis Strimaitis on why founders who build first still fail faster, and the seven-step process that puts customers before code

### Beyond AI infrastructure, India’s tech boom rests on the efficient use of power and water

- Source: YourStory
- Published: 29 October 2026, 14:11 IST (2026-10-29T14:11+05:30)
- Section: AI & Tech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/4a03027f8885
- original_url: https://yourstory.com/2026/10/why-scaling-climatetech-solutions-challenge-ai-infrastructure-data-centre
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/4a03027f8885-l.webp

At TechSparks 2026, founders of SolarSquare and Boson Whitewater unpack why overcoming perception, pricing gaps, and consumer trust matters far more in climatetech than just building the technology.

### Innodata Lays Off Nearly 550 Employees In India: Report

- Source: Inc42
- Published: 28 October 2026, 23:39 IST (2026-10-28T23:39+05:30)
- Section: AI & Tech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/bebfb01b5314
- original_url: https://inc42.com/buzz/innodata-lays-off-nearly-550-employees-in-india-report/
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/bebfb01b5314-l.webp

US-based Innodata has become the latest company to lay off a big chunk of its staff in India. The AI…

### AI enterprise startup QwikBuild raises $2.3 Mn in pre-seed round

- Source: Entrackr
- Published: 28 October 2026, 14:26 IST (2026-10-28T14:26+05:30)
- Section: AI & Tech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/3c6507bcb5b7
- original_url: https://entrackr.com/snippets/ai-enterprise-startup-qwikbuild-raises-23-mn-in-pre-seed-round-12760872
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/3c6507bcb5b7-l.webp

QwikBuild, an enterprise AI startup that builds bespoke software and AI agents for business operations, has raised $2.3 million in pre-seed funding.

### Why Indian AI Founders Are Eyeing Silicon Valley And What They Risk Leaving Behind

- Source: Inc42
- Published: 28 October 2026, 19:37 IST (2026-10-28T19:37+05:30)
- Section: AI & Tech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/3ff22421bd85
- original_url: https://inc42.com/resources/why-indian-ai-founders-are-eyeing-silicon-valley-and-what-they-risk-leaving-behind/
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/3ff22421bd85-l.webp

When AI-powered sales intelligence startup Reo.Dev raised $11.3 Mn in July 2026, its priorities reflected a growing reality for Indian…

### Sarvam AI Startup Partners with Indian Defence for Sovereign AI Tools

- Source: X News (AI summary of posts on X)
- Published: 28 October 2026, 16:36 IST (2026-10-28T16:36+05:30)
- Section: AI & Tech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/56416190f473
- original_url: https://x.com/i/trending/2115398438657593807

Bengaluru-based AI startup Sarvam signed a five-year memorandum with Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff to build secure, India-hosted AI for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

### Google sees AI as an economic equaliser for India’s small businesses

- Source: BusinessLine
- Published: 28 October 2026, 15:05 IST (2026-10-28T15:05+05:30)
- Section: AI & Tech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/722f47ae830f
- original_url: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/google-sees-ai-as-an-economic-equaliser-for-indias-small-businesses/article71635145.ece
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/722f47ae830f-l.webp

Google India’s Preeti Lobana highlighted AI’s potential to transform business operations and strengthen small enterprises as India advances towards Viksit Bharat 2047

### ‘Keep learning, keep adapting’: Priyank Kharge tells IT professionals to stay ahead of AI

- Source: YourStory
- Published: 28 October 2026, 22:07 IST (2026-10-28T22:07+05:30)
- Section: AI & Tech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/67faade99448
- original_url: https://yourstory.com/2026/10/priyank-kharge-it-professionals-ai-skilling-nipuna-karnataka
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/67faade99448-l.webp

Priyank Kharge urges IT professionals to adapt to AI, upgrade their skills and prepare for changing industry needs through initiatives like Nipuna Karnataka.

### Indian IT firms poised to benefit from enterprise AI adoption as infrastructure costs rise: Report

- Source: Mint
- Published: 28 October 2026, 11:22 IST (2026-10-28T11:22+05:30)
- Section: AI & Tech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/4b5fff3b6a49
- original_url: https://www.livemint.com/technology/indian-it-firms-poised-to-benefit-from-enterprise-ai-adoption-as-infrastructure-costs-rise-report-11793166741416.html
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/4b5fff3b6a49-l.webp

Indian information technology (IT) companies are well-positioned to benefit from the growing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) by enterprises, as rising infrastructure investments and funding requirements increase financial risks for companies building and operating AI…

### ‘Cope harder’: Vaishnaw defends India's iPhone PLI scheme

- Source: YourStory
- Published: 28 October 2026, 13:45 IST (2026-10-28T13:45+05:30)
- Section: AI & Tech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/0869d45ae6a5
- original_url: https://yourstory.com/2026/10/cope-harder-vaishnaw-india-mobile-manufacturing-pli
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/0869d45ae6a5-l.webp

“Cope harder,” says Ashwini Vaishnaw as he defends India’s manufacturing model, citing Rs 3 lakh crore in GST collections, government incentives and jobs created through electronics production.

## Security (12 stories)

### Rs 35 Crore Vanishes from Greater Noida Bank Accounts Without Alerts

- Source: X News (AI summary of posts on X)
- Published: 29 October 2026, 21:21 IST (2026-10-29T21:21+05:30)
- Section: Security
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/f4c2018230f3
- original_url: https://x.com/i/trending/2115706500761198778

Dozens of customers at Punjab National Bank's Aichhar village branch in Sector Pi-1 allege nearly Rs 35 crore disappeared from savings accounts and fixed deposits without authorization. Many farmers lost land compensation funds.

### ‘In fake world, people are losing tonnes of money’: SEBI chief Tuhin Kanta Pandey on WhatsApp, Telegram investment scams

- Source: Mint
- Published: 29 October 2026, 16:21 IST (2026-10-29T16:21+05:30)
- Section: Security
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/7ce4e974d222
- original_url: https://www.livemint.com/money/in-fake-world-people-are-losing-tonnes-of-money-sebi-chief-tuhin-kanta-pandey-on-whatsapp-telegram-investment-scams-11793270000182.html
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/7ce4e974d222-l.webp

### CloudSEK launches incubation programme for cybersecurity startups

- Source: YourStory
- Published: 29 October 2026, 15:45 IST (2026-10-29T15:45+05:30)
- Section: Security
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/14d0e9db0891
- original_url: https://yourstory.com/2026/10/cloudsek-launches-incubation-programme-for-cybersecurity-startups
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/14d0e9db0891-l.webp

Launchpad is a 12-week programme offering mentorship, investor connections, threat intelligence resources, and access to potential customers and channel partners.

### Supreme Court Slams Digital Arrest Scams and Bank Lapses

- Source: X News (AI summary of posts on X)
- Published: 29 October 2026, 17:50 IST (2026-10-29T17:50+05:30)
- Section: Security
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/4c9b203f51c6
- original_url: https://x.com/i/trending/2115779495546228947

India's Supreme Court, led by CJI Surya Kant, expressed outrage over 'digital arrest' scams where fraudsters pose as officials to extract money, with a recent case seeing a woman lose Rs 2.5 crore.

### AI-powered cyberattacks siphon ₹300 crore from small NBFCs in two months

- Source: The Economic Times
- Published: 29 October 2026, 05:30 IST (2026-10-29T05:30+05:30)
- Section: Security
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/35e2668711a3
- original_url: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/banking/finance/ai-powered-cyberattacks-siphon-300-crore-from-small-nbfcs-in-two-months/articleshow/135278215.cms
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/35e2668711a3-l.webp

Recent cyberattacks have inflicted an estimated loss of ₹300 crore on Indian NBFC, with around 150 fraud cases reported. Focus has shifted towards identifying Chinese hacking platforms and AI toolkit involvement in these incidents.

### CERT-In flags high-risk vulnerabilities in Apple products, warns of security threats

- Source: BusinessLine
- Published: 28 October 2026, 21:47 IST (2026-10-28T21:47+05:30)
- Section: Security
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/669ddcc12dd5
- original_url: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/cert-in-flags-high-risk-vulnerabilities-in-apple-products-warns-of-security-threats/article71637021.ece
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/669ddcc12dd5-l.webp

The national cyber security agency has identified flaws across Apple software components, including WebKit, Kernel and media-processing frameworks, posing multiple security risks.

### Cyber criminal gang Mr Robot renting out tech tools to target Indian banking customers: CloudSEK

- Source: Mint
- Published: 28 October 2026, 11:47 IST (2026-10-28T11:47+05:30)
- Section: Security
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/c9b5a809970e
- original_url: https://www.livemint.com/technology/cyber-criminal-gang-mr-robot-renting-out-tech-tools-to-target-indian-banking-customers-cloudsek-11793168256533.html
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/c9b5a809970e-l.webp

### CAIT, NASSCOM sign pact to train traders across India in AI, cyber security, digital marketing

- Source: BusinessLine
- Published: 28 October 2026, 10:03 IST (2026-10-28T10:03+05:30)
- Section: Security
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/a1f7d2b00d15
- original_url: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/cait-nasscom-sign-pact-to-train-traders-across-india-in-ai-cyber-security-digital-marketing/article71634206.ece
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/a1f7d2b00d15-l.webp

The pact, signed under “Tech Connect for Traders and MSMEs, Accelerating Digital Transformation,” was witnessed by Minister of State for Electronics and IT Jitin Prasada

### Three South Korean financial firms including Bithumb report data breaches, Yonhap says

- Source: BusinessLine
- Published: 28 October 2026, 09:07 IST (2026-10-28T09:07+05:30)
- Section: Security
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/4d6255ee5ab8
- original_url: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/money-and-banking/three-south-korean-financial-firms-including-bithumb-report-data-breaches-yonhap-says/article71634113.ece
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/4d6255ee5ab8-l.webp

Daishin Securities said about 38,000 customer records were leaked and emergency measures were taken, Yonhap reported

### Multiple vulnerabilities in GoAhead Web Server

- Source: CERT-In
- Published: 28 October 2026, 00:00 IST (2026-10-28T00:00+05:30)
- Section: Security
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/263d9a0b5402
- original_url: https://www.cert-in.org.in/s2cMainServlet?pageid=PUBVLNOTES02&VLCODE=CIAD-2026-0057

CERT-In advisory CIAD-2026-0057.

### Multiple Vulnerabilities in Apple Products

- Source: CERT-In
- Published: 27 October 2026, 00:00 IST (2026-10-27T00:00+05:30)
- Section: Security
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/e94918dd3db4
- original_url: https://www.cert-in.org.in/s2cMainServlet?pageid=PUBVLNOTES02&VLCODE=CIAD-2026-0056

CERT-In advisory CIAD-2026-0056.

### Out-of-Bounds Write Vulnerability in Google Brotli Decoder

- Source: CERT-In
- Published: 27 October 2026, 00:00 IST (2026-10-27T00:00+05:30)
- Section: Security
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/e279ff5bef35
- original_url: https://www.cert-in.org.in/s2cMainServlet?pageid=PUBVLNOTES02&VLCODE=CIAD-2026-0055

CERT-In advisory CIAD-2026-0055.