---
title: "Digital India News, 31 Oct 2026: Top Stories | bharat.digital"
description: "Digital India news from Saturday 31 October 2026: payments, policy, startups, AI and security stories from newsrooms and official sources, each linked."
url: "https://bharat.digital/2026/10/31/index.md"
canonical: "https://bharat.digital/2026/10/31/"
published: "2026-10-31T00:19:19+05:30"
updated: "2026-10-31T23:30:01+05:30"
section: "Daily edition"
date: "2026-10-31"
language: "en-IN"
site: "bharat.digital"
---

# bharat.digital: India's digital economy, Saturday 31 October 2026

Updated 23:30 IST. 37 stories from 8 sources. Sections: [Payments](https://bharat.digital/2026/10/31/payments/index.md) | [Policy](https://bharat.digital/2026/10/31/policy/index.md) | [Startups & Fintech](https://bharat.digital/2026/10/31/startups/index.md) | [AI & Tech](https://bharat.digital/2026/10/31/ai/index.md) | [Security](https://bharat.digital/2026/10/31/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 (3 stories)

### UPI payments enabled to book tickets online for Burj Khalifa, Singapore attractions: FinMin

- Source: BusinessLine
- Published: 31 October 2026, 10:34 IST (2026-10-31T10:34+05:30)
- Section: Payments
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/9633852a9ce9
- original_url: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/money-and-banking/upi-payments-enabled-to-book-tickets-online-for-burj-khalifa-singapore-attractions-finmin/article71648190.ece
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/9633852a9ce9-l.webp

The initiative is aimed at making international travel bookings easier for Indians by enabling them to use their preferred UPI applications for online payments at these destinations

### PNB credit card holders alert: Check new ATM withdrawal, late payment and utility bill charges from November 1

- Source: Mint
- Published: 31 October 2026, 07:50 IST (2026-10-31T07:50+05:30)
- Section: Payments
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/6eaadd91cdcc
- original_url: https://www.livemint.com/money/personal-finance/pnb-credit-card-holders-alert-check-new-atm-withdrawal-late-payment-and-utility-bill-charges-from-november-1-11793411280197.html
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/6eaadd91cdcc-l.webp

### BRICS+ payments system feasible, common currency faces hurdles, report says

- Source: BusinessLine
- Published: 31 October 2026, 10:25 IST (2026-10-31T10:25+05:30)
- Section: Payments
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/695f5b1c0aa2
- original_url: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/money-and-banking/brics-payments-system-feasible-common-currency-faces-hurdles-report-says/article71648177.ece
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/695f5b1c0aa2-l.webp

Cross-border payments have long been on the BRICS agenda, though ‌efforts to integrate members' financial infrastructure have made limited progress

## Policy (9 stories)

### Journalist's Entire Website Suspended Over Single Article Order

- Source: X News (AI summary of posts on X)
- Published: 31 October 2026, 19:54 IST (2026-10-31T19:54+05:30)
- Section: Policy
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/5d3459f9800e
- original_url: https://x.com/i/trending/2116390758194217015

On October 28, web host Hostinger abruptly took down paranjoy.in and its subdomains after an ex-parte court order demanded removal of a single 2019 article critical of Indiabulls Nests Limited.

### Maharashtra Plans Unified AI Platform for Ola, Uber and Taxi Services

- Source: X News (AI summary of posts on X)
- Published: 31 October 2026, 19:19 IST (2026-10-31T19:19+05:30)
- Section: Policy
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/4d4ebb665641
- original_url: https://x.com/i/trending/2116526618260984092

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed officials on October 29 to create an AI-powered digital platform integrating major taxi services in Maharashtra.

### MeitY launches DEPA handbook to enable secure data sharing for AI training

- Source: BusinessLine
- Published: 31 October 2026, 15:24 IST (2026-10-31T15:24+05:30)
- Section: Policy
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/cb6482d1a9ca
- original_url: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/meity-launches-depa-handbook-to-enable-secure-data-sharing-for-ai-training/article71648821.ece
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/cb6482d1a9ca-l.webp

The framework seeks to address challenges that often restrict data sharing, including concerns around privacy, confidentiality, intellectual property and institutional control

### Jio Platforms’ first post-listing results: User growth, higher ARPU drive 13.7% profit rise in Q2

- Source: YourStory
- Published: 31 October 2026, 14:17 IST (2026-10-31T14:17+05:30)
- Section: Policy
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/161f110ee016
- original_url: https://yourstory.com/2026/10/jio-platforms-first-post-listing-results-user-growth-higher-arpu-drive-137-pc-profit-rise-in-q2
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/161f110ee016-l.webp

The digital and telecom company's consolidated revenue from operations rose 11.4% to Rs 40,475 crore during the quarter under review.

### Indian Telecoms Launch Affordable Voice-Only Prepaid Plans

- Source: X News (AI summary of posts on X)
- Published: 31 October 2026, 16:30 IST (2026-10-31T16:30+05:30)
- Section: Policy
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/369fa33c8aa4
- original_url: https://x.com/i/trending/2116450233182003235

Following TRAI's directive, operators rolled out dedicated voice-and-SMS plans without data, starting as low as Rs 147 for 22 days of unlimited calls and 300 SMS from Jio.

### Open digital infra has critical role to play in accelerating digitalisation of retail sector: DPIIT Secretary

- Source: BusinessLine
- Published: 31 October 2026, 09:56 IST (2026-10-31T09:56+05:30)
- Section: Policy
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/5d197a065a81
- original_url: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/open-digital-infra-has-critical-role-to-play-in-accelerating-digitalisation-of-retail-sector-dpiit-secretary/article71648171.ece
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/5d197a065a81-l.webp

DPIIT Secretary Bhatia in New Delhi touts ONDC DigiDukaan, linking 21,000 retailers and 450 brands to streamline pricing and availability

### India Shifts Panchayat Benefits from Aadhaar to Voter ID Cards

- Source: X News (AI summary of posts on X)
- Published: 31 October 2026, 15:53 IST (2026-10-31T15:53+05:30)
- Section: Policy
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/ea4dab8bc727
- original_url: https://x.com/i/trending/2116475006729572641

The shift supports the new Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana, a Rs 7,395.55 crore scheme approved on October 28 to run from 2026-27 to 2030-31.

### MeitY Floats New Privacy-Led Framework To Unlock Data For Training AI Models

- Source: Inc42
- Published: 31 October 2026, 00:52 IST (2026-10-31T00:52+05:30)
- Section: Policy
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/97a6fb797c7b
- original_url: https://inc42.com/buzz/meity-floats-new-privacy-led-framework-to-unlock-data-for-training-ai-models/
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/97a6fb797c7b-l.webp

The IT ministry (MeitY) has proposed a consent-based framework to facilitate data sharing for training AI models in India. Called…

### India Forms Committee to Reform Banking for Global Edge

- Source: X News (AI summary of posts on X)
- Published: 30 October 2026, 23:00 IST (2026-10-30T23:00+05:30)
- Section: Policy
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/65c46f319da4
- original_url: https://x.com/i/trending/2116219622295056387

The high-level committee, chaired by former Central Vigilance Commissioner Suresh N. Patel, includes RBI and banking experts and has six months to recommend reforms on regulations, capital needs, AI adoption, and cybersecurity.

## Startups & Fintech (12 stories)

### IPO-Bound StockGro’s FY26 Profit Jumps 3.3X YoY To ₹113 Cr, Revenue Doubles

- Source: Inc42
- Published: 31 October 2026, 21:50 IST (2026-10-31T21:50+05:30)
- Section: Startups & Fintech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/68ee988414e0
- original_url: https://inc42.com/buzz/ipo-bound-stockgros-fy26-profit-jumps-3-3x-yoy-to-%e2%82%b9113-cr-revenue-doubles/
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/68ee988414e0-l.webp

StockGro-parent AssetGro Fintech Ltd net profit for the fiscal year FY26 jumped threefold while its operating revenue doubled year-on-year. The…

### CapGrid Secures ₹50 Cr Funding To Deepen Its Manufacturing Play

- Source: Inc42
- Published: 31 October 2026, 19:16 IST (2026-10-31T19:16+05:30)
- Section: Startups & Fintech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/e907c2cc603a
- original_url: https://inc42.com/buzz/capgrid-secures-%e2%82%b950-cr-funding-to-deepen-its-manufacturing-play/
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/e907c2cc603a-l.webp

Delhi NCR-based B2B manufacturing startup CapGrid has raised ₹50 Cr (about $5.2 Mn) in a Pre-Series B round to develop…

### Hyderabad Facility Launches Personalized mRNA Cancer Vaccines

- Source: X News (AI summary of posts on X)
- Published: 31 October 2026, 16:05 IST (2026-10-31T16:05+05:30)
- Section: Startups & Fintech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/108d4edbf81d
- original_url: https://x.com/i/trending/2116256036768362963

### Reliance Retail focuses on disciplined JioMart expansion, targets profitability from FY28

- Source: YourStory
- Published: 31 October 2026, 14:13 IST (2026-10-31T14:13+05:30)
- Section: Startups & Fintech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/9ce385628f7b
- original_url: https://yourstory.com/2026/10/reliance-retail-focuses-on-disciplined-jiomart-expansion-targets-profitability-from-fy28
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/9ce385628f7b-l.webp

The company is prioritising sustainable growth with investments in dark stores, customer acquisition and margins expected to start contributing positively to profitability from the next financial year.

### India Can Build Rockets, But Can Its VCs Fund The Next One?

- Source: Inc42
- Published: 31 October 2026, 17:38 IST (2026-10-31T17:38+05:30)
- Section: Startups & Fintech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/e08afd4bed30
- original_url: https://inc42.com/features/india-can-build-rockets-but-can-its-vcs-fund-the-next-one/
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/e08afd4bed30-l.webp

On July 18, 2026, Skyroot Aerospace achieved a historic milestone when its Vikram-1 rocket successfully placed satellites into orbit, becoming…

### Noel writes to Tata Sons to take biz recast, SP Group’s funding plea at Nov 26 meet

- Source: YourStory
- Published: 31 October 2026, 14:12 IST (2026-10-31T14:12+05:30)
- Section: Startups & Fintech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/5150ad39a5e5
- original_url: https://yourstory.com/2026/10/noel-writes-to-tata-sons-to-take-biz-recast-sp-groups-funding-plea-at-nov-26-meet
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/5150ad39a5e5-l.webp

Noel Tata's letter asks for a discussion on the September 11 letter from RBI, which makes a listing of Tata Sons mandatory by rejecting the application for de-registration.

### Funding and acquisitions in Indian startups this week \[Oct 26- Oct 31\]

- Source: Entrackr
- Published: 31 October 2026, 10:16 IST (2026-10-31T10:16+05:30)
- Section: Startups & Fintech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/a3746271a39e
- original_url: https://entrackr.com/report/weekly-funding-report-weekly-funding-report/funding-and-acquisitions-in-indian-startups-this-week-oct-26-oct-31-12770310
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/a3746271a39e-l.webp

This week, 28 Indian startups raised $115 million across 4 growth-stage deals, 24 early-stage deals including one undisclosed round. The week also saw 6 key appointments and a departure.

### Indian Listed New-Age Tech Company Tracker: Market Cap, Revenue & More

- Source: Inc42
- Published: 31 October 2026, 17:32 IST (2026-10-31T17:32+05:30)
- Section: Startups & Fintech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/bb255a729cdc
- original_url: https://inc42.com/features/indian-listed-new-age-tech-company-tracker-market-cap-revenue-more/
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/bb255a729cdc-l.webp

For years, we at Inc42 have tracked the Indian tech startup ecosystem and seen it grow from a kid to…

### Rahul Gandhi Backs IDBI Bank Staff Against Stake Sale to Fairfax

- Source: X News (AI summary of posts on X)
- Published: 31 October 2026, 08:22 IST (2026-10-31T08:22+05:30)
- Section: Startups & Fintech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/9e7c55fe270d
- original_url: https://x.com/i/trending/2115766736351797335

In his October 29 letter, Rahul Gandhi urged protection for IDBI Bank's employees and depositors amid the government's sale of a 60.72% stake to Canada's Fairfax Financial Holdings for ₹52,878 crore.

### Exclusive: D2C Skincare Brand Numour In Talks To Raise $3.1 Mn From Sharrp Ventures

- Source: Inc42
- Published: 31 October 2026, 14:22 IST (2026-10-31T14:22+05:30)
- Section: Startups & Fintech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/e1d0506664d4
- original_url: https://inc42.com/buzz/numour-in-talks-to-raise-3-1-mn-from-sharrp-ventures/
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/e1d0506664d4-l.webp

Delhi NCR-based D2C skincare brand Numour is in talks to raise nearly $3.1 Mn (about ₹30 Cr) in a funding…

### CoinSwitch Fixes Temporary Outage After Traffic Spike

- Source: X News (AI summary of posts on X)
- Published: 31 October 2026, 01:27 IST (2026-10-31T01:27+05:30)
- Section: Startups & Fintech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/dad2e20f17fd
- original_url: https://x.com/i/trending/2116256040622928264

On October 30, 2026, India's CoinSwitch platform hit a snag from high traffic, blocking some users from logging in or managing trades for several hours. The team quickly resolved it, confirming all services back online and funds secure with no breach involved.

### From To Cent to Matiks, Indian Startups Raised Over $132 Mn This Week

- Source: Inc42
- Published: 31 October 2026, 09:00 IST (2026-10-31T09:00+05:30)
- Section: Startups & Fintech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/31caa9c31edd
- original_url: https://inc42.com/buzz/from-to-cent-to-matiks-indian-startups-raised-over-132-mn-this-week/
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/31caa9c31edd-l.webp

Indian startup funding activity remained muted in the last week of October. Homegrown new-age tech ventures managed to raise $130.2…

## AI & Tech (5 stories)

### India Aims for Global Semiconductor Leadership by 2047

- Source: X News (AI summary of posts on X)
- Published: 31 October 2026, 15:30 IST (2026-10-31T15:30+05:30)
- Section: AI & Tech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/502fb5f6c3a7
- original_url: https://x.com/i/trending/2116469295211487377

### India aims to be globally competitive semiconductor powerhouse by 2047: MoD

- Source: BusinessLine
- Published: 31 October 2026, 10:59 IST (2026-10-31T10:59+05:30)
- Section: AI & Tech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/89180f440d96
- original_url: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/india-aims-to-be-globally-competitive-semiconductor-powerhouse-by-2047-mod/article71648271.ece
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/89180f440d96-l.webp

India aims to be a global, self-reliant semiconductor leader by 2047, boosting indigenous ecosystem, jobs, and digital sovereignty

### Exclusive: upliance.ai In Talks To Raise Up To $4 Mn For R&D, Global Expansion

- Source: Inc42
- Published: 31 October 2026, 07:00 IST (2026-10-31T07:00+05:30)
- Section: AI & Tech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/beaba790cd0e
- original_url: https://inc42.com/buzz/exclusive-upliance-ai-in-talks-to-raise-up-to-4-mn-for-rd-global-expansion/
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/beaba790cd0e-l.webp

D2C home appliance startup upliance.ai is in advanced talks to raise $3 Mn to $4 Mn (around ₹28-₹37 Cr) in…

### Sarvam Builds Indian Version of OpenCode AI Coding Agent

- Source: X News (AI summary of posts on X)
- Published: 30 October 2026, 23:56 IST (2026-10-30T23:56+05:30)
- Section: AI & Tech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/31a6bf5c52db
- original_url: https://x.com/i/trending/2116233270652522999

### Mumbai Tests AI Camera That Warns Against Garbage Dumping

- Source: X News (AI summary of posts on X)
- Published: 30 October 2026, 22:34 IST (2026-10-30T22:34+05:30)
- Section: AI & Tech
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/7c370b5e22d6
- original_url: https://x.com/i/trending/2115726234315342298

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation launched a pilot in Mahim's Gajanan Vatika, where the AI-powered camera detects people nearing with waste and issues live voice alerts through a loudspeaker.

## Security (8 stories)

### \[Update\] Forensic Audit Finds External Breach Behind €3 Mn Capillary Fraud

- Source: Inc42
- Published: 31 October 2026, 19:33 IST (2026-10-31T19:33+05:30)
- Section: Security
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/dbe6afc5eff3
- original_url: https://inc42.com/buzz/capillary-technologies-subsidiary-hit-by-e3-mn-cyber-fraud/
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/dbe6afc5eff3-l.webp

Update | October 31, 19:33 IST A forensic audit by KPMG has found that the €3.04 Mn banking fraud at…

### FATF steps up global crackdown on virtual asset crimes, fraud and scam compounds

- Source: BusinessLine
- Published: 31 October 2026, 16:17 IST (2026-10-31T16:17+05:30)
- Section: Security
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/ebb5cf3c47d0
- original_url: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/money-and-banking/fatf-steps-up-global-crackdown-on-virtual-asset-crimes-fraud-and-scam-compounds/article71649061.ece
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/ebb5cf3c47d0-l.webp

The global watchdog has announced fresh measures to address emerging financial crime risks and strengthen implementation of international standards across jurisdictions

### AU Small Finance Bank data leak: Salesforce says no vulnerability at its end

- Source: The Economic Times
- Published: 31 October 2026, 14:17 IST (2026-10-31T14:17+05:30)
- Section: Security
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/97a24d4041d2
- original_url: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/banking/finance/banking/au-small-finance-bank-data-leak-salesforce-says-no-vulnerability-at-its-end/articleshow/135395127.cms
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/97a24d4041d2-l.webp

Salesforce has stated no vulnerabilities were found concerning a suspected data leak at AU Small Finance Bank. The bank is investigating claims of a breach by hackers, affecting sensitive customer data.

### Special newsletter: Unanswered questions, October edition

- Source: Medianama
- Published: 31 October 2026, 12:04 IST (2026-10-31T12:04+05:30)
- Section: Security
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/b8e2b8eac7af
- original_url: https://www.medianama.com/2026/10/223-special-newsletter-unanswered-questions-october-edition/
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/b8e2b8eac7af-l.webp

From Meta's handling of child abuse ads and content blocking to AI-powered cyberattacks and user privacy, MediaNama shares five sets of questions that authorities and tech companies left unanswered.

### Fake Video Falsely Shows India's Defence Minister Criticizing Army

- Source: X News (AI summary of posts on X)
- Published: 31 October 2026, 09:30 IST (2026-10-31T09:30+05:30)
- Section: Security
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/0bc9a38f9e97
- original_url: https://x.com/i/trending/2116378576253518043

Fact-checkers from the Press Information Bureau quickly exposed the AI-manipulated video, confirming Singh never made those remarks and sharing the original footage where he praised the army's role in defending the nation.

### AU SFB Probes Potential Data Leak, Vijay Sales’ Admin Access Allegedly Listed For $25K

- Source: Inc42
- Published: 31 October 2026, 11:35 IST (2026-10-31T11:35+05:30)
- Section: Security
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/f07b875a25d0
- original_url: https://inc42.com/buzz/au-sfb-probes-potential-data-leak-vijay-sales-admin-access-allegedly-listed-for-25k/
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/f07b875a25d0-l.webp

AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) is investigating a potential data leak involving a Salesforce-hosted software platform holding limited information…

### Binance hit with $6.3B breach; Delhivery reports net profit of Rs 41 Cr in Q2

- Source: YourStory
- Published: 31 October 2026, 07:30 IST (2026-10-31T07:30+05:30)
- Section: Security
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/e089481b5e70
- original_url: https://yourstory.com/2026/10/binance-hit-with-63b-breach-delhivery-reports-net-profit-of-rs-41-cr-in-q2
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/e089481b5e70-l.webp

Dear Reader, Atomberg Technologies is gearing up for its public outing.

### AU Small Finance Bank hit by a likely breach of 'limited' data

- Source: The Economic Times
- Published: 31 October 2026, 00:52 IST (2026-10-31T00:52+05:30)
- Section: Security
- Link: https://bharat.digital/s/dd7b6abf0e96
- original_url: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/banking/finance/banking/au-small-finance-bank-hit-by-a-likely-breach-of-limited-data/articleshow/135376274.cms
- Image: https://bharat.digital/img/dd7b6abf0e96-l.webp

The lender is investigating a potential breach of "limited data" pertaining to its vehicle-loan customers. The data was hosted on a third-party software platform operated by Salesforce.