FundingStartups

Kuku Secures $85M Funding as India’s Mobile Content Market Heats Up

Kuku, the Indian storytelling platform backed by Google, has reportedly secured $85 million in Series C funding, doubling its valuation to approximately $500 million. The funding comes as digital media overtakes television in India’s entertainment sector for the first time, with platforms competing fiercely for the attention of mobile-first consumers.

Major Funding Round Values Kuku at $500 Million

Indian storytelling platform Kuku has reportedly raised $85 million in fresh funding as competition intensifies in the nation’s rapidly growing mobile content market, according to reports from TechCrunch. The Series C round, led by Granite Asia, values the startup company at approximately $500 million—more than double its previous valuation, sources indicate.

Business AcquisitionStartups

Zepto Secures $400M Funding Led by CalPERS as Indian Quick Commerce Market Expands Rapidly

Indian quick commerce platform Zepto has reportedly raised $400 million in a funding round led by California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), according to sources. The funding comes as the company plans to go public next year and faces increasing competition in India’s rapidly growing quick commerce market.

Major Funding Round for Quick Commerce Startup

Indian startup Zepto has reportedly raised $400 million in a funding round led by new investor California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), according to recent reports. Sources indicate the investment round, which includes both primary and secondary components, also saw participation from existing investors including Avenir, Avra, Lightspeed, Glade Brook, The Stepstone Group, and Nexus Venture Partners. The funding reportedly values the company significantly, with analysts suggesting this positions Zepto for a potential public listing next year.

Business AcquisitionEconomy and Trading

Nestle India Q2 Profit Rises on Strong Maggi and Nescafe Demand, Shares Surge

Nestle India posted a marginal increase in second-quarter profit, benefiting from improved urban demand for Maggi noodles and Nescafe coffee. Shares surged approximately 5% to a one-year high following the earnings report, according to Reuters.

Nestle India Reports Quarterly Profit Growth

Nestle India posted a marginal increase in second-quarter profit on Thursday, reportedly benefiting from improving urban demand for popular products including Maggi noodles and Nescafe coffee. According to reports, shares jumped about 5% to a one-year high following the earnings announcement.

Energy PolicyInternational Business and Trade

US Tariffs Trigger Sharp Decline in India Exports as Trade Talks Intensify

India’s exports to the United States have plummeted 37.5% over four consecutive months as new tariffs take effect. The decline has contributed to India’s trade deficit widening to a 13-month high of $32.15 billion, according to recent reports.

Significant Export Decline Following Tariff Implementation

India’s exports to the United States have experienced a dramatic 37.5% decline, dropping from $8.8 billion in May to $5.5 billion in September, according to reports from trade analysts. This marks the fourth consecutive month of declining shipments as new tariff measures imposed by the Trump administration continue to impact bilateral trade relations between the two nations.

Business AcquisitionEnergy Policy

SEBI Issues Interim Order Against Indian Power Regulator Officials in Insider Trading Case

India’s Securities and Exchange Board has taken action against Central Electricity Regulatory Commission officials for allegedly trading on sensitive market coupling information. The regulator has ordered the deposit of substantial gains and imposed securities market bans in its interim ruling.

Market Regulator Takes Action Against Power Officials

India’s primary market watchdog has issued an interim order against officials from the country’s federal power regulator for alleged insider trading activities, according to reports from Reuters. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has taken action against two officials from the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission along with related individuals.

Energy PolicyInternational Business and Trade

Apple Seeks India Tax Law Changes to Boost iPhone Manufacturing Expansion

Apple is actively lobbying the Indian government to modify tax laws that could impose billions in additional taxes on its iPhone manufacturing operations. The current legislation treats Apple’s ownership of specialized equipment as a “business connection” making profits taxable in India.

Apple’s Tax Law Concerns in India

Apple is reportedly lobbying India’s government to modify income tax regulations that could potentially impose billions of dollars in additional taxes on its iPhone manufacturing operations, according to Reuters sources familiar with the matter. The technology giant’s lobbying efforts come as it expands its manufacturing presence in India while diversifying beyond China.

EnergyEnergy Policy

India Strengthens Renewable Energy Regulations to Enhance Grid Reliability and Power System Security

Indian authorities are introducing comprehensive regulatory measures to manage the integration of renewable energy sources into the national grid. These initiatives aim to balance environmental goals with operational reliability as solar and wind capacity expands rapidly across the country.

India’s power sector is undergoing a significant transformation as the nation moves to tighten regulations governing renewable energy integration into the national grid. This strategic initiative comes as the country accelerates its transition toward cleaner energy sources while ensuring the stability and reliability of its power infrastructure. The new framework represents a critical balancing act between environmental objectives and operational necessities in one of the world’s fastest-growing electricity markets.

Understanding India’s Grid Stability Challenges

Arts and EntertainmentAssistive TechnologyBusiness Acquisition

Apple Expands Vietnam Manufacturing With BYD Partnership for Home Hub and AI Robot

In a strategic move to diversify its supply chain, Apple is collaborating with Chinese EV giant BYD to produce home devices in Vietnam. This partnership aims to develop a home hub and tabletop AI robot while navigating geopolitical trade risks.

Apple’s Strategic Shift to Vietnam Manufacturing

In a significant supply chain diversification effort, Apple Inc. is partnering with electric vehicle leader BYD to establish production facilities in Vietnam. This move represents a pivot away from traditional manufacturing hubs in China and India, focusing instead on Vietnam’s growing industrial capacity. The collaboration aims to manufacture innovative home devices, including a home hub and a tabletop AI robot, marking Apple’s expansion into new consumer technology segments.