Author: News Desk

In a LinkedIn post, entrepreneur Rahul Sasi reflected on a pivotal moment from 2012 when his visa application to enter the United States and speak at the Black Hat cybersecurity conference was rejected, a setback that could have stalled his international ambitions. Nearly a decade and more of persistence later, his startup CloudSEK achieved a significant milestone by securing Series B2 funding, with backing from Connecticut Innovations, the state government’s venture fund, underscoring elevated confidence in India-built cybersecurity solutions on the global stage. The journey from early rejection to attracting institutional support abroad highlights not only the resilience of founders but also the increasing global appetite for Indian tech…

Startups in India are increasingly turning to private investors, receiving more than 3.8 times the funding compared to government schemes, according to DPIIT Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia. This reflects strong private sector interest in the rapidly growing Indian startup ecosystem. Ahead of the 10th anniversary of the Startup India initiative, Bhatia highlighted the sector’s remarkable growth. The number of recognized startups has risen from around 400 in 2016 to over 200,000 today. This expansion has been supported by a stronger Alternate Investment Fund (AIF) ecosystem, along with government initiatives such as the Fund of Funds scheme and income tax benefits.…

India is commemorating the 10-year anniversary of the Startup India initiative, and the government has signalled plans to launch a new, updated iteration of the flagship programme to further strengthen the nation’s startup ecosystem. The initiative, originally launched to encourage entrepreneurship, innovation and ease of doing business, has been credited with catalysing the growth of thousands of startups and creating substantial employment. According to government sources, the refreshed strategy is expected to place a greater emphasis on deep technology sectors, research and development, and global market access, areas seen as crucial for the next phase of India’s innovation journey. Policymakers are reportedly considering new incentives, regulatory…

NBA superstar Nikola Jokić has seen one of the most remarkable financial and professional ascents in modern basketball. Drafted 41st overall in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets, Jokić steadily developed into a dominant big man and team leader. His performances earned him multiple NBA MVP awards, All-Star selections and a reputation as one of the most versatile and impactful players in the league. Jokić’s NBA salary has grown significantly over the years, with Denver rewarding him with lucrative extensions that place him among the league’s top earners. Coupled with brand partnerships, endorsements and off-court ventures, his total earnings have expanded well beyond his on-court paychecks. As…

Saudia and Air India have signed a codeshare agreement, effective February, to strengthen air connectivity between India and Saudi Arabia. The partnership aims to provide passengers with more travel options, smoother connections, and greater network access to meet growing demand for tourism and business travel. The agreement allows passengers of both airlines to benefit from single-ticket bookings, coordinated flight schedules, and baggage checked through to the final destination, making travel across the two networks more convenient. Saudia passengers will be able to connect to major Indian cities via Mumbai and Delhi, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Lucknow, and…

Chennai-based drone startup Garuda Aerospace has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to explore opportunities for supplying Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to the Indian Defence Forces, Central Police Organisations, and specialised security units. Under the MoU, BEL will act as the Team Leader and Lead Bidder, while Garuda Aerospace will provide technology support and serve as the Teaming Partner. The partnership aims to combine BEL’s expertise in defence electronics, system integration, and programme execution with Garuda Aerospace’s strengths in advanced drone design, manufacturing, and deployment. A separate Teaming Agreement will be signed later to define…

Indian Railways has introduced an OTP-based ticketing system to strengthen passenger verification and curb illegal bookings. The initiative is designed to enhance transparency, improve travel security, and prevent misuse of the ticketing system on major routes. The OTP verification system became operational on January 12 and currently covers 300 major trains. Under this system, tickets—whether booked online or at counters—will only be issued after the passenger’s identity is confirmed via an OTP sent to a registered mobile number. For counter bookings, passengers must provide a valid mobile number. The system sends an OTP instantly, and the ticket is issued only…

India’s electronics exports crossed ₹4 trillion in 2025 and are expected to rise further as four semiconductor plants begin production this year, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said. Official estimates indicate that electronics production reached around ₹11.3 trillion, with exports totaling about ₹3.3 trillion in 2024-25. “Electronics exports crossed ₹4 trillion in 2025, generating jobs and foreign exchange. Momentum will continue in 2026 as four semiconductor plants start commercial production,” Vaishnaw wrote on social media. Currently, mobile phones dominate India’s electronics manufacturing sector. The industry employs more than 25 lakh people, according to estimates. iPhone exports from India reached ₹2.03 trillion…

In the proposed deal for 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force, about 80% of the aircraft are planned to be manufactured in India, with some production facilities potentially shifting from France to India. Government sources told ANI that Indian officials are also discussing ways to maximize local content in the deal, including setting up a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India to ensure high serviceability of the jets. The cost of the project is still under negotiation. The French price offer factors in an annual inflation increase of around 4%. With significant parts and systems…

Amid escalating unrest in Iran, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi to discuss the situation, according to a post on Jaishankar’s X account. “Received a call from Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. We discussed the evolving situation in and around Iran,” Jaishankar wrote. The call followed an advisory from the Indian Embassy in Iran urging all Indian nationals—including students, pilgrims, businesspeople, and tourists—to leave the country using available means, including commercial flights. The warning comes as the death toll from nationwide protests against the Khamenei government reached 2,500. The advisory also…