Jitendra Kumar Returns as Simplilearn’s CTO to Lead AI Strategy

Simplilearn has rehired Jitendra Kumar as CTO to spearhead its AI-first approach and global expansion. With prior experience at the edtech firm and startups like HappyCredit, Kumar will focus on embedding AI across platforms. Backed by Blackstone, Simplilearn grew revenue to ₹773 crore in FY24, cutting EBITDA losses by 75% while expanding tech-driven upskilling solutions.

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India Issues EV Policy Guidelines to Attract Global Carmakers

India has issued detailed guidelines under its EV manufacturing scheme, requiring a minimum ₹4,150 crore investment and 25% local value addition within three years. Global EV makers can import high-end models at reduced duties for five years. The move, eyed by Tesla and others, aims to boost domestic manufacturing and sustainable mobility in India.

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Snowflake Acquires Crunchy Data to Launch Enterprise-Grade Postgres

Snowflake is acquiring Crunchy Data—an open-source Postgres specialist—in a deal estimated at $250M. The move enables Snowflake to roll out Snowflake Postgres, bolstering its AI Data Cloud with enterprise-grade PostgreSQL capabilities. As demand for AI-ready data infrastructure rises, Snowflake joins tech giants racing to enhance database offerings tailored for AI-driven enterprise applications.

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Console Raises $6.2M to Automate IT Help Desk with AI

Ex-Rippling product lead Andrei Serban launched Console to automate routine IT help desk tasks using AI. With quick Slack integration and support from Scale AI, Calendly, and Thrive Capital, Console resolves over 50% of requests autonomously. The startup aims to expand into HR, finance, and legal, becoming employees’ go-to solution for workplace support.

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Salesforce Acquires Moonhub, an AI-Powered Hiring Solutions Startup

Salesforce is integrating members of Moonhub’s team, an AI-driven startup specializing in talent acquisition, following Moonhub’s closure announcement. Though not a full acquisition, the move aligns with Salesforce’s growing AI strategy. Moonhub, backed by investors like Khosla Ventures and Salesforce, built tools for automated hiring. The team will now help enhance Salesforce’s AI-driven HR solutions.

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Samsung Eyes Deeper AI Integration with Perplexity

Samsung is reportedly planning to invest in AI startup Perplexity and integrate its technology into future Galaxy phones. Discussions include preloading its app, enhancing Bixby with Perplexity’s AI, and adding its search tools to Samsung’s browser. This move follows Perplexity’s $500M raise at a $14B valuation, drawing attention from Apple and Motorola too.

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UK’s Space Forge Secures $30M to Manufacture Semiconductors in Space

UK startup Space Forge raised $30M to produce advanced semiconductor materials in space, where microgravity yields purer crystals. Supported by the NATO Innovation Fund and defense giant Northrop Grumman, the company aims to power technologies ranging from 5G networks to quantum computing systems. Its first launch failed in 2023, but a new mission, “The Forge Awakens,” is set to demonstrate its tech later this year.

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Heatseeker AI Raises $1.5M to Disrupt Market Research with Real-Time Insights

Australian startup Heatseeker AI has secured $1.5M in US-led pre-seed funding to scale its behavioral research platform. With clients like Medibank, Tyro, and Bain, the platform captures real-time customer behavior. Led by ex-Cisco innovator Kate O’Keeffe, the team runs product in Australia and sales from the US—mirroring Atlassian and Canva’s global playbook.

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Nykaa’s Profit Triples, BPC Shines While Fashion Falters

Nykaa posted a sharp rise in profit, hitting ₹20.28 crore in Q4 FY25, thanks to its thriving beauty and personal care business. Revenue jumped 23% YoY, though fashion losses deepened. B2B expansion and order growth strategies paid off, but rising costs and fashion vertical struggles hint at uneven performance across segments.

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UPI Dominates Digital India, CBDC Gathers Steam

UPI is clearly the backbone of India’s digital economy, now powering 84% of retail payments. Its explosive growth in QR codes and global expansion shows India’s fintech edge. Meanwhile, RBI’s CBDC pilots signal a strategic shift toward programmable money. The future? A hybrid payments system blending real-time rails with state-backed digital currency. A bold move.

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