Dugar Finance has raised $5 million in a pre-Series A round led by HegdInvst, with plans to deepen its footprint in semi-urban and rural markets. The additional capital will be used to strengthen technology and risk management systems, positioning the fintech for its next growth phase and smoother scaling of operations.
DeepSeek V4 has arrived in two versions: a powerful Pro model with 1.6 trillion parameters and an efficient Flash variant. The headline feature is a one-million-token context window, enabling far longer and more complex prompts. With aggressive performance gains and pricing momentum, the question is whether the rapid push can be sustained against fast-moving competition.
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OpenAI has rolled out ChatGPT Images 2.0, aiming to make AI image generation far less dependent on complex prompting. The company says the model can better follow instructions and capture detailed elements such as small text, icons, and user interface components. Early reactions from netizens focus on the improved realism and accuracy compared to the previous version.
India and Israel Weapon Industries are discussing integrating IWI’s Arbel computerised rifle system for Indian forces. IWI CEO Shuki Schwartz said initial talks are underway about integrating Arbel in India. The system uses advanced sensors for real-time ballistic computation and target acquisition, aiming to boost hit probability across different combat conditions.
Nike plans to eliminate about 1,400 roles in its global operations business, with technology teams hit the hardest, COO Venkatesh Alagirisamy said in an internal memo. The move is part of the final phase of a turnaround effort “to make Nike simpler and faster,” merging systems, streamlining structures, and reshaping infrastructure and supply-chain alignment. Managers will personally notify affected staff.
A sudden H-1B visa fee shake-up triggered panic among prospective workers, but a quick clarification exempted existing H-1B holders. With new talent costs rising, today’s workers may gain leverage in an employers market. While some IT firms say dependence on H-1B hiring is easing, experts caution offshore delivery models could still face turbulence.
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India’s National Highways Authority is reportedly set to adopt Dutch road technology to combat persistent potholes. The move signals a shift toward proven international methods to prevent damage on high-traffic corridors, potentially speeding repairs and improving road durability. If rolled out, the Dutch approach could reduce recurring maintenance costs and improve drive quality for commuters.
Elon Musk, speaking on the tech podcast All In, where venture capitalists host, described his time at the White House as a “one hell of a side quest.” The remark came alongside a blunt view that government is “unfixable,” reflecting his experience from a high-profile role linked to Donald Trump and DOGE.
India and South Korea are sharpening their partnership as President Lee Jae-myung visits with an emphasis on trade and technology. South Korean firms have already invested heavily in India, but New Delhi wants deeper commitment in advanced manufacturing, including chips and ships. Both sides aim to double bilateral trade and make the economic relationship more balanced.
A new Adecco India report says India’s healthcare and pharmaceutical sector is shifting into capability-led growth, with job creation projected to reach 2–2.5 million by 2030. Hiring is moving toward specialised roles and deeper technology integration across hospitals, telemedicine, diagnostics, clinical research, AYUSH, and elder and home care.
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South Korea told US lawmakers it will not impose discriminatory measures on American tech companies, including Coupang. The government said the ongoing investigation into Coupang’s data breach is handled under domestic law, regardless of where the company is from. The assurances were included in a US-South Korea trade deal fact sheet after lawmakers raised concerns.
Starbucks is laying off workers in its technology division as part of a broader restructuring under new leadership. Some roles currently based in Seattle are expected to move to Nashville, with the company aiming to improve operations and boost sales. More workforce changes are anticipated as the turnaround plan ramps up.
Daniel Shapero has been appointed CEO of LinkedIn, taking over from Ryan Roslansky. Shapero joined the platform in 2008 and most recently served as COO, moving steadily up over more than a decade. The change is also tied to Microsoft’s wider reorganisation, with plans to weave AI more deeply across its products and services.
Palantir CEO Alex Karp defended the company’s past ties with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and pushed back on criticism raised over data ethics. His comments at the New York Times DealBook Summit arrive as scrutiny of Palantir’s federal contracts intensifies, particularly amid public concern over ICE’s role in immigration enforcement raids.
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The five-day India AI Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi began February 16 with big expectations and planned talks from global tech leaders and Indian startups. But Day 1 was marred by logistics problems, triggering complaints and panning on social media. Organisers now face added pressure to keep subsequent sessions on track.
Morgan Stanley says AI tools could slash game-development costs by nearly half, potentially unlocking about $22 billion in new profits. The shift could let smaller teams build and iterate faster, improving games after launch rather than waiting for traditional cycles. Distribution and data holders may capture the biggest gains, while game engine makers face disruption unless they adapt.
Intel’s shares surged after the US chipmaker beat earnings expectations, offering a potential turnaround. Even as it posted a reported loss, revenue rose and management signaled further growth ahead. CEO Lip-Bu Tan tied the momentum to the AI revolution, citing strengthening demand for Intel processors, including for local network processing.
India and the US have reached an interim trade agreement framework aimed at improving market access and cutting trade barriers. The government says the deal is designed to safeguard domestic sensitivities while also tackling non tariff barriers. It further highlights cooperation in technology and energy, setting the tone for deeper bilateral trade engagement.
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Nasscom’s new chairperson Srikanth Velamakanni says AI is triggering a structural shift across India’s technology sector. He points to near-term challenges such as adjusting hiring practices, while stressing major opportunities as demand for tech talent accelerates. Geopolitics may complicate timelines, but the industry is preparing for widespread AI adoption.
Tata Electronics has confirmed the resignation of its head of construction, shortly after ET reported KC Ang’s departure as president and head of Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM). Sources also indicate the company has hired a new executive for the construction role, adding to a string of leadership changes across its semiconductor manufacturing setup.
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