Latest News
Flipkart, Ola And Other Set Up Lobby Group Indiatech.org
Homegrown internet companies are coming together to launch an industry body, Indiatech.org, to solely fight for local companies and battle against ‘deep pocketed’ global competitors. Internet startups such as the ecommerce firm Flipkart, ride hailing startup Ola, travel portal MakeMyTrip and others are reportedly in talks to create a lobby group focused on weeding out competition from foreign players like Amazon and Uber. The formation of the lobby group has been in the works for over a year now and aims to provide a cohesive voice and structured platform to local players.
The lobby group, which will be led by Flipkart founder Sachin Bansal, will represent the interests of local ventures for favorable laws in the digital commerce market space. It will function as a nonprofit organization which will also focus on issues like job creation, skills training and providing resources to scale up Internet businesses.
A news daily reported, online classifieds player Quikr and messaging application Hike are the other founding members of the group. Sachin Bansal, as the founding president and chairman, will appoint an ex-IAS officer as the CEO for the group by next month. The formation of the lobby group, which plans to become the Nasscom of the startup space, signals an aggressive stance by the country’s top Internet entrepreneurs in promoting homegrown companies.
The aim of the body will be to push the government to make policies favoring domestic startups as some of these companies are struggling to fight competition from global players. Ola founder Bhavishg Aggarwal and Sachin Bansal were the first entrepreneurs to raise their voice against the aggressive spending by overseas companies. The group has also invited investors such as SoftBank, Tiger Global Management, Steadview Capital, Accel India and Matrix Partners India, to be a part of the initiative.
In June this year, the All India Online Vendors Association (AIOVA) also asked the government to institute a regulator for the ecommerce sector. AIOVA has reportedly requested for a grievance cell for online sellers and a set of accounting and auditing standards.
OpenAI’s introduction of trusted contact safeguards for potential self-harm cases reflects a major evolution in AI responsibility.
Beyond Moderation
AI safety is shifting from simply blocking harmful content to actively supporting user wellbeing through:
- early risk detection
- human-centered intervention
- stronger emotional safety frameworks
This positions AI as more than an information tool—it becomes part of broader digital support systems.
Key Industry Impact
Trusted contact models could influence future safety standards across:
- AI assistants
- mental health platforms
- social media
- digital health services
The Bigger Challenge
While promising, success depends on balancing:
- privacy
- consent
- ethical intervention
- user trust
Final Take
This move signals that the future of AI safety may rely not just on preventing harmful responses, but on building more responsible, human-connected support systems.
Rozana, India’s leading rural retail platform, has secured ₹290 crore ($35 million) in a Series B funding round led by Bertelsmann India Investments (BII), with participation from Omidyar Network India, Vivid Capital, and Tana Investment Holding. This Rozana funding brings its total capital to over ₹500 crore, fueling hyperlocal expansion in underserved rural markets. Founded in 2021 by brothers Prashant and Prateek Chauhan, the startup’s phygital model blends micro-stores, app-based ordering, and last-mile delivery to connect 5 million+ users in 12 states with brands like ITC and HUL.
The ₹290 crore investment will supercharge Rozana’s rural omnichannel retail strategy, targeting 5x growth in 18 months. Plans include adding 5,000 micro-stores in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan; AI-powered inventory tech; and new categories like groceries and electronics. By empowering 20,000+ rural micro-entrepreneurs, Rozana taps into India’s $700 billion rural retail boom, where smartphone penetration and UPI drive 12% annual growth.
This Rozana Series B milestone positions it as a frontrunner against rivals like Ninjacart, eyeing unicorn status by 2028 amid ONDC tailwinds. CEO Prashant Chauhan emphasized, “We’re building rural prosperity through accessible premium brands.” For more on Rozana funding news and rural retail trends, stay updated on India’s startup ecosystem.
Peak XV Partners has launched three new funds totaling $1.3 billion, targeting India’s booming startup ecosystem. The lineup features the $600M Surge fund (8th edition) for early-stage ventures, a $300M Growth Fund for Series B+ scaling, and a $400M Acceleration Fund for rapid portfolio expansion. This commitment arrives as India’s VC inflows rebound, with AI and fintech leading 2026 trends.
These funds build on Peak XV’s legacy of backing unicorns like Zomato and Pine Labs, offering founders capital plus strategic guidance amid post-winter recovery. Early-stage deals surged 20% last year per Tracxn, positioning Peak XV to fuel the next wave of innovation in SaaS, climate tech, and consumer plays.
For startups eyeing Peak XV new funds or Surge fund 2026 applications, this signals prime opportunities. Investors and marketers should watch for deployment updates India remains a global VC hotspot.
tv online live free
May 1, 2026 at 9:16 pm
Your writing style is engaging.
Jameskip
May 13, 2026 at 10:02 pm
The atmosphere of this terpene blend – kush berry strain is honestly unclutter and ingenuous, not too tireless but still noticeable in the overcome way. It blends smoothly and adds a much better flavor chart without compelling all things else. Equanimous a small amount makes a balance, which says a a mountain about the quality. The packaging was shielded, shipping was rakish, and the sound experience felt reliable. Actually decent produce and one I’d providentially order again.
Willardteake
May 15, 2026 at 7:07 pm
The CBD store – best cbd gummies for pain relief offers a assortment of formats that please exceptional preferences, and each undivided feels ok executed. The lubricate appears unsoiled and accordance, the packaging materials discern durable, and the fashion is uninvolved until now elegant. The products are easy to store and fraternize with, thanks to secure lids and compressed sizing. Inclusive, the label delivers a outstanding and carefully crafted test without unnecessary extras.