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SoftBank To Invest $ 500 Million In Paytm Mall

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SoftBank, the Japan based venture capital firm, is reportedly in talks to invest $ 500 million in the online marketplace Paytm Mall. According to a news daily, Paytm Mall and SoftBank have already held initial talks for a $ 500 million to $ 600 million financing round.

SoftBank may lead this funding round with an investment of $ 300 million in the ecommerce venture operated by Paytm ECommerce Pvt., Ltd. Till date, SoftBank holds close to 20% stake in One97 Communications which runs the digital payments arm Paytm as well as Paytm Mall. Chinese etailing giant Alibaba also holds a majority stake (over 50% ) in the company.

The Times of India reported a source close to the discussions saying, “The funding proposal is yet to be discussed with the company board. However, there (sic) are informal commitments that have come through from investors. They still need to set a valuation for the transaction as the initial capital from Alibaba and SAIF was an internal round.

Reports also surfaced last month hinting the online retail platform Paytm Mall had initiated discussions to raise Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 4,000 crores in fresh funding by the end of this year to compete with Flipkart and Amazon. However, Paytm has not responded to the rumors while SoftBank said the company “does not comment on speculations”.

Earlier this year SoftBank invested a whopping $ 2.4 billion in Flipkart via its Vision Fund. Nevertheless, according to sources, SoftBank’s potential investment in Paytm Mall will not have any conflict of interest with Flipkart because Paytm Mall differentiates itself as a platform that helps bring offline retailers online. 

Paytm Mall also received $200 million from majority investor Alibaba and venture capital fund SAIF Partners in August this year. Alibaba and its affiliate Ant Financial’s stake in Paytm E-Commerce Pvt., Ltd., increased from 40% to 62% post this round of investment. The company was also planning to invest $ 35 million in its technology and logistics infrastructure to strengthen its position in the ecommerce market.  

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Jio BlackRock Gets SEBI Approval to Launch Brokerage Operations in India

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Jio BlackRock Broking Private Limited, a joint venture between Jio Financial Services and BlackRock Inc., has received final approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to commence operations as a brokerage firm. The regulatory nod, granted via a certificate of registration issued on June 25, 2025, allows the company to function as both a stockbroker and a clearing member in India’s financial markets. This milestone follows a series of regulatory clearances for the Jio BlackRock ecosystem, including approvals for mutual fund and investment advisory businesses, underscoring the joint venture’s ambition to build a comprehensive, digital-first financial services platform.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of Jio BlackRock Investment Advisers, the broking arm aims to deliver affordable, transparent, and technology-driven execution services to Indian investors. The company’s leadership has emphasized that the new platform will empower self-directed investors with seamless execution capabilities, complementing its broader strategy to democratize access to investment solutions in India. The approval is expected to further strengthen Jio BlackRock’s position in the rapidly expanding financial services sector, offering a full suite of products from mutual funds and advisory to brokerage, all accessible through user-friendly digital channels.

The market responded positively to the news, with Jio Financial Services shares rising over 4 percent following the announcement. Industry analysts view this regulatory milestone as a significant step in Jio BlackRock’s efforts to transform India’s investment landscape, moving the country closer to becoming a nation of investors rather than just savers.

 

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CoRover Unveils BharatGPT Mini: India’s First Offline Multilingual AI

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CoRover has launched BharatGPT Mini, India’s first offline multilingual AI model, at VivaTech 2025 in Paris, with the event officiated by Union Minister Jitin Prasada. This innovative Small Language Model (SLM), featuring around 534 million parameters, is specifically designed for edge devices and low-compute environments, enabling robust AI capabilities without the need for cloud connectivity. Its ability to function entirely offline and support 14 Indic languages makes it a powerful tool for digital inclusion, particularly in rural and remote regions where internet access is limited.

BharatGPT Mini’s architecture is optimized for deployment across various sectors, including healthcare, education, banking, and governance, allowing citizens to interact with essential services in their native languages. The model can be integrated into small businesses, government offices, and other organizations through the CoRover Builder platform, which offers a no-code solution for deploying AI assistants across web, telephony, and IoT systems. By processing data locally and encrypting it on-device, BharatGPT Mini ensures strong privacy and data sovereignty, aligning with India’s strategic goal of developing indigenous AI solutions. 

The launch has garnered strong support from both the Indian government and industry leaders, who see BharatGPT Mini as a catalyst for democratizing access to digital services. CoRover anticipates significant growth in the adoption of Small Language Models, with early feedback indicating a substantial increase in project demand. As CoRover looks to expand its expertise globally, BharatGPT Mini stands out as a scalable, multilingual, and privacy-centric solution, setting a new standard for inclusive and sovereign AI innovation in India’s diverse landscape.

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Kerala Startup E-Quark Launches Innovative Mobile Holder with Built-In Charger

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Kerala-based startup E-Quark Molecule Innovations Pvt Ltd, headquartered in Thrissur, has introduced an innovative device called Keratin that combines a mobile phone holder with a built-in charger. This unique gadget is designed to offer users a convenient solution to hold and charge their smartphones simultaneously, addressing the common challenge of managing power supply while using mobile devices.

The device enhances user experience by integrating two essential functions into one compact design. It securely holds the phone while providing efficient charging, making it perfect for use on desks, bedside tables, or other personal spaces where easy access and power are needed. This innovation aligns with the growing trend of multifunctional mobile accessories that prioritize both convenience and practicality.

E-Quark Molecule Innovations is a key player in Kerala’s dynamic startup ecosystem, which has been rapidly expanding in tech-driven areas such as electric vehicle charging infrastructure. With the launch of this mobile holder-charger, the company is establishing itself as a leader in user-centric mobile accessories, further cementing Kerala’s position as a hub for cutting-edge technology development.

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