Mumbai has been witnessing heavy rainfalls for the past two days and weather forecasts predict that this could be Mumbai’s longest and heaviest rainfall. Mumbai is currently facing water logged roads, traffic snarls and fallen trees in many parts of the city bringing life to a standstill. Movement of local trains was also affected, while flights were delayed or diverted leaving people stuck in offices, homes and on the roads.
To help out any individual in need many Mumbaikars have opened up their homes and offices to fellow citizens stuck or struggling on the streets. People took to twitter to let others know who to contact or call for assistance or seek shelter in neighboring areas.
Dadar Sikh Gurudwara served food & provided shelter all night to Mumbaikars. Sikhs also sent food to Dadar Stn. & Tata Hospital #MumbaiRainspic.twitter.com/OWGR0UkWoM
Not wishing to be left behind the startup community also rallied and stepped up, offering free accommodation, food and shelter as Mumbaikars battle the worst rains in over a decade using their resources to help the city’s beleaguered citizens.
World’s largest online bus ticketing platform RedBus announced it was letting stranded Mumbaikars stay at its hotels for free and provided a number for coordination.
#Help for ppl stranded in #MumbaiRains Call redBus Hotels on 08030970888, we’ll arrange free stay in the nearest hotel. RT to spread word.
Search engine giant Google also ran alerts on its search page and provided useful information including a map of the areas affected, a red SOS warning and a link to the official Mumbai police Twitter handle.
Craft beer company Doolally also opened their doors for the people in Bandra, Khar, Andheri West, Colaba and Pedder Road with a promise of tea.
Need a place to hang in Bandra, Khar, Andheri West, Colaba or Pedder Road? Head to @godoolally – doors are open, chai’s on us. #MumbaiRains
Cab hailing startups and rivals Ola and Uber also promised free rides and shuttles for Mumbaikars. Uber users can use the code ‘MUMBAIRAINS’ for free UberPOOL rides and the company has also canceled dynamic pricing during the heavy rains.
Use code ‘MUMBAIRAINS’ for free uberPOOL rides home, with Mumbaikars heading in the same direction. Stay safe: https://t.co/Cdq02ntVWU (2/2)
Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport’s (BEST) official mobile ticketing and pass renewal app Ridlr Mumbai has also used the microblogging site Twitter to keep the citizens updated regarding the weather conditions and traffic congestion in the city.
Mumbai police have also used the platform to its fullest capabilities to help stranded citizens by tweeting useful information and contact details.
If your car is out of fuel/ stranded #Diall100 or 8454999999 or tweet us for free towing till the nearest fuel pump or garage #mumbairains
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.
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.
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.