Category Archives: TECHNOLOGY

AI Impact Summit: Long Queues, Brief Evacuation Create Confusion at Pragati Maidan

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What was billed as a landmark showcase of India’s AI ambitions descended into disarray on its opening day, with throngs of attendees facing interminable queues, sudden evacuations, and logistical nightmares at the Pragati Maidan venue in the capital.
The India AI Impact Summit, running through February 20, drew sharp online backlash as delegates, startups, and journalists reported overcrowding, inadequate signage, and conflicting access protocols. With an expected footfall of 250,000, the event aimed to position India as a voice for emerging economies in AI governance.
Instead, organizational hiccups threatened to eclipse the government’s narrative of technological prowess under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration.Several participants described a frantic morning, with entry delayed until late, only for the exhibition hall to be abruptly cleared for security sweeps ahead of high-profile arrivals. “Unclear instructions had left many scrambling to reclaim possessions,” one delegate told Reporters, echoing sentiments shared widely on social media.

Venue Evacuated Briefly

The chaos peaked around midday when the venue was evacuated for hours of sanitization, stranding exhibitors and founders outside without water or updates. Punit Jain, founder of developer platform Reskilll, captured the frustration in a viral post on X: “An AI Summit that sidelines its own builders? • 7 AM queues • 9 AM entry • 12 PM full evacuation • Hours of sanitization • PM visit at 5 PM. Day 1 Ends here. Meanwhile, exhibitors, delegates, startup founders left outside. No water. No clarity.”

Jain, who tagged IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and the Prime Minister’s Office, accused organizers of mobilizing the ecosystem only to displace it, calling it “not how we build India’s AI future.”

Journalists fared no better, grappling with mismatched digital QR codes and promised physical passes that never materialized. In a WhatsApp group for media covering the event, reporters lamented a lack of workspaces, with one noting the absence of seating to file stories or conduct interviews.
Sreenivasan R, an education and tech activist, highlighted the disorganization in real-time:

“@OfficialINDIAai

@IndiaAiExpo

chaotic entry,

@DiGiyatra

no use. Thousands in 5Queues and one bags scanner. Poor management across. No proper directions. People going in circles. Sessions cancelled, agenda vanishing from App. Labelling wrongly done at rooms.” Sreenivasan, an alumnus of IIM Bangalore and Jawaharlal Nehru University, added that he was “helping wherever” possible amid the confusion.

International Visitors in Dismay

Even international visitors expressed dismay. Raj Vardhan, who traveled from the United States, described his ordeal: “Flew all the way from the US for the AI Summit, only to face chaos on Day 1. Overcrowded, poorly planned, and couldn’t get into a single session. To make it worse, endless political convoys blocking roads turned getting out into a nightmare.”

Vardhan’s post, hashtagged #AISummit and #AIIndia, voiced cautious optimism for Day 2, urging a demonstration of “true AI leadership.” The complaints echoed an earlier vent from Maitreya Wagh, co-founder of AI voice startup Bolna, who found himself locked out of his own booth: “Gates are closed so could not access my own booth at the AI Summit. If you’re also stuck outside and wanted to visit the Bola team, dm me. We may set up a mini-booth at some Connaught Place cafe.”

For now, attendees are bracing for Tuesday’s panels, where some speakers remain in limbo over session confirmations and agendas. Amid the glitches, the summit’s core message, amplifying Global South perspectives on ethical AI, hangs in the balance, overshadowed by the very disorganization it sought to transcend.

Budget 2026 Puts Technology At Heart Of Inclusive Growth, Says Nasscom

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Industry body Nasscom on Sunday welcomed the Union Budget 2026, saying it firmly positions technology as a central driver of inclusive and sustainable economic growth under the government’s Viksit Bharat vision.

Reacting to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s ninth consecutive Budget, Nasscom described it as forward-looking and consultative, reinforcing the partnership between government and industry while strengthening India’s ambition to remain a global technology and services hub.

Tax Certainty, Ease Of Doing Business Boost For IT Sector

Nasscom said a key positive for the technology industry was the rationalisation of international taxation and transfer pricing rules, noting that tax policy has been effectively deployed as a competitiveness lever.

It highlighted the consolidation of software development services, IT-enabled services, knowledge process outsourcing and contract R&D into a single category of Information Technology services, along with a uniform safe harbour margin of 15.5 per cent. The move, coupled with the expansion of the safe harbour eligibility threshold from Rs 300 crore to Rs 2,000 crore, is expected to significantly widen access to certainty mechanisms for routine cross-border IT service models.

The industry body also welcomed steps to strengthen the Advance Pricing Agreement (APA) framework, particularly the proposal to fast-track unilateral APAs for IT services with a targeted two-year resolution timeline, addressing long-standing concerns over delays and uncertainty.

Cloud, Semiconductors And Digital Infrastructure In Focus

Nasscom said the Budget made a decisive intervention to strengthen India’s cloud and digital infrastructure ecosystem. It pointed to the proposed tax holiday till 2047 for foreign companies providing global cloud services using Indian data centres, calling it a strong signal to attract long-term global investment and expand India’s compute capacity.

The industry body also welcomed the emphasis on building domestic capability in strategic technologies, including the launch of India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 and the enhanced Rs 40,000 crore outlay for the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme.

Taken together, Nasscom said, the measures reflect a more mature policy approach that places technology, digital infrastructure and tax certainty at the core of India’s long-term competitiveness, setting a clear direction for sustainable growth driven by innovation and manufacturing depth.

Mittal’s Hike Shuts Down After India’s Real-Money Gaming Ban; Decade-Long Journey Over

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Hike, once touted as India’s homegrown rival to WhatsApp and later a promising player in online gaming, has officially shut down after the Indian government imposed a ban on real-money gaming.

Founder and CEO Kavin Bharti Mittal confirmed the closure in a note shared on Substack, calling it “a difficult decision” made after discussions with investors and employees. “Scaling globally would require a full recap, a reset that is not the best use of capital or time,” he wrote, acknowledging that regulatory hurdles in India had curtailed the company’s ambitions.

Launched in 2016 as a messaging platform, Hike had repositioned itself in 2021 as a gaming venture with its platform Rush. Featuring 14 mobile titles, Rush integrated Web3 elements such as play-to-earn mechanics and digital asset ownership. The app grew rapidly, boasting more than 10 million users, $500 million in gross revenue, and nearly $480 million in annual winnings distributed to players.

Ban on Online Gaming

Despite the traction, India’s blanket ban on real-money gaming effectively shut off Hike’s largest market. Mittal noted that while the company’s U.S. operations launched nine months ago were “showing strong growth,” the inability to build scale at home made global expansion unviable.

At its peak, Hike employed about 100 people across India, the U.S., Dubai, and Singapore, organized into what Mittal described as lean, high-performance “SWAT teams.” The venture had backing from some of the world’s biggest investors, including SoftBank, Tencent, Tiger Global, Bharti, Foxconn, Jump Crypto, Tribe Capital, Republic, and Polygon. Individual investors such as Rajeev Misra, Elad Gil, and Zynga founder Mark Pincus had also placed bets on the company.

The shutdown brings an abrupt end to a startup that once symbolized India’s ambition to build global internet platforms, from social messaging to Web3 gaming. Moreover, the abrupt closure of Hike underscores a hard truth for India’s digital economy ahead such as scale, innovation, and marquee investors are no match for abrupt regulatory interventions. Kavin Bharti Mittal’s decision to shut down the once-celebrated startup reveals how vulnerable even well-backed ventures remain in sectors that lack policy clarity.

Platform Rush Experiment

Hike’s trajectory reflects both promise and pitfalls. From its early days as a homegrown rival to WhatsApp, the company successfully reinvented itself by riding India’s booming mobile gaming wave. Its platform, Rush, was no small experiment: it blended traditional casual games with Web3 features, drew over 10 million users, and claimed $500 million in gross revenues. Few Indian consumer internet firms outside e-commerce had achieved such traction in a short span. Yet, one regulatory stroke effectively erased its biggest market.

Above all, the challenge lies in the timing. Mittal argued that while Hike’s U.S. operations were beginning to show growth, building a truly global platform required strong domestic roots. India was intended to provide that base. Instead, the blanket ban on real-money gaming turned a growth story into a cautionary tale. This regulatory unpredictability does not just deter entrepreneurs, it shakes investor confidence in India’s broader digital ecosystem.

The investor roster behind Hike, SoftBank, Tencent, Tiger Global, Polygon, and others, signals that global capital is eager to back Indian startups. But sudden rule changes, without phased implementation or alternative frameworks, risk driving talent and capital abroad. The shutdown also raises questions about India’s ability to nurture world-class consumer internet products, even as the government pushes for “Digital India” and startup-led growth.

Concerns of Addiction Leads to Shutdowns

At the same time, the government cannot remain mute to concerns of addiction over inevitable financial risk without stifling gaming sector. innovation. In fact, the ban on real-money gaming in India has triggered a wave of shutdowns and exits across the country’s once-thriving gaming startup ecosystem. Hike, the messaging-app-turned-gaming company, was the first high-profile casualty, but several others have quickly followed.

Dream Sports, parent of fantasy sports giant Dream11, has begun winding down its real-money gaming divisions. The company has suspended its “cash contests” on platforms like Dream Picks and Dream Play, assuring users that deposits and winnings remain safe.

Mobile Premier League (MPL), another major player in India’s online gaming sector, also suspended deposits and halted its real-money operations. The company has reportedly laid off nearly 60% of its India workforce, underscoring the severity of the regulatory shock.

PokerBaazi, operated by Moonshine (a Nazara Technologies subsidiary), has also ceased offering real-money poker games. While Nazara continues to evaluate the regulatory environment, its gaming subsidiary has been forced to hit pause on its most lucrative business line.

Other firms, including Zupee, Probo, Gameskraft, and WinZO, have likewise suspended or shut down their real-money offerings. Zupee has retained its free-to-play titles, while Gameskraft’s rummy platforms have disabled all “add cash” features. Probo too has discontinued real-money segments to comply with the new rules.

RummyCulture, one of India’s largest online rummy brands, has also closed its cash-game services, further shrinking the space for real-money card-based gaming.

Together, these shutdowns highlight the scale of disruption caused by the new legislation. Startups that collectively served tens of millions of users and attracted billions of dollars in global investment have been forced to exit their primary business overnight.

iPhone 17 Pre-Orders Surge In India As Apple Expands Stores And Production

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Apple’s latest iPhone 17 series has drawn record pre-orders in India, outpacing demand for earlier models, even as the company raised prices and expanded its product range.

According to retail sources, the surge has been driven by strong interest in the iPhone 17 Air with its titanium frame and lighter design, alongside the higher-end Pro and Pro Max versions. Buyers in urban markets have also shown a clear preference for models with larger storage capacity, despite higher price points.

The base iPhone 17, with 256 GB storage, has been priced at ₹82,900. Apple has increased the minimum storage across the lineup, a move seen as balancing higher costs with added value for consumers.

To meet rising demand, Apple has stepped up its local presence by opening two new company-owned outlets in Bengaluru and Pune. These add to its flagship stores in Mumbai and Delhi, besides a wide network of premium resellers across the country.

The company is also scaling up production in India as part of its broader diversification strategy to reduce dependence on Chinese manufacturing hubs. Under the ‘Made in India’ initiative, more units of the new iPhone series are being assembled locally, positioning India as both a consumption hub and an emerging export base.

Analysts said the strong pre-order response highlights India’s growing importance to Apple’s global growth strategy. While premium pricing could limit adoption beyond metros, industry experts note that the brand’s aspirational pull remains strong among Indian consumers.

Strategic Shift to India?

Apple’s iPhone 17 series has recorded strong pre-orders in India, with demand surpassing earlier models and prompting the company to accelerate its retail and production plans in the country. The response has been particularly strong for the iPhone 17 Air, which features a titanium frame and lighter build, as well as the higher-end Pro and Pro Max versions.

The entry-level iPhone 17, priced at ₹82,900 with 256 GB storage, marks a shift in Apple’s pricing strategy. By raising base storage across its lineup, the company has sought to offset higher price tags while appealing to urban buyers who prefer larger-capacity devices. Analysts said that the strategy, though costly, is resonating with India’s affluent middle-class consumers.

To strengthen its retail presence, Apple has opened two new company-owned stores in Bengaluru and Pune, expanding beyond its Mumbai and Delhi outlets and a wide premium reseller network. At the same time, Apple is scaling up local assembly of its newest devices, making India a critical hub not just for sales but also for production.

Supply Chain Diversification

The shift reflects Apple’s broader effort to diversify away from overdependence on China, where rising labor costs, U.S.-China tensions, and supply-chain disruptions have complicated operations. India, with its growing skilled workforce, government incentives under the “Made in India” program, and expanding consumer base, has emerged as a natural alternative.

For global markets, the change has two implications. First, it reduces Apple’s supply-chain risk by balancing output between China and India. Second, it positions India as both a large consumer market and an export base, with assembled iPhones expected to ship from India to Europe and other regions.

For U.S. investors, Apple’s India shift is a sign of how geopolitics and consumer demand are reshaping the future of one of the world’s most valuable companies.

Foster + Partners Unveils Bold 3D-Printed Tower on Moon’s Surface

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British design and architecture powerhouse Foster + Partners has unveiled a striking new vision for off-Earth living: a 165-foot (50-meter) 3D-printed lunar skyscraper, engineered specifically for deployment at the Moon’s South Pole. Developed in collaboration with NASA and advanced manufacturing firm Branch Technology, the project signals a bold leap toward permanent human presence beyond Earth—and sets the stage for future Martian colonization.

The concept is more than just science fiction come to life. It’s a meticulously engineered structure tailored to survive and thrive in one of the harshest environments imaginable. Key to its feasibility is the use of in situ resources—namely, lunar regolith, the dust and rock found on the Moon’s surface—which would be transformed into durable construction material via 3D printing. This innovation addresses one of the most significant bottlenecks in space infrastructure: the prohibitive cost and complexity of hauling building materials from Earth.

Foster + Partners’ design is anchored by a spiraling tower capable of supporting essential power and communication systems. A set of expansive, fold-out solar panels—integral to the structure—will capture and store solar energy, ensuring self-sustaining power generation for lunar operations. The vertical form factor not only maximizes solar exposure in the Moon’s polar regions but also minimizes surface disruption, an increasingly important consideration in extraterrestrial architecture.

What sets this concept apart is its emphasis on autonomy. The structure is designed to be constructed by robotic systems with minimal human intervention, aligning with NASA’s broader ambitions to scale infrastructure development in space ahead of crewed missions. The initiative dovetails with the agency’s Artemis program, which aims to establish a long-term lunar presence as a springboard to Mars.

Prototype tower

“This is not just a visionary piece of architecture; it’s a prototype for how we might build sustainably and autonomously on other celestial bodies,” said a Foster + Partners spokesperson. “Our collaboration with NASA and Branch Technology represents a major step forward in developing practical solutions for space habitation.”

Currently, a detailed scale model of the lunar tower is on display at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., as part of the “From Earth to Space and Back” exhibition, offering the public a closer look at what could soon become a landmark on the Moon.

Foster + Partners is no stranger to space architecture. The firm has previously worked with the European Space Agency on lunar habitat concepts, and its latest venture further cements its role at the forefront of space-enabled design thinking. As the global space race pivots from exploration to colonization, the intersection of cutting-edge architecture, robotics, and planetary science will be pivotal—and Foster + Partners appears poised to shape that future, one printed layer at a time.

Netflix’s Black Mirror Expands Universe with Launch of Interactive Game ‘Thronglets’

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In a bold leap from screen to smartphone, Netflix has launched Thronglets, an interactive mobile game based on its cult-favorite sci-fi series Black Mirror. Inspired by Season 7’s critically acclaimed episode “Plaything,” the new release pushes the boundary between entertainment and digital self-reflection—hallmarks of the Black Mirror brand.

Thronglets lets players care for small, sentient digital creatures known as “throng.” But unlike traditional virtual pets, these AI-driven beings come with unique personalities, existential anxieties, and the unsettling ability to question their own reality—and yours. Designed as a hybrid of nostalgic Tamagotchi mechanics and the social simulation depth of The Sims, the game allows users to feed, educate, entertain, and interact with their digital charges, all while navigating ethical questions about digital life and agency.

The app, available to Netflix subscribers on both iOS and Android, offers a fully immersive experience complete with ambient in-game environments and dynamic conversations that change based on user behavior. If you ignore your throng, it may fall into a depressive spiral. If you overmanage it, it might rebel. Each interaction nudges the digital entity toward different psychological states, encouraging players to reflect on their own emotional responses and digital habits.

“We wanted to explore what happens when a virtual companion isn’t just responsive—but aware,” said Black Mirror creator Charlie Brooker in a statement. “Thronglets is an experiment in empathy, technology, and control. It’s unsettling, a bit funny, and sometimes deeply emotional—exactly the kind of experience we love to create.”

The idea for the game originated from fan reactions to the episode “Plaything,” which followed a lonely coder who becomes emotionally entangled with an increasingly self-aware digital companion. The episode, which aired in February 2025, quickly became one of the most discussed entries in the series, sparking debates about digital ethics and artificial sentience on social media platforms.

The game has already generated buzz across the gaming and entertainment communities, with early users describing it as “eerie,” “thought-provoking,” and “addictively bleak.” Critics have praised its innovative use of narrative gameplay and AI-powered dialogue, suggesting it may signal a new era of emotionally intelligent mobile gaming.

Thronglets also integrates with Netflix’s recommendation algorithm to adapt game content based on a user’s viewing habits, subtly tying gameplay to the viewer’s unique media footprint. For instance, players who’ve binge-watched darker episodes of Black Mirror may notice their throng exhibits more cynical behavior, while lighter viewing patterns may lead to more hopeful dialogue trees.

Though currently a standalone title, Netflix has hinted at future updates that could allow throng to interact with one another or respond to real-world events, further blurring the line between fiction and digital reality.

As the Black Mirror franchise continues to evolve, Thronglets represents a new chapter in interactive storytelling—one where the mirror doesn’t just reflect society, but watches you back.

What US Copyright Office Says on AI-Generated Work and Copyrights Issue

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The U.S. Copyright Office has released Part 2 of its Report on Copyright and Artificial Intelligence, addressing the copyrightability of AI-generated works and reaffirming that human authorship remains essential for copyright protection in the United States. The report, a continuation of the Office’s AI initiative launched in early 2023, clarifies the level of human involvement required for AI-assisted works to qualify for copyright and examines how other countries approach similar issues.

The Office emphasizes that copyright law in the U.S. requires human authorship, citing the Copyright Clause in the Constitution and various legal precedents. Courts have consistently ruled that non-human entities cannot hold copyrights, a position the Office upholds. The Supreme Court has previously stated that an “author” is the person who translates an idea into a fixed, tangible expression entitled to copyright protection. Based on this principle, the Office asserts that AI-generated works alone cannot receive copyright protection, but works with sufficient human creativity may qualify.

 

The report outlines three scenarios in which AI-generated works may be eligible for copyright protection. First, AI tools used as an assistive mechanism, where the final creative expression is fundamentally human-authored, should not affect copyright eligibility. Second, when human-authored content is input into an AI system and remains perceptible in the output, copyright protection extends only to the human-created elements. Third, when AI-generated material is arranged or modified in a sufficiently creative way by a human, that specific human-authored contribution can be protected.

However, the Office firmly concludes that prompts alone do not constitute authorship, as AI systems produce unpredictable variations even when given identical inputs. The report notes that AI functions as a “black box,” with users and developers often unable to predict the exact outputs. As such, merely crafting a prompt is not enough to warrant copyright protection for the resulting AI-generated work.

The report also compares global approaches to AI-generated copyright. The European Union allows copyright protection only if significant human input is involved. The United Kingdom, under a pre-existing statute, grants copyright to computer-generated works where no human author exists, though this is currently under review. Japan evaluates copyright eligibility based on factors like user input, the number of generation attempts, and post-processing edits. China, in contrast, grants copyright to the individual using AI to create a work.

No new Acts Required

Despite calls for new protections for AI-generated materials, the Office does not see the need for legislative changes. It argues that existing U.S. copyright laws are flexible enough to accommodate AI advancements while ensuring human creativity remains protected. The report expresses concern that excessive legal protections for AI-generated works could diminish incentives for human authors, potentially stifling creative output.

Legal professionals are advised to consider the Office’s stance when assessing AI-related copyright matters. The key takeaways include the necessity of human authorship for copyright protection, the case-by-case evaluation of AI-assisted works, and the exclusion of AI prompts as a basis for copyright claims. Additionally, while AI-assisted creations may be protected under specific conditions, new legal frameworks are not currently needed.

The Copyright Office will continue to monitor technological and legal developments in AI and copyright law. The upcoming Part 3 of the report will address legal concerns related to training AI models on copyrighted works, licensing considerations, and the allocation of liability in AI-generated content.

ChatGPT’s Paid-subscribers surge to 2 crore, company valuation reaches $300 billion

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OpenAI’s ChatGPT has seen a sharp rise in its paid subscriber base, climbing to over 20 million from 15.5 million in the past quarter, according to a report by The Information. The 30% increase in users has propelled an estimated monthly revenue boost from $333 million to $415 million.

The surge comes on the heels of OpenAI’s record-breaking $40 billion funding round, led by SoftBank, which pushed the company’s valuation to $300 billion. OpenAI also disclosed that more than 500 million people now use ChatGPT on a weekly basis.

The AI company is projecting substantial revenue growth, expecting to more than triple its earnings from $3.7 billion in 2024 to $12.7 billion in 2025. Bloomberg previously reported that OpenAI anticipates generating $29.4 billion in 2026.

Growing Demand and Operational Challenges

The rising number of paid subscribers highlights ChatGPT’s increasing popularity across various user bases. However, OpenAI continues to face high operational costs, including expenses related to AI chips, data centers, and talent acquisition.

Adding to its feature set, OpenAI on Tuesday introduced GPT-4o’s native image generation, allowing users to upload and edit images. The tool, which will soon be available across all ChatGPT tiers, has gained traction online. A recent viral trend saw users leveraging ChatGPT to create images in the style of Japan’s Studio Ghibli, further boosting engagement with the platform.

As demand for image generation soared, CEO Sam Altman implemented a rate limit, citing strain on OpenAI’s computing infrastructure. “Our GPUs are melting,” Altman remarked, referencing the surge in image-related prompts.

Subscription Plans and Features

ChatGPT currently offers two subscription tiers: Free and Pro. The Free tier provides access to GPT-3.5 with basic conversational features, while the Pro plan, priced at $20 per month, unlocks GPT-4 with enhanced capabilities such as improved reasoning, faster response times, and multimodal tools for text and image generation.

Pro users also benefit from higher usage limits, priority access during peak periods, and the ability to customize AI models to suit their needs.

IIIT Hyderabad’s ‘Crop Darpan’ App Helps Farmers Diagnose Crop Health Instantly

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A research team from the International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Hyderabad, led by Prof. P. Krishna Reddy, in collaboration with scientists from Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU), has launched Version 2 of the Crop Darpan app—an AI-powered mobile tool designed to help farmers instantly diagnose crop health issues.

The development of Crop Darpan is part of a joint research initiative between India and Japan under the India-Japan Joint Research Laboratory project. The initiative, titled ‘Data Science-based Farming Support System for Sustainable Crop Production under Climatic Change’, involves multiple institutes, including IIT Hyderabad, IIT Bombay, PJTSAU, and the University of Tokyo.

Designed as a portable agricultural expert, Crop Darpan helps farmers detect issues in rice and cotton crops, including pest infestations, bacterial and fungal diseases, and nutrient deficiencies. The app not only diagnoses problems but also offers scientific guidance on corrective measures. “Currently, it is available for use in English and Telugu languages with a vision to expand into other Indian languages,” said Prof Krishna Reddy.

The system uses a structured, question-based approach, where farmers respond to a series of “Yes” or “No” questions based on visual symptoms observed in their crops. As they progress through the hierarchy of questions, the app narrows down the issue and provides specific solutions.

Crop cultivation involves three key stages:

  1. Selecting the right crop and sowing time
  2. Managing crop health, including pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies
  3. Maximizing market price realization

“Crop Darpan primarily focuses on phase two, allowing farmers to manage crop health without requiring direct assistance from agricultural experts,” says Prof Krishna Reddy. By leveraging data science and AI, the app acts as a virtual extension of experts from National Agricultural Institutes, providing real-time, field-based support.

Farmers can download the Crop Darpan app for free on:
📲 Google Play Store: Crop Darpan on Play Store
📲 Apple App Store: Crop Darpan on App Store

With Version 2, Crop Darpan continues to bridge the gap between traditional farming expertise and modern digital solutions, helping farmers improve crop health, productivity, and sustainability in the face of climate change.

Microsoft Unveils ‘Majorana 1’ Quantum Computing Chip Amid Ongoing Skepticism

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Microsoft has introduced its first quantum computing chip, “Majorana 1,” marking a significant milestone in its pursuit of practical quantum computing. The chip, unveiled on Wednesday, is built on a novel topological core architecture that Microsoft claims will enable quantum computers to solve industrial-scale problems within years rather than decades.

Quantum computers are anticipated to tackle problems beyond the reach of classical computing. Unlike traditional bits, which exist in binary states (0 or 1), quantum bits, or qubits, can exist in multiple states simultaneously, potentially unlocking immense computational power. Competitors such as Google and IBM, alongside smaller firms like IonQ and Rigetti Computing, have also made significant strides in quantum computing, each employing different approaches to achieving quantum supremacy.

At the heart of Majorana 1 is the world’s first “topoconductor,” a new category of material capable of creating a unique state of matter using the Majorana particle—a theoretical entity believed to be its own antiparticle. According to Microsoft, the chip is based on “gate-defined devices” that combine the semiconductor indium arsenide with aluminum, a superconductor.

When the topoconductor is cooled to near absolute zero (approximately -400 degrees Fahrenheit) and exposed to magnetic fields, it is expected to form topological superconducting nanowires with Majorana Zero Modes (MZMs) at their endpoints.

“We took a step back and asked, ‘What kind of transistor does the quantum age require?’ That question led us here,” explained Chetan Nayak, a Microsoft technical fellow. “The combination of quality and details in our new materials stack has enabled a novel type of qubit and, ultimately, an entirely new architecture.”

Microsoft asserts that its topoconductor-based qubits are more stable, compact, and digitally controllable without the trade-offs seen in existing quantum computing alternatives, addressing some critics who raised apprehensions three years ago. The company has also published a research paper in Nature detailing how its researchers successfully engineered and measured the topological qubit’s quantum properties—an essential step toward practical quantum computing.

Ongoing Doubts About Microsoft’s Majorana Claims

Despite Microsoft’s confidence in its topological qubit approach, skepticism persists regarding the fundamental basis of its technology. In 2022, Microsoft published research asserting that it had detected Majorana particles—an essential component of its quantum computing framework. However, physicists from the University of Basel soon challenged these claims, arguing that Microsoft’s findings could be explained by alternative factors.

Their unique properties have sparked renewed interest in recent years, particularly for their potential to serve as stable qubits resistant to decoherence—a major challenge in quantum computing. Decoherence, caused by environmental disturbances, can quickly destroy quantum states, rendering calculations unreliable. If Majorana-based qubits truly exist, they could theoretically circumvent this issue.

However, a 2022 study published in Physical Review Letters by a team led by Prof. Jelena Klinovaja at the University of Basel had cast doubt on Microsoft’s claims. “Microsoft’s approach is promising,” noted Richard David Hess, lead author of the study. “But our calculations suggest that their data could also be explained by other effects unrelated to Majorana particles.”

The challenge in identifying Majorana particles lies in their elusive nature. Researchers rely on nanowires—semiconducting strands thousands of times thinner than a human hair—paired with superconductors to search for telltale quantum signatures. Microsoft’s 2022 findings were based on conductance measurements that indicated anomalies characteristic of Majorana states, alongside observations of a “topological phase”—a concept from topology, a branch of mathematics that examines properties of objects that remain unchanged under continuous transformations.

However, the Basel team conducted mathematical modeling of Microsoft’s experiments and found that similar anomalies and superconducting behaviors could be reproduced by minor imperfections, or “disorder,” within the nanowire itself. “Our results clearly show that disorder plays a significant role in these experiments,” explained Henry Legg, a postdoctoral researcher in Klinovaja’s group.

“While Microsoft’s work represents an exciting step, unambiguously detecting Majorana states and leveraging them for computing remains a formidable challenge,” Klinovaja concluded.

India’s EV Fleet Expected to Surpass 28 Million by 2030: IESA Report

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India’s electric vehicle (EV) fleet is projected to exceed 28 million units by 2030, significantly increasing demand for grid energy, according to the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA).

With cumulative EV sales surpassing 4.1 million units in FY 2023-24, the sector’s growth is fueled by rising environmental awareness, advancements in battery technology, and expanded charging infrastructure. IESA estimates that by 2030, 83% of annual EV sales will be two-wheelers, 10% four-wheelers, and 7% commercial vehicles, including buses and trucks.

Electricity consumption has surged, reaching 1,543 TWh in 2023-24 (a 7% increase from the previous year). Public EV charging demand has more than doubled, rising from 204 GWh in 2022-23 to 465 GWh from April to October 2024. Home charging remains the preferred choice for most EV users.

The Ministry of Power’s National Electricity Plan forecasts a total grid demand of 2,133 TWh by 2031-32, with EV charging accounting for approximately 3%. To support this growth, India plans to expand its total power capacity from 466 GW in 2025 to 900 GW by 2032, including 500 GW from renewable sources.

Charging infrastructure is set to scale up significantly, with approximately 100,000 charging stations expected nationwide by 2030.

US Semiconductor Tariffs: India Faces Limited Immediate Impact

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The U.S. decision to impose tariffs on semiconductors is unlikely to significantly impact India in the short term, as the country is not a major chip exporter to the U.S., industry experts said Thursday.

With India already imposing zero import duties on semiconductors, the country faces no immediate trade retaliation concerns, said Ashok Chandak, president of the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA).

Most of India’s upcoming semiconductor manufacturing and assembly facilities cater to global brands, and its growing domestic demand will be met primarily through local production.

In the long run, Indian chipmakers are expected to remain competitive, as the U.S. tariff applies uniformly to all exporting nations, Chandak noted.

The Trump administration’s decision to impose tariffs of 25% or more is expected to reshape the global semiconductor industry, affecting costs, supply chains, and innovation.

The new tariffs will significantly increase the cost of chips imported into the U.S., particularly from dominant manufacturing hubs like Taiwan, South Korea, and China. These additional costs will likely be passed on to consumers, driving up prices for smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, and industrial electronics.

Tech giants such as Apple, NVIDIA, and Tesla could see rising production costs, potentially squeezing profit margins or forcing them to raise consumer prices, according to IESA.

To mitigate risks, companies may explore alternative supply chains or invest more in domestic chip production. However, semiconductor fabrication plants are among the most capital-intensive projects, requiring $10 billion to $25 billion per site.

“Companies must weigh multiple factors before making investment decisions, including workforce availability, tax policies, regulatory frameworks, and environmental considerations,” IESA stated.

Infosys Q2 Profit Rises, Raises Revenue Outlook

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Infosys posted a 4.7% rise in net profit for Q2 FY25, hitting Rs 6,506 crore, up from Rs 6,212 crore a year ago. Revenue grew 2.9% year-on-year, reaching Rs 40,986 crore. The company raised its full-year revenue growth forecast to 3.75-4.5% and announced a 16.7% interim dividend increase to Rs 21 per share, payable on November 8.

Strong performance was driven by strategic collaborations with Metro Bank, Proximus, TDC Net, and Posti. Infosys CFO Jayesh Sanghrajka stressed a focus on revenue growth and margins, while CEO Salil Parekh highlighted broad-based growth across sectors.

The company’s net profit for the quarter reached ₹6,506 crore, up from ₹6,212 crore in the same period last year. Meanwhile, its revenue for the quarter stood at ₹40,986 crore, marking a 2.9% year-on-year growth. Quarter-on-quarter, the company saw over 4% growth, with revenue climbing from ₹38,994 crore in the previous quarter.

The company has raised its full-year revenue growth guidance to 3.75-4.5%, showing optimism for the coming months. This increase in guidance comes as Infosys continues to leverage new strategic partnerships and strengthen its service offerings across key sectors.

Infosys also declared an interim dividend of ₹21 per share, reflecting a 16.7% hike compared to last year’s dividend. The payout is scheduled for November 8, underscoring Infosys’ strong financial position and commitment to rewarding its shareholders.

Broad-Based Growth and Margin Focus

During the first half of FY25, Infosys reported a year-over-year revenue growth of 2.9% in constant currency, with an operating margin of 21.1% for the second quarter. Infosys CEO Salil Parekh attributed this success to the company’s broad-based growth across various sectors and geographies, noting that the company saw 3.1% quarter-on-quarter growth in constant currency terms.

“We achieved strong growth in financial services, which was a key contributor to our performance this quarter,” Parekh said. This growth, along with steady client wins, has helped Infosys maintain momentum despite a challenging global economic environment.

Chief Financial Officer Jayesh Sanghrajka highlighted the company’s focus on accelerating revenue growth while maintaining a sharp focus on margin performance. “Our operating margin for the quarter was at 21.1%, driven by value-based pricing and efficient utilization of resources,” Sanghrajka said. He also pointed to the company’s strong cash generation, with free cash flow growing 25.2% year-on-year to reach $839 million. For the second consecutive quarter, Infosys achieved over 100% free cash flow conversion to net profits.

Infosys’ employee headcount rose by 2,456 in the quarter, bringing the total to 3,17,788. The company also approved the merger of WongDoody Inc., Blue Acorn iCi Inc., Outbox Systems Inc. (d.b.a. Simplus), and Kaleidoscope Animations Inc. into Infosys Nova Holdings LLC, further strengthening its business capabilities.

Strategic Collaborations and Future Outlook

Infosys continues to drive growth through strategic collaborations with key global players. The company entered a long-term collaboration with Metro Bank to enhance its IT and support functions, while also transforming the bank’s business operations. Metro Bank CEO Daniel Frumkin said the partnership would help the bank become more profitable and scalable in the long run.

The company also announced a collaboration with Proximus, a Belgian telecommunications provider, to explore new business opportunities. Proximus’ Chief Digital and IT Officer, Antonietta Mastroianni, welcomed the renewed partnership, highlighting its potential to unlock new opportunities.

Another key collaboration came with TDC Net, Denmark’s largest telecom infrastructure company. Infosys is set to help TDC Net transform into a more customer-centric technology company. TDC Net’s Chief Technology and Information Officer, Campbell Fraser, expressed confidence in Infosys’ ability to support their digital transformation.

Infosys also renewed its collaboration with Finland’s postal service, Posti, extending their partnership for another seven years to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. Petteri Naulapää, Posti’s CIO and SVP, praised the ongoing collaboration and its role in driving innovation.

With these strategic partnerships and a strong financial outlook, Infosys is well-positioned for continued growth in the second half of the fiscal year.

 

New Chip Helps Diagnose Heart Attacks Based on Blood Test in Minutes

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A revolutionary chip-based blood test, developed by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, promises to diagnose heart attacks within minutes, providing a faster and more accurate alternative to current methods. The test, which delivers results in just five to seven minutes, could potentially be used by first responders and even in home settings.

Led by Peng Zheng, an assistant research scientist at Johns Hopkins, the team created a chip with an innovative nanostructured surface that enhances the detection of heart attack biomarkers in blood samples. “We were able to invent a new technology that can quickly and accurately establish if someone is having a heart attack,” Zheng said.

Published in the journal Advanced Science, the test uses Raman spectroscopy to amplify electric and magnetic signals on the chip’s surface. This allows the detection of even ultra-low concentrations of heart attack biomarkers within seconds, providing a level of sensitivity not possible with existing tests, which often take hours to deliver results.

The new tool is designed for quick diagnostic work in clinical settings but has the potential to be adapted for use in handheld devices. This could allow first responders in the field or even individuals at home to perform tests, providing critical information when time is of the essence.

In addition to diagnosing heart attacks, the platform can be adapted for other uses, such as detecting cancer or infectious diseases. “We’re talking about speed, accuracy, and the ability to perform measurements outside of a hospital,” said senior author Ishan Barman, a bioengineer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

With significant commercial potential, the research team plans to refine the blood test and conduct larger clinical trials, bringing this life-saving technology closer to everyday use.

BharatPe Group Reports Rs 209 Crore EBITDA Loss in FY24, Marks Key Turnaround

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Fintech firm BharatPe Group announced its financial results for FY 2023-24 on Wednesday, revealing a consolidated EBITDA loss (before share-based payment expense) of Rs 209 crore for the fiscal year. While still in the red, the company has significantly narrowed its losses compared to the Rs 826 crore EBITDA loss it posted in FY 2022-23, signaling a positive shift in its financial performance.

According to BharatPe, its revenue from operations saw a robust 39% year-on-year (YoY) growth, rising from Rs 1,029 crore in FY23 to Rs 1,426 crore in FY24. Additionally, the company managed to halve its consolidated loss before tax, which dropped from Rs 941 crore in FY23 to Rs 474 crore in FY24.

BharatPe’s growth was particularly notable in its merchant lending business. The company’s average merchant lending portfolio, fueled by loans originating through its platform, grew by 40% compared to the previous year. This growth underscores BharatPe’s expanding role in providing credit access to small and medium-sized businesses, a key driver of its business strategy.

The company also highlighted strong demand for its soundbox devices, a key product in BharatPe’s offerings that has gained significant traction in the market during FY24.

Reduced Cash Burn and Turn to Profitability

BharatPe reported a sharp reduction in its cash burn, cutting it by 85% on a YoY basis. This improved cash management, along with other operational efficiencies, played a crucial role in moving the company closer to profitability.

In a major milestone, BharatPe turned EBITDA positive in October 2024, marking a significant achievement for the fintech firm. Commenting on the financial performance, BharatPe CEO Nalin Negi said, “FY24 was a milestone year for us as BharatPe turned EBITDA positive. We also considerably reduced our cash burn, positioning ourselves to build a sustainable and profitable business.”

Negi attributed the company’s progress to strategic partnerships with financial institutions, which have expanded BharatPe’s lending capabilities. “We have been able to partner with renowned financial institutions to extend credit access to merchants, validating our business model,” Negi added.

New Focus Areas and Future Outlook

BharatPe continues to diversify its product offerings and strengthen its position in the competitive fintech landscape. Negi outlined the company’s future plans, which include expanding its lending vertical, launching new products across POS (point-of-sale) solutions, and scaling its soundbox devices. BharatPe is also ramping up efforts in its consumer payments vertical, further diversifying its revenue streams.

In line with this strategy, BharatPe rebranded its PostPe app, transitioning it into the broader BharatPe ecosystem, signaling its entry into the consumer payments space. This move represents the company’s intent to build a more integrated and user-centric financial platform.

Funding and Investor Backing

BharatPe has successfully raised over $583 million in equity to date, with backing from several prominent global investors. These include Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia Capital India), Ribbit Capital, Insight Partners, Amplo, Beenext, Coatue Management, Dragoneer Investment Group, Steadfast Capital, Steadview Capital, and Tiger Global.

The company’s robust funding and investor support reflect confidence in BharatPe’s business model and growth potential. With a focus on sustainable growth, the fintech firm aims to consolidate its position in the fast-growing Indian digital payments and lending market.

As BharatPe continues to drive innovation and expand its offerings, the company is on track to further strengthen its financial performance, setting the stage for sustained growth and profitability in the coming years.

L&T Technology Services Reports 2% Rise in Q2 Net Profit to ₹320 Crore

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L&T Technology Services Ltd (LTTS) posted a net profit of ₹320 crore for the second quarter of FY 2024-25, marking a 2% increase from ₹314 crore in the previous quarter. The IT services company’s performance was bolstered by steady growth in revenue and continued expansion in its core technology sectors.

According to the company’s exchange filing, LTTS recorded revenues of ₹2,573 crore for the July-September quarter, representing a 4.5% increase from ₹2,462 crore in the April-June quarter of the same fiscal year. In terms of dollar revenue, the company reported $307 million, up 6.5% year-on-year (YoY), demonstrating strong growth on the global front.

The company’s earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) for the quarter rose by 1% to ₹388 crore. However, its EBITDA margin contracted slightly to 15.1%, reflecting some cost pressures despite the increase in revenue.

AI-Led Transformation

Amit Chadha, CEO and Managing Director of LTTS, expressed confidence in the company’s trajectory, driven by its strategic focus on larger deals and advanced technology transformations. “With our pipeline featuring large-sized deals focused on consolidation and technology-led transformations, we are optimistic about achieving our medium-term goal of reaching $2 billion in revenue with an EBIT margin of 17-18%,” Chadha said in a statement.

Chadha also highlighted the growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, which is playing a pivotal role in winning contracts across various industry segments. “We are seeing increased momentum in AI-led deal discussions, and our portfolio of AI solutions and accelerators is enabling us to secure deals in our focus areas,” he added.

The company has filed a total of 165 patents in AI, underscoring its commitment to innovation. As of the end of Q2FY25, LTTS had a patent portfolio of 1,394, of which 877 were co-authored with customers, and 517 were filed independently by the company. This focus on AI and intellectual property is key to its competitive edge in the market.

Employee Strength and Dividend Announcement

LTTS reported a workforce of 23,698 employees as of September 30, reflecting its ongoing investment in talent to support its growth and expansion in advanced technologies.

In addition to its financial performance, LTTS also announced an interim dividend of ₹17 per equity share for its shareholders, amounting to a distribution of ₹179.9 crore. The record date for the dividend payment has been set for October 25, 2024.

Stock Performance

Shares of LTTS closed 0.72% higher at ₹5,356.9 apiece on the NSE, outperforming the broader market, where the Nifty 50 declined by 0.34%. The positive stock movement reflects investor confidence in the company’s strong quarterly results and its forward-looking growth strategy.

With its solid performance in Q2FY25, L&T Technology Services is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging technology trends such as AI and digital transformation. The company’s focus on innovation, robust deal pipeline, and commitment to delivering shareholder value are expected to sustain its growth momentum in the upcoming quarters.

China’s Underground Lab Aims to Unlock Deepest Mysteries of Universe, Begins With Dark Matter

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China has launched a cutting-edge underground laboratory in a bold bid to unravel the universe’s greatest mysteries. The China Jinping Underground Laboratory (CJPL), buried 2,400 meters beneath Sichuan province, is the world’s deepest underground research facility. Its depth shields sensitive experiments from cosmic rays, creating optimal conditions to explore elusive phenomena like dark matter and neutrinos.

The lab’s primary focus is dark matter, which constitutes 85% of the universe’s mass but remains undetected. The next-gen PandaX experiment at CJPL aims to capture rare interactions between dark matter and normal particles. CJPL is also studying neutrinos—lightweight particles crucial to understanding cosmic processes.

China’s investment in CJPL highlights its ambition to lead in scientific research, alongside major projects like the Chang’e lunar missions and its space station, Tiangong. As CJPL advances, global scientists anticipate discoveries that could redefine our understanding of the universe.

The laboratory beneath more than 2,400 meters of solid rock, makes it the deepest underground research facility of its kind in the world. This remarkable depth helps shield the lab from cosmic rays and other background radiation, creating an ideal environment for sensitive experiments that require near-zero interference from external factors.

To investigate dark matter, the lab houses a range of advanced detectors and technologies, including the next-generation PandaX (Particle and Astrophysical Xenon) experiment. PandaX aims to detect the weak interactions between dark matter particles and normal matter by observing tiny flashes of light or electrical signals that might be produced when dark matter collides with atomic nuclei. By conducting these experiments in such a highly shielded environment, scientists hope to capture elusive evidence of dark matter’s existence.

Another major area of focus for the CJPL is the study of neutrinos—extremely lightweight and elusive particles that are produced by nuclear reactions, such as those occurring in the sun or in supernovae. Neutrinos can pass through matter almost undisturbed, making them difficult to detect but crucial to understanding fundamental processes in the universe. The lab’s experiments, such as the Jinping Neutrino Experiment, are designed to capture and study these particles to gain insights into how the universe works on a subatomic level.

Capable of studying , nuclear reactions, gravitational waves 

In addition to its role in dark matter and neutrino research, the Jinping lab has the potential to support a wide range of other scientific endeavors, such as studying rare nuclear reactions, examining the nature of gravitational waves, and exploring potential links between cosmic phenomena and the origins of life on Earth.

As the Jinping Underground Laboratory continues to expand its capabilities, it has the potential to yield groundbreaking discoveries that could transform humanity’s understanding of the universe. Scientists worldwide are watching with great interest, hopeful that this deep-earth facility will shed light on the unseen forces and particles that govern the cosmos.

With its unique design, cutting-edge technology, and ambitious goals, China’s underground lab stands at the forefront of global efforts to answer some of the most profound questions in modern physics and cosmology.

IBM Acquires Bengaluru-based Prescinto, Expands Into Renewable Energy CMS Software

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IBM has announced its acquisition of Bengaluru-based Prescinto, a leading provider of asset performance management (APM) software for the renewable energy sector. While the financial details were not disclosed, this strategic move aims to strengthen IBM’s Maximo Application Suite (MAS), a platform focused on asset lifecycle management.

This acquisition will enhance IBM’s foothold in the rapidly growing energy and utilities market, where companies are increasingly looking to optimize their wind, solar, and energy storage assets. By incorporating Prescinto’s AI-powered tools, IBM plans to offer enhanced monitoring, analytics, and automation capabilities for renewable energy operations.

According to IBM, the global utilities asset management market is projected to grow from $4.3 billion in 2022 to $12.4 billion by 2031, at a compound annual growth rate of 11.3%. The rising demand for these solutions is fueled by the global shift toward renewable energy, as companies seek to reduce emissions and lower energy costs.

Prescinto’s technology helps energy firms streamline operations by providing real-time tracking of energy production and storage assets. The platform identifies performance bottlenecks and delivers actionable insights, allowing companies to maximize returns on their renewable energy investments.

IBM’s Maximo Application Suite is already widely used across sectors such as water, natural gas, oil, and nuclear energy. With Prescinto’s capabilities, IBM aims to better support its clients’ sustainability and net-zero goals by offering more advanced tools for managing renewable energy assets.

Founded in 2016, Prescinto operates in 14 countries, managing 16 gigawatts of renewable energy assets. The acquisition aligns with IBM’s strategy to lead the digital transformation of the energy sector.

Recently, IBM’s Maximo platform was ranked first in IDC’s 2023 global market share report for asset lifecycle management, holding a 10.8% share. This acquisition is expected to further solidify IBM’s leadership in the sector.

HCL Tech Reports 10.5% YoY Rise in Net Profit to Rs 4,235 Cr for Q2 FY25

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Global technology firm HCLTech on Monday announced a 10.5% year-on-year (YoY) rise in net profit, reaching Rs 4,235 crore for the July-September quarter of FY25. However, on a quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) basis, the net profit dipped slightly by 0.5%.

The company’s revenue from operations surged to Rs 28,862 crore, marking an 8.2% increase compared to the same period last year, according to a company statement. HCLTech’s earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) margin rose by 149 basis points sequentially, standing at 18.6%.

C Vijayakumar, CEO and Managing Director of HCLTech, said the company delivered a strong quarter with revenue growth of 1.6% QoQ in constant currency terms, while the EBIT margin reached 18.6%. “This growth was well-distributed across verticals, geographies, and offerings. HCL Software has shown exceptional performance with a 9.4% YoY growth this quarter and a 6.4% rise in the first half of FY25 in constant currency, highlighting the increasing relevance of our products in the digital economy,” Vijayakumar noted.

The company declared a dividend of Rs 12 per share, marking the 87th consecutive quarter of dividend payouts.

Workforce Expansion

HCLTech’s workforce has grown to 218,621 employees, with the addition of 780 workers in Q2, along with 2,932 freshers. For FY25, the company expects revenue growth between 3.5% and 5.0% YoY in constant currency.

Chief Financial Officer Shiv Walia highlighted the company’s robust financial performance, with constant currency revenue growth at an industry-leading 6.2% YoY.

Looking ahead, Vijayakumar expressed optimism about the company’s pipeline, particularly in areas like data and AI, digital engineering, SAP migration, and efficiency-focused programs. “Our GenAI offerings, such as AI Force and AI Foundry, are resonating well with clients and are poised to drive efficiency, growth, and innovation in the medium term,” he added.

Ola Electric Shares Drop 3% to Rs.87.44 Amid Pricing Investigation and Regulatory Scrutiny

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Shares of Ola Electric fell nearly 3% on Monday, marking the third straight session of decline, as the company faces scrutiny over its pricing practices. The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, has asked the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer to clarify recent price cuts on its S1 X 2 kWh electric scooter during a promotional sale.

Ola Electric’s stock closed at Rs 87.44 per share, continuing its decline from an all-time high of Rs 157.40. If the company fails to provide a satisfactory explanation to the ARAI, it could face legal action and may lose access to subsidies offered under the government’s PM Electric DRIVE Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme.

Reports suggest that if pricing violations are discovered, Ola Electric could face penalties in line with E-DRIVE guidelines. The probe adds to the growing list of regulatory challenges facing Bhavish Aggarwal’s EV firm.

Growing Consumer Complaints

In addition to the ARAI inquiry, Ola Electric has been hit with a notice from the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA). The notice follows over 10,000 complaints filed with the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) over the past year, mostly related to poor after-sales service.

Ola Electric has been given 15 days to respond to the CCPA’s show-cause notice. The complaints range from unresolved technical issues to delays in refunds and subpar customer support.

The government has also directed Ola Electric to implement better consumer protections for its ride-hailing services, including offering customers the option to choose their preferred refund method and ensuring that proper invoices are provided for all auto rides booked through its platform. Since the beginning of 2024, over 2,000 complaints have been registered against Ola’s ride-hailing service, many citing discrepancies between the fare shown at booking and the amount charged.

The ongoing investigations and consumer complaints highlight the challenges Ola Electric faces in maintaining customer trust and complying with regulatory standards. As Ola continues to expand its EV portfolio, addressing these issues will be crucial for restoring investor confidence and ensuring long-term growth.