If space data centers feel far-fetched, why not interstellar travel?

Source: Tech Crunch

If space data centers feel far-fetched, why not interstellar travel?

Startups

Fermi Explorer, a new non-profit founded by Starcloud's creators, plans to launch a small spacecraft toward Alpha Centauri in 2029. Costing $15 million, the mission aims to be the first human-built object explicitly targeted at another star. Using proven technologies and electric propulsion, the vehicle will embark on an 80,000-year journey. The team seeks partners and payloads to test the Fermi paradox and inspire future civilizations.

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India's ecommerce market to hit $345B by 2030: report

Startups

India's ecommerce sector is projected to grow from $125 billion in 2024 to $345 billion by 2030, with an 18.4% CAGR. Driven by AI integration and quick commerce, the market will see a surge in dark stores and Gen Z spending. Expansion into Tier II and III cities is significant, with ecommerce expected to contribute 2.5% to India's GDP and serve over 420 million online shoppers.

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Govt defends new GDP estimates, says revisions reflect data upgrades, not higher growth by design

Startups

"The statistics ministry defended its revised economic growth estimates, asserting that updated methodologies and data, rather than artificial inflation, drive the results. Using 2022-23 as the base year, the ministry reported a 7.8% real GDP growth for the first quarter of fiscal 2026-27. It clarified that negative manufacturing deflators resulted from rising input costs and rejected claims that GDP estimates were manipulated to strengthen growth figures.".

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Norway considers ban on camera-enabled wearable ‘pervert glasses’

Startups

Norway is considering a ban on smart glasses and other camera-enabled wearables to address growing privacy concerns. Digital Minister Karianne Tung highlighted the trend of combining AI with cameras and microphones in everyday objects, warning against public monitoring. The government may specifically target facial recognition technology. To navigate these challenges, Tung plans to establish an expert group to advise on protecting citizens' privacy rights in public spaces.

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Pine Labs Appoints Jayaram Karthik as Chief Operations Officer

Startups

Fintech platform Pine Labs has appointed Jayaram Karthik as its Chief Operations Officer to lead operations and merchant experiences across India and international markets. With over 25 years of experience at firms like American Express and Razorpay, Karthik will focus on building technology-enabled operating models. This strategic move aims to strengthen Pine Labs' operational foundation to support sustainable global growth and enhance customer experiences across its diverse markets.

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Adobe is making its tools available in Slack

Startups

Adobe has announced a new integration allowing users to access its creative and productivity apps, including Photoshop and Firefly, directly through Slackbot. Over 70 tools will be available via the Adobe for Slack MCP app for Business+ and Enterprise+ teams. This move enables users to perform tasks using conversational AI, streamlining workflows by integrating Adobe's capabilities into the platforms where teams already collaborate and communicate.

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AI Infra Provider Yotta Eyes $1.5 Bn IPO By March 2027: Report

Business

"Yotta Data Services, backed by the Hiranandani Group, plans to file draft IPO papers in October and launch its public offering by the March quarter of 2027. The company aims to raise up to $1.5 billion through fresh equity to repay debt, purchase GPUs, and expand sovereign cloud infrastructure. Yotta intends to invest over $7 billion in AI infrastructure by FY27 to meet growing global computing demand.".

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Uber is laying off 10% of staff, or 3,300 people

Startups

Uber is laying off approximately 3,300 employees, representing 10% of its global workforce, to reduce management layers and streamline operations. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi announced the restructuring to prioritize ride-sharing, delivery, and robotaxi divisions. The plan includes cutting management by 20%, merging several technical divisions, and eliminating most remote work. These changes aim to reduce organizational complexity and improve efficiency as the company scales its global business.

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OpenAI faces 30 more lawsuits tied to Tumbler Ridge shooting

Startups

Law firm Edelson PC is filing 30 new lawsuits against OpenAI following a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, Canada. The complaints, filed on behalf of school staff and students, accuse OpenAI of aiding and abetting the attack. Plaintiffs allege that OpenAI leaders ignored internal warnings about the shooter's violent planning. OpenAI denies these claims, stating the risk did not meet their threshold for notifying law enforcement.

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Flipkart Eyes Microdrama Entry Amid Diversification Push

Business

Walmart-owned Flipkart is testing a microdrama feed on its main app, partnering with content creators like Terribly Tiny Tales and Pratilipi to produce exclusive short-form shows. By integrating entertainment with commerce, Flipkart aims to increase user engagement and diversify its ecosystem. This move follows the company's expansion into quick commerce, food delivery, and event ticketing, as it seeks to capture more consumer time and spending.

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Simple Energy Launches Wave Family Escooter At ₹1.1 Lakh

Business

Bengaluru-based startup Simple Energy has launched the Simple Wave, a family electric scooter starting at ₹1.10 Lakh. The lineup features six models across three variants, with the top-end Wave+ offering a 243 km IDC range and 90 kmph top speed. Aiming to compete with rivals like Ola and Ather, the company plans to scale monthly sales to 10,000 units by March 2027 through expanded production and retail networks.

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Pine Labs Appoints Ex-Amazon, Razorpay Executive Jayaram Karthik As COO

Business

"Pine Labs has appointed Jayaram Karthik, formerly of Razorpay, as its Chief Operating Officer to oversee operations and merchant experiences across India and over 20 international markets. With 25 years of experience, Karthik aims to standardize operational infrastructure to support global growth. This move follows a strong FY26, where the fintech reported ₹2,711 crore in revenue and a net profit of ₹113 crore, alongside significant AI investments.".

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10 Lessons from The Book of Joy about lasting happiness

Startups

The Book of Joy, by Douglas Abrams, captures conversations between the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, arguing that joy can coexist with suffering. Rather than seeking a perfect life, the authors suggest cultivating lasting happiness through practices like compassion, gratitude, forgiveness, and generosity. By shifting perspective and fostering meaningful connections, individuals can develop inner resources to find meaning and stability despite life's inevitable challenges and uncertainties.

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Inside 88-Year-Old Jagdish Farshan’s ₹43.5 Cr Bet On Quick Commerce

Business

Vadodara-based legacy snacks brand Jagdish Farshan has raised ₹43.5 crore in its first institutional funding round, led by Sharrp Ventures. The company intends to use the capital to expand its manufacturing capacity and retail distribution beyond Gujarat, targeting Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. By leveraging quick commerce and adding 30-40 new stores, the brand aims to transition from a regional business into a pan-India consumer brand.

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Salaries rise for tech professionals with AI skills, but dip or stagnate for those in traditional IT roles: Study

Startups

"A study by foundit reveals that AI-skilled professionals are seeing a 12% annual salary increase, while traditional IT roles stagnate or decline. AI salaries have compounded 23% since 2024, significantly outpacing entry-level IT services pay. Cybersecurity and semiconductors also show growth, with cybersecurity reaching the highest salary ceiling. Bengaluru remains India's top-paying hub for AI talent, reflecting a growing demand for specialized technological capabilities.".

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How Cashfree Payments is helping India’s next wave of SMBs build and scale

Startups

As India’s SMB ecosystem grows, Cashfree Payments helps businesses build trust, boost conversions, reduce friction, and expand globally.

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How Hexalog is helping MSMEs simplify cross-border logistics and scale globally

Startups

India's ecommerce growth has transformed logistics into a strategic business differentiator. Hexalog, led by CEO Dibyanshu Tripathi, provides cross-border logistics orchestration for D2C brands and MSMEs, simplifying complex global trade processes like customs and compliance. By focusing on supply chain coordination and an asset-light model, Hexalog helps smaller businesses optimize working capital and reduce operational risks, enabling them to scale internationally with enterprise-grade capabilities.

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Quick Commerce Supply Chain Startup DocPharma Nets $2 Mn For Expansion

Business

Healthcare supply chain startup DocPharma has raised $2 million in a Pre-Series A funding round led by Equentis. The company plans to use the investment to expand its operations to 50 Indian cities and establish 100 new licensed dark stores. DocPharma provides backend infrastructure for healthcare platforms through its proprietary DocPharma One platform, enabling rapid delivery of medicines and wellness products in under 30 minutes.

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Amazon India creates 1.6 lakh seasonal jobs ahead of festive season

Startups

Amazon India has created over 160,000 seasonal job opportunities across 400 cities to bolster its ecommerce and quick commerce operations for the festive season. These roles, spanning various fulfillment stages, include positions for women and people with disabilities. The company is providing training and access to welfare initiatives like the Samridhi and Sammaan programmes, ensuring safety and social security for its expanded logistics workforce.

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Aeron Systems Raises ₹45 Cr To Scale Navigation, Weather-Monitoring Systems

Business

Pune-based deeptech company Aeron Systems has raised ₹45 Cr (about $4.7 Mn) in a pre-Series B funding round jointly led.

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Online bank account opening for first-time earners: What to check before you apply

Startups

First-time earners should carefully evaluate their financial needs before opening their first savings account. Digital banking simplifies the process, requiring documents like Aadhaar and PAN for verification. Key considerations include comparing interest rates, average monthly balance requirements, and digital banking features to ensure long-term suitability. By following a structured application process and avoiding common mistakes, new professionals can establish sound financial habits and achieve their goals.

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