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‘If the idli is soft, the rest will fall in place’: Beena Gandhi’s simple success mantra for Dakshinayan
Beena Gandhi begins every day at the Dakshinayan outlet in Ahmedabad, tasting a single piece of idli with sambar.
“If the idli is good and soft, then the rest of the things go well,” she says.
In the 21 years of running Dakshinayan, a South Indian restaurant chain, Beena’s focus on quality and simplicity has remained unchanged. This is how she continues to maintain high standards across the six Dakshinayan outlets in Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
She does not have a casual approach to idlis. Or masalas for that matter. She heads to the factory to supervise the production of the Dakshinayan range of masalas and ready-to-eat products launched six months ago.
Alphabet plans to ramp up investment after strong quarter driven by AI demand
Google parent Alphabet is off to a “terrific start” in 2026, said CEO Sundar Pichai, as the company’s first-quarter net profit jumped 81% year on year. With the business, particularly cloud, benefitting from the AI momentum, it plans to increase investment to sustain this growth.
The California-based company’s net profit in Q1 was $62.6 billion compared to $34.5 billion in the year-ago period. This included the net effect of the gain on equity securities of $36.9 billion.
Meanwhile, its revenue in the quarter surged by 22% to $109.9 billion from $90.2 billion in the same period last year, making it the company’s 11th consecutive quarter of double-digit revenue growth.
Meta logs ‘milestone’ quarter, ups AI spending plan
Meta founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the company had a “milestone quarter,” as the social media giant posted strong financial growth in the first quarter of 2026. Going forward, the company plans to increase its AI infrastructure investment.
The Instagram and Facebook parent has raised its 2026 capital expenditure guidance to a range of $125 billion to $145 billion, from the previous forecast of $115 billion to $135 billion. This aggressive spending is driven by the soaring costs of computer components, particularly memory, and a need to secure enough infrastructure to power the next generation of digital products.
“We are investing aggressively to meet our infrastructure needs and ensure we maximise our strategic flexibility over the coming years,” Chief Financial Officer Susan Li said, during the first-quarter earnings call.
Microsoft to go bigger on capex as AI-led cloud surges
Microsoft posted strong top- and bottom-line growth for the third quarter of its 2026 fiscal year, fuelled by strong AI-driven growth in its cloud segment, even as the company continues to ramp up its capital investments.
The core of this performance lies in the Microsoft Cloud, which clocked $54.5 billion in revenue this quarter, a 29% increase compared to the previous year.
“It was a record third quarter, powered by the continued strength of the Microsoft Cloud,” Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella said during the company’s third quarter (Q3) earnings call.
Amazon rides AI growth wave; ultra-fast delivery surges in India
Amazon President and Chief Executive Officer Andy Jassy, spoke about the rapid growth of the firm’s ultra-fast delivery service, Amazon Now, in the Indian market, during the company’s first quarter earnings call.
“It [Amazon Now] started last year in India, where orders are increasing 25% month over month, with Prime members tripling their shopping frequency once they start using it. The service is now available to tens of millions of customers across nine countries, with more to come as well,” Jassy noted.
India has long been a focal point for Amazon, receiving multiple rounds of substantial investments across both its ecommerce operations and cloud computing division, Amazon Web Services (AWS).
Funding news
Deeptech startup Ctruh raises $2.5M seed funding
Deeptech startup Ctruh announced the closure of its $2.5 million seed funding round, taking the company’s total capital raised to date to $4.5 million.
The round was led by Inflection Point Ventures (IPV), with Avinya Ventures joining as co-lead.
The newly-raised capital will be deployed toward accelerating research and development, advancing product innovation, and supporting Ctruh’s international expansion plans. As part of this next phase of growth, the company is set to establish on-ground sales operations in the United States and the United Arab Emirates in 2026.
Ubiqedge raises Rs 10 Cr led by Piper Serica
Ubiqedge has raised Rs 10 crore in a seed funding round led by Piper Serica. The round also saw participation from Shibam Das (Co-founder & CEO, Atomberg) and Sumit Chhazed (Co-founder & CEO, OTO).
The company is building an AIoT Operating System for industrial infrastructure, designed to help enterprises monitor, control, and optimise critical assets such as water systems, energy infrastructure, and construction operations in real time.
Ubiqedge will utilise the raised capital to support its next phase of growth, strengthening its AI capabilities; scaling deployments across water, air quality, solar, construction, and other industrial use cases; and expanding its ecosystem of system integrators and OEM partners to accelerate adoption.
Kimbal raises $22M in Series B round led by GEF Capital
Energy engineering company Kimbal Pvt Ltd on Thursday raised $22 million in a Series B funding round, led by sustainability-focused private equity firm, GEF Capital Partners.
The round also saw participation from the company’s existing investor, Niveshaay, which doubled down on the company in a second follow-on round.
“Our conviction in Kimbal has only grown over time. They sit at the intersection of themes we have believed in for years. Indeed, energy security and energy transition have become global priorities, driving the need for smarter and adaptive power grids worldwide.”
Other news
Other news
Swiggy provides cooling vests to support its delivery partners
Swiggy has rolled out specialised cooling vests to enable its delivery partners to beat the heat this summer season. These lightweight jackets are engineered to regulate body temperature without the need for external power.
When saturated with water, the specialised fabric slowly releases moisture to draw heat away from the body, providing a temperature reduction of 6-7°C for 3-4 hours per soak.
Specifically designed for hot and dry environments (above 40°C), the jacket is durable for up to two summer seasons. It also features a unisex, customizable design available in multiple (3) sizes to ensure proper fit for all.
Definedge Securities appoints Hemant Luthra as Chairman
Pune-based Definedge Securities has appointed industry veteran Hemant Luthra as Chairman, alongside the induction of Ajay Srivastava and D Prasad to its Board of Directors.
Luthra brings over four decades of leadership across technology, private equity, telecom, aerospace, and manufacturing.
Srivastava founded the Dimensions Corporate Finance Services and is a veteran financial markets expert and entrepreneur with over three decades of experience across transaction banking, investment banking, capital markets, and corporate restructuring.
Prasad is a high-net-worth investor who has backed several growing businesses across sectors, known for spotting promising opportunities early and helping them scale during key growth stages.
JSW One acquires BuildNext to strengthen home construction play
JSW One Platforms Limited, India’s leading B2B tech-enabled commerce platform for construction and manufacturing MSMEs, has acquired BuildNext Construction Solutions Private Limited, a home design and project management company.
The move strengthens JSW One Homes and deepens its presence in India’s home construction ecosystem. As part of the deal, Pidilite Ventures Pvt. Ltd. will transfer its shareholding in BuildNext to JSW One via a share-swap arrangement, while retaining continued participation in BuildNext’s growth.
The acquisition combines JSW One’s supply chain strength, distribution reach, and embedded credit capabilities with BuildNext’s design and project management expertise, enabling a more integrated digital offering for individual home builders, contractors, architects, and homeowners.
ideaForge signs MoU with Japan’s DMP for AI drone development
Indian drone technology company ideaForge Technology Limited has entered a strategic MOU with Digital Media Professionals Inc. (DMP), a leading AI technology provider in Japan.
Under the partnership, ideaForge will develop next-generation AI-powered drones integrating DMP’s Di1 edge AI SoC which features an FP4-based NPU for high-performance, low-power operation and 4-channel 360-degree vision with ideaForge’s field-proven VTOL platforms.
The collaboration targets defence, security, and industrial applications in Japan’s drone market, projected to grow from $2 billion in 2025 to $5.1 billion by 2034. DMP will serve as ideaForge’s go-to-market partner in Japan, supporting demonstrations, distribution, customer outreach, training, and after-sales service.
Indo National Limited acquires controlling stake in Aidin Technologies
Consumer goods firm Indo National Limited (INL) has announced a strategic investment of Rs 78 crore to acquire a 51% controlling stake in Aidin Technologies Private Limited, an aerospace and defence electronics company specialising in radio frequency and microwave systems for electronic warfare and airborne applications.
The stake will be acquired through compulsorily convertible preference shares in two tranches. The move marks INL’s re-entry into the aerospace and defence sector after it previously held and exited a 51% stake in composites manufacturer Kineco Limited, a supplier to ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 and Indian Railways’ Vande Bharat for Rs 220 crore in 2024.
The investment is intended to diversify INL’s portfolio across B2C, B2B, and B2G segments while tapping a high-growth sector.
Culture Circle records Rs 153 crore GMV in FY26
Culture Circle, India’s largest authenticated marketplace for hype and luxury fashion, has reported Rs 153 crore in gross merchandise value (GMV) for FY2025–26.
The platform connects buyers with independent reseller partners and earns revenue through technology, authentication, and facilitation fees. It has now set a target of Rs 1,000 crore in annual recurring revenue by FY27.
Culture Circle is the first platform globally to offer dual authentication in partnership with CheckCheck, providing an international Certificate of Authenticity with every sneaker order. Its catalogue includes over 2.5 million listings spanning sneakers, streetwear, handbags, watches, perfumes, and collectibles. With 25,000-plus verified reviews, the platform also offers a guaranteed lowest price and a no-questions-asked money-back policy.
Prequate Advisory names Amogh Giridhar as CEO
Bengaluru-based mid-market consulting firm Prequate Advisory has appointed Amogh Giridhar as its Chief Executive Officer.
Amogh brings over two decades of experience from Mphasis, Citi, and Prequate Advisory, where he has played a key role in shaping client engagements, navigating complex business challenges, and deepening the firm’s expertise in manufacturing, MSMEs, and capital decisions.
In his new role, he will focus on four interconnected priorities: deepening client delivery and practice excellence, driving business development and strategic partnerships, building a future-ready team, and overseeing overall firm performance.
The appointment marks a significant milestone in Prequate’s evolution as it eyes its next phase of growth and its ambition of becoming India’s most admired mid-market consulting firm.
Amazon launches community solar project in Mumbai’s Powai
Amazon has inaugurated a community solar energy project in Powai, Mumbai, in collaboration with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
The initiative includes the installation of 50 solar-powered streetlights across three underserved communities — Bhangshil Gav, Ultanpada, and Indiranagar — benefiting over 1,200 residents who previously had no access to street lighting.
Additionally, 75 kW of on-grid solar panels have been installed across 17 municipal schools, collectively benefiting more than 5,000 students, teachers, and community members.
The project was implemented with Nirmiti Foundation as the NGO partner and Green India Initiative as the technology partner, and is aimed at bridging energy access gaps while promoting renewable energy awareness among the next generation.
MIC Electronics eyes defence growth with integrated electronics strategy
Hyderabad-based MIC Electronics is sharpening its focus on India’s defence sector through an integrated approach covering electronics manufacturing services (EMS), rapid prototyping, indigenisation, and emerging semiconductor capabilities. With over three decades of experience, the company holds RDSO approval and ISO certifications, and has supplied to DPSUs, CPSUs, and railway projects.
Its EMS capabilities support production of sub-assemblies for communication systems and control units, while its rapid prototyping infrastructure accelerates design-to-hardware conversion for R&D and innovation programmes.
MIC is also pursuing structured reverse engineering, localisation, and technology transfer initiatives aligned with the government’s Positive Indigenisation List and “Make in India” objectives, positioning itself as a domestic electronics partner for India’s self-reliant defence ecosystem.
Seclore elevates Nilesh Bhojani to Chief Product and Technology Officer
Data security company Seclore has promoted Nilesh Bhojani to Chief Product and Technology Officer. A decade-long leader at the firm, Nilesh will now oversee Seclore’s global product and technology organisation, leading strategy and execution for its ARMOR Data Security Intelligence platform.
His responsibilities include driving the product roadmap and architecture, leading engineering and platform development, and advancing Seclore’s cloud-native, AI-ready capabilities. He will also collaborate with customers and go-to-market teams to align the platform with evolving data security and AI governance needs.
Prior to this role, Nilesh played a key part in evolving Seclore’s cloud services into an automation-led managed services model. He also co-founded marketing analytics SaaS firm Markitty and held roles at Neova Solutions and Synygy.
Infosys ranked number one IT services provider for banking in Europe
Infosys has been ranked the number one IT services provider for Financial Services – Banking in the Whitelane Research IT Sourcing Study 2025/2026 Financial Services Europe, and the top IT services provider for Financial Services in the Nordics in the Whitelane Research IT Sourcing Study 2026.
Infosys headquarters in Bengaluru
The company also earned recognition as a top three Exceptional Performer in Financial Services – Overall and Cloud & Infrastructure Services categories, underscoring strong client satisfaction across European markets.
The rankings reflect Infosys’ AI-first approach to helping financial institutions modernise operations and elevate customer experience. Through Infosys Topaz, its generative and agentic AI offering, the company is helping enterprises unlock AI value at scale responsibly.
73% of Indian office searches now for flexible workspaces: myHQ Report
A new report by myHQ reveals that 73% of office searches by Indians are now for flexible workspaces, with traditional leasing accounting for fewer than 27% of total searches.
Based on 387,000 verified enquiries across 30 countries and nine years of Google search data, the report highlights a sharp shift in workplace intent. Meeting room searches surged 187% in three years, virtual office searches grew 99%, and use-case-driven categories now account for nearly 90% of all coworking search demand.
Coworking queries generate five times the volume of traditional office searches. Internationally, the US, UK, and UAE are the top sources of India office space searches, driven by GCC expansions and NRI business needs.
(This article will be updated with the latest news throughout the day.)
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