Bengaluru-based jewellery brand GIVA is set to raise ₹110 crore in an extended Series C round led by HPV CC1 Ltd, with Premji Invest, Kenro Capital, and Titan Capital participating. The funding, approved via Series C1 CCPS issuance, will support hiring, marketing, and expansion as valuation nears ₹4,900 crore.

Delhi-based EV startup Pluto Mobility has raised $2 million in a seed round led by Version One Ventures with Grad Capital's participation. Founded by Akshat Bhatia and Himanshu Panda, the startup is developing purpose-built, fully covered electric vehicles for last-mile delivery, with pilot deployments in key urban markets planned for 2026.

French quantum startup Pasqal is reportedly in talks to raise €200 million at a valuation above $1 billion, according to industry reports. The company focuses on neutral-atom quantum technology and aims to scale its processors and software. The funding, if finalised, could strengthen its position against global rivals and support real-world pilots in sectors like pharma and logistics.

Nvidia has set a clear target to enable 500 startups over the next 12 months, signalling a deeper push into the innovation ecosystem. The move highlights the company’s focus on supporting emerging tech-driven ventures at a time when demand for advanced computing infrastructure is rising. The initiative reflects a strategic effort to strengthen long-term engagement with early-stage startups.

A Bengaluru startup unveiled 'Param', a Made-in-India robodog, at the AI Impact Summit, highlighting indigenous innovation. The development gained attention amid controversy over Galgotias University showcasing a Chinese robodog as its own. The contrast sparked debate on authenticity, transparency, and the need to promote genuine technological advancements in India's growing AI ecosystem.

Fei-Fei Li’s startup World Labs has raised $1 billion to build AI that understands the real, physical world. The company is developing "spatial intelligence" models that can see, generate and interact with 3D environments. Backed by Autodesk, Nvidia and AMD, the funding will support applications in robotics, simulation and scientific research.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is a government-backed savings scheme for girls. It helps parents save for daughter’s education and marriage. An account can be opened in the girl’s name at any time from birth until she turns 10, with a minimum deposit of ₹250/year. Deposits are allowed for 15 years, after which the account continues to earn interest until it matures.

Wedbush's Dan Ives highlighted software, cybersecurity, and infrastructure as key pillars of the AI revolution. He dismissed fears that AI makes software obsolete, calling the "doomsday trade" a ghost. Ives argued that investors risk missing the next wave of tech winners and highlighted Palo Alto Networks as a potential beneficiary, noting that software-led AI spending will accelerate.

ImmunityBio (IBRX) shares jumped 30% after the European Commission granted conditional marketing authorisation for its bladder cancer drug 'Anktiva'. The approval applies to BCG-unresponsive bladder cancer but requires the company to submit further data. The drug is now approved in 33 countries, including the US. Wall Street and retail investors are eyeing further gains.

A five-centre study analysing 1,700-plus DCIS patients aged 55 on average found AI reading pre-surgery mammograms could predict recurrence risk after treatment. Researchers recorded 28 recurrences after breast-conserving surgery and seven after mastectomy. AI scores above 73.5% linked to higher 5- and 10-year recurrence risk, performing on par with existing clinical prediction models.