Under its collaboration with DPIIT, PhonePe will provide DPIIT-recognised startups with a range of benefi ...More

Under its collaboration with DPIIT, PhonePe will provide DPIIT-recognised startups with a range of benefits, including transaction credits through its payment gateway, access to the Indus AppStore, dedicated onboarding and support services, and opportunities for enhanced brand visibility. ...Less

As AI capabilities become more deeply embedded across products and platforms, the interface itself become ...More

As AI capabilities become more deeply embedded across products and platforms, the interface itself becomes less visible. What matters is whether people can express what they want to do, in their own language, in their own way, and get the result they are looking for. ...Less

With its latest feature, PhonePe now allows users to easily invest in daily recurring deposits via its us ...More

With its latest feature, PhonePe now allows users to easily invest in daily recurring deposits via its user-friendly app. Starting investments is as easy as contributing Rs 100 daily through UPI AutoPay. Additionally, the app simplifies the digital handling of fixed deposits, which are secured up to Rs 5 lakh under the DICGC scheme. Best of all, users can withdraw their funds whenever they choose. ...Less

PhonePe cofounder and chief executive, Sameer Nigam, and Razorpay cofounder and chief executive, Harshil ...More

PhonePe cofounder and chief executive, Sameer Nigam, and Razorpay cofounder and chief executive, Harshil Mathur, have argued in favour of a sustainable business model that echoes the position of the Payments Council of India (PCI). The industry association has sought to separate free everyday payments from charges on select merchant transactions to ensure commercial viability of the service. ...Less

PhonePe and Razorpay leaders affirmed UPI payments will stay free for consumers. They support sustainable ...More

PhonePe and Razorpay leaders affirmed UPI payments will stay free for consumers. They support sustainable revenue models for payment infrastructure and businesses. Larger businesses may face merchant charges, while small merchants remain exempt. This follows parliamentary approval to allow charges on digital payment modes. Future charges will be borne by businesses, not by customers. ...Less

PhonePe Mutual Funds onboarded over 500,000 unique investors into its Daily SIP product. Nearly seventy-s ...More

PhonePe Mutual Funds onboarded over 500,000 unique investors into its Daily SIP product. Nearly seventy-seven percent of these customers came from tier-two and tier-three cities. Daily SIP transactions increased nearly five-fold between January and June 2026. Younger investors aged eighteen to twenty-nine formed fifty-eight percent of the investor base. This feature allows small, regular contributions, aligning with daily cash flows. ...Less

The Economic Times AI Business Transformation Masterclass & ET Most Innovative AI Product Awards 2026 bri ...More

The Economic Times AI Business Transformation Masterclass & ET Most Innovative AI Product Awards 2026 brings together leaders from NVIDIA, PepsiCo, IndusInd Bank, PhonePe, Pine Labs, Gnani AI, Perceptyne Robots and Shadowfax to examine how AI is being deployed across enterprise infrastructure, financial services, commerce, supply chains, voice and robotics. ...Less

In an impressive funding round, Shiprocket has garnered ₹727 crore from anchor investors in anticipation ...More

In an impressive funding round, Shiprocket has garnered ₹727 crore from anchor investors in anticipation of its IPO. Esteemed domestic and global financial institutions participated in this initiative. The company targets raising ₹1,617 crore through its initial public offering, intending to channel the proceeds into marketing endeavors and tech enhancements, all while moving forward amid a challenging landscape for new-age companies. ...Less

A man lost Rs 9,854 after falling for a fake UPI cashback scratch card scam. Federal Bank initially refun ...More

A man lost Rs 9,854 after falling for a fake UPI cashback scratch card scam. Federal Bank initially refunded the amount as required under RBI guidelines, then quietly reversed the credit weeks later, blaming the customer. A Kerala consumer commission has now ordered the bank to restore the full amount along with Rs 5,000 in compensation and Rs 3,000 in costs, ruling the bank failed to prove any negligence on the customer's part. ...Less

This comes ahead of Shiprocket's IPO launch on August 12. The public issue, which is Rs 1,617 crore in si ...More

This comes ahead of Shiprocket's IPO launch on August 12. The public issue, which is Rs 1,617 crore in size, will value the Temasek and Bertelsmann-backed company at Rs 7,056 crore post money. ...Less

India’s 50 listed, institutionally backed new-age companies are now worth $165 billion, but performance r ...More

India’s 50 listed, institutionally backed new-age companies are now worth $165 billion, but performance remains sharply divided. A growing listed universe is giving venture investors clearer exit routes and private companies more valuation benchmarks. Public-market discipline is also influencing late-stage funding and forcing companies such as PhonePe and Zepto to rethink IPO valuations. ...Less

Three mainboard IPOs from 2026, Omnitech Engineering, SEDEMAC Mechatronics and Shadowfax Technologies, ha ...More

Three mainboard IPOs from 2026, Omnitech Engineering, SEDEMAC Mechatronics and Shadowfax Technologies, have emerged as multibaggers, gaining over 100% from issue prices. With 44 mainboard debuts raising Rs 67,185.6 crore so far, analysts say sustained momentum will depend on earnings execution and broader secondary market performance. ...Less

Navi reported a notable increase in net losses for FY26, largely attributed to its strategic investments ...More

Navi reported a notable increase in net losses for FY26, largely attributed to its strategic investments in UPI and new market initiatives. Despite this setback, the company projects a turnaround to profitability in FY27. UPI is recognised as a vital mechanism for attracting customers, and lending remains a core source of revenue. ...Less

Shiprocket is set to make its much-anticipated stock market debut on August 19, following a strong respon ...More

Shiprocket is set to make its much-anticipated stock market debut on August 19, following a strong response to its initial public offering (IPO) which attracted interest from investors across the board. This offering is about 30% smaller than what was initially envisioned. Selling shareholders include Lightrock and the company's cofounders. ...Less

PCI said small merchants, including kirana stores, should not be charged for accepting UPI payments. Any ...More

PCI said small merchants, including kirana stores, should not be charged for accepting UPI payments. Any merchant service charge would be a commercial arrangement between merchants and payment providers, not a charge on customers. ...Less

Happy Wednesday! India’s new-age companies are gaining ground in public markets as more startups go publi ...More

Happy Wednesday! India’s new-age companies are gaining ground in public markets as more startups go public. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch. ...Less

PhonePe has launched PhonePe PulsePro, an enterprise intelligence platform that converts aggregated and a ...More

PhonePe has launched PhonePe PulsePro, an enterprise intelligence platform that converts aggregated and anonymised digital transaction data into hyperlocal, near real-time market insights. Built on PhonePe's payments network of 700 million users and 50 million merchants, the company said PulsePro will help businesses improve expansion planning, site selection, distribution strategy and category growth while tracking consumer behaviour and economic activity across India. ...Less

TCS shares fell nearly 4% after N Chandrasekaran resigned as Tata Sons chairman, wiping ₹35,000 crore fro ...More

TCS shares fell nearly 4% after N Chandrasekaran resigned as Tata Sons chairman, wiping ₹35,000 crore from its market value. Analysts called the reaction knee-jerk, while technical indicators point to support near ₹2,000–2,300 and resistance at ₹2,670–2,700. ...Less

Seven of 17 new-economy stocks that debuted at a premium to their issue prices now trade below them, an E ...More

Seven of 17 new-economy stocks that debuted at a premium to their issue prices now trade below them, an ET analysis of 27 companies showed. Four of the seven stocks that opened below their issue prices have since moved above them. The remaining three opened at their issue prices. ...Less

Happy Monday! Inflation and pricier inputs may take some shine off this year's ecommerce festive sales. T ...More

Happy Monday! Inflation and pricier inputs may take some shine off this year's ecommerce festive sales. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch. ...Less

The Indian government is likely to roll out regulations for digital gold in the coming year, backed by di ...More

The Indian government is likely to roll out regulations for digital gold in the coming year, backed by discussions involving critical ministries and the Reserve Bank of India. The Digital Precious Metals Assurance Council of India is playing a pivotal role in this process. The objective is to ensure consumer protection and counteract fraud as the digital gold market expands, inspired by successful models from abroad. ...Less

NPCI plans to expand UPI internationally by targeting countries with large Indian diaspora populations, w ...More

NPCI plans to expand UPI internationally by targeting countries with large Indian diaspora populations, with CEO Dilip Asbe saying it could enter 15-20 markets over the next decade. NPCI is in talks with Japan, Malaysia and Bahrain, while exploring AI-enabled payments and building on UPI’s presence in nine countries. ...Less

Building a Rs 10 crore retirement fund in twenty years demands early and consistent monthly investments. ...More

Building a Rs 10 crore retirement fund in twenty years demands early and consistent monthly investments. An investor can start with Rs 53,700 monthly and increase contributions by ten percent annually. Factoring in inflation requires a higher starting SIP of Rs 85,000 with annual increases. Equity mutual funds, particularly flexi-cap and mid-cap, are recommended for aggressive investors. Consistent investing over two decades is the most crucial factor for reaching financial goals. ...Less

State Bank of India chairman admits missing digital payments bus, while YONO app attempts to catch up. Ba ...More

State Bank of India chairman admits missing digital payments bus, while YONO app attempts to catch up. Banks and fintech firms argue UPI merchant payments may soon incur charges. UPI processes billions of transactions monthly, with rising infrastructure and cybersecurity costs. SBI reported a 13.73% rise in consolidated net profit for the June quarter. ...Less

Tata Group’s combined market value has grown 3.3-fold to Rs 22.5 lakh crore since N Chandrasekaran took c ...More

Tata Group’s combined market value has grown 3.3-fold to Rs 22.5 lakh crore since N Chandrasekaran took charge in 2017. With his exit set for February, investors now face a key question: can Tata stocks sustain their strong wealth creation amid leadership uncertainty and growing company-specific challenges? ...Less

PhonePe's revenue grew while its net loss widened significantly in FY26. Paytm's revenue increased and it ...More

PhonePe's revenue grew while its net loss widened significantly in FY26. Paytm's revenue increased and it achieved profitability against a prior year loss. Paytm's cost management and financial services distribution drove its faster monetization. PhonePe's UPI dominance offers distribution but faces monetization challenges. Future growth for PhonePe hinges on operational efficiency and product diversification. ...Less

SBI chairman CS Setty said banks cannot separately quantify the operating costs linked to rising UPI volu ...More

SBI chairman CS Setty said banks cannot separately quantify the operating costs linked to rising UPI volumes. As debate over merchant charges intensifies, SBI is pushing customers towards Yono for UPI payments. Industry leaders back limited MDR, with proposed charges aimed at large merchants while keeping consumer and person-to-person payments free. ...Less

Ola Electric’s auditor has raised a red flag in the company’s Q1 results. This and more in today’s ETtech ...More

Ola Electric’s auditor has raised a red flag in the company’s Q1 results. This and more in today’s ETtech's Top 5. ...Less

Shiprocket now aims to raise Rs 885 crore through a fresh issue, down from the Rs 1,100 crore proposed ea ...More

Shiprocket now aims to raise Rs 885 crore through a fresh issue, down from the Rs 1,100 crore proposed earlier, while the offer-for-sale (OFS) component has been reduced to Rs 732 crore from Rs 1,242 crore. ...Less

Jairam Ramesh countered Nirmala Sitharaman's claims regarding a new taxation bill. He stated government a ...More

Jairam Ramesh countered Nirmala Sitharaman's claims regarding a new taxation bill. He stated government assurances do not replace statutory safeguards for UPI. Ramesh argued that MDR charges would inevitably affect consumers and small businesses. He questioned why RBI's capacity to support UPI without charges is ignored. The bill removes zero-MDR guarantees, raising concerns about foreign platform dominance. ...Less

India's fintechs are looking beyond their core businesses as growth normalises and investors seek more pr ...More

India's fintechs are looking beyond their core businesses as growth normalises and investors seek more predictable revenue. Groww, Paytm, Pine Labs and Kissht are using networks to add products and reduce exposure to low payment monetisation, market cycles and unsecured credit. ...Less

AI startup Sarvam will raise $75 million as part of a larger funding round. This and more in today’s ETte ...More

AI startup Sarvam will raise $75 million as part of a larger funding round. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5. ...Less

India has laid the legal groundwork to reintroduce merchant fees on UPI payments through proposed amendme ...More

India has laid the legal groundwork to reintroduce merchant fees on UPI payments through proposed amendments to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act. While no decision has been taken, the government is considering charging MDR only on large merchants or high-value transactions, potentially creating a ₹5,000-10,000 crore revenue pool for payment firms. ...Less

ET was the first to report on July 16 that the government is considering reintroducing MDR for UPI transa ...More

ET was the first to report on July 16 that the government is considering reintroducing MDR for UPI transactions undertaken by large merchants. Sources had told ET that the Centre could set the fee at 5-7 basis points if it is reintroduced. MDR is the fee charged to merchants by banks for accepting digital payments through UPI, debit cards or credit cards. UPI transactions have been exempt from MDR since January 2020 after the government made them free to encourage digital payments. ...Less

Shiprocket has announced an IPO price range set between Rs 92 and Rs 97 per share, representing a notable ...More

Shiprocket has announced an IPO price range set between Rs 92 and Rs 97 per share, representing a notable decrease of around thirty percent from its recent funding valuation. Additionally, the company has scaled down its IPO size by nearly thirty percent to Rs 1,617 crore. While early investors like Bertelsmann may enjoy substantial gains, others could experience marked losses. ...Less

Happy Tuesday! Ola’s AI startup Krutrim has conducted another round of layoffs, sources told us. This and ...More

Happy Tuesday! Ola’s AI startup Krutrim has conducted another round of layoffs, sources told us. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch. ...Less

Walmart-owned fintech company PhonePe has posted an 11% increase in its operating revenue for fiscal 2026 ...More

Walmart-owned fintech company PhonePe has posted an 11% increase in its operating revenue for fiscal 2026 at Rs 7,920 crore. Its net loss, however surged 62% during the year to Rs 2,792 crore, according to regulatory documents sourced from Tofler. ...Less

The UPI race has so far centred on acquiring consumers and monetising them by cross-selling loans, insura ...More

The UPI race has so far centred on acquiring consumers and monetising them by cross-selling loans, insurance and investments, as there has been no direct fee income on UPI payments since 2020. A targeted merchant discount rate (MDR) will create a new revenue stream from selected merchant payments, shifting the focus towards acquiring and deepening relationships with merchants who drive higher-value purchases. ...Less

India's primary market is experiencing a slowdown in 2026, with IPO fundraising down 20% year-on-year to ...More

India's primary market is experiencing a slowdown in 2026, with IPO fundraising down 20% year-on-year to $5.78 billion. Facing market volatility, cautious institutional investors, and moderate post-listing gains, major firms are reducing issue sizes, accepting lower valuations, or putting public listing plans on hold. ...Less

Compared to July 2025, UPI transaction volumes rose 22% in July, while the transaction value increased 19 ...More

Compared to July 2025, UPI transaction volumes rose 22% in July, while the transaction value increased 19% compared to a year ago. The July data also signals a further increase in low-value transactions, with the average daily transaction amount at Rs 96,383 crore from Rs 96,405 crore in June. The average daily transaction count rose marginally to 763 million transactions. ...Less

Happy Thursday! Competition in the payments space may change with merchant fees on UPI potentially making ...More

Happy Thursday! Competition in the payments space may change with merchant fees on UPI potentially making a comeback. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch. ...Less

Shiprocket is also expected to file a revised prospectus with updated financials before launching the iss ...More

Shiprocket is also expected to file a revised prospectus with updated financials before launching the issue. The company, after receiving a nod from the Securities and Exchange Board of India for its confidential filing in November 2025, had filed an updated draft red herring prospectus with plans for a Rs 2,342-crore IPO, which included Rs 1,100 crore in fresh capital funding. However, the company may now reduce the size of its public issue, said people in the know. ...Less

Brand sponsorships now drive eighty percent of Kaun Banega Crorepati advertising sales. Advertisers seek ...More

Brand sponsorships now drive eighty percent of Kaun Banega Crorepati advertising sales. Advertisers seek customized integrations on popular entertainment properties. Sony Pictures Networks India has secured over twenty sponsors for the upcoming season. New sponsors include technology and clean energy companies. Cross-platform campaigns are also seeing growing demand from advertisers. ...Less

Quick commerce firm Zepto has postponed its initial public offering plans. The company cited its strong b ...More

Quick commerce firm Zepto has postponed its initial public offering plans. The company cited its strong balance sheet and focus on execution for this decision. Zepto reported significant cash reserves as of March 31, 2026. This move follows discussions where public market valuations fell below expectations. The startup will update its draft prospectus with upcoming financial results. ...Less

A parliamentary panel proposes a new statutory framework for inward re-domiciliation. This would allow ov ...More

A parliamentary panel proposes a new statutory framework for inward re-domiciliation. This would allow overseas companies to migrate to India while retaining their legal identity. The joint committee will recommend this new framework in its upcoming report. Sweeping changes are also expected to align corporate law with data protection. This initiative aims to simplify relocation for Indian-origin firms and future-proof legislation. ...Less

Happy Monday! As core growth cools, India's listed fintechs are diversifying fast and launching new produ ...More

Happy Monday! As core growth cools, India's listed fintechs are diversifying fast and launching new products. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch. ...Less

India's primary market momentum continues with over two dozen issuers planning IPOs. These companies aim ...More

India's primary market momentum continues with over two dozen issuers planning IPOs. These companies aim to collectively raise approximately ₹35,000 crore in the upcoming month. New-age companies like Zepto and PhonePe are expected to lead this significant market activity. Investor appetite is returning as markets stabilize, following a subdued first half. This robust pipeline signals a strong third quarter for IPO launches this year. ...Less

Happy Monday! Zepto's IPO pricing expectation has run into resistance from top mutual funds. This and mor ...More

Happy Monday! Zepto's IPO pricing expectation has run into resistance from top mutual funds. This and more in today's ETtech Morning Dispatch. ...Less

The Delhi High Court has issued a ruling for the liquidation of Paytm Payments Bank Ltd, following the Re ...More

The Delhi High Court has issued a ruling for the liquidation of Paytm Payments Bank Ltd, following the Reserve Bank of India's decision to annul its banking license due to major concerns regarding management practices and regulatory compliance. An official liquidator will oversee the bank's dissolution, but it is important to note that this action does not impact other Paytm services. ...Less

Paytm Payments Bank Limited is set for closure as per the directive from the Delhi High Court, resulting ...More

Paytm Payments Bank Limited is set for closure as per the directive from the Delhi High Court, resulting from the Reserve Bank of India's earlier cancellation of its banking license. Reasons cited include failure to meet compliance regulations and negative impacts on depositors. Now, with Girikumar M Nair named as the official liquidator, he will step in to lead the bank's liquidation process. ...Less

Zepto IPO delay: People aware of the discussions told ET that the company has received a formal price ind ...More

Zepto IPO delay: People aware of the discussions told ET that the company has received a formal price indication from large institutional investors and is negotiating for a week or two before deciding whether to proceed. A deferment is on the table if the price gap does not close, though the company would prefer to list, they added. ...Less

Flipkart, which flipped back its domicile to India from Singapore in March, was preparing to tap the dome ...More

Flipkart, which flipped back its domicile to India from Singapore in March, was preparing to tap the domestic capital market, according to people aware of the matter. Krishnamurthy pushed back on a pre-IPO fundraise said to be aimed at ascertaining valuation. ...Less

The move would mark a significant shift in India’s digital payments policy, six years after the governmen ...More

The move would mark a significant shift in India’s digital payments policy, six years after the government made UPI and RuPay debit card transactions free to drive digital adoption. The levy is expected to apply only to large merchants, those with annual turnover of Rs 1-1.5 crore or more while peer-to-peer transfers and payments to small merchants will remain free. ...Less

India's startup IPO pipeline is gathering momentum with several new-age companies advancing. CarDekho and ...More

India's startup IPO pipeline is gathering momentum with several new-age companies advancing. CarDekho and InsuranceDekho are preparing for their public market debuts soon. Zepto and Zetwerk have secured regulatory approvals for their upcoming listings. PhonePe and Oyo also remain in the IPO pipeline for future public offerings. These companies represent diverse sectors like fintech, quick commerce, and hospitality. ...Less

India may reintroduce merchant discount rates for large businesses on UPI transactions. This move aims to ...More

India may reintroduce merchant discount rates for large businesses on UPI transactions. This move aims to address the financial sustainability of digital payment providers. Small merchants and transactions below a certain threshold will likely remain exempt from these charges. ...Less

The central government is considering reintroducing a merchant discount rate on UPI transactions. This le ...More

The central government is considering reintroducing a merchant discount rate on UPI transactions. This levy would apply only to large merchants with an annual turnover of Rs 1-1.5 crore. Smaller businesses and everyday payments will remain unaffected by this potential change. ...Less

PhonePe has appointed Srijon Biswas as its new chief technology officer. Biswas, a long-time engineering ...More

PhonePe has appointed Srijon Biswas as its new chief technology officer. Biswas, a long-time engineering leader, will now head the company's engineering organization. He will continue to report to cofounder Rahul Chari, who is now the chief product and technology officer. PhonePe continues to expand its digital payments and financial services offerings. The company's market share remains strong in the competitive digital payments landscape. ...Less

Wipro posted flat first-quarter profit despite higher revenues. This and more in today's ETtech Top 5. ...More

Wipro posted flat first-quarter profit despite higher revenues. This and more in today's ETtech Top 5. ...Less

Biswas will lead the fintech firm's engineering organisation as PhonePe doubles down on technology and pl ...More

Biswas will lead the fintech firm's engineering organisation as PhonePe doubles down on technology and platform investments. ...Less

Indian artificial intelligence startups are experiencing significant funding and valuation surges. Emerge ...More

Indian artificial intelligence startups are experiencing significant funding and valuation surges. Emergent and Sarvam AI recently achieved unicorn status with large investment rounds. UnifyApps is also in talks for a substantial funding round, increasing its valuation. These companies benefit from strong investor interest in AI infrastructure and enterprise software. However, rapid AI advancements pose disruption risks for less adaptable startups. ...Less

The government is mulling restoring MDR on UPI transactions for large merchants. This and more in today’s ...More

The government is mulling restoring MDR on UPI transactions for large merchants. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch. ...Less

Announcing his departure through a post on Linkedin, Gupta said he was leaving to build a new venture, an ...More

Announcing his departure through a post on Linkedin, Gupta said he was leaving to build a new venture, and called it a natural next step after spending years building products and businesses at startups such as PhonePe, Flipkart, and Pine Labs. ...Less

The investment, which comes less than a year after the New York and Gurgaon-based startup raised $50 mill ...More

The investment, which comes less than a year after the New York and Gurgaon-based startup raised $50 million from WestBridge Capital, is expected to value the company at $700-750 million, marking a more than threefold jump from its $200 million valuation in October 2025. ...Less

Zostel asked Sebi to review Oyo’s IPO filings, escalating their dispute over the Zo Rooms acquisition. Th ...More

Zostel asked Sebi to review Oyo’s IPO filings, escalating their dispute over the Zo Rooms acquisition. This and more in today's ETtech Top 5. ...Less

Mohammed Ismail travelled over 1,200 kilometres to repay a debt from 31 years ago. He used Google Maps an ...More

Mohammed Ismail travelled over 1,200 kilometres to repay a debt from 31 years ago. He used Google Maps and Gemini AI to find his former colleague, Edla Lachanna. Ismail had borrowed 3,000 Saudi Riyals during a difficult financial period in Saudi Arabia. Lachanna's family was moved by Ismail's sincerity and determination to honor his commitment. This journey highlights how technology can reconnect people separated by time and distance. ...Less

Founded in 2018 by Amrit Acharya, Srinath Ramakkrushnan, Vishal Chaudhary, Ankit Fatehpuria and Rahul Sha ...More

Founded in 2018 by Amrit Acharya, Srinath Ramakkrushnan, Vishal Chaudhary, Ankit Fatehpuria and Rahul Sharma, Zetwerk operates a technology-enabled manufacturing platform serving sectors such as energy, electronics, defence, aerospace and capital goods. ...Less

After the 13% crash, Trent shares have technically slipped below their 20-day EMA, while the RSI has witn ...More

After the 13% crash, Trent shares have technically slipped below their 20-day EMA, while the RSI has witnessed a sharp downtick, signalling a shift in momentum from bullish to bearish, said Sudeep Shah, Head of Technical and Derivatives Research at SBI Securities ...Less

Indian startups are increasingly offering Esop liquidity programs to employees. Flipkart recently announc ...More

Indian startups are increasingly offering Esop liquidity programs to employees. Flipkart recently announced its second buyback event with a $50 million corpus. BrowserStack also provided liquidity to employees and early investors with a $125 million buyback. CoinDCX and Unacademy have also conducted significant ESOP buyback initiatives. These programs allow employees to cash out vested stock options before an IPO or acquisition. ...Less

In July 2025, Flipkart had announced a $50 million employee stock buyback programme, which was set to pro ...More

In July 2025, Flipkart had announced a $50 million employee stock buyback programme, which was set to provide liquidity to around 7,000-7,500 employees. ...Less

Telegram has long been known as a place where pirated films, books, newspaper PDFs, exam material and ban ...More

Telegram has long been known as a place where pirated films, books, newspaper PDFs, exam material and banned content resurface quickly after being taken down elsewhere. Now, the platform is also being used for sharing non-consensual intimate images of women and photos taken without permission, and creating private groups where members pay to watch, circulate or discuss such content. ...Less

The development comes nearly four years after Navi first filed for an IPO, seeking to raise Rs 3,350 cror ...More

The development comes nearly four years after Navi first filed for an IPO, seeking to raise Rs 3,350 crore. The company received an approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) in September 2022 for the issue, but put the plan on hold amid market volatility and a sharp decline in technology stocks. ...Less

Non-consensual image rings are turning small UPI transfers into tickets to abusive, closed Telegram group ...More

Non-consensual image rings are turning small UPI transfers into tickets to abusive, closed Telegram groups. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch. ...Less

Fintech startup Navi, co-founded by Sachin Bansal, is planning to file draft IPO papers in the March quar ...More

Fintech startup Navi, co-founded by Sachin Bansal, is planning to file draft IPO papers in the March quarter of FY27 to raise about Rs 3,000 crore. The IPO is likely to include a mix of fresh equity and an offer for sale, with the final structure yet to be decided. Kotak Investment Banking has been appointed to manage the issue. ...Less

AlphaGrep Mutual Fund has launched its first fund, the AlphaGrep Multi Asset Allocation Fund, employing a ...More

AlphaGrep Mutual Fund has launched its first fund, the AlphaGrep Multi Asset Allocation Fund, employing a unique algorithm-driven approach. This open-ended scheme dynamically allocates capital across equities, fixed income, and commodities, aiming for better risk-adjusted returns with minimal human bias. Experts weigh in on the merits of algorithmic versus traditional multi-asset strategies, highlighting the importance of a long track record and individual investor control over asset allocation. ...Less

PhonePe clarifies inactivity fees apply solely to its prepaid wallet, not linked bank accounts or UPI tra ...More

PhonePe clarifies inactivity fees apply solely to its prepaid wallet, not linked bank accounts or UPI transactions. Users receiving notifications despite app usage are reminded wallet and UPI activities are tracked separately. The company assures no deductions from bank accounts or negative wallet balances, offering 15 days' notice for users to reactivate, withdraw, or close their wallets. ...Less

UPI processed 22.72 billion transactions in June, a slight dip from May's record, but daily averages hit ...More

UPI processed 22.72 billion transactions in June, a slight dip from May's record, but daily averages hit an all-time high. Despite fewer days in June, annual growth remains strong, with volumes up 23% year-on-year. This surge in daily activity highlights UPI's dominance in everyday, low-value payments, though the average ticket size is shrinking. Future growth is anticipated from credit-linked UPI products. ...Less

Apple has accused Indian antitrust investigators of merely copying rivals' claims without independent ana ...More

Apple has accused Indian antitrust investigators of merely copying rivals' claims without independent analysis in its competition law probe. The tech giant argues the findings are flawed and calls for them to be quashed, citing a lack of opportunity to present its case. This marks a significant escalation in Apple's dispute with the Competition Commission of India over its app store practices. ...Less

Get ready for significant financial shifts starting July 1, 2026. Taxpayers face new ITR filing deadlines ...More

Get ready for significant financial shifts starting July 1, 2026. Taxpayers face new ITR filing deadlines, while Aadhaar card holders can update their email for free. SBI and HDFC credit card users will see changes in reward points and lounge access eligibility. Passport fees are set to rise, and banks will face stricter rules against mis-selling financial products, ensuring customer refunds and compensation. ...Less

Several important financial and regulatory changes have come into effect from July 1, 2026, impacting tax ...More

Several important financial and regulatory changes have come into effect from July 1, 2026, impacting taxpayers, Aadhaar holders, passport applicants, credit card users, railway passengers and vehicle buyers. Key updates include free Aadhaar email updates, revised passport fees, new SBI and HDFC credit card rules, stricter railway penalties, the approaching ITR filing deadline, possible LPG, CNG and PNG price revisions, RBI's new anti-mis-selling framework, the expected rollout of EPFO 3.0 and car price hikes by major automakers. Here's a detailed look at all the major rule changes taking effect from July 1 and how they could affect your finances and daily life. ...Less

PhonePe is now charging a Rs 100 quarterly fee for inactive wallets. This fee applies if users have not m ...More

PhonePe is now charging a Rs 100 quarterly fee for inactive wallets. This fee applies if users have not made any financial transactions through the PhonePe Wallet in the past 365 days. The charge supports platform improvements. Users receive multiple notifications before the fee is deducted. A single wallet transaction reactivates the account and avoids the charge. ...Less

IPO-bound PhonePe saw its market share slip marginally to 46.3% in May, from 46.5% in the same month last ...More

IPO-bound PhonePe saw its market share slip marginally to 46.3% in May, from 46.5% in the same month last year, while Google Pay’s share fell to 32.7% from 36.1% in May 2025. ...Less

Think tank GTRI said that the deal gives Meta a foothold in one of the country's richest repositories of ...More

Think tank GTRI said that the deal gives Meta a foothold in one of the country's richest repositories of consumer financial-behaviour data, covering credit cards, loans, investments, insurance, and UPI transactions. On the other hand, it said China built its digital payments ecosystem through domestic champions such as Alipay and WeChat Pay, keeping ownership and strategic control within Chinese companies. ...Less

This was among the tech giant's biggest investments in the Indian startup ecosystem, which also shot Shah ...More

This was among the tech giant's biggest investments in the Indian startup ecosystem, which also shot Shah into the elite club of global tech leaders. Zooming out, here’s a look at Meta’s other investments in India, one of its biggest and most lucrative markets. ...Less

PhonePe has introduced SmartPages, an AI tool for merchants. This innovation allows businesses to build p ...More

PhonePe has introduced SmartPages, an AI tool for merchants. This innovation allows businesses to build payment-ready webpages in under ten minutes. Merchants can describe their offerings, and AI generates descriptions and payment pages. This feature simplifies website creation and marketing copy for small sellers. SmartPages supports regional languages and is integrated with PhonePe's payment gateway. ...Less

Meta's substantial investment in Cred and appointing its founder Kunal Shah as global head of WhatsApp si ...More

Meta's substantial investment in Cred and appointing its founder Kunal Shah as global head of WhatsApp signals a major push into India's fintech landscape. For Meta, with Shah at the helm, there is a chance that WhatsApp's position in India, its largest market, will go beyond messaging into payments, commerce, and business services. ...Less

Cred founder Kunal Shah, a philosophy graduate, built his platform on exclusivity for high credit scorers ...More

Cred founder Kunal Shah, a philosophy graduate, built his platform on exclusivity for high credit scorers, now processing over 40% of India's credit card bills. While Meta's interest raises data control questions, Shah faces the challenge of creating a fair commercial portal. His next task is to expand Cred beyond its niche user base to serve the broader Indian middle class, a significant shift from his initial strategy. ...Less

South Indian Bank has boosted interest rates on US dollar deposits for Non-Resident Indians to 6.5% per a ...More

South Indian Bank has boosted interest rates on US dollar deposits for Non-Resident Indians to 6.5% per annum for 3-5 year tenures. This move follows the RBI's new USD/INR forex swap facility, enabling banks to secure stable foreign currency while managing exchange risks. The attractive returns offer NRIs a chance to grow their savings securely, with the RBI facility available until September 2026. ...Less

SBI Card is revising reward point programs for PhonePe SBI Credit Cards, effective July 1, 2026. Both PUR ...More

SBI Card is revising reward point programs for PhonePe SBI Credit Cards, effective July 1, 2026. Both PURPLE and SELECT BLACK cardholders will face new monthly caps on reward points for PhonePe and online spends. Additionally, the SELECT BLACK card will exclude several transaction categories from earning rewards. ...Less

Smallcap funds have emerged as the best-performing equity mutual fund category over the last three months ...More

Smallcap funds have emerged as the best-performing equity mutual fund category over the last three months, delivering an average return of 16.94%, according to ETMutualFunds. The rally follows an earlier correction and has been supported by improving earnings, strong liquidity, and renewed investor interest. However, the sharp gains have also sparked debate on whether investors should buy, hold, or book profits at current levels. ...Less

Cloud kitchen platform Curefoods has postponed its Rs 800 crore IPO plans after Sebi approval, as mutual ...More

Cloud kitchen platform Curefoods has postponed its Rs 800 crore IPO plans after Sebi approval, as mutual funds resisted its Rs 4,000 crore valuation. The company, facing market headwinds for loss-making new-age firms, aims to relist next year if market conditions improve. This follows similar deferrals by PhonePe and Flipkart. ...Less

Audio entertainment startup Pocket FM is reportedly in discussions to shift its holding structure back to ...More

Audio entertainment startup Pocket FM is reportedly in discussions to shift its holding structure back to India, signalling potential plans for a domestic public listing. This move follows rival Kuku Technologies' formal steps towards an IPO, intensifying focus on India's growing audio and mobile-first storytelling market. ...Less

The round also saw participation from Think Investments, Valiant Fund, PhonePe founder Sameer Nigam, and ...More

The round also saw participation from Think Investments, Valiant Fund, PhonePe founder Sameer Nigam, and Zubin Bharti Mittal, among others. The lead investors had also co-led the company's $10 million Series A in November 2024, along with Reddy. The founder, son of GVK Group vice chairman Sanjay Reddy, has transitioned from managing physical assets to building digital platforms. ...Less

The round is being raised at a pre-money valuation of $12 billion, making PhonePe the most valuable finte ...More

The round is being raised at a pre-money valuation of $12 billion, making PhonePe the most valuable fintech in the country, surpassing payment services provider, Razorpay which was last valued at $7.5 billion. ...Less

Indian startup Equal AI has raised $30 million to expand its AI-powered call screening platform that answ ...More

Indian startup Equal AI has raised $30 million to expand its AI-powered call screening platform that answers and filters calls on users' behalf. As spam, telemarketing, and service calls continue to overwhelm consumers, the company is betting that AI assistants will become a new layer between people and their communications. The funding reflects growing investor interest in AI agents capable of handling everyday interactions, while raising broader questions about how much of our personal communication we are willing to delegate to machines. ...Less

The fintech firm has moved businesses and subsidiaries of PhonePe Singapore, including its insurance brok ...More

The fintech firm has moved businesses and subsidiaries of PhonePe Singapore, including its insurance broking services and wealth broking services, to PhonePe Pvt Ltd - India. ...Less

PhonePe says registered user base has grown 28% over the past 12 months—from 273 million in January 2021 ...More

PhonePe says registered user base has grown 28% over the past 12 months—from 273 million in January 2021 to 350 million in December 2021. ...Less

PhonePe has launched ‘PhonePe Protect’, a new security tool to prevent fraud during digital payments. The ...More

PhonePe has launched ‘PhonePe Protect’, a new security tool to prevent fraud during digital payments. The feature warns users about suspicious numbers flagged by the Department of Telecommunications’ Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI). It blocks risky transactions, provides alerts, and helps users make safer payment decisions in real time. ...Less

PhonePe FY25 results: IPO-bound PhonePe, backed by Walmart, has significantly reduced its losses to Rs 1, ...More

PhonePe FY25 results: IPO-bound PhonePe, backed by Walmart, has significantly reduced its losses to Rs 1,720 crore in FY25, a 13.9% improvement year-over-year, while also achieving positive free cash flow. Revenue surged by 40% to Rs 7,115 crore, driven by payment services. Employee benefit costs increased due to higher salaries and share-based payments. The company is preparing for a $1. ...Less

PhonePe Switch enables merchant partners to integrate their existing progressive web apps (PWAs) or mobil ...More

PhonePe Switch enables merchant partners to integrate their existing progressive web apps (PWAs) or mobile sites to the platform, and reach out to the PhonePe user base. ...Less