BigBasket’s 10‑Minute Delivery Launch
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🗞️ AI‑First Startups Gain Traction
AI-first startups are increasingly crowding out traditional SaaS in investor portfolios. According to recent trends, fresh AI ventures are commanding higher valuations and absorbing more venture capital funding than SaaS models, as the tech paradigm shifts globally.
💬 Expert Take:
“VCs are going all in on foundational AI technologies. India’s early-stage scene is becoming more differentiated from global SaaS dependence,” says Neha Kothari, Managing Partner, Nexa Ventures.
🗞️ BigBasket to Launch 10‑Minute Delivery
BigBasket is set to roll out 10-minute grocery delivery by March 2026, taking on quick-commerce rivals like Zepto and Blinkit. The plan involves expanding dark store networks and tightening fulfillment logistics.
🗞️ FlexiLoans Raises ₹665 Cr for Growth
Fintech lender FlexiLoans has secured ₹665 crore in funding to scale its lending and insurance services for MSMEs, eyeing major expansion in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
🗞️ Indian Overseas Bank Launches ‘LOCATE’
Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) introduced LOCATE, a digital service enabling customers to easily find the nearest branches and ATMs. It integrates with the IOB app and supports geolocation.
🗞️ Small-Finance Banks Eye Big Growth
India’s small finance banks are plotting aggressive growth strategies, aiming to penetrate deeper into underserved areas and eventually transition into universal banks.
💬 Expert Take:
“Small banks want to shed the ‘micro’ tag. The next 3 years are critical for their evolution,” notes Ramesh Shetty, ex-RBI advisor.
🗞️ HDFC, ICICI Cut FD Rates
HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank have reduced fixed deposit rates by 25 basis points on select tenures. Analysts view it as a signal of upcoming shifts in retail banking margins.
🗞️ L&T Wins Major Infra Deal
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) secured a major contract from JSW Energy for civil infrastructure work in Maharashtra. The deal strengthens L&T’s leadership in the EPC sector.
🗞️ RBI Repo Cut: Delayed Relief
Despite a 100 bps cut in the RBI repo rate, home loan borrowers might not get immediate EMIs relief. Banks are reportedly delaying transmission due to margin pressures.
📊 Market Updates
📈 Sensex: 82,391.72 ▲ +256.22 (+0.31%)
📈 Nifty 50: 25,103.20 ▲ +100.15 (+0.40%)
💵 USD/INR: ₹85.61 ▶ stable
🛢️ Brent Crude: $77.32 ▲ +0.28
🪙 Bitcoin: ~$110,500 ▲ modestly
🪙 Gold (24K): ₹7,197/gram ▶ unchanged