Accel, in collaboration with Google’s AI-focused investment initiatives, has introduced the Atoms AI Cohort 2026—an ambitious program designed to elevate India’s early-stage artificial intelligence ecosystem. The initiative will support AI-first startups with capital, compute infrastructure, and technical mentorship, enabling founders to build globally scalable solutions from day one.

Air India has cancelled a series of international flights after volcanic ash drifted into critical air routes, prompting safety concerns and regulatory alerts. The airline said the measures were necessary to protect passengers and crew, as ash clouds can severely impair aircraft engines, sensors, and visibility. The cancellations have affected travel plans across several destinations, with the carrier offering rebooking flexibility and refunds.

Indian equity markets retreated as sustained foreign fund outflows and renewed global macroeconomic concerns weighed on investor sentiment. Benchmark indices slipped amid broad-based selling, particularly in financials, IT, and consumer-facing stocks. Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) continued to trim exposure, citing rising U.S. Treasury yields, a stronger dollar, and caution ahead of key economic data releases. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) attempted to cushion the fall, but their buying was insufficient to offset foreign withdrawals.

Bajaj Auto is advancing its electric mobility ambitions with an aggressive nationwide rollout of its Riki e-rickshaw, targeting availability in 200 cities across India. The expansion underscores the company’s strategy to strengthen its position in the rapidly growing electric three-wheeler market, driven by rising demand for affordable, low-emission last-mile transport. By broadening its sales and service footprint, Bajaj Auto aims to capture a larger share of commercial EV adoption, improve urban mobility, and support India’s clean-transport transition.

Indian investment platform Groww delivered a mixed performance in the second quarter, recording a notable rise in profitability even as revenue moderated. The company’s net profit increased by 12 percent, underscoring its ability to manage costs and improve operational efficiency at a time of heightened competition in the digital investing space. However, a decline in revenue highlighted the pressures facing fintech firms navigating fluctuating trading volumes and shifting investor sentiment.

Brigade Enterprises Ltd posted a robust performance for the second quarter of FY26, with sales bookings rising 12% year-on-year to Rs. 2,034 crore. Revenue from operations grew 26% to Rs. 1,430 crore, while profit after tax surged 48% to Rs. 170 crore. The company attributed the strong growth to sustained housing demand, consistent leasing momentum, and a rebound in its hospitality business. Supported by steady financial management and a solid launch pipeline, Brigade continues to strengthen its position as one of India’s leading integrated real estate developers.

After two sessions of decline, Indian equity benchmarks rebounded on Wednesday, driven by upbeat global sentiment, robust corporate earnings, and renewed buying in heavyweight stocks. The BSE Sensex surged 377 points to close near 83,836, while the NSE Nifty 50 advanced 81.5 points to settle at 25,679. Gains were broad-based across sectors, led by financials, auto, and consumer stocks.

Recent studies in oral healthcare have spotlighted garlic-based mouthwashes as a natural alternative for maintaining oral hygiene and combating bacterial infections. Leveraging allicin, garlic’s bioactive compound, these formulations exhibit potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Researchers suggest that regular use may reduce plaque formation, gingivitis, and oral malodor while providing a safe adjunct to conventional dental care.

Recent developments in COVID-19 testing have highlighted the increased adoption of string or “stringent” tests designed to detect multiple viral variants with higher accuracy. These tests, utilizing advanced molecular diagnostics and multiplex PCR technology, allow laboratories to rapidly identify mutations across diverse populations. Experts assert that this evolution in testing methodology is critical for effective public health surveillance, targeted interventions, and early detection of emerging strains.

Microsoft Strengthens Data Sovereignty with Local Processing for Copilot

In a significant move that underscores its commitment to data sovereignty and regulatory compliance, Microsoft has announced plans to enable in-country data processing for Copilot services in India. The initiative aims to ensure that user data generated by the company’s generative AI assistant, Microsoft Copilot, is processed and stored within Indian borders.