VIDEO COMMERCE GROWTH
China seeks to rein in risks from AI 'digital humans'
China is introducing new rules for its booming digital human industry. These AI avatars, which look and sound like real people, are used for various purposes. The government aims to prevent harm to children and maintain social stability. Regulations will ensure consent is obtained for creating digital likenesses.
Snap & Kantar study shows why AR is cutting through Gen Z’s ad fatigue in India
Gen Z is increasingly tuning out traditional digital ads, with augmented reality emerging as a powerful alternative. A new study reveals AR captivates attention longer, drives purchase decisions, and fosters deeper brand understanding. This interactive format transforms passive viewers into active participants, making it a crucial tool for brands seeking genuine engagement and conversion in India's evolving digital landscape.
What is the WTO ecommerce moratorium: Everything you need to know
The ecommerce moratorium is a global agreement among World Trade Organisation members which bans customs duties being applied to electronic transmissions such as digital downloads and streaming. The policy was first adopted in 1998 at the WTO's Second Ministerial Conference in Geneva as part of a declaration to encourage early digital trade growth. It covers cross-border transmissions such as software downloads, e-books, music and movie streaming and video games.
At WTO meet, Piyush Goyal says plurilateral agreements must not be imposed
India urged consensus on WTO plurilateral outcomes and careful reconsideration of the e-commerce duty moratorium. The US wants the moratorium made permanent. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal also called for restoring the dispute settlement system and effective special and differential treatment. Discussions are ongoing at the WTO's 14th Ministerial Conference in Cameroon.
Swiggy hikes platform fee; Wispr Flow CEO on India biz, AI funding
Swiggy has raised its per-order platform fee, days after rival Zomato’s move. This and more in today's ETtech Top 5.
Digital advertising surge and live experiences push India’s M&E sector past Rs 2.78 lakh crore
India's media and entertainment sector achieved significant growth in 2025, reaching Rs 2,78,000 crore. Digital media led this expansion, becoming the largest segment. The sector is set for further growth, expected to hit Rs 3,30,000 crore by 2028. This expansion is fueled by digital advertising, subscriptions, and live events, showcasing a dynamic and evolving industry.
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Apple Pay’s India challenge; TCS hiring push
Happy Tuesday! Apple Pay faces pricing challenges as it works to launch in India. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.

Flipkart group CFO exits; Zomato raises platform fee
Happy Friday! Flipkart group CFO Sriram Venkataraman is set to exit after more than a decade at the Walmart-owned ecommerce giant. This and more in today's ETtech Top 5.

As Ozempic's active ingredient's patent expires today, India's fit for a health-lifestyle revolution
Novo Nordisk's India patent expiry today unlocks affordable semaglutide, set to transform diabetes and weight management. Local players are readying generic versions of Ozempic and Wegovy. This 'Ozempiconomy' will boost health and wellness, reshape lifestyle choices, and influence community dynamics. The market is projected for substantial expansion, presenting a major opportunity for various sectors.

‘We want to be the trust layer of housing’: How trust, data, and finance are driving the next era of proptech in Dubai
A new layer of real estate technology is taking shape in the city, backed by execution, investor interest, and stronger institutional access

India's neighbour-friendly FDI rules; LPG shortage hits food delivery
The Centre has eased FDI rules, allowing investors from land-bordering countries such as China to invest in Indian companies. This and more in today's ETtech Top 5.

China pins hopes on society-wide AI push to add jobs, rejuvenate economy
Plans unveiled at the opening of parliament's annual session last week go all-in on AI, detailing ambitions to offset an ageing workforce and long-term economic slowdown through the technology's "job-creation" effect over the next five years.

Even before the first month’s rent, Bengaluru woman techie had to pay Rs 60,000 extra just to move from PG to shared 2BHK flat. Here is breakdown of her expenses
A Bengaluru woman's video highlights the steep costs of city living. Moving into an unfurnished two-bedroom apartment with a roommate incurred significant expenses. Initial payments included a large security deposit and brokerage fees. Rent for the first month added to the bill. Essential appliances were rented, increasing monthly costs. Internet and cooking arrangements also contributed.

OpenAI’s 'sloppy' Pentagon pact; Sedemac IPO to mint gains
Sam Altman admitted that OpenAI swooping in for a deal with the Pentagon after the Anthropic controversy was “opportunistic”. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.

India’s new beauty brands zeroing in on micro problems, focus on hero products to stand out in crowded market
Indian beauty brands are now creating specialized products for specific concerns like strawberry skin and flyaway hair. This trend is fueled by online platforms and consumers who understand ingredients. New brands are finding success by targeting these micro-problems. The market is shifting towards hyper-targeted solutions, with consumers seeking visible results. This approach helps brands stand out in a competitive landscape.

'When world is facing uncertainty, India is busy building bridges of trade': Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal
India is expanding its global trade partnerships amidst international uncertainty. The nation now has preferential trade access to almost two-thirds of global commerce. Nine free trade agreements have been signed with developed economies. Discussions are underway with the Gulf Cooperation Council, Israel, and Chile. Trade with Australia and the UAE has doubled post-FTAs.

The looming Taiwan chip disaster that Silicon Valley has long ignored
In secret briefings held in Washington and Silicon Valley, national security officials warned executives from companies like Apple, Advanced Micro Devices and Qualcomm that China was making plans to retake Taiwan, which Beijing has long considered a breakaway territory.

Meta and RAI whitepaper decodes India’s omnichannel retail shift
Indian retail is evolving beyond online or offline. Consumers now shop across both simultaneously. AI, creators, and short videos are changing how Indians find and buy products.

The looming Taiwan chip disaster that Silicon Valley has long ignored
If Taiwan is lost, the tech industry won't be able to say it wasn't warned. A New York Times investigation found that executives were so focused on winning in their hypercompetitive markets and maintaining big profit margins that facing up to the Taiwan problem was an afterthought.

Creator commerce startup Wishlink raises $17.5 million, led by Vertex Ventures
Creator commerce platform Wishlink has raised $17.5 million in a round led by Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia and India, with participation from existing investors Fundamentum and Elevation Capital.

ET SME Summit, Vadodara: MSMEs chart a collaborative path for next phase of growth
The ET Make in India SME Regional Summit in Vadodara on February 20 drew strong industry participation, highlighting the resilience of the region’s MSME ecosystem.

ET Prime Special: Macro-economics & the stock market. What the revamped CPI means – and its implications for the market
Earlier this month, India's economic data landscape underwent a seismic shift. The government unveiled a completely revamped Consumer Price Index (CPI) with a new base year of 2024, fundamentally altering how the nation measures retail inflation. It is a development that has created a new paradigm for understanding the complex dynamics of prices in one of the world's fastest-growing economies.

Personal agents are AI's next massive leap and opportunity: Meta's Wang
Alexandr Wang, Meta's new chief AI officer and head of its Superintelligence Labs, spoke to Himanshi Lohchab and Sruthijith KK about the tech giant's plans to deploy AI at scale across its apps, guided by Mark Zuckerberg's vision of "personal superintelligence". Wang, 29, is in India for the AI Impact Summit. Excerpts:

Turning point is here as AI can help Indian media's share in global pie to explode, Uday Shankar says
Despite India's massive media industry, it hasn't achieved global content dominance due to capital constraints, Uday Shankar said. However, he believes AI offers a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" for India to become a content leader by reducing production costs, enhancing consumer interaction, and enabling dynamic commerce, urging the industry to embrace disruption.

AI Impact Summit: India gears up for global dialogue on Artificial Intelligence
India is hosting the AI Impact Summit from February 16-20. Global leaders and tech giants will gather at Bharat Mandapam. The summit focuses on AI's developmental impact and real-world applications. India aims to be a key architect of responsible AI solutions. Discussions will cover AI safety, governance, and the future of work.

JioHotstar taps top execs from Google, Flipkart, CRED, and Amazon Pay to power AI-driven streaming
JioHotstar is leveling up its tech and product divisions by welcoming industry leaders from renowned companies. This strategic shift will harness AI to create tailor-made streaming experiences. By enhancing discovery features and viewer engagement, the platform is gearing up for a future of smarter, more adaptive streaming that aligns with the evolving expectations of its user base.

Quota-led duty concession on US DDGS to help feed sector: Goyal
India will offer duty concessions on dried distillers' grains to the US. This animal feed is highly nutritious and sought after by India's animal husbandry and poultry sectors. The agreement is part of a broader trade deal expected by mid-March. India is opening its market in a balanced manner, supporting economic growth and farmer exports.

Trade deal with US safeguards India’s interests, says Piyush Goyal
India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the trade agreement with the US includes safeguards for farmers and domestic industries. He highlighted that Indian agricultural exports to the US are substantial. The minister emphasized that the deal offers Indian goods a competitive edge in the American market.

Scroll, spot, buy: Why fashion and lifestyle shopping is growing on Instagram
For many Gen Z shoppers in their early 20s, shopping via social media ads while scrolling through the feed is most natural, with impulse purchases offering both retail therapy and instant gratification.
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