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Deep use cases vault India to ChatGPT’s top global market: OpenAI's India MD
During a visit to India last year, the ChatGPT maker’s cofounder Sam Altman said that India was the fastest growing market for the frontier lab and was already the second largest in terms of users globally. Market estimates had earlier put the India user base at 100 million.
SaaS firm Capillary’s AI platform drives new customer wins, revenue grows 51%
Capillary’s aiRA (AI-powered Research Assistant) is an AI agent for enterprise brands that helps connect customer data across platforms and identifies opportunities to acquire, convert, retain and reactivate customers. It also executes campaigns through existing marketing tools, with human approval. It works with data from platforms such as Salesforce, Snowflake, Databricks, Google Ads and Meta, according to the investor presentation.
JioHotstar launches StreamToCart Ads, enabling in-stream shopping through Instamart
Introducing a game-changer in digital advertising, JioHotstar has launched StreamToCart Ads, an interactive format that merges streaming with online shopping. Viewers can now browse and directly add products to their shopping carts without interrupting their viewing, consequently boosting user engagement. Advertisers are empowered to monitor user behaviors from impressions to purchases, optimizing their marketing strategies.
TRAI’s internet TV proposal raises concerns over wider OTT regulation, say legal experts
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has proposed a new framework for internet-based linear television distribution. This recommendation could broaden the interpretation of the Telecommunications Act and affect other digital content. Legal experts express concerns over TRAI's jurisdiction regarding OTT services and the implications for freedom of speech. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting must decide whether to adopt these recommendations.
Why Walmart would rather keep Flipkart private, for now
Over the past few weeks, much has been written about former employees of the online commerce company writing to Walmart's board, asking for liquidity on the stock options they were granted 10 to 15 years ago. On October 1, at least eight former senior executives, among them former Myntra CEO Mukesh Bansal and former chief business officer Ankit Nagori, wrote to Walmart chairman Gregory Penner, other board members and Flipkart Group CEO Kalyan Krishnamurthy, seeking a complete exit for all former employees holding vested options.
Analysis: In China, the AI bubble has already burst
Chinese tech stocks, especially in AI and semiconductors, have experienced a dramatic decline in value recently. The mainland STAR50 index of these sectors has dropped by 40% in four months, leading to substantial market losses. Investors are increasingly turning to safer assets as frustration mounts over fading government support for tech investments. Additionally, many investors are hesitant to purchase shares until valuations reach more acceptable levels.
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In 1913, a Corning physicist baked a cake in a cut-down railway-lantern glass jar; the experiment helped lead to heat-resistant cookware
In the early 1900s, the invention of heat-resistant glass marked a significant advancement, initially intended to safeguard railway lanterns from damage due to thermal shock. This remarkable creation serendipitously led to the formulation of PYREX cookware after a 1913 baking trial. Scientists at Corning fine-tuned this glass and launched a pie plate in 1915, which quickly became a staple in American kitchens.
‘Brands need to be loved by humans and read by agents’: BCG’s Lauren Wiener on AI’s impact on marketing
The growing influence of AI and LLMs on purchase decisions is significant across various consumer touchpoints. Brands are now required to optimize content for both human and AI consumption to compete effectively. Marketing leaders are rethinking traditional media-budget allocation strategies in response to these changes. Personalisation and an integrated approach to agentic marketing are emerging as critical priorities for brands moving forward.
Eternal’s strong Q2 report; Exits outpace hiring at top IT firms
Happy Thursday! Eternal’s Q2 revenue surged on Blinkit’s growth. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
Google rolls out new Gemini tools to help small businesses manage marketing, finances
The new features will allow business owners to connect Gemini with Google services such as Google Business Profile, Google Ads and Google Workspace, as well as third-party applications including Adobe, Canva, Dropbox, Shopify, Wix, Zoho and Xero, according to a blog post by Google.
The Social Reckoning: Looking back at Facebook’s 2021 controversy and where Meta stands today
Aaron Sorkin’s latest film focuses on Facebook's past controversies and the implications of its business model. The story centres around whistleblower Frances Haugen and her allegations regarding Facebook's internal practices. Meta, formerly Facebook, is navigating ongoing concerns about safety and user engagement. The film, while offering a dramatic retelling, critiques the effectiveness of Meta’s strategies.
Meet Becky DeGrossa, who left IBM after 20 years to become a therapist, her side business hit $2 million in revenue
DeGrossa is the founder of CounselingWise. It is a marketing agency that helps therapists grow their practices through websites, search engine optimisation and online advertising. The business reportedly generated $2 million in revenue by June 2026. In 2003, DeGrossa left IBM after losing interest in her corporate career.
Tata Play dishes out ₹199 wildcard to stay connected in changing world
Tata Play is launching the Tata Play Smart app, enabling access to over 500 live television channels. The app requires an internet connection and is compatible with various devices including smart TVs. Tata Play maintains that traditional DTH services will continue to exist alongside streaming services. The company aims to expand its user base by attracting households yet to subscribe to pay television.
In 1992, Jan Koum's family relied on food stamps; 22 years later, Facebook agreed to buy WhatsApp, which he co-founded, for $19 billion
Jan Koum grew up in Ukraine and had limited access to technology. He also reportedly had concerns about government surveillance. According to reports, his family moved to California in 1992. He was only 16 at that time. His father remained in Ukraine, and staying in touch with members was difficult.
Three questions to answer before your next marketing spend
To excel in marketing, it is vital to prioritize clear strategies that outline target audiences, key goals, and engagement levels. By honing in on decision-makers and aligning campaigns with specific objectives, brands can boost their visibility and influence, ensuring that marketing investments produce tangible outcomes through reputable platforms like The Economic Times.
Diwali Sale 2026: Buying fridge, AC, or washing machine online? Here’s how to get the best deal on big appliances and save more
Online sales of big appliances are growing at 25% as the festive sales begin. The Kagan 2026 Asia-Pacific Consumer Insights survey by S&P Global Market Intelligence, conducted in June 2026 among 1,000 internet adults each in China, South Korea and India, shows that most Indian respondents still primarily make retail purchases from stores.
Sony Marathi ropes in 13 brand partners for 'Kon Honar Crorepati' hosted by Madhuri Dixit
Sony Marathi has onboarded 13 brand partners for the upcoming season of Kon Honar Crorepati, hosted by Madhuri Dixit. The show is set to premiere on October 12, 2026, at 9 pm. ChatGPT and PNG Jewellers will be the co-presenting sponsors for this season's theme, Aata Khel Badalnaar. Various brands, including Fortune+ Soyabean Oil, Avaada, and Sunder Super Coconut Cookies, will join as partners.
The Comeback of the Physical Store—and What It Means for Your Business
Brick-and-mortar retail is not declining but evolving, as stores take on new roles as logistics hubs, experiential destinations, and powerful drivers of demand and brand equity. Rising digital acquisition costs and operational challenges are pushing companies to integrate physical and online channels, using stores to improve fulfillment, customer engagement, and marketing effectiveness. The broader lesson for leaders: assets once viewed as liabilities can become competitive advantages when their role is reimagined and aligned with changing economics and customer behavior.
SDKs emerge as key gateway to AI advertising as in-app ad market hits $400 billion
Independent advertising technology platforms are set to leverage SDKs to dominate the $400 billion in-app advertising market. Growth in this sector is characterized by a shift from traditional web-based advertising methods to SDK-driven strategies. Key companies like AppLovin and InMobi have established extensive SDK footprints, enhancing their competitive advantage. As AI products scale, the importance of advertising will increase to cover operational costs.
Pinterest names Amazon executive James Dibbo as new CFO
Pinterest announced the appointment of James Dibbo as its new chief financial officer effective October 26. Dibbo previously led financial operations for Amazon's Ads and Prime Video businesses, among others. He will succeed Julia Donnelly, who is leaving for a new opportunity at a private company. The company anticipates slower revenue growth due to increased competition in the digital advertising market.
GST relief on cards for ecomm sellers; AceVector's weak debut
The GST Council is expected to consider easing compliance for small ecommerce sellers. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
In 2005, Yahoo invested $1 billion in Alibaba. 10 years later, its stake was worth more than $30 billion after the Chinese giant went public
Yahoo’s Alibaba investment changed the company’s financial story. In 2005, Yahoo paid $1 billion for a 40% stake in the Chinese e-commerce company. Ten years later, that holding was worth about $30 billion. Yahoo then dropped its plan to spin off the Alibaba stake after U.S. tax authorities refused to confirm tax-free treatment.
AI clones are turning celebrity likeness into a new business
Studio Blo is developing a platform for celebrities to license their digital likenesses for advertising purposes. This platform allows brands to use celebrity clones without requiring their physical presence at shoots. The company emphasises consent, ownership, and traceability in its cloning process.
Lessons from Chinese AI Firms on Owning Customers’ Habits
As U.S. AI firms compete in an escalating race for superior models, bigger benchmarks, and more advanced features, Chinese companies are pursuing a fundamentally different strategy: embedding AI into users’ everyday habits. The authors argue that this “habit moat” approach may prove more durable than competing on raw capability alone. Whereas Western firms position AI as a destination consumers consciously visit, companies like Alibaba integrate AI into existing routines such as shopping, payments, food delivery, and travel booking, reducing friction until using AI becomes automatic behavior. Once AI capabilities become “good enough,” marginal technical improvements matter less than becoming the default path through recurring customer tasks. The authors outline four strategic imperatives for Western leaders: focus on behavioral cues rather than feature gaps, subsidize customer behavior instead of subscriptions, embed AI invisibly into existing workflows, and optimize for repeat usage rather than first-time adoption. The central warning is stark: AI may not replace employees first—it may instead capture the critical customer moments businesses currently own.
IT firms cut H-1B reliance; Anthropic flags AI risks in IPO filing
Top Indian IT firms have sharply cut H-1B visa filings as rules tighten. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
ChatGPT is coming for a bite of Google-Meta’s ad pie
Multiple Indian consumer brands, including SuperYou, Sirona, BellaVita, Sebamed, and Mamaearth have started testing the platform, as advertisers explore whether ChatGPT’s ability to capture consumers at the point of research can translate into better returns.
As microdrama content explodes, ShareChat says the algorithm could determine what gets seen
Charan said falling production costs and the use of artificial intelligence would lead to more stories being produced at greater speed. As the number of similar stories increases, he said, the algorithm will determine which ones get viewed.
Pine Labs teams up with Google Cloud to bring AI agents to merchants
Pine Labs has announced a partnership with Google Cloud to support Indian merchants in future AI-driven commerce. The collaboration aims to assist small and medium businesses by using Google Cloud's Gemini AI technology. Pine Labs is developing tools that automate marketing and streamline payment systems for these merchants.
India’s hiring story gets a boost as e-commerce, travel and retail power the next wave: Report
India's workforce is expected to grow 5.4 percent in the second half of 2026-27, driven by several sectors. E-commerce and technology startups anticipate the highest employment growth, along with travel and hospitality. Additionally, hiring intent varies among organizational scales, with larger enterprises showing greater expansion plans. However, many employers expect challenges in filling IT and engineering roles.
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