CANDY CRUSH SAGA FREEMIUM MODEL
From streaming to software, microdrama startups rewrite their growth pitch
Peak XV Partners-backed Dashverse has discontinued its consumer platform DashReels and is looking to raise $30-40 million, largely for Frameo AI, its video production software for businesses. Eloelo, which raised $80 million this week led by Hornbill Capital and NBCUniversal, is investing in Dolphin AI, its new production suite, alongside content creation and international expansion.
India's ChatGPT boom faces a reality check as free AI use meets rising costs
India has emerged as ChatGPT's largest market, driven by its vast digitally connected population and widespread access to free AI services. However, as AI infrastructure expands and computing and energy costs rise, companies face the challenge of recovering investments. Convincing price-sensitive Indian users to pay for AI remains difficult.
Ramayana OTT release and platform details: When and where to watch Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash-starrer online after theatrical run
Ramayana Part 1, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash and helmed by Nitesh Tiwari, graced theatres on November 5. The positive reception has translated into a strong box-office turnout. Read on to know when and where to watch the movie on OTT.
Story TV parent Eloelo raises $80 million from Hornbill, NBCUniversal
The funding follows a surge in Story TV’s business, which has helped lift annualised collections more than tenfold to around $250 million over the past year, according to people familiar with the company. Eloelo said Story TV offers over 5,000 dramas in six languages, while its apps have more than 40 million monthly active users.
STT Global’s India biz on the block; micro occasions power qcomm
KKR, Singtel, and the Tatas are preparing to sell STT GDC India, a major data centre platform. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
Gen Z rewrites festive gifting with AI-assisted picks, artisanal hampers and self-gifting
Gen Zers are embracing self-gifting while shopping for family and friends. Personalised gifts reflecting interests and lifestyles are becoming the norm during festivals. There is an increasing focus on supporting small businesses and understanding product provenance.
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Who sent $2 bn military equipment to Iran past US blockade? More than 5,000 agencies
Iran has developed a clandestine network involving over 5,000 agencies to import military equipment and evade sanctions. This network functions despite ongoing US naval blockades and sanctions since the war began. Extensive investigations reveal significant transactions and military logistics supporting their activities. The secretive agencies have been linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and elite controlled businesses.
Reinventing the pond: How this Bengal start-up is helping fish farmers battle climate and credit crisis
At a time when climate change is impacting world resources, including the aquatic system, Jalpaiguri’s Essential Aquatech is working to empower smallholder fish farmers by turning data into actionable insights and measures.
Don’t ship air: Why metal swarf Is crushed and briquetted
Metal swarf is often viewed as mere waste, yet it holds potential for efficient recycling into briquettes for steel production. Based in Orenburg, SteelCom specializes in converting swarf through advanced crushing and pressing technologies. This process not only streamlines metal recycling but also minimizes handling expenses and conserves vital resources. Their adaptable technology caters to businesses of all sizes, showcasing their expertise and reliability in addressing recycling challenges.
Teddy tigers and preserved embryos: Museum in Corbett tries to keep them 'alive'
Nestled close to Jim Corbett Park, a fascinating museum features detailed taxidermy models of tigers alongside other wildlife. These striking replicas narrate the complex stories of human-animal interactions throughout history, showcasing both peaceful cohabitation and fierce conflicts. Highlights include creatures who died naturally and those labeled as dangerous. The exhibits serve to educate visitors, especially children, on the vital need for wildlife conservation in Uttarakhand.
In late 2020, New Jersey crews placed nearly 6,000 tons of retired container-inspection concrete forms on the seafloor off Manasquan, adding about 1.25 acres of reef habitat
In a significant environmental initiative, New Jersey's Bureau of Marine Fisheries has installed approximately 6,000 tons of concrete reef structures as part of the Maher Terminals Reef project, located two miles offshore. While these artificial reefs are designed to bolster marine habitats, scientists continue to debate their effect on local fish populations. Continuous monitoring is essential to understand the ecological implications and ensure optimal marine management practices.
Inside Ravie Dubey and Sargun Mehta’s Bandra house ‘Saubhagya’: Sea views, crystal chandeliers and Rs 13.37 lakh monthly rent
Ravie Dubey and Sargun Mehta’s luxurious Bandra home, named Saubhagya, features crystal chandeliers, pastel sofas, an indoor swing and a sea-facing balcony. The couple reportedly leased the apartment in Pali Hill, with monthly rent expected to reach Rs 13.37 lakh in the final year. The property has also been linked to actor Aamir Khan.
Two childhood friends turned a college note-taking problem into an AI business that generated more than $13 million by age 21
Turbo AI, founded by Sarthak Dhawan and Rudy Arora, is a groundbreaking note-taking app that rapidly grew its user base. From their roots as college students to thriving entrepreneurs, they showcased effective marketing and innovation. Their strategic use of social media helped them amass 300,000 users and generate $500,000 in revenue soon after launch. Their journey also taught them invaluable lessons from previous endeavors.
Bitter truth: Surge in sugar prices to push up festival budgets
Sweets and desserts are experiencing higher prices this festive season due to increasing sugar costs and rising demand. Sugar prices have surged significantly year-on-year, contributing to overall food inflation. The festive calendar is expected to drive further demand for sweets and confectionery items. Manufacturers may react by adjusting prices while trying to maintain consumer affordability. Concerns about production due to uneven rainfall could complicate future price trends.
Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti say Delhi similar to Kashmir after Article 370 abrogation
Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti criticized the current situation in New Delhi, drawing comparisons to Kashmir's past. They stated that recent actions mirror those taken during the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir. People remained confined to their homes, and key areas were cordoned off, affecting movement. Social media users from Kashmir defended the uniqueness of their situation, suggesting misinformation regarding the comparisons.
Ireland turns retired wind turbine blades into bridges and furniture. How Kilrush is giving renewable energy waste a second life
In Kilrush, County Clare, retired wind turbine blades are transformed into public infrastructure such as a pedestrian bridge. This project, led by Clare Local Development Company and BladeBridge, emphasizes the concept of a circular economy. Sections of the blades are also used to create benches and picnic tables for public spaces. Approximately 11,000 tonnes of wind turbine blades are expected to be decommissioned in Ireland by 2026.
19-year-old Shubham Kumar from Bihar enters International Book of Records after achieving Level 22,222 in Candy Crush Saga
Shubham Kumar, a 19-year-old from Dighwara, Bihar, achieved Level 22,222 in Candy Crush Saga. This milestone has been recognised by the International Book of Records for teenagers. The achievement was accomplished on July 5, 2026, marking significant progress in the mobile puzzle game. Details about his gameplay duration or academic background were not disclosed. His accomplishment highlights achievements outside conventional areas like academics or sports.
In 2022, Kevin Hart merged two businesses into HARTBEAT; a $100 million minority investment valued the new media company at about $650 million
Kevin Hart's media company Hartbeat illustrates the challenges faced by celebrity-backed ventures in sustaining growth. While initial success was evident, Hartbeat has experienced executive turnover and workforce reductions. The company has restructured its operations and partnered with Authentic Brands Group for financial support. Research indicates that a credible connection between the celebrity and their brand is crucial for long-term viability.
'I don't have a pimple, I have a dimple': Yami Gautam's audition-day confusion that the actress never forgets
Yami Gautam had an impactful Bollywood debut with the 2012 feel-good rom-com Vicky Donor, which saw her opposite Ayushmann Khurrana. In an old interview, the National Award-winning actress opened up about her modelling days as well as her crushes.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, recommends 4 books that can change how you think about AI, startups and success
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has recommended four books spanning artificial intelligence, startups, history and resilience. His picks include Nick Bostrom’s Superintelligence, which he called the best book he had seen on superhuman machine intelligence; Alfred Lansing’s The Endurance; Yuval Noah Harari’s Sapiens, which he highly recommended; and Reid Hoffman and Chris Yeh’s Blitzscaling, which he eagerly recommended after reading an early copy.
Gen Z has jobs, networks and endless online connections, but still feels lonely: This startup wants to change that
A startup focused on helping young professionals build real-world communities has raised $3.5 million as concerns grow over loneliness among younger workers. Clockout, founded by Krishna Dosapati, connects users with nearby professionals, clubs and events, aiming to move networking beyond screens. The company says its platform is designed to help people form social and professional relationships, particularly after moving cities or changing industries.
In 1990, Switzerland crushed an old A13 road and reused 66% to 100% of it in new concrete; 20 years later, every recycled test mix was still rated good or very good
New research highlights the impressive durability of Swiss highways built with recycled concrete over several decades. The A13 motorway took the lead, using up to 100 percent recycled materials while matching the performance of virgin concrete. While American states are beginning to experiment with recycled aggregates, implementation has not yet matched Switzerland's extent. This successful model could reshape future infrastructure investments in the U.S.
Anthropic's Dario Amodei: AI's most visible CEO and enigma
The surge in artificial intelligence and the heated debate around its risks have made Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei the most visible tech leader -- though the 43-year-old remains an enigma. "I think he is one of the great legends in tech and business," says Alex Karp, CEO of data-analytics specialist Palantir.
In 1967, Robert Kearns patented a windshield wiper that paused between sweeps; Ford later used the idea, and a jury awarded him $10.2 million in 1990
In the 1960s, inventor Robert W. Kearns developed a groundbreaking windshield wiper system featuring intermittent operation. After Ford appropriated his design without permission, Kearns found himself embroiled in an arduous legal fight to reclaim ownership. He endured various personal and financial hardships but triumphed in 1990 with a monumental $10.2 million judgment against Ford. Kearns' journey highlights the immense struggles inventors face in safeguarding their creations.
Next Halo game to be made by Call of Duty makers as Microsoft lays off 268 employees: What we know
In a significant shake-up, Microsoft has let go of 268 employees from its gaming division, paving the way for Activision to spearhead the upcoming mainline Halo title for Xbox. Studios like Rare and World's Edge will now align under Activision, while Bethesda's Obsidian faces a transition to another studio amid shifting Fallout game plans. Additionally, plans to close Ninja Theory could hinder future titles.
Candy Crush Saga hits $20 billion revenue milestone, says maker King
Candu Crush Saga pioneered the "freemium" model, in which the game is free but players can spend money to boost their performance or can watch ads to gain moves.
Video of MS Dhoni playing Candy Crush on IndiGo flight makes game trend, parody a/c has a field day!
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary cricketer and captain of Chennai Super Kings, had a heartwarming experience with a fan on an IndiGo flight. The fan, a flight attendant, offered a tray of goodies to Dhoni and his wife Sakshi.
65 Android apps & games you should never download
Android users are indeed spoilt for choice when it comes to apps. But some of the most popular apps may not be good for your smartphone's health.
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