INDIAN LANGUAGES CONTENT
ShareChat hires creative directors as AI cuts microdrama costs by 40%: CTO Nitin Jain
Nitin Jain told the Economic Times Digital that AI has lowered the barrier to entry for creators, while the company's engineers now supervise AI-written code instead of writing it by hand.
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.
150 Chinese vloggers on mission to defame India? Concerns raised after allegations of passing off Bangladesh slums as Delhi
Chinese vloggers are reportedly filming in poor neighbourhoods of Dhaka and passing off the footage as scenes from New Delhi while making disparaging remarks about India's living conditions. A Prothom Alo investigation identified livestreamers in Uttara and Tekpara, but their wider motive remains unclear, with one streamer describing the activity as product promotion.
ETtech Deals Digest: Eloelo leads as weekly funding rises to $142 million, down 35% on-year
Eloelo led deal activity with $80 million, followed by Peppermint Robotics at $10.6 million, altM at $10.3 million, Two Point O Capital at $10 million, and PowerUp Money at $10 million. Crane Venture Partners was among the most active investors, backing Peppermint Robotics and Armatrix. Omnivore invested in altM and Two Point O Capital, while Flourish Ventures backed PowerUp Money.
Apple opens Siri AI to all developers: Here’s what you need to know
Apple has launched a Developer Preview of Siri AI for developers across multiple operating systems. This integration facilitates enhanced user interactions, allowing apps to utilize features like App Intents for task management and app skills for managing complex tasks. However, Siri AI remains unavailable in the European Union due to regulatory obligations, and its usage is restricted to individuals over 13 years old.
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.
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Lenskart, Nykaa, PhysicsWallah see Q2 profits surge
New-age companies Nykaa, Lenskart, and PhysicsWallah reported strong numbers for the September quarter. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
How businesses are using generative AI to create content at scale
The integration of generative AI into creative workflows is revolutionizing content production and innovation. Many Indian creators are witnessing enhanced business success and operational efficiency through these tools. Nonetheless, human intervention is vital to uphold brand consistency and quality in the final results. At the ET AI Awards 2027, outstanding organizations leveraging generative AI in their creative practices will be celebrated.
15+ features of India's first Bullet Train: Not just 280 kmph speed, check its interiors, passenger facilities and advanced technology
India's first indigenous bullet train, B28, is designed to run at an operational speed of 249 kmph and a testing speed of 280 kmph. With eight coaches and a passenger capacity of around 557, it will feature Wi-Fi-based infotainment, multilingual information screens, ergonomic seating and modern safety systems. Trial runs on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor are targeted for May-June 2027.
Dreambeans now in India: What to know about Google’s personalised AI visual stories app
Google has launched its innovative Dreambeans app in India, aimed at transforming personal moments into captivating visual stories. By utilizing data from services like Gmail and Photos, the app crafts unique narratives that resonate with users' experiences. Privacy is prioritized, allowing users to curate what they share and disconnect services anytime.
Govt mulls giving Cert-In enforceable powers to mandate patching
Last month, two critical flaws in the PHP programming language, discovered with the help of AI, created worldwide panic as hackers targeted the vulnerabilities millions of times, and led to governments including the US, UK, France, Germany and Japan taking down public websites. PHP powers 69.3% of websites worldwide.
Making of Bullet Train: What India’s high-speed train will look like from inside; check out its high-tech interiors, passenger facilities & technology
Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has shared a video offering a glimpse inside India's first Bharat-made Bullet Train, being manufactured at BEML's Bengaluru facility for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor. The eight-car train will feature a test speed of 280 kmph, seating for around 557 passengers, accessible facilities, Wi-Fi-based infotainment and advanced safety and energy-efficient technologies.
India’s small companies need to see AI as more than an artificial promise
India MSME news: India's micro, small and medium enterprises are exploring the adoption of artificial intelligence to enhance productivity. AI is expected to generate significant economic value for these enterprises in manufacturing and services sectors. Various challenges remain regarding the integration of AI into existing workflows and overcoming cost barriers. Collaborative efforts among industry bodies, technology providers, and the government are essential for facilitating this transition.
What are Indians watching on OTT? Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar, Zee 5, SonyLIV reveal the shows, languages and formats winning viewers
India’s OTT audience continued to grow in 2026, with viewers watching content in different languages and exploring new genres and formats. In an exclusive conversation with ET Digital, Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar, SonyLIV and ZEE5 discuss changing viewing habits, the growing popularity of micro-dramas and reality shows, and how good stories can find an audience regardless of language or budget. Here’s a look at what Indians are watching on OTT.
Social media norms, AI, deepfakes, chips among others on review list of parliamentary panel in 2026-27
The development comes as several incidents of age-inappropriate content, circulation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and alleged censorship on social media have been reported widely.
Anthropic IPO rocks Indian IT; Why Walmart is in no hurry to list Flipkart
Anthropic’s US IPO filing sent Indian IT stocks lower on Tuesday. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
Cert-In and states rush to patch PHP flaws across govt portals
Last week, two critical cybersecurity flaws in the PHP programming language were discovered with the help of AI. Subsequently, Cert-In issued advised organisations to apply security patches. Thousands of state government portals, district administration websites, municipal corporation services, and public grievance redressal systems in India have historically relied on content management systems and frameworks based on the PHP programming language.
British investor Baillie Gifford fund marks down Dailyhunt parent amid revenue pressures
The Schiehallion Fund pegged the fair value of its 1.3% holding in VerSe Innovation at $7.47 million, according to its portfolio disclosures reviewed by ET, implying a total company valuation of roughly $576 million.
Mumbai, Marketplace, Moscow: Three 'M's for Russian exports to India
Russian exporters are increasingly tapping into the Indian market, utilizing platforms like the permanent pavilion in Navi Mumbai. Additionally, e-commerce giants such as Amazon India and niche platforms are playing a vital role in this process. An upcoming international export forum in Moscow aims to strengthen these ties through collaboration and technological discussions.
‘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.
Reel deal: The next big thing in online shopping is playing on your screen
E-commerce platforms in India are leveraging video content to enhance product discovery and customer engagement. Creator-led videos provide a new shopping experience, combining entertainment with direct purchasing options. Consumers in tier 2 cities are particularly benefiting from this innovative approach to shopping. Companies like Amazon, Flipkart, and Myntra are adopting these technologies to boost sales. This shift may result in a significant increase in online shoppers in the coming years.
Netflix, Hoichoi partner to expand Bengali content across multiple languages
Netflix and Bengali streaming platform Hoichoi have partnered to release Hoichoi’s upcoming series on Netflix in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu over the next two years, alongside their Bengali premieres on Hoichoi. The deal also covers 14 existing titles, including Eken Sirji, Sampurna and Mahanagar.
From eMudhra to PHP: Breach spree hits tech infrastructure, AI emerges as threat multiplier
Recent cybersecurity incidents have raised concerns among companies and government agencies regarding digital certificates and critical software vulnerabilities. A security breach at eMudhra impacted its global digital certificate business but was managed promptly. Additionally, critical vulnerabilities in PHP temporarily led to the shutdown of various websites for security updates. A supply-chain attack compromised the LiteLLM Python package, affecting its users significantly.
‘Z’ sharpens its content strategy with a strong slate of non-fiction offerings across languages
Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. is set to enhance its non-fiction programming strategy significantly. The company aims to broaden its innovative formats while introducing flagship franchises in various languages. Upcoming offerings include cookery shows and celebrity talk shows hosted by popular figures. Additionally, the company will continue its successful formats that resonate with audiences across multiple markets. This move is designed to engage viewers actively and create memorable entertainment experiences.
OpenAI to train India’s civil servants in AI through Karmayogi Bharat tie-up
Under the agreement, announced on Tuesday, OpenAI will provide approved content from OpenAI Academy, the firm’s learning programme, for the iGOT Karmayogi platform.
Akash Ambani charts Jio’s next phase of growth with satellites, 6G and AI
Akash Ambani outlined Jio Platforms' future focus on satellite communications, pre-6G patents, and AI integration. The company is developing an indigenous satellite communications stack aimed at expanding home broadband services. Ambani revealed Jio's patent strategy aligns with India's goal of 10% global 6G patents originating domestically. Jio's AI initiatives seek to innovate and improve traditional voice and data services for Indian consumers.
Reality shows, cricket turn advertisers' safe bets
Established non-fiction shows such as Bigg Boss and Kaun Banega Crorepati have continued to attract advertisers despite the blackout. Bigg Boss has roped in 95 sponsors across its language editions, while KBC has secured 25 sponsors. Cricket is also drawing advertiser interest, with India matches providing an opportunity to reach large audiences in a second half of the year largely devoid of marquee events such as the IPL or ICC tournaments. The India-West Indies series has drawn a strong response from brands, while the India-New Zealand series is also expected to see strong traction.
Jailer 2 OTT release: When and where to watch Rajinikanth's action thriller after its theatrical run
Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2 hit theatres on October 15, 2026, generating buzz among fans and mixed reactions from viewers. While some praised its dark humour, action sequences, background score and climax, others felt the second half lacked comedy. With speculation surrounding its digital premiere and a possible November release, fans are now waiting for an official announcement about when and where they can stream the action thriller after its theatrical run.
Gnani AI adds tone and pace controls to its multilingual speech model Timbre v3.0
Gnani AI introduced Timbre v3.0, enabling businesses to control AI voice parameters like pace and expression. The model supports text-to-speech across nine Indian languages and Indian-accented English. Features include audio tags for nuances and text normalisation for clear communication of information. This speech generation technology is applicable in various sectors such as finance, healthcare, and telecommunications.
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