PRODUCT SEARCH AND PURCHASES
14,000+ gold, silver coins delivered per hour: Instamart, Zepto, others record rising orders as Diwali shopping shifts to q-comm
During the recent Dhanteras and Diwali events, consumers turned to quick-commerce platforms for their festive shopping needs. Significant increases were noted in purchases of gold, silver coins, and traditional items. Quick-commerce platforms reported high demand for kitchen appliances, clothing, and home decor. A marked shift was seen in consumers' willingness to shop during unconventional hours for festive essentials.
Environmental groups embrace AI, even as they warn of data center impacts
Environmental organisations are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance conservation efforts and analyze ecological data. Many express concerns about the environmental impact caused by data centers that support AI technologies. The energy and water consumption of these centers is projected to double by 2030, raising emissions concerns.
Amazon rolls out text-based shopping through Alexa
Amazon said the new text feature lets users research and compare products, track deals and price drops, and have Alexa for Shopping complete purchases on their behalf.
$5 billion in 5 days! Why FIIs are suddenly shopping Indian stocks non-stop this Diwali
Foreign institutional investors have poured nearly $5 billion into Indian equities in five trading sessions, marking a sharp reversal after months of heavy selling. Strong Q2 earnings, softer crude prices, stable currency and the global AI sell-off are improving India's appeal, with investors rotating towards relatively undervalued markets and large-cap stocks.
AI shopping agents could threaten Amazon and Walmart's ad business
Retail powerhouses Walmart and Amazon are also the world's two largest retail media businesses, dominating the estimated $74.4 billion in US retail media spending with a combined 88% share of that market, according to projections from data firm Emarketer. But digital assistants could soon disrupt that business.
AMD's OpenAI, Meta chip deals trigger $1 billion quarterly charge
AMD in February agreed to sell up to $60 billion worth of AI chips to Meta over five years, giving the Facebook owner warrants that could let it buy as much as 10% of the chip firm if it meets certain milestones. The deal followed a similar agreement with OpenAI last year, giving the startup the option to buy up to roughly 10% of the chipmaker.
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'One layoff can expose years of poor financial planning': Man earning ₹40 lakh LPA gets laid off, reveals ₹2 crore home loan, ₹30 lakh personal loan and pending car EMIs
After losing a job with a salary of ₹40 lakh per annum, a man faces severe financial stress. He has ongoing loans, including a ₹2 crore home loan and a ₹30 lakh personal loan. With a baby on the way and just two months of savings left, he struggles to meet the demands. Although he received job offers at half his previous salary, he is uncertain about accepting them.
AMD's OpenAI, Meta chip deals trigger $1 billion quarterly charge
AMD in February agreed to sell up to $60 billion worth of AI chips to Meta over five years, giving the Facebook owner warrants that could let it buy as much as 10% of the chip firm if it meets certain milestones. The deal followed a similar agreement with OpenAI last year, giving the startup the option to buy up to roughly 10% of the chipmaker.
Google Pay wants to help you pick your next outfit
Google Pay is testing a new fashion and lifestyle shopping feature in India, bringing personalised outfit recommendations, visual product search and virtual try-on to its payments app. The Discover section will allow users to explore clothing trends, find similar products by uploading photographs and get daily outfit suggestions. Powered by Google's Shopping Graph, which has over 60 billion product listings, the feature redirects users to merchants' websites to complete purchases.
Krafton steps up India bets to build next global gaming franchise beyond PUBG
Krafton Inc. is actively investing in India's gaming industry to fuel its growth and develop new titles. The company aims to expand beyond its successful PUBG franchise, which has achieved immense popularity in India. With plans to acquire another studio, Krafton seeks to leverage India's talent pool and expertise in software development. The Bangalore team is expected to grow significantly, aided by advancements in artificial intelligence.
Matcha moment: A Japanese tea brews up a $96 million flavour in India
Matcha tea market India: The country's matcha market is set to expand, with projected revenue growth from $45.7 million in 2025 to $96.4 million by 2033. Café chains like Tata Starbucks are already seeing increased sales from matcha products, catering to evolving consumer preferences. Instagram and social media have played a significant role in the rising popularity of matcha drinks and recipes.
AI search gains 3-fold influence over traditional search in shopping decisions: McKinsey
McKinsey's survey, conducted in June 2026, covered around 21,000 consumers across 11 markets. It found that 56 per cent of consumers had used standalone AI chat or search tools for shopping in the previous three months, compared with 27 per cent who had used AI shopping assistants operated by retailers.
Millennials lead AI shopping adoption in India at 84%, ahead of Gen Z: McKinsey
In India, Millennials are leading the adoption of artificial intelligence for shopping, with 84 percent using AI tools. Gen Z follows closely at 74 percent, showcasing a growing trend across age groups. The report reveals that India ranks second globally for AI shopping adoption, with 76 percent of consumers utilizing such tools. Trust in AI-powered shopping is notably high in India, with 87 percent expressing confidence in AI tools.
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.
Bend volunteer Brad Pinkert turned a battered ReStore door into a hall tree with a storage trunk and hooks; the finished piece drew the event’s highest bid of $375
In Bend, Oregon, a dedicated volunteer took an old door and turned it into a stunning hall tree for a fundraising event. This creative transformation emphasizes the blend of style and utility, illustrating the beauty of reclaimed materials. The initiative showcases a rising trend in sustainable furniture design, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of reusing and restoring items, ultimately contributing to eco-friendly living practices.
Kentucky homeowner Renay Davis reused a $110 antique cast-iron fireplace cover as a kitchen backsplash, reportedly saving more than $800 compared with tile
During a recent farm auction, Renay Davis stumbled upon an old cast-iron fireplace cover, which she artfully reimagined as a captivating backsplash in her kitchen. This resourceful decision allowed her to sidestep the hefty costs of conventional tiles while also contributing to the upcycling phenomenon in home renovations. Her project exemplifies the rising admiration for antique materials, revealing a strong shift toward incorporating distinctive salvaged pieces in modern living spaces.
Bend volunteer Brad Pinkert turned a battered ReStore door into a hall tree with a storage trunk and hooks; the finished piece drew the event’s highest bid of $375
In Bend, Oregon, a dedicated volunteer took an old door and turned it into a stunning hall tree for a fundraising event. This creative transformation emphasizes the blend of style and utility, illustrating the beauty of reclaimed materials. The initiative showcases a rising trend in sustainable furniture design, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of reusing and restoring items, ultimately contributing to eco-friendly living practices.
Bloomberg, two trading firms agree to pay Truth Social for faster access to Trump's posts, sources say
The firms are Susquehanna International Group and Jump Trading, both high-frequency trading firms focused on algorithmic and automated strategies.
Brands need to shift to ‘Bharat-first’ strategy as digital usage grows
To effectively connect with rural customers, brands should embrace a 'Bharat-first' advertising philosophy. Digital channels are increasingly shaping the shopping behaviors of younger rural populations, with influencer marketing playing a pivotal role, particularly among female consumers. The integration of AI features alongside social media enhances the flow of product knowledge in these areas.
OpenAI plans to buy Google's AI chips
OpenAI plans to buy Google's AI chips, The Information reported on Tuesday, citing a person familiar with the matter, as technology companies ramp up spending on data centers and semiconductors to meet surging demand for AI computing.
What is maxxing? Meaning, history and why it beat unc and affordability to become 2026 Word of the Year
From improving physical appearance to optimising sleep and AI use, “maxxing” has become shorthand for pursuing something to its fullest. Dictionary.com has chosen the term as its 2026 Word of the Year, alongside a shortlist featuring “affordability”, “data center”, “odyssey” and “unc”.
Meet Ryan Deiss, who started an online business with just $500 in 1999; how he built DigitalMarketer and grew his digital marketing empire
Ryan Deiss was an 18-year-old freshman at the University of Texas at Austin in 1999. He started building basic websites for clients who were willing to pay him. One client reportedly could not pay him for his work but gave him an e-book she had written about making homemade baby food.
Emma Stone has a net worth of $60 million with multiple housing properties across LA, New York, and Texas; Inside her real estate portfolio
Emma Stone, an acclaimed actress hailing from Arizona, rose to prominence with her standout performance in Superbad. After tying the knot with Dave McCary in 2020, they celebrated the arrival of their daughter in 2021. A savvy investor, Stone has amassed a portfolio of real estate, including prime properties in California and New York.
Global PE giant L Catterton invests in Glance as AI reshapes shopping
L Catterton, which manages about $40 billion in equity capital, said the deal reflects its research into how AI is reshaping product discovery and purchasing. The firm plans to support Glance’s expansion, particularly in the U.S., drawing on its operating expertise and global network.
‘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.
Meet Alex Ruber and Parth Chopra, who created a million-dollar app after more than 5 failed startup ideas; what made their product different?
Alex Ruber and Parth Chopra met and at that time were working as full-time engineers. Simultaneously, they enjoyed building and working on side projects. Both were reportedly interested in fashion, particularly second-hand clothing. At first, they developed an AI-powered shopping tool for second-hand fashion.
We have to change the conversation from media costs to business value: Publicis Media's Lalatendu Das
India's advertising sector is experiencing a transformative phase driven by innovations in artificial intelligence and the rise of the creator economy. Marketers are prioritizing agencies that provide tangible business outcomes over mere media optimization. As a result, there is a transition in advertising budgets from traditional celebrity endorsements to content created by influencers.
Walmart launches tools for AI agents to shop for customers
Walmart on Wednesday intrduced new tools that will allow artificial intelligence agents to shop and complete transactions for customers, as the retailer seeks to position itself in the growing use of AI-powered assistants in online commerce.
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