India is considering tightening protection measures regarding the use of social media by minors. Central authorities are studying potential measures for users under 18 after the Supreme Court expressed concern over children's access to social media platforms. These steps may once again draw attention to age verification, parental consent, and platform responsibility.
Investment firm Peak XV selected 18 startups to participate in the 12th batch of its seed-stage accelerator program, Surge. This batch covers areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, space technology, consumer internet, healthcare, financial services, and music.
Among the consumer-focused startups in this batch are the dating platform Ditto, the beauty platform Wingit, and GameStock, which applies gaming mechanics to investing. In the AI sector, the venture firm chose Alma, which develops tools for personal computing in an AI-based world, as well as Kello, which creates a platform for human intelligence analysis.
Meanwhile, the business incubator IIM Kozhikode, IIMK LIVE, has partnered with Walmart Global Tech to launch DEEP LEAP—a specialized incubation initiative aimed at scaling deep technology startups in their early stages across India.
DEEP LEAP marks the first official institutional partnership of Walmart Global Tech in the country in the field of deep technology. The program combines academic incubation expertise with global retail technology resources. With support from Walmart CSR funds amounting to 2.89 crore rupees, of which 1.5 crore rupees is specifically allocated for seed funding and equity investment, DEEP LEAP will support early-stage enterprises that have developed a prototype or minimum viable product.
In sports, despite constant rain and falling temperatures, Neeru Dhanda won India's first-ever individual gold medal in archery at the Asian Games on Tuesday. She broke the continental record in intense competition, concluding a brilliant performance after previously leading the Indian team to a silver in the team event.
Today's newsletter will discuss Sollisai Sistahs—the first all-female Tamil rap group from Tamil Nadu. This group uses hip-hop as a form of social activism to fight casteism, misogyny, inequality, and systemic injustice. The group, formed by members including Abisha (B-Sha), Raaga Kaatralai, Kavi Chikki, and Veraa through community spaces like Neelam Social Pa. Randjit, emerged in response to overwhelming male dominance and a culture of abuse in underground hip-hop cyphers.
At the YourStory summit, the flagship startup and technology summit TechSparks 2026, discussions will cover policy, deep technology, AI, fintech, aerospace, mobility, and digital infrastructure. Speakers include Priyank Hardge, Minister of Home Affairs, IT, BT, and e-Governance of Karnataka state, and Krishna Bayre Gouda, Minister of Bengaluru Development, Karnataka state.