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Month: September 2025

Digital Native

Donatuz Launches AI-Led Monetisation Platform for Creators

Observenow Desk September 17, 2025

Bengaluru-based startup Donatuz has introduced an AI-powered platform designed to help digital creators streamline their income generation and build direct connections with audiences. The platform, currently in beta, brings together key monetisation tools — subscriptions, community memberships, live interactions, and digital product sales — under a single dashboard.

Since its soft launch, Donatuz has already onboarded around 70 creators across content categories such as gaming, lifestyle, and entertainment, along with a growing base of more than 12,000 users. The platform’s AI layer offers creators actionable insights, audience engagement recommendations, and automated support to help them optimise both content and revenues.

Donatuz’s revenue model is built around a 12% commission on creator earnings. According to founder and CEO Maslin Edwin, the company aims to address a long-standing challenge in the creator economy: overdependence on brand collaborations for income. By providing multiple streams of monetisation, Donatuz seeks to make creators’ earnings more predictable and sustainable.

The launch is timely, as India’s creator economy continues to grow at a rapid pace, with millions of independent creators seeking platforms that provide transparency and control over their audience relationships. Traditional monetisation often forces creators to manage multiple tools, from subscription platforms to community apps and payment processors. Donatuz centralises this entire process, allowing creators to focus on producing engaging content while the platform handles monetisation, analytics, and user management.

Industry experts view Donatuz as part of a new wave of startups focused on creator empowerment and decentralisation, offering creators more direct ownership of their work and audience data. With early traction and a clear focus on AI-driven efficiency, Donatuz is positioning itself as a serious player in India’s fast-expanding digital creator landscape.

Tags: Donatuz

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Digital Native

ChatGPT Allegedly Used by Scammers in Southeast Asia Fraud Compounds

Observenow Desk

A new investigation has revealed that organized fraud networks operating in Southeast Asia are using ChatGPT to create fake identities and messages, intensifying global concerns over AI misuse. The networks reportedly target U.S.-based real estate agents and cryptocurrency investors through a sophisticated form of online fraud known as “pig-butchering,” where victims are groomed over time before being defrauded of large sums of money.

According to victim testimonies, some of these fraud operations are linked to compounds where trafficked workers, including Kenyan nationals, are forced to work under harsh and abusive conditions. These individuals are often lured with promises of legitimate jobs, only to find themselves coerced into scamming activities once they arrive. Accounts of physical abuse, confiscation of passports, and constant surveillance have emerged, painting a grim picture of the human trafficking component behind these scams.

Investigators say the use of ChatGPT and other AI tools has made scams more convincing and harder to detect. The technology is reportedly used to generate natural-sounding messages, create backstories for fake profiles, and even draft emotionally persuasive responses to build trust with victims. Experts warn that this marks a new phase in cybercrime where AI lowers the barrier for conducting large-scale, personalized fraud.

Authorities in several countries, including the United States and nations in Southeast Asia, are increasing efforts to crack down on these operations. Human rights groups are also urging governments to rescue trafficked workers and dismantle the compounds where these scams are orchestrated.

The revelations underscore the dual-use nature of AI tools and highlight the urgent need for safeguards, cross-border cooperation, and ethical oversight to prevent their misuse in criminal enterprises.

Tags: ChatGPT

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Digital Native

IIT-Madras Incubated Startup Deploys BEADS Technology for Wastewater Treatment in Erode

Observenow Desk September 16, 2025

JSP Enviro Pvt Ltd, an IIT-Madras incubated startup, has rolled out its innovative Bio-Electrochemical Anaerobic Digestor System (BEADS) across industrial units in Erode and Perundurai, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective solution for wastewater treatment. The technology is designed to save operational costs, recover energy, cut carbon emissions, and minimize sludge production compared to conventional treatment systems.

Founded by IIT Madras Incubated Startup Deploys BEADS Technology for Wastewater Treatment in Erode alumni, JSP Enviro focuses on addressing India’s pressing industrial water challenges. The BEADS system works without the need for high-energy aeration, unlike traditional aerobic processes. Instead, it uses a combination of microbes and electrodes to accelerate the breakdown of organic waste while generating electricity as a byproduct. This allows industries to recycle wastewater efficiently and recover some of the energy consumed in treatment.

According to the company, BEADS significantly reduces the use of chemicals and avoids frequent replacement of electrodes, which keeps maintenance costs low. Industries deploying the system have reported improved compliance with pollution control norms, lower operational expenses, and a cleaner environmental footprint.

Early deployments in Erode district and Perundurai have shown strong results, encouraging JSP Enviro to expand installations across sectors such as textiles, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. The company claims that a single unit treating about 100 cubic meters of wastewater per day can cut up to 80 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, contributing to sustainability goals and potentially qualifying for carbon credits.

The success of BEADS highlights how deep-tech innovations emerging from Indian research institutions are finding practical, commercial applications. With regulatory pressure on industries to treat and reuse water increasing, JSP Enviro’s technology could play a pivotal role in helping companies meet compliance while improving profitability.

Tags: IIT MadrasJSP Enviro Pvt Ltd

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Digital Native

How Rapido Rapidly Raced to the Top with Bike Taxis

Observenow Desk

Rapido has emerged as India’s leading ride-hailing platform, commanding nearly half of the market and overtaking Uber in July 2025. Industry data shows that the platform now boasts close to 50 million monthly active Android users, a milestone that reflects its rapid adoption and dominance across the country.

The company’s success can be attributed to its strong focus on bike taxis, a segment that offers fast, affordable, and convenient transportation, especially in congested urban areas and underserved Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. By prioritizing two-wheelers, Rapido has been able to address last-mile connectivity challenges and capture a user base that seeks low-cost, quick rides.

In addition to bike taxis, Rapido has expanded into cab services and currently holds around 30% of that market, challenging Ola and Uber more directly. A key differentiator has been its innovative subscription-based driver model. Instead of charging a per-ride commission, Rapido offers predictable daily or weekly subscription fees, which have proven attractive to driver-partners by ensuring higher take-home earnings.

This aggressive approach has pushed competitors to rethink their strategies. Uber has begun cutting fares in several key cities and has rolled out driver subscription options to counter Rapido’s appeal. Despite this competition, Rapido’s leadership has emphasized sustainable growth, improved service reliability, and better driver economics as their long-term focus.

Rapido’s story highlights a major shift in India’s mobility sector. By blending affordability, technological efficiency, and a deep understanding of non-metro markets, the company has not only outpaced global rivals but also reshaped customer expectations. With demand for quick and economical mobility on the rise, Rapido is well-positioned to consolidate its leadership in India’s rapidly evolving ride-hailing ecosystem.

Tags: rapido

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Digital Native

Minute Media Acquires VideoVerse to Strengthen AI Sports Video Technology

Observenow Desk

Minute Media, a global sports publishing and ad-tech platform, has announced the acquisition of VideoVerse, an India-based AI-driven video editing startup. The deal is seen as a strategic move to enhance Minute Media’s technology stack and expand its capabilities in sports content creation, editing, and monetization at a time when demand for short-form and highlight video content is soaring worldwide.

VideoVerse, best known for its flagship platform Magnifi, uses artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision to automatically detect key moments in sports footage, generate highlights, add graphics, create metadata, and publish content in real time. The platform is already popular among sports broadcasters, leagues, and digital publishers for its ability to streamline workflows and deliver engaging clips almost instantly.

By integrating VideoVerse’s technology, Minute Media aims to offer an end-to-end solution that covers everything from automated content production to distribution through its network of sports media brands and partners. This acquisition will also allow Magnifi’s existing clients to benefit from Minute Media’s extensive reach and advertising infrastructure, opening up more opportunities for monetization.

The transaction also marks a significant exit for VideoVerse’s early investors, including Alpha Wave Global, Audacity Venture Capital, and Bluestone Equity Partners, reflecting growing interest in Indian deep-tech startups within the global media ecosystem.

Industry analysts say the deal highlights how sports media companies are prioritizing AI to keep pace with shifting viewer habits. With audiences consuming more real-time highlights on digital platforms, automated video solutions are becoming a key differentiator for publishers. Minute Media’s move positions it strongly to capitalize on this trend and deliver faster, smarter, and more engaging sports content to fans worldwide.

Tags: Minute MediaVideoVerse

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Digital Native

OpenAI and NVIDIA to Invest Billions in UK Data Centres

Observenow Desk

OpenAI and NVIDIA are preparing to invest billions of dollars in building data centre infrastructure across the United Kingdom, in partnership with Nscale Global Holdings. The announcement is expected to coincide with a major US technology delegation visit during President Donald Trump’s state trip to the UK, underlining the strategic importance of artificial intelligence and compute capacity in global economic planning.

The initiative aims to significantly scale up Britain’s computing power to meet rising demand from AI research and enterprise adoption. Industry insiders suggest the plan includes multiple large-scale data centres designed to support next-generation AI workloads, training models, and providing cloud services for businesses and public institutions. The investment is seen as one of the largest commitments of its kind in Europe, with a focus on energy-efficient operations and advanced chip infrastructure.

Executives including OpenAI’s Sam Altman and NVIDIA’s Jensen Huang are expected to participate in discussions with UK officials, exploring incentives for energy supply, sustainability measures, and regulatory support. The partnership with Nscale Global is likely to accelerate timelines for construction and deployment, leveraging their experience in large-scale data infrastructure projects.

This move aligns with a broader global push by governments and technology companies to secure sovereign AI capacity, reducing dependence on overseas computing resources. For the UK, the project could bring significant economic benefits, including job creation, enhanced digital infrastructure, and positioning the country as a hub for AI innovation.

Analysts note that the announcement reflects the growing recognition that data centres are critical to enabling AI growth, from generative models to industry-specific applications. The investments are expected to set new benchmarks for collaboration between technology leaders and national governments in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.

Tags: NVIDIAOpenAI

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Exclusive

India to Host AI Impact Summit in February 2026, Focus on Safety and Growth

Observenow Desk

India will host the AI Impact Summit in February 2026, announced Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw. The summit is expected to bring together global experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to address the safety, ethics, and impact of artificial intelligence on society and the economy. The event will position India as a key player in shaping global AI governance while promoting innovation and responsible adoption.

In preparation for the summit, NITI Aayog has organized a series of showcases highlighting successful AI applications across multiple sectors. District-level projects have demonstrated significant results, including improved learning outcomes in education, increased productivity in agriculture, and better healthcare delivery in underserved regions. These initiatives are seen as proof points that AI can deliver inclusive and scalable benefits when implemented thoughtfully.

Vaishnaw emphasized that hosting the summit aligns with the government’s vision of “Viksit Bharat,” a developed India by 2047. According to a roadmap released by NITI Aayog and the NITI Frontier Tech Hub, AI has the potential to contribute significantly to economic growth, helping the country close the gap between its projected GDP of $6.6 trillion and its target of $8.3 trillion by 2035. The report identifies two primary growth drivers: widespread adoption of AI across industries and innovation powered by generative AI research.

Sectors such as banking, manufacturing, education, and healthcare are expected to see early gains from AI-driven efficiencies and innovations. The summit will serve as a platform to share best practices, set policy directions, and ensure that AI technologies are deployed in a manner that is safe, ethical, and inclusive for all citizens.

Tags: AI Impact SummitAshwini Vaishnaw

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Governance

PM Modi Pledges ₹3,000 Crore Support to Manipur, Emphasizes Peace and Unity

Observenow Desk September 15, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Churachandpur in Manipur on September 13, 2025, to assess the situation following recent ethnic violence and meet displaced residents. During his visit, he announced a special relief package of ₹3,000 crore aimed at supporting rehabilitation, reconstruction, and development efforts in affected areas. The Prime Minister also committed to constructing 7,000 new homes for those who lost their residences, providing immediate shelter and long-term stability for affected families.

Addressing the community, PM Modi called for peace, harmony, and unity among all groups in the state. He emphasized the importance of collective efforts to rebuild communities and restore normalcy, highlighting the government’s commitment to ensuring safety, development, and social cohesion in Manipur. The relief package is expected to cover essential services, infrastructure rebuilding, and livelihood support for displaced families, aiding their reintegration into society.

The Prime Minister’s visit included interactions with local authorities and community leaders to understand ground realities and coordinate effective relief measures. Officials noted that the government would closely monitor the implementation of rehabilitation programs, ensuring timely execution and transparency. The initiative also focuses on enhancing public infrastructure, healthcare, and education facilities in affected areas to support long-term development.

PM Modi’s engagement underscores the central government’s proactive approach in responding to crises, combining immediate humanitarian support with strategic planning for sustainable recovery. By pledging financial aid and housing support, the government aims to restore confidence among residents and create conditions for peaceful coexistence and inclusive growth in Manipur.

Overall, the visit and relief measures reflect India’s commitment to protecting vulnerable communities, promoting social harmony, and supporting states in times of distress, while reinforcing national unity and stability in the northeastern region.

Tags: Narendra ModiPM Modi

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Governance

Madhya Pradesh Launches ‘Seva Pakhwada’ Drive to Boost Nutrition, Health, and Sanitation

Observenow Desk

The Madhya Pradesh government has announced the launch of a two-week initiative called ‘Seva Pakhwada,’ running from September 17 to October 2, 2025. The campaign aims to strengthen citizen welfare by coordinating efforts across multiple government departments, with a focus on nutrition, health services, sanitation, and active community participation. The initiative reflects the state’s commitment to improving development indicators and promoting inclusive growth.

During Seva Pakhwada, the government plans to organize health camps, vaccination drives, and nutrition awareness programs targeting vulnerable populations. Efforts will also include sanitation and cleanliness drives in urban and rural areas, ensuring that basic hygiene and public health standards are reinforced. The campaign encourages citizens to actively participate in community welfare activities, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for local development.

Officials highlighted that the initiative is designed to address key social challenges by combining administrative action with public engagement. By mobilizing various departments, the government aims to create a measurable impact on the state’s health, nutrition, and sanitation outcomes. Special emphasis will be placed on outreach in underserved regions to ensure equitable access to essential services.

Seva Pakhwada also aligns with broader national objectives of improving public health, reducing malnutrition, and promoting sustainable sanitation practices. The coordinated approach is expected to enhance service delivery efficiency and ensure that welfare schemes reach those who need them most.

In conclusion, Madhya Pradesh’s Seva Pakhwada represents a focused effort to boost citizen well-being, enhance public health, and improve sanitation standards. By combining government action with community participation, the drive is poised to make a tangible difference in the lives of residents while strengthening the state’s overall development trajectory.

Tags: Madhya PradeshSeva Pakhwada

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Governance

Defence Procurement Manual 2025: Driving Jointness, Innovation, and Self-Reliance

Observenow Desk

India has unveiled the Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025, a comprehensive framework designed to enhance transparency, efficiency, and innovation in defence acquisitions. Announced on September 14, 2025, the new manual aims to accelerate procurement processes while ensuring accountability and cost-effectiveness. It represents a significant step toward modernizing India’s defence capabilities and fostering a culture of self-reliance in military preparedness.

A key focus of the DPM 2025 is promoting jointness across the armed forces. By streamlining procedures for multi-service requirements, the manual seeks to reduce duplication, optimize resource allocation, and improve operational readiness. The framework encourages coordinated planning and procurement between the Army, Navy, and Air Force, ensuring that equipment and technologies meet the integrated needs of India’s defence forces.

The manual also emphasizes fostering indigenous innovation and leveraging contributions from startups, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and academia. By simplifying participation norms and incentivizing local development, the DPM 2025 aims to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen India’s domestic defence industry. Initiatives include faster approvals, clear guidelines for contract awards, and support mechanisms for research and development.

Transparency and accountability are central to the new framework. The manual introduces measures for clear documentation, audit-friendly procedures, and timely reporting, ensuring that procurement processes are efficient, fair, and corruption-resistant. These reforms are expected to enhance trust among stakeholders, attract investment in defence manufacturing, and build long-term strategic capabilities.

Furthermore, the DPM 2025 aligns with India’s broader defence policy objectives, including ‘Make in India’ and self-reliance, while ensuring that cutting-edge technologies and innovations are integrated into the armed forces. By encouraging collaboration across government, industry, and academia, the manual seeks to strengthen India’s position as a global defence player.

Overall, the Defence Procurement Manual 2025 represents a blueprint for modernizing procurement, fostering innovation, and achieving operational excellence, while contributing to India’s strategic autonomy and enhanced defence preparedness.

Tags: Defence Procurement Manual 2025

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