
Pulse of the Public

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Higher education company upGrad has finalized its acquisition of edtech startup Unacademy for just over $200 million. The deal marks a steep valuation markdown from Unacademy's peak valuation of $3.44 billion in 2021.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has signed Memoranda of Understanding with PhonePe and Shell India, offering DPIIT-recognized startups enhanced access to technology, mentorship, market linkages, and sector-specific support.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently met with 20 Indian space startup leaders, applauding their innovative contributions to the sector and urging them to expand their technological applications across various fields. He emphasized the government's commitment to supporting these ventures to establish India as a global hub for space talent and investment.
The European Union's AI Act began phased enforcement on August 2, 2026, creating a new market for compliance technology where a growing number of European startups are offering solutions to help businesses meet the complex new regulations. These regulatory changes mandate increased transparency, security, and human oversight for AI systems, particularly high-risk applications.