Policies
India Orders X to Curb Grok After Explicit AI-Generated Content Appears on its Platform
The ministry also gave the platform 72 hours to submit an action-taken report.
The Left Shift Bureau
The Left Shift Bureau brings you sharp, original reporting and analysis on India’s AI and technology ecosystem—covering startups, enterprise AI, innovators, funding, products and the people shaping what comes next.
Acquisition
Meta–Manus Deal May Face China Export Control Scrutiny
Founded in 2022 by a China-based team, the company later relocated its headquarters to Singapore.
Reports
Meta Accused of Hiding Scam Ads From Regulators: Report
Reuters said Meta focused on managing regulatory scrutiny rather than eliminating scam ads.
Acquisition
NVIDIA in Talks to Acquire AI21 Labs in Deal Valued up to $3 Bn: Report
Recently, NVIDIA also acquired AI inference chip startup Groq.
AI Models
OpenAI is Developing a New AI Model for Real-Time, Natural-Sounding Audio Generation
The model is expected to launch by the end of March and is designed to produce more natural-sounding speech while supporting smoother, real-time conversational interactions.
Acquisition
SoftBank to Buy DigitalBridge for $4 Bn in Push to Build AI Data Centre Infrastructure
The transaction was unanimously approved by DigitalBridge’s board and a special committee of independent directors.
AI Startups
OpenAI Weighs Ads Inside ChatGPT as It Searches for a Sustainable Revenue Model
The company is in the early stages of evaluating potential ad formats and partnerships.
Acquisition
Coforge to Acquire Encora in $2.35 Bn All-Stock Deal, Bets Big on AI-Led Engineering
Founded in Silicon Valley, Encora provides AI-native software engineering services to digital-native companies and Fortune 1000 enterprises.
Acquisition
Meta Acquires Singapore-Based AI Agent Startup Manus in Multi-Billion Dollar Deal
Meta plans to integrate Manus’ technology into its Meta AI assistant and other consumer and enterprise products across platforms,Earl including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger.
Acquisition
Cautio Acquires Two-Wheeler Safety Startup BYTES to Expand AI Road Safety Platform
The acquisition will see BYTES’ team and core technology absorbed into Cautio’s operations
Drones
Sarla Aviation Begins Ground Tests of Air Taxis in Bengaluru
SYL-X1 features a 7.5-metre wingspan and serves as a sub-scale platform for the company’s planned full-scale aircraft with a 15-metre wingspan.
Funding
Bengaluru-Based Prosperr.io Raises $4 Mn to Build AI-Powered Tax Infrastructure for India
The startup offers an always-on tax platform for salaried individuals that adapts to financial goals, unlocks eligible deductions, and enables proactive advisor communication.