The government has approved a Growth Fund for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) amounting to Rs 10,000 crore. This fund is intended to provide long-term equity capital to small and medium businesses, with a particular focus on the manufacturing sector. The funds will be directed towards supporting capacity expansion, technology adoption, exports, and overall business growth, including companies located in second and third-tier cities.
The emphasis on strengthening manufacturing comes as companies also attract expansion funds through public markets. For instance, Swara Baby Products, supported by FirstCry, received SEBI approval for an IPO worth Rs 1,000 crore. This amount includes a primary offering of Rs 500 crore and a public offering of Rs 500 crore. The newly raised capital is planned to be used for establishing a new manufacturing facility in Madhya Pradesh, debt repayment, and acquisitions.
Beyond manufacturing, India's growing technological ecosystem is strengthening its position in artificial intelligence (AI). India is among the top ten emerging markets ready for AI adoption, with private investment in AI more than tripling to reach $4.1 billion in 2025. However, the World Bank has pointed out gaps in skills, infrastructure, and policy that could affect the broader application of AI.
The increasing demand for AI is also driving the development of India's digital infrastructure. According to CBRE data, the country's data center sector has attracted approximately $173 billion in committed investments since 2021, including $38 billion in the first half of 2026. Operational capacity is expected to reach 2 GW by the end of the current year.
Meanwhile, the Flipkart Big Billion Days XIII sale is set to launch on October 9, offering AI-powered shopping tools, expanded seller participation, and a larger delivery network. Early access for Plus, BLACK members, and Flipkart credit cardholders will begin on October 8.
In the context of the digital world, while excluding children from social media may mitigate certain risks, this is insufficient for complete protection in an increasingly digitized world. A more significant challenge lies in creating an online environment where children can learn, explore, and communicate safely, with responsibility shared among parents, schools, platforms, and regulators.
It was also noted that the Bengaluru-based startup Beyond Appliances secured Rs 110 crore in a Series B round led by Fireside Ventures to expand its product range and manufacturing capabilities.