1312 Interactive, India’s first dedicated PC and console game publishing house, has announced it has raised $1 million in seed funding. The round was led by T-Accelerate Capital and Chimera Venture Capital, with participation from Ventana Ventures, Rahul Reddy G, Rohan MC, and Darini Srinivas.
 

Co-founders Deepak Gurijala and Raviteja Mantena
 

Founded by gaming industry veterans Deepak Gurijala and Raviteja Mantena, 1312 Interactive discovers, nurtures, and publishes world-class indie and AA games for global audiences. The company follows its successful pre-seed round, which brought on board backers including Akshat Rathee and Gautam Virk (Nodwin Gaming / Goodgame Investments), Rajat Ojha (Gametronics), Sridhar Muppidi (YesGnome), Tanay Tayal (Ex-Moonfrog), the Founders of Playsimple and Vatsal Chintalpati (ExMachina Investment Partners).
 

The new capital will fuel 1312 Interactive’s expansion of its indie game publishing efforts across emerging markets globally, with a sharpened focus on premium PC and console titles. The company will continue to partner with talented developers, supporting their games through production, marketing, distribution, and platform relationships, with the goal of bringing culturally distinct, high-quality titles to a global audience.
 

As part of this next phase, 1312 Interactive is also introducing 1312 Playground, a community-led initiative designed to give developers access to meaningful player feedback throughout the development process. 1312 Playground will help studios build engaged player communities early, offering real player input, hands-on testing, feedback, and audience insights well before launch.
 

Carol Wong, Founding Partner, T-accelerate Capital (TAC) said, “1312 is building the piece India’s gaming ecosystem has been missing: real PC/Console publishing infrastructure that can carry culturally distinct titles to a global audience. Deepak and Raviteja pair sharp editorial instinct with genuine operational depth, and their focus on shaping games alongside real player communities well before launch reflects the maturity of a new generation of studios ready to compete on the world stage. We’re proud to back them as they close the gap between where great games are made and where they get played.”
 

Krish Anurag, Managing and Founding Partner, Chimera Venture Capital, said, “1312 Interactive stood out to us because Deepak and Ravi aren’t just publishers, they’re operators who understand what it takes to get a game from a studio’s vision to a global storefront. Emerging markets are producing some of the most creative game development talent in the world, and 1312 Interactive is building the infrastructure to bring that talent to the players who are waiting for it. We’re excited to back their next phase of growth.”
 

“This funding is a strong vote of confidence in our vision to build a global publishing platform rooted in emerging markets,” said Deepak Gurijala, Co-founder of 1312 Interactive. “Great games can come from anywhere, but the infrastructure to take them to a global audience has historically been out of reach for many studios. With this round, we’re doubling down on our mission to close that gap, and to give developers the production, marketing, and community support they need to compete on the world stage.”
 

“1312 Playground is one of the initiatives we’re most excited about,” added Raviteja Mantena, Co-founder of 1312 Interactive. “Too often, developers only hear from players after a game has shipped, when it’s too late to act on that feedback. We want to flip that model, connecting studios with real, engaged players from early in development so games are shaped by the communities they’re built for. Combined with our publishing pipeline, this positions 1312 Interactive as a true long-term partner for developers, not just at launch, but throughout the entire journey.”
 

With this fundraise, 1312 Interactive continues to build on the momentum from its debut publishing slate, which includes Winds of Arcana (Brewed Games), Palm Sugar: A Village Story (Mono Tusk Studios), Souls of Bombarika (Street Lamp Games), We Are So Cooked (Dwarven Brothers) and Misadventures of Space Man Biff (Prescription Studios) with 6-8 additional titles planned annually across marketing, QA, localization, and production support for studios in India and beyond.
 

“India has never had a shortage of game-making talent; it has had a shortage of the publishing infrastructure that turns a good build into a global release,” said Shylaja Rao, Founding GP, Ventana Ventures. “Deepak and Raviteja have spent their careers on both sides of that gap. We’re backing 1312 to become the layer that emerging-market studios have been missing,” Shylaja added.
 

About T-Accelerate Capital (TAC)
T-Accelerate Capital is a global venture capital firm investing at the intersection of gaming, consumer technology, and interactive media. With a $100M fund and a growing global footprint, especially across India, Vietnam, and Turkey, the firm backs teams building the products, platforms, and cultural movements shaping the next generation of digital experiences.
 

About Chimera Venture Capital
Chimera VC is a $25M venture capital firm investing at the intersection of gaming and consumer technology. With roots in India and a lens on the world, we back founders building the products, platforms, and infrastructure that define how people live digitally.
 

We partner from pre-seed and seed, joining teams early and staying alongside them as they scale from early traction to global reach, shaping how people spend their time, attention, and money across work, play, connection, shopping, and creativity.
 

About Ventana Ventures
Ventana Ventures is an India-based micro VC focused on gaming and interactive media, backing ambitious founders at the pre-seed and seed stages.
 

Founded in 2021, Ventana invests in the next generation of gaming companies and supports founders from early prototypes through scale. Beyond capital, Ventana brings hands-on mentorship, industry expertise and a deep network to help founders accelerate time-to-market and avoid early-stage pitfalls.

With a founder-first approach, Ventana aims to build sustainable, high-value gaming companies with the potential to compete on a global stage.
 

About 1312 Interactive
1312 Interactive is India’s first dedicated PC and console game publishing house, founded by Deepak Gurijala and Raviteja Mantena. The company discovers, nurtures, and publishes world-class indie and AA games for global audiences, offering studios end-to-end support across production, marketing, QA, localisation, and distribution.
 

With an ambitious roadmap, strategic alliances, and a commitment to elevating Indian talent to global standards, 1312 Interactive is rewriting the rules of India’s gaming industry. By championing bold, creative ideas, the publisher is set to make a lasting mark on the international gaming stage.
 

For more information on I312 Interactive, log onto 1312interactive.com.

Getting ready for a trip can start with a few familiar and sometimes annoying questions: Where did we park the car? How much charge is left? Do we need to charge before leaving?

The VF MPV 7 features on-board diagnostics and Firmware-Over-the-Air (FOTA) technology, enabling seamless software updates remotely – without the need for a trip to the service centre

With the VF MPV 7, owners can check in on the vehicle remotely through the VinFast smartphone app. The connected-car system allows them to monitor the vehicle’s location and status, while also receiving notifications related to vehicle operation, intrusion and software updates.

This can be especially useful when the car is parked somewhere large and busy. An apartment complex, airport parking lot or shopping centre can turn finding your own car into a small mission of its own. A quick check on the phone can help locate the VF MPV 7 without having to retrace the entire parking lot.

The same connection can also help with getting ready for the next journey. A quick check of the vehicle’s status before heading out can help families decide whether to charge first or simply get going, particularly when a longer drive is on the schedule.

And when charging does become part of the plan, being able to think about it before the battery gets low can make the journey easier to organise. Instead of adding an unplanned stop halfway through the day, drivers can factor charging into their route ahead of time.

The digital connection does not stop once the car is parked. The VF MPV 7 also comes with on-board diagnostics and FOTA, or firmware-over-the-air updates, allowing the vehicle to receive software updates without turning every software-related task into a visit to the service centre.

It is a little like the way people now expect their phones to keep updating in the background. The car remains connected, rather than being something that only gets attention when the owner physically gets behind the wheel.

And once the family does get inside, the VF MPV 7 has another way of keeping things simple.

Once inside, drivers can also turn to the virtual assistant

Once inside, drivers can also turn to the VF MPV 7’s virtual assistant, which puts vehicle control within their voice while helping them keep their attention on the road.

The cabin also features a 10.1-inch infotainment display, giving the driver and passengers a central place to access the car’s infotainment functions. Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available, making it easy for smartphone users to stay connected.

There is another detail that drivers may notice once they settle into the front seats. Instead of placing the gear selector between the seats, the VF MPV 7 integrates it into the steering column. That leaves the centre area more open and gives the front cabin a cleaner layout.

These details may sound small on their own, but they add up during everyday family use. Together, they help the VF MPV 7’s technology fit naturally into the family routine: The phone helps before the journey starts, the connected-car system keeps the vehicle in touch with its owner, and the in-cabin technology takes over once everyone is on board.

The result is a car designed to make the entire journey smoother, from getting ready to setting off. And for a seven-seat MPV, those small conveniences can make a real difference to everyday family travel.

Parimatch Sports, a high-quality sportswear brand inspired by the world’s top athletes, has announced a partnership with Indian kabaddi star Naveen Kumar. Known as “Naveen Express” for his explosive speed, sharp footwork and attacking style, Kumar joins the brand as an ambassador, bringing one of Indian sport’s most exciting talents into the Parimatch Sports family.

PM Sports Welcomes Kabaddi Star Naveen Kumar as Brand Ambassador

Naveen’s rise to the top of Indian kabaddi began far from the spotlight. Growing up in a modest household in Haryana, he faced limited resources and significant financial challenges. His father, a bus driver, made personal and financial sacrifices to support his son’s ambitions, and Naveen has often credited him as a major influence on his success.

Since breaking into the Pro Kabaddi League, Kumar has established himself as one of the competition’s most consistent and explosive performers. He has been named the league’s Most Valuable Player and holds the PKL record for consecutive Super 10s, while also becoming a key member of the Indian national team. In 2023, he helped India secure gold at the Asian Games, adding an international title to his growing list of achievements.

Kumar brings plenty of energy to the mat, where his speed, aggressive style and ability to handle pressure have made him one of kabaddi’s standout raiders. Away from competition, he shows a different side through training, fitness and lifestyle content, giving fans a closer look at the person behind the performance.

“Naveen embodies the qualities we value at Parimatch Sports — speed, fearlessness and a constant drive to improve. His journey from a modest background to the highest level of Indian kabaddi speaks to the power of ambition and persistence. We’re excited to work with him and give fans more ways to connect with Naveen both on and off the mat,” said Parimatch Sports Press Office.

“My journey has taught me that you have to keep moving forward, whatever the circumstances. My father believed in me when we didn’t have much, and that belief gave me the confidence to chase this dream. Parimatch Sports feels like a good fit because the brand understands that sport is about ambition, hard work and having the courage to push yourself,” commented Naveen Kumar.

The partnership comes as Kumar prepares to compete with the national team at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, where India will look to defend its kabaddi title, before he returns to the Pro Kabaddi League later in the year. Through content and campaigns around these events, Parimatch Sports will bring fans closer to Kumar’s journey both on and off the mat.

Aviva Life Insurance Company India Limited, a life insurance company committed to helping customers lead healthier, more secure and fulfilling lives, has announced the launch of its Term Insurance Plan with Return of Premiums proposition, Aviva Smart Return of Premium Term Plan, offering customers a return of 105% of the Total premiums paid on survival till maturity.
 

Aviva Life Insurance

As customers increasingly look for financial solutions that address both protection needs and long-term financial planning, the proposition brings together the core benefit of term insurance with a defined return at the end of the policy term. The plan provides life cover during the policy term and, on survival to the end of the policy term, provides for a return of 105% of Total premiums paid, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.

The proposition offers customers the flexibility to choose a policy term ranging from 10 to 30 years and life cover ranging from Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 50 lakh, subject to eligibility criteria and policy terms and conditions. Customers can enter the plan between 18 and 60 years of age, with a maximum age at maturity of 75 years.

Customers can also enhance their protection through optional riders covering accidental casualty and critical illnesses. The plan further offers flexibility in premium payment frequency and the option to purchase the policy under the Married Women’s Property Act (MWPA) to help safeguard policy benefits for the spouse and/or children. 

Key Features of Term Insurance with Return of Premium (TROP):

• 105% Premium Return: Receive 105% of Total premiums paid back at maturity, subject to policy terms and conditions

• Flexible Policy Term: Choose a policy term ranging from 10 to 30 years based on individual protection needs

• Enhanced Protection: Option to enhance protection through available accidental casualty and critical illness riders

• Flexible Premium Payments: Choose from monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or yearly premium payment frequencies

• MWPA Option: Option to safeguard policy benefits for the spouse and/or children under the Married Women’s Property Act

• Policy Loan: Avail a loan of up to 80% of the surrender value, subject to policy terms

• Tax Benefits: Tax benefits as per prevailing tax laws

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Asit Rath, CEO & MD, Aviva Life Insurance, said, “Customers today are looking for insurance (protection) solutions that provide meaningful financial security while offering greater clarity on the benefits available over the policy term. With our Term Insurance with Return of Premium proposition, we are bringing together life protection and a defined return of applicable premiums. At Aviva Life Insurance, our approach goes beyond protection to support the overall well-being of our customers by encouraging healthier lifestyles, positive habits, and greater preparedness for the future. Through relevant, customer-centric solutions, we aim to help individuals and families lead healthier, more secure, and better-prepared lives with confidence.”

Mr. Rajat Srivastava, Chief Distribution Officer, Aviva Life Insurance, said, “At Aviva Life Insurance, our distribution focus is on reaching a wider set of customers with protection solutions that are relevant to their evolving needs and financial priorities. Term Insurance with Return of Premium strengthens our protection portfolio and gives our distribution teams another proposition to engage customers across different life stages, while helping families build greater long-term financial security. As we continue to strengthen our reach and deepen customer engagement across channels and markets, we remain committed to supporting the broader industry vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’.”

The launch further strengthens Aviva Life Insurance’s focus on evolving its protection portfolio in line with changing customer needs. Alongside financial protection, Aviva Life Insurance continues to encourage individuals and families to build greater financial preparedness and adopt positive and preventive approaches to overall well-being.
 

About Aviva Life Insurance
Aviva Life Insurance Company India Limited is a wholly owned (100%) subsidiary of UK-based Aviva International Holdings Ltd. (AIH), an insurance group backed by a rich heritage that dates back to 1696.

Committed to moving the needle from protection to prevention, Aviva Life Insurance helps customers build healthier habits while securing their financial future. Through its range of Term Insurance, Savings, ULIP and Retirement Solutions, complemented by wellness-led offerings and customer-centric initiatives, Aviva Life Insurance helps customers protect what matters most and plan confidently for the future.

Website: www.avivaindia.com

Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused organization, today hosted Cleft Con India 2026, its annual flagship gathering for cleft-affected individuals and their families. Now in its fifth edition, the event has grown into India’s largest platform of its kind, bringing together cleft community, healthcare professionals, and advocates from across the country under this year’s theme, “Cleft Proud, Smile Loud”.

Cleft Con India 2026, celebrating the strength, resilience, and spirit of India’s cleft community

This year’s edition featured a keynote address by Michael Dehal, Senior Portfolio Manager at Dehal Investment Partners of Raymond James Ltd. Born with a cleft lip and palate, Michael shared how he transformed his personal journey into a story of resilience, going on to build a successful career in finance while championing greater awareness and acceptance for individuals born with clefts. His address offered the audience unique insights into overcoming stigma, building confidence, and using lived experience to inspire change.

The day brought together cleft warriors and families for candid conversations and firsthand accounts of courage and transformation, alongside sessions exploring the emotional, social, and medical dimensions of living with a cleft, and the importance of early intervention and comprehensive care.

Susannah Schaefer, President & CEO, Smile Train, said, “Every year, Cleft Con India shows us the power of community – of individuals, families, and medical partners coming together to change the narrative around facial differences. We remain committed to ensuring every child in India has access to free, quality cleft care, no matter where they are born.”

Mamta Carroll, Senior Vice President & Regional Director, Asia, Smile Train, added, “Cleft Con India is a reminder that pride and confidence are as much a part of comprehensive cleft care as surgery itself. This year’s theme, Cleft Proud, Smile Loud, captures exactly what we see in India every year – a community that refuses to be defined by stigma, and instead leads with strength and self-acceptance.”

With over 35,000 children born with clefts in India each year, many continue to face bullying and isolation because of their facial differences. Left untreated, cleft can lead to difficulties in eating, hearing, speaking, and breathing – but timely medical intervention can transform outcomes, allowing children to thrive physically, socially, and emotionally. Smile Train works with a network of 130+ medical partner hospitals across 30 states and Union Territories in India, supporting 100% free, comprehensive cleft care through a sustainable model that trains and funds local medical professionals.

Events like Cleft Con India play a critical role in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and reinforcing the importance of early medical intervention and long-term support for individuals affected by clefts. Beyond the personal stories, discussions, and performances, this year’s gathering reaffirmed the strength of community in fostering acceptance – a reminder that every individual has the right to be cleft proud, and to smile loud.

About Smile Train India

For cleft treatment-related queries or support, please call our toll-free helpline number: 1800 103 8301.

Ai+ Smartphone is strengthening its after-sales experience in India with plans to expand its service network to 1,000+ service centers across the country. It will also be establishing its first exclusive Ai+ Service Centre in Delhi this Diwali. Complementing the expansion of its physical service infrastructure, the brand is also introducing the Ai+ Assistance App, a unified digital platform designed to bring device support, service bookings, ticket tracking and troubleshooting assistance together in one place.

Ai+ Smartphone to Cross 1,000+ Service Touchpoints

The expansion will add 200+ service centres to its already existing network of 800+ service centres, further extending the brand’s after-sales reach across India. Together, the physical and digital expansion is aimed at making the ownership experience more accessible, transparent and consistent for Ai+ customers, from raising a service request to tracking its resolution.

Commenting on the announcement, Madhav Sheth, CEO, NxtQuantum Shift Technologies (Ai+ Smartphone), said, “Building a smartphone brand goes beyond the device. At Ai+, the ownership experience is where the real relationship begins. Crossing 1,000+ service touchpoints, establishing our first exclusive service centre and introducing the Ai+ Assistance App are important steps towards making support more accessible, transparent and dependable. Our focus is simple, to ensure that wherever our customers are, reliable support is never far away.”

The upcoming Delhi facility will be Ai+’s first dedicated Service Centre in India, offering trained technical support, genuine spare parts, standardised repairs, software assistance, warranty support and device setup across the Ai+ smartphone portfolio. For common service requirements, Ai+ is targeting turnaround times ranging from same-day resolution to up to seven days, depending on the nature and complexity of the issue.

Alongside the expansion of its physical service network, Ai+ Smartphone is introducing the Ai+ Assistance App to simplify the customer support journey and provide greater visibility across the service lifecycle. Through the app, customers will be able to access device and warranty information, locate nearby service centres, book service requests, generate and track service tickets, and access troubleshooting assistance. By connecting its digital support experience with its expanding physical service network, Ai+ aims to give customers greater convenience and visibility, from identifying an issue and raising a request to tracking its resolution.

The launch of the exclusive Delhi Service Centre and Ai+ Assistance App marks the next phase of Ai+ Smartphone’s after-sales expansion in India. As the brand continues to grow its physical service network alongside digital support capabilities, the initiative reflects Ai+’s commitment to making after-sales support more accessible, transparent and dependable, ensuring that its customer commitment extends beyond the point of purchase and across the entire ownership journey.

About Ai+ and NxtQuantum Shift Technologies
NxtQuantum Shift Technologies is a deep-tech Indian company building secure, sovereign digital platforms for a digital-first world. Founded by Madhav Sheth, the company develops NxtQuantum OS, India’s first sovereign operating system, and is committed to building technology that is designed, engineered and developed in India while remaining globally competitive.

About Ai+ Smartphone
Ai+ Smartphone is a next-generation brand built in India, delivering reliable and high-performance mobile experiences. Powered by NxtQuantum OS, India’s first sovereign mobile operating system. The brand focuses on delivering a clean design, ensuring long battery life, and maintaining trusted software performance, all while keeping prices accessible without compromising the user experience.

From redefining smartphones to pioneering AIoT products as part of the company’s Connected Ecosystem, Ai+ Smartphone is creating a new standard for trust, immersive experience, and accessibility. Rooted in a privacy-first architecture and a commitment to equitable access, Ai+ Smartphone stands for more than specs — it stands for India’s next era of user-owned, future-ready technology.

Arrow Electronics, a global provider of technology solutions, will showcase technology designed to help customers accelerate innovation across industrial automation, energy, mobility and AI applications at electronica India 2026. Visitors can explore Arrow’s latest technologies at Hall 5, Booth E31 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC).

Arrow Electronics to Showcase Intelligent and Sustainable Technology Solutions at Electronica India 2026

According to the India Brand Equity Foundation, India’s electronics manufacturing industry is projected to reach USD 500 billion by 2030, fueling demand for advanced technologies that help accelerate innovation across industrial automation, energy, mobility and AI applications.

At the event, Arrow will showcase solutions across several key technology areas:

Autonomous Mobile Robotics
Intelligent automation and autonomous systems designed for smart manufacturing, logistics and industrial applications.

Battery Energy Storage & Battery Management Systems
Advanced technologies for energy storage, safety and power management.

EV Charging & Motor Control
Power and control solutions supporting the future of electric mobility.

Smart Metering & Solar
Connected technologies for smarter energy monitoring, renewable energy integration and more efficient energy use.
 

Edge AI & Connectivity
Intelligent, connected solutions enabling real-time insights and decision-making for industrial and IoT applications.

AI Server Power
High-efficiency power solutions designed to support the growing demands of AI infrastructure and data-intensive computing environments.

Arrow will be joined by sponsoring suppliers Altera, Skyworks, TE Connectivity, and YAGEO, demonstrating how collaboration across the technology ecosystem helps customers accelerate the development of next-generation solutions in industrial automation, electrification, sustainable energy and AI-enabled applications.

“India’s growing role in the global technology value chain is creating significant opportunities across industrial, energy, mobility and AI applications,” said Dr. Raphael Salmi, President of Arrow Electronics’ semiconductor business for South Asia, Korea, and Japan. “By combining leading technologies, engineering expertise and global supply chain capabilities, Arrow helps customers reduce complexity, accelerate innovation and bring solutions to market faster. We look forward to engaging with customers and partners at electronica India and demonstrating how Arrow can help turn innovation into impact.”
 

About Arrow Electronics

Arrow Electronics (NYSE:ARW) sources and engineers technology solutions for thousands of leading manufacturers and service providers. With 2025 sales of USD 31 billion, Arrow’s portfolio enables technology across major industries and markets.

Learn more at arrow.com.

Team Quantum Realm from the Chennai campus of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham  secured second place nationally at the ISRO Robotics Challenge (IRoC-U) 2026, organized by the UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC). Along with the prestigious spot, the student team won a cash prize of Rs 7 lakh.

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham secured 2nd place nationally at ISRO Robotics Challenge 2026, winning a Rs 7 lakh cash prize

The award was presented on August 23 in Ahmedabad during the National Space Day celebrations. The team received the prize from Gujarat Cabinet Minister Arjunbhai Modhwadia and ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan, in the presence of Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

The 10-member student team includes Tanush J, Shakti Sree Kumaran, Sanjay Sree, Ram Sreekanth, Kevin Victor, Kavish V, N. Sunil Varma, Manoj Gangadharan, Rahothaman M, and Dharmadashan. They were guided by mentors Dr. Piyush Pratap Singh and Dr. Abhishek Jha.

Nearly 600 teams from across India participated in the competition, with only 20 making it to the final stage. The final field evaluation took place from July 21 to 23 at the UR Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru.

For the final challenge, the students had to design autonomous drones and base stations capable of surveying, navigating, landing, and transmitting data in areas without GPS access. Their technology was designed to help support future space and planetary exploration missions.

Launched in 2024 to honor the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, the annual IRoC-U competition aims to encourage scientific and technological talent among young innovators across the country.

About Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is a multi-disciplinary, research-intensive private university with a student strength of over 31,000, supported by more than 2,150 faculty members. Accredited with the highest ‘A++’ grade by NAAC, Amrita offers more than 300 undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs spanning diverse fields, including Engineering, Management, Medical Sciences, Ayurveda, Life Sciences, Physical and Agricultural Sciences, Law, Arts & Humanities, and Social & Behavioral Sciences.

With a network of ten campuses located in Amaravati, Amritapuri, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Kochi, Mysuru, Nagercoil, NCR Delhi (Faridabad), and Haridwar, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham stands among India’s leading private universities. Spanning over 1,200 acres with more than 10 million square feet of built-up area, the university is distinguished for its commitment to academic excellence and consistently ranks among the top private institutions in the country, reinforcing its reputation as a premier center for quality education.