Google has unveiled an AI Mode for Search, leveraging its Gemini 2.0 AI models to enhance AI Overviews with advanced reasoning, multimodal capabilities, and deeper insights. According to Robby Stein, VP of Product at Google Search, this feature allows users to ask complex queries and receive AI-powered responses with follow-up suggestions and relevant web links.
Currently available via invitation to Google One AI Premium subscribers, this feature competes with similar offerings from startups like Perplexity, which provide AI-powered search tools for free but charge for premium access to models from OpenAI, Anthropic, and others.
2. Apple Gains Market Share Amid India’s Smartphone Slowdown
Despite a declining Indian smartphone market, Apple continues to grow. In January 2025, shipments dropped 9.7% year-over-year, totaling 11.1 million units, according to IDC. Weak consumer demand and surplus inventory contributed to the downturn.
However, Apple strengthened its position, ranking among the top five smartphone brands in India for the fifth consecutive month. The company’s market share increased from 9.2% in January 2024 to 11.4% in January 2025, demonstrating strong demand for its premium devices.
3. Tata & India Semiconductor Mission Sign Landmark Agreement
Tata Electronics Private Limited and India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) have signed a Fiscal Support Agreement for India’s first commercial semiconductor fab in Dholera, Gujarat. The facility, announced in 2024, represents a ₹91,000 crore investment with a planned capacity of 50,000 wafer starts per month.
The Indian government has pledged 50% financial support for eligible project costs. Tata is collaborating with Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation as a technology partner, with expectations of creating around 20,000 jobs.
4. India Set to Approve More Semiconductor Projects
The Indian government is preparing to approve additional semiconductor manufacturing projects under ISM, according to reports. A key proposal likely to be greenlit is a joint venture between HCL Group and Taiwan’s Foxconn International for an outsourced assembly and testing facility in Noida.
Additionally, a ₹27,000 crore fabrication unit from Tarq Semiconductors, part of the Hiranandani Group, is expected to receive approval. As ISM 1.0 funds are nearly allocated, planning is underway for ISM 2.0, which will further boost India’s semiconductor ecosystem.
5. InsuranceDekho Secures $70 Million in Fresh Funding
Gurugram-based insurtech platform InsuranceDekho has raised $70 million in a funding round co-led by Beams Fintech Fund, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, and BNP Paribas Cardif via its insurtech fund managed by Eurazeo.
Founded in 2017, InsuranceDekho has become a leading digital insurance distribution platform, facilitating policy purchases and claims processing. The company has served over 10.2 million customers and issues 21 new policies every minute.
Stay tuned for more updates on the ever-evolving tech landscape! 🚀
