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- Paytm And Others Deny ED Raid, Blackstone Commits $6 billion, and Legal Stakes Rise In Flipkart Stake Sale
Paytm And Others Deny ED Raid, Blackstone Commits $6 billion, and Legal Stakes Rise In Flipkart Stake Sale
Plus news about Prashanth Prakash and Vinod Dham being Padma 2025 Awardees, RBI’s Unified Lending Interface (ULI) facilitating 7.5 lakh loans, and upGrad earmarking INR 2,150 Cr to set up AI Excellence Centres

Accel's Prashanth Prakash and Vinod Dham, the "Father of Pentium," have been named among the 2025 Padma awardees for their contributions to venture capital and tech. Meanwhile, Paytm, Razorpay, and Easebuzz are pushing back against reports of an ED probe related to a crypto scam. On the investment front, Blackstone has committed $6 billion to build data centers in Maharashtra, reflecting the state's growing tech infrastructure.
Legal battles continue as the Supreme Court stays the Delhi HC's order exempting Tiger Global from capital gains tax in its Flipkart stake sale. Additionally, RBI’s Unified Lending Interface (ULI) has disbursed loans worth ₹38,000 crore, while upGrad is investing ₹2,150 crore in AI excellence centers across Maharashtra to train over a million students.
Grab your simmering cup of StartupChai.in and unwind with our hand-brewed memes.

“Aapke Jazbe Ko Salam”: Accel’s Prashanth Prakash & Pentium Father Vinod Dham Among 2025 Padma Awardees
In a notable recognition, Accel India's founding partner Prashanth Prakash and Indian-American entrepreneur Vinod Dham, hailed as the "Father of the Pentium Chip," have been named among the 2025 Padma awardees.
Their contributions to venture capital and technology innovation underscore India’s growing global influence in these domains.
Read more here


“Dekhiye, Hum Imandaar Hai”: Paytm, Razorpay, Easebuzz Deny Reports Of ED Probe
Paytm, Razorpay, and Easebuzz have firmly denied reports of being under an ED probe related to the HPZ Token app scam.
The alleged crypto fraud, pegged at ₹2,200 crore, reportedly led to account freezes across payment gateways. The companies clarified their compliance with all regulations, distancing themselves from the investigation.
Read more here

“Ek Kadam Safalta Ki Aur”: upGrad Earmarks INR 2,150 Cr To Set Up AI Excellence Centers In Maharashtra
upGrad has pledged ₹2,150 crore to establish AI excellence centers across Maharashtra under the state’s ‘Educity’ initiative.
In collaboration with ATLAS SkillTech University and global partners, the initiative seeks to train over 1 million students in AI, including 250,000 rural youth. This effort marks a significant step toward bridging the skill gap in emerging technologies.
Read more here

“Ho Raha Maharashtra Nirman”: Blackstone To Deploy $6 Bn For Building Data Centres In Maharashtra
Blackstone is gearing up to invest $6 billion in data center development across Maharashtra, boosting the state’s digital infrastructure.
Partnering with Panchshil Realty and MIDC, the US-based investment giant has committed $3 billion initially. This move signals Maharashtra's growing appeal as a tech and investment hub.
Read more here
“A Giant Leap For Mankind”: Loans Worth INR 38K Cr Extended Via ULI So Far
Since its pilot launch in August 2023, RBI’s Unified Lending Interface (ULI) has facilitated 7.5 lakh loans worth an impressive ₹38,000 crore.
The platform is transforming credit access by streamlining lending processes.
Read more here

“Ruko Zara, Sabhar Karo”: Flipkart Capital Gains Case As SC Stays Delhi HC Order Exempting Tiger Global
The Supreme Court has stayed the Delhi High Court's order exempting Tiger Global from capital gains tax in its 2018 Flipkart stake sale to Walmart.
The tax exemption dispute stems from the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). This development reopens scrutiny over Tiger Global’s ₹2.36 crore share dealings with Flipkart Singapore.
Read more here

Manufacturing startup CapGrid has secured $3.3 Mn in an extended Series A round led by Anicut Capital. Existing investors Nexus Ventures and Axilor Ventures also participated in the funding.
Read more here
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