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- Rapido's Data Leak, Namma Yatri’s Expansion, Info Edge's Acquisition
Rapido's Data Leak, Namma Yatri’s Expansion, Info Edge's Acquisition
Plus GST hikes, Physics Wallah's government tie up, Baaz's battery partnership, fundraise by Arata, and RIP Rohan

A somber note as Epigamia co-founder Rohan Mirchandani passes away, while the GST Council’s new EV resale tax sparks fresh debates. Info Edge deepens its healthcare bet with Brainsight, and Baaz Bikes teams up with Tata Power-DDL for EV battery-swapping hubs in Delhi.
In edtech, Andhra joins hands with Physics Wallah to launch an AI-focused Institute of Eminence, and Namma Yatri is gearing up for a five-city expansion. Meanwhile, Rapido fixes a data leak, underscoring the ever-critical need for robust digital security.
Grab your simmering cup of StartupChai.in and unwind with our hand-brewed memes.

“Rest In Peace”: Epigamia Cofounder Rohan Mirchandani Passes Away
The startup world has lost another visionary: Epigamia co-founder Rohan Mirchandani passed away at 42 from a sudden cardiac arrest.
His untimely demise highlights the growing pressures faced by young entrepreneurs juggling ambition and well-being. As the industry mourns, it also urges a deeper conversation about health in high-stakes careers.
Read more here

“Ye Kaisi Vipda Hai Prabhu”: User & Driver Data Leaked At Rapido, Glitch Fixed
Rapido hit a bump in the road with a feedback form glitch that leaked sensitive user and driver data.
The bug exposed names and phone numbers but has since been patched by the platform. While Rapido assures users it’s fixed, the incident raises fresh concerns over data security in ride-hailing apps.
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“Saans Lene Ka Bhi Tax Lagega”: GST Council Hikes GST On EV Resale By Businesses
The GST Council has introduced an 18% tax on the resale of used EVs by businesses, a move that could impact the burgeoning second-hand EV market.
Meanwhile, decisions on revising tax rates for food delivery platforms like Swiggy and Zomato were deferred for further review. Offering some relief, transactions under ₹2,000 processed by payment aggregators will remain GST-exempt.
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“Vroom Vroom In Car”: Namma Yatri To Expand Services To Five-Six Cities
Namma Yatri is revving up for expansion, aiming to roll out services in five to six cities, including Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata, by 2025.
The platform plans to integrate auto and metro solutions alongside bus tracking and multimodal transport planning. Backed by ONDC’s zero-commission ethos, it’s paving the way for fairer working conditions and smarter commuting.
Read more here


“Yahan Ke Hum Sikandar”: Info Edge Arm To Pick Up Additional Stake In Brainsight
Info Edge’s Redstart Labs is upping its game in healthcare tech, acquiring an additional stake in Bengaluru-based Brainsight Technology for ₹3 crore.
This move raises Redstart’s shareholding to 5.27%, signaling growing confidence in Brainsight’s potential. It’s a small step, but one that reflects Info Edge’s steady push into promising sectors.
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“Janmo Ke Saathi”: Andhra Govt Partners Physics Wallah To Build AI-Focused Institute Of Eminence
The Andhra Pradesh government has teamed up with edtech giant Physics Wallah to establish its first AI-focused Institute of Eminence.
Backed by a ₹1,000 crore investment and partnerships with industry leaders like AWS India, the initiative blends academic rigor with cutting-edge tech relevance. It’s a bold step toward crafting a future-ready workforce in deeptech and AI.
Read more here

“Hum Saath Saath Hai”: Baaz Bikes Partners Tata Power-DDL To Set Up Battery Swapping Stations
Baaz Bikes is teaming up with Tata Power-DDL to supercharge EV adoption in north and northwest Delhi.
Their plan is advanced battery-swapping stations that make charging as quick as a pit stop. It’s a move that could redefine convenience for electric two-wheelers in the capital.
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Hair care startup Arata has raised $4 Mn from Unilever Ventures, L'Oréal’s BOLD, and others, fueling its 3X growth journey. The funds will drive innovation, consumer research, and expanded distribution across platforms.
Read more here
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