Daily Strategic Briefing

Vibe coding service Replit deleted user’s production database, faked data, told fibs galore

AI ignored instruction to freeze code, forgot it could roll back errors, and generally made a terrible hash of things The founder of SaaS business development outfit SaaStr has claimed AI coding tool Replit deleted a database despite his instructions not to change any code without permission.…

Microsoft patches failed to fix on-prem SharePoint, which is now under zero-day attack

PLUS: China upgrades smartphone surveillance tools; Ring eases anti-snooping stance; and more Infosec In Brief  Microsoft has warned users of SharePoint Server that three on-prem versions of the product include a zero-day flaw that is under attack – and that its own failure to completely fix past problems is the cause.…

US signals intention to rethink job H-1B lottery

Foreign worker program represents betrayal of US computer science students, advocacy group argues The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) intend to reevaluate how H-1B visas are issued, according to a regulatory filing.…

UK uncovers novel Microsoft snooping malware, blames and sanctions GRU cyberspies

Fancy Bear can't keep its claws out of Outlook inboxes The UK government is warning that Russia's APT28 (also known as Fancy Bear or Forest Blizzard) has been deploying previously unknown malware to harvest Microsoft email credentials and steal access to compromised accounts.…

China proves that open models are more effective than all the GPUs in the world

OpenAI delayed its promised open-weights model since GPT-2, leaving the Middle Kingdom clearly in the lead Comment  OpenAI was supposed to make good on its name and release its first open-weights model since GPT-2 this week.…

Why Cartken pivoted its focus from last-mile delivery to industrial robots

Summary:

Cartken started seeing an influx of demand for its last-mile delivery robots from industrial customers and is now focused on that sector.

Windsurf CEO opens up about ‘very bleak’ mood before Cognition deal

Summary:

Days after AI coding startup Windsurf announced that it’s being acquired by Cognition, Windsurf exec Jeff Wang took to X to offer more details about the drama and uncertainty around the deal.

Benchmark in talks to lead Series A for Greptile, valuing AI-code reviewer at $180M, sources say

Summary:

YC alum Greptile raises $30M Series A.

Why a Y Combinator startup tackling AI agents for Windows gave up and pivoted

Summary:

Pig.dev was working on a problem that could have been revolutionary: agent tech for controlling Windows desktops.

ServiceNow’s acquisition of Moveworks is reportedly being reviewed over antitrust concerns

Summary:

The probe into the acquisition, which was announced in March, began in June according to sources familiar with the matter.

Sai Parenterals raises Rs 50 Cr in equity to expand global footprint

The company said the capital will be used to fuel its global expansion strategy, including acquisitions in regulated markets, enhancement of its manufacturing footprint, and diversification of its product portfolio.

Deeptech startup BQP bags $5M in seed round led by Monta Vista Capital

The deeptech startup will primarily utilise the funds to fuel the development of its unified digital‑twin platform, BQPhy, which targets critical sectors such as aerospace, defence, and semiconductors.

Former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati’s Thinking Machines Lab raises $2B at $12B valuation

The firm will roll out its first product, featuring a significant open-source component, which will be useful for researchers and startups in the coming months as they develop custom models and understand frontier AI systems.

Lo! Foods nears Rs 100 Cr ARR, fuels next phase with $3.5M funding to drive Protein Chef

Lo! Foods will use funding to scale Protein Chef by expanding warehousing, strengthening backend tech, launching offline pilots, and building its brand.

AI analytics firm Fractal raises $172M ahead of IPO: Report

The transaction saw long‑time backer Apax Partners offload a 6% stake to a consortium of 22 institutional investors. Among the buyers were funds advised by Trust Investment Advisors, White Oak Capital Management, Gaja Capital and Neo Asset Management.

Bandhan Bank Falls 3% on Weak Q1 Results

Bandhan Bank shares drop ~3% after Q1 results. Source: ScoutQuest

HDFC Bank Rises as Q1 Impresses, No Sell Ratings

HDFC Bank shares gain post-Q1 results, reflecting positive sentiment. No analysts have issued a sell recommendation on HDFC Bank. Source: ScoutQuest

Som Datt Finance Rights Issue Oversubscribed 123%; BSE Listing Approved

Som Datt Finance's rights issue oversubscribed by 123%; shares allotted and credited. BSE listing approval granted, effective July 21, 2025; funds to be used prudently. Source: ScoutQuest

Indian Overseas Bank Rated 'Good' Amid Strong Financials

Indian Overseas Bank upgraded to 'good' quality due to strong financials. Key factors include rising net interest income, profits, and solid capital ratios. Source: Marketsmojo

Dhanuka Gains on Strong Q4 Trends, Sales Up

Dhanuka Agritech's evaluation score improved due to strong technical trends. Q4 FY24-25 results show net sales growth, peak operating margin, and solid management. Source: Marketsmojo

Copper Rises on China’s Industrial Support Measures

Country: Commodity, Description: Copper futures climbed toward $5.6 per pound on Monday, trading near record highs after China’s industry ministry pledged to stabilize growth in key sectors such as machinery, autos, and electrical equipment. The initiative aims to modernize production and could boost demand for industrial metals. Beyond downstream industries, the action plan covers 10 core sectors, including steel, nonferrous metals, petrochemicals, and construction materials, adding further support to the metals market. Copper prices surged to all-time highs earlier this month after US President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on copper imports starting August 1. The move is intended to consolidate the domestic copper industry and reduce dependence on refined imports. As a result, the premium between US copper and comparable futures on the LME hit a record 25% as traders accelerated shipments to the US ahead of the tariff deadline.

Palm Oil Retreats to Start the Week

Country: Commodity, Description: Malaysian palm oil futures fell around 1% to hover below MYR 4,280 per tonne, slipping after a 2.5% rally in the previous session. The pullback came as traders locked in profits after the contracts hit a near four-month high. Sentiment was further pressured by weakness in soyoil prices on both the Chicago Board of Trade and the Dalian exchange, as well as a slightly stronger ringgit, which makes palm oil more expensive for foreign buyers. On the export front, signs of softening demand emerged after cargo surveyor Intertek Testing Services estimated that Malaysian palm oil product exports fell 3.5% during July 1–20 compared to the same period last month. Additionally, concerns about near-term demand were fueled by ample inventories in key importers such as India and China. However, losses were partially capped as Malaysia raised its August crude palm oil reference price, a move that reflects recent market strength. As a result, the export duty was increased to 9% from 8.5% in July.

China to Launch New Action Plans for Industrial Growth

Country: China, Description: Beijing will roll out action plans to stabilize growth in the machinery, auto, and electrical equipment sectors, according to Tao Qing, spokesperson for China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. The initiative aims to "improve premium supply capacity" and promote both qualitative upgrades and steady quantitative growth. Tao added that a digital transformation plan for the automotive industry will be introduced, alongside similar initiatives for machinery and power equipment. The ministry also plans to promote the "orderly exit of outdated production capacity" as part of its broader industrial strategy.

Australian Dollar Falls Ahead of RBA Minutes, Bullock Speech

Country: Australia, Description: The Australian dollar depreciated past $0.65 on Monday, extending losses from the previous week, as market sentiment remained subdued ahead of this week’s release of the RBA meeting minutes and a speech by Governor Michele Bullock. This followed the RBA's unexpected decision to leave its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.85%, contrary to widespread expectations of a 25 bps cut. Nevertheless, economists anticipate a gradual shift toward monetary easing later this year, with current forecasts indicating that the cash rate could decline to around 3.1% by early 2026, supported by a stable labor market and cautiously improving economic growth prospects. Meanwhile, investors continued to grapple with concerns over evolving US trade policies, as Australia weighed the impact of potential US tariffs of up to 200% on pharmaceutical goods. While affirming its commitment to fair trade, the Australian government reiterated that it will not negotiate on its existing drug subsidy policies.

Australia 10-Year Bond Yield Ticks Lower

Country: Australia, Description: Australia’s 10-year government bond yield edged lower to around 4.33% as traders awaited fresh signals to gauge the central bank’s policy outlook. Key events this week include the release of the RBA meeting minutes and a speech by Governor Michele Bullock, both of which may offer insights into the interest rate trajectory following the surprise hold earlier this month. The decision has since been challenged by emerging signs of labor market softness, with data last week showing that the unemployment rate rose to 4.3% in the June quarter—the highest since November 2021. Investors are also eyeing a series of flash PMI readings this week for additional clues on economic momentum. Meanwhile, concerns about Australia’s economic resilience persisted after Treasurer Jim Chalmers addressed the risk of potential US tariffs of up to 200% on pharmaceutical exports—a key industry. These external pressures may add to the case for a more dovish policy stance to help cushion the economy.

Putin open to Ukraine peace talks if Russia achieves goals

Summary: Kremlin spokesman says Moscow wants peaceful conclusion but won't elaborate on specific objectives as Zelensky proposes fresh negotiations., Description: Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled openness to pursuing peace negotiations with Ukraine, but only if Moscow achieves its strategic objectives in the ongoing conflict, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in a televised interview aired Sunday. The statement comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed fresh peace talks for next week and U.S. President Donald Trump...

Pope condemns Gaza war as 'barbarity' after church attack

Summary: Pontiff named three victims killed in Israeli strike on Holy Family Catholic Church and called for immediate ceasefire., Description: Pope Leo XIV delivered one of his strongest condemnations yet of the ongoing Gaza conflict on Sunday, denouncing the war as "barbarity" and calling for an immediate ceasefire following Israel's deadly strike on Gaza's only Catholic church three days earlier. Speaking from his summer residence at Castel Gandolfo, the pontiff named the three victims killed in the attack and appealed to the...

Kabul could become first modern city to run out of water

Summary: UN agencies warn Afghanistan's capital faces unprecedented water crisis, with groundwater sources potentially depleted by 2030., Description: Afghanistan's capital Kabul is on the brink of becoming the first modern city to completely run out of water, according to warnings issued this week by UN agencies and humanitarian organizations. The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) described the situation as "unprecedented" on Thursday, stating that nearly six million residents now face severe water shortages. The crisis...

Japan's ruling party loses historic majority in upper house

Summary: PM Ishiba vows to stay in office despite defeat, citing critical trade negotiations with Trump ahead of tariff deadline., Description: Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's ruling coalition suffered a crushing defeat in Japan's upper house elections Sunday, losing its parliamentary majority in what marks the first time the Liberal Democratic Party has failed to control both chambers since 1955. Exit polls projected the LDP and its Buddhist-backed partner Komeito secured just 32-51 seats, well short of the 50 needed to maintain their...

73 Palestinians killed while seeking aid in Gaza

Summary: The deadliest day for aid-seekers in the 21-month conflict occurred as Israel issued new evacuation orders for central Gaza., Description: At least 73 Palestinians were killed and more than 150 injured on Sunday while seeking humanitarian aid across Gaza, marking one of the deadliest days for aid-seekers in the 21-month conflict. The killings coincided with Israel issuing new evacuation orders for parts of central Gaza, further restricting movement in areas where international organizations distribute aid. The tragedy underscores...