Daily Strategic Briefing

Alibaba Cloud reveals its uptime and efficiency secrets developed by in-house network boffins

eBPF, shared SmartNICs, and smart scheduling have improved reliability and cut costs Chinese web giant Alibaba has reduced network outages by 92 percent, cut load balancing costs by 18.9 percent, and found ways to improve SmartNIC performance by offloading workloads to idle infrastructure.…

Laravel inventor tells devs to quit writing 'cathedrals of complexity'

Taylor Otwell says skip the clever code, keep it simple Taylor Otwell, inventor and maintainer of popular PHP framework Laravel, is warning against overly complex code and the risks of bypassing the framework.…

Microsoft-backed boffins show mega speed boost with hollow-core fiber

Could dramatically reduce latency between datacenters and on mobile nets A team of networking boffins has published fresh research on hollow fiber cables that it claims could offer the lowest ever recorded optical loss for a fiber – meaning the signal would weaken less as it travels, leading to faster speeds and lower latencies.…

White House nixes NASA unions amid budget uncertainty

Executive order adds space agency to National Security Exclusions, voiding collective bargaining rights for staff Happy Labor Day. The US administration has removed union recognition from NASA as budget cuts and layoffs loom.…

Azure budget alerts go berserk after Microsoft account migration misfire

Cloud customers left reeling as forecasts leap hundreds of percent Some Microsoft Azure customers have had a worrying few days after a problematic account migration caused forecast costs for the cloud service to skyrocket, triggering budget alerts.…

U.S. and Indian VCs just formed a $1B+ alliance to fund India’s deep tech startups

Summary:

Eight U.S. and Indian VC and PE giants are teaming up to fuel India’s deep tech boom.

LayerX uses AI to cut enterprise back-office workload, scores $100M in Series B

Summary:

This Japanese AI startup just raised $100M to cut businesses’ admin burden.

Behind the scenes and front-row access: Volunteer at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 while you still can

Summary:

With just over a month until TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 hits San Francisco, we’re calling on students, aspiring founders, marketers, and event pros to help the TechCrunch events team pull off one of the largest and most anticipated startup events of the year.

Why Runway is eyeing the robotics industry for future revenue growth

Summary:

Runway is building up a robotics-focused team and fine-tuning its existing models for robotics and self-driving car customers.

Only 5 days left: Exhibit tables are disappearing for TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

Summary:

Every founder says they want visibility, traction, and growth. But with just 10 tables left and 5 days to grab one, the window to make that happen at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is closing fast. Book your table now.

WizCommerce raises $8M in Series A funding led by Peak XV

The AI-powered sales and ecommerce platform for wholesalers will use the funding to hire more talent, build and launch AI employees for wholesalers, and improve its current product offerings.

Goldiam raises Rs 202 Cr to scale lab-grown diamond retail play

The Mumbai-based exporter goes deeper into consumer jewellery, with plans for up to 90 ORIGEM stores, in one of India’s largest fundraises for lab-grown diamonds.

Hero Electronix-backed Tessolve raises $150M from TPG

Tessolve will use the additional capital to strengthen global delivery centers, expand advanced test labs, and accelerate strategic acquisition as it looks to consolidate the company’s position as a key enabler to the global and Indian semiconductor ecosystem.

Offgrid Energy Labs raises $15M in Series A funding round

The company will use the funding to set up its pilot facility in the UK and to kick start production of the firm’s ZincGel technology cells.

CredRight raises $10M in Series B funding from Abler Nordic, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation

CredRight said it will use the capital to expand its loan book, upgrade its technology platform, and extend its reach across Tier II to Tier IV towns.

Shree Renuka Sugars Jumps 12%; Trading Volume Soars 7.4x Avg

Shree Renuka Sugars' trading volume is 7.4x 2-week avg at 155L shares. NSE value traded reached Rs 50 Cr; CMP at Rs 32.11, up 11.5%. Source: ScoutQuest

Avendus Upgrades Mphasis to 'Add', Sets ₹3,300 Target

Avendus upgrades Mphasis to Add with a target of ₹3,300/share. The upgrade cites improved deal pipeline and wins in BFS and non-BFS sectors. Source: ScoutQuest

CG Power Eyes Double-Digit Growth; Tube Investments Targets Single-Digit Rise

CG Power aims for double-digit growth in the upcoming period. Tube Investments plans external cell purchases and expects high single-digit growth. Source: ScoutQuest

Motilal Oswal Sees 35% Upside in Real Estate Stock

Motilal Oswal upgrades a real estate stock, predicting a 35% potential gain. Source: ScoutQuest

Adani Ports' Aug Cargo Up 16% YoY to 41.9 MMT

Adani Ports' Aug '25 cargo volume rose 16% YoY to 41.9 MMT. YTD Aug '25 cargo up 11% to 202.6 MMT; rail logistics grew 8% YoY. Source: ScoutQuest

BoJ to Press On With Policy Normalization: Deputy Governor Himino

Country: Japan, Description: Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino said it would be appropriate for Japan to keep raising interest rates in line with improvements in the economy and prices. Speaking to business leaders in Kushiro, he noted that “risk and uncertainty will never disappear from the landscape for policymakers.” Despite three rate hikes so far, real interest rates remain very low as inflation stays strong. Himino stressed the need to “continually assess the balance of risks, both upside and downside, and respond in a timely and appropriate manner” to limit damage if conditions shift. On scaling back government bond purchases, he said a central bank’s balance sheet affects the economy through both assets and liabilities. Any adjustment, he added, should follow the principle that long-term rates are set by markets, with authorities providing predictability while keeping flexibility to safeguard stability.

China Hosts SCO Summit, Calls for Fairer Global Order

Country: China, Description: The leaders of China, Russia, India, and seven other nations met in Tianjin on Monday for the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. Founded 24 years ago, the bloc has expanded its reach, now counting 27 members and partners across Central and Southeast Asia. At the event, President Xi Jinping unveiled plans for an SCO development bank, a cooperation platform for green and energy industries, and pledged USD 1.4 billion in loans over the next three years. President Vladimir Putin backed Xi’s initiatives, saying the SCO “could take on the leading role in efforts to form a more just and equal system of global governance in the world.” Xi also urged members to reject Cold War mentalities, rival power blocs, and bullying, instead defending the U.N.-centered system and working toward a multipolar, fairer order of global governance.

Indonesia Stocks Rebound

Country: Indonesia, Description: The IDX Composite rose 89 points, or 1.1%, to 7,825 in morning trade on Tuesday, snapping a two-day losing streak and rebounding from its lowest level since August 11, supported by positive domestic economic data. Data released on Monday showed that inflation in August eased slightly, while the July trade surplus beat market expectations, and the manufacturing sector grew for the first time in five months. Sentiment was further lifted by expectations of potential Fed rate cuts later this month. However, gains were capped by concerns over political tensions, as protests continued in the capital today against inequality and rising living costs. Investors also remained cautious about US tariffs after a US federal appeals court ruled that most of former President Trump's global tariffs are illegal. All sectors traded in positive territory, led by the raw materials sector. Among the early gainers were Gudang Garam (2.7%), United Tractors (2.2%), Bank BNI (1.6%), and BRI (1.3%).

Hong Kong Equities Trade Lower

Country: Hong Kong, Description: Hong Kong shares slipped 86 points or 0.3% to 25,534 in Tuesday morning trade, reversing part of a more than 2% rally in the previous session as investors booked profits. Meanwhile, U.S. futures fell slightly after Wall Street remained shut for a holiday on Monday. Still, further losses were limited by stronger-than-expected August manufacturing PMI data from a private survey in China, signaling improving factory activity following an extended trade truce with the U.S. Adding to market focus, President Xi Jinping announced Monday plans to accelerate the creation of a development bank and establish an international energy cooperation platform, unveiled at a summit alongside Russia and India that highlighted Beijing’s growing challenge to U.S. global leadership. Sector performance was broadly negative, led by technology, consumer, and property stocks. Among notable decliners were China Unicom (-4.7%), SMIC (-2.8%), Techtronic Industries (-2.4%), and Meituan (-1.7%).

Aussie Dollar Snaps Five-Day Rally

Country: Australia, Description: The Australian dollar weakened to around $0.654 on Tuesday, snapping a five-session winning streak, as investors paused amid a mix of domestic economic signals. Notably, Australia’s current account deficit narrowed to over one-year low in Q2 2025, coming in better than market expectations. Moreover, manufacturing activity jumped to a near three-year high in August 2025, marking the eighth consecutive month above the 50-point expansion threshold. Meanwhile, business inventories saw their weakest expansion since the contraction in Q3 2024. In the housing sector, private house approvals posted a modest rebound in July. However, this was overshadowed by a steep drop in total dwelling approvals, which fell well short of forecasts and erased June’s strong gains. Looking ahead, investors are focused on PMI data due later today, followed by GDP figures and a speech by RBA Governor Michele Bullock tomorrow, which may provide further clarity on the central bank’s monetary policy outlook.

Indonesian president cancels lawmaker perks after deadly riots

Summary: Prabowo Subianto made unprecedented concessions following nationwide protests that killed eight people, sparked by controversial parliamentary housing allowances., Description: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto made unprecedented concessions Sunday evening, announcing the cancellation of controversial monthly housing allowances for lawmakers and suspending their overseas trips after nationwide protests left at least eight people dead. The dramatic policy reversal came as violent demonstrations that began over parliamentary perks escalated into the country's worst...

Gaza flotilla departs Spain after weather delay

Summary: The Global Sumud Flotilla left Barcelona Monday evening with 300 activists and aid, including Greta Thunberg, expected to reach Gaza mid-September., Description: The Global Sumud Flotilla successfully departed Barcelona for Gaza Monday evening after a dramatic weather delay that forced the convoy to return to port just hours after its initial Sunday departure. The mission, described as the largest maritime attempt to break Israel's naval blockade of Gaza, resumed its journey despite facing winds exceeding 56 kilometers per hour that posed risks to...

Maduro warns of 'republic in arms' as US ships near Venezuela

Summary: Venezuelan president claims eight warships with 1,200 missiles pose the greatest threat to South America in a century., Description: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro escalated tensions with Washington on Monday, claiming eight U.S. warships carrying 1,200 missiles and a submarine are targeting Venezuela in what he characterized as the greatest threat to South America in a century. The accusations come amid a major U.S. naval buildup in the Caribbean that Maduro says represents a regime change attempt disguised as anti-drug...

Badenoch vows to make North Sea oil 'cornerstone' of UK economy

Summary: Conservative leader promises to end Labour's drilling restrictions and maximise extraction, attacking government's net zero policies as anti-prosperity., Description: Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch pledged to make North Sea oil and gas the "cornerstone" of the UK economy, promising to end what she calls "Labour's ban" on new drilling licences while criticising the government's net zero policies as anti-prosperity. Speaking ahead of the Society of Petroleum Engineers Offshore Europe conference in Aberdeen, Badenoch declared that a Conservative government...

520-million-year-old fossil reveals 'perfect' arthropod brain

Summary: Youti yuanshi, a poppy seed-sized larva, offers unprecedented insights into the evolutionary origins of insects, spiders and crabs., Description: A paleontological discovery has uncovered one of the most extraordinary fossils in scientific history: a 520-million-year-old arthropod larva with its brain and internal organs preserved in stunning detail. The fossil, named Youti yuanshi, offers an unprecedented glimpse into the early evolution of some of Earth's most successful creatures. The tiny specimen, no larger than a poppy seed, was...