Daily Strategic Briefing

Australia to let Big Tech choose its own adventure to enact kids social media ban

Suggests using multiple overlapping approaches and being kind to kids who get kicked off Australia’s eSafety commissioner has told social media operators it expects them to employ multiple age assurance techniques and technologies to keep children under sixteen off social media, as required by local law from December 10th.…

Microsoft blocks bait for ‘fastest-growing’ 365 phish kit, seizes 338 domains

Redmond names alleged ringleader, claims 5K+ creds stolen and $100k pocketed Microsoft has seized 338 websites associated with RaccoonO365 and identified the leader of the phishing service - Joshua Ogundipe - as part of a larger effort to disrupt what Redmond's Digital Crimes Unit calls the "fastest-growing tool used by cybercriminals to steal Microsoft 365 usernames and passwords."…

Li-ion roars can predict early battery failure, MIT boffins say

Batteries emit distinct acoustic signatures depending on how they're failing - a bit like people, really When lithium-ion batteries degrade, they emit acoustic signals that reveal what's going wrong inside. Now, MIT researchers say they've figured out how to interpret those sounds, and the subtle creaks and pops that come before major failures, to help predict problems before things go up in smoke.…

Criminals broke into the system Google uses to share info with cops

Talk about an inside job Google confirmed that miscreants created a fraudulent account in its Law Enforcement Request System (LERS) portal, which police and other government agencies use to ask for data about Google users.…

Fiverr cuts 30% of staff in pivot to being 'an AI-first company'

250 people now have the chance to sell their freelance services on the site ai-pocalypse  Freelance services marketplace Fiverr has told around 250 staffers that they are back on the market as it pivots to having "a modern, clean, AI-focused infrastructure from the ground up."…

Meta Connect 2025: What to expect and how to watch

Summary:

Meta is expected to unveil new versions of its AI-powered smart glasses, as well as a gesture-indicating wristband.

Silicon Valley bets big on ‘environments’ to train AI agents

Summary:

A wave of startups are creating RL environments to help AI labs train agents. It might be Silicon Valley’s next craze in the making.

CodeRabbit raises $60M, valuing the 2-year-old AI code review startup at $550M 

Summary:

The round, which brought the two-year-old startup’s total funding to $88 million, was led by Scale Venture Partners.

Gemini tops the App Store thanks to new AI image model, Nano Banana

Summary:

Though the month is only half over, Gemini’s app has already gained 12.6 million downloads in September, up from 8.7 million in August.

Waymo’s Tekedra Mawakana on Scaling Self-Driving Beyond the Hype

Summary:

Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana takes the Disrupt Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 (Oct 27–29, SF) to share the realities of scaling autonomous vehicles — from safety to regulation to the road ahead.

Trufrost & Butler raises $7M led by Carpediem Capital

The company said the funding will be used to strengthen order fulfilment, expand service infrastructure, increase domestic manufacturing, and explore opportunities in select international markets.

Peak XV leads $48M investment in LA-based MarqVision

The deal marks one of Peak XV’s most visible moves in the US since its split from Sequoia Capital in June 2023, after the US-based investment giant divided its global operations.

FirstClub secures $23M to push quality-first quick commerce platform

Backed by Accel and RTP Global, FirstClub is betting that India’s quick commerce boom will shift from speed to standards, with families paying more for quality everyday essentials.

Consumer electronics startup Indkal Technologies bags $20M funding

Indkal’s new capital will fund R&D, strengthen sales and service, expand Wobble Displays’ product portfolio, introduce new display categories, and develop after-sales infrastructure and marketing activities.

Short-form video learning platform Seekho bags $28M led by Bessemer

Seekho plans to invest in new content formats, primarily powered by AI, blending video with interactive elements to create more personalised learning journeys.

Dreamfolks Falls 5% on Lounge Service Suspension

Dreamfolks shares drop 5% after suspension of domestic airport lounge services. Source: ScoutQuest

Gokaldas Exports Surges 6% on US-India Trade Optimism

Gokaldas Exports jumps over 6% amid positive US-India trade talks. Source: ScoutQuest

L&T Bags Key Power Grid Orders in India, UAE, Oman

L&T's Power T&D unit secured major grid orders in India, UAE, and Oman. Projects include 300 MVAr STATCOMs, 400/132 kV grid stations, and power revamps. Source: ScoutQuest

Paytm Launches Interest-Free UPI Credit with Suryodaya Bank

Paytm introduces Postpaid credit on UPI with up to 30 days interest-free. Partners with Suryodaya Small Finance Bank for 'Spend Now, Pay Next Month' on UPI. Source: ScoutQuest

Nomura Rates Prestige Estates 'Buy'; CLSA Upgrades Cement Stocks

Nomura initiates a 'Buy' rating on Prestige Estates. CLSA upgrades cement companies; Investec bullish on Belrise. Source: ScoutQuest

Silver Declines as Fed Decision Looms

Country: Commodity, Description: Silver fell more than 1% to around $42 per ounce on Wednesday, pulling back from 14-year highs as investors locked in profits ahead of the Federal Reserve’s policy decision. The Fed is widely expected to cut rates by 25 basis points later today, with markets pricing in about 67 basis points of easing by year-end. Those expectations have been supported by signs of a cooling labor market, even as inflation holds above the Fed’s 2% target. Investors will also focus on the Fed’s quarterly Summary of Economic Projections, including the “dot plot” outlook for rates. Elsewhere, central banks in Canada and China are expected to ease policy this week, while those in Japan and the UK are likely to stand pat. Still, strong industrial demand from solar, electric vehicles and electronics, combined with supply constraints, continues to lend support to silver prices.

US Rejects India’s Request for WTO Talks on 50% Copper Tariffs

Country: India, Description: The United States has rejected India’s request for consultations at the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding Washington’s 50% tariffs on copper and copper derivative products, arguing that the tariffs are not safeguard measures, as claimed by New Delhi. According to The Economic Times, the US told the WTO that there is “no basis” for India to seek consultations. Earlier this month, India had initiated the request under the WTO Agreement on Safeguards. This marks the third instance of India seeking WTO consultations with the US and Washington refusing, following previous disputes over steel and aluminium, and automobiles and auto components. The US imposed a 50% tariff on the copper input value of semi-finished and derivative copper imports beginning August 1, under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The measure is set to apply indefinitely.

Australia 10-Year Yield Edges Higher

Country: Australia, Description: Australia’s 10-year government bond yield inched up to 4.22%, as investors awaited key local jobs data due on Thursday that could shape the Reserve Bank’s interest rate outlook. Markets currently assign only a 20% chance of a rate cut at the RBA’s meeting this month, while expectations for a November move—which was almost certain just weeks ago—have been pared back to around 70%, following a run of solid domestic data. Meanwhile, Assistant Governor Sarah Hunter said on Tuesday the RBA is “pretty close” to bringing inflation back to the midpoint of its 2-3% target, adding that the central bank is closely watching the underlying strength of consumer demand as it seeks to keep the economy near to full employment as possible. On the global front, attention turns to the US Federal Reserve's policy decision at the end of its policy meeting later in the day, where it is widely expected to cut rates by 25bps.

Japan 10-Year Yield Climbs After Trade Data

Country: Japan, Description: Japan’s 10-year government bond yield rose above 1.61% on Wednesday, reaching a near two-week high as investors digested the latest trade data. Exports slipped 0.1% in August, a smaller decline than expected but the fourth consecutive monthly drop, driven by a 13.8% plunge in shipments to the US. Imports contracted 5.2%, moderating from July’s 7.4% fall yet above the 4.1% decline forecast by analysts. On policy, the Bank of Japan is expected to leave rates unchanged at 0.5% this week while weighing domestic and external risks, including tariffs. Meanwhile, the US Federal Reserve is set to deliver a quarter-point rate cut later today, with markets pricing in about 67 basis points of easing by year-end.

EU, Indonesia to Sign Landmark Trade Deal Next Week

Country: European Union, Description: The European Union and Indonesia have finalized a trade deal set to be signed on September 23, according to the Financial Times, citing officials in Brussels and Jakarta. EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic will visit Jakarta for the signing. The agreement, part of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), follows a political breakthrough announced in July by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Indonesia said the deal will eliminate tariffs on 80% of its exports within one to two years of implementation. The FT also noted that U.S. President Donald Trump's import tariffs on both parties helped accelerate negotiations.

EU to accelerate Russian fossil fuel phase-out after Trump pressure

Summary: Von der Leyen announced plans to speed up energy transition timeline following call with US president demanding stronger European action against Moscow., Description: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced Tuesday that the EU will accelerate its phase-out of Russian fossil fuel imports following a call with US President Donald Trump, marking a significant escalation in Western economic pressure on Moscow more than three years into Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Von der Leyen confirmed that the European Commission will "propose speeding...

StubHub prices IPO at $23.50, raising $800M

Summary: The ticket reseller achieved an $8.6 billion valuation and will begin trading Wednesday on the NYSE under ticker "STUB.", Description: Ticket reseller StubHub has successfully priced its initial public offering at $23.50 per share, raising approximately $800 million and achieving an $8.6 billion valuation as the company prepares to begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday. The San Francisco-based company sold 34.04 million shares in the IPO, pricing at the midpoint of its marketed range of $22 to $25 per...

Parents testify on teen AI chatbot suicides at Senate hearing

Summary: Families whose teenagers died by suicide after chatbot interactions urged lawmakers to regulate AI companies they say prioritize profit over safety., Description: Parents whose teenagers died by suicide after interacting with AI chatbots delivered emotional testimony to a Senate Judiciary subcommittee on Tuesday, urging lawmakers to regulate an industry they say prioritizes profit over child safety. Matthew Raine, whose 16-year-old son Adam died in April, and Megan Garcia, whose 14-year-old son Sewell Setzer III died in February, spoke at the "Examining...

Sotomayor appears to rebuke Bondi over hate speech remarks

Summary: The justice questioned whether Americans understand the difference between presidents and monarchs, a day after the AG vowed to target hate speech., Description: Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor delivered pointed remarks Tuesday about the dangers of executive overreach and the criminalization of free speech, appearing to criticize Attorney General Pam Bondi's controversial vow to target "hate speech" without naming her directly. Speaking at New York Law School's Constitution and Citizenship Day Summit, Sotomayor questioned whether Americans...

Israel launches ground assault on Gaza City as UN finds genocide

Summary: Thousands of troops advanced into the urban center as a UN commission concluded Israel committed genocidal acts against Palestinians., Description: Israeli forces launched a ground assault on Gaza City Tuesday morning, declaring "Gaza is burning" as Defense Minister Israel Katz promised overwhelming force against what he described as terrorist infrastructure. The operation began after nearly two years of devastating warfare, with the Israel Defense Forces announcing that thousands of troops were advancing into the heavily populated urban...