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Apple Scores Win in Indian Antitrust Battle, Blocks Match and ADIF from Sensitive Data Access

March 13, 2025March 13, 2025 Olivia Craig

In connection with an antitrust investigation in India, Apple has effectively prevented Match Group, the owner of Tinder, and a number of Indian startups from gaining access to commercially sensitive data. This development coincides with the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) ongoing inquiry into Apple’s purported anti-competitive behavior. Despite the conclusion of the investigation, the senior members of the CCI have not yet rendered a decision that could lead to penalties or modifications to the internet giant’s policies.

Illustration shows Apple logo

Credits: Reuters

Background of the Case

A little-known non-profit organization called Together We Fight Society filed the lawsuit against Apple, claiming that the company’s in-app fee structure, which charges up to 30% on transactions, hampered competition and raised costs for both app developers and users. In response to the allegation, the CCI began a thorough inquiry into Apple’s business operations to see whether the corporation had misused its position of dominance in the iOS app market.

Apple maintains that it is still a minor player in India, where Google’s Android dominates the market, and has continuously denied any wrongdoing. As of 2024, only around 4% of India’s 712 million cellphones run on iOS, with Android controlling the majority, according to Counterpoint Research. However, during the last five years, Apple’s smartphone base has increased fivefold, indicating a huge increase in its footprint in India.

Match and ADIF’s Demand for Transparency

Match Group and the Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF), a consortium of Indian startups, sought access to specific confidential information from the investigation report. They argued that Apple’s excessive redactions limited their ability to scrutinize its practices effectively. Match has previously accused Apple of similar tactics in global antitrust cases, claiming that the company uses redactions to hinder accountability.

Despite these arguments, the CCI ruled in Apple’s favor on March 3, stating that the disclosure of sensitive financial data—including developer payouts and billing details—was neither necessary nor beneficial at this stage of the proceedings. The order further emphasized that revealing such data could harm Apple’s competitive standing, particularly given Match’s involvement in similar cases worldwide.

Why This Ruling Matters

Apple’s attempt to defend its business model in India depends on the CCI’s ruling. Apple might have come under more scrutiny if it had been compelled to divulge its private information, not only in India but also in other countries where it is facing comparable accusations.

This decision is a blow to Match and ADIF’s attempts to make Apple’s app store policies more transparent. Their main contention is that, like Google’s in-app pricing scheme, which the CCI earlier rejected in 2022, Apple’s commission structure unjustly restricts competition. In that instance, Match and ADIF probably believed that Google’s $113 million punishment and decision to permit third-party charging systems would establish a precedent for Apple’s case.

Potential Implications for Apple and the Indian Tech Ecosystem

While Apple has successfully defended its confidentiality for now, the larger battle is far from over. The CCI’s senior members are expected to deliver a final ruling in the coming weeks, which could result in penalties or policy changes for Apple’s App Store operations in India.

Apple may have to amend its in-app payment regulations, possibly permitting other payment methods and lowering commissions, if the CCI decides against the business in the end. These adjustments might have an impact on the entire app store ecosystem worldwide. On the other side, if Apple is unharmed, it will be better able to defend itself against similar cases around the world and maintain control over the income model of its platform.

Indian regulator rejects Apple request to put antitrust report on hold - CNBC TV18

Credits: CNBC TV 18

This issue is important for Indian entrepreneurs because it represents the larger fight against the dominance of large tech companies in online marketplaces. High commission rates, according to many app developers, stifle creativity and hinder their ability to expand. Startups may find it more challenging to advocate for regulatory actions in the future if the court rules in favor of Apple.

What’s Next?

All eyes are on India as the CCI approaches its final ruling to see if it would join European and other authorities who have taken a firm stand against Apple’s App Store policy. Whatever the verdict, this case highlights the increased regulatory scrutiny of large IT companies in India, a quickly rising digital economy.

In one of the biggest and fastest-growing digital marketplaces in the world, Apple’s legal spat with Indian regulators may establish a significant precedent for how multinational tech companies conduct their business. The verdict will have long-term effects for developers, customers, and regulatory agencies alike, regardless of whether Apple is compelled to alter its practices or is able to preserve the status quo.

How to Get Wingdrake Hide in Monster Hunter Wilds

March 12, 2025March 12, 2025 Olivia Craig

In the expansive world of Monster Hunter Wilds, hunters constantly seek materials to enhance their gear and face formidable creatures. One such valuable resource is the Wingdrake Hide. This lightweight material is essential for crafting and upgrading various equipment pieces, making it a sought-after item for both novice and seasoned hunters. This guide delves into the methods of obtaining Wingdrake Hide, its applications, and tips to efficiently farm it.

Wingdrake Hide is a material carved from wingdrakes, small flying creatures that inhabit various regions in Monster Hunter Wilds. Its lightweight nature makes it ideal for crafting armor and other equipment, providing hunters with both protection and mobility. As hunters progress to higher ranks, they can also acquire Wingdrake Hide+, a rarer variant used for advanced gear upgrades.

Sources of Wingdrake Hide

To obtain Wingdrake Hide, hunters need to target specific small monsters known as wingdrakes. The primary sources are:

Baunos: These creatures are commonly found in regions like the Windward Plains. When hunted and carved at Low Rank, Baunos have a 100% chance of yielding Wingdrake Hide.
Harpios: Similar to Baunos, Harpios are prevalent in areas such as the Scarlet Forest and Oilwell Basin. At Low Rank, carving a Harpios guarantees a Wingdrake Hide.

It’s important to note that at High Rank, both Baunos and Harpios drop Wingdrake Hide+, the enhanced version of the material.

Effective Hunting Strategies

Hunting wingdrakes can be challenging due to their aerial nature. However, with the right approach, hunters can efficiently farm Wingdrake Hide:

Utilize the Slinger: Wingdrakes like Baunos and Harpios often fly in groups, making them difficult targets. By using the Slinger, hunters can shoot projectiles to knock these creatures out of the sky, making them easier to carve. Aim carefully and time your shots to bring them down swiftly.
Map Tracking: To locate wingdrakes efficiently, use the in-game map’s filter feature. By selecting “Small Monsters,” hunters can highlight the locations of Baunos and Harpios, allowing for targeted hunting sessions.
Camp Proximity: Setting up camps near known wingdrake habitats, such as the Windward Plains, can expedite farming. After clearing an area, resting at a nearby camp allows time for the creatures to respawn, facilitating continuous hunting.

Applications of Wingdrake Hide

Wingdrake Hide serves as a crucial component in various crafting and upgrading processes:

Armor Crafting: Hunters can forge specific armor pieces using Wingdrake Hide. For instance, the Rey Sandcoil requires one Wingdrake Hide.
Charm Upgrades: Charms like the Blast Charm I and Friendship Charm I necessitate Wingdrake Hide for their creation or enhancement. These charms provide hunters with additional abilities and buffs, enhancing their combat effectiveness.
Kinsect Upgrades: Insect Glaive users can upgrade their Kinsects, such as the Gullshad and Windchopper, using Wingdrake Hide. Upgraded Kinsects offer improved support in battles, collecting extracts, and dealing damage.

Farming Tips

To maximize efficiency when farming Wingdrake Hide:

Target Low Rank Quests: Focusing on Low Rank expeditions or quests in areas like the Windward Plains increases the chances of encountering Baunos and Harpios, ensuring a steady supply of Wingdrake Hide.
Monitor Respawn Rates: After clearing an area of wingdrakes, give it some time for the creatures to respawn. Utilizing camps for resting can speed up this process.
Equip Appropriate Gear: Using weapons or tools that can quickly bring down flying creatures will make the hunting process more efficient. The Slinger, in particular, is invaluable for this purpose.

Pentera nabs $60M at a $1B+ valuation to build simulated network attacks to train security teams

March 12, 2025March 12, 2025 Olivia Craig

Strong and smart security operations teams are at the heart of any cybersecurity strategy, and today a startup that builds tooling to help keep them on their toes is announcing some funding on the back of a lot of growth. Pentera — which has built a system that launches simulations of network attacks to stress test software and human response — is announcing $60 million in funding, a Series D that values the Boston-based, Tel Aviv-founded startup at over $1 billion.

The funding will be used for M&A and to continue developing its product, CEO Amitai Ratzon said in an interview.

Pentera is a play on the term “pen testing”, which is short for penetration testing, programs that have been devised to help drill security teams on potential attack techniques. This is effectively what Pentera has built to an elaborate degree in a product that is officially described as “automated security validation.”

“We provide enterprises and governments a technology that, with a click of a button, can launch a mega attack against themselves, and with another click, the genie goes back into the bottle,” said Ratzon. “The beautiful thing is that it’s all safe by design.”

And in contrast to, say, a fire drill in an office, Pentera’s simulated attacks are carried out in a way where the rest of the organization outside of the security team is none the wiser — not unlike a lot of real-world security breaches in fact.

The round is coming on the heels of Pentera growing customers by 200% to 1,100 organizations and ARR by 300% in the last four years, underscoring the demand in the market for its tools.

Evolution Equity Partners is leading the round, with Farallon Capital participating. Prior to this, the company had raised $190 million in a combination of primary and secondary equity, according to PitchBook. Its other investors include Insight, K1 and Blackstone.

Pentera’s rise is coming at a time of a lot of automation in the world of cybersecurity.

The world of cybersecurity has been virtually ambushed by the arrival of AI, which is used both by malicious hackers to breach systems, and also by a wide array of tools to help identify and stop those attacks in their tracks.

Pentera takes this swing in AI into account as part of its platform. When it launches attacks, it does so around specific vulnerabilities and in the process identifies the different areas in an organisation’s network that might be exploited.

Typically, this could throw up as many as 10,000 alerts, Ratzon said.

To be fair, an overwhelming number of alerts in live products is a classic issue with a lot of security tooling, and a number of startups are tackling that problem, too. In the case of Pentera, it automatically takes that 10,000 and whittles it down to six or eight root causes or exploitable vulnerabilities, he said, and then provides suggestions for how to fix them, and then leaves that to the teams to handle.

“Pentera has redefined enterprise security testing and validation practices,” said Richard Seewald, managing partner at Evolution Equity Partners, in a statement. “Pentera’s exceptional growth, strong enterprise adoption, and category-defining innovation make it the clear leader in Automated Security Validation. We are proud to lead this investment and continue our relationship with Pentera as it scales globally, expands its technology, and continues to set the industry standard for security validation.”

Project Europe, a new early stage fund, will back under-25s with $200K to build the next tech titan

March 12, 2025March 12, 2025 Olivia Craig

A recurring theme in Europe’s tech world is that the region needs its own Google or Microsoft, and that in this day and age, to be more resilient and independent, it should, could and must build it. Now comes the launch of a new fund to support this initiative.

Project Europe — a new fund for founders “solving hard problems with technical solutions” — says it has initially pulled together $10 million from 128 different founders and tech execs from startups both in Europe and further afield. (The list, which you can view here, includes the founder of Klarna, Mistral and SoundCloud) Successful recipients will each get €200,000 (around $200,000) to build out their ideas.

Any companies that result from this investment need to be started in Europe, but there are no restrictions around moving them later. Founders also do not have to have fully formed startups to apply. You can apply with an idea or if you “have been tinkering around a thesis,” the fund notes on its site.

There is one other caveat. If you are over 25, stop reading now. Project Europe is limiting its awards to people who are only 25 and under.

One of the investors in the round explained the age-specific requirement as a way of “supporting the next generation of founders.” This focus on young founders is reminiscent of the Thiel Fellowship, which hands out $100,000 to college dropouts in the U.S. However, there’s no dropout clause in Project Europe’s case.

There has been extensive discussion about how Europe has failed to seize the opportunity to build a mega tech business comparable to Meta, Apple, or Google over the past few decades. In many ways, it’s a classic chicken-and-egg issue.

Some have pinpointed the lack of growth stage funding as a major bottleneck that drives founders to move to the U.S., or to sell up when the opportunity comes along.

Others see the problem the other way around. Ian Hogarth, the founder-turned-VC who has been one of the more outspoken people on the topic, has written about how the most promising companies are moving or selling too early. In other words, we’ll never know whether a lack of growth funding would have actually proven to be a bottleneck. (Hogarth is not among the list of people backing Project Europe.)

It’s most likely a combination of reasons why Europe has yet to produce a trillion-dollar technology company on the order of the hyperscalers that have come out of the U.S. and Asia. And it’s debatable that seed funding is a significant gating factor among those.

On the other hand, if Project Europe opens the field to a wider group of people who might not have otherwise had an opportunity, it will have achieved something in democratizing entrepreneurship. Early stage is a stage of spread-betting. If the proof may well be in which under-25s end up in these cohorts, it will also depend on what they go on to do as a result of the funding.

Project Europe says the initial investment will give it 6.66% of equity in the new idea/business if it’s leading the investment (less if not).

In addition to the money, cohorts get 1:1 mentorship from one of the nine partners in the fund — which include Victor Riparbelli from Synthesia, Mati Staniszewski from ElevenLabs, and Rina Onur Sirinoglu from Spyke Games (and the only female partner).

Other perks include access to the 119 others in the fund for advice. Harry Stebbings, the podcaster-turned-investor at 20VC who has built a business out of growth hacking and micro-investing, is one of the creators of Project Europe. He is offering access to his vast media empire as part of the deal, too.

How to Beat Gravios in Monster Hunter Wilds

March 12, 2025March 12, 2025 Olivia Craig

Gravios, a formidable Flying Wyvern, awaits hunters in the treacherous terrains of Monster Hunter Wilds. Recognized by its massive, rock-hard exterior and potent fire-based attacks, this beast poses a significant challenge. However, with the right knowledge and strategy, you can emerge victorious.

Gravios is predominantly found in the Oilwell Basin and the ancient ruins of Wyveria. Its anatomy boasts a dense, bony carapace that acts as a natural shield against many attacks. This armor not only provides physical protection but also allows Gravios to emit various gases and unleash devastating fire-based assaults. Its sheer size and defensive capabilities make it a daunting adversary.

Weaknesses and Vulnerabilities

To effectively combat Gravios, it’s crucial to target its weak points:

Belly: This is the most vulnerable area. Attacking the belly can lead to significant damage and potentially stagger the beast.
Head: While a viable target, the head is often challenging to reach due to Gravios’s height and constant movement.
Back: Breaking the back can expose softer tissues, making subsequent attacks more effective.

Conversely, certain parts of Gravios are more resistant:

Neck and Tail: These areas have heightened resistance, making them less ideal targets.
Wings and Legs: Although breakable, they require sustained attacks to inflict noticeable damage.

Elemental Affinities

Gravios exhibits specific elemental weaknesses and resistances:

Weaknesses:
- Water: Highly effective against Gravios, water-based attacks can exploit its vulnerabilities.
- Ice: Serves as a secondary weakness, offering a viable alternative to water attacks.
- Dragon: Dragon-element weapons can also inflict considerable damage.
Resistances:
- Fire: Given its affinity with fire, Gravios is entirely immune to fire-based attacks. Avoid using fire-element weapons or ammunition.

Recommended Equipment

Selecting the appropriate gear is paramount when facing Gravios:

Weapons:
- Water-Based: Weapons imbued with water elements, such as the Aqua Slasher or Tsunami Bow, can maximize damage output.
- Ice-Based: Frost Edge or Glacial Gunlance are excellent choices for exploiting Gravios’s ice weakness.
- Dragon-Based: Dragonbone weapons or the Dragonseal series can effectively counter Gravios’s defenses.
Armor:
- Fire Resistance: Equip armor sets that offer high fire resistance, such as the Ajarakan or Rathalos sets. These armors not only mitigate fire damage but also provide valuable skills to enhance survivability.

Combat Strategies

Engaging Gravios requires a blend of offense and defense:

Targeting the Belly: Focus attacks on the belly to exploit its primary weakness. This approach can lead to staggers and create openings for further assaults.
Weapon Sharpness: Gravios’s tough hide can cause weapons with lower sharpness to bounce off. Ensure your weapon maintains at least blue sharpness to penetrate its armor effectively. Bringing Whetfish Fin+ can expedite sharpening during the hunt.
Status Ailments: Gravios can inflict various status effects:
- Fireblight: Causes continuous health depletion. Rolling multiple times or using a Nulberry can cure this ailment.
- Poison: Gradually drains health. Carry Antidotes or Herbal Medicine to counteract poisoning.
- Sleep: Induces sleep, leaving you vulnerable to attacks. Using an Energy Drink can prevent or cure sleep.
Movement Patterns: Gravios employs several attacks:
- Fire Beam: A linear fire attack that can sweep across the battlefield. Dodge to the sides to avoid it.
- Gas Release: Emits gases from its belly that can induce sleep or poison. When you notice gas leaking, distance yourself immediately.
- Body Slam: Gravios may lift off the ground slightly and slam its body down, causing significant area damage. Evade backward to steer clear.
- Tail Whip: A swift tail attack that can catch hunters off-guard. Maintain awareness of its tail position to anticipate this move.
Maintain Mobility: Given Gravios’s size and attack range, staying mobile is crucial. Utilize dodge rolls and sprints to reposition and avoid incoming attacks.

Google has given Anthropic more funding than previously known, show new filings

March 12, 2025March 12, 2025 Olivia Craig

Anthropic, a San Francisco startup often cast as an independent player in the AI race, has deeper ties to Google than previously known. Court documents recently obtained by The New York Times reveal that Google owns a 14% stake in the company and is set to pour another $750 million into it this year through a convertible debt deal. In total, Google’s investment in Anthropic now exceeds $3 billion.

Despite having no voting rights, board seats, or direct control over the company, Google’s backing raises questions about how independent Anthropic really is. As AI startups increasingly rely on funding from tech giants, regulators have scrutinized whether these deals give incumbents an unfair advantage, though the Justice Department just dropped a proposal that would have forced the sale of some of those stakes.

Google, which is developing its own tech while quietly funding competitors, is clearly hedging its bets. Meanwhile, with Amazon also funneling money into Anthropic — it has agreed to invest up to $8 billion so far in the outfit — it’s natural to wonder what such ties mean for Anthropic and other big AI startups. Are they still mavericks or becoming extensions of Big Tech?

Above: Anthropic co-founder and CEO Dario Amodei speaking at Viva Technology in Paris.

Bolt CEO Ryan Breslow explains his troubled $30M personal loan, announces new ‘super app’

March 12, 2025March 12, 2025 Olivia Craig

Bolt’s controversial co-founder Ryan Breslow, who returned as CEO earlier this month, spoke on Monday about the $30 million personal loan he took out of his company that sparked legal battles and contributed to his (temporary) ouster.

Breslow also announced that Bolt will launch an “everything app” that will integrate one-click checkouts for everything from crypto to financial services “very soon.”

The legal battle over the loan began in 2023, when Bolt investor Activant sued Breslow. Activant claimed Breslow saddled the startup with $30 million in debt by borrowing that amount and then defaulting, with company funds used to pay it back.

The case was eventually settled, with Bolt agreeing to repurchase Activant’s shares for $37 million last year.

Speaking at Fintech Meetup in Las Vegas yesterday, Breslow defended the loan, framing it as an act of loyalty to Bolt rather than the self-dealing the Activant lawsuit alleged it was.

He said he opted for the loan instead of selling his stock in a secondaries transaction and that the loan was unanimously approved by Bolt’s board.

“It was done to be pro-Bolt,” Breslow said. “I took it out instead of selling any meaningful secondaries. I wanted to show all of our investors that I’m keeping all my chips in, I believe so much in the stock that I’m not selling my shares.”

Breslow said he thought he had plenty of time to pay back the loan and was waiting for Bolt to IPO to do so. He said that after he left the CEO role, the board called in the loan, which he viewed as “a bit of an attack.”

Breslow, the outspoken founder of Bolt, stepped down as CEO in early 2022. In the years between then and his return this year, he has also faced allegations that he misled investors and violated security laws by inflating metrics while fundraising the last time he ran the company.

On Monday, Breslow admitted he made “a ton of mistakes” — but said they were not the ones he was accused of. He viewed his main mistake as allowing people to join Bolt’s cap table that he “did not know very well” (without specifying who).

‘Super app’ in the works

Now that he’s back as CEO, he says Bolt will soon be launching a new “super app” that will integrate Bolt’s one-click checkout e-commerce experience across a wide array of services.

“Instead of one-click checkout, we’re going to have one-click everything: financial services, peer-to-peer, crypto, cards, financial products, all in one app,” he said.

Breslow compared Bolt to U.K. fintech Revolut, which was valued at $45 billion last year, claiming Bolt has 80 million “wallets” compared to Revolut’s 45 million, although he admitted Bolt has not “monetized our consumers yet.”

Indeed, Bolt’s ARR stood at about $28 million with $7 million in gross profit as of the end of March 2024, tech publication Newcomer reported last year. That’s small compared to Revolut, which announced $2.2 billion in revenue and $545 million in profits (before tax) for 2023 alone.

The big question remaining about Bolt is the status of its next fundraise. In August, news broke about a pending $450 million fundraise deal. But it raised questions over its unusual use of $250 million in “marketing credits” and lack of confirmation from an investor mistakenly identified as its lead.

Some of Bolt’s investors, including BlackRock and Hedosophia, sued to block the round, Forbes reported, but that has been voluntarily dismissed by all parties, Bolt announced today.

Breslow noted during his speech that “all” the legal cases against him are “fully settled, dismissed” but didn’t provide an update on the $450 million fundraise.

He did comment, though, that he’s been “humbled” by his experience and has found a newfound determination to run Bolt after his faith and himself — and his startup — was challenged.

“You know, I obviously make mistakes but I’ve got a very big chip on my shoulder,” he said. “I’m ready to take Bolt to really new heights.”

BlackRock and Hedosophia didn’t respond to a request for comment.

ixigo Rolls Out 1.2 Cr Stock Options Under ESOS 2025 to Reward Employees

March 12, 2025March 12, 2025 Olivia Craig

Ixigo, an online travel aggregator, has introduced a new Employee Stock Option Scheme (ESOS) for 2025, giving its staff members 1.2 crore (12 million) in stock options. This program is a calculated attempt to draw in and keep top talent while encouraging a long-term commitment and ownership culture among staff members.

Ixigo profit more than doubled in FY24 at Rs 73 crore, income up 28%

Credits: MoneyControl

In a significant move, the board of Ixigo has also authorized giving co-founders Aloke Bajpai and Rajnish Kumar stock options worth at least 1% of the company’s issued capital as part of the ESOS 2025 strategy. This demonstrates the company’s intention to maintain leadership stability while coordinating the interests of important stakeholders with the expansion of the firm as a whole.

Breaking Down the ESOS 2025 Plan

Total Stock Options: The ESOS 2025 features a pool size of 1.2 crore (12 million) stock options. Upon vesting and exercise, these options will convert into an equivalent number of equity shares, maintaining consistency with ixigo’s existing stock structure.

Pricing Formula: Each option under ESOS 2025 is priced at INR 93, aligning with the issue price during ixigo’s Initial Public Offering (IPO).

Through this initiative, ixigo aims to incentivize employees by offering them a stake in the company’s success, thereby driving motivation and performance.

A History of Employee-Focused ESOP Allocations

ixigo has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to rewarding its employees through stock options. Over the past year, the company has made multiple ESOP allocations:

January 2025: 10.58 lakh equity shares were allotted to eligible employees under various ESOP schemes.

December 2024: More than 4.6 lakh equity shares were granted to employees under multiple ESOS plans.

November 2024: ixigo expanded its ESOP pool by granting 17.57 lakh stock options under ESOP 2024.

These continuous efforts highlight the company’s strategy to retain and incentivize top talent in the fiercely competitive travel-tech industry.

ixigo’s Growth Story: From Startup to Publicly Listed Travel Giant

Ixigo, which was founded in 2007 by Aloke Bajpai and Rajnish Kumar, has grown to become one of the top travel websites in India. The company, which has its headquarters in Gurugram, Haryana, offers real-time travel information, pricing comparisons, and hotel, rail, bus, and aircraft booking services.

Ixigo has broadened its product offerings through technology-driven improvements and smart acquisitions while maintaining a customer-centric mindset. The company entered a new period of growth and stability in June 2024 when it went public, listing on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE).

Financial Performance: Revenue Surge but Profitability Concerns

ixigo’s latest financial report for Q3 FY25 presents an interesting mix of strong revenue growth and declining profitability:

Revenue Growth: The company posted a revenue of INR 242 crore, a remarkable 41.5% year-on-year increase from INR 171 crore in Q3 FY24.

Profit Decline: Despite the revenue surge, net profit dropped by 49.3% to INR 15.5 crore in Q3 FY25 from INR 30.6 crore in the same period last year.

The decline in profitability suggests increased operational costs, investments in expansion, or market competition pressures. However, ixigo’s aggressive investment in talent and technology may be a long-term play to strengthen its market position.

What This Means for ixigo and the Travel-Tech Industry

Ixigo is making it very evident that it values and considers its employees to be essential to its success by putting ESOS 2025 into practice. Stock-based incentives offer a potent retention tool in a sector where it can be difficult to retain employees, particularly for tech-driven travel platforms.

The business is also well-positioned versus rivals like MakeMyTrip and EaseMyTrip because to its growth and ongoing investments in AI, machine learning, and data science-led technologies.

ixigo IPO allotment finalisation today; how to verify allotment?

Credits: Money Control

Final Thoughts: A Win-Win Strategy for Employees and ixigo

More than merely an employee reward, ixigo’s ESOS 2025 demonstrates the company’s dedication to shared success and sustainable growth. Although the decline in net profit raises concerns about short-term profitability, the overall plan points to a long-term goal that will benefit investors, staff, and leadership.

It will be interesting to observe how this change affects Ixigo’s staff, innovation pipeline, and financial trajectory in the upcoming years as it continues to navigate the changing travel sector.

How to Beat Uth Duna in Monster Hunter Wilds

March 11, 2025March 11, 2025 Olivia Craig

In the expansive world of Monster Hunter Wilds, few challenges compare to facing Uth Duna, the apex predator of the Scarlet Forest. This formidable leviathan, with its water-based attacks and protective veil, demands strategic preparation and keen combat tactics. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or new to the pursuit, understanding Uth Duna’s behaviors, weaknesses, and the environment is crucial for a successful hunt.

Uth Duna is a massive creature that thrives in water-rich environments, predominantly appearing during downpours in the Scarlet Forest. Its body is adorned with a unique veil—a thin, fluttery membrane—that acts as a protective barrier, reducing the damage from hunters’ attacks. This veil does not cover its head or the tips of its legs, leaving these areas more susceptible to damage. The monster’s primary habitat is the Scarlet Forest, and it often appears during specific weather conditions, making timing a crucial factor in your hunt.

Weaknesses and Vulnerabilities

To effectively combat Uth Duna, it’s essential to exploit its weaknesses:

Elemental Weakness: Thunder-based attacks are particularly effective against Uth Duna. Conversely, it is highly resistant to water-based attacks, rendering them ineffective.
Weak Points: Focus your attacks on the following areas:
- Head: A prime target for breaking, leading to significant damage and potential rewards.
- Mouth: Another vulnerable spot that, when targeted, can disrupt some of its attacks.
- Forelegs: These can be broken twice, each break weakening the monster’s mobility and attack strength.
- Tail: While breakable, it is less vulnerable compared to the head and forelegs.

Recommended Equipment

Choosing the right gear can significantly influence the outcome of the hunt:

Weapons: Opt for bludgeoning or slashing weapons with thunder elemental attributes. Hammers and long swords are particularly effective due to their damage types and reach.
Armor: Equip armor sets that offer resistance to water-based attacks and enhance thunder attack power. Armor pieces that boost skills like Weakness Exploit or Partbreaker can provide an added advantage.

Preparation is Key

Before embarking on the hunt, ensure you’re well-prepared:

Items to Carry:
- Nulberries: To counteract waterblight, a status ailment inflicted by Uth Duna’s attacks.
- Health Potions and Mega Potions: To maintain health during prolonged engagements.
- Shock Traps and Pitfall Traps: Useful for immobilizing Uth Duna temporarily, allowing for focused attacks on weak points.
- Cool Drinks: If the battle leads to areas with extreme temperatures, these will help manage stamina and health.

Combat Strategies

Engaging Uth Duna requires a blend of offense and defense:

Target the Veil: Initially, Uth Duna’s veil reduces the damage it takes. Focus attacks on the veil to break it, increasing the damage Uth Duna receives. However, be cautious, as breaking the veil can make Uth Duna more aggressive.
Maintain Mobility: Uth Duna employs powerful slam and wave attacks that can knock hunters off balance. Constant movement and positioning to its side or rear can help evade these attacks.
Exploit Environmental Hazards: The Scarlet Forest contains environmental features that can be used to your advantage. For instance, crumbling ruins can be triggered to fall on Uth Duna, causing significant damage.
Monitor Its Behavior: Uth Duna may retreat to its nest or other areas when weakened. Chase it promptly to prevent it from recovering health or entering a more advantageous position.

Rewards and Materials

Defeating Uth Duna yields valuable materials essential for crafting and upgrading equipment:

Low Rank Materials:
- Uth Duna Scale
- Uth Duna Tentacle
- Aqua Sac
- Uth Duna Cilia
- Uth Duna Claw
- Uth Duna Certificate
- Uth Duna Plate
- Uth Duna Hide
High Rank Materials:
- Uth Duna Scale +
- Uth Duna Hide +
- Torrent Sac
- Uth Duna Plate
- Uth Duna Watergem
- Uth Duna Cilia +
- Uth Duna Claw +
- Uth Duna Tentacle +
- Uth Duna Certificate S

These materials are instrumental in crafting armor and weapons with attributes advantageous for future hunts.

Flower Labs launches a new service that automatically switches from local to cloud AI

March 11, 2025March 11, 2025 Olivia Craig

Flower Labs, a Y Combinator-backed startup, on Tuesday launched a preview of its distributed cloud platform for serving AI models, called Flower Intelligence. Mozilla is already using it to power the upcoming Assist summarization add-on for its Thunderbird email client.

What makes Flower Intelligence unique, Flower Labs said in a post on X, is that it can drive on-device AI mobile, PC, and web apps that automatically hand off to a private cloud when needed (with a user’s permission). Apps default to an AI model running locally for speed and privacy but switch to Flower’s cloud when they require extra computational oomph.

Companies like Microsoft and Apple have adopted similar approaches across their operating systems and devices. However, Flower is one of the first to build a hybrid cloud-local AI platform entirely on open models, including models from Meta’s Llama family, Chinese AI lab DeepSeek, and Mistral.

Flower Labs claims that its cloud, the Flower Confidential Remote Compute service, employs end-to-end encryption and “other techniques” to protect sensitive user data. In a statement, Ryan Sipes, managing director for Mozilla Thunderbird, said that Flower Intelligence enables Mozilla to ship on-device AI that “works locally with the most sensitive data.”

Developers can apply for early access to Flower Intelligence as of Tuesday. Flower Labs says that it plans to make the service more widely available in the near future and introduce capabilities, including model customization, fine-tuning, and “federated” training in the cloud.

Flower Labs is hosting an online and in-person summit in London on March 26, where the company is promising to reveal additional Flower Intelligence details and features.

Since launching in 2023, Flower Labs has raised around $23.6 million in venture capital from investors, including Felicis, Hugging Face CEO Clem Delangue, Betaworks, and Pioneer Fund. Brave, the open source web browser, was an early partner and collaborator.