Startup news and updates: daily roundup (August 14, 2026)

YourStory brings you today’s headlines with the latest developments across sectors.

Featured stories

What freedom means to Gen Z

As a generation growing up with more choices, greater access to information, and a stronger vocabulary around identity, boundaries, and mental well-being, freedom can look very different from what it did for their parents.

But has having more choices actually made them feel freer? Has it given them more agency over their present and future?

As India celebrates its 80th Independence Day tomorrow, we asked young people what freedom means to them—and what they have today that their parents’ generation didn’t.

This is what they have to say.

Read more

Other news

Kaspersky blocks 75 million cyberattacks across APAC in first half of 2026

Kaspersky blocked 75 million cyberattacks across the Asia-Pacific region between January and June 2026, including 3.4 million backdoor attacks, 2.4 million password-stealer attacks and 250,000 ransomware incidents. The cybersecurity firm also warned of a rise in supply-chain attacks, with nearly one in three organisations globally reporting related incidents over the past year.

India was among five Asia-Pacific countries most frequently targeted by advanced persistent threat groups. Kaspersky also reported a 37% rise in malicious open-source software packages in 2025, highlighting growing risks across software supply chains and enterprise applications.

Studio Blo releases AI-powered Independence Day short film

Studio Blo has released a new short film for Independence Day that explores the idea of freedom through AI-driven filmmaking. Conceptualised and directed by Sendil Kumar, the film combines technology and visual storytelling to present a contemporary interpretation of independence and patriotism.

The project reflects the studio's broader approach of integrating AI into the creative process, from ideation and world-building to character creation and visual development. Studio Blo, which has previously worked on projects with filmmakers including Shekhar Kapur, Rajkumar Hirani, Atlee and Rohit Shetty, continues to expand its focus on AI-led content production.

TCS, Rolls-Royce complete hydrogen-powered jet engine flight simulation

Tata Consultancy Services and Rolls-Royce have successfully operated a modern aero gas turbine through a fully simulated flight cycle using 100% hydrogen, marking an industry first. The demonstration completed take-off, cruise and landing using a modified engine and concluded a four-year programme examining hydrogen's potential as an aviation fuel.

TCS, which joined the programme in 2024, supported development, testing and validation, including fuel system integration, engine controls, hydrogen combustion analysis, data analytics, risk management and design. The tests validated key hydrogen propulsion technologies across combustion, fuel systems and engine controls.

MakeMyTrip, Tourism Ministry launch guided tours

Online travel portal MakeMyTrip has partnered with the Ministry of Tourism to inspire Indian travellers to explore the country via more than 350 guided tours across 60+ cities. The service is now bookable on its platform starting Independence Day, August 15, with the catalogue set to expand further.

The tours cover heritage, culture, spirituality, cuisine, festivals and local experiences, with formats including walking, cycling, vehicle-based and multi-day tours. Experiences range from tea estate visits in Palampur and heritage walks in Agra to photography tours in Kolkata and artisan workshops in Jaipur.

Unified Bharat eCharge launches to simplify EV charging payments

Pulse Energy has joined Unified Bharat eCharge as one of the first certified technology enablers for the interoperable EV charging network launched by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, BHEL and NPCI. The network will allow EV users to locate participating chargers and pay through the BHIM app using UPI, eliminating the need for multiple charging apps, separate accounts and prepaid wallets.

Pulse Energy will help charge point operators integrate their existing infrastructure with the network while retaining their own hardware and branding. The platform launches on Independence Day, with participating charging points set to expand across cities and national highways.

(This article will be updated with the latest news throughout the day.)