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Corporate

OpenAI and Broadcom to Deploy 10 Gigawatts of Custom AI Accelerators

OpenAI and Broadcom have announced a major collaboration to develop and deploy 10 gigawatts of custom AI accelerators, a move aimed at scaling AI infrastructure globally.

The partnership combines OpenAI’s expertise in AI model development with Broadcom’s networking and connectivity solutions, reflecting a significant investment in the future of artificial intelligence.

Under the agreement, OpenAI will design the AI accelerators and systems, which Broadcom will help develop and deploy.

The racks will use Broadcom’s Ethernet, PCIe, and optical connectivity solutions for both scale-up and scale-out applications, enabling efficient and cost-optimized performance for AI workloads.

Deployment of these systems is expected to begin in the second half of 2026 and continue through the end of 2029.

The collaboration allows OpenAI to integrate insights from its frontier AI models directly into hardware design, unlocking new levels of capability and intelligence.

“Partnering with Broadcom is a critical step in building the infrastructure needed to unlock AI’s potential and deliver real benefits for people and businesses,” said Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO of OpenAI. “Developing our own accelerators adds to the broader ecosystem of partners all building the capacity required to push the frontier of AI to provide benefits to all humanity,” he added.

Broadcom’s CEO Hock Tan highlighted the strategic significance of the partnership, calling it “a pivotal moment in the pursuit of artificial general intelligence.”

He noted that OpenAI has been at the forefront of the AI revolution and emphasized Broadcom’s role in co-developing and deploying next-generation accelerators and network systems.

Greg Brockman, co-founder and President of OpenAI, said the collaboration would “power breakthroughs in AI and bring the technology’s full potential closer to reality.”

By designing its own chips, OpenAI can embed lessons learned from creating advanced models directly into hardware, enhancing AI performance while maintaining energy efficiency.

For Broadcom, the partnership reinforces the importance of custom accelerators and standards-based Ethernet as the technology for scalable AI data centers.

Charlie Kawwas, President of Broadcom’s Semiconductor Solutions Group, added that the collaboration sets new industry benchmarks for open, scalable, and power-efficient AI clusters. He explained that the integration of custom accelerators with Broadcom’s networking solutions provides an optimized infrastructure for performance and cost.

OpenAI, which now serves over 800 million weekly active users, continues to expand adoption across global enterprises, small businesses, and developers.

This collaboration is expected to significantly enhance OpenAI’s capabilities while supporting its mission to ensure that artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity.

The combined effort demonstrates the increasing demand for AI infrastructure and represents one of the largest initiatives in custom AI hardware development to date.

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Corporate

TCS Reduces H-1B Usage, Aligns with U.S. Push for Local and High-Skilled Hiring

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s largest IT services company, has announced a significant reduction in its reliance on H-1B visas, aligning with recent U.S. immigration policy changes and a broader industry trend toward local and high-skilled hiring.

As of October 2025, TCS reports that only about 500 of its approximately 33,000 U.S.-based employees are on new H-1B visas, a substantial decrease from previous years.

This strategic shift comes in response to the U.S. government’s introduction of a $100,000 application fee for new H-1B petitions, part of broader reforms aimed at prioritizing domestic employment and reducing foreign worker dependence.

TCS CEO K. Krithivasan emphasized that the company is not planning to hire new H-1B workers this financial year, opting instead to focus on recruiting talent locally within the U.S.

In addition to reducing H-1B usage, TCS is investing nearly $7 billion in artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, marking a significant pivot toward AI-led services.

This investment supports the company’s five-pillar strategy, which includes internal transformation, AI-driven service delivery, workforce reskilling, value-chain disruption, and ecosystem engagement.

The move reflects TCS’s commitment to adapting to changing market dynamics and technological advancements.

Despite these adjustments, TCS maintains a strong presence in the U.S. market, with a workforce of about 33,000 employees.

The company continues to explore alternative visa options, such as the L-1 visa for intra-company transfers, to meet specific project needs without relying heavily on H-1B visas.

This shift in TCS’s hiring strategy mirrors broader industry trends, as other Indian IT firms also reduce their dependence on H-1B visas in response to changing U.S. immigration policies.

By focusing on local recruitment and investing in AI-driven services, TCS aims to ensure sustainable growth and compliance within its largest market.

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Corporate

Foxconn Commits ₹15,000 Crore Investment in Tamil Nadu

Foxconn, the Taiwanese electronics manufacturing giant, has announced a significant investment of ₹15,000 crore in Tamil Nadu, aiming to establish a robust manufacturing and research ecosystem in the state.

This initiative is set to create 14,000 high-value engineering jobs, marking a substantial contribution to Tamil Nadu’s industrial landscape.

The announcement was made following a meeting between Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Foxconn’s India representative, Robert Wu, in Chennai on October 13, 2025.

The discussions underscored the deepening partnership between the state and Foxconn, reaffirming Tamil Nadu’s position as a preferred destination for high-tech manufacturing investments.

As part of this expansion, Foxconn will focus on value-added manufacturing, research and development (R&D) integration, and the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI)-led advanced technology operations. The investment will be distributed across multiple locations in Tamil Nadu, enhancing the state’s capabilities in electronics and advanced manufacturing sectors.

In a bid to streamline operations and facilitate faster project execution, the state government, through its investment promotion agency, Guidance Tamil Nadu, will establish a dedicated “Foxconn Desk.”

This initiative aims to provide seamless coordination and mission-mode engagement for Foxconn’s projects, ensuring efficient regulatory approvals and support.

Chief Minister Stalin expressed the government’s commitment to supporting Foxconn’s expansion, highlighting the state’s proactive industrial policies, world-class talent pool, and infrastructure readiness.

He assured full support through the state’s single-window investment facilitation mechanism and talent development partnerships.

Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa emphasized that this investment is the largest-ever commitment for Tamil Nadu in terms of engineering job creation, aligning with the state’s “Jobs for TN” initiative.

He termed it a major boost for Tamil Nadu’s electronics and advanced manufacturing sector, signaling the state’s growing appeal as a hub for electronics manufacturing and foreign investment in India.

Robert Wu, Foxconn’s India representative, conveyed the company’s confidence in Tamil Nadu’s governance model and industrial policies.

He noted that the state’s infrastructure readiness and ease of doing business make it a preferred destination for Foxconn’s next phase of growth in India, including strategic verticals such as battery technologies and AI-led manufacturing systems.

This development underscores Tamil Nadu’s transformation from a manufacturing destination to a strategic innovation and engineering hub for the global supply chain.

The state’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for high-tech industries is expected to attract further investments, positioning Tamil Nadu as a key player in the global electronics manufacturing landscape.

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Technology

Samsung Launches Galaxy M17 5G With Budget-Friendly Pricing

Samsung has officially launched its latest 5G smartphone, the Galaxy M17 5G, in India, targeting the mid-range segment with a combination of performance and affordability.

The device is priced starting at ₹12,499 and is expected to appeal to consumers seeking advanced features at a competitive price.

The Galaxy M17 5G comes with a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display offering Full HD+ resolution of 1080×2340 pixels.

Samsung has equipped the screen with a peak brightness of 1100 nits and protection through Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, ensuring durability and clear visuals even under bright sunlight.

Under the hood, the smartphone runs on the Exynos 1330 chipset built on a 5nm process, paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.

Samsung said this configuration provides smooth multitasking and sufficient space for apps, media, and games.

The device features a triple rear camera setup, led by a 50MP primary sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), alongside a 5MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP macro sensor.

A 13MP front camera handles selfies and video calls, delivering adequate performance for everyday photography.

Samsung has equipped the Galaxy M17 5G with a 5,000mAh battery that supports 25W fast charging, allowing users to quickly replenish power.

The smartphone runs on Android 15 and Samsung has promised six years of software and security updates, emphasizing long-term support for buyers.

The phone will be available in Moonlight Silver and Sapphire Black and comes in three configurations: 4GB RAM with 128GB storage priced at ₹12,499, 6GB RAM with 128GB storage at ₹13,999, and 8GB RAM with 128GB storage at ₹15,499.

Samsung is offering launch promotions, including a ₹500 bank cashback and up to three months of No Cost EMI through select banks and financial partners.

Sales will begin from October 13 on Amazon, Samsung’s official website, and select retail stores.

With the launch of the Galaxy M17 5G, Samsung continues to expand its presence in the budget 5G segment in India, offering a device that combines a large AMOLED display, capable cameras, long-lasting battery, and software support over several years.

The move is expected to strengthen Samsung’s competitiveness in the mid-range smartphone market as demand for affordable 5G devices grows.

Also Read: Motorola Launches Moto G06 Power With Massive Battery, Premium Features

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Corporate

Groww Prepares for ₹7,000 Crore IPO, Eyes $8 Billion Valuation

Bengaluru-based fintech firm Groww is set to launch its Initial Public Offering (IPO) in early November 2025, aiming to raise ₹7,000 crore (approximately $850 million) and achieve a valuation of up to $8 billion.

The offering includes a fresh issue of ₹1,060 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of up to 574.2 million shares by existing investors and promoters.

Notable backers such as Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Peak XV Partners, Y Combinator, Ribbit Capital, and Tiger Global are among those reducing their stakes.

Company Overview

Founded in 2016, Groww has rapidly emerged as India’s largest retail brokerage platform by active clients, surpassing Zerodha. As of April 2025, the company boasts over 13 million active clients and holds a 26.27% market share among retail investors on the National Stock Exchange.

The firm offers a range of investment products, including stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, digital gold, and US equities, through its digital-only platform.

Financial Performance

In fiscal year 2025, Groww reported a significant financial performance, with a net profit of ₹1,819 crore, more than tripling from the previous year.

Revenue also saw a 31% increase, reaching ₹4,056 crore. These results underscore the company’s strong market position and growth trajectory in the wealth management sector.

Strategic Acquisition

Ahead of its IPO, Groww completed the acquisition of Bengaluru-based wealth management company Fisdom, following regulatory approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

This strategic move marks Groww’s official entry into the wealth management sector, expanding its footprint beyond its existing investment services.

The acquisition aligns with Groww’s broader objectives as it prepares for an IPO, signaling the company’s continued growth and diversification within the financial technology space.

Market Position and Outlook

The upcoming IPO is poised to be one of India’s largest fintech listings, positioning Groww as a key player in the country’s digital financial services industry. Market participants and investors will be closely watching the offering as it unfolds in the coming weeks.

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Corporate

Starlink Prepares for India Launch, Emphasizes Rural Connectivity

Starlink, the satellite internet venture of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is preparing to commence its satellite communication services in India, entering a market that already features competitors such as Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite.

The company has secured the necessary regulatory approvals, with the final step being the allocation of operational spectrum by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).

A key focus of Starlink’s strategy in India is rural connectivity. Parnil Urdhwareshe, India Market Access Director at Starlink, highlighted that a significant portion of Starlink’s global user base resides in rural areas, where conventional broadband infrastructure is limited.

Serving these underserved regions is central to Starlink’s mission, as many users in these areas currently have restricted access to high-quality broadband services.

Starlink has been granted trial spectrum by the DoT to demonstrate compliance with security requirements. The department is finalizing pricing and other modalities for allocating spectrum to satellite communication firms.

The company is working to ensure it can deliver a compliant, secure, and reliable broadband experience for Indian users once the operational approvals are completed.

The Indian satellite communication market is becoming increasingly competitive. Eutelsat OneWeb, backed by Bharti Enterprises, has received authorizations from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) to launch commercial satellite broadband services. Likewise, the Jio-SES joint venture has obtained the necessary regulatory clearances to operate in India, positioning multiple players to expand connectivity in both urban and rural regions.

Government regulations also set limits on subscriber numbers for each satellite communication system.

Starlink and other providers are subject to these restrictions to ensure fair pricing, service quality, and efficient spectrum usage.

The government has indicated that Starlink may have a maximum user base of 2 million in India due to spectrum capacity constraints.

Starlink’s move into India reflects both the growing demand for broadband services in rural areas and the need to optimize satellite capacity.

By targeting regions where conventional internet infrastructure is limited, the company aims to bridge connectivity gaps that have persisted for years, providing high-speed internet to schools, healthcare facilities, and households that previously relied on slower or inconsistent services.

Industry analysts note that while Starlink’s entry will expand broadband coverage, the competitive landscape and government-imposed subscriber limits will shape its growth trajectory.

The presence of established players like Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite means that differentiation through service quality, pricing, and customer support will be key to capturing market share.

As regulatory approvals near completion, Starlink is finalizing the infrastructure needed for a large-scale rollout. This includes deploying ground stations and ensuring that satellite capacity can support both urban and rural users efficiently.

The company’s emphasis on compliance with security norms and spectrum management demonstrates its approach to balancing rapid expansion with regulatory expectations.

With a combination of advanced satellite technology and a focus on underserved areas, Starlink aims to strengthen India’s digital ecosystem.

Its entry into the market is expected to enhance competition, increase broadband penetration, and provide new options for users who have historically faced limited internet access, particularly in rural and remote regions.

Also Read: Mukesh Ambani Retains Top Spot on Forbes India Rich List; Gautam Adani Second

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Leaders

Mukesh Ambani Retains Top Spot on Forbes India Rich List; Gautam Adani Second

Mukesh Ambani, chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries, has maintained his position as India’s richest individual, according to the Forbes India Rich List for 2025.

With a net worth of $105 billion, Ambani remains the country’s sole centibillionaire, even as his fortune has declined by nearly 12 percent over the past year amid challenging market conditions.

The overall wealth of India’s top 100 billionaires fell by approximately $100 billion in 2025, a 9 percent drop, bringing the combined net worth to around $1 trillion.

Analysts attribute the decline to a combination of a weaker rupee, global economic uncertainty, and a 3 percent decrease in the benchmark Sensex index since the previous assessment.

Despite these challenges, Ambani’s position at the top has remained unchallenged, reflecting the enduring strength of his business empire.

Ambani’s wealth continues to be driven by the performance of Reliance’s consumer-facing businesses, particularly Reliance Retail and Jio Infocomm.

Recent valuations place Reliance Retail at $143 billion and Jio at $135 billion, highlighting the critical role these businesses play in driving the group’s overall earnings.

The company’s strategic plans, including the proposed listing of Jio in 2026, are expected to further unlock shareholder value and solidify Ambani’s position in the global billionaire rankings.

Gautam Adani and his family rank second on the Forbes list with a net worth of $92 billion, followed by Savitri Jindal and family at $40.2 billion, Sunil Mittal and family at $34.2 billion, and Shiv Nadar at $33.2 billion.

The rankings underscore the continued influence of industrial, telecom, and technology leaders in India’s economy, even as market volatility affects valuations across sectors.

Industry observers note that Ambani’s ability to retain the top position despite a dip in net worth demonstrates the resilience of Reliance Industries and its diversified business model.

Over the past year, the conglomerate has maintained strong revenue streams from its oil-to-telecom businesses, while expanding its digital and retail operations to tap into India’s growing consumer market.

While global and domestic economic headwinds have affected billionaire wealth across India, Ambani’s strategic initiatives, including technology investments and retail expansion, have allowed him to maintain a commanding lead over peers.

The announcement of Jio’s future public listing is being closely watched by investors and market analysts, as it could significantly influence the valuations of Reliance’s telecom and digital services segment.

Forbes’ 2025 list highlights not only Ambani’s continued prominence but also the shifting dynamics of wealth creation in India.

Despite market fluctuations, the combination of strategic foresight, diversification, and a focus on high-growth sectors has ensured that Ambani remains the benchmark for entrepreneurial success in the country.

As India’s economy continues to evolve and new sectors emerge, the performance of Ambani and other top billionaires will remain a key indicator of the country’s commercial and industrial landscape.

The Forbes ranking serves as a reminder of the scale and influence of India’s business leaders, even in times of financial uncertainty.

Also Read: Rubicon Research launches ₹1,377.5 crore IPO

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Corporate

MakeMyTrip Partners with Google Cloud to Enhance AI Travel Assistant ‘Myra’

NASDAQ-listed MakeMyTrip announced a strategic partnership with Google Cloud to enhance its AI-powered travel planning assistant, Myra. This collaboration aims to make personalized travel planning and booking more intuitive and accessible to a broader range of travelers.

Myra, which stands for “MakeMyTrip’s AI-Driven Recommendation Assistant,” is designed to assist users throughout their travel journey—from destination discovery to booking and post-travel support.

The assistant leverages generative AI (GenAI) technology to provide real-time, personalized recommendations based on user preferences and requirements.

By integrating Google Cloud’s advanced AI capabilities, Myra can process and analyze large volumes of data, including reviews, maps, and other grounded sources of information, to create and refine personalized itineraries with greater accuracy and efficiency than current chatbot-based planners.

The partnership with Google Cloud enables Myra to support multimodal inputs, including voice, text, and eventually images and videos.

This functionality allows users to interact naturally in their preferred language, making the travel planning process more conversational and inclusive.

Currently, Myra supports both English and Hindi, with plans to expand to other Indian languages based on user feedback.

Rajesh Magow, Co-Founder and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, emphasized that the collaboration with Google Cloud will enhance Myra’s capabilities, enabling it to deliver more accurate and personalized travel recommendations.

He noted that this advancement aligns with MakeMyTrip’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to improve the user experience and make travel planning more accessible to all travelers.

The integration of Google Cloud’s AI technology into Myra is expected to streamline the travel planning process, reducing the time and effort required for users to plan and book their trips.

By providing personalized and contextually relevant recommendations, Myra aims to enhance user satisfaction and engagement, ultimately driving growth for MakeMyTrip in the competitive online travel market.

This partnership reflects a broader trend in the travel industry, where companies are increasingly adopting AI and machine learning technologies to enhance customer experiences and operational efficiency. As AI continues to evolve, platforms like Myra are poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of travel planning and booking.

MakeMyTrip’s collaboration with Google Cloud represents a significant step forward in the integration of AI into the travel industry, offering travelers a more personalized and efficient way to plan and book their journeys.

As the partnership progresses, further enhancements to Myra’s capabilities are anticipated, promising an even more seamless and intuitive travel planning experience for users.

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Corporate

BioInvent Begins New Trial Testing Cancer Drug

BioInvent International AB has announced the initiation of a Phase 2a clinical trial evaluating its lead drug candidate BI-1206 in combination with Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) for patients with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and uveal melanoma.

The Phase 2a study follows encouraging results from BioInvent’s Phase 1 trial, where BI-1206 was found to be safe, well-tolerated, and showed promising clinical activity in heavily pre-treated patients.

Out of 36 evaluable patients, one achieved a complete response, one had a long-lasting partial response, and 11 maintained stable disease, despite having progressed on prior anti-PD1/L1 therapies.

The subcutaneous formulation of BI-1206 was noted for slower systemic entry, prolonged time on target, and improved safety.

“We are very pleased to initiate Phase 2a studies, which marks a significant milestone in our mission to bring BI-1206 to patients,” said Martin Welschof, CEO of BioInvent.

“The early clinical signs of efficacy observed in Phase 1 provide a strong rationale for moving forward in the first-line setting for NSCLC and uveal melanoma. Since BI-1206 addresses a mechanism of resistance to anti-PD1, its potential extends to all indications where pembrolizumab is approved,” he added.

The trial, registered as NCT04219254, will enroll patients at sites across Georgia, Germany, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and the US, with initial data expected in the second half of 2026.

The study will be conducted in two parts: a signal-seeking phase including up to 30 NSCLC and 12 uveal melanoma patients receiving BI-1206 plus pembrolizumab every 21 days for up to two years, followed by a dose optimization phase. In this phase, patients will be randomized to higher or lower doses of BI-1206, with a third cohort receiving pembrolizumab alone.

NSCLC, the most common type of lung cancer, accounts for roughly 85 percent of all cases, but response rates to checkpoint inhibitors remain low, rarely exceeding 25 percent. Uveal melanoma, though rare, is the most frequent non-cutaneous melanoma in adults, with about 7,000 new cases globally each year.

BI-1206 is designed to counter resistance caused by FcγRIIB-mediated degradation of PD-1 antibodies, potentially enhancing responses to therapies like pembrolizumab.

BioInvent, a clinical-stage biotech company, focuses on discovering and developing first-in-class immune-modulatory antibodies for cancer immunotherapy.

Its proprietary F.I.R.S.T™ technology platform identifies new targets and antibodies, supporting both in-house development and licensing opportunities.

The Phase 2a trial represents a key step in assessing BI-1206’s potential to improve outcomes for patients with NSCLC and uveal melanoma while advancing BioInvent’s broader immuno-oncology pipeline.

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Beyond

World Bank Ups India FY26 GDP Forecast, Flags Risks from U.S. Tariffs

The World Bank on Tuesday raised its forecast for India’s economic growth in fiscal year 2025–26 (FY26) to 6.5 percent, up from its June projection of 6.3 percent, while trimming the growth outlook for FY27 to 6.3 percent, citing adverse effects from new U.S. tariffs, according to its South Asia Development Update.

The upgrade for FY26 reflects stronger-than-expected domestic demand, a resilient rural recovery, improved agricultural output, rising rural wages, and support from recent tax reforms including changes in India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime.

In its update, the Bank stated that India is expected to remain the world’s fastest-growing major economy, supported by continued strength in consumption growth.

However, the Bank’s revision downward for FY27 is driven by concerns that significantly higher tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Indian exports will weigh on growth, particularly in export-intensive and labour-intensive sectors.

The U.S. tariffs, which reach up to 50 percent, affect a broad swath of Indian goods exports, including textiles, gems and jewellery, and seafood, according to the World Bank report.

The Bank noted that nearly one-fifth of Indian goods exports in 2024 went to the U.S., equivalent to roughly 2 percent of India’s GDP, making the country vulnerable to U.S. trade actions. It further observed that while India had been expected to face lower U.S. tariffs relative to competitors earlier in the year, by August its tariff exposure had become “considerably higher.”

At the regional level, the World Bank projects that growth in South Asia will slow sharply: from 6.6 percent in 2025 to 5.8 percent in 2026.

The Bank flagged multiple downside risks to the region’s outlook, including global economic uncertainty, shifts in trade policy (especially on intermediate goods), socio-political tensions, and labour market disruptions due to artificial intelligence (AI) advancements.

The World Bank also argued that further reforms—particularly lowering tariffs, improving trade openness, and encouraging technology adoption—could help India and the region mitigate these headwinds and sustain inclusive growth.

In response to these global pressures, Indian policymakers have signalled continued support for the economy. In recent comments, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reaffirmed the government’s commitment to boosting capital investment to offset external headwinds.

The Reserve Bank of India has also maintained its policy rate, holding it steady at 5.5 percent, while raising its own FY26 growth outlook.

Overall, while the World Bank has raised its near-term optimism for India’s growth trajectory, it tempers that with caution about U.S. tariffs and broader trade pressures that could dampen momentum starting in FY27.

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