America-India is the AI power: Modi🤝🏻
India wins a historic double Gold at 45th Chess Olympiad, Physics Wallah raises $210 Mn, OYO acquires Motel 6-parent G6 Hospitality, Funding Deals and more.
Good morning and welcome to Monday’s edition of Rise & Shine!
“Nothing ever goes away until it teaches us what we need to know.”
— Pema Chodron
Today, Pema Chodron's quote reminds us that life’s challenges persist for a reason—often to teach us something essential.
Let's explore how these lessons help us grow.
Until we confront and understand the deeper lessons they offer, they continue to reappear. It’s through reflection and learning that we can move forward and evolve.
Tech Updates
America-India is the AI power of the new world: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the relationship between India and the US in terms of artificial intelligence and gave a new meaning to it, describing it as the America-India spirit. Addressing the Indian diaspora at Nassau Coliseum in New York, Long Island at Modi&US Event, he said, "For the world, AI means artificial intelligence, but for me, AI also means American-Indian spirit. This is the new 'AI' power of the world....I salute the Indian diaspora here."
Physics Wallah raises $210 Mn in Series B, valuation soars to $2.8 Bn
Edtech company Physics Wallah (PW) has raised $210 million in a Series B funding round led by Hornbill Capital, with participation from Lightspeed Venture Partners, GSV, and WestBridge. According to the company, this investment brings its post-money valuation to $2.8 billion, a 2.5X increase from its previous valuation of $1.1 billion when the Noida-based firm raised $100 million in Series A.
OYO acquires Motel 6-parent G6 Hospitality for $525 Mn
OYO has agreed to acquire G6 Hospitality, the operator of Motel 6 and Studio 6, for $525 million in an all-cash transaction. The acquisition will see OYO taking over the US-based firm from Blackstone Real Estate. Blackstone had previously acquired the Motel 6 and Studio 6 brands from French hotel company Accor in a $1.9 billion deal in 2012. Currently, Motel 6 operates more than 1,450 hotels across the US and Canada, while Studio 6 has over 200 properties.
Funding Deals
Vacation home rentals platform ELIVAAS has raised $5 million in Series A funding round led by 3one4 Capital along with participation from Peak XV’s Surge and other angel investors.
Chess Olympiad 2024: India scripts history, wins maiden gold in men and women titles
The Indian Chess team on Sunday scripted history by clinching maiden gold medals in both men's and women's categories in the 45th Chess Olympiad organized in Hungary's Budapest after beating their respective opponents in the final round.
⚔️ Short Story: The Recurrent Challenge
Tom, a graphic designer, found himself repeatedly clashing with clients over project deadlines. No matter how many times he tried to improve his time management, the problem kept arising, leaving him frustrated and stressed.
One day, he decided to reflect on the deeper issue—realizing that he struggled to set boundaries and communicate effectively with clients about realistic deadlines.
Once Tom addressed this, he learned to manage expectations more confidently and openly. The conflicts around deadlines began to disappear, and Tom realized that the challenge had been a lesson in assertiveness all along. It wasn’t until he embraced this learning that the issue finally went away.
Tweet of the day🐥
As you begin your week, reflect on the challenges that seem to persist in your life. What are they trying to teach you?
Rise & Shine is here to remind you that with every challenge comes a lesson, and once learned, it can guide you to a better version of yourself.
Have a reflective and growth-filled Monday!
Thanks for reading till the end!