Paytm launched UPI International, allowing Indian travellers to make Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions at select global locations. This feature enables users to make cashless payments using the Paytm app in the UAE, France, Mauritius, Singapore, Bhutan, and Nepal, the company announced.
SBI Horniman Circle Marks 100 Years of Legacy
The State Bank of India (SBI) celebrated the centenary of its iconic Horniman Circle Branch (Mumbai) with the unveiling of a specially minted Rs. 100 commemorative coin by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The event also featured the release of the 5th edition of the book 'The Evolution of the State Bank of India,' detailing the bank's transformation between 1981 and 1996. From its humble beginnings with just 100 branches in 1920, SBI today boasts over 22,640 branches, with plans to expand further in FY25. The bank's impressive digital presence, financial inclusion efforts, and significant role in India's banking revolution were highlighted during the event.
Tata Power & Druk Green Power Collaborate on 5,000 MW Green Energy Project in Bhutan
Tata Power entered into a strategic partnership with Druk Green Power Corporation Ltd (DGPC) to develop at least 5,000 MW of clean energy generation capacity in Bhutan. This collaboration aims to harness Bhutan's vast hydropower potential and contribute to the region's energy security and sustainability. The initiative aligns with Bhutan's vision to diversify its energy portfolio and improve regional energy integration.
Nov 20, 2024
Punit Goenka Resigns as MD and CEO of Zee Entertainment
Punit Goenka, the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zee Entertainment Enterprises, resigned from his position as MD but will continue to serve as CEO of the company. This decision came just days before a shareholders' meeting where Goenka was set to seek approval for a new five-year term as MD and CEO, from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2029.
Mukund Galgali, Chief Financial Officer, assumed the role of its Deputy Chief Executive Officer.
WeWork India Appoints Virwani as Non-Executive Chairman, Karan to be MD, CEO
Co-working major WeWork India announced the appointment of Jitendra Mohandas Virwani as Non-Executive Chairman of the company while Karan Virwani was appointed Managing Director and CEO.
In WeWork India, realty firm Embassy Group holds a 73 per cent stake, while WeWork Global has a 27 per cent shareholding.
WeWork Global, which is a leading provider of flexible workspace, had in June 2021 invested $ 100 million in WeWork India.
Nov 19, 2024
Taiwan Seeks Economic Partnership with EU to Boost Semiconductor Ties
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te called for the signing of an economic partnership agreement with the European Union, saying that it would boost cooperation in semiconductors and that as democracies the two sides should be working together.
Taiwan has pushed for the signing of investment and trade deals with the EU, in what would be politically significant for Taiwan given its diplomatic isolation and general exclusion from most global bodies and agreements.
For its part, the EU has been courting Taiwan as a "like-minded" partner under the European Chips Act to encourage more semiconductor production in Europe and lessen dependence on Asia, despite the lack of formal ties with the Chinese-claimed island.
The government extended the tenure of Mallika Srinivasan as the head of the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) by one year after it made an exception to rules to allow the private sector specialist to continue on the job beyond the cut-off age of 65 years from November 2024 to November 2025 or until further orders.
CCI Imposes a Monetary Penalty of Rs. 213.14 crore on Meta
The Competition Commission of India (Commission) imposed a penalty of Rs. 213.14 crore on Meta for abusing its dominant position. This relates to how WhatsApp's 2021 Privacy Policy was implemented and how user data was collected and shared with other Meta companies. The Commission also issued cease-and-desist directions and also directed Meta and WhatsApp to implement certain behavioural remedies within a defined timeline.
Nov 18, 2024
Moody's Optimistic About India's Economic Growth Despite Volatility
Moody's Ratings has projected steady growth for India, maintaining its forecast of 7.2% GDP growth for 2024, despite some signs of slowdown in urban demand and mixed corporate results in Q2. The global rating agency highlighted positive economic indicators, including strong household consumption, increased rural demand, robust investment, and manufacturing activity. These factors, combined with government infrastructure spending and rising capacity utilization, support the outlook for the country's economy.
Tata Electronics Acquires Majority Stake in Pegatron's iPhone Plant
Tata Electronics has taken a major step in strengthening its position as an Apple supplier by acquiring a 60 per cent majority stake in Taiwanese contract manufacturer Pegatron's sole iPhone plant in India. The deal, which forms a new joint venture, marks a significant milestone in Apple's efforts to diversify its supply chain beyond China.
Under the agreement, Tata will handle daily operations of the Chennai-based plant, while Pegatron will retain a 40 per cent stake and provide technical support. Details of the financial terms were not disclosed, and Tata, Apple, and Pegatron have declined to comment publicly.
The announcement was internally communicated at the iPhone plant last week, and the companies plan to seek approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) shortly, according to sources.
Galaxy Health Insurance Launches 'Galaxy Promise'
Galaxy Health Insurance Launches 'Galaxy Promise' to Tackle Rising Healthcare CostsGalaxy Health Insurance has introduced 'Galaxy Promise', its first health insurance product offering coverage ranging from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 1 crore. The plan features flexible options for families, multiple claim facilities, and benefits like unlimited restoration of the sum insured.
NASA Partners with Microsoft to Simplify Access to Earth Science Data
In a major technological advancement, NASA and Microsoft have collaborated to create "Earth Copilot," an AI-driven chatbot aimed at democratizing access to complex Earth Science data. Earth Copilot leverages Microsoft's Azure cloud and advanced AI capabilities to make NASA's extensive geospatial data repository accessible to a broader audience. Traditionally complex and requiring expert knowledge, this data can now be retrieved using simple, plain-language queries, such as assessing the impact of hurricanes or monitoring climate change effects.
Nov 17, 2024
Nepal-Bangladesh Power Trade via Indian Grid Begins With First Trilateral Transaction
Union Minister for Power, Manohar Lal jointly inaugurated the flow of power from Nepal to Bangladesh through the Indian grid along with Md. Fouzul Kabir Khan, Advisor, Ministry of Power, Bangladesh and Dipak Khadka, Nepal's Minister of Energy, in a virtual event hosted by Nepal's Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation.
This historic occasion marks the first trilateral power transaction which has been carried out through the Indian grid. The start of this power flow from Nepal to Bangladesh through India is expected to boost sub-regional connectivity in the power sector.