Domestic output rises, coal imports dip 40% in April-December
India Business News: Domestic coal production and supply have led to a 40% dip in coal imports for blending at power plants in the April-December period. Despite a 10% increase in thermal generation, coal import for blending decreased to 17 million tonnes from 28.7 million tonnes in the previous corresponding period. This indicates a reduced dependence on imported coal for power generation in India. Key Points
Times Of IndiaIndia's grid strained by burgeoning power demand
India's electricity transmission system is struggling to meet the fast-growing loads of power demand from industrialisation and electrification of the economy. While the frequency on the transmission system has been kept within tight limits so far, the thin margin of spare generation and increasing demand mean that periods of more severe temperatures are likely to reveal the pressure on the network, particularly for refrigeration and air conditioning. Key Points
Economic TimesGoogle admits Gemini AI is ‘missing the mark’, pauses image generation capabilities
Google halts Gemini AI chatbot's image generation after controversies. Users criticize the chatbot for inaccurate historical images and lack of diversity in depictions. Key Points
mintIndia's JSW Energy posts higher Q3 profit on demand boost, lower fuel costs
BENGALURU (Reuters) - India's JSW Energy reported a jump in third-quarter profit on Tuesday, helped by greater power demand and lower fuel costs. India's electricity generation rose 8.7% year-on-year Key Points
ThePrintUS presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy slams Google Gemini: Globally embarrassing rollout, blatantly racist
Google's AI chatbot Gemini paused image generation after controversy over racial biases. US presidential candidate and Elon Musk criticize the chatbot for perpetuating racial stereotypes in historical image generation. Key Points
mint
Dipika Chiklia, who played Sita in Ramanand Sagar's 'Ramayan' reacts to Om Raut kissing Kriti Sanon at a temple
The actress said, 'Kriti is an actress of today's generation. In today's era, kissing or hugging someone is considered a sweet gesture.' Key Points
FirstpostSomething special: For Viswanathan Anand it’s a golden generation of Indian chess
Indian players have hogged the limelight in Chess World Cup in Azerbaijan, where young GM Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa is competing in final against world no. 1 Magnus Carlsen. Key Points
ThePrintApple’s next-gen AirTag leaks: Better range, connectivity, and security expected in 2025
The upcoming second-generation AirTag from Apple, expected in mid-2025, will likely introduce significant improvements in connectivity, range, and security. It might feature advanced anti-stalking measures, addressing past privacy concerns, and enhancing user experience. Key Points
mintPower Ministry asks states to withdraw any tax on generation of electricity, calls it illegal
The ministry said any tax / duty on generation of electricity, which encompasses all types of generation viz. thermal, hydro, wind, solar, nuclear, etc. is illegal and unconstitutional. Key Points
FinancialexpressNikki Haley represents older generation of Republicans: Vivek Ramaswamy
Republican Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy said that he has a "fundamental ideological divide" with his Republican rival Nikki Haley. He said she represents an older generation in the party. Key Points
India Today
Google explains what went wrong with Gemini AI image generation
Prabhakar Raghavan, senior vice-president at Google, admitted that it is clear that 'this feature missed the mark'. As world leaders and industry stalwarts... Key Points
The Tribune IndiaElon Musk on Gemini chatbot: Google's ‘insane racist, anti-civilizational programming clear to all’
Elon Musk slams Google for Gemini chatbot's AI image generation, labeling it 'insane' and 'anti-civilizational'. Musk highlights historically inaccurate images created by the chatbot, criticizing Google's programming. Key Points
mintGrand Old Party: How Aging Makes You More Conservative
Baby boomers have shifted right. But liberal millennials and Gen Z are canceling them out. Key Points
mintApple rolls out iOS 16.4.1 and iPadOS 16.4.1 with critical bug fixes. Details
Apple iPhone 8 and later models are compatible with iOS 16.4.1 update. Key Points
mintBudget 2024: How budget planning can help stimulate growth of renewable energy
Interim Budget 2024: The Government of India aims to achieve 50% cumulative installed power generation capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. However, there is a need for increased annual capacity addition to reach the target. The upcoming budget for FY 2024-25 is expected to focus on sustainable financing for renewable energy (RE) projects, including distributed RE installations, localizing the supply chain, and boosting rooftop solar installations. Key Points
Economic Times
We are many, we are one: Ambi Parameswaran on India’s population milestone
An essay on the differing memories, experiences and aspirations of the soon-to-be-1.42 bn, as India heads towards the tag of most populous country in the world. Key Points
Hindustan TimesNext generation reforms to avoid middle-income trap: Suman Bery
In an interview, NITI Aayog vice chairman Suman Bery discusses the impact of staying on the fiscal glide path on India's credit ratings and private investment. He praises the finance minister for staying the course on fiscal consolidation, which provides headroom for the Reserve Bank of India and impacts the credit ratings of corporates and banks. Bery notes that the timing is right for a huge capex cycle in the private sector and emphasizes the need for regulatory reforms, decentralization, and freeing up sectors like agriculture and energy. He also mentions the importance of transparency in land markets, digitization, and artificial intelligence. Additionally, Bery highlights the challenge of a growing population and the progress made in reducing multidimensional poverty, but suggests that more significant measures may be included in the full budget. Key Points
Economic TimesBig boost to Indian navy: MoD inks acquisition worth Rs 19,600 crore for next-generation offshore patrol and missile vessels
In a major acquisition for the Indian navy, the Ministry of Defence signed contracts with Indian shipyards for the acquisition of eleven Next generation Offshore Patrol Vessels and six Next generation Missile Vessels at an overall cost of approx. Rs 19,600 crore. Key Points
FinancialexpressBoost to Make in India: Defence Ministry signs multiple deals worth over Rs 36,400 crore
The deal for the third and fourth regiments of the missile system has been signed with BDL and would cost over Rs 6000 crore, new agency ANI reported on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Defence Ministry also signed a deal with Indian shipyards for acquisition of 11 Next generation Offshore Patrol Vessels and six Next generation Missile Vessels at a Rs 19,600 crore, an official statement said. Key Points
Economic Times'Unconstitutional' — Himachal High Court strikes down Sukhu govt's water cess on power generation
State chief secretary indicates high court's decision will be challenged. Cash-strapped Congress govt had estimated to earn revenues worth Rs 1,800 crore per annum from power firms. Key Points
ThePrint
Work generated under NREGS declines in February
About 198.4 million person-days of work were generated in February, down 4.1% from 206.9 million in January, showed data compiled by the rural development ministry. However, on a year-on-year basis, February's work generation figure was down by 25.5%. Key Points
Economic TimesRivals Turn Partners: Adani, Ambani Sign ‘Power-Pact’ | What Brought Them Together? | Details
As per exchange filings, Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance has picked up a 26% stake in Adani Power’s project in MP. The pact has been signed to use the plant’s 500 MW of electricity for captive use. This stake has been bought in the form of stocks with face value of Rs10 at par ( Rs50 crore). This will allow reliance use of 500 MW of generation capacity for captive use, as per the filings of both firms in separate stock exchange filings. But why did Adani and Ambani who have often been portrayed as business rivals shake hands? Watch this video to find out. Key Points
https://www.livemint.comRules amended to push sale of surplus power on bourses
Amendments have also been made to align the rules with statutory provisions related to accessing the national power grid. The rules lay that if outstanding dues are paid, the regulation of access will end and need to be restored within a day after the payment. Key Points
Economic TimesBetter to look at power generation and not distribution stocks: Mahantesh Sabarad
The pharma sector is overcoming previous headwinds and is expected to perform better. Pricing pressure is reducing, new product launches are anticipated, and margin expansion is likely. The sector benefits from being defensive in volatile markets. Sectorally, all these headwinds that they had faced in the past are gradually going away for the sector to emerge better. Key Points
Economic TimesTata Motors Q3 results today: 5 key things that Dalal Street needs to know
Tata Motors Q3 results today: Tata Motors is set to release its Q4 earnings, and expectations are high. Strong demand for passenger and commercial vehicles in India, as well as growth in JLR volumes, are expected to drive double-digit earnings growth. Investors will also focus on the outlook for Indian and international markets, as well as JLR's guidance for margin growth and free cash flow generation. Key Points
Economic Times
Microsoft ending support for Windows 10 could send 240 million PCs to landfills
Microsoft's plan to end support for Windows 10 may result in approximately 240 million PCs being discarded, adding to landfill waste according to Canalys Research. The next generation of the OS, Windows 11, is expected to bring advanced AI technology to PCs, potentially revitalising the sluggish PC market. Key Points
India TodayAlibaba set to lose no. 1 ecomm player spot to PDD
The once-inconceivable shift reflects the turmoil that engulfed Alibaba after Beijing in 2020 targeted the company and its once-outspoken co-founder, kicking off a sweeping crackdown on the powerful tech sector. It also signals the rise of a generation of upstarts from PDD to ByteDance, which are disrupting the traditional arenas of social media and e-commerce. Key Points
Economic TimesReliance Succession: A large fortune of Asia's richest Mukesh Ambani starts a risky transition
Reliance Industries, the flagship company of Asia's richest tycoon Mukesh Ambani, is facing pressure to spin off its mature businesses through successful public floats of its telecom and retail units. The transition of control to the next generation, expected by 2028, could determine the conglomerate's hold on India's economy. While Reliance's influence has grown, its stock price has faced scrutiny, and investors want to see more value creation. Key Points
Economic TimesIndia's industrial output rose 3.7% in June
India's industrial output (INIP=ECI) rose 3.7% year-on-year in June, data from the Ministry of Statistics showed on Friday. Key Points
ReutersETtech In-depth | Micropayments: Internet's 'sachet moment' in India
Be it shelling out Rs 10 for a tarot card reading session online, Rs 50 for a quick online game or Rs 30 in virtual offering at a temple, micropayments, enabled by UPI in India, are driving new-age users to consume and pay for a variety of services on the Internet. For apps, this avenue for revenue generation means big business. Key Points
Economic Times
India's green goal offers companies $500 billion opportunity, ReNew CEO says
The nation, the worlds third largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has set a target to nearly triple its generation capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030. To reach that goal, the government plans to auction 50 gigawatts of wind, solar and hybrid projects every year, offering companies, such as ReNew, a massive opportunity, Sinha told Bloomberg Television in an interview Wednesday. Key Points
Economic TimesFilmmaker Shekhar Kapur planning a sequel to his directorial debut 'Masoom',-Entertainment News , Firstpost
A source revealed, 'Shekhar Kapur has been meticulously crafting the final script for 'Masoom... The New generation which will be the much awaited sequel to his cult classic film Masoom.' Key Points
FirstpostKarishma Sharma: With influencers taking over, it will surely be difficult for actors
Karishma Sharma, actor in Ek Villian Returns and Ujda Chaman, emphasizes the importance of visibility in the entertainment industry and explores diverse genres, including music videos, to connect with the younger generation. She believes social media views matter, but influencers taking over actors could lead to loss of work for actors. Sharma has recently turned producer and will be seen acting in her upcoming series, Blue Moon Night. | Bollywood Key Points
Hindustan TimesIn big jobs push under Rozgar Mela, PM Modi distributes 71,000 appointment letters to new recruits
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday distributed 71,000 appointment letters to new recruits. The recruits will join various departments of the Union government as well as state governments and Union Territories (UTs) supporting the Rozgar Mela initiative of the Centre. Key Points
India TodayDeepika Padukone asks couples to learn from older generation about marriage
Deepika Padukone shared pointers for couples as she talked about marriage. She is the wife of actor Ranveer Singh. | Bollywood Key Points
Hindustan Times