LOCAL SERVICES GROUP
Local partner wanted for Xiaomi ‘home’ coming
The proposal is in the exploratory phase, but the Chinese technology company is set to begin evaluating potential Indian suppliers, according to one of the persons who did not wish to be identified. “It marks a natural progression for Xiaomi as it has committed to expanding beyond air purifiers into categories such as air conditioners, refrigerators and washing machines,” the person said.
Electronics Inc runs ops update to build AI infra
India’s electronics manufacturers are moving into AI data centre infrastructure, targeting optical transceivers, advanced packaging and specialised cooling systems. Dixon Technologies, Samsung, LG, Blue Star and PG Electroplast are exploring production opportunities as global demand rises. The shift could attract investment, improve margins and strengthen India’s position as an export hub.
Tech investor SoftBank Group logs $7 bn quarterly net loss
The company's profits routinely see wild fluctuations linked to the volatile value of global technology stocks and its changing portfolio of investments and acquisitions.
Growing demand, demographics, digital agenda & energy security are long-term and secular tailwinds for India: Macquarie’s Ed Northam
Head of green Investments for the Australia’s largest asset manager said the firm is looking to reboot its India operations. While renewables will remain the biggest focus, industrial energy transition and E-mobility will be other key areas, he said. Since 2005, Green Investments group has deployed over $21 billion across 94 investments worldwide.
Karnataka, Uber discuss passenger safety, regulatory issues and urban transport
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge recently met with the Uber India Public Policy team to discuss urban mobility. The discussions emphasized passenger safety, regulatory issues, and improvements in urban commuting services. Kharge mentioned that further engagement with ride-hailing platforms will enhance public transportation. Additionally, initiatives like the Bengaluru Urban Mobility Mission are underway to address traffic management and safety.
Environmental groups embrace AI, even as they warn of data center impacts
Environmental organisations are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance conservation efforts and analyze ecological data. Many express concerns about the environmental impact caused by data centers that support AI technologies. The energy and water consumption of these centers is projected to double by 2030, raising emissions concerns.

Art, culture and a personal touch shape new-age corporate gifting
This Diwali, corporate gifting is experiencing notable growth as companies prioritize personalized and curated hampers. Many businesses are increasing their budgets for gifts, ranging from INR 1,500 to INR 20,000. A trend towards incorporating cultural elements and sustainable options is emerging in corporate hampers this year. Organizations are also offering employees choices from curated catalogs, enhancing the overall gifting experience.

IFC extends $150 million credit line to SBI in first investment in an Indian state-owned bank
The International Finance Corporation has extended a $150 million social loan to State Bank of India to support agricultural financing for around 864,000 rural women. The IFC has also executed its first domestic cross-currency swap with an Indian bank, making SBI its first local swap counterparty in South Asia.

AvenuesAI Q2 revenue jumps 47% as AI-first fintech transformation gathers momentum
AvenuesAI reported a steady set of second-quarter FY27 numbers, with the company continuing to build momentum behind its broader transformation from a payments gateway-led business into an AI-first financial technology infrastructure platform.

Pro Kannada outfit meets Bengaluru airport firms, presses for higher local hiring
Kannada Rakshana Vedike held discussions to address local hiring concerns with companies at Kempegowda International Airport. KRV president T.A. Narayana Gowda emphasised the need for fair employment opportunities for Kannadigas. Several organisations participated in the meeting and expressed commitment to increase local hiring. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar encouraged private employers to utilise Karnataka's talent pool more effectively. The organisation plans further outreach to enhance employment for locals in various sectors.

Saudi airline flyadeal launches direct flights between Jeddah and Lucknow
In a new development plan, Flyadeal is expanding its services to India with new direct flights from Jeddah to Lucknow, scheduled to commence on November 4, 2026. With three flights a week, this new route reinforces ties between the two countries, satisfying the needs of travelers for business and family connections.
China blocks SoftBank's $5.4 billion acquisition of ABB Robotics
China has blocked SoftBank’s $5.4 billion acquisition of ABB’s robotics business, disrupting the Japanese group’s AI-powered robotics expansion. The intervention highlights Beijing’s growing scrutiny of cross-border deals involving strategically important technologies.

Musk's $445 million midterm bet goes awry. Is his political influence at risk?
Elon Musk's $445 million spending spree on Republican candidates yielded limited results in the US midterms, with most of those he backed losing. As Democrats gain control, Musk faces potential congressional investigations, calls for campaign finance reforms and greater scrutiny of his companies, government contracts and political influence.

Indian travellers in Dubai can get up to AED 100 off at Dubai Duty Free using UPI
Indian travellers can now enjoy a 10% discount at Dubai Duty Free by using India's UPI for payments. This initiative, introduced by NPCI International, simplifies transactions for shoppers while eliminating the need for cash. With this exclusive offer, Indian visitors can experience a more rewarding shopping journey in Dubai, enhancing the convenience of their travel experience.

Tesla misled South Korean customers about automated-driving tech, consumer group alleges
Tesla has marketed Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software to prospective buyers in South Korea for years, often collecting lump-sum payments of 9.043 million won ($6,726).

Jubilant Pharmova plans to raise Rs 800 crore via maiden bond issue
Jubilant Pharmova has announced plans to secure ₹800 crore via its first bond issuance within the local market, featuring ₹400 crore as the base amount and an equal greenshoe option. The capital raised will be primarily allocated to the company’s capital expenditure and upcoming expansion efforts. Subscriptions are anticipated chiefly from mutual funds and asset managers, making this a significant moment in the company's bond market debut.

Adani Group to seek $1.5 billion for data center financing
Adani Group, led by Gautam Adani, is negotiating a $1.5 billion loan to finance its data center expansion. The joint venture AdaniConneX with EdgeConneX is involved in discussions with various lenders. Plans include investing around $100 billion in digital infrastructure by 2035, enhancing their energy business. Meanwhile, Reliance conglomerate is also investing significantly in artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Ascentium eyes India acquisitions to build Asia-focused global services platform
Singapore-headquartered Ascentium is looking to expand its India presence through acquisitions as it builds an Asia-focused global corporate services business. Backed by Hillhouse Investment, the firm has completed seven acquisitions in India since 2019 and is negotiating another, with plans to consolidate specialist firms and challenge established players in the market.

Blackstone-backed ASK Group appoints Nehal Shah as Group Head of Legal, Compliance and Secretarial
Blackstone-backed ASK Asset & Wealth Management Group has appointed Nehal Shah as group head of Legal, Compliance & Secretarial to strengthen its regulatory compliance and corporate governance functions. Shah brings over two decades of experience across financial services and capital markets.
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