Author: Sreelatha M

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Technology

Google launches Gemini Omni, Nano Banana

Google has expanded its artificial intelligence portfolio with the launch of Gemini Omni and Nano Banana 2 Lite, two new AI models designed to make conversations more natural and image creation significantly faster.

The company says Gemini Omni is built to handle voice, video and visual inputs in real time, allowing users to interact with AI more smoothly. The model can understand multiple forms of information simultaneously, enabling quicker and more human-like responses during conversations.

The second launch, Nano Banana 2 Lite, is a lightweight AI model focused on rapid image generation. Google says it can create and edit images from simple text prompts within seconds while using fewer computing resources. The model is intended for developers, businesses and creators looking for fast, high-quality visual content without the need for powerful hardware.

By introducing the new models, Google aims to make AI more accessible across a wide range of applications. From digital assistants and creative tools to educational platforms and business software, the technology is expected to improve productivity and user experience.

Google’s latest offerings place equal emphasis on performance and ease of use, ensuring that AI tools can run efficiently while delivering advanced capabilities.

Developers will be able to integrate both models into applications through Google’s AI ecosystem, opening new possibilities for conversational assistants, image editing, content creation and customer support.

Also Read: Rs 183.50 cut in commercial LPG prices

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Beyond

Rs 183.50 cut in commercial LPG prices

Restaurants, hotels and small businesses across the country received a welcome boost on Tuesday after oil marketing companies reduced the price of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders by Rs 183.50. The revised rates came into effect from July 1, marking the first reduction in commercial LPG prices this year.

The price cut is expected to provide much-needed relief to businesses that depend on LPG for daily operations. From neighbourhood eateries and tea stalls to large restaurants and catering services, many commercial establishments have been grappling with higher fuel costs over the past few months. The latest reduction is likely to ease operational expenses and improve profit margins, especially for businesses already facing rising food and labour costs.

Following the revision, the price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder in Delhi has come down to Rs 2,930 from Rs 3,113.50. Similar reductions have also been implemented in other major cities, bringing relief to thousands of commercial users across the country.

Restaurant owners and food vendors welcomed the move, saying lower cooking fuel costs would help reduce the financial burden on businesses. However, many pointed out that stable fuel prices over a longer period would be more beneficial than one-time reductions, allowing them to plan their expenses with greater certainty.

While businesses have reason to cheer, households did not receive any relief. Oil marketing companies have kept the prices of 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinders unchanged in the latest monthly revision. As a result, families will continue paying the existing rates for cooking gas, despite expectations that domestic cylinder prices could also be revised.

The reduction in commercial LPG prices comes amid easing global energy prices after geopolitical tensions in West Asia showed signs of cooling. Commercial LPG rates had increased several times in recent months due to fluctuations in international fuel prices and supply concerns.

Also Read: Gold slips to ₹1.41 lakh, Silver near ₹2.24 lakh

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Corporate

Blue Cloud sheds 8% after BSNL partnership

Blue Cloud Softech Solutions has been selected by BSNL to provide 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), Internet Leased Line (ILL) and captive private network services for businesses across India.

As part of the partnership, Blue Cloud will build, operate and maintain the network infrastructure needed to deliver these services, while BSNL will offer them under its own brand. The companies will share the revenue generated from the services.

The collaboration is expected to help businesses adopt secure, high-speed connectivity for factories, offices, campuses and other enterprise applications. Private 5G networks are increasingly being used by companies to improve automation, data security and operational efficiency.

Blue Cloud said the empanelment is an important milestone that strengthens its presence in India’s fast-growing enterprise telecom market. The company expects the partnership to open up new opportunities as businesses increasingly adopt next-generation digital connectivity.

Despite the announcement, Blue Cloud Softech’s shares fell nearly 8% during Tuesday’s trade. Market experts attributed the decline to profit booking after recent gains rather than any concerns about the agreement.

The partnership also supports BSNL’s plans to expand its enterprise services portfolio as it rolls out next-generation telecom solutions across the country. Both companies expect the collaboration to help meet the growing demand for reliable and high-speed business connectivity.

Blue Cloud Softech Solutions has been selected by BSNL to provide 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), Internet Leased Line (ILL) and captive private network services for businesses across India.

As part of the partnership, Blue Cloud will build, operate and maintain the network infrastructure needed to deliver these services, while BSNL will offer them under its own brand. The companies will share the revenue generated from the services.

The collaboration is expected to help businesses adopt secure, high-speed connectivity for factories, offices, campuses and other enterprise applications. Private 5G networks are increasingly being used by companies to improve automation, data security and operational efficiency.

Blue Cloud said the empanelment is an important milestone that strengthens its presence in India’s fast-growing enterprise telecom market. The company expects the partnership to open up new opportunities as businesses increasingly adopt next-generation digital connectivity.

Despite the announcement, Blue Cloud Softech’s shares fell nearly 8% during Tuesday’s trade. Market experts attributed the decline to profit booking after recent gains rather than any concerns about the agreement.

The partnership also supports BSNL’s plans to expand its enterprise services portfolio as it rolls out next-generation telecom solutions across the country. Both companies expect the collaboration to help meet the growing demand for reliable and high-speed business connectivity.

Also Read: OYO parent files ₹6,650 cr IPO papers with Sebi

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Corporate

OYO parent files ₹6,650 cr IPO papers with Sebi

OYO’s parent company, Oravel Stays Limited, through its holding entity Prism, has filed updated draft papers with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) for an initial public offering (IPO) worth ₹6,650 crore.

Founded by Ritesh Agarwal, OYO has expanded its presence across hotels, holiday homes and managed accommodations in India and several international markets. In recent years, the company has focused on improving profitability, streamlining operations and expanding premium offerings.

Unlike its earlier proposal, the IPO will consist entirely of a fresh issue of shares, with no offer-for-sale component. This means the entire amount raised will go to the company instead of existing shareholders.

The proposed public issue comes after OYO withdrew its earlier IPO plans and has now returned to the market with revised documents. The company plans to use the proceeds to strengthen its business, repay debt, support expansion and meet general corporate requirements.

Also Read: Ford rehires 350 engineers after AI quality checks falter

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1 Minute-Read

Ford rehires 350 engineers after AI quality checks falter

Ford has rehired around 350 experienced engineers after finding that artificial intelligence could not match human expertise in vehicle quality inspections.

The company had introduced AI to improve efficiency in manufacturing, but the technology reportedly struggled to identify certain defects and quality issues that seasoned engineers could detect. The move reflects Ford’s decision to combine AI with human expertise rather than rely solely on automation.

Industry experts say the development highlights AI’s limitations in tasks requiring judgment, experience and attention to detail, reinforcing the continued role of skilled professionals in advanced manufacturing.

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Beyond

Centre lifts fuel sale restrictions from July 1 nationwide

The Centre has lifted restrictions on the sale of petrol and diesel from July 1, restoring normal fuel marketing operations across the country after reviewing domestic supplies and global oil market conditions. The temporary curbs, introduced earlier this month as a precautionary measure, will no longer apply to fuel retailers.

The restrictions were imposed after concerns over possible disruptions in global crude oil supplies following tensions in the Middle East. During the period, fuel retailers were required to prioritise domestic availability and avoid actions that could affect supply across the country.

With the situation stabilising and fuel supplies remaining adequate, the government has withdrawn the curbs. From Tuesday, both public sector and private fuel retailers will be free to operate under normal market conditions.

The move is expected to particularly benefit private fuel retailers, who had faced operational restrictions under the temporary measures. Companies can now resume regular fuel sales and procurement without the additional conditions imposed during the emergency period.

Officials said the decision was taken after reviewing India’s fuel inventory and supply chain. The government found that domestic stocks remained comfortable and there was no immediate risk of shortages despite global uncertainties.

India, the world’s third-largest importer of crude oil, had closely monitored developments in the Gulf region, especially around the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of global oil shipments passes. Although geopolitical tensions had briefly raised concerns over energy security, supplies remained largely unaffected.

The government said it will continue to monitor international oil markets and take necessary steps if the global situation changes. Officials stressed that India’s energy security remains a priority and adequate fuel stocks are available to meet domestic demand.

Also Read: HDFC Bank names Rajiv Kumar part-time chairman

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Leaders

HDFC Bank names Rajiv Kumar part-time chairman

HDFC Bank has appointed former Finance Secretary Rajiv Kumar as its Part-Time Chairman, marking a significant leadership change at India’s largest private sector lender. His appointment, approved by the bank’s board, will take effect after receiving the necessary approvals from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and shareholders.

Rajiv Kumar succeeds Atanu Chakraborty, whose tenure as Part-Time Chairman ends after completing the maximum term permitted under banking regulations. Kumar has been appointed for a three-year term, subject to regulatory clearance.

A seasoned bureaucrat with decades of experience in public finance and economic policymaking, Kumar has held several key positions in the Government of India. He served as Finance Secretary and was also the country’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). During his career, he was closely associated with major financial sector reforms and represented India on several international financial institutions.

HDFC Bank said Kumar’s wide-ranging experience in governance, financial regulation and public policy will strengthen the bank’s board as it continues to expand its operations following its merger with Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC).

The appointment comes at a crucial time for the bank, which has been focused on integrating its businesses after the landmark merger and accelerating growth across retail and corporate banking. Industry observers believe Kumar’s policy expertise and understanding of the financial system will help the bank navigate a rapidly evolving banking landscape.

Rajiv Kumar has also served on the boards of several important financial institutions and regulatory bodies during his career. His experience in economic administration and institutional governance is expected to add strategic depth to HDFC Bank’s decision-making process.

Also Read: Adani sells 49% Vizhinjam port stake to MSC

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Corporate

Adani sells 49% Vizhinjam port stake to MSC

Kerala’s Vizhinjam International Seaport is set to get a major global partner, with Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) agreeing to sell a 49% stake in the project to Terminal Investment Limited (TiL), the port-operating arm of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company. Valued at around $1.4 billion (about ₹12,000 crore), the deal is expected to accelerate the port’s growth as a global transshipment hub while bringing one of the world’s largest shipping companies into the project.

Adani Ports will continue to hold a 51% stake, retaining management control of the strategically important deep-water port. The partnership is expected to strengthen Vizhinjam’s role in global shipping while attracting fresh investment for its next phase of development.

Located close to one of the world’s busiest east-west shipping routes, Vizhinjam is India’s first deep-water transshipment port. Its natural depth allows some of the world’s largest container vessels to dock without extensive dredging, making it a strategically important asset for the country’s maritime sector.

The collaboration combines Adani Ports’ infrastructure expertise with MSC’s vast global shipping network. The companies expect the partnership to increase container traffic, improve operational efficiency and attract more international shipping services to the Kerala port.

The fresh investment will support the expansion of terminals, cargo-handling facilities and supporting infrastructure. Industry experts believe this will help India reduce its dependence on foreign ports such as Colombo, Singapore and Dubai for transshipment services while strengthening the country’s logistics network.

The deal is also expected to benefit Kerala by creating jobs, boosting trade and increasing economic activity around the port. As cargo volumes grow, Vizhinjam is likely to emerge as a key gateway for international maritime trade in the region.

The transaction will take effect after receiving the necessary regulatory approvals. Industry observers believe the partnership will not only strengthen Vizhinjam’s position on global shipping routes but also enhance India’s maritime infrastructure, helping the country handle a larger share of international container traffic through its own ports.

Also Read: Rupee falls 7 paise to 94.58 against dollar

Categories
Beyond

Rupee falls 7 paise to 94.58 against dollar

The Indian rupee slipped 7 paise to 94.58 against the US dollar in early trade on Tuesday, extending its losing streak as demand for the American currency remained strong and investors stayed cautious over global developments.

Forex traders said the rupee came under pressure mainly due to month-end dollar buying by importers and corporates, who typically purchase the greenback to meet overseas payment commitments. The steady demand for dollars outweighed support from stable crude oil prices.

The domestic currency had settled at 94.51 against the dollar in the previous session after giving up its early gains. Tuesday’s decline reflects the cautious mood in the foreign exchange market, with participants closely tracking global economic signals and geopolitical developments.

A stronger US dollar also added to the pressure. Expectations that the US Federal Reserve may keep interest rates elevated for longer have supported the greenback, reducing the appeal of emerging market currencies, including the rupee.

Traders noted that concerns over geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to keep currency markets on edge. Although crude oil prices have remained relatively stable, any disruption in global energy supplies could increase India’s import bill and weigh further on the rupee.

Also Read: Sensex rises over 200 points, Nifty climbs above 24,000

Categories
Corporate

Astral Limited shares slides 6% after demerger move

Astral Ltd shares fell more than 6% on Monday after the company announced plans to demerge its chemicals business into a separate listed entity. The market reacted cautiously to the proposal, making Astral one of the day’s biggest losers despite analysts highlighting potential long-term benefits.

The proposed demerger aims to separate Astral’s adhesives and chemicals operations from its core pipes and plumbing business. The company said the move will allow both businesses to pursue independent growth strategies, improve operational focus and unlock shareholder value.

Management believes the two businesses have evolved into sizeable operations with distinct markets, customers and growth opportunities. By operating as separate entities, each business will be able to make faster strategic decisions, allocate capital more efficiently and attract investors focused on their respective sectors.

Despite the strategic rationale, investors booked profits after the announcement, pushing the stock lower during Monday’s trading session. Market participants appeared concerned about the near-term uncertainty surrounding the demerger process, regulatory approvals and the timeline for implementation.

Brokerages, however, maintained a largely positive outlook. Several analysts said the correction could offer a buying opportunity, noting that demergers often create long-term value by enabling businesses to operate independently. They added that Astral’s strong position in the pipes and plumbing segment remains unchanged.

The demerger proposal is subject to approvals from shareholders, regulators and the National Company Law Tribunal. Until the process is completed, both businesses will continue operating under the existing structure.

At the same time, the core building materials business is expected to benefit from a sharper strategic focus and continued demand from India’s infrastructure and housing sectors.

Also Read: Swiggy, Zepto move court against gig workers law