Technology

New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) Crude oil prices climbed nearly 3 per cent on Tuesday, rebounding from the previous session’s losses as renewed concerns over supply emerged amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Brent crude futures were trading at $103.20 per barrel, up 2.98 per cent, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 3.05 per cent to $96.36 per barrel around 9:45 am.

In the previous session, Brent had settled 2.8 per cent lower, while WTI declined nearly 5 per cent, despite both benchmarks rising close to 4 per cent earlier in the day.

The Strait of Hormuz -- a key chokepoint handling about 20 per cent of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade -- has seen significant disruption due to the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict, now in its third week.

The situation has heightened fears of supply shortages, elevated energy prices and rising inflation.

However, on a weekly basis, oil prices remained largely stable. Brent crude was broadly flat compared to last Friday’s close, while WTI traded over 1 per cent lower during the same period.

Meanwhile, the United States has secured energy agreements worth about $56–57 billion with Indo-Pacific partners, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said, describing the move as part of efforts to strengthen energy security among allies.

The agreements were finalised during the Indo-Pacific energy security conference led by the US, with participation from countries across the region.

Separately, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Iranian oil tankers have been allowed passage through the Strait of Hormuz despite the ongoing conflict, in a bid to stabilise global energy supplies.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical artery for global energy trade, and any disruption poses significant risks to markets.

Asian economies, including India, remain particularly vulnerable due to their heavy dependence on crude imports from the Gulf region, according to analysts.

Additionally, domestic equity benchmarks Sensex and Nifty show high volatility in Tuesday’s session.

--IANS

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Mumbai, March 16 (IANS) Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Monday informed the Legislative Council that the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will convert its entire fleet of 22,000 buses to electric vehicles (EVs) by 2037. ​

He said the move positions Maharashtra as the first state in the country to commit to a complete transition of its state‑run bus network to EVs.​

Sarnaik said that out of 22,000 buses, around 800 are currently electric. He added that it is the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for India to transition entirely to electric mobility by 2047. ​

As part of that campaign, Maharashtra has advanced its target to ensure the MSRTC fleet becomes fully electric by 2037.​

He said that although there was an initial plan to purchase 5,000 diesel buses annually for the next five years, the strategy has been overhauled. ​

He stated that apart from the 8,000 diesel buses already in progress, all future additions to the fleet will be electric. He also said a scheme has been planned to convert diesel buses to EVs.​

Sarnaik added that a proposal has been created to use solar power for recharging charging stations, which will save electricity and help the environment.

He said the government has proposed using solar energy to run charging stations, reducing dependence on the traditional power grid.​

The minister said the state’s EV Policy 2026 provides various monetary benefits for EV purchases, including tax exemptions and toll discounts. ​

EVs currently enjoy full toll waivers on major arterial routes such as the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the Nagpur–Mumbai Samruddhi Mahamarg, and the Atal Setu (MTHL).​

He said the state government is developing charging stations every 25 km on highways, extending financial benefits, and promoting courses on developing charging technology.​

Delhi currently has the largest electric bus fleet in India, with over 4,200 EVs. Under its EV policy, the Delhi government aims to expand its electric bus fleet to 7,500 by the end of 2026 and to 14,000 by 2028.​

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 16 (IANS) Apple on Monday unveiled the new AirPods Max 2, bringing improved sound quality, stronger Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and several intelligent features to its premium over-ear headphones.

The company said the new headphones are powered by the H2 chip, which allows better performance and introduces features such as Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and Live Translation for the first time on the AirPods Max lineup.

According to Apple, the new AirPods Max 2 offer up to 1.5 times more effective Active Noise Cancellation compared to the previous generation.

This helps block more background sounds such as airplane engines or train noise, allowing users to enjoy music, calls, or work with fewer distractions.

The headphones also deliver improved sound quality with a new high dynamic range amplifier that provides cleaner audio.

Apple said the upgraded system enhances bass response and produces more natural mids and highs.

When paired with Personalised Spatial Audio, the headphones provide a more immersive listening experience for music, movies, and games.

For users who want the highest-quality audio, AirPods Max 2 support 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio when connected using the USB-C cable.

This feature is particularly useful for music creators using apps such as Logic Pro, allowing them to create and mix music with personalised spatial audio and head tracking.

Apple has also added several smart features powered by the H2 chip. Adaptive Audio automatically adjusts noise cancellation and transparency levels depending on the environment.

Conversation Awareness lowers the volume when the user begins speaking to someone nearby.

Customers in the United States and more than 30 other countries will be able to order the AirPods Max 2 starting March 25 through Apple’s website and the Apple Store app.

The headphones will begin shipping early next month and will be available in midnight, starlight, orange, purple, and blue colour options.

In India, the AirPods Max 2 will start at Rs 67,900. Apple also said new buyers may get three months of free subscription to Apple Music with the purchase of the headphones.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 16 (IANS) Leading automobile manufacturer Tata Motors on Monday announced price increase of up to 1.5 per cent across its commercial vehicle (CV) range, effective from April 1.

The company said that price increase is being undertaken to partially offset the impact of rising commodity prices and other input costs.

The increase will vary depending on the model and variant, a company statement said.

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd's (TMPVL) Managing Director and CEO Shailesh Chandra had in February said that the company has been facing higher input costs for nearly a year, and the impact is now necessitating a price hike.

In a quarterly earnings call, Chandra had said the rise in commodity prices, especially precious metals and copper, has added pressure on the company’s cost structure.

Tata Motors Limited reported a sharp 32 per cent year-on-year (YoY) rise in total sales for February 2026, as it sold 42,940 vehicles in domestic and international markets during the month, compared to 32,533 units in February 2025.

Domestic sales stood at 40,893 units, marking a strong growth of 32.8 per cent from 30,797 units in the same month last year.

The company’s international business also showed steady improvement, with sales rising 17.9 per cent to 2,047 units from 1,736 units a year ago.

The growth was led by strong performance across various truck and commercial vehicle categories.

Sales of heavy commercial vehicle (HCV) trucks rose 37.1 per cent to 13,559 units in February 2026, up from 9,892 units last year.

Intermediate, light and medium commercial vehicle (ILMCV) trucks recorded a 34.1 per cent increase at 7,577 units, compared to 5,652 units in February 2025.

Its sales in the domestic and international market, including that of electric vehicles (EV), stood at 71,066 units in January 2026, marking a 47.1 per cent rise year-on-year. The total sales, including EVs, were 48,316 units in January 2025.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 16 (IANS) The Indian-flagged LPG tanker Shivalik, which departed from Qatar carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), safely arrived from the Strait of Hormuz at Mundra Port in Gujarat on Monday.

The vessel carried around 45,000 metric tonnes of LPG and its safe arrival is expected to provide relief amid concerns over fuel shipments passing through the sensitive maritime route.

Earlier, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, special secretary in Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, said during an inter-ministerial briefing that the tanker had successfully moved into the open sea after transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

He noted that two Indian-flagged LPG carriers -- Shivalik and Nanda Devi -- were carrying around 92,700 metric tonnes of LPG to India. The two ships are owned by the state-run Shipping Corporation of India.

While Shivalik arrived at Mundra Port at 5 p.m., the other tanker, Nanda Devi, is expected to reach Kandla Port in Gujarat early tomorrow morning.

Sinha also said that all Indian seafarers operating in the Persian Gulf region are safe and there have been no reports of any untoward incidents involving them.

As per government data, there were 22 Indian-flagged vessels located to the west of the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf region, carrying a total of 611 seafarers.

While Nanda Devi will arrive at Gujarat’s Kandla port, Jag Laadki carrying nearly 81,000 tonnes of crude oil from the UAE is en route to Mundra port. The vessel and all Indian seafarers onboard are safe.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most crucial shipping routes, with nearly 20 per cent of global oil and gas exports passing through it.

With tensions continuing in the region, authorities are closely monitoring the movement of ships and ensuring the safety of Indian vessels and crew operating in the area.

"Major ports across the country are closely monitoring vessel movements and cargo operations and providing support to shipping lines and cargo stakeholders, including concessions in anchorage, berth hire and storage charges," the ministry said in earlier briefing.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 16 (IANS) IDBI Bank on Monday said it could neither confirm nor deny media reports that the government may scrap the proposed majority stake sale in the lender.

According to an exchange filing, the bank said the strategic disinvestment process is confidential and being handled by the Government of India and that it was not privy to such information making it incapable to comment on news reports referenced by the stock exchange.

The filing was made after the exchange sought the bank’s response to media reports suggesting the sale might be called off because of low price bids.

The Exchange had sought clarification from IDBI Bank Ltd on Monday, with reference to news appearing in national media saying "IDBI Bank stock crashes over 13 per cent after reports that government may scrap majority stake sale due to low price bids."

On query from the exchange if negotiations were taking place, the lender said the disinvestment is being conducted through a competitive bidding process in line with the government’s disinvestment guidelines.

“Such bidding processes do not entail negotiations and accordingly, IDBI Bank has had no role to play in the negotiations,” the bank said in the filing.

The bank further said it had not received any communication from the government regarding the scrapping of the strategic disinvestment process and that it was not aware of any information that would have led to the referenced reports.

"The bank shall promptly disclose to the Stock Exchanges any material information, if and when received," the filing said adding that it has promptly intimated the stock exchanges of all events and information having a bearing on the operations and performance of the bank, including all price-sensitive information.

The Centre had earlier invited financial bids for the disinvestment of IDBI Bank and was likely to announce the winning bidder by the end of March, though the final closure of the transaction could extend beyond the current financial year.

Under the proposed plan, the government aimed to divest a 30.48 per cent stake in the lender, valued at around Rs 36,000 crore at current market prices.

—IANS

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Patna, Feb 19 (IANS) Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) President Chirag Paswan has taken a strong stand on the controversy surrounding a robot displayed by Galgotias University at the AI Summit, terming the incident extremely damaging to the country’s image.​

Reacting to allegations that a Chinese-made robot was showcased at the summit as an indigenous product, Chirag Paswan said it was a grave error.​

“It is completely wrong for any university to display and claim ownership of something that is not Indian. Some people attempted to mislead during the summit. Presenting foreign technology as indigenous is a serious matter and can tarnish India’s image at the global level,” he said.​

He expressed confidence that once the summit concludes, the government will take strict cognisance of the matter and act appropriately.​

Commenting on demands by certain Muslim organisations to keep liquor shops closed during Ramazan in Delhi, Chirag Paswan firmly defended personal freedom and choice.​

Referring to his role as Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, he stated: “The government’s responsibility is to ensure the quality and hygiene of food and beverages. But forcing closures in the name of any festival - be it Hindu or Muslim - is not our party’s ideology.”​

He cautioned against politicising religious festivals and stressed that personal liberty should be respected in all circumstances.​

Chirag Paswan also raised serious concerns over the suspicious death of a NEET aspirant and the threats allegedly being received by the victim’s family.​

“If the family of the victim is being intimidated, it is the government’s duty to ensure their complete security so that justice can be delivered without fear,” he said.​

He reiterated his stance on accountability for examination-related irregularities, recalling that he has consistently supported strict punishment for those involved in malpractice.​

Through his remarks, Chirag Paswan sent a strong message on ethical conduct in innovation, the protection of civil liberties, and zero tolerance for intimidation in sensitive cases, calling for transparency, accountability, and justice.

​--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 18 (IANS) Bengaluru-based AI startup Sarvam AI on Wednesday unveiled two new large language models as part of India’s push to build sovereign artificial intelligence capabilities.

The announcement was made at the India AI Impact Summit here, where the company said both models have been trained from scratch using a mixture-of-experts (MoE) architecture to improve efficiency and performance.

The first model, called Sarvam 30B, has 30 billion parameters. However, the company said that for every output token it generates, only 1 billion parameters are activated.

Co-founder Pratyush Kumar explained that this MoE structure helps reduce inference costs while improving efficiency, especially for reasoning and complex workloads.

He added that the 30B model performs strongly on thinking and reasoning benchmarks at both 8K and 16K scales when compared to other models of similar size.

The Sarvam 30B model supports a 32,000-token context window and has been trained on 16 trillion tokens.

Kumar said efficiency remains central to the company’s vision, as it aims to make AI accessible at population scale across India.

The company also introduced a larger 105-billion-parameter model designed for more advanced reasoning and agent-based tasks.

This model activates 9 billion parameters and supports a 128,000-token context window, allowing it to handle more complex instructions and longer conversations.

Kumar compared the new 105B model with global frontier systems. He said that on several benchmarks, it outperforms DeepSeek’s DeepSeek R1, which was reported to have 600 billion parameters when it was released last year.

He also said the model is cheaper than Gemini Flash developed by Google, while delivering better performance on many benchmarks.

According to him, even when compared to Gemini 2.5 Flash, Sarvam’s model shows stronger performance on Indian language tasks.

The launch comes at a time when India is stepping up efforts to build its own foundational AI models tailored for multilingual and large-scale public use cases.

The government-backed IndiaAI Mission, supported by a Rs 10,000 crore fund, aims to reduce dependence on foreign AI systems and promote domestic innovation.

So far, the mission has disbursed Rs 111 crore in GPU subsidies. Sarvam AI has emerged as the biggest beneficiary, securing 4,096 NVIDIA H100 SXM GPUs through Yotta Data Services and receiving nearly Rs 99 crore in subsidies.

The startup was earlier selected as the first company to build India’s foundational AI model under the mission.

Sarvam AI was founded in July 2023 by Vivek Raghavan and Pratyush Kumar, who previously worked at AI4Bharat, an initiative backed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 18 (IANS) Union New and Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi on Wednesday said the government will push for artificial intelligence (AI)-based solutions to tackle long-standing problems in the power sector, especially grid congestion and renewable energy curtailment.

Speaking on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit here, he said the Centre has already started working on AI-driven technologies to improve grid stability and ensure that clean energy generated is not wasted.

“Issues related to grid stability and curtailment will be addressed in the coming days,” Joshi said.

He explained that power capacity curtailment, which happens when renewable energy cannot be transmitted due to grid congestion, needs to be reduced.

“AI-based technology solutions will help manage the grid more efficiently and integrate renewable energy in a smoother way,” the minister noted.

The minister also said that the cost of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) is falling due to the government’s viability gap funding (VGF) scheme.

He added that India’s overall requirement for battery storage is expected to rise sharply to 411 gigawatt (GW) by 2032.

Joshi said that in recent bids floated by the government, the discovered tariff has come down from Rs 3.3 per unit earlier to Rs 3.1 per unit now.

He expressed confidence that battery storage prices will fall further as deployment increases, similar to the sharp fall in solar power costs over the years.

He said this trend will transform the country’s energy sector. The renewable energy ministry said the AI Summit also highlighted the Global Mission on AI for Energy, which aims to bring together solar power deployment and digital intelligence.

The goal is to enable real-time optimisation and smarter grid management through advanced technologies.

Joshi pointed out that innovative digital models are already being introduced to improve the power distribution system.

He mentioned the “One Solar” web application developed by BSES Rajdhani Power Limited, along with digital twin solutions for power distribution companies and GIS-based modernisation of distribution networks.

These measures, he said, will help strengthen grid stability and reduce disruptions. In a separate development, India launched a joint offshore wind taskforce with the United Kingdom.

The initiative was launched in the presence of UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 15 (IANS) In a major endorsement of India’s growing role in artificial intelligence, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has described India as a potential “full-stack AI leader” and announced plans to expand the company’s presence and partnerships in the country.

His remarks come ahead of the Global AI Impact Summit 2026, which begins on February 16 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

In a media article, Altman said India has become OpenAI’s second-largest user base globally, after the United States.

He revealed that India now has 100 million weekly active users of ChatGPT, with the country also having the largest number of student users worldwide.

India ranks fourth globally in the adoption of Prism, OpenAI’s free tool for scientific research and LaTeX-based collaboration.

Altman said OpenAI is committed to building AI “in India, with India, and for India.” He noted that the company has made its tools available for free to ensure access regardless of income, education or familiarity with technology.

Last year, OpenAI opened its first office in Delhi and plans to further expand its footprint this year.

He also shared that more than 200 nonprofit leaders across four Indian cities were recently trained to use ChatGPT to increase their impact and efficiency.

The OpenAI chief said he will be visiting India next week and hinted at new partnerships with the Government to widen access to AI and its benefits.

He outlined a three-part strategy to ensure AI reaches the grassroots. According to him, AI progress depends on “Access,” meaning tools must be available to everyone; “Adoption,” which involves integrating AI into schools, clinics and small businesses; and “Agency,” which empowers people with the confidence and skills to use AI effectively for decision-making and innovation.

--IANS

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