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<ul><li>Realme has launched its latest flagship smartphone, the <keyword id="21837377" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Realme-GT-7-Pro" source="Orion">Realme GT 7 Pro</keyword> in India.</li><li>The Realme GT 6T is priced starting at ₹59,999 and is available in two variants.</li><li>Here’s everything you need to know about the latest flagship offering from the Chinese smartphone maker.</li></ul> Realme on Tuesday launched the GT 7 Pro, the company’s latest flagship smartphone in India. The Realme GT 7 Pro is the first device with the new<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/snapdragon-8-elite-announced-to-power-iqoo-13-oneplus-13-xiaomi-15-series-and-more/articleshow/114463844.cms"> Snapdragon 8 Elite</a> chipset to launch in India. The Realme GT 7 Pro kicks off the launch of the next-gen flagship smartphones in India, with the likes of the iQOO 13, OnePlus 13 and more scheduled to hit the Indian market in the coming weeks. <h2><keyword id="23806393" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Realme-GT-7-Pro-price" source="keywords">Realme GT 7 Pro price</keyword> and availability</h2>The Realme GT 7 Pro is priced at ₹59,999 for the 12GB RAM + 256GB internal storage option and ₹65,999 for the 16GB RAM + 512GB internal storage option. The device comes in Galaxy Grey and Mars Orange colour options. The device will be available from Amazon India, Realme Online Store and the company’s offline stores starting from November 29. <h2>Realme GT 7 Pro specifications</h2>The Realme GT 7 Pro runs on Android 15 out of the box with the company’s Realme UI 6.0 on top. The device will get three years of Android updates and four years of security updates. The device features a 6.78-inch 8T LTPO AMOLED display with a resolution of 2,780 x 1,264 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. The Realme GT 7 Pro is equipped with the <keyword id="24026636" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Snapdragon-8-Elite-chipset" source="keywords">Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset</keyword>. It is available in two variants – 12GB RAM + 256GB internal storage and 16GB RAM + 512GB internal storage. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114463844" title="Snapdragon 8 Elite announced, to power iQOO 13, OnePlus 13, Xiaomi 15 series and more" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> Coming to the camera department, the Realme GT 7 Pro features a triple camera setup at the back consisting of a 50MP primary camera with Sony IMX906 sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera with Sony IMX882 sensor and a 50MP periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. On the front, the device sports a 16MP selfie camera. The Realme GT 7 Pro is powered by a large 5,800mAh battery with 120W fast charging support, which the company claims can charge the device to 100% in 30 minutes. While the device was launched with a 6,500mAh battery in China, the company has opted for a significantly smaller 5,800mAh battery in India. It comes with IP68+IP69 water and dust resistance. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/oppo-find-x8-and-find-x8-pro-launched-in-india-starting-at-69999/articleshow/115521010.cms">Oppo Find X8 and Find X8 Pro launched in India starting at ₹69,999</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/oneplus-13-announced-with-snapdragon-8-elite-6000mah-battery-and-more/articleshow/114842638.cms">OnePlus 13 announced with Snapdragon 8 Elite, 6,000mAh battery and more</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/tata-to-buy-a-majority-stake-in-pegatrons-iphone-plant-in-india/articleshow/115414852.cms">Tata to buy a majority stake in Pegatron's iPhone plant in India</a>

Realme GT 7 Pro with Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset launched starting at ₹59,999

The Indian cement industry is on track to reach 5.09 billion tonnes by 2028-29, driven by robust government investment in infrastructure. According to an IANS report originally attributed to Infomerics Ratings, this marks a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9 per cent between 2024 and 2029. In 2022-23, the industry’s market size stood at 3.82 billion tonnes, with a total installed capacity of 622 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) in FY24 and production at 427 million tonnes. Notably, India contributes over 8 per cent to the world’s total installed cement capacity, highlighting its importance in the global market. Despite this, India’s per capita cement consumption is 260 kg—significantly below the global average of 540 kg—indicating substantial room for growth. Globally, the cement market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3 per cent from 2024 to 2032. The sector’s expansion is fuelled by ambitious government initiatives, including an allocation of ₹11.11 lakh crore for infrastructure in FY25 and housing schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. The construction sector consumes 55 per cent of cement production, while public infrastructure projects account for the remainder. The industry also plays a critical role in employment, providing direct jobs to over one million people and creating downstream opportunities for about 20,000 individuals per million tonnes of cement produced. Private players dominate the sector, controlling 98 per cent of production capacity, while public sector units hold a mere 2 per cent. Domestic production meets almost all demand, with imports accounting for just 0.2 per cent of total production in FY23. However, exports have declined recently due to reduced global demand and rising competition. India currently has 341 cement manufacturing facilities, including 159 integrated large cement plants, 120 grinding units, and 62 mini cement plants. Cement production has seen steady growth, with a 7.1 per cent increase in September 2024 and a cumulative growth of 1.6 per cent between April and September of FY25, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This growth aligns with India’s overall industrial performance, which saw a 2 per cent rise in core industries in September, led by cement, steel, coal, and fertilisers. As India invests heavily in infrastructure and housing, the cement industry is set to play a pivotal role in supporting the nation’s economic and developmental goals. (with IANS inputs)

India's cement industry expected to grow to 5.09 billion tonnes by 2028-29 amid infrastructure push: Report

New Delhi: Having marked a 20-year milestone in <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword>, global tech giant <keyword id="19902762" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Google" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Google" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Google">Google</keyword> is upbeat about its next innings here with Artificial Intelligence (<keyword id="19899640" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AI" source="keywords">AI</keyword>) playing a big role in it, India MD <keyword id="23412065" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Roma-Datta-Chobey" source="keywords">Roma Datta Chobey</keyword> said on Thursday, adding that the company is aligning its vision and strategy fully to the country's growth and ambitions. In an interview to PTI, Chobey said Google believes that AI should be regulated but in a way that strikes a fine balance between user benefit -- which is "still at a nascent stage" -- and at the same time, fosters innovation. India is a very important market for Google, she said, underlining the company's deep commitment in areas spanning AI, payments, <keyword id="20055897" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Google-Pixel" source="keywords">Google Pixel</keyword> manufacturing and skilling amongst others. To a question on the concerns flagged by some Indian startups on alleged anti-competitive practices, Chobey said Google has been "deeply and closely" partnering and working with the startup ecosystem in the country, and that millions of apps are hosted on <keyword id="22336128" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Google-Playstore" source="keywords">Google Playstore</keyword>. "As Google, we've been deeply partnering with the startup ecosystem, and on Google Play, we host millions of apps...we also invest in training Android developers... "So I think we've been deeply and closely working with the startup ecosystem in India, and we remain committed and will continue to do so through India digitisation fund... We have startup accelerators, we have dedicated AI startup accelerators where startups are able to access our advanced technology, work closely with us, and that work is only increasing," she said. Google has completed 20-year milestone in India, and is looking forward to the next 20 years in which "AI is going to play a big role here", she observed. "When it comes to AI, we are focused on three pillars. The first one is how are we leveraging AI to help every individual in the country. The best way we, as Google, can do it is by using AI to democratise information as well as opportunity. "When we talk about skilling, etc, that talks to the opportunity bit. Secondly, we want to really play a significant role in developing the already-thriving AI ecosystem in India, by investing in infrastructure, by scaling the AI engine. And of course, we will do all of this very, very responsibly, sustainably and inclusively," she said. The third pillar in Google AI strategy is around building for the future, she said. "...to create a really thriving workforce that is primed to be successful in the AI-powered world. That space is evolving and evolving fast, and we want to keep pace with it. I also want to add here that we as part of Google India team feel so proud that there's so much work that's happening in India which is not just solving for India, it's solving (things) globally," Chobey said. Google on Thursday lined up a slew of AI-powered innovations, announced Indian language capabilities for Gemini Live, and unveiled new updates for Google Lens, Google Maps, as well as Google Pay at the tenth edition of 'Google for India' event in New Delhi. The Google top boss asserted that India is and will remain an important market for the company. "From Google's perspective, India has always been a very important market for us. We've always very uniquely solved for India, worked locally with partners, we spoke of 'India digitization fund'... We started Pixel (phone) manufacturing here... I spoke about GPay... So that continues. India for Google is a very important market, both from a user perspective, but also from the kind of research development that is happening," she said. Google, she said, is aligning its goals to India's growth and vision. "Today, we have over 10,000 Googlers, working out of India for India and other markets as well. And we have presence across 5 cities, so multiple offices here, that's really, really important... When it comes to India, I always say this - what is good for India, is good for Google... "So we are very finely integrating our objectives, our vision, to what is really good for India, and will continue to do so," she said, adding that India will remain a very important market for the company. Google is leveraging India to not just solve local challenges, but also global ones, Chobey added. The first Made-in-India Google Pixel 8 devices started rolling off production lines in August in India. "Watch out the space... we will talk about it more. But we're really, really happy and proud about the fact that we have started manufacturing Pixel 8 in India. Of course, we have now also have service centers in India. Google Pixel 9 is available on Flipkart, through Croma tie up...Reliance digital tie ups...and so on so forth. So we are really invested in this space," she said.

Looking ahead at our next 20 years in India, AI will play big role here: Google India MD

India remains highly dependent on imports for minerals critical to accelerating its <keyword id="19951336" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="energy-transition" source="keywords">energy transition</keyword>, with a full reliance on shipping in lithium, cobalt and nickel, according to a report released Monday. The report, published by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), said that India's demand for <keyword id="19978839" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="critical-minerals" source="keywords">critical minerals</keyword> is expected to more than double by 2030, while domestic mining operations may take over a decade to start producing. It stresses that India needs a carefully crafted import strategy to mitigate potential trade risks while balancing international relationships to secure these essential minerals. IEEFA's report examines five critical minerals (and their compounds) - cobalt, copper, graphite, lithium and nickel - from the perspectives of import dependency, trade dynamics, domestic availability, and global price fluctuations. The findings show that India remains largely import-dependent for these minerals and their compounds, with 100 per cent import reliance for minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. "India should strive to de-risk its critical minerals sourcing by identifying new international resources and expediting <keyword id="20681115" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="domestic-production" source="keywords">domestic production</keyword>. A concerted effort to partner with and foster bilateral relations with <keyword id="23713985" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mineral-rich-nations" source="keywords">mineral-rich nations</keyword> should be a priority for India," said the report's co-author Charith Konda, Energy Specialist, IEEFA. "The country can also explore investment opportunities in resource-rich, friendly nations, such as Australia and Chile, as well as African countries like Ghana and South Africa," he added. The report said India depends heavily on China for synthetic graphite and natural graphite and it should explore cooperation initiatives with countries like Mozambique, Madagascar, Brazil and Tanzania which are some of the highest graphite producing countries. "As part of the Global South cooperation initiatives, these countries could be favourable partners for India for <keyword id="23713984" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="graphite-trading" source="keywords">graphite trading</keyword>," said the report's co-author Kaira Rakheja, Energy Analyst, IEEFA. India is also highly import-dependent for copper cathodes and nickel sulphates from just two countries - Japan and Belgium. The report suggests India could look at the US, the fifth largest producer of copper in the world, to diversify its suppliers and enhance <keyword id="23714709" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="supply-security" source="keywords">supply security</keyword>. For minerals like lithium oxide and nickel oxide, the dependency is low on one country, but overall imports largely come from Russia and China, both countries with potential trade risks. "Developing domestic lithium refining capacity will help India integrate with the global lithium supply chain," said Rakheja. The report also notes the significant efforts that the Indian government is making to improve domestic production of critical minerals with the auctions by the Ministry of Mines and the planned Critical Minerals Mission. "The critical minerals mining block auctions can serve as an opportunity for India to focus on building refining and processing capabilities to emerge as a global value-adding hub," said Rakheja. "Government support in the form of viability gap funding and technology development will help promote such auctions and ultimately the domestic production of critical minerals. "A stable supply of critical minerals is imperative for India to achieve its <keyword id="19895602" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="renewable-energy" source="keywords">renewable energy</keyword> goals," Konda said. India has committed to achieving 500 gigawatts (GW) of non-fossil fuel-based electricity installed capacity by 2030. Currently, the country's renewable energy installed capacity stands at 201 GW, with solar energy accounting for 91 GW. According to another study, the fast-developing South Asian nation needs to install around 7,000 GW of renewable energy capacity to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.

Energy transition: India remains highly dependent on imports of critical minerals, says report

<ul><li>The Indian wearable market has declined for the second consecutive quarter.</li><li>The smartwatch segment has recorded a huge decline in shipments in Q3 2024.</li><li>The earwear segment has also declined, while the smart ring segment remains strong.</li></ul>The <keyword id="22725790" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-wearables-market" source="keywords">Indian wearables market</keyword> has declined for the second consecutive quarter, recording a 20.7% year-on-year decline in shipments in Q3 2024. There was a 10% decline in shipments in Q2 2024. According to a report by the International Data Corporation, 38 million devices were shipped in the country’s wearables market in Q3 2024. The decline is being attributed to a reduction in new product launches and a cautious inventory strategy. <h2>Smartwatch shipments decline</h2>The smartwatch category recorded a decline of 44.8% as shipments declined from 16.92 million devices in Q3 2023 to 9.34 million in Q3 2024. Not just the basic smartwatches, the shipments of premium smartwatches also declined by 39.9% year-on-year. The Smartwatch average selling price (ASP) however increased by 1.4% from $25.8 to $26.2. The wristband category, which remained strong in Q2 has also declined in Q3, recording a 48.4% year-on-year decline in shipments. The earwear category also struggled, with a 7.5% decline in shipments from 30.29 million in Q3 2023 to 28.52 in Q3 2024. <h2>The smart ring category continues to shine</h2>The smart ring market has remained strong, with 92 thousand smart rings shipped in Q3 2024. The quarter also recorded a decline in the average selling price of 16.2% to $162.1. Ultrahuman continues to lead the smart ring category in India with a 36.8% market share, boAt comes in second with a 20.5% share and Pi Ring is third with a 16.3% market share. <h2>Smartwatch market share in India</h2><table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#000000;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Company </td><td style="border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#000000;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Q3 2024 </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#000000;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Q3 2023 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Noise </td><td style="border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">27.40% </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">20.70% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">boAt </td><td style="border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">16.80% </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">14.20% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Titan </td><td style="border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">12.60% </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">5.10% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Fire-Boltt </td><td style="border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">6.80% </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">23.60% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Boult </td><td style="border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">6.30% </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">3.10% </td></tr></tbody></table> Source: IDC Noise continues to dominate the Indian smartwatch market with a 27.4% market share in Q3 2024, up from a 20.7% market share in Q3 2023. boAt comes in second with a 16.7% market share, up from a 14.2% market share in Q3 2023. “Amid market trends like consolidation, premiumization, and evolving consumer expectations, we have not only weathered these changes but thrived, with a 10-15% year-on-year increase in average selling prices across marketplaces,” said Amit Khatri, Co-Founder, Noise in a statement to Business Insider India. “The smartwatch category remains stressed as we head into 2025 due to undifferentiated products and a limited number of brands in play. Its market is expected to remain flat or decline marginally in 2025,” said Vikas Sharma, senior market analyst, Smart Wearable Devices, IDC India. “However, we are seeing early signs of a gradual consumer shift from basic to advanced smartwatches, as the need for better health tracking with efficient sensors and advanced functionality is gradually coming to the fore,” Sharma added. <h2>TWS market share in India</h2><table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#000000;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Company </td><td style="border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#000000;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Q3 2024 </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#000000;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Q3 2023 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">boAt </td><td style="border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">36.80% </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">38.10% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Boult </td><td style="border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">13.50% </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">8.70% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Noise </td><td style="border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">7.10% </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">7.70% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Realme </td><td style="border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">6.90% </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">3.50% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Oppo + OnePlus </td><td style="border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">5.00% </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">8.10% </td></tr></tbody></table> Source: IDC boAt continues to be the market leader in the TWS segment in Q3 2024 despite a decline in its market share. The company leads the market with a 36.8% market share, with Boult a distant second with a 13.5% market share. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/tata-to-buy-a-majority-stake-in-pegatrons-iphone-plant-in-india/articleshow/115414852.cms">Tata to buy a majority stake in Pegatron's iPhone plant in India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/ntpc-green-energy-ipo-gmp-risk-factors-and-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/115403791.cms">NTPC Green Energy IPO – GMP, risk factors and all you need to know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/indian-smartphone-shipments-grow-5-6-in-q3-2024-vivo-leads-the-market/articleshow/115329847.cms">Indian smartphone shipments grow 5.6% in Q3 2024, Vivo leads the market</a>

Indian wearables market declines 20.7% in Q3 2024, smartwatch and earwear categories struggle

Emerging technologies are set to revolutionise India’s workforce and can generate an additional 2.73 million tech jobs by 2028, according to ServiceNow’s AI Skills and Jobs Report. This growth comes amid India’s overall workforce expansion, expected to reach 457.62 million by 2028—a 33.9 million increase since 2023. ServiceNow, through partnerships and its ‘RiseUp’ program, aims to bridge the skills gap, positioning India as a competitive force in the global tech arena. Retail, manufacturing, education, and healthcare are projected to experience robust job creation, with retail alone expected to add 6.96 million roles. Professionals in these sectors have opportunities to upskill in areas such as software development and data engineering. Meanwhile, demand for tech roles like Software Application Developers, Systems Software Developers, and Data Engineers is expected to surge, driven by expanding sectors like manufacturing and telecommunications. Generative AI is also reshaping tasks within tech roles, increasing efficiency and automating routine processes. Systems Administrators, AI Systems Engineers, and Implementation Consultants, for example, will gain hours back each week as AI automates tasks. ServiceNow reports a $5 million cost savings and productivity boost from using generative AI across its operations, illustrating the practical impact of AI-led automation. To build a tech-ready talent pipeline, ServiceNow has been proactive, training over 97,000 Indians through its ‘RiseUp with ServiceNow’ initiative in the past year. The company’s University Academic Program, launched with government partnerships and institutions like NASSCOM’s FutureSkills Prime, is ensuring graduates possess job-ready digital skills, strengthening India’s tech ecosystem. With AI as a critical driver, India is expected to see a significant workforce transformation, meeting both domestic and global demand for skilled tech professionals.

AI can create 2.7 million tech jobs by 2028 in India, study says

<ul><li>The <keyword id="6355629" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Google" source="Orion">Google</keyword> <keyword id="21304169" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pixel-9-Pro" source="keywords">Pixel 9 Pro</keyword> foldable smartphone is scheduled to launch in India on August 14.</li><li>The <keyword id="20510784" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pixel-9-series" source="keywords">Pixel 9 series</keyword> will also be launched in India on August 14, a day after the global launch.</li><li>Here’s everything we know so far about the upcoming devices from Google.</li></ul>Google is all set to launch its new Pixel 9 series and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold at its <keyword id="22249786" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Made-by-Google-event" source="keywords">Made by Google event</keyword> on August 13 in Mountain View, California. While only the Pixel 9 series was expected to launch in India, Google announced today that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will also be launched nationwide. Google has revealed that the Pixel 9 series and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be launched in India a day later on August 14. Google confirmed the launch of its foldable smartphone in India via a post on X. <div type="twitter" handle="GoogleIndia" handlename="GoogleIndia" favoritecount="0" retweetcount="0" id="1814132980132323491"></div> The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the successor of the company’s first foldable smartphone, the<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/pixel-fold-pixel-7a-pixel-tablet-and-everything-announced-at-google-i/o-2023/articleshow/100143082.cms"> Pixel Fold</a>. While the Pixel Fold was not launched in India, the device’s successor is all set to launch in the country, taking on the likes of the Galaxy Z Fold 6,<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/oneplus-open-review/articleshow/106961567.cms"> OnePlus Open</a> and more. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111637913" title="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Galaxy Z Flip 6, Galaxy Ring and more launched" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2>What to expect from the Made by Google event</h2>The highlight of the Made by Google event will be the launch of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The company will also launch the Pixel 9 series, the successor of the<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/google-launches-pixel-8-pixel-8-pro-and-pixel-watch-2-check-out-price-and-specs/articleshow/104165778.cms"> Pixel 8</a> and<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/google-pixel-8-pro-review/articleshow/107726935.cms"> Pixel 8 Pro</a>. Ahead of the launch, the company has teased the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, giving us the first look at the device. The teaser has revealed a large camera module at the back, with two cutouts for cameras. The search giant is using the tagline "foldable phone built for the Gemini era" to promote the device, hinting that AI will be the highlight of the device. The teaser video also reveals the hinge mechanism of the device, which looks more refined than its predecessor. <h2>Pixel 9 series to include three smartphones</h2>Unlike last year which saw the launch of two smartphones, the Pixel 9 series is expected to include three devices. Google is expected to launch the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 XL and the Pixel 9 Pro. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 XL are expected to offer similar specifications, with the difference only being in the display size and the battery size. <h2> Made by Google event date and time</h2>The Made by Google event is scheduled for August 13 at 10:30 PM IST. The Indian launch of the devices is scheduled a day later, on August 14. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/cryptocurrency/news/wazirx-suspends-withdrawals-after-230-million-worth-of-cryptos-stolen-in-a-hack/articleshow/111853401.cms">WazirX suspends withdrawals after $230 million worth of cryptos stolen in a hack</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/oneplus-nord-4-with-metal-back-snapdragon-7-gen-3-launched-in-india-starting-at-32999/articleshow/111787031.cms">OnePlus Nord 4 with metal back, Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 launched in India starting at ₹29,999</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/budget-2024-expectations-fame-scheme-aid-for-vehicle-scrapping-and-other-expectations-of-the-auto-industry/articleshow/111783199.cms">Budget 2024 Expectations: FAME scheme, aid for vehicle scrapping and other expectations of the auto industry</a>

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold to launch in India on August 14 alongside the Pixel 9 series

Internet major Google will partner with <keyword id="19926050" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Foxconn" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Foxconn" meta.hostid="364" meta.entityid="Foxconn">Foxconn</keyword> to produce its ultra-premium Pixel smartphones for the first time in <keyword id="19896558" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tamil-Nadu" source="keywords">Tamil Nadu</keyword>, Chief Minister M K Stalin said on Thursday. According to sources, Google's partnership with Foxconn is in addition to its plan to make Pixel smartphones at <keyword id="21788190" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Dixon-facility" source="keywords">Dixon facility</keyword>. "As a result of the negotiations, Google will partner with Foxconn in Tamil Nadu to produce the Pixel cell phones and has offered to set up a factory," Stalin said in a statement. According to the sources, Google will also export smartphones from India. "Dixon will also make Pixel smartphones under an arrangement with Compal Electronics which makes Google's devices," a source said on condition of anonymity. The <keyword id="19963696" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="production" source="keywords">production</keyword> will start from September and the export will begin once the production stabilises, another source said. Emails seeking comments from Google and Foxconn in this regard did not elicit any immediate response. The company had announced plans to make Pixel smartphones in India in October. Counterpoint Research estimated Google Pixel's share in the Indian smartphone market at 0.04 per cent during the March 2024 quarter. "Google is estimated to register healthy growth of 30 per cent annually in 2024 owing to two reasons -- Google has started <keyword id="19914449" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="manufacturing" source="keywords">manufacturing</keyword> it entire series domestically, which will help it save in import duties and sell cost effectively. "Secondly, the growing premiumization trend will work in favour of Google boosting growth for the only devices with flagship Android experiences in the market supported by strong ATL promotions," said Neil Shah, VP Research, Counterpoint Research. As per Cybermedia Research, Google Pixel has less than one per cent market share in India. "Google is finally waking up to India's attractive domestic market as well as its potential as a global export hub. The move to make Pixels in India comes at at time when a premiumization trend surging through the smartphone market. In addition to manufacturing, Google will need to address other parts of the puzzle, including marketing and post-sales support, including a strong service network. "With this, Google can potentially emulate the success of other smartphone giants in India," said Prabhu Ram, Head- Industry Intelligence Group (IIG), CyberMedia Research. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/poco-f6-with-snapdraon-8s-gen-3-chipset-launched-starting-at-29999/articleshow/110367623.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/poco-f6-with-snapdraon-8s-gen-3-chipset-launched-starting-at-29999/articleshow/110367623.cms" target="_blank">Poco F6 with Snapdraon 8s Gen 3 chipset launched starting at ₹29,999</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/realme-gt-6t-vs-motorola-edge-50-pro-price-specs-and-features-compared/slidelist/110366047.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/realme-gt-6t-vs-motorola-edge-50-pro-price-specs-and-features-compared/slidelist/110366047.cms" target="_blank">Realme GT 6T vs Motorola Edge 50 Pro – price, specs and features compared</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sports/webstories/sunrisers-hyderabad-and-rajasthan-royals-compete-for-the-ipl-finals-spot-on-may-24/slidelist/110362880.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sports/webstories/sunrisers-hyderabad-and-rajasthan-royals-compete-for-the-ipl-finals-spot-on-may-24/slidelist/110362880.cms" target="_blank">Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals compete for the IPL finals spot on May 24</a>

Google to make Pixel smartphones at Foxconn, Dixon facilities from September

Domestic firms will <keyword id="6356112" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="lease" source="Orion">lease</keyword> an estimated 60-65 million square feet of <keyword id="181150" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="office-space" source="Orion">office space</keyword> between 2024 and 2025, according to <keyword id="20060150" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cbre" source="keywords">CBRE</keyword> South Asia's report, '<keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="keywords">India</keyword> Inc's Ascension - The Rise of Domestic Firms as an Office Demand Driver'. Domestic companies have been responsible for nearly 47 per cent of office leasing activity from 2022 to H1 2024, marking a departure from the traditional dominance of global corporations, particularly American firms. During 2022-2023, domestic firms experienced a 60 per cent surge in office space absorption compared to the pre-pandemic period of 2018-2019. Key occupier groups have secured significant spaces in prime locations across major cities, with <keyword id="19913115" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="delhi-ncr" source="keywords">Delhi-NCR</keyword> leading, followed by <keyword id="6354321" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bengaluru" source="Orion">Bengaluru</keyword> and Mumbai. E-commerce and life sciences companies have driven occupancy in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, respectively, while Mumbai has captured a substantial 43 per cent share of domestic <keyword id="19910880" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bfsi" source="keywords">BFSI</keyword> leasing, with strong contributions from Delhi-NCR and Chennai. The report attributes the robust growth of India's office market to several factors, including government initiatives like Make in India and the <keyword id="19952889" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="production-linked-incentive" source="keywords">Production Linked Incentive</keyword> (PLI) Scheme. These programs, along with increased domestic manufacturing, employment generation, and a well-capitalized banking sector, have created a supportive environment for business expansion. Other contributing factors include low corporate leverage ratios and improved access to capital, which have enhanced the investment capacity of Indian companies. India's talent pool, with approximately 2.5 million STEM graduates and a thriving start-up ecosystem featuring over 100 unicorns, has also been a major driver of growth. With over 38 sector skill councils, the government's focus on bridging the skill gap is preparing domestic firms for future demands, further bolstering the office leasing sector. Flexible space operators, technology, and BFSI sectors have emerged as the primary drivers of office leasing, collectively accounting for two-thirds of all domestic activity. The RCA sector, which includes legal, taxation, HR, and media services, is also playing a significant role in boosting domestic leasing. Additionally, Indian engineering and manufacturing firms, which currently represent 7-8 per cent of domestic office leasing, are expected to expand into <keyword id="20270212" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tier-ii" source="keywords">Tier-II</keyword> and Tier-III cities, which are emerging as manufacturing hubs. Anshuman Magazine, Chairman and CEO, India, Southeast Asia, Middle East &amp; Africa, CBRE, said, "India's rapidly expanding start-up ecosystem and talent abundance are major drivers of this demand. As India's major urban centers continue to grow and diversify, the demand for premium office spaces will shape the future of the commercial real estate market, setting new standards for innovation and excellence. He added, "India's top nine cities are poised to see an impressive addition of ~185 million sq. ft. of premium office space by 2026. This dramatic increase in office space is a testament to several key factors driving the transformation of the commercial real estate landscape". Ram Chandnani, Managing Director, Advisory and Transaction Services, CBRE India, said, "Advances in technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI), are poised to further transform the office sector. While AI may cause job displacement in some areas, it will also create new opportunities and necessitate comprehensive workforce reskilling. The surge in workforce needs, driven by digitalization, evolving workplace strategies, and enhanced business confidence, has substantially boosted leasing activity."

Domestic firms to lease 60-65 million sq ft office space by 2025: CBRE report

<ul><li><keyword id="6355629" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Google" source="Orion">Google</keyword> has launched the <keyword id="19098735" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Pixel-8a" source="Orion">Pixel 8a</keyword> smartphone in India.</li><li>The Pixel 8a smartphone is priced starting at ₹52,999 and is available in two variants.</li><li>Here’s everything you need to know about the latest A-Series smartphone from Google.</li></ul>Search giant Google has silently launched the Pixel 8a smartphone in India without any fanfare, introducing the successor of its Pixel 7a smartphone. This comes a week before the Google I/O event, which is scheduled for May 14. The Pixel 8a smartphone retains the same design as its predecessor but comes in two new colour options, Aloe and Bae, in addition to Obsidian and Porcelain. Google has also upgraded the display to finally offer a 120Hz refresh rate, after offering a 90Hz display with its Pixel 7a smartphone. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Google Pixel 8a price and availability" comment="subhead" text="Google Pixel 8a price and availability"><keyword id="18534801" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Google-Pixel-8a" source="Orion">Google Pixel 8a</keyword> price and availability</cmsannotation> The Google Pixel 8a has been priced at ₹52,999 for the 8GB RAM + 128GB internal storage version and ₹59,999 for the 8GB RAM + 256GB internal storage version. The device is available in Aloe, Bay, Porcelain and Obsidian colour options and will go on sale from May 14, 2024. As part of an introductory offer, the Pixel Buds A-Series will be available for ₹999 with the smartphone for users who pre-order the smartphone between May 7 and May 14. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Google Pixel 8a specifications" comment="subhead" text="Google Pixel 8a specifications">Google Pixel 8a specifications</cmsannotation> The Google Pixel 8a runs on Android 14 out of the box and will get seven years of Android and security updates. The device features a 6.1-inch Full HD+ OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection. <div type="image" title="Pixel 8a_Obsidian 1" msid="109937529" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;The Pixel 8a&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The Pixel 8a is equipped with the Google Tensor G3 chipset and comes with the Titan M2 security chipset. The device comes in two memory variants – 8GB RAM with 128GB internal storage and 8GB RAM with 256GB internal storage. Coming to the optics, the Pixel 8a features a dual camera setup at the back, consisting of a 64MP primary camera and a 13MP ultra-wide-angle camera. The device comes with features such as 8x Super Res Zoom, Magic Eraser, Circle to Search and more. On the front, the device sports a 13MP selfie camera. It is powered by a 4,492mAh battery with 18W charging support and also comes with wireless charging support. The device supports an in-display fingerprint sensor and comes with IP67 water and dust resistance. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/global-smartphone-shipments-grow-by-6-in-q1-2024-samsung-retakes-the-top-spot/articleshow/109817280.cms">Global smartphone shipments grow by 6% in Q1 2024, Samsung retakes the top spot</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/nothing-phone-2a-india-exclusive-blue-edition-launched-starting-at-19999/articleshow/109686243.cms">Nothing Phone (2a) India-exclusive Blue Edition launched starting at ₹19,999</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/motorola-edge-50-pro-with-snapdragon-7-gen-3-125w-charging-launched-in-india/articleshow/109023956.cms">Motorola Edge 50 Pro with Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, 125W charging launched in India</a>

Google has quietly launched the Pixel 8a in India starting at ₹52,999

State-owned <keyword id="20039950" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bharat-Petroleum-Corporation" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Bharat Petroleum Corporation" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Bharat Petroleum Corporation">Bharat Petroleum Corporation</keyword> plans to invest Rs 1.7 lakh crore over the next five years to grow its core oil refining and fuel marketing business as well as in 'future big bets' of <keyword id="20115883" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="petrochemicals" source="keywords">petrochemicals</keyword> and <keyword id="19895435" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="green-energy" source="keywords">green energy</keyword>, its chairman G Krishnakumar has said. At present, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (<keyword id="19908646" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="BPCL" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="BPCL" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="BPCL">BPCL</keyword>) owns about 14 per cent of India's oil <keyword id="20064251" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="refining-capacity" source="keywords">refining capacity</keyword> and about a quarter of the fuel retailing network. It plans to grow these businesses while foraying into newer areas. The firm is now implementing the first phase of a multi-decade aspirational journey in the form of '<keyword id="22826627" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="project-Aspire" source="keywords">Project Aspire</keyword>' - its five-year strategic framework that is based on two fundamental pillars - 'Nurturing the Core' and 'Investing in Future Big Bets', he said in the company's latest annual report. "Our mid-term strategy is on a continuum. While we remain committed to growing our core businesses, which include refining and marketing <keyword id="20037698" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="petroleum-products" source="keywords">petroleum products</keyword> and upstream, we are equally focused on our big bets comprising petrochemicals, gas, green energy, non-fuel retail, and digital. "Project Aspire, with a planned capex outlay of around Rs 1.70 lakh crore over five years, will enable us to create long-term value for our stakeholders while preserving our planet for future generations," he said. "A cornerstone of our long-term strategy, Project Aspire, with a Rs 1.70 trillion investment, marks the initial phase of our multi-decade odyssey to shape the energy of tomorrow. This, coupled with our robust balance sheet, fuels our ambition to lead the <keyword id="19951336" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="energy-transition" source="keywords">energy transition</keyword>." The company is targeting net zero carbon emissions from its operations by 2040. "BPCL has drawn a net-zero roadmap, which encompasses renewable power, green hydrogen, compressed biogas, carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS), efficiency improvement and the offsets procurements. This would require a phased capital outlay of approximately Rs 1 lakh crore till 2040, and the company is geared for the same," he said. The firm's bet on continuing investing in core businesses is based on the premise that India's booming economy will drive a 4-5 per cent annual increase in energy demand and petroleum product consumption. Also, the demand for major petrochemical products is expected to rise by 7-8 per cent annually. "This presents a strategic opportunity to expand refining capacity alongside the development of integrated petrochemical complexes," he said. BPCL is implementing new petrochemical projects at two of its three oil refineries. A Rs 49,000 crore ethylene cracker project is being implemented at the Bina refinery in Madhya Pradesh, alongside raising oil refining capacity from the current 7.8 million tonnes to 11 million tonnes annually by 2029. A polypropylene project is being set up at Kochi refinery in Kerala by 2027. "To meet the anticipated demand beyond our planned expansions in Bina and Kochi, we are actively evaluating options for setting up additional integrated refining and petrochemical capacities within the next 5-7 years," Krishnakumar said without disclosing either the investments or the location of such a project. Andhra Pradesh is being speculated as the likely site after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP and regional party TDP stormed to power in the state in recently concluded assembly elections. TDP has been demanding the implementation of a refinery-cum-petrochemical complex that was promised as part of the package when the state was split more than a decade back. "Our investment in the petrochemical project is consistent with our aspiration of becoming a dominant player in India's petrochemical growth story," Krishnakumar said. On energy transition, he said BPCL is targeting to build 2 gigawatts (GW) of <keyword id="19895602" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="renewable-energy" source="keywords">renewable energy</keyword> capacity by 2025 and 10 GW by 2035. "We are investing nearly Rs 1,000 crore to establish two 50 MW captive wind power plants in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, which will support our refineries in Mumbai and Bina." The firm is also investing around Rs 300 crore in 72 MWp of solar project in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. "Concomitantly, we are executing green hydrogen projects aligned with the National Green Hydrogen Mission. These projects include a 5 MW electrolyser plant at Bina refinery and a green hydrogen refuelling station with an indigenously developed electrolyser at Kochi," he noted. BPCL, he said, is committed to supporting the transition to electric mobility through a robust and accessible charging infrastructure. The company has installed over 3,000 charging stations, including fast chargers for cars and two-wheelers. 900 fast chargers are installed across 120 highway corridors, which helps address the range, discovery and time anxiety of electric vehicle (EV) owners. "Over the next five years, we aim to install 4-wheeler fast chargers at approximately 6,000 retail outlets across 400 highway corridors, prioritising high-traffic corridors like the Golden Quadrilateral and N-S/E-W highways," he said. On biofuels, he said BPCL sells petrol with 20 per cent ethanol blend at 4,279 out of its over 22,000 petrol pumps. It is also building compressed biogas plants using municipal solid waste to make gas that can be used as CNG in automobiles. The firm is also exploring partnerships in the arena. "These combined efforts, along with the upcoming commissioning of a bio-ethanol refinery, positions BPCL as a key player in India's transition to a greener fuel mix, creating a robust ecosystem for the adoption of cleaner fuels across the country," he added. BPCL is establishing a corporate venture capital fund to invest directly in promising startups. "In order to thrive in this complex and challenging business landscape, we will leverage our agility and focus on operational excellence to ensure continued success. Safety and reliability will remain our top priorities, guiding all our actions. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance," he added. He said the energy sector of India stands at an inflection point. "The nation has an ambitious vision of becoming a USD 30 trillion developed economy by 2047. 'Viksit Bharat @2047' will necessitate an almost fourfold increase in primary energy demand." India's exponential growth trajectory will propel it to a pivotal role in the global energy market, accounting for roughly 12 per cent of world energy consumption by 2047. "The key strategic objectives for India in the energy sector will entail significant expansion in refining capacities, raising the share of gas in the energy basket from about 6 per cent to 15 per cent, establishing leadership in petrochemical exports, and sharply reducing energy imports from current levels of 47 per cent to below 25 per cent by 2030 and to zero by 2047," he said. India is targeting 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity, sourcing half of its energy needs from renewables, reducing carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes and lowering carbon intensity by 45 per cent by 2030 with the ultimate goal of net-zero emissions by 2070. "Building on its strong Indian energy presence, BPCL aspires to meet 7-10 per cent of the nation's primary energy demand by 2047," he said.

You Searched For "pixel 7 production in india" and got 11 results

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