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  • South Africa to review rules for Starlink entry

    South Africa to review rules for Starlink entry

    South Africa is prioritizing a policy-review process that may result in Elon Musk’s SpaceX and other satellite-internet companies being allowed to operate in Africa’s largest economy without ceding ownership, the nation’s telecoms minister said.

    The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies is assessing 19,000 public submissions on a proposal to amend the nation’s Black-economic empowerment regulations. The aim is to determine whether info-tech companies can operate in the country using equity-equivalent programs, instead of a 30% Black-ownership requirement.

    “We are prioritizing it, you cannot sit on submissions” Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi said in an interview in Johannesburg on Tuesday. “Once done, and based on the sentiment, we can make a submission to Icasa to make the final decision,” he said, referring to the regulatory Independent Communications Authority of South Africa.

    The proposal to amend South Africa’s empowerment regulations is being considered as Musk pushes for his Starlink internet services to be made available in the country. The Pretoria-born billionaire has refused to relinquish any equity in the business to comply with legislation that South Africa enacted to redress the economic imbalances wrought by apartheid — laws Musk has called “openly racist.”

    In its submission to the department, SpaceX backed the proposal to amend the regulations.

    Satellite technologies that rely on a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites would be a potential game-changer for South African users who’ve historically faced expensive or unreliable Internet options. Only 1.7% of rural households have access to the Internet, according to a 2023 survey compiled by the nation’s statistics agency.

    An amendment to the industry rules would allow telecoms companies to invest in projects such as infrastructure, digital-inclusion initiatives or research that benefits previously disadvantaged communities. That type of exemption is already standard for a number of industries, including the nation’s auto sector. In 2019, car manufacturers — including BMW AG, Ford Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. — established a fund that would bring disenfranchised groups into the sector.

    A preliminary assessment of the submissions suggests a favorable response to the proposal to amend the regulations, Malatsi said. Any policy amendment will apply to all industry players, including new entrants from Asia, the United Arab Emirates, or the US, as well as long-standing South African businesses such as MTN Group Ltd. and Vodacom Group Ltd.

    South Africa’s National Development Plan is targeting easy access to affordable broadband for 100% of the population by 2030. The government would be naive not to embrace new technologies — and in particular satellite technologies — to increase South Africa’s broadband connectivity, the minister said. Bloomberg

  • MP to open 5 Ayurvedic medical colleges

    MP to open 5 Ayurvedic medical colleges

    The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet approved the establishment of five new Government Ayurvedic Medical Colleges and Wellness Centres across the state on Tuesday, marking a significant step to expand public healthcare infrastructure and medical education.

    The colleges will be located in Narmadapuram, Morena, Balaghat, Shahdol, and Sagar, ensuring that each division in Madhya Pradesh has an Ayurvedic institution, stated Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya.

    This initiative aims to strengthen Ayurveda-based healthcare and promote the wellness sector. The government has sanctioned 1,570 posts for the colleges, including 715 regular and 855 outsourced positions.

    Funding for the project will come from the National AYUSH Mission, with a total allocation of Rs 350 crore—Rs 70 crore per college—shared between the Centre and the state government in a 60:40 ratio. Each campus will include a college building, a 100-bed hospital, separate hostels for boys and girls, residential quarters for staff, and a pharmacy building, all constructed according to required standards.

    In a related development, the Cabinet approved the creation of a Department of Endocrinology at GMC Bhopal to improve super-speciality healthcare in the state. The department will focus on diagnosing and treating hormonal disorders and will support medical research and innovation in endocrinology, the minister added.

    The department will have twenty new posts, including one Professor, one Associate Professor, two Senior Residents, two Junior Residents, two Senior Nursing Officers, and twelve Nursing Officers. Additionally, one dietician will be appointed on an outsourced basis to assist patient care.

    Officials said these approvals demonstrate the government’s commitment to diversifying healthcare by integrating traditional and modern medical systems and improving access to specialised treatment across Madhya Pradesh. The initiatives are expected to create jobs, enhance medical education, and improve public health in underserved areas. The state has allocated Rs 23,535 crore for health services in its 2025-26 budget. India Today

  • Bundesliga expands UK reach with Sky, BBC, Prime & YouTube

    Bundesliga expands UK reach with Sky, BBC, Prime & YouTube

    German soccer’s elite Bundesliga has revealed its new broadcast mix for the UK and Ireland going forward, including a blend of linear pay-TV, OTT, and free-to-air distribution.

    The set of multi-year deals covering the next cycle is led by incumbent broadcaster and pay-TV heavyweight Sky Sports, which retains the exclusive rights to the top-match” per gameweek each Saturday (with a 5:30pm UK time kick-off).

    This will be supplemented by highlights packages and other shoulder content throughout the season.

    Prime Video, the OTT service owned by e-commerce giant Amazon, has also acquired a suite of Bundesliga rights across the cycle in the UK market only, airing every Sunday game on a pay-per-view basis, including both the season-ending relegation play-offs and the season-opening DFL Super Cup in 2027.

    As German soccer’s DFL organizer is already partnered with Amazon Web Services, this deal serves to entrench the pair’s relationship.

    In addition to Prime Video and Sky, significant free-to-air coverage has also been agreed, with UK public-service broadcaster BBC also snapping up rights.

    Every Friday night Bundesliga game through the season will be streamed on the BBC iPlayer OTT service and the BBC Sport digital platform.

    Free-to-air distribution of these Friday games will be supplemented by significant coverage on YouTube in a major first. To this end, partnerships have been agreed with prominent soccer content creators such as The Overlap (which features former English Premier League stars Gary Neville, Roy Keane, and Ian Wright) and That’s Football (helmed by prominent fan media personality Mark Goldbridge).

    These YouTube channels will showcase 20 matches each across the season, with Bundesliga International chief executive officer Peer Naubert stating: “This multi-layered strategy allows us to connect with more audiences across the UK and Ireland, giving every supporter the chance to engage with football as it’s meant to be in the way that suits them best.”

    Even the Bundesliga’s own YouTube channel will showcase every Friday game from the top flight and the second-tier 2. Bundesliga, to aid the growth in reach.

    Naubert continued: “By combining established broadcasters with digital platforms and content creators, we are taking a progressive step in how top-level football can be experienced.”

    There already exists a strong UK interest in the Bundesliga in the form of England captain Harry Kane, who plays for record champions Bayern Munich.

    Kane was joined in the Bundesliga over the previous summer by young stars Jobe Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund) and Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), expanding the potential draw for English viewers.

    In terms of the Bundesliga’s domestic partners for the next cycle, live rights will be split between pay-TV heavyweight Sky Deutschland and the DAZN sports streaming service, with the total value of those tie-ups (as well as rights for highlights and short clips) over the next four seasons coming to $1.17 billion per campaign. Sportcal

  • India sets record with 18,911 organ transplants in 2024

    India sets record with 18,911 organ transplants in 2024

    India reached a milestone in 2024 with a record 18,911 organ transplants, reflecting both medical progress and increased awareness. However, the country’s organ donation rate still lags at just 0.81 per million population, among the world’s lowest, failing to keep pace with rising demand.

    Officials, patients, and health advocates call for urgent action on public awareness, cultural barriers, and healthcare infrastructure to bridge the gap, warning that tens of thousands continue to wait for lifesaving organs.

    Record-breaking numbers, stubborn realities
    In 2024, the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) reported India’s highest-ever organ transplant figure, with transplants covering kidneys, livers, hearts, lungs, and even composite procedures like hand transplants. This marks a dramatic rise from fewer than 5,000 procedures a decade earlier, cementing India’s position among the global leaders-third in overall transplants and first for living donor surgeries.

    Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda credited “policy reforms, expanding hospital networks, and public engagement” for this success, highlighting India’s first-in-the-world achievement in hand transplants and the significant role of living donors.

    Yet, officials caution that celebratory numbers do not reflect the full story. India’s organ donation rate remains below one per million, far behind countries such as Spain (52 per million), and even the United States (36 per million).

    Over 63,000 patients await kidney transplants and 22,000 need livers every year, with many dying while on waitlists. “For every life saved, many more are left waiting,” said a senior AIIMS transplant coordinator.

    Systemic and social barriers persist
    Despite policy gains, India continues to face formidable hurdles in bridging the demand-supply gap for organs. Health Ministry officials point out that myths, lack of awareness, and deep-rooted socio-cultural inhibitions around organ donation slow progress. With only 0.81 donors per million, donation rates are especially low in most states except for a few outliers like Tamil Nadu, Delhi, and Telangana, where proactive policies have proven effective.

    The government’s recent initiatives, such as mandatory brain death declarations, Aadhaar-linked NOTTO registration portals, and the accreditation of Nontransplant Organ Retrieval Centres, are driving improvements—but not universally.

    Logistical barriers further hamper progress. Many smaller cities lack equipped transplant centres and trained professionals, limiting patient access to surgery. Even in urban hospitals, the process for certifying brain death and managing organ retrieval can be mired in delays and bureaucratic hurdles.

    As a result, while more than 3.3 lakh pledges have been made through official portals, translating those pledges into actual donations remains an ongoing challenge.

    The human toll: Patients left waiting
    The numbers do not capture the stories of the thousands who wait for organ transplants, hoping for a second chance at life. Health experts warn that “for every operation performed, dozens remain unmatched; for many, organ availability comes too late.”

    Advocacy groups are calling for more aggressive national awareness campaigns, school-level education, and family counselling at hospitals, arguing that such efforts are critical for changing social attitudes. The Logical Indian

  • Cambodia, Malaysia to boost medical tourism ties

    Cambodia, Malaysia to boost medical tourism ties

    Cambodia and Malaysia have committed to advancing cooperation in women’s healthcare and medical tourism, focusing on key issues such as maternal health, cancer prevention, and telemedicine. The two nations came together yesterday at a forum in Phnom Penh, where various stakeholders discussed strategies to improve healthcare services for women, with a particular emphasis on cross-border medical treatment opportunities. The forum, titled “Navigating Women’s Healthcare in Malaysia,” was organized by the Embassy of Malaysia in Cambodia, in collaboration with the Malaysian Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) and PERWAKILAN, the Ladies’ Association of the Embassy of Malaysia.

    The event also welcomed Cambodia’s Minister of Women’s Affairs, Ing Kantha Phavi, as the guest of honor, who emphasized the importance of international collaboration in addressing the urgent health challenges facing Cambodian women.

    Malaysia’s leading role in healthcare and medical tourism
    During the forum, the Malaysian Ambassador to Cambodia, Shaharuddin Onn, highlighted Malaysia’s status as a prominent destination for healthcare tourism. This is particularly significant ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026, an event that is expected to further enhance the country’s reputation as a hub for affordable and high-quality medical services. Ambassador Onn emphasized that Malaysia’s medical system is recognized internationally for its accessibility, state-of-the-art facilities, and a team of highly skilled professionals who are trained globally.

    In his remarks, the Ambassador stressed that Malaysia’s healthcare sector is renowned for offering high-quality medical care at an affordable price, positioning the country as one of the leading destinations for medical tourism. He pointed out that Malaysian hospitals are equipped with advanced medical technology and staffed by healthcare personnel who are trained at international standards, ensuring that patients receive world-class care.

    Ambassador Onn also noted that Malaysia’s strong ranking in global healthcare indexes, particularly in terms of patient safety and quality of care, reinforces the country’s aspiration to become a top destination for medical and healthcare tourism in the region.

    Cambodia’s progress and future collaborations
    Minister Ing Kantha Phavi of Cambodia praised Malaysia’s expertise in healthcare, recognizing the country’s achievements in maternal health. While Cambodia has made significant strides in reducing maternal mortality, the Minister emphasized the continuing challenges posed by non-communicable diseases, particularly cancer, which affects nearly 20,000 Cambodians each year.

    Phavi called for closer collaboration between Cambodia and Malaysia in areas such as telemedicine, oncology training, and the transfer of health technologies. She believes that such collaboration could help bridge the healthcare gap in rural areas, where access to specialized medical care is often limited.

    The Minister made it clear that women’s health is not merely a medical issue but the foundation of family well-being, community resilience, and national progress. She emphasized that improving women’s health plays a crucial role in driving gender equality and sustainable development.

    Collaboration for comprehensive healthcare solutions
    Phavi outlined that Cambodia sees strong potential for further cooperation with Malaysia in telemedicine, specialist training, and health technology exchange. These collaborative efforts, she argued, could improve healthcare access for Cambodian women, especially in underserved areas. Phavi called for a whole-of-society approach to women’s health, involving governments, civil society, the private sector, and development partners.

    She also pointed to Malaysia’s successful public-private healthcare collaborations as a model that Cambodia could emulate as it seeks to expand its healthcare initiatives and improve access to essential medical services.

    Increasing interest in Malaysian healthcare services
    In his presentation, MHTC Vice-President Lokman Izam Abd Aziz shared impressive statistics that demonstrated growing interest in Malaysia as a healthcare destination. According to Aziz, more than 3,600 Cambodians sought medical treatment in Malaysia last year, representing a 15% increase over the previous year. This growth reflects the increasing recognition of Malaysia’s high standards of care and its ability to meet the healthcare needs of foreign patients.

    Aziz also highlighted Malaysia’s commitment to patient-centered care, noting the country’s efforts to make healthcare services as accessible and convenient as possible for international patients. For example, Malaysia has dedicated airport facilities designed to streamline the arrival process for medical tourists, ensuring that their journey is as smooth as possible.

    Looking ahead, Aziz revealed plans for the first-ever “Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism” in 2026, which will be held under the theme “Healing Meets Hospitality.” This event will showcase Malaysia’s healthcare services alongside its rich cultural offerings, aiming to provide medical tourists with not only top-tier treatment but also a holistic healing experience that includes Malaysia’s renowned hospitality and natural beauty.

    Women’s health focused sessions
    The event also featured a series of informative sessions on various aspects of women’s health, including eye health, bone health, reproductive health, and heart disease and cancer awareness. These sessions underscored the shared vision of both Cambodia and Malaysia to place women’s healthcare at the center of sustainable development and ASEAN solidarity. By working together, the two countries aim to improve access to healthcare services for women, particularly in regions where healthcare infrastructure is less developed.

    Conclusion: Strengthening regional healthcare cooperation
    The “Navigating Women’s Healthcare in Malaysia” forum served as a crucial step towards deepening the cooperation between Cambodia and Malaysia in improving women’s healthcare services and promoting medical tourism. Through partnerships in telemedicine, oncology, health technology exchange, and public-private collaboration, both countries hope to address current healthcare challenges and create a healthier, more sustainable future for women in the region. With a shared commitment to advancing women’s health, the collaboration between Cambodia and Malaysia is poised to strengthen healthcare access and deliver innovative solutions for the well-being of women across Southeast Asia. Travel And Tour World

  • ICC move sparks Rohit, Kohli ODI retirement buzz

    ICC move sparks Rohit, Kohli ODI retirement buzz

    In the world of cricket, few names command as much respect, admiration, and emotional attachment as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both stalwarts have carried the weight of Indian cricket on their shoulders for over a decade, building legacies that extend far beyond statistics and match-winning innings. But as recent developments from the International Cricket Council (ICC) shake up the global cricketing landscape, speculation has intensified that India’s two modern-day greats may soon bid farewell to One-Day Internationals (ODIs).
    This buzz, while not officially confirmed by either player or the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has become a hot talking point in cricketing circles. Fans, pundits, and former players are all weighing in on whether the ICC’s decision could nudge both Rohit and Kohli toward ODI retirement.

    The ICC Move – What Changed?
    The speculation stems from the ICC’s strategic shift in how it wants to position 50-over cricket in the coming years. With the rise of T20 cricket and the growth of global franchise leagues, ODIs have started losing their central place in the cricket calendar.

    According to reports, the ICC is considering:

    1. Reducing bilateral ODI series to free up space for more T20 leagues and Test series.
    2. Restructuring the ODI calendar to focus mainly on World Cups and Champions Trophies.
    3. Shortening future ODI tournaments and making them less frequent.

    For senior cricketers like Rohit and Kohli, who have already achieved everything possible in the format—including a World Cup win (Kohli in 2011, Rohit as captain reaching the final in 2023), the ICC’s move raises questions about whether continuing in ODIs is still worth the physical and mental toll.

    Why Rohit Sharma Might Step Away
    At 37, Rohit Sharma has little left to prove in ODIs. Known as the “Hitman” for his ability to score big hundreds, he is the only batsman in history with three double centuries in the format. His aggressive yet composed leadership during the 2023 World Cup earned him widespread praise, even though India fell short in the final against Australia.

    For Rohit, the prospect of extending his career in Tests and T20s might outweigh the grind of bilateral ODI series. With the ICC scaling back the relevance of ODIs outside the World Cup, Rohit could decide that now is the right time to step aside and allow younger talents to take over.

    Moreover, Rohit’s fitness management has always been crucial, and giving up ODIs could help prolong his Test career—where his technique at the top of the order remains invaluable.

    Why Virat Kohli Might Consider Retirement
    For Virat Kohli, ODIs have always been his most dominant format. With over 13,000 runs, 47 centuries, and a staggering batting average above 57, Kohli is already considered one of the greatest ODI batsmen of all time. His ability to chase down totals with consistency is unmatched, earning him the moniker of the “Chase Master.”

    Yet, even for someone as driven as Kohli, the ICC’s move raises valid questions. At 36, he has shifted much of his focus toward preserving energy for major tournaments and the longer format. If bilateral ODIs are no longer given priority, Kohli might see little sense in continuing the year-round grind.

    Instead, he could adopt a role similar to many greats before him—retiring from bilateral ODIs but making himself available for World Cup cycles. That would allow him to stay fresh while still chasing his dream of lifting another ODI World Cup before he retires completely.

    Fan Reactions – A Mixed Bag
    The buzz around potential retirements has already triggered massive fan debates on social media. For millions of Indian fans, the idea of ODIs without Rohit and Kohli feels almost unthinkable. Both cricketers have given iconic moments:

    • Rohit’s 264-run knock against Sri Lanka remains the highest individual score in ODIs.
    • Kohli’s countless run chases, including his memorable innings against Pakistan and Australia, are etched in cricketing history.

    Some fans argue that both should continue until the 2025 Champions Trophy, ensuring stability in India’s lineup. Others believe the time is right to blood youngsters like Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Ishan Kishan, who represent the next generation.

    Former Cricketers Weigh In
    Former players have not shied away from voicing opinions.

    • Sunil Gavaskar suggested that both Kohli and Rohit deserve the right to decide on their own terms, without being pressured by ICC calendar changes.
    • Michael Vaughan, the former England captain, remarked that ODIs are “losing relevance” and that senior players stepping away might accelerate the format’s decline.
    • Harbhajan Singh highlighted the importance of using senior players wisely in World Cups while letting youngsters play bilateral ODIs.

    This mix of perspectives reflects the uncertainty surrounding the format itself, not just the players.

    What It Means for Team India
    If Rohit and Kohli indeed retire from ODIs in the near future, the impact on Team India would be immense.

    1. Leadership Vacuum – Rohit’s tactical acumen as captain will be missed. Finding a successor who commands the same respect won’t be easy.
    2. Experience Gap – Kohli’s presence in run-chases often gave India a psychological edge. Without him, pressure situations could become harder for younger players.
    3. Opportunity for Youngsters – At the same time, their exits would open the door for the next generation to gain experience and establish themselves.
    4. Strategic Shift – India may begin to treat ODIs more like preparation grounds for ICC tournaments rather than a priority format.

    Could They Retire Together?
    Another intriguing angle is whether Rohit and Kohli might choose to retire from ODIs together, much like how MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina announced their international retirements on the same day in 2020.

    A joint farewell at a packed stadium—possibly at the Wankhede in Mumbai or the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi—would be a fitting tribute to two of India’s greatest ODI icons. Such a gesture would also symbolize the end of an era and the dawn of a new chapter for Indian cricket.

    The Bigger Question – Future of ODIs
    Beyond Rohit and Kohli, the larger issue remains: what is the future of ODI cricket itself? With the popularity of T20s and the traditional respect commanded by Tests, ODIs are increasingly being seen as the “middle child” of cricket formats.

    The ICC’s recent moves indicate a strategy of preserving ODIs only for marquee tournaments, not bilateral fixtures. If more senior players choose to step away, ODIs could lose their allure even faster.

    Some experts suggest that ODIs should be reduced to 40 overs per side to make them sharper and more appealing. Others argue that the format should be left as it is but played less frequently.

    Either way, the decisions of legends like Rohit and Kohli will have a major influence on how fans perceive the format’s relevance in the next decade.

    Conclusion – End of an Era Approaching?
    While neither Rohit Sharma nor Virat Kohli has officially announced retirement from ODIs, the buzz is growing louder with each passing day. The ICC’s restructuring of the format has acted as a trigger, forcing fans and analysts alike to ponder a future where two of India’s greatest batsmen are no longer part of 50-over cricket.

    If they do step away, it will undoubtedly mark the end of an era in Indian cricket. Yet, their legacy in ODIs is secure—etched in record books, fan memories, and countless match-winning performances.

    For now, the cricketing world waits, watches, and speculates. But one thing is certain: whenever Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli decide to hang up their ODI boots, it will be a moment that resonates far beyond the boundary ropes.
    The NewsBit Bureau

  • Non-smartphone electronics exports from India cross $14B

    Non-smartphone electronics exports from India cross $14B

    India’s non-smartphone electronics exports have surpassed $14 billion in FY2024-25, contributing to a 32.47% jump in overall electronics exports to $38.57 billion. Solar panels, telecom equipment, medical electronics, batteries, and digital processing units have driven the growth, with photovoltaic cells earning $1.12 billion. Electronics now make up 9% of India’s total merchandise exports, up from 6.73% last year. The sector’s growth is attributed to production-linked incentives, duty rationalization, skilling programs, and targeted support for small and medium enterprises.

    India’s non-smartphone electronics exports have surpassed $14 billion in FY2024-25, contributing to a 32.47% jump in overall electronics exports to $38.57 billion. This growth is primarily driven by solar panels, telecom equipment, medical electronics, batteries, and digital processing units, with photovoltaic cells earning $1.12 billion. Electronics now make up 9% of India’s total merchandise exports, up from 6.73% last year. The sector’s growth is attributed to production-linked incentives, duty rationalization, skilling programs, and targeted support for small and medium enterprises.

    The surge in non-smartphone electronics exports underscores the success of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, which has seen electronics production grow exponentially over the past decade. According to the Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, electronics exports have surged over 47% year-on-year in Quarter 1 of 2025-26.

    Moreover, the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) launched by the government aims to increase domestic value addition in semiconductor components from the current 3-5% to 15-20% in the next 3-5 years. This scheme, along with other policy interventions, has fostered a robust ecosystem for electronics manufacturing in India.

    The growth in electronics exports is also a result of strategic diversification efforts. With the U.S. imposing a 50% tariff on Indian goods, India has been actively pursuing free trade agreements and regional trade agreements to mitigate the impact. For instance, the India-UK FTA, finalized in July 2025, is expected to offset U.S. losses by 2026.

    In conclusion, India’s electronics sector is poised for continued growth, driven by government initiatives, strategic diversification, and a robust manufacturing ecosystem. The sector’s resilience and potential for further expansion present attractive opportunities for investors. AInvest

  • Xiaomi revenue jumps 30.5% in Q2

    Xiaomi revenue jumps 30.5% in Q2

    A rise in shipments of smartphones, especially in Southeast Asia, helped to boost Xiaomi’s second-quarter revenue by 30.5%, the smartphone and EV company said on Tuesday, against the backdrop of a sluggish global market.

    Xiaomi President Lu Weibing, however, slightly lowered the company’s target on smartphone shipments to 175 million from a goal of 180 million set in the first quarter.

    “We expect the overall smartphone market to see little to no growth this year,” Lu told a conference call with reporters. “If there is any increase, it might be around 0.1% to 0.2%. That’s somewhat different from the growth we had anticipated at the beginning of the year,” he said.

    Revenue for the quarter ended June 30 was 116 billion yuan ($16.16 billion), beating the 114.7 billion yuan average of 15 analyst estimates compiled by LSEG.

    Adjusted net profit rose 75.4% year-on-year to 10.8 billion yuan, exceeding the average estimate of 10.1 billion yuan, according to LSEG data.

    The world’s third-largest smartphone maker became the bestselling smartphone brand in Southeast Asia in the second quarter and took second place by shipments in Europe, it said.

    Globally, it was ranked third, with a market share of 14.7%, the company said, citing data from researcher Canalys.

    Xiaomi’s second-quarter global smartphone shipments rose 0.6% from a year earlier to 42.4 million handsets. However, its smartphone revenue decreased 2.1% to 45.5 billion yuan due to a lower average selling price.

    Its loss-making EV business generated 20.6 billion yuan in revenue during the second quarter, up from 18.1 billion during the first quarter. It delivered 81,302 EVs in the June quarter, compared with deliveries of 75,869 SU7 cars in January-March.

    Its second EV model YU7 was launched in late June, with the deliveries only beginning last month, meaning it has yet to be reflected in results.

    Together with AI and other new initiatives, EVs delivered a total net loss of 0.3 billion yuan in the June quarter, narrowing from a loss of 0.5 billion in the first quarter.

    Lu said that Xiaomi is confident it will achieve monthly or quarterly profit in its EV business in the second half, but cumulative losses remain significant after a more than 30 billion yuan investment in research and development.

    Xiaomi has sold a total of 300,000 EVs as of July since launching its EV business in March 2024.

    Lu also said Xiaomi is developing the next iteration of its self-developed mobile chip XRINGO1.

    Hong Kong-listed shares in Xiaomi, which also makes home appliances, closed down 1.2% at 52.4 Hong Kong dollars. The stock has risen 52% so far this year. Reuters

  • Biden plan: US eyes Intel stake for cash aid

    Biden plan: US eyes Intel stake for cash aid

    US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is looking into the government taking equity stakes in Intel as well as other chip companies in exchange for grants under the chips Act that was meant to spur factory-building around the country, two sources said.

    As part of a plan to revive US manufacturing – a key Trump agenda – Lutnick said earlier on Tuesday the US government wants an equity stake in Intel in exchange for cash grants approved by the administration of former President Joe Biden.

    Now Lutnick wants to expand that plan to other companies, according to a White House official and a person familiar with the situation.

    The Trump administration has recently made unusual deals with US companies, including allowing AI chip giant Nvidia to sell its H20 chips to China in exchange for the US government receiving 15% of those sales. The Pentagon is slated to become the largest shareholder in a small mining company to boost output of rare earth magnets.

    The government’s intervention in corporate matters has worried critics who say President Donald Trump’s actions create new categories of corporate risk and that a bad bet could mean a hit to taxpayer funds.

    Much of the funding under the chip Act has not yet been dispersed for companies such as Micron, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, Samsung and Intel.

    TSMC and Intel declined comment. Micron, Samsung and the White House did not respond to requests for comment on whether Lutnick is considering more stakes.

    Taking lawmaker questions in Taipei on Wednesday and asked whether the US government could take a stake in TSMC, Taiwan Economy Minister Kuo Jyh-huei said his ministry would consult with the company, which he pointed out was private and not a state-owned enterprise.

    “We will also discuss with the National Development Council, as it is a shareholder of TSMC. We will thoroughly understand the underlying meaning of the US Commerce Secretary’s remarks, but this will require some time for discussion and assessment,” Kuo said.

    The two sources told Reuters on Tuesday that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is also involved in the chipsAct discussions, but that Lutnick is driving the process. The Commerce Department oversees the $52.7 billion chipsAct money.

    Lutnick has been pushing the equity idea, the sources said, adding that Trump likes the idea.

    White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed earlier that Lutnick was working on a deal with Intel to take a 10% government stake.

    “The president wants to put America’s needs first, both from a national security and economic perspective, and it’s a creative idea that has never been done before,” she told reporters.

    Speaking on CNBC, Lutnick said the US wants a return on its “investment”.

    “We’ll get equity in return for that … instead of just giving grants away,” he said.

    President Donald Trump has previously said he wanted to kill the chips Act program.

    Lutnick’s comments suggested any stake would be non-voting, meaning it would not enable the US government to tell the company how to run its business.

    His comments came a day after SoftBank Group agreed to invest $2 billion in Intel, which has struggled to compete after years of management blunders.

    “The Biden administration literally was giving Intel money for free and giving TSMC money for free, and all these companies just giving the money for free, and Donald Trump turned it into saying, ‘Hey, we want equity for the money. If we’re going to give you the money, we want a piece of the action for the American taxpayer’,” Lutnick said. Reuters

  • TMC’s 100-bed hospital coming to Raigad

    TMC’s 100-bed hospital coming to Raigad

    Tata Memorial Centre will set up a 100-bed hospital in Raigad district through the Integrated Ayurvedic Cancer Clinic and Research Centre. The cabinet meeting held today approved the exemption of stamp duty on the lease agreement of 10 hectares of land given for this hospital. The meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

    The state government has approved ten hectares of land at Tambati at a nominal rate of one rupee per year to set up this 100-bed hospital. This hospital will provide cancer treatment and health facilities to the citizens of the rural areas of Raigad district and the nearby cities. Out of the 100 beds in the hospital, 12 percent of the beds should be reserved for patients from the poor of the society, families below the poverty line, and government employees.

    Also, cancer treatment should be provided at a concessional rate as per the government scheme. The cabinet meeting held today approved the concession in stamp duty for this hospital, with the condition that one person accompanying the patient should be provided with residential services at a very low rate. Newsband