News you need to know before starting your day: 18 August 2021

Morning Masala Tea
18 August, 2021

News:

  1. HAL inks Rs 5,375-cr contract for supply of engines for Tejas aircraft
  2. 8 law firms in race to advise on sale of govt’s 45.48% stake in IDBI Bank
  3. TCS market capitalisation crosses Rs 13 trillion as stock hits new high
  4. After tense 24 hours, Indian embassy leaves Kabul: ‘very happy we are back home safely’
  5. At CCS meet, PM Modi says all possible help to be extended to “Afghan brothers and sisters”

 

Relevant Google Trends Today

  1. Taliban promises women’s rights under Islamic Law
  2. Israeli missile strike hits Quneitra in SW Syria
  3. Afghan first Vice President Amrullah Saleh declares himself as caretaker President
  4. Novoco IPO
  5. New Zealand to enter lockdown after single covid case found
Startup
24 February, 2024

Byju’s, once heralded as a flagship in India’s edtech sector, is grappling with severe financial and operational challenges, marked by a dramatic valuation drop. The company, which sought to stabilize its operations and finances, is now raising funds at a valuation significantly lower than its peak. This development comes amid efforts to address a substantial debt burden, with Byju’s proposing a repayment plan for its $1.2 billion loan. Investor confidence appears shaken, with some stakeholders pushing for drastic changes in leadership to navigate the crisis effectively. The turmoil reflects broader sectoral pressures and raises questions about the sustainability of high-growth trajectories in the edtech industry

Energy
10 February, 2024

Australia’s energy market is witnessing significant transitions and investments aimed at bolstering renewable energy infrastructure and securing gas supplies. Key developments include a $179 million investment by the Queensland Government for community battery projects, Santos’ $5.7 billion gas pipeline project following a legal battle win, and a $206 million energy savings package for NSW households. Additionally, the Australian government has secured new gas supply deals to support the east coast market, emphasizing the role of gas in transitioning to a renewable grid.

India 2024
9 February, 2024

The latest opinion polls, including the Mood of the Nation survey by India Today, predict a comfortable victory for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP and its allies in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), with a projected win of 335 Lok Sabha seats in the 2024 general elections. This forecast suggests a slight decrease from the 2019 elections but still ensures a majority. The survey, involving interviews with over 149,000 respondents, reflects Modi’s enduring popularity based on his nationalist policies and economic reforms. Other polls echo these findings, although seat projections vary slightly. The opposition INDIA alliance is expected to secure a significant number of seats, yet not enough to challenge the NDA’s majority. These predictions highlight a political landscape that remains largely favorable to Modi and the BJP as the election approaches