Global demand for electricity is climbing at one of the fastest rates in decades, up 4.3% in 2024 alone, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Dec 11: A significant source of demand comes from data centers, where artificial intelligence is driving an unprecedented appetite for power. And while that story has captured the spotlight, there is another factor driving electricity demand: millions of electric vehicles.

In some countries, the growth in demand is putting strain on electricity grids because most people are charging at home.

“When consumers build out charging infrastructure in the residential electrical network, the consumer is forcing a utility to make significant investments in infrastructure in order to maintain reliability of the system network, as the number of vehicles needing charging increases,” said IEEE Senior Member Shawn Chandler.

How EVs Impact the Grid

By 2030, IEA expects more than 150 million electric charging stations to be installed worldwide, two-thirds of them private home chargers.

That pattern matters because home charging pushes demand directly onto local distribution circuits that were never designed for it. Chandler notes that a single EV battery can be 75 kilowatt-hours or more; recharging it in just a few hours can draw seven to ten times the load of a typical household.

While utilities have managed gradual increases in demand before, the sudden wave of EV charging is different. That’s why utilities are increasingly looking at “managed charging” programs — shifting charging times or spreading load across the day — as they plan for the next decade of electrification.

How Data Centers Drive Electricity Demand

The data centers that power artificial intelligence are expected to account for approximately 3% of global electricity consumption by 2030, up from 1.5% in 2024. But that demand could be uneven. A large, hyperscale data center may use as much electricity as a small city, and many data centers are clustered in tight geographic areas.

“AI data centers require extremely high and concentrated loads,” said IEEE Member Mauricio Salles. “They pose challenges for transmission system operators. The production of green hydrogen, the electrification of transportation and the electrification of everything also contribute to this increase.”

And because data centers tend to be clustered in developed countries, that means they will likely take up a greater proportion of electricity in those countries, in some cases up to 9%. In developed countries, for every five megawatts of new electricity that comes online, one is dedicated to data centers. In developing countries, that figure is one in twenty.

That buildout of data centers shows no signs of slowing down, at least for the next few years. In “The Impact of Technology in 2026 and Beyond: an IEEE Global Study,” a recent survey of global technology leaders, close to half (49%) of respondents expected that it would take five to seven years to build the global data center infrastructure required to meet growing AI development and demand.

“Because of the rapid growth of AI and worldwide demand for its use, more and more electricity will be needed to maintain AI systems,” said IEEE Senior Member Otavio Andre Chase.

Other Sources of Electricity Demand

Artificial intelligence and electric vehicles aren’t the only sources of new electricity demand.

Increasingly, manufacturing and infrastructure have come to rely on electricity as a power source, rather than fossil fuels. That means that while demand for electricity is increasing, it doesn’t directly translate to overall energy demand.

To meet demand while maintaining clean energy goals, experts have increasingly looked toward nuclear power, alongside wind and solar energy.

“The need to combine wind and solar with traditional generation is on the table,” Salles said. “The balance lies in creating a generation portfolio that is clean but also flexible enough to handle the variability of renewables. Ideally, climate goals and energy planning would be integrated so that capacity expansion simultaneously meets growing demand and emissions reduction obligations.”

Keeping The Grid Reliable

Aside from building additional capacity, grid operators and utilities are exploring a couple of other strategies.

At the top of the list is the force of markets, incentivizing EV owners to charge during off-peak times by charging less. Data centers are also shifting workloads to off-peak hours. Those sorts of incentives, usually referred to as dynamic pricing or managed charging, often require regulatory approval.

Scottish utilities also successfully demonstrated the ability of massive, grid-scale batteries to help smooth power demands. They’re also modernizing transmission lines and transformers to be able to handle the load.

Salles said utilities need to expand the use of transmission and distribution systems and adopt high sophisticated load forecasting systems.

“It is crucial that the entry of new intensive electricity demand centers be coordinated with the expansion of the necessary infrastructure,” Salles said.

Grids are also crossing national borders.

“Interconnection with other electrical systems also brings improvements in flexibility and energy exchange between locations with surpluses and deficits,” Salles said.

India’s fintech revolution is accelerating faster than ever, driven by agile innovators who are breaking barriers, simplifying payments, and building accessible financial ecosystems for millions. From sound-based transactions to AI-driven credit and merchant-first solutions, these companies are reshaping how the country sends, spends, and manages money. Here are seven fintech pioneers leading this transformation

1. ToneTag – Sound-Based Payments for a Contactless Future

ToneTag is transforming digital payments with its unique sound-wave technology that enables secure, contactless transactions even without the internet. By eliminating hardware dependency and enabling payments on basic devices, ToneTag is making digital adoption seamless for millions across India.

2. PhonePe – Driving UPI Leadership at Scale

PhonePe has become synonymous with digital payments in India, offering fast UPI transfers, insurance, investments, and merchant solutions. Its deep penetration across metros and smaller towns continues to accelerate India’s shift to a cashless economy.

3. Razorpay – Powering India’s Digital Businesses

Razorpay is the backbone of thousands of Indian startups and SMEs, offering payment gateways, vendor payouts, payroll, and financing solutions. Its full-stack financial platform is redefining how businesses manage money.

4. Paytm – Creating an Integrated Financial Ecosystem

Paytm remains a major driver of India’s digital payments revolution with its wallet, UPI, QR ecosystem, and offline merchant network. It continues to innovate with lending, wealth management, and commerce solutions.

5. CRED – Turning Credit Discipline Into Rewards

CRED gamified credit card bill payments and transformed financial responsibility into an engaging experience. With lending, travel, and commerce integrations, it is reshaping how aspirational consumers engage with finance.

6. BharatPe – Bringing Digital Payments to India’s Merchants

BharatPe revolutionised offline payments with its interoperable QR codes and merchant-first approach. Its lending and POS innovations are empowering small businesses across Tier 2 and Tier 3 India.

7. Slice – Reinventing Credit for Young India

Slice is modernising credit access for millennials and Gen Z through simple onboarding, transparent usage, and flexible repayment options. Its focus on usability and affordability is reshaping consumer credit.

Dec 11: About 400 Children with visual impairment, their siblings and parents from the Institute for Vision Rehabilitation  of the L V Prasad Eye Institute indulged in a day of shared laughter and joy at Wild Waters, a 30-acre amusement theme park in Shankarpally. The special day of fun celebrated inclusion, confidence, and togetherness, the values that deeply resonate with IVR’s mission to empower those for whom medical science has no definitive cure.

The day began at the LVPEI campus with a scrumptious breakfast, followed by a vibrant cultural program presented by the children. Their performances filled the campus with high spirits, setting the perfect tone for the day. Dr Tarjani Dave, Head of the Ocularistry Laboratory at LVPEI, graced the event as the special guest. She inspired and encouraged the children with her heartfelt words, asking them to repeat in unison, “I’m strong, I’m capable, I’m beautiful, I’m unlimited.” The affirmation echoed through the campus, symbolizing empowerment, confidence, and the limitless potential that the IVR strives to nurture in every child.

Accompanied by their siblings, parents, and support staff, the children enjoyed games and rides designed to engage their senses and comfort levels. Separate lawns were dedicated for these activities, where IVR’s rehabilitation professionals thoughtfully curated games that encouraged participation, teamwork, and fun. The setup ensured that every child could confidently compete while parents and siblings stood close by, offering both reassurance and encouragement.

For the parents, particularly the mothers, the day was much more than recreation. It was a meaningful opportunity to connect. As they shared stories, laughter, and experiences, bonds were formed that would go beyond the event. “It was heartening to see the parents, especially mothers open up, share hope, and celebrate their children’s strengths,” said Dr Beula Christy, Head of the Institute for Vision Rehabilitation at LVPEI. “Such moments remind us that rehabilitation is as much about emotional support and community as it is about learning and independence.”

The Institute for Vision Rehabilitation at LVPEI is one of the very few globally integrated facilities within an eye institute, created to serve individuals for whom medical or surgical options offer limited solutions. Its holistic model focuses on maximizing functional vision, promoting lifelong independence, and restoring dignity through education, training, and psychological support.

Throughout the day, the families explored a variety of rides and water activities, enjoyed freshly prepared meals at the park’s food courts, and soaked in an atmosphere of warmth and acceptance. As the sun set, the air resonated with laughter, renewed confidence, and heartwarming memories. The event was made possible through the generous donations of a number of individual donors.

LVPEI’s Institute for Vision Rehabilitation continues to stand as a beacon of inclusion and possibility, proving that while vision may be impaired, the human spirit and capacity for joy remain boundless.

A Day of Inclusion, Fun and Joy: LVPEI’s Institute for Vision Rehabilitation organizes day out for children with visual impairment

Hyderabad, Dec 11: About 400 Children with visual impairment, their siblings and parents from the Institute for Vision Rehabilitation (IVR) of the L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) indulged in a day of shared laughter and joy at Wild Waters, a 30-acre amusement theme park in Shankarpally. The special day of fun celebrated inclusion, confidence, and togetherness, the values that deeply resonate with IVR’s mission to empower those for whom medical science has no definitive cure.

The day began at the LVPEI campus with a scrumptious breakfast, followed by a vibrant cultural program presented by the children. Their performances filled the campus with high spirits, setting the perfect tone for the day. Dr Tarjani Dave, Head of the Ocularistry Laboratory at LVPEI, graced the event as the special guest. She inspired and encouraged the children with her heartfelt words, asking them to repeat in unison, “I’m strong, I’m capable, I’m beautiful, I’m unlimited.” The affirmation echoed through the campus, symbolizing empowerment, confidence, and the limitless potential that the IVR strives to nurture in every child.

Accompanied by their siblings, parents, and support staff, the children enjoyed games and rides designed to engage their senses and comfort levels. Separate lawns were dedicated for these activities, where IVR’s rehabilitation professionals thoughtfully curated games that encouraged participation, teamwork, and fun. The setup ensured that every child could confidently compete while parents and siblings stood close by, offering both reassurance and encouragement.

For the parents, particularly the mothers, the day was much more than recreation. It was a meaningful opportunity to connect. As they shared stories, laughter, and experiences, bonds were formed that would go beyond the event.

“It was heartening to see the parents, especially mothers open up, share hope, and celebrate their children’s strengths,” said Dr Beula Christy, Head of the Institute for Vision Rehabilitation at LVPEI. “Such moments remind us that rehabilitation is as much about emotional support and community as it is about learning and independence.”

The Institute for Vision Rehabilitation at LVPEI is one of the very few globally integrated facilities within an eye institute, created to serve individuals for whom medical or surgical options offer limited solutions. Its holistic model focuses on maximizing functional vision, promoting lifelong independence, and restoring dignity through education, training, and psychological support.

Throughout the day, the families explored a variety of rides and water activities, enjoyed freshly prepared meals at the park’s food courts, and soaked in an atmosphere of warmth and acceptance. As the sun set, the air resonated with laughter, renewed confidence, and heartwarming memories. The event was made possible through the generous donations of a number of individual donors.

LVPEI’s Institute for Vision Rehabilitation continues to stand as a beacon of inclusion and possibility, proving that while vision may be impaired, the human spirit and capacity for joy remain boundless.

Bengaluru/Hyderabad, Dec 11: Aster DM Healthcare, one of the largest integrated healthcare providers in India, announced a major CSR initiative with ₹120 crore investment to establish five advanced Oncology Radiation LINAC Centres across India, dedicated to supporting underprivileged cancer patients.

The first centre will be established in Wayanad, Kerala catering to the wider Malabar region, including neighbouring areas such as Gudalore and Gudalpet. The remaining centres will be developed in strategic locations including Bengaluru and other cities over the next three years, based on community needs and clinical feasibility.

The program aims to provide free and subsidized high-quality radiation therapy to cancer patients from economically weaker sections who are unable to afford or continue life-saving treatment.

Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder & Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare said, “This initiative reflects Aster’s deep commitment to making advanced cancer care accessible to all, especially underprivileged and underserved communities across India. By establishing five state-of-the-art radiation LINAC therapy centres, we aim to bridge critical gaps in oncology services and ensure that patients receive timely, lifesaving treatment closer to home.

No one should be denied the chance to fight cancer with dignity, confidence, and hope. Through this effort, Aster reaffirms its mission of delivering high-quality, compassionate healthcare to every patient, regardless of their financial circumstances.”

A few key highlights of the initiative include a fully equipped modern centre with linear accelerators and allied facilities. The treatment will be provided completely free or at highly subsidized rates for patients with low income or those who fall under the below poverty line. Priority will be given to patients who have discontinued therapy due to financial constraints. The centres will be part of Aster Volunteers; the flagship global CSR program of Aster DM Healthcare focused on community health improvement and socio-economic development.

Aster DM Healthcare’s initiative comes at a critical time, as cancer incidence continues to rise across India and financial constraints often force patients to discontinue treatment midway. The commitment aims to ensure that individuals from low-income backgrounds do not have to forgo essential radiation therapy due to cost barriers.

New Delhi, 11th December 2025: BillCut, India’s first Loan Portfolio Management fintech platform, today announced the appointment of Mr. Pratyush Chandramadhur—Founder of Pranovate, former Chief Business Officer at AuthBridge, and a founding member of Experian India—as its Senior Advisor.

BillCut enables consumers to understand and improve their credit health, reduce monthly EMIs, and make smarter borrowing decisions. Its flagship AI-powered debt analyser helps users review their entire debt profile in just three clicks. The platform identifies loans and credit cards carrying higher-than-required interest rates and instantly facilitates refinancing through trusted partners, including L&T Finance, Tata Capital, DMI Finance, and others.

With more than 25 years of leadership experience across BFSI and fintech, Pratyush has built and scaled AI/ML-driven products, fraud and identity solutions, and large financial services operations. His work at AuthBridge, Experian, and other institutions has significantly contributed to the evolution of India’s credit, identity, and risk management landscape

“Pratyush joins us at a crucial moment as we build India’s most intelligent credit and loan portfolio management platform,” said Tanish Sharma, Co-founder, BillCut. “His guidance will accelerate our AI-led product roadmap and help us scale BillCut to millions of users with greater precision, speed, and trust.”

Expressing his enthusiasm, Pratyush Chandramadhur, Senior Advisor, BillCut, said, “BillCut is addressing one of India’s most critical financial challenges. I’m excited to help shape the next phase of growth as we build smarter AI-driven tools that give users meaningful control over their credit, repayments, and loan portfolio.”

Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Dec 11: In the recent Hurun Stars of Gujarat 2025 event, Senores Pharmaceuticals Limited emerged in the spotlight as its Managing Director, Mr. Swapnil Shah, and Chief Heart Officer, Ms. Anar Modi, were honoured with the Pharmaceutical Excellence Award. The recognition underscores Senores’ continued commitment to advancing Gujarat’s healthcare and pharmaceutical landscape through innovation, responsible leadership, and global ambition.

At the event, Mr. Shah joined a dynamic panel on “Think Global, Act Gujarati: Building Global Brands from Gujarat,” while Ms. Modi participated in a fireside chat on “Raising from Gujarat: Building Ambition, Impact & Leadership.” Both discussions, moderated by industry leaders, highlighted Gujarat’s entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and growing global influence.

“This honour is a reflection of the hard work and passion of our entire team,” said Mr. Swapnil Shah, “Gujarat has always been a land of opportunity and innovation, and we are committed to contributing meaningfully to its economic and healthcare advancements.”

Expressing her gratitude, Ms. Anar Modi, shared, “This recognition strengthens our resolve to lead with purpose, nurture talent, and build an organisation that creates lasting impact—both within India and globally.”

With this recognition, HURUN INDIA acknowledges Senores Pharmaceuticals as a key contributor to Gujarat’s progress, underscoring the company’s ongoing efforts to innovate, lead with responsibility, and play a meaningful role in the state’s growth story.

Dec 11: Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited represented by its MD, Mr. B Prabhakaran has  entered in a non-binding MoU with Tata Steel Limited represented by its CEO & MD, Mr. T V Narendran to explore strategic partnership in the areas of raw material mining, logistics, pellet and steel making.

The proposed partnership aims at utilising the natural synergy in the business operations between Lloyds Metals and Tata Steel. The MoU sets out a framework for both companies to evaluate potential cooperation in greenfield steel making projects, iron ore mining, slurry pipeline infrastructure, pellet making in iron ore rich states in India, direct reduced iron production and exports of value-added low carbon iron and steel products among other associated areas of mutual interest. The objective is to utilise the complementary strengths of Tata Steel and Lloyds Metals to promote sustainable and efficient growth in the domestic steel sector.

Under the MoU, both the companies intend to explore the following opportunities in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra:

1. Cooperation to operate mining concessions and associated infrastructure, with the objective to increase iron ore production and be a prominent player in this growing region developing as the next steel hub in the country.
2. Evaluate potential strategic cooperation of Tata Steel in the existing integrated steel projects being developed by Lloyds Metals.

All proposed initiatives are subject to further detailed evaluation, due diligence, and receipt of requisite internal and regulatory approvals.

Tata Steel has also become a co-owner in Brahmani River Pellet Limited (BRPL), by acquiring a 50.01% stake in the company. This plant operates a 4 MTPA pellet plant in Jajpur, Odisha along with a 212 km slurry pipeline, both connecting a Beneficiation plant situated at Barbil.

Tata Steel is one of the oldest steel companies in the world, with a crude steel making capacity of 35 MTPA, making it the 8^th largest steel company in the world. Tata Steel has integrated steelmaking facilities with a diverse portfolio of value added and branded steel products.

Lloyds Metals is a pioneer in mining and metal operations in Maharashtra and currently operates the largest iron ore mine in the country located in Gadchiroli. Along with a focus on producing high quality DRI, pellets and iron ore, Lloyds Metals is now venturing into integrated steel manufacturing positioning Gadchiroli as the emerging steel hub in India.

New Delhi, Dec 11: Amidst moderately paced economic activity, unemployment increasing, elevated inflation level and uncertain economic outlook, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) has decided to lower the target range for the federal funds rate by 0.25 percentage point from 3.75%-4% to 3.5-3.75%, said Mr Rajeev Juneja, President, PHDCCI, in a press statement issued here today.

This announcement was coupled with expansionary monetary policy measures of lowering the interest rate paid on reserve balances to 3.65% (effective December 11, 2025), undertaking open market operations as necessary to maintain the federal funds rate in target range, conducting standing overnight repurchase agreement operations at a rate of 3.75%, standing overnight reverse repurchase agreement at 3.5% and with a per-counterparty limit of $160 billion per day, among others, to ease liquidity conditions, and lower the cost of short-term funding.

This move will reduce borrowing costs for firms and households, boost investment and consumption, and thereby stimulate economic activity, he said.

“Further, the Committee will initiate purchases of shorter-term Treasury securities if needed. This will lead to expansion of US Federal Reserve’s (US FED) holdings of short-term Treasuries to maintain an “ample level of reserves on an ongoing basis”, added Mr Juneja.

“Looking ahead, we anticipate that the U.S. FED will continue to carefully monitor the evolving macroeconomic landscape and adjust its monetary stance as dictated by data. We view this measure as supportive of global financial conditions, with positive implications for emerging markets, including India,” said Dr Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & Secretary General, PHDCCI.

New Delhi, Dec 11: Beyond Key, a global leader in intelligent digital solutions, made a strong mark at TechCon Dallas 2025, presenting how Microsoft 365, Copilot, Power Platform, AI innovations, and modern data solutions are reshaping enterprise productivity. The annual technology conference welcomed global IT leaders, CIOs, digital architects, and transformation-driven organisations, creating the perfect platform for Beyond Key to spotlight the evolving landscape of AI-powered work.

Across the event, Beyond Key engaged attendees with insights on how organisations can blend Microsoft 365, Copilot, Power Platform, and data intelligence to modernise workflows, enable automation at scale, and accelerate secure decision-making. The team focused on practical, real-world adoption models that businesses can implement without disrupting their existing digital ecosystem.

“AI isn’t the future anymore, it’s the foundation of how modern teams work,” said Piyush Goel, Founder & CEO, Beyond Key. “At TechCon Dallas, we emphasised how Microsoft 365 and Copilot, supported by Power Platform and strong data governance, are enabling enterprises to work smarter, innovate faster, and make decisions rooted in intelligence. Our focus remains on keeping AI meaningful, ethical, and deeply human-centered.”

Beyond Key also hosted a high-value knowledge session titled “Unlocking the True Potential of Microsoft 365 & Copilot: From Data to Decisions,” covering responsible AI adoption, Power Platform-driven automation, Microsoft 365 collaboration enhancements, and the role of unified data estates in enabling trustworthy AI systems.

With its impactful presence at TechCon Dallas, Beyond Key reinforced its commitment to helping organisations adopt AI with clarity, confidence, and long-term vision. The company continues to work with enterprises across the U.S., India, and Europe, delivering integrated solutions combining AI, cloud, Microsoft technologies, data analytics, and automation to drive sustainable digital transformation.

“TechCon Dallas 2025 wasn’t just an event—it was a roadmap for what tomorrow’s workplaces will look like,” Piyush added. “The conversations we led there are already inspiring how we co-create AI-driven solutions with our global customers.”