The deals with two of India's largest business houses will help the US chip firm deepen inroads to the emerging AI ecosystem of the South Asian nation
By Eastern EyeSep 14, 2023
US CHIP firm Nvidia on Friday (8) announced AI partnerships with Indian conglomerates Reliance Industries and Tata Group to develop cloud infrastructure and language models, as well as generative applications.
The deals with two of India’s largest business houses will help the US chip firm deepen inroads to the emerging AI ecosystem of the South Asian nation, just as it faces roadblocks in certain chip exports to China and some other countries due to US restrictions.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang this week met prime minister Narendra Modi to discuss India’s potential in the AI sector, ahead of the G20 meet in New Delhi where delegates including US President Joe Biden attended.
In the Reliance partnership, Nvidia will provide the computing power required for building a cloud AI infrastructure platform, while Reliance unit Jio will manage and maintain the infrastructure and oversee customer engagement.
“Reliance will create AI applications and services for their 450 million Jio (telecom) customers and provide energy-efficient AI infrastructure to scientists, developers and startups across India,” Nvidia said.
The Nvidia partnership will be used by India’s No.1 software services exporter, Tata Consultancy Services, to build and process generative AI apps and a supercomputer, the companies said. TCS will also upskill its 600,000-strong workforce by leveraging the partnership.
The deal will also catalyse the AI-led transformation across Tata Group companies that range from manufacturing to consumer businesses, the statement added.
Nvidia globally has a nearmonopoly on the computing systems used to power services like ChatGPT, OpenAI’s blockbuster generative AI chatbot.
The partnership will give Reliance access to the latest version of Nvidia’s Grace Hopper Superchip, its AI chips that are optimised to perform AI inference functions that effectively power apps like ChatGPT.
INDIA’S intent to massively expand coal-based steel and iron production threaten global efforts to reduce the sector’s carbon emissions, a key contributor to climate change, a report said on Tuesday (20).
The sector accounts for 11 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions, and India aims to double production by 2030.
Switching from coal-dependent blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces (EAFs), which produce significantly fewer emissions, could reduce that figure.
EAF production is projected to account for 36 per cent of the sector by 2030, but that remains slightly below the 37 per cent the International Energy Agency says is necessary to stay on track for net-zero by 2050.
“The only realistic way to meet that 37 per cent goal is with a change of plans from India,” said Astrid Grigsby-Schulte from the Global Energy Monitor (GEM) think tank.
That seemingly marginal one-per cent gap translates to tens of millions of tonnes of CO2 emissions, Grigsby-Schulte said.
EAFs generally rely on melting scrap steel, a process that does not use coal. They produce significantly fewer emissions, even when they rely on electricity from coal-dependent grids.
Meeting the 2030 target is “critical”, she said, “not only because of emissions immediately avoided, but also because it means we are laying the necessary groundwork for broader decarbonisation by 2050.”
China currently dominates global steel production, but its sector is stagnant. Meanwhile India, which targets carbon neutrality only by 2070, plans to massively expand domestic capacity.
And the majority of India’s announced steel development plans involve higheremissions blast furnace production, in a country whose steel industry is already the world’s most carbon intensive.
However, there is a growing gap between India’s steel capacity plans and actual developments on the ground, GEM said.
Just 12 per cent of its announced new capacity has come online since the country released its 2017 National Steel Policy. The comparable figure for China is 80 per cent, GEM said.
That suggests India’s “ambitious growth plans are more talk than action thus far,” the group added.
And it “leaves a huge percentage of their development plans that could still shift to lower-emissions technologies,” added Grigsby-Schulte.
Demand for steel is continuing to grow, and the iron and steel industry is expected to be one of the last to continue using coal in the IEA’s 2050 net-zero pathway.
The organisation has warned that the sector needs to “accelerate significantly” to meet 2050 targets, including with innovative production methods that are currently in their infancy.
The Uganda High Commission in the United Kingdom, in collaboration with Uganda Airlines, hosted a high-profile UK-Uganda Trade and Business Forum and Gala Dinner in London on 19 May 2025 to commemorate the launch of Uganda Airlines’ new direct flight service between Entebbe and London Gatwick Airport. The landmark event was attended by government officials, aviation authorities, business leaders, diaspora representatives, and diplomatic dignitaries from both nations.
This launch marks Uganda Airlines' inaugural entry into Europe, with the new route representing the only nonstop air connection between the UK and Uganda, opening new avenues for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. The flagship service will operate four times weekly on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, offering same-day return departures.
The delegation at trade showAMG
The event featured keynote speeches and panel discussions centred on the theme: “Why Uganda is the Next Frontier for Investment”, underlining the growing bilateral partnership between the United Kingdom and Uganda.
Transport Minister Hon. Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala lauded the achievement as a symbol of progress and national pride:
“This is more than a flight; it is a bridge for business, investment, and human connection. When His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni revived Uganda Airlines in 2015, he envisioned a future where direct air links would drive economic growth. Today, that vision takes a giant leap forward.”
He further noted the tourism potential, remarking: “The UK remains one of Uganda’s largest tourism source markets. This direct flight eliminates layovers, making it more convenient than ever for British travellers to experience Uganda’s natural wonders, from mountain gorillas to the source of the Nile. We foresee a strong rise in tourist arrivals and associated revenues.”
Uganda Airlines’ Chief Executive Officer Jenifer Bamuturaki emphasised the strategic significance of the route: “This new route connects Uganda to one of the world’s busiest and most strategic aviation hubs. On the return leg, flight times are carefully synchronised to ensure smooth connections across our growing African network, linking passengers from London to key destinations in East, Central, and West Africa.”
Warm welcome at GatwickAMG
Delivering the keynote UK government perspective, Lisa Chesney MBE, British High Commissioner to Uganda, highlighted the strength of trade relations: “Total trade between the two countries reached £880 million in 2023, while Uganda’s cumulative exports to the UK over the past five years have amounted to £2.3 billion. This new air link promises to further deepen our economic and people-to-people ties.”
The event also saw warm reflections from Uganda’s High Commissioner to the UK, H.E. Nimisha J. Madhvani, who welcomed the first delegation of the Flying Crane to London: “It is truly wonderful to receive you all here. A heartfelt thanks to President Museveni for his vision. I am especially proud to announce that on tonight’s return flight, Ugandan Asians who were expelled during Idi Amin’s era are flying back to Uganda, joined by their British friends. That shows the confidence, safety, and renewed hope Uganda now embodies.”
“At a time when many nations are retreating into isolation, the UK and Uganda are forging ahead — rebuilding bridges, rekindling friendships, and deepening trust. What a privilege to witness this new chapter in our shared history.”
Francis Mwebesa, Uganda’s Minister for Trade, and Ramathan Ggoobi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, echoed similar sentiments, calling the flight a “turning point in Uganda’s global economic engagement strategy,” while Olive Birungi Lumonya from the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority stressed its regulatory and logistical readiness.
The Chairperson of Uganda Airlines’ Board, Priscilla Serukka, and Bageya Waiswa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, jointly hailed the airline’s operational expansion as a “testament to Uganda’s aviation renaissance and its aspirations on the global stage.”
Inaugural touchdown
The celebrations followed Uganda Airlines’ historic landing at London Gatwick Airport on 18 May 2025, marking its first-ever service to Europe. The state-of-the-art Airbus A330-800neo was received by the Uganda High Commission team, led by H.E. Madhvani, alongside diaspora well-wishers and British officials.
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EY denies negligence and argues it was itself a victim of fraud committed by NMC executives and major shareholders.
THE HIGH COURT in London this week began hearing a £2 billion claim brought by the administrators of NMC Health against auditor EY, with opening submissions focusing on alleged auditing failures and the company’s links to senior figures in the UAE, including Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan.
NMC Health, once a FTSE 100 company valued at £8.6 bn in 2018, collapsed into administration in 2020 after disclosing more than £3 bn in hidden debt. Alvarez & Marsal, appointed administrators in April 2020, filed the claim against EY three years ago for breach of contract, duty of care and negligence, reported The Times.
NMC’s administrators are seeking damages over audits from 2012 to 2018, when EY issued unqualified opinions on NMC’s accounts. Their lawyer, Simon Salzedo, said in court that the audits were among the “most fundamentally flawed examples of big-firm auditing that have disgraced a courtroom in this jurisdiction.”
EY denies negligence and argues it was itself a victim of fraud committed by NMC executives and major shareholders.
EY stated the alleged fraud was carried out by founder BR Shetty, and shareholders Saeed Bin Butti and his nephew Khalifa Bin Butti. In its defence, EY referred to evidence suggesting Sheikh Mansour stood behind the Bin Buttis “in some informal way”, making him “effectively a shadow owner of NMC”, reported The Times.
The firm said this alleged link influenced lending decisions by banks. EY cited a witness statement by Lord Clanwilliam, former audit committee chairman at NMC, and a letter from Shetty to Sheikh Mansour in 2016 requesting support for a new venture.
It also referenced claims involving Dubai Islamic Bank and Canara Bank, which were allegedly influenced by the perception of royal connections.
EY argued NMC’s own senior management concealed the fraud. The administrators denied they had gone “soft” on the Bin Buttis and said a 2022 settlement had led to the return of many assets.
STEEL tycoon Sanjeev Gupta is racing against time to prevent his UK operations from collapsing, as court proceedings threaten to shut down two major plants employing nearly 1,500 workers, reports said.
The Asian businessman's company, Speciality Steel UK, appeared before the High Court on Wednesday (21) facing a winding-up petition that could force the business into liquidation. The legal action was brought by suppliers who claim they are owed substantial sums of money.
In a dramatic courtroom development, Gupta's legal team secured a crucial delay until mid-July after revealing that a mystery investor had emerged with potential interest in purchasing the struggling operation.
Barrister Daniel Judd told Judge Sebastian Prentis that "urgent meetings have been taking place" with this unnamed third party.
The reprieve provides breathing space for Gupta to negotiate a rescue deal for his factories in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, and Bolton, Lancashire. These sites produce specialised steel products for critical industries including aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors.
A company spokesperson said discussions with creditors continue, stressing their commitment to maintaining operations and protecting jobs at both facilities.
Should the rescue talks fail, the government may step in to nationalise the plants, which politicians have branded as "strategic national assets." However, ministers would only consider such intervention after the company enters formal insolvency proceedings.
This latest crisis comes just weeks after the government intervened to save British Steel, taking control of the larger steelmaker amid disputes with its Chinese owners over planned closures at the Scunthorpe facility.
Gupta had previously approached Whitehall seeking emergency support using similar legislation, but government sources confirmed his requests were rejected. This marks the second time ministers have declined to bail out his operations, having also refused assistance during the pandemic.
The current troubles stem from the collapse of Greensill Capital in 2021, a finance company that had been closely linked to Gupta's business empire. The failure left his conglomerate, known as GFG Alliance, struggling to secure funding across its global operations spanning steel, energy, and trading.
A restructuring proposal that would have forced creditors, including tax authorities, to write off significant debts was abandoned last week after failing to gain support. The plan had been designed to keep the business operating whilst addressing its financial difficulties.
Gupta built his reputation as a saviour of the steel industry, acquiring troubled plants worldwide and promising to revive their fortunes. His empire employs over 30,000 people globally, with operations across England, Scotland, and Wales.
However, his business activities have faced scrutiny since 2021, when the Serious Fraud Office launched an investigation into his empire. The company has said it is cooperating with authorities.
The steel industry has faced mounting pressures from rising energy costs and competition from cheaper overseas imports, affecting profitability across the sector.
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The camera deliberately omits certain features common in contemporary models
Fujifilm has unveiled the X Half, a new compact digital camera designed to evoke the look and feel of classic film photography. Set to launch in late June 2025, the X Half is a part of Fujifilm’s X-series, and aims to appeal to enthusiasts seeking a nostalgic, analog-inspired shooting experience in a digital format.
The X Half is priced at £849.99 and features an 18-megapixel 1-inch-type sensor paired with a fixed 32mm-equivalent f/2.8 lens. While it uses modern digital technology, the camera deliberately omits certain features common in contemporary models – most notably, it does not support RAW image capture, offering only JPEG files. This decision is part of Fujifilm’s effort to deliver a “what-you-see-is-what-you-get” experience that mirrors traditional film photography.
A redefined half-frame concept
Fujifilm’s interpretation of the “half-frame” format differs from traditional definitions. Classic half-frame film cameras, such as the Pentax 17, typically capture images sized at 18mm x 24mm, roughly half the size of a full-frame (35mm) negative. In contrast, the X Half’s sensor measures 8.8mm x 13.3mm – half the size of an APS-C sensor used in other Fujifilm models like the X100VI and X-T5. Though the physical dimensions differ, Fujifilm retains the essence of half-frame photography: portability, casual shooting, and creative flexibility.
With a body weight of just 240 grams (8.5 ounces), the X Half is small enough to fit into a small bag or even a large pocket. Its compact size is reminiscent of disposable film cameras, but unlike those, it comes equipped with a proper glass lens featuring autofocus and aspherical corrections. The lens is described by Fujifilm representatives as having “some character”, a phrase often used to indicate a unique, though not necessarily sharp, optical performance.
Dedicated to film-like shooting
A key feature of the X Half is its commitment to film simulation. The camera includes 13 built-in film simulations that mimic the look of Fujifilm’s classic analogue stocks. Uniquely, there is a second screen on the camera specifically for selecting these simulations, enhancing the tactile and immersive experience.
The camera's analogue homage continues with the absence of an electronic or hybrid viewfinder. Instead, users compose their shots using a traditional optical viewfinder or the portrait-oriented 2.4-inch touchscreen on the rear. This design further aligns the X Half with the simplicity of vintage cameras.
Since the camera does not shoot RAW, any film simulation or filter applied during shooting is permanently embedded in the JPEG image. This limits post-processing flexibility but supports Fujifilm’s philosophy of embracing imperfections and encouraging spontaneous creativity.
Companion app and analogue-inspired features
Fujifilm will also launch a companion smartphone app shortly after the X Half’s release. The app includes several features designed to expand the analogue experience. Notably, it allows users to create diptychs – side-by-side images – similar to traditional half-frame compositions. These diptychs can be made using two photos, two short videos, or a combination of both.
The Fujifilm X Half is clearly aimed at younger photographers and content creators Fujifilm
Another standout feature is the Film Camera Mode, which groups captured images into digital “rolls” of 36, 54, or 72 shots, displayed as a contact sheet. Each contact sheet includes film strip branding that corresponds to the chosen film simulation, enhancing the archival and nostalgic feel. The app even features a virtual film advance lever, which must be used between shots in Film Camera Mode, mimicking the operation of vintage film cameras.
Additional effects can be added to photos, including light leaks, expired film aesthetics, and retro date-and-time stamps reminiscent of 1990s point-and-shoots. Since the X Half only produces JPEGs, these filters become a permanent part of the image, with no option to remove or alter them in editing software later.
Targeting a new generation of film lovers
The Fujifilm X Half is clearly aimed at younger photographers and content creators who are increasingly drawn to the visual quirks and tactile charm of film photography. While cheaper alternatives like the £70 Camp Snap or £10–£20 disposable film cameras offer a similar aesthetic at a lower price point, the X Half distinguishes itself by blending those vintage sensibilities with modern digital conveniences.
It remains to be seen how the £849.99 price tag will be received by the intended market. However, Fujifilm’s offering is unique in combining authentic design elements, creative shooting modes, and high-quality digital components. If it manages to capture even a fraction of the fun and spontaneity associated with traditional half-frame photography, the X Half may prove a worthwhile tool for nostalgic shooters and creative hobbyists alike.