1 min read

India power companies strained as big users source own electricity

Energy Data centers seek distribution licenses, leaving middlemen heavily indebted Engineers work on an electricity pylon on the outskirts of the western Indian city of Ahmedabad. © Reuters BENGALURU — India’s state-owned power distribution companies (discoms) face a growing, two-pronged threat to their revenues, with industrial customers going off grid for relatively cheaper power, and […]

1 min read

Baidu’s spun off chip unit plans dual listing in Shanghai and Hong Kong

China tech Hong Kong IPO for Kunlunxin is expected in the third quarter, tapping AI investment demand A man passes a Baidu logo at an open-source AI event in Beijing on Mar. 17. The search engine operator’s chip unit, Kunlunxin, is planning a public listing in Hong Kong and Shanghai.  © Reuters HONG KONG — Kunlunxin, a unit of Chinese search engine […]

1 min read

South Korean conservative leader casts US ties as key to national strength

Politics Jang Dong-hyeok says economic concerns to shape June elections more than Yoon fallout Jang Dong-hyeok, leader of South Korea’s opposition conservative People Power Party, speaks at a news conference in Seoul on May 8. (Photo by Ahn Seong-bok) SEOUL — The leader of South Korea’s conservative opposition has reiterated his party’s strong fealty to […]

1 min read

Southeast Asian banks check Iran war strain on corporate lending

Finance Singapore’s OCBC raises allowances to buffer potential losses Singaporean banks are actively scrutinizing their loan books amid the Middle East uncertainty. © Reuters SINGAPORE — Southeast Asian banks bracing for further impact from the Iran war are also anxious about softening loan activity and rising credit risks for borrowers grappling with the conflict’s economic […]