DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE
South Africa's data centre 'gold rush' risks resource crunch
South Africa is becoming Africa's digital hub with expanding data centres. This growth, however, raises concerns about electricity and water resource strain. Industry leaders claim smaller scale and efficient cooling systems mitigate these impacts. Government acknowledges these environmental concerns and promotes sustainable practices. The sector remains vital for economic growth and job creation.
South Africa's data centre 'gold rush' risks resource crunch
Emerging as the digital powerhouse of Africa, South Africa's expanding data centers play a vital role in reinforcing national security and fueling business growth. However, environmental advocates caution about the increased strain on electricity and water resources. The government is aware of these challenges and is actively encouraging sustainable practices to mitigate the potential impacts on local resources.
Anant Raj demerger: Data centre arm to spin out as separate listed company, what lies ahead for 4 lakh shareholders
Anant Raj will demerge its data centre and cloud businesses into a separately listed entity, Ashok Cloud, enabling shareholders to directly participate in the digital infrastructure business. Eligible shareholders will receive two Ashok Cloud shares for every Anant Raj share held, subject to regulatory approvals and the record date announcement.
US ambassador sees $40 billion tech investment wave into Portugal by 2031
Portugal anticipates significant US technology investment by 2031. This will establish it as Europe's primary hub for American AI infrastructure. Google's new Nuvem cable signifies a deepening partnership between the nations. Portugal is developing substantial data center capacity, including a large project in Sines. This strategic digital development offers a model for Europe's future growth.
Anant Raj to demerge data centre arm into separately listed company
Anant Raj will demerge its data centre and cloud business into Ashok Cloud Pvt Ltd, creating a separately listed digital infrastructure company. The move aims to unlock shareholder value, support expansion to 307 MW by FY32 and strengthen its cloud services platform.
Google connects new transatlantic cable between Portugal and the US
Google's Nuvem, named after the Portuguese word for "cloud", links Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with Sines, south of Lisbon, via Bermuda and the Azores.
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AI could lift Sub-Saharan Africa economy 4% if power, internet improve, IMF says
As countries and companies race to secure AI's economic benefits, investment in data centres, energy infrastructure and digital networks is surging worldwide.

Institutional investments in India's real estate sector reaches $1.9 billion in Q2 2026
Institutional real estate investments in India reached USD 1.9 billion during Q2 2026. Office assets attracted nearly USD 1 billion, dominating total investments for the quarter. Data centers emerged as the second-largest recipient of institutional capital, showing growing interest. Domestic institutions maintained their dominant position, accounting for 54% of total investments. Multi-city portfolios led investment activity, reflecting diversified exposure across markets.

NaBFID gets nod to raise ₹20,000 cr via Zero-coupon bonds
NaBFID will issue zero-coupon bonds valued at twenty thousand crore rupees. This move supports the institution's long-term capital mobilization for infrastructure projects. Investors will receive the full redemption amount after a ten-year maturity period. The Central Board of Direct Taxes approved the necessary tax framework for this issuance. NaBFID can issue these bonds until March thirty-first, twenty twenty-eight.

Prysmian signs €5.5 billion Molex deal in data centre push
Italian cable maker Prysmian said on Monday it had signed a long-term agreement worth up to €5.5 billion ($6.4 billion) with Molex, a Koch-owned electronics company, as it stepped up its push into the fast-growing data centre market.

India, Spain to fast-track UPI-Bizum interoperability talks
The two countries have also discussed ways to strengthen investment facilitation, improving mobility of professionals and promoting joint investments in Latin America, leveraging Spain's strategic position as India's gateway to Europe and Latin America.

Government launches White Rabbit tech network to secure Indian Standard Time
The system disseminates Indian Standard Time, traceable to the national time-keeping authority UTC (NPLI), using Precision Time Protocol-based White Rabbit technology, which the ministry said in a statement, offers highly accurate synchronisation for sectors, including banking, telecommunications, power grids, transportation, and digital governance.

Kazakhstan President calls for human-centric AI, echoing India's vision
Kazakhstan's President Tokayev addressed the urgent call for fair global governance of artificial intelligence at a conference in Shanghai. He stressed the importance of offering equal development chances in the thriving AI sector for every nation. Promoting responsible human oversight, Tokayev stated that AI should enhance economic and societal well-being.

NITI Aayog to review industrial corridor framework, seeks reforms to speed project execution
India's government is reviewing industrial corridor frameworks to enhance project delivery. NITI Aayog will consult stakeholders on necessary policy and regulatory changes. The review aims to identify bottlenecks and recommend reforms for industrial competitiveness. This initiative supports the nation's goal of becoming a developed country by 2047.

The New Oil? Why the world is chasing copper
Copper has emerged as a strategic commodity powering the global shift towards clean energy, electric vehicles and digital infrastructure. With demand rising faster than supply due to electrification and constrained mining output, the metal is increasingly viewed as a critical resource for the global economy's long-term transition.

Govt explores linking land records with ULI for faster farm credit
The Department of Land Resources is exploring digital land record integration with ULI. This initiative aims to provide faster and secure institutional credit access. Discussions with RBI Innovation Hub focused on leveraging digital public infrastructure for lending. The collaboration seeks to streamline credit delivery for farmers and rural citizens. This integration will enhance transparency and efficiency in the lending ecosystem.

UPI MDR could raise business costs, hurt consumption if introduced: Experts
Experts suggest focusing on who bears UPI merchant discount rate costs. Introducing this fee could increase business operating expenses and squeeze margins. Small merchants and kirana stores may face significant challenges with this change. UPI's success as a public digital infrastructure is at stake. Policymakers must balance sustainability with UPI's broader economic and strategic value.

Reliance Retail's Q1 profit drops 14% YoY but revenue rises 8%
Reliance Retail Ventures reported a fourteen percent profit decline last quarter. Revenue from operations grew eight point two percent year-on-year. Investments in e-commerce and digital infrastructure pressured operating margins. The company aims to double operating Ebitda over three years. Reliance Retail expanded its store network to over twenty thousand locations.

Reliance Retail trades near-term gains for long-term digital access
Reliance Retail reported a net profit decline of fourteen percent year-on-year. Revenue from operations grew eight point two percent, with FMCG business growth strong. Investments in digital commerce and infrastructure impacted operating margins significantly. The company aims to double operating Ebitda over three years through growth. Reliance Retail expanded its store network to over twenty thousand locations.

Setu chief business officer Anand Raisinghani steps down
Anand Raisinghani has resigned from his role at Pine Labs-owned Setu, an API infrastructure company. He is stepping down to pursue new career opportunities outside the organisation. Raisinghani joined Setu in April 2025 after a long career in technology. This departure follows cofounder Nikhil Kumar's exit from daily operations.

Power ministry plans grid for data centres as demand surges
The power ministry is assessing infrastructure readiness for data centres. Internal estimates project significant power demand from these facilities by 2032. Discussions involve utilities and developers regarding power supply and transmission needs. States are receiving support for developing necessary infrastructure projects. India's data centre market is experiencing rapid expansion and investment.

India's energy storage capacity expected to rise more than tenfold by FY2035-36: MoSPI
India's energy storage requirement is projected to increase more than tenfold over the next decade, rising from 87 GWh in 2027-28 to 888 GWh by 2035-36, driven by rapid deployment of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Pumped Storage Plants (PSPs), according to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation's (MoSPI) latest quarterly update of its infrastructure Performance Monitoring Dashboard.

Airbus picks Iliad's Scaleway for AI, defence work in sovereignty push
Airbus will use Scaleway's cloud infrastructure for sensitive industrial and defense applications. This partnership supports the deployment of artificial intelligence tools developed with French startup Mistral. Critical applications spanning aircraft design and engineering will be hosted on Scaleway's platform. Airbus aims to accelerate its AI approach by leveraging Mistral models on this European infrastructure. The planemaker will migrate approximately 70 applications to Scaleway by the end of 2028.

Blackstone hires Ami Momaya to lead India infrastructure investments
Blackstone has appointed Ami Momaya as managing director and head of infrastructure for India. This marks the firm's initial hire for its Asia Pacific infrastructure investment division. Momaya previously held senior roles at KKR and India's National Investment and Infrastructure Fund. She brings extensive experience in establishing infrastructure businesses within the Indian market. Blackstone's infrastructure platform manages eighty-four billion dollars in assets globally.

Karnataka finalising comprehensive Data Centre Policy to support AI infrastructure
Karnataka is finalising a comprehensive Data Centre Policy to support AI and next-generation computing infrastructure. The policy aims to create digital infrastructure for AI-led innovation and complement the state's broader AI vision. Discussions at the GCC summit focused on AI, talent, and digital infrastructure development. The state plans to establish India's first public sector-led AI University and a world-class AI Hub.

Karnataka to roll out comprehensive data centre policy to support infra requirements of AI
Karnataka will soon unveil a comprehensive data centre policy to support AI infrastructure needs. This policy aims to create essential digital infrastructure for AI-led innovation and advanced computing. The state is also establishing India's first public sector-led AI University and an AI Hub. Bengaluru's infrastructure development will see significant investments to manage urban growth effectively. Karnataka remains committed to fostering GCC growth and creating a robust innovation ecosystem.

India well placed to anchor Asia's value chains: FECC
GEC East in Singapore focuses on advancing international economic cooperation through dialogue. The forum brings together leaders to discuss the next phase of economic partnerships. India is well-positioned to become an anchor for regional value chains. Manufacturing and industrial policy discussions emphasize integrated regional ecosystems. Supply chain resilience is a key focus for critical economic sectors.

Google AI Hub ecosystem in Vizag expands with ₹1,008-crore logistics park, 5,000 new jobs
A new logistics and light industrial park will support Google's AI Hub in Visakhapatnam. This Ecobox development represents a significant Rs 1,008 crore investment in Andhra Pradesh. The project is expected to create approximately five thousand direct employment opportunities. Google has identified Ecobox as its preferred partner for this crucial infrastructure.

Airtel to focus on finance, cloud, data centres to drive next growth phase, says chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal
Bharti Airtel chairman Sunil Mittal highlighted finance, data centres, and cloud as key growth areas. The company is expanding its digital infrastructure network after significant past investments. Airtel Money received RBI approval to operate as a non-deposit-taking NBFC. Nxtra is building data centre capacity while Airtel Cloud offers sovereign cloud solutions. The telco also reported strong operating free cash flow for future investments.
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