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7.3 Million Tonnes of Straw Can Generate ₹270 Cr Renewable Energy

Farmers in India currently burn 7.3 million tonnes of paddy straw, a practice that the Indian Biogas Association (IBA) argues could be transformed into a renewable resource worth approximately ₹270 crore annually through biogas plants. Utilizing advanced anaerobic digestion processes, this agricultural waste can be converted into Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG), which could replace imported natural gas and potentially save ₹1,600 crore in import substitutions. The IBA anticipates that this initiative could attract investments of ₹37,500 crore and establish 750 CBG projects by 2028-29, enhancing energy security. Additionally, paddy straw's cellulose content makes it suitable for bioethanol production, while its lignin can yield valuable products like polymers and activated carbon. The IBA emphasizes the environmental benefits of diverting straw from burning, which releases significant carbon emissions, and advocates for strategic plantation drives to combat urban pollution, as demonstrated by Delhi's successful planting of over 2.5 million saplings in 2023. sources

Published:
Nov 23 2025, 3 pm

ICAI President Nanda: Accountants must follow global best practices

Charanjot Singh Nanda, President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), emphasized the need for accounting professionals to align with international best practices while adapting them to the Indian context. Speaking at a finance conclave organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Nanda highlighted ICAI's evolution since its establishment in 1949, noting its growth into the world's largest accounting body with over 500,000 members and 1.1 million students. He asserted that finance professionals have transitioned from mere custodians of numbers to strategic navigators and enablers of societal resilience. Nanda's call for integration of global practices into local work processes aims to uphold the highest standards of excellence. Echoing this sentiment, Ananda Rao Potnuru and V V Rama Raju stressed the importance of adaptability, digital innovation, and strong governance in navigating the interconnected global economy. sources

Published:
Nov 23 2025, 2 pm

SpiceJet Restarts Online Services After Website Issues

SpiceJet announced on Sunday that it has restored all online services, including web check-in, payment systems, and manage-booking features, following a technical glitch that disrupted its digital platforms earlier in the day. The airline confirmed that these "technical challenges" necessitated the activation of manual check-in and boarding procedures at airports to ensure smooth passenger handling. In a statement, SpiceJet reassured customers that the issue has been fully resolved and that all online functionalities are now operating normally. Meanwhile, on November 20, an IndiGo flight from Guwahati to Delhi faced a three-hour delay due to a technical issue with the aircraft before departure. IndiGo flight 6E 930 was grounded at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport while engineers conducted necessary inspections, with all passengers being informed of the delay. sources

Published:
Nov 23 2025, 2 pm

IMD issues cyclone alert for Bay of Bengal

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts has indicated that a projected cyclone in the Bay of Bengal is expected to remain largely stationary over the south-west Bay near Sri Lanka by Friday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that a low-pressure area over the Strait of Malacca and South Andaman Sea is intensifying and may develop into a depression by Monday, with the potential to become a cyclone named _Senyar_ by Wednesday. The US Joint Typhoon Warning Centre (JTWC) corroborated this, noting that the system is likely to remain quasi-stationary for the next two days before intensifying. Meanwhile, the IMD has issued warnings for heavy rainfall across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Tamil Nadu, and parts of Kerala, with alerts for fishermen in affected regions. Thunderstorms and gusty winds are also expected in several coastal areas over the coming days. sources

Published:
Nov 23 2025, 11 am

Maharashtra's rain crisis challenges India's pulses initiative

The Indian government's Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses aims to achieve self-sufficiency in pulse production by 2030-31, targeting 350 lakh tonnes. However, Maharashtra, a key state for this initiative, is currently facing severe challenges due to unseasonal heavy rains that have devastated crops, particularly tur (pigeon pea), crucial for the national goal. This situation highlights the disconnect between ambitious policy objectives and the harsh realities of climate vulnerability in rainfed regions. While the Mission promises assured procurement at minimum support prices, farmers are grappling with survival rather than procurement. Immediate action is needed, including rapid crop damage assessments, timely insurance payouts, and the development of climate-resilient seed varieties. Strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations and investing in post-harvest infrastructure are also vital. Ultimately, Maharashtra's crisis underscores the need for a holistic approach that combines relief efforts with long-term agricultural resilience. sources

Published:
Nov 23 2025, 10 am

Building a Climate-Smart Fisheries Economy in India by 2030

India's fisheries sector is undergoing a significant transformation driven by recent policy initiatives and budget allocations aimed at modernisation and sustainability. The Union Budget for 2025-26 has earmarked a record ₹2,703.67 crore for fisheries, extending the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) until 2026, with approved projects worth ₹21,274.16 crore focusing on hatcheries, cold chains, and digitalisation. Key technological advancements include biofloc and recirculating aquaculture systems, alongside smart landing centres equipped with AI and IoT. The National Fisheries Digital Platform, launched in 2024, aims to unify services for fishers and farmers, enhancing access to credit and insurance. New regulations for sustainable fishing in India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) are set to support climate-resilient practices. By 2030, the sector is expected to shift towards intensive aquaculture and digital value chains, bolstering livelihoods while aligning with climate goals through initiatives like seaweed cultivation. sources

Published:
Nov 23 2025, 9 am

India's Ethanol Progress: Advancing E-20 for Sustainability

India has achieved a significant milestone by reaching 20% ethanol blending (E-20) in petrol, five years ahead of its 2030 target, showcasing the country's commitment to energy transition. This accomplishment is largely attributed to robust policy governance and the sugar sector's investment of over ₹40,000 crores, which has enabled an ethanol production capacity exceeding 900 crore litres annually. The sugar industry has not only supported the government's ethanol blending programme but has also improved financial health for farmers and created rural jobs. However, with current blending requirements at 1,048 crore litres and offers at 1,776 crore litres, a clear roadmap is essential to prevent idle capacities and ensure future investments in biofuels. The promotion of flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) and strong hybrid vehicles (SHEVs) is crucial for cleaner mobility, and reforms such as reduced GST rates and consumer incentives are needed to enhance the viability of ethanol as a cornerstone of India's low-carbon growth strategy. sources

Published:
Nov 23 2025, 10 am

Indian silver ETP holdings surge 18X since 2022

Holdings in silver exchange-traded products (ETPs) in India have surged by 200% compounded annually since their launch in 2022, according to a survey by the New York-based Silver Institute. The report highlights that Indian investors have significantly expanded their investment portfolios, with silver ETP holdings increasing over 18 times to exceed 58 million ounces (1,800 tonnes) by the end of 2024. Inflows into silver ETPs reached 25.1 million ounces (782 tonnes) in 2024, representing 44% of the country's physical silver investment for the year, while gold ETPs have struggled to attract similar interest. India has emerged as the world's second-largest market for physical silver, occasionally surpassing the US. Despite recent price surges, selling has remained modest, reflecting strong investor confidence. The survey anticipates a slight decline in purchases due to profit-taking, yet overall demand is expected to remain historically high. sources

Published:
Nov 23 2025, 8 am

From Flooded Fields to Fuel: India's Grain-Based Ethanol Revolution

India's grain-based ethanol industry is transforming challenges into opportunities, reinforcing the nation's commitment to green energy and rural development. Leveraging surplus grains, particularly maize and damaged food grains, the sector is reducing reliance on fossil fuels while addressing food waste. Government initiatives, including the 2018-19 expansion of the ethanol blending programme and favorable pricing for grain-based ethanol, have spurred production, with 2023-24 figures showing a supply of approximately 672.49 crore litres, predominantly from grains. The National Bio-fuel Policy 2018 supports this growth by allowing surplus food grains for ethanol production, aiming for a blending rate of 20% by 2025. This shift not only mitigates climate risks but also boosts rural economies, providing farmers with additional income and creating jobs in the ethanol supply chain. With projections of ethanol consumption reaching 10 billion litres by 2026, the industry is poised for significant growth and sustainability. sources

Published:
Nov 23 2025, 9 am

Stalin to Modi: Metro project rejection fuels resentment

Chief Minister M K Stalin expressed his disappointment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the Centre's rejection of Metro Rail project proposals for Coimbatore and Madurai, which he said has sparked public resentment. In a letter, Stalin emphasized the necessity of high-capacity public transport in Tamil Nadu, the country's most urbanized state, and highlighted that the population of both cities exceeds the 2 million threshold cited by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) as a reason for rejection. He argued that the selective application of this criterion suggests discrimination against Tamil Nadu, especially when similar projects have been approved in other states. Stalin urged Modi to reconsider the decision and offered to meet in New Delhi to discuss the matter further, asserting that the Comprehensive Mobility Plans for both cities justify the need for Metro Rail corridors. He also assured that land acquisition would not hinder the projects. sources

Published:
Nov 22 2025, 5 pm

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