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Burnt stubble: A power source for rural cold chains

In Tamil Nadu's Kodaikanal hills, stubble burning continues to plague North India, contributing to severe air pollution and significant post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables. Each winter, farmers burn agricultural residue, particularly rice straw, as a quick disposal method, despite the potential for this biomass to power decentralized cold storage systems. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy estimates that India's surplus agricultural residue could generate over 42,000 MW of power, offering a sustainable solution to both pollution and food waste. Government initiatives, including subsidies for machinery and biomass co-firing policies, aim to mitigate this issue, yet adoption remains low due to high costs and limited awareness. Biomass-powered cold storage presents a viable alternative, reducing reliance on grid electricity and cutting emissions. By transforming stubble into energy, India can enhance its rural cold chain, improve farmers' incomes, and combat environmental degradation. sources

Published:
Dec 07 2025, 9 am

HD Hyundai plans $2 billion shipyard in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu

In a significant development for India's shipbuilding industry, South Korea's HD Hyundai has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a shipyard in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, joining local giants Cochin Shipyard and Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders. The initiative, dubbed the "SMITH Project" (Shipbuilding Make in India Together with Hyundai), involves a combined investment of ₹30,000 crore (approximately $2 billion) and is projected to create 55,000 jobs. HD Hyundai's Vice President, Hannae Choi, emphasized the company's commitment to India during the Tamil Nadu Investment Conclave, highlighting the nation's potential and the strategic advantages of Thoothukudi for shipbuilding. The Tamil Nadu government is also set to unveil a Maritime Manufacturing Policy to further bolster the sector, which is expected to have a significant employment multiplier effect, supporting various ancillary industries and driving technological innovation. sources

Published:
Dec 07 2025, 12 pm

Govt denies halting clean energy funding amid reports

India's clean energy ministry has projected a significant increase in solar capacity, with module output expected to rise by a third to 200 gigawatts (GW) and cell production potentially quadrupling to 100 GW in the coming years. This announcement follows concerns raised by solar manufacturers after a report suggested the ministry had advised lenders to slow financing for new solar module plants due to oversupply. However, the ministry clarified that it had not issued any such advisory, emphasizing the need for a "calibrated and well-informed approach" to financing while ensuring that the clean energy sector remains supported. Industry leaders warned that overly cautious financing could hinder solar cell manufacturing and disrupt ongoing projects, particularly as Indian firms face challenges in exports to the US due to tariffs and scrutiny over components. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to bolstering solar manufacturing through supportive policies and infrastructure development. sources

Published:
Dec 07 2025, 12 pm

BL Commodities Highlights - December 7, 2025

In a notable market update, India's SENSEX rose by 447.05 points to close at 85,712.37, while the NIFTY gained 152.70 points, reaching 26,186.45. Commodity prices also saw increases, with crude oil rising by 43.00 to 5,426.00, gold up by 357.00 to 130,435.00, and silver surging by 4,962.00 to 183,100.00. The World Gold Council reported that central banks globally continued to purchase gold in October, despite its record high price of $4,381.58 per ounce, although a potential economic slowdown in India could negatively impact gold prices. Meanwhile, the European Union plans to impose restrictions on rice imports from India and other Asian nations to protect local producers. Additionally, Indian sugar mills have secured contracts for over 100,000 tonnes of sugar exports, and southern states are compensating for rice procurement shortfalls in the north. sources

Published:
Dec 07 2025, 10 am

Biofortified Grains: India's Defense Against Air Pollution

As air pollution worsens across India, cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata are grappling with deteriorating air quality that impacts health despite efforts to maintain a clean lifestyle. Research indicates that pollutants such as PM2.5 and heavy metals not only irritate the lungs but also deplete essential micronutrients like iron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium, which are crucial for bodily functions and immune response. Traditional staples like roti and rice have seen a significant decline in nutritional value over the decades, prompting a need for biofortification—enhancing crops to naturally increase their nutrient content without synthetic additives. This innovative approach aims to provide nutrient-rich foods that can help combat the adverse effects of pollution. By focusing on improving the nutritional quality of everyday foods, India can bolster its internal defenses against pollution, making biofortified grains a vital strategy for public health in an increasingly polluted environment. sources

Published:
Dec 07 2025, 10 am

24 lakh households adopt rooftop solar under PM Surya Ghar

India is experiencing a significant transformation in its energy landscape, driven by a robust push towards solar power. The recently approved PM Surya Ghar scheme aims to install rooftop solar systems in one crore homes, with 23.9 lakh households already generating 7 GW of clean energy as of December 2025. The National Solar Mission has facilitated the development of large solar parks and hybrid projects, contributing to a total solar capacity of 129 GW and a non-fossil capacity exceeding 259 GW. This surge in solar installations has doubled India's electricity capacity over the past decade, positioning the country as the third-largest globally in solar capacity. The government’s Panchamrit framework, established at COP26, sets ambitious targets for 2030, including 500 GW of non-fossil electricity. Additionally, initiatives like the PM-KUSUM scheme are empowering farmers with solar technology, while the Production-Linked Incentive scheme bolsters domestic manufacturing, creating jobs and reducing imports. sources

Published:
Dec 07 2025, 10 am

India set to gain from growing sustainable rubber demand, says AIRIA chief

India is poised to capitalize on the growing global demand for sustainable rubber, according to Anay Gupta, President of the All-India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA). The country's rubber sector is transforming through initiatives like the Indian Sustainable Natural Rubber (iSNR) and INR Konnect, aimed at enhancing production and compliance with international standards, particularly the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). With government support in the form of subsidies and training, India is expanding rubber cultivation, especially in non-traditional areas, to meet rising demand, particularly from the automotive sector, which is projected to grow by 7-9% annually. Gupta noted that India's lower production costs and innovations in eco-friendly rubber products, such as Modi Rubber's bio-based EPDM compound, position the country favorably in the global market. As natural rubber consumption rises, blending with synthetic rubber is becoming common to balance performance and cost, reflecting the industry's adaptability amid fluctuating prices. sources

Published:
Dec 07 2025, 9 am

Indian Railways launches 89 special trains amid travel surge

Indian Railways has announced the introduction of 89 special train services over the next three days to accommodate a surge in passenger numbers during the winter travel season, exacerbated by recent flight cancellations. These additional services, comprising over 100 trips, will span multiple railway zones, ensuring enhanced connectivity for travelers. Central Railway will operate 14 special trains, including routes from Pune to Bengaluru and Hazrat Nizamuddin. South Eastern Railway is also adding services, such as the Santragachi-Yelahanka route, to manage increased demand. Other zones, including Eastern, Western, and North Central Railways, will run various special trains to key destinations, with schedules designed to alleviate congestion. Notably, trains will operate from major cities like Howrah, Mumbai, and Gorakhpur, with services running from December 6 to 12. This initiative aims to facilitate smooth travel during this peak period. sources

Published:
Dec 07 2025, 9 am

Indigo cancels 115 flights at Hyderabad airport today

Passengers at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad faced ongoing disruptions on Sunday, December 6, 2025, as Indigo Airlines announced the cancellation of 61 departures and 54 arrivals by 8 am, with further cancellations anticipated throughout the day. The situation has left many travelers stranded, prompting the GMR Hyderabad International Airport to collaborate with the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) to provide alternative transportation. Special bus services to cities including Chennai, Bangalore, Visakhapatnam, Rajamahendravaram, and Kakinada were initiated on Friday and are expected to continue as the airport seeks to alleviate the impact of the flight cancellations. The ongoing disruptions have raised concerns among air commuters, highlighting the challenges faced in air travel during this period. sources

Published:
Dec 07 2025, 9 am

Green ammonia boosts farm income and energy independence

India is poised to enhance its clean energy landscape through the production of green ammonia, derived from green hydrogen generated via renewable energy sources like wind and solar. This innovative approach aims to transform the country's fertiliser ecosystem, ensuring farmers benefit from stable pricing and reduced reliance on imported natural gas, which is subject to volatile international market fluctuations. By establishing green ammonia plants, India can significantly cut carbon emissions associated with traditional ammonia production, aligning with its climate goals. Furthermore, the strategic development of port-based green ammonia ecosystems will bolster the nation’s export capabilities, tapping into the growing global demand for low-carbon fuels. This initiative not only promises to stabilize agricultural inputs and enhance rural incomes but also fosters job creation across various sectors, driving inclusive industrial growth and reinforcing India's commitment to sustainability and self-sufficiency in its agricultural and energy sectors. sources

Published:
Dec 07 2025, 9 am

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