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Sustainability Mafia unveils 'Climate-Tech Opportunity Map'

The Sustainability Mafia (SusMafia), a nonprofit comprising over 100 climate-tech leaders, has unveiled the ‘Climate-Tech Opportunity Map’, aimed at identifying startup-ready ideas to significantly reduce carbon emissions in India. The initiative highlights 25 key challenges, selected through emissions mapping and expert insights, focusing on areas of large-scale climate relevance and underserved markets. Designed to inspire early-stage entrepreneurs, the map is part of SusMafia’s SusVentures program, which supports climate founders in transforming ideas into actionable solutions. Co-founders Aneesa Patel, Arjun P Gupta, and Aditya Bhat emphasize the importance of backing innovative climate builders and facilitating their market entry through a robust network of mentors and investors. The map, co-authored by Bharti Singhla and Paridhi Mishra, targets high-impact sectors like energy, agriculture, and water, addressing urgent climate challenges while connecting aspiring founders with essential resources and insights. sources

Published:
Jul 31 2025, 12 pm

Arvind Ltd faces increased costs ahead of US tariffs in FY26

Gujarat-based textile manufacturer Arvind Ltd has reported significant challenges in the first quarter of FY 2026, primarily due to the impact of US tariffs. The company has had to adjust its order priorities, offer higher discounts, and incur costly air freight charges to meet urgent export demands for the US market. Vice-chairman Punil Lalbhai expressed uncertainty about the potential reduction in overall demand in the US as consumers begin to feel the effects of the tariffs, which currently have not yet impacted retail sales. He noted that while India may benefit from a shift in sourcing due to the tariffs, the situation remains complex and unpredictable. Arvind has already faced ₹15 crore in additional costs related to these tariff challenges, significantly affecting its margins. The US apparel market, valued at $288 billion, remains dominated by China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, with India's share at a modest 6%. sources

Published:
Aug 01 2025, 8 am

Chennai Airport Loses Third Place in International Passengers to Bengaluru

Chennai Airport has lost its position as the third-largest international passenger hub in India, falling behind Bengaluru Airport, which recorded a significant 29% growth in international passenger traffic in the June 2025 quarter. According to data from the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Chennai handled 15.64 lakh international passengers, marking a modest 6% increase compared to the same period last year. This shift highlights ongoing challenges for Chennai Airport, as experts note that many passengers are opting to travel to Bengaluru for better international connectivity. Delhi remains the leading airport for international passengers, followed by Mumbai, while Kochi and Hyderabad are also in the mix, with Hyderabad rapidly gaining ground. The decline in Chennai's international traffic underscores the need for improved connectivity to retain its competitive edge in the aviation sector. sources

Published:
Aug 01 2025, 7 am

Tourism ministry proposes city bureaus for major events in India

The Indian tourism ministry is urging states to establish city-level bureaus aimed at attracting major global events, inspired by successful models in Dubai and Singapore. Suman Billa, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, emphasized that these bureaus would foster collaboration among government officials, hotels, and stakeholders, enhancing India's competitiveness in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. Despite recent initiatives, including the 2021 infrastructure status for convention centres and a national MICE strategy launched in 2022, India holds only 5% of the global $850 billion MICE market. The proposed bureaus would streamline hospitality offerings and potentially receive financial backing from the Centre. Additionally, industry leaders are advocating for simplified visa processes to bolster India's appeal as a MICE destination, with suggestions to phase out the e-conference visa and enhance the e-business visa for MICE-related travel. sources

Published:
Jul 31 2025, 10 pm

US Tariff Risks Indian Rice Prices and Diaspora Demand

Indian food products are reportedly being relabelled as originating from Pakistan and Bangladesh to circumvent a newly imposed 25% tariff by the US, which is expected to raise prices for popular items like Sona Masuri rice. Consumers in the Indian diaspora have noted price increases in grocery stores, with some fearing that the tariff will lead to reduced consumption of Indian rice varieties. Industry experts, however, suggest that the US market is not a primary destination for Indian exports, with significant trade occurring in West Asia, Africa, and Europe. Vishal Gupta of Jindal Rice Mills indicated that while the tariff may temporarily affect margins, Indian rice remains competitive compared to other countries facing higher rates. Despite potential short-term turbulence, stakeholders believe the long-term impact on business will be minimal, as there are few substitutes for Indian rice varieties in the market. sources

Published:
Jul 31 2025, 9 pm

Agri Sector Sticks to Print Ads Amid Digital Growth

In 2024, the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) solidified its position as the leading print advertiser, commanding a substantial 65.6% share of print ad expenditures, as reported by ad-tech agency Excellent Publicity. The agriculture sector allocated 66% of its total advertising budget to print media, with the North Zone contributing 35.7% and the South Zone 30.8%. The report highlighted that 99.4% of print ads were in colour, with 74.3% occupying premium front-page slots. Meanwhile, digital advertising surged by 18% compared to 2022, with Jain Irrigation System leading the charge, while television ad spends plummeted by 53%. Radio advertising, however, saw a 38% increase, with Tirth Agro Technology capturing 30% of the market. Vaishal Dalal, co-founder of Excellent Publicity, noted the agriculture sector's strong preference for traditional media, while also acknowledging the growing importance of digital strategies for engaging modern farmers. sources

Published:
Jul 31 2025, 8 pm

MS Swaminathan Foundation, Social Alpha launch ₹1 crore Agritech challenge

The MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, in partnership with Social Alpha, has announced the launch of the Agritech Grand Challenge, offering a grant of ₹1 crore to foster innovative solutions in agriculture and rural development. This initiative will be unveiled at the MS Swaminathan International Centenary Conference in New Delhi, which commemorates the 100th birth anniversary of Professor MS Swaminathan, a pivotal figure in India's Green Revolution. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the conference, themed “Evergreen Revolution- The Pathway to Bio Happiness.” Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson of the Foundation, emphasized that the challenge aims to address pressing issues such as climate change and rural distress through science-led, equitable, and sustainable solutions. The initiative seeks to support innovations that are beneficial to both the environment and impoverished communities, reflecting the legacy and vision of Professor Swaminathan. sources

Published:
Jul 31 2025, 8 pm

India's reservoirs reach two-thirds capacity

The latest data from the Central Water Commission (CWC) reveals that India's 161 major reservoirs are currently filled to over two-thirds of their capacity, with storage levels reaching 126.482 billion cubic metres (BCM), or 69.31% of the total 182.461 BCM capacity. This marks a significant increase of 50 percentage points compared to both last year and the average over the past decade, largely attributed to a six per cent surplus in rainfall from the South-West monsoon. While the India Meteorological Department forecasts above-normal rainfall for the remainder of the season, 31% of the country's districts experienced deficient rainfall. Nevertheless, the outlook for the kharif season appears promising, with a 5% increase in acreage and healthy reservoir levels. Notably, seven reservoirs are at full capacity, with states like Goa, Tamil Nadu, and Mizoram reporting over 95% storage. sources

Published:
Jul 31 2025, 8 pm

India vows to protect national interests amid Trump’s tariff threat

During the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal addressed the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the US, asserting that India would take all necessary measures to protect its national interests. This response followed US President Donald Trump's threats of a 25% tariff on Indian goods and derogatory remarks about India's economy and its ties with Russia. Goyal emphasized the government's commitment to safeguarding the welfare of farmers, workers, and exporters while continuing negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) with the US, despite the looming tariffs set for August 1. He noted that the implications of the situation are under review, with the Ministry of Commerce engaging stakeholders for feedback. Government sources indicated that negotiations would persist, aiming for a mutually beneficial agreement by Fall 2025, while India remains firm on not conceding to US demands that could adversely affect its industries. sources

Published:
Jul 31 2025, 8 pm

ISMA: India's sugar production could increase 18% by 2026

The Indian Sugar and Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has projected a significant increase in sugar production for the 2025-26 season, estimating a rise of 18% to 34.90 million tonnes (mt). ISMA has urged the government to allow the export of 2 mt and allocate 5 mt for ethanol diversion, as domestic consumption is expected to reach 28.4 mt. Despite an anticipated carry-forward stock of 5.2 mt, industry leaders warn that the projected opening stock of 4.5 to 5 mt on October 1, 2025, may be insufficient to meet festive demand. ISMA President Gautam Goel emphasized the need for timely government action to prevent potential issues in the sector. The association's estimates are preliminary, with a more accurate forecast expected in September, as various factors, including monsoon conditions, will influence final production outcomes. sources

Published:
Jul 31 2025, 8 pm

Centre allocates 25% Q1 capex; fiscal deficit at 18%

India's capital expenditure surged to ₹2.75 lakh crore, accounting for 25% of the FY26 Budget Estimate during the first quarter (Q1) of the fiscal year, according to the Controller General of Accounts (CGA). This figure represents a significant increase of over 50% compared to the same period last year, when spending was curtailed due to the Model Code of Conduct during general elections. The Union Budget allocated over ₹11.21 lakh crore for FY26 capital expenditure, with the Department of Telecommunication leading the spending at 34% of its budget. The fiscal deficit for the central government reached 17.9% of the full-year target, amounting to over ₹2.80 lakh crore. Despite a 2% contraction in net tax revenues, non-tax revenues rose by 33%, bolstered by higher-than-expected dividends from the RBI. Economists suggest that the robust capital expenditure could positively influence GDP growth in the upcoming quarter. sources

Published:
Jul 31 2025, 7 pm

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