CLIMATE MODELS
India seeks to triple clean energy capacity to 900 gigawatts by 2035, but major hurdles remain
India has announced an ambitious goal to install 900 gigawatts of clean energy by 2035. The government has approved nearly $20 billion to improve power grid infrastructure. Experts emphasize that grid enhancements are crucial for this energy transition. While coal remains a significant energy source, the shift toward renewables is essential. Meeting future demands will require integrated solutions for electricity generation and storage.
ETtech Deals Digest: Olyv leads as weekly funding falls to $12 million, down 97% on-year
Olyv led deal activity with $6.1 million, followed by Froncort.AI at $2.3 million, mistEO at $1.9 million and Rigi at $1.1 million. BeyondSeed was among the most active investors during the week, backing BCC Media Network and Quintessential Basics.
From biomass to biochar: Ankur Scientific’s 4-decade journey of turning waste into wealth
The Vadodara-based second-generation company has built a global business by turning waste into valuable resources.
MeitY flags physical AI data; US data centre woes may help India
Happy Friday! MeitY is examining how home services platforms collect household data to train physical AI models.This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
Leh protesters seek statehood, safeguards; Wangchuk removed from site, asked to stay at home
Protests led by the Apex Body Leh resumed in Leh on Thursday, with demonstrators pressing for statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh. Authorities removed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from the protest site and directed him to stay home. The Kargil Democratic Alliance has extended support to the agitation and called for a candle march in Kargil on Saturday.
October retail inflation surge may weigh on housing demand, raise rate hike concerns: Knight Frank, PHDCCI
Rising retail inflation could weaken household purchasing power and constrain discretionary spending, including housing expenditure, while increasing the possibility of further monetary tightening by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), industry bodies said on Thursday, following the acceleration in consumer price inflation to 6.09 per cent in October.
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ET AI Awards 2027 are here: Discover if your AI innovation is ready for the spotlight of a national stage!
Celebrating the future of technology, the ET AI Awards 2027 acknowledges key innovations and leadership in AI from various industries in India. With an impressive array of over 40 categories, these awards emphasize the importance of AI developments by startups, SMEs, and large enterprises, offering a valuable stage for recognizing their contributions to the AI ecosystem.
India should offer world new development model rooted in tradition: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat
Mohan Bhagwat called attention to India's heritage of traditional wisdom as a potential blueprint for global progress. He underlined the necessity of achieving equilibrium among human lifestyles, animal health, and environmental integrity. Concurrently, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confronted the agricultural issues arising from climate change, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the establishment of agriculture and veterinary institutions as vital steps for enhancing local development.
Nagpur couple earns over Rs 4 lakh per month from a 400 sqft room business that has a profit margin of 80%
Nagpur couple earns over Rs 4 lakh per month from a 400 sqft room. Nagpur couple, Akshay Holey and Divya Lohakare Holey, has turned a 400-square-foot room into a saffron cultivation unit using aeroponic technology. By growing the expensive spice without soil, they have built a business generating annual revenue of Rs 40-50 lakh. Their saffron sells for around Rs 6.3 lakh per kg. After investing Rs 55 lakh, the couple targets to achieve Rs 1.3 crore earnings over in 5 years.
Since 2023, over 3,000 volunteers have searched satellite images for clouds; their answers are helping scientists check what computers miss
Thousands of volunteers are analyzing satellite images to assist in accurate cloud classification and detection. The CloudCatcher project aims to enhance the understanding of cloud patterns and their effects on climate. Human input provides valuable data to refine the capabilities of automated systems used in cloud detection. This collaboration showcases the growing trend of involving the public in environmental research efforts.
Delhi teen turns ordinary fans into air purifiers for Rs 140 only, wins the Diana Award 2026. Who is Krish Aggarwal?
Delhi teenager Krish Aggarwal, co-founder of Project Vayu, has developed a Rs 140 filter that turns ordinary fans into air purifiers. Designed for easy installation, the filter captures PM2.5 particles and offers schools an affordable way to improve indoor air quality. The initiative has benefited over 10,000 students and earned Krish the 2026 Diana Award.
Global credit conditions to weaken next year: Moody's
Moody’s Ratings expects global credit conditions to weaken in 2027 as higher financing costs and elevated energy prices create pressure across sectors, even as major economies continue to grow. The agency said tariffs, regulation, export controls and strategic government investment will increasingly shape credit risks, trade and capital allocation. Higher refinancing costs are likely to weigh on highly leveraged borrowers and those facing near-term maturities, while banks and life insurers could benefit from higher rates.
From lab to farm: How Proximal Soilsens is developing a ‘glucometer’ for soil testing
Developed over nearly a decade of research at IIT Bombay, Proximal Soilsens’s patented NutriSense X aims to make laboratory-grade soil testing portable, faster and accessible. The device tests multiple soil parameters in seconds, without requiring electricity or elaborate laboratory infrastructure.
From tyres to footwear: How Brisil is finding new uses for rice husk ash
Rice husk ash is often treated as industrial waste. Vadodara-based Brisil converts it into green silica—a material used in tyres, footwear, paints, toothpaste, and rubber products, offering industries a lower-carbon alternative to silica made from mined sand and quartz.
PSBs integrate ESG parameters into companies' credit risk assessment
Public sector banks are incorporating environment, social, and governance parameters into their credit risk assessment processes. Seven banks, including the State Bank of India, lead this initiative to enhance credit appraisal. They are developing climate risk frameworks for credit workflows and adopting standardized emission calculation methodologies. The EASE 9.0 Reform Agenda monitors these developments to modernize state-run lenders.
Growing demand, demographics, digital agenda & energy security are long-term and secular tailwinds for India: Macquarie’s Ed Northam
Head of green Investments for the Australia’s largest asset manager said the firm is looking to reboot its India operations. While renewables will remain the biggest focus, industrial energy transition and E-mobility will be other key areas, he said. Since 2005, Green Investments group has deployed over $21 billion across 94 investments worldwide.
56% of global business leaders expect disruptions to severely hit operations: KPMG
A recent KPMG International report indicates that 56 percent of global business leaders anticipate severe disruptions affecting operations. The report highlights increasing risk exposure, with 70 percent of leaders noting escalated risks in recent years.
Digital lenders clock 40-50% revenue growth as credit demand surges
Digital lender Kissht's revenue from operations rose 44.7% year-on-year to Rs 732 crore, while Moneyview reported 41% growth to Rs 1,120 crore. MobiKwik's financial services revenue increased 41.8% to Rs 87 crore, while Paytm's financial services distribution revenue grew 49.3% to Rs 912 crore.
56% of global business leaders expect disruptions to severely hit operations: KPMG
A recent KPMG International report indicates that 56 percent of global business leaders anticipate severe disruptions affecting operations. The report highlights increasing risk exposure, with 70 percent of leaders noting escalated risks in recent years. Technology disruption and geopolitical tensions are identified as primary concerns for the near future. Companies are prioritizing AI and predictive analytics to enhance supply chain resilience and managing risks.
AI Can Measure How ESG Really Impacts the Bottom Line
Advances in large language models are making rigorous sustainability analysis dramatically faster and cheaper, allowing investors and other stakeholders to connect companies’ disclosed environmental and social risks directly to financialperformance in a matter of hours rather than weeks. Applying a simple methodology to ExxonMobil, the authors used AI to map sustainability-related issues to specific financial statement line items and estimate their impact on earnings and value, demonstrating both the promise and the limitations of AI-assisted analysis. As these capabilities become widely accessible, the competitive advantage long held by ESG ratings agencies, standard setters, and sustainable fund managers may erode, shifting attention from proprietary scores toward transparent assumptions and financial consequences. Human judgment remains essential to validate AI-generated outputs, but the broader trend is clear: sustainability analysis is becoming more democratized, financially grounded, and adaptable, with significant implications for how investors, regulators, and other institutions assess corporate performance and value creation.
Environmental groups embrace AI, even as they warn of data center impacts
Environmental organisations are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance conservation efforts and analyze ecological data. Many express concerns about the environmental impact caused by data centers that support AI technologies. The energy and water consumption of these centers is projected to double by 2030, raising emissions concerns.
Investors in other markets would be envious of India multiples: Rich Handler, chief executive of Jefferies
Jefferies CEO Rich Handler believes Indian equities remain reasonably valued despite the market correction and says easing long-term capital gains taxes could attract foreign investors. He sees opportunities in India's AI and data centre sectors, argues that global capital outflows reflect external pressures, and believes concerns about an AI bubble warrant a healthy pause rather than alarm.
EAM Jaishankar discusses economic partnership, CETA with UK’s Burnham on CHOGM sidelines
S Jaishankar met UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham in Antigua and Barbuda for CHOGM 2026 discussions. They focused on strengthening economic partnerships under the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of digital solutions and climate initiatives during a Commonwealth meeting. He highlighted local distribution networks and the role of the Indian business community in fostering connections.
South Carolina used 50 retired shipping containers to create two artificial reefs in 2005; the containers were prepared to provide shelter for marine life
Off the coast of South Carolina, the innovative use of steel shipping containers as artificial reefs is becoming increasingly popular. By repurposing these structures, diverse fish species gain new habitats while supporting eco-friendly waste management. The Army National Guard collaborates with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, ensuring that only non-toxic materials are employed in this initiative, which significantly mitigates habitat destruction in marine ecosystems.
This Gurgaon couple bought a car for family road trips with their parrot
Asanka and Monisha, who relocated to Gurugram from Kolkata, purchased a pre-owned Toyota Urban Cruiser. They sought a car that could accommodate long road trips and their pet parrot, Jelly. Prior to buying, Asanka ensured the vehicle was inspected and serviced at a Toyota service center. By choosing a pre-owned model, they saved ₹7-8 lakh compared to purchasing a new one.
70% of global business leaders report rising risk exposure amid AI, geopolitical disruptions: KPMG
According to the report, 56% of respondents said external disruptions involving geopolitical, energy, cyber, trade or climate-related factors would cause severe operational disruptions or significantly affect their organisations' costs and performance over the next three to five years.
India elected as President of International Solar Alliance for third straight term: Pralhad Joshi
Addressing media at the summit, Joshi said, "At the ninth session of the ISA, we reaffirm a fundamental belief: progress becomes truly meaningful when its benefits are shared". He congratulated France on the occasion of being reelected co-President of the ISA.
Climate platform Two Point O raises $10 million led by Transition Venture Capital
The company plans to enter battery energy storage while expanding its existing offerings in solar power, energy efficiency, and wastewater treatment. It will also target customers in sectors such as data centres, automobile manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare, where energy and water consumption are significant operating costs.
Above-normal maximum temperatures likely over most parts of India in November: IMD
The IMD noted that in November, below-normal rainfall is likely over most parts of the country except for some areas in central, northwest, and Northeast India, where normal to above-normal rainfall is likely.
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