INDIAS EMISSIONS
UN climate chief urges speed as COP31 confronts fossil fuel divide
The annual UN climate conference faces new challenges this year as a slew of crises from war to inflation push global warming down the list of priorities for world governments.
91 pc of studies in India in last 5 decades linked air pollution to health effects: Analysis
These studies, published between 1975 and 2025, also noted that health impacts extend beyond respiratory diseases to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, pregnancy complications, impaired child growth, tumours, blood disorders, mental and neurocognitive disorders, among others.
India’s fuel demand to keep climbing until 2034 despite EV boom
By 2034, India's road fuel demand is projected to exceed 2.5 million barrels per day, fueled by a rise in vehicle numbers and a surge in commercial transportation. While electric vehicles are expected to gain popularity, particularly in the two-wheeler and three-wheeler markets, a robust charging infrastructure investment of around $29 billion will be crucial by 2040.
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.
Wars, energy security reshape global climate debate at COP31
COP31’s Leaders’ Summit highlighted a shift in how climate action is being viewed, with governments increasingly linking it to economic and energy security amid geopolitical tensions, wars and rising energy costs. Leaders warned that weaker international cooperation and competing priorities around tariffs and security could undermine efforts to curb emissions, while UN officials stressed that climate action can help ease inflationary and fiscal pressures. With nearly 70 heads of state and government attending, the summit also underscored the growing importance of climate finance and international cooperation.
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For a greener future, bring back coal cess
Electricity demand is expected to grow 6.4% annually till 2030, making a rapid coal exit near-impossible. A coal cess will signal India is pricing its carbon dependence. It could also reduce carbon costs exporters face at the border. Britain has recognised India's Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) for carbon-price relief under its CBAM. The EU is yet to do so. A cess could strengthen India's case for similar relief, while retaining more carbon revenue at home to fund the energy transition.
Delhi’s Diwali pollution started before the fireworks. What five years of action have achieved
Delhi’s air was already severely polluted before Diwali, with average PM2.5 levels in the week before the festival reaching 236 micrograms per cubic metre, nearly double the 2025 level, according to CSE. The findings suggest firecrackers and stubble burning worsen an existing crisis rather than create it, with vehicles, industry, construction, waste burning and pollution from neighbouring NCR districts keeping baseline pollution high.
IIT Madras develops real-time digital twin platform for autonomous maritime navigation
Researchers at IIT Madras have created SEANAV, a digital twin platform for testing autonomous maritime navigation systems. This innovation simulates real-world conditions, reducing the costs and risks associated with testing. The platform supports applications in search-and-rescue operations and maritime defense. It is aimed at enhancing safety at major Indian ports and improving navigation strategies.
Stubble Burning: BKS seeks MSP for crop residue, withdrawal of fines against farmers
The farmers' organisation has demanded the immediate withdrawal of fines imposed and FIRs registered against farmers over stubble burning
Clean energy gains fail to lift India's climate ranking
India's renewable energy initiatives have progressed, yet the country has dropped in the Climate Change Performance Index rankings. While India met its non-fossil fuel targets ahead of schedule, the challenge of generating electricity persists. The report highlights progress in solar and wind energy capacities and emphasizes the need for better storage solutions. Experts suggest that India should establish new, more ambitious goals for renewable energy.
World leaders urge stronger and faster action at UN climate talks over inadequate response
World leaders gathered in Turkey for COP31 to discuss effective strategies to combat climate change. Notably absent are leaders from major polluting nations, including the United States, China, and India. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged immediate action in his opening speech and suggested a framework for cooperation. Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva emphasized the need for global leadership on environmental issues.
Acceleration in clean technology needed to ensure decline in world's emissions: Study
Adopting clean energy solutions such as solar, wind, and electric vehicles can play a pivotal role in lowering carbon emissions. The Global Carbon Project highlights a concerning forecast of rising emissions in India that may exceed earlier predictions. While many nations are successfully decreasing fossil fuel emissions, a rapid shift to cleaner energy sources is critical, as our carbon budget is narrowing, demanding immediate action to meet 2028 emission goals.
Greenjoules raises ₹150 crore in Series B funding, secures ₹100 crore TDB loan
Greenjoules has raised ₹150 crore in Series B funding from investors including Amazon’s Smbhav Venture Fund and Climate Pledge Fund, Rainmatter and Singularity, and secured another ₹100 crore loan from the government-backed Technology Development Board. The ₹250 crore financing will support a new Pune plant capable of producing 200,000 litres of biocrude a day from agricultural waste, with the company also planning to expand into sustainable aviation fuel and green hydrogen.
World leaders begin talks as COP31 faces pressure to turn climate promises into action amid rising global warming
World leaders are gathering in Turkey for the UN climate conference COP31 amid mounting pressure to translate climate commitments into concrete action. The summit comes after a year of deadly climate-related disasters, stalled progress on fossil fuel reductions and growing concerns that global warming will exceed the 1.5°C threshold set under the Paris Agreement. Rising energy prices linked to the Iran war and the absence of the US delegation add to the challenges facing negotiations.
Pakistan blames India's Diwali fireworks for Lahore's toxic air
The northern Pakistani city of Lahore topped Swiss group IQAir's ranking of the world's most polluted major cities for a second day on Tuesday, with an air quality index (AQI) of 263, categorised as "very unhealthy".
Zara owner Inditex commits $50 million to fund low-cost loans for suppliers going green
Zara owner Inditex has committed $50 million to an IFC-led fund that aims to raise $400 million to provide low-cost loans to suppliers investing in energy efficiency and cleaner energy. The initiative seeks to help smaller businesses, particularly in developing countries, transition to net-zero operations as the fashion industry faces pressure to reduce emissions.
Delhi pollution: Supreme Court flags rising vehicle emissions, seeks crackdown plan from 4 states
The Supreme Court has flagged rising vehicular emissions as an urgent concern in the Delhi-NCR pollution crisis, seeking action plans from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan. It has sought details of enforcement against over-age and non-compliant vehicles, inter-state coordination and a time-bound roadmap to strengthen emission checks.
47 out of 50 most polluted cities of the world in India, Delhi gets a high rank
According to live air quality rankings, India has 47 of the world's 50 most polluted cities. Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan is the most polluted city globally, recording an alarming AQI of 671. Following closely are several cities from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, with AQIs exceeding 300. Delhi ranks 13th in the world, highlighting the widespread air quality crisis in northern India.
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.
Heat-trapping carbon pollution drops, but scientists cite the Iran war rather than energy progress
This year, global carbon emissions fell by 0.4%, driven by oil supply disruptions from the conflict in Iran. While oil and natural gas emissions experienced notable declines, there was a small uptick in coal emissions. Experts caution that these improvements may not be guaranteed, attributing them primarily to external influences.
ET Graphics: As Earth heats up, will Antalya deliver?
Negotiators from across the world are gathering in Antalya, Türkiye, for COP31, the UN climate summit being held from November 9 to 20. India achieved its 2030 target of sourcing 50% of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuels five years early, reaching 55% by September 2026. However, climate risks remain significant, with heat-related threats projected to affect 4.2% of GDP. Despite its clean energy progress, India's emissions are expected to rise by 1,254 million tonnes by 2035.
Climate finance remains key friction point as COP31 opens in Turkiye's Antalya
COP31 commenced in Antalya, where climate finance was added to the agenda after negotiations. Developed countries opposed the proposal for a dedicated discussion on adaptation finance. Concerns were raised regarding the weakening trust among nations over the inclusion process. The African Group's suggestion for increased adaptation finance was notably rejected. As COP31 emphasizes implementation, delegates stressed that financial support is essential for achieving climate goals.
India’s emissions to rise 4.4% despite global dip: Study
Renewable energy capacity growth and electric vehicle adoption are projected to reduce fossil fuel emissions by 0.4%. Major economies like China, the US, and the EU are expected to decrease emissions this year. However, India's emissions are predicted to increase at a higher rate than previous years. The ongoing energy crisis due to geopolitical events is influencing these changes in emissions.
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.
India's net-zero transition aim by 2070 offers $22.7 tn investment opportunity for global capital
India's push to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 could unlock a $22.7 trillion investment opportunity across renewable energy, power grids, battery storage, green hydrogen and clean technologies, according to a report by Australian economist Nicki Hutley. The report estimates a $6.5 trillion funding gap, which will require international capital to bridge.
Nov-Jan ban on non-Delhi vehicles below BS-VI standards to be in force every year
Delhi government plans to ban non-Delhi-registered vehicles below BS-VI emission standards beginning November 1. This ban will continue annually until January 31 to improve air quality. Vehicles using Compressed Natural Gas or electric power are exempted from these restrictions. The transport department is enforcing rules with 250 personnel at key entry points across the city. The Commission for Air Quality Management has implemented emergency measures due to severe pollution levels.
SC questions recurring Delhi-NCR pollution, flags vehicle emissions as major contributor
The Supreme Court has raised concerns over recurring air pollution in Delhi-NCR, identifying vehicular emissions as a major contributor and questioning why the AQI continues to approach 400 despite regulatory measures. The bench also called for changes in festival practices and economic incentives to discourage stubble burning.
Delhi air pollution: GRAP 3 restrictions kick in ahead of Diwali; what's allowed and what's banned
Delhi-NCR has invoked GRAP Stage III restrictions ahead of Diwali as pollution levels worsened, with the capital's AQI reaching 382. The curbs include restrictions on older vehicles, construction and dust-generating activities, while essential projects, additional Metro services and buses can continue under prescribed measures.
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