WATER POLICY IN INDIA
After Japan and Korea, now Singapore: UP's big plan to build a foreign-style city near Noida airport; check location, sectors and investment plans
Uttar Pradesh is planning to develop a dedicated 'Singapore City' in Sector 7 near Noida International Airport at Jewar to attract foreign investment and boost regional growth. Following talks between Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and a Singapore business delegation, the proposed project will focus on logistics, semiconductors, data centres, AI, green energy and modern urban infrastructure.
Drought threatens India's 20% ethanol blending target as food takes priority
India faces a significant challenge in its ethanol production due to the lowest monsoon rainfall experienced in over a decade. This situation has prompted New Delhi to prioritize food security over its ethanol blending targets. Estimates suggest that the ethanol blending ratio may decrease this supply year from 20% to around 15%. Producers are being squeezed by increased corn prices and reduced purchasing prices for ethanol.
Forget solar and wind: India bets on heat buried deep underground for round-the-clock clean electricity; here's the big plan
India is stepping up efforts to tap its estimated 10.6 GW geothermal energy potential, with its first two geothermal wells commissioned in Ladakh's Puga Valley in July 2026. The government is also supporting pilot projects across Gujarat, Arunachal Pradesh and Telangana, while its 2025 National Geothermal Energy Policy aims to promote research, technology development and private investment in the sector.
Displeased by spotty obedience, Xi Jinping continues culling party leaders
A record number of officials have been expelled from the Chinese Communist Party during the recent plenum. Among those removed were senior military officials and party secretaries, indicating a significant ongoing purge. Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign remains aggressive as he attempts to assert control over the party. The plenum's focus highlights the challenges Xi faces in maintaining party governance amidst internal dissent.
India wants more factories, fabs and data centres. Where will the water come from?
India's ambition to become a developed nation by 2047 is constrained by growing water resource challenges. Industries across sectors, including thermal power and semiconductor manufacturing, face water scarcity issues that could hinder growth. Many regions are already experiencing severe water stress, impacting economic development plans drastically. Adopting recycling and reuse technologies will be crucial for managing water in industries effectively.
No water to sow, no respite at the grocery store: India's prolonged food inflation worry
Indian farmers face challenges in sowing winter crops amid dwindling water supplies from a weak monsoon. Amarsingh Gushinge's village experiences a significant rainfall deficit, impacting crop planting decisions. Food inflation could worsen as key staples see rising prices, aggravating the economic strain on households. The Reserve Bank of India may respond with interest rate hikes to combat rising inflationary pressures.
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FM Sitharaman acknowledges foreign investor anxiety, says she will consider voices seeking tax changes before Budget
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman acknowledged concerns from investors regarding potential tax changes to support equity markets. She emphasized that while taxation is vital, India's economic indicators remain robust and positive. Sitharaman highlighted the necessity for capital expenditure to sustain economic growth and fiscal prudence. On welfare, she noted significant improvements in access to essential services contributing to decreased poverty levels.
Tax-wise, $-foolish: Saving Dalal Street could come at a cost to Startup Street
India's financial landscape is experiencing pressure with foreign portfolio investors becoming net sellers in the market. There are discussions about implementing tax cuts to stabilize the situation, which could disadvantage domestic investors. A focus on only listed shares may divert investments from private markets and harm the startup ecosystem. Expert suggestions advocate for a universal tax reduction applicable to both listed and unlisted shares.
Fuel, forex and farmers: Why India is betting big on maize
A grain that once fed chickens now fuels cars and, soon, planes. The harder question is whether Indian farms can keep up with the demand it has created.
India-Bangladesh Ganga water treaty renewal in doubt as December deadline nears
The 1996 India-Bangladesh Ganga water-sharing treaty faces uncertainty ahead of its December 12 expiry, with New Delhi unlikely to renew it automatically without a visit by Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman. Both countries are weighing changes to the agreement, amid India's rising domestic water needs and Bangladesh's push for revised allocation terms.
India rejects laws affecting national sovereignty; votes at UN against US embargo on Cuba
India expressed its strong support for a United Nations resolution that demands an end to the US embargo against Cuba. The resolution was endorsed by 130 nations, while 17 voted against it and 25 abstained. A diplomatic clash occurred during the proceedings as the Cuban Foreign Minister confronted the US Permanent Representative. Following the confrontation, the US expelled a Cuban diplomat for alleged misconduct during the meeting.
Entire J&K would have been part of India had Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel handled it: Chouhan
Shivraj Singh Chouhan delivered remarks reflecting on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's contributions to India's unity and governance. He criticized Jawaharlal Nehru's decisions concerning Kashmir and Somnath temple reconstruction. Chouhan highlighted Patel's efforts to integrate princely states into the Indian Union after Independence. He also connected Patel's legacy with current government policies like the abrogation of Article 370.
"Sink the idea": Mumbai sweats over a sea plan that intitially made waves but is now causing ripples of worry
Light pollution is already recognised as a global environmental and public health concern. Research has linked artificial light to sleep disturbances, mood disorders and higher risks of obesity and cardiovascular diseases in humans. It can also alter plant growth and interfere with animals' natural behaviour and ecological relationships.
UP cabinet clears 22 proposals, including four link expressways, cyber security centre
The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet convened to approve 22 significant proposals aimed at enhancing infrastructure and health services. Among the approved projects are four link expressways to improve connectivity across the state. A cyber security operations centre will also be established through collaboration with IIT Kanpur. Additionally, cashless medical treatment will now be extended to non-teaching staff in educational institutions.
Israel votes today: What’s at stake for India as Bibi faces tough fight
Israel's elections on October 27 will significantly affect the country's relationship with India. More than just political outcomes, defense and trade agreements will be critical in bilateral ties. India aims to maintain cooperation regardless of the election's outcomes or the new leadership in Israel. The balance between Israel and Iran remains essential for India's regional strategy and economic interests.
Sugar stocks: Short-term pain is real; has the long-term case broken? 7 stocks from the sugar-ethanol ecosystem
Though this year's ethanol tender leaves sugar out, the long-term blending roadmap still points to rising ethanol use. The move is aimed at a short-term sugar-supply problem, not at ethanol itself. Check out Stock Reports Plus, powered by Refinitiv, for price targets of over 4,000 listed stocks along with detailed company analysis focusing on five key components – earnings, fundamentals, relative valuation, risk, and price momentum – to generate standardized scores. SR+ Reports is a complimentary offering to ETPrime members.
ET Business Growth Summit, Nagpur: Maharashtra minister Jaiswal calls for a rethink of industrial incentives to ease investor stress
ET Business Growth Summit in Nagpur highlighted land shortages, financing constraints, and rising energy costs as major challenges.
Cities cannot be governed from state capitals, need empowered local governments: NITI Aayog's Rajiv Gauba
Rajiv Gauba emphasized the need for reforms in urban governance during the National Urban Conclave. He highlighted the importance of empowering city governments and proposed directly elected mayors for better governance. The projected increase in India's urban population demands significant infrastructure and service management changes. Gauba called for improved municipal revenues and the adoption of the Model Tenancy Act to support affordable housing.
Link fertiliser subsidies to area & crop productivity: ICRIER
India is recommended to shift from product-based fertiliser subsidies to direct support for farmers to improve soil health. It involves integrating digital records of cultivation and crop-specific nutrient requirements for more effective subsidy targeting. The reports emphasize the necessity of incorporating tenant farmers and sharecroppers in these digital systems. Improved targeting of subsidies could lead to better investment in soil health and sustainable practices.
Chana sowing holds key to pulses inflation
Chana, India's most consumed pulse, which is central to making everything from salty snacks to nutritious meals, needs adequate soil moisture and cool weather for a good crop. Sowing has started in some regions, but the progress is slow. State advisories to conserve water and shift to less water-intensive crops have added to concerns over winter sowing.
Building India’s future food system
The future of India’s food system must be examined through three interconnected pillars: availability, accessibility, and affordability.
High-voltage reality: ‘Data hubs need stable grids more than sops’
As states roll out the red carpet to attract private investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud infrastructure, delivering uninterrupted power to project sites from day one would be crucial for their success, they said.
Delhi-NCR invokes GRAP-I as AQI rises to 244, air quality likely to remain ‘poor’
The Commission for Air Quality Management has invoked Stage-I of GRAP across Delhi-NCR after Delhi’s AQI rose sharply from 179 on October 20 to 244 by 2 pm on October 21. With forecasts predicting poor air quality over the coming days, agencies have been directed to intensify anti-pollution measures.
It’s unity in diversity to draw data centres
States play on their uniquestrengths with RE-relatedincentives, powered sites & easier energy procurement.
Middle East flights remain disrupted as airlines cancel routes despite airport reopenings and airspace warnings
As Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport resumes operations, numerous airlines have still suspended flights and modified their schedules due to ongoing security tensions in the Middle East. A few carriers, including Air India and Emirates, have scrapped flights to significant Saudi destinations. Passengers are strongly encouraged to confirm their flight statuses with the respective airlines before making their way to the airport, as disruptions are anticipated to persist into November.
AdaniConneX's Vizag data centres to use air cooling, cut freshwater consumption
The facilities will have dedicated industrial water connections rather than draw supplies from municipal lines, a move aimed at preventing competition with households for drinking water.
NTPC to begin feasibility studies in more states for nuclear programme
NTPC will conduct feasibility studies for nuclear power projects in various states, including Uttar Pradesh. The company aims to achieve 30 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047 to support India's energy diversification strategy. Feasibility studies have already identified potential sites in Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Odisha, which will aid in planning. Collaboration with global energy firms is being explored to develop large pressurized water reactor projects in India.
Grid connectivity, land and water availability key hurdles for India's data centre expansion: Crisil Intelligence
Speaking exclusively to on the sidelines of a power sector event focused on artificial intelligence (AI), Mittal said the growing relationship between the power sector and data centre industry requires greater coordination to meet future infrastructure needs.
'Data centres must be seen as strategic infrastructure': Niti Aayog report
Niti Aayog has released a report urging states to consider data centres as strategic infrastructure. The report suggests a structured approach to developing data centres sustainably. It highlights the need for common standards and guidance from the central government to support growth. Additionally, the report emphasizes the importance of assessing local resources and economic benefits. This framework aims to strengthen India's data-centre sector and its artificial intelligence economy.
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