AUGUST 20268TOP STORIESE20 Fuel policy gains momentum in India as the government declares the ethanol-blended petrol safe, aiming to strengthen energy security amid global crude oil price volatility. The E20 fuel initiative targets a 20 per cent ethanol blending rate, increasing from the current blending level of around 1213 per cent achieved in recent years.The government positions E20 fuel as a key strategy to reduce import dependence, considering India imports nearly 85 per cent of its crude oil requirements. However, E20 fuel expansion raises concerns around ethanol supply, food security, and vehicle compatibility, even as policymakers continue to push aggressive implementation timelines. Defense expansion is gaining momentum in India as companies accelerate strategic moves to strengthen their presence in the aerospace and defense sector. Bondada Dynamics Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Bondada Engineering Ltd, has taken a key step in this direction by acquiring a 75 per cent stake in KCS Engineering Solutions.This defense expansion move reflects a broader industry trend where Indian firms focus on capability building, engineering integration, and long-term defense contracts. Companies now align investments with government-led indigenisation goals, rising defense budgets, and increasing demand for domestic manufacturing. India's largest power producer, NTPC, is preparing for its biggest expansion yet. The company plans to invest INR 17 trillion capex by FY37. The investment aims to nearly triple its power capacity while supporting India's clean energy goals. The expansion will cover thermal power, renewable energy, nuclear power, and battery energy storage projects. The move is expected to strengthen India's long-term energy security.The company currently has an installed capacity of around 80 GW. It plans to increase this to nearly 230 GW by FY37. A major share of the planned capacity will come from non-fossil fuel sources. This aligns with India's target of building a cleaner and more reliable energy system. Tata Steel Q1 Profit increased 12% year-on-year during the first quarter. The growth came mainly from its strong India Business, which continued to perform well despite global market challenges. The company reported better earnings even as overseas operations remained under pressure. The latest Tata Steel Q1 Profit reflects steady domestic demand and improved operational performance.The steelmaker also approved a major investment plan for Neelachal Ispat Nigam Limited (NINL). The board cleared capital expenditure worth INR 33,873 crore to expand the plant's production capacity. The move supports Tata Steel's long-term growth strategy in India. Electronics Development Fund is driving Karnataka's startup growth like never before. The state has secured the highest share of funding under the Centre's flagship initiative. The electronics development fund has backed 90 companies from Karnataka. This accounts for more than 70 percent of all companies supported under the scheme. The latest data was shared by MeitY in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.The numbers show Karnataka's strong position in India's electronics manufacturing and technology sector. Most funded companies are based in Bengaluru, making WILL GOVT PUSH E20 FUEL DESPITE ETHANOL CHALLENGES?TATA STEEL Q1 PROFIT CLIMBS 12% ON STRONG INDIA BUSINESSELECTRONICS DEVELOPMENT FUND FUELS KARNATAKA'S STARTUP BOOMINDIAN COMPANIES TO RAMP UP DEFENSE EXPANSION STRATEGIESNTPC'S NEW PLAN COULD REDEFINE INDIA'S RENEWABLE ENERGY SECTORthe city the country's leading innovation hub. The funding also highlights the growing strength of Deep-Tech Startups in the state.
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