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The Union Budget for 2024-25, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, places significant emphasis on <keyword id="19941381" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="energy-security" source="keywords">energy security</keyword> and sustainability. As per the government, the current strategy will focus on ensuring that energy resources are readily available, making energy affordable for all citizens and keeping energy costs low to prevent economic strain on consumers. Here's a breakdown of the key initiatives announced: <h2>PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana</h2>One of the standout initiatives is the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. This program aims to install <keyword id="20366573" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rooftop-solar-plants" source="keywords">rooftop solar plants</keyword> across 1 crore households, providing up to 300 units of free electricity per month. As per the FM, the scheme has already seen significant interest, with over 1.28 crore registrations and 14 lakh applications. <h2>Pumped Storage Policy</h2>To enhance electricity storage capabilities and integrate more <keyword id="19895602" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="renewable-energy" source="keywords">renewable energy</keyword> into the grid, the government will introduce a policy promoting pumped storage projects. These projects are crucial for balancing the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111956035" title="Union Budget 2024: What FM Nirmala took from your pocket, what she gave you" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2>Development of <keyword id="20876045" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nuclear-energy" source="keywords">Nuclear Energy</keyword></h2>Recognising the importance of nuclear energy in India's future energy mix, the government plans to invest in new nuclear technologies. The announcement also mentioned partnering with the private sector to develop and set up Bharat <keyword id="20260886" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Small-Modular-Reactors" source="keywords">Small Modular Reactors</keyword>. Boasting up to a 300 MW capacity, Small Modular Reactors are mobile, flexible in design and require a smaller footprint. Unlike conventional nuclear reactors that need to be built on-site, SMRs can be factory-built. These advantages can add up to significant savings in cost and construction time. <h2>Advanced Ultra Super Critical Thermal Power Plants</h2>The Budget highlights the completion of indigenous technology development for Advanced Ultra Super Critical (AUSC) thermal power plants. These plants boast higher efficiency and will be established through a joint venture between the National Thermal Power Corporation and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited. The initiative includes government support for fiscal needs and aims to boost local production of high-grade steel and advanced metallurgical materials. <h2>Roadmap for Hard-to-Abate Industries</h2>A significant shift is planned for industries that are difficult to decarbonise. The government will move these industries from energy efficiency targets to emission reduction targets. This transition will be regulated through the Indian Carbon Market, replacing the current 'Perform, Achieve and Trade' mode. <h2>Support for Traditional Micro and Small Industries</h2>To promote cleaner energy usage and efficiency, the government will conduct energy audits in 60 clusters of traditional micro and small industries, including brass and ceramics. Financial support will be provided to help these industries switch to cleaner energy forms and implement energy efficiency measures. This initiative will be expanded to 100 more clusters in the next phase. As per Sameer Jain, Managing Director at Primus Partners, MSMEs consume approximately 50% of the nation's power needs while generating over 75% of greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, additional support — such as climate financing — will be crucial to ensure that the MSME sector adapts well to the green revolution, especially with how the budget has committed support to MSMEs to grow and compete globally. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111953230" title="Union Budget 2024-25: Mobile Phones to get cheaper, as FM Nirmala Sitharaman reduces basic customs duty to 15%" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2><keyword id="22521154" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-resilient-crops" source="keywords">Climate-Resilient Crops</keyword></h2>The government will release 109 high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties of 32 field and horticultural crops for cultivation by farmers. With the provision of research funding, including for the private sector, this move is part of a broader strategy to enhance agricultural productivity while adapting to climate change. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111957080" title="What does Union Budget 2024-2025 have in store for farmers and the agricultural sector?" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2>Minerals for Green Technologies</h2>To support the growing demand for minerals used in green technologies, such as cobalt and lithium, the budget proposes exemptions from custom duties for 25 critical minerals and reduction on basic customs duty for two other essential metals. This move aims to bolster the domestic manufacturing of batteries and other components crucial for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies. <h2>Development of Climate Taxonomy</h2>A new climate taxonomy will be developed to guide the green transition, ensuring that investments and policies are aligned with the goal of reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices. All in all, the Union Budget 2024-25 sets a promising course for India's energy and sustainability sector. With substantial investments and new initiatives, it aims to accelerate the transition to a greener future, and hopefully take us a step further towards India's net-zero emissions target by 2070.

Free solar electricity to mobile nuclear plants — major sustainability initiatives announced in Budget 2024!

<ul><li><keyword id="6354446" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="BHEL" source="Orion">BHEL</keyword> is hiring ten young professionals in the area of Corporate Strategy Management Group.</li><li>The last date to apply for the opportunity is November 30, 2021.</li><li>Candidates selected for the post will be entitled to a monthly salary of ₹80,000 with reimbursement of the annual premium of ₹3,500 plus GST for mediclaim policy of the family.</li></ul><keyword id="534703" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bharat-Heavy-Electricals-Limited" source="Orion">Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited</keyword> (BHEL), a Delhi-based government-owned engineering and manufacturing enterprise is inviting applications for ten young professionals in the area of Corporate Strategy Management Group. The last date to apply for the opportunity is November 30, 2021. Candidates selected for the post will be entitled for a monthly salary of ₹80,000 with reimbursement of the annual premium of ₹3,500 plus GST for mediclaim policy of the family. The period of engagement will be one year from the date of joining, which can further be extended to one more year depending upon the completion of the assignment. However, the maximum tenure shall be limited to three years. Eligibility criteria for the role — <ol><li>Applicants should not be more than 30 years of age as of November 1, 2021. </li><li>Candidates should possess a postgraduate (PG) degree or two years of postgraduate diploma in management/engineering , which should be obtained from any of the IIMs or top 50 management institutes as per rankings released by MHRD under the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), with minimum 70% aggregate or CGPA of 7.0 out of 10. </li><li>The applicants should have a minimum of two years of work experience (as of 01st day of November 2021), which can be either prior or post to attaining a PG degree or a two-year PG diploma in management. </li></ol>The applications received by the company will be scrutinized by a committee and the shortlisted candidates may be then called for an interaction/interview, if required, by a duly constituted selection board. Job description <ol><li>Selected candidates shall assist the corporate strategy management group in supporting business incubation efforts by providing inputs regarding necessary study/research in new technological areas, the latest development taking place in advanced countries, and feasible technologies. </li><li>Scanning business opportunities in line with the country's investment plans and incentive schemes. </li><li>Monitor and evaluate progress in key targeted initiatives and need for modification in current policies/ practices of the company to achieve success in these initiatives. </li><li>Provide inputs for review meetings between top management for feedback and further implementation. </li></ol>How to apply for the opportunity? <ol><li>Candidates shall fill the online application form given at the official website of <a href="https://www.bhel.com/recruitment">BHEL</a>. </li><li>The application form should consists of the following:</li></ol>a) Letter of Interest (LoI) for the said position.b) Necessary documents to substantiate eligibility details as referred in the application form, including date of birth proof, PG &amp; graduation qualification, final mark sheet of PG (mentioning %ge or CGPA), and experience certificates. Other general rules and regulations — <ol><li>The applicant must ensure that the application form has the necessary documents/attachments. </li><li>No hard copy application shall be entertained. </li><li>Candidates/applicants, who have undergone any major punishment shall not be eligible </li><li>The attached documents shall be in legible form- i.e. the contents should be readable. Attachment of blurred/edited images will lead to disqualification of the candidature. </li><li>Applicants must keep their registered email ID active for at least 6 months as any important intimation/notice with regards to this notification shall be provided by the company through mail only. They are further requested to check their email for any communication from the company in this regard.</li></ol> SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/used-car-startup-cars-24-not-in-a-hurry-for-ipo-like-droom-and-cartrade-com/slidelist/87743891.cms">INTERVIEW: The CEO of the biggest startup in the used car e-tail explains why he is skipping the 2021 IPO frenzy</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/apple-is-reportedly-developing-sportskit-framework-to-bring-sports-content-on-its-tv-platform/articleshow/87750762.cms">Apple is reportedly developing “SportsKit” framework to bring sports content on its TV platform</a>

BHEL is looking for ten post grads under 30 for jobs with salary upto ₹80,000 per month

<ul><li><keyword id="6354446" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="BHEL" source="Orion">BHEL</keyword> is hiring 27 medical professionals as specialists in E2 grade for its various hospitals/dispensaries in several locations.</li><li>The online application has already begun and the last date to apply is September 7.</li><li>Candidates who are interested in the opportunity will have to pay a non-refundable amount of ₹354 including tax via online mode.</li></ul><keyword id="534703" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bharat-Heavy-Electricals-Limited" source="Orion">Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited</keyword> (BHEL) is hiring 27 medical professionals as specialists in E2 grade for its various hospitals/dispensaries in these locations -- Trichy, Bhopal, Hardiwar, Hyderabad, Jhansi, Ranipet, Jagdishpur, Visakhapatnam and Delhi/NCR. The online application has already begun and the last date to apply is September 7. BHEL is a state-owned engineering and manufacturing company. Candidates who are interested in the opportunity will have to pay a non-refundable amount of ₹354 including tax via online mode (netbanking/debit card/credit card). <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Educational qualification for Senior Medical Officer —" comment="subhead" text="Educational qualification for Senior Medical Officer —">Educational qualification for Senior Medical Officer —</cmsannotation> <ol><li>Candidates should hold an MBBS degree with post graduation in the specialisation recognised by Medical Council of India or State Medical Council.</li><li>The candidates should also have at least one year of experience/practice in the speciality.</li><li>Internship training shall also be considered as relevant work experience/practice.</li></ol><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Other general Instructions —" comment="subhead" text="Other general Instructions —">Other general Instructions —</cmsannotation> <ol><li>The maximum age of the candidate should be 37 years as on August 1, 2021.</li><li>Applicants should possess sound health as each candidate will have to go under a medical examination before joining. No relaxation will be allowed on health standards.</li><li>After joining, no request for transfer or change in place of posting shall be entertained for the first five years of service unless the candidate is transferred by the company in organisational interest.</li><li>No candidates will be entertained who are not invited for the interview.</li><li>Candidates are advised to regularly check their email id for latest updates.</li></ol>Interested candidates can fill out the online form <a href="https://www.bhel.com/recruitment">here</a>. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/cryptocurrency/news/el-salvadors-bitcoin-experiment-kicks-off-in-less-than-a-week-but-the-protests-against-the-cryptocurrency-are-on-the-rise/articleshow/85767836.cms">El Salvador’s Bitcoin experiment kicks off in less than a week — but the protests against the cryptocurrency are on the rise</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sports/news/sumit-antil-clinches-indias-second-gold-in-paralympics-with-a-world-record-in-javelin-throw/articleshow/85766060.cms">Sumit Antil clinches India's second gold in Paralympics with a world record in javelin throw</a>

BHEL is looking for medical professionals across various states in India

From BHEL to HEG and CG Power ⁠— these infrastructure stocks have turned ₹10,000 to as much as ₹30,600 in just six months

<ul><li>The Indian government has pushed through a stack of defence projects to the tune of $1.2 billion on August</li><li>This comes after the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) had already approved arms projects worth $5.5 billion last month. </li><li>The biggest beneficiary, <keyword id="86569" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hindustan-Aeronautics-Limited">Hindustan Aeronautics Limited</keyword> (HAL), saw its share price jump by over 4% as markets opening today morning. </li><li>The entire $1.2 billion will be spent on the domestic industry with companies like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and <keyword id="534703" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bharat-Heavy-Electricals-Limited">Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited</keyword> (BHEL) reaping the benefits.</li></ul>India is spending another ₹8.7 lakh crore ($1.2 billion) on defence projects after having already having approved ₹38.9 lakh crore ($5.5 billion) for arms projects last month. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="77098939" title="New drones, Rafale fighter jets, tanks and much more — India-China border dispute has lit a fire to upgrade military technology" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> Last time around the lion’s share of the capital— around ₹31.1 lakh crore ($4.44 billion) — was directed towards the domestic industry. This time the entire amount is going to local manufacturers like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). HAL's share price saw a jump over 4% as markets opened today morning. <div type="image" title="HAL share price" msid="77497628" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;HAL&amp;#39;s share price since July&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> BHEL's share price on the other hand remained muted showing a marginal uptake of over 1%. <div type="image" title="BHEL share price since July" msid="77497651" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;BHEL share price since July&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The projects approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (<a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1645092">DAC</a>) in its meeting today headed by India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh include new aircraft, more firepower for the <keyword id="6355100" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Navy">Indian Navy</keyword>, as well as approvals that will speed the procurement and upgrades of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The <keyword id="15141" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Air-Force">Indian Air Force</keyword> (IAF) needs more eyes in the sky In July, the DAC approved the proposal to procure 21 new MiG-29 aircraft along with upgrading the existing 59 already enlisted with the Air Force. It also sanctioned buying 12 new Sukhoi-20 MK I aircraft. Pushing on the narrative of Athmanibhar Bharat, self-reliant India, the government has put an order for 106 of the newly developed Basic Trainer Aircraft from HAL. Initially, 70 of these jets will be inducted to meet the IAF’s training requirements once they receive the required certification. The remaining 36 will be picked up once the HTT-40 fleet — another trainer aircraft that HAL invested ₹550 crore to develop — is operational. Increasing the Indian Navy’s firepower Other than, the primary beneficiary of the DAC’s project approval is BHEL. The government has approved the procurement of an upgraded version of the Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM). It is the main fun onboard Navy and Indian Coast Guard warships. According to the government, the upgraded version of the SRGM will increase the capabilities of the warships to manoeuvre against fast-moving targets like missiles. It will also enhance the engagement range of the guns. The <keyword id="6354416" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Army">Indian Army</keyword> won’t be left out of the fray. It will be getting new 125 mm Armour Piercing Fin Stabilised Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) ammunition. 70% of the product will be made in India and the ammunition will be brought in under a ‘design and development case’. Other approvals are aimed at speeding up the procurement of Indo-Russian AK 203 guns and push through faster upgrades for UAVs. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/tcs-tech-mahindra-hcl-tech-and-wipro-could-gain-from/articleshow/77478306.cms">India's armed forces are potential clients for TCS, Tech Mahindra, HCL Tech and the likes</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/heres-a-full-list-of-weapons-that-indias-defence-sector-can-get-from-local-companies/slidelist/77459796.cms">List of weapons that India can make at home — and the ones it cannot</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/indias-defence-ministry-introduces-import-embargo-on-101-items-to-boost-atmanirbhar-bharat-abhiyan/articleshow/77442031.cms">India’s Defence Ministry introduces “import embargo” on 101 items to boost Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan</a>

HAL's share price jumps 4% after India approves defence projects worth $1.2 billion

<ul><li>A total of ₹ 32,000 crore will be paid to the winning bidder over a period of 35 years for the maintenance of these trains.</li><li>The financial bids will be opened in the next 45 days.</li><li>The <keyword id="46754" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="vande" source="Orion">Vande</keyword> Bharat trains are expected to be a big upgrade from the premium Rajdhani Express service. </li></ul> State-run Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has formed a consortium with <keyword id="112351" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="titagarh-wagons" source="Orion">Titagarh Wagons</keyword> and is among five entities which have bid for the mega ₹ 58,000 crore contract to manufacture 200 Vande Bharat trains and maintaining them for the next 35 years. Other players in the fray include French railway major Alstom; Medha-Stadler consortium between Swiss railway rolling stock manufacturer <keyword id="6793633" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="stadler-rail" source="Orion">Stadler Rail</keyword> and Hyderabad-based Media Servo Drives; Siemens along with BEML, and Russian rolling stock manufacturer <keyword id="6632056" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="transmashholding" source="Orion">Transmashholding</keyword> (TMH) along with an Indian firm. Officials said while ₹ 26,000 crore is the upfront payment on the delivery of the trains, ₹ 32,000 crore will be paid to the winning bidder over a period of 35 years for the maintenance of these trains. The <keyword id="6355455" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="indian-railways" source="Orion">Indian Railways</keyword> is now evaluating technical bids for the contract. The financial bids will be opened in the next 45 days. According to the tender document, the successful bidder has to produce a prototype of the sleeper class for Vande Bharat trains within 24 months. The Indian Railways is targeting to roll out the first sleeper version of Vande Bharat train by the first quarter of 2024. Till now, the railways has awarded contracts for manufacture of 102 Vande Bharat trains which are all chair car. The Vande Bharat trains are expected to be a big upgrade from the premium Rajdhani Express service. The sleeper class-version of these trains will be run on the routes to cover overnight rail journey like New Delhi-Patna, New Delhi-Lucknow and others. After four years of intensive work and planning, country's first and the second Vande Bharat trains as electric multiple units at semi-high speed, were flagged off by Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="Orion">Narendra Modi</keyword> in 2019 on the New Delhi-Varanasi and New Delhi-Katra in J&amp;K routes. The first VB train was flagged on the New Delhi-Varanasi route and the second one was on New Dehi-Katra route to provide fast rail transportation from the national capital to these pilgrim cities. The railway ministry is also working towards exporting these trains by 2026 to cover the international markets of South Africa and European countries. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/long-covid-linked-with-increased-body-weight-study/articleshow/95906210.cms">Long Covid linked with increased body weight : Study</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/indias-mfg-pmi-hits-3-month-high-in-nov-amid-expansion-in-production-slowdown-in-inflation-sp/articleshow/95905921.cms">India's mfg PMI hits 3-month high in Nov amid expansion in production, slowdown in inflation: S&amp;P</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/wipro-infrastructure-engineering-acquires-pune-based-linecraft-ai-for-an-undisclosed-sum/articleshow/95905792.cms">Wipro Infrastructure Engineering acquires Pune-based Linecraft.ai for an undisclosed sum</a>

BHEL among 5 bidders for Rs 58,000 cr deal to manufacture, maintain 200 Vande Bharat trains

<ul><li><keyword id="6484188" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sensex" source="Orion">Sensex</keyword> opened at 62,263, up by 133 points while the 50-stock index <keyword id="2931774" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nifty50" source="Orion">Nifty50</keyword> was up 26 points at 18,524.</li><li>SGX Nifty, an early indicator of how the markets may perform, was up 0.19% early morning today.</li><li>India's <keyword id="513422" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="retail-inflation" source="Orion">retail inflation</keyword> eased sharply to a 11-month low of 5.88% in November from 6.77% in the previous month.</li><li>Most global markets were trending higher on expectations that the pace of interest rate hikes in the US will slowdown. </li></ul>Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty50 opened higher on Tuesday, thanks to easing inflation in India and positive cues from global peers. SGX Nifty, an early indicator of how the markets may perform, was up 0.19% early morning today. Sensex opened at 62,263, up by 133 points while the 50-stock index Nifty50 was up 26 points at 18,524. India's retail inflation eased sharply to a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/indias-retail-inflation-hits-11-month-low-in-november-at-5-88/articleshow/96177420.cms">11-month low of 5.88% in November</a> from 6.77% in the previous month. The inflation figures were better than analysts’ expectations. This comes as a huge relief as the inflation falls back into the RBI tolerance range for the first time this year. “Dip in food and vegetable prices are the primary reasons for the softness in inflation. The core inflation remains elevated though. The critical thing to watch out for will be the durability of this trend for the RBI to soften its stance in the fight against inflation,” said Nish Bhatt, founder &amp; CEO at Millwood Kane International. Meanwhile, India’s factory output that is measured through index of industrial production (IIP) shrank 4% in October. “Overall, the combination of lower inflation and weaker growth is likely to persist in CY23, though the magnitude of fall (in both) was surprising today. Since IIP is a key input in quarterly GDP estimates, it imparts downward bias in 3Q GDP growth. At the same time, details of CPI are not so encouraging. Thus, we maintain a 25bp rate hike in February 2023 by the RBI,” said Nikhil Gupta, chief economist at Motilal Oswal Financial Services Group. Global markets trend upwards on hope Most global markets were trending higher on expectations that the pace of interest rate hikes in the US will slowdown. This comes ahead of US inflation numbers that are to be announced today, while the US Fed rate hike decision takes place tomorrow. These two events may provide markets with a direction to move into 2023. <keyword id="35189" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="asian-markets" source="Orion">Asian markets</keyword> were trading mixed on Tuesday, with the Hang Seng index gaining the most by 0.45% followed by Nikkei 225 up 0.37% while Shanghai Composite fell 0.17%, Taiwan SE Weighted Index down 0.15%. The US markets ended on a higher note on Monday with S&amp;P 500 up 1.43%, the tech-heavy Nasdaq closing 1.26% higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also ended higher with 1.58% gains. <keyword id="73648" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="stocks-to-watch" source="Orion">Stocks to watch</keyword> Paytm: The fintech company said that its loan disbursals reached an annualised run rate of around ₹39,000 crore in November this year. Moreover, it will meet today to consider a share buyback proposal. Dalmia Bharat: Dalmia Bharat’s subsidiary Dalmia Cement on Monday said it plans to acquire the cement, clinker and power plants of Jaiprakash Associates for a total enterprise value of ₹5,666 crore, as it looks to expand its domestic presence. This deal is part of Jaiprakash Associates’ efforts to reduce its debt. ICICI Bank: The private sector lender raised ₹5,000 crore through bonds to fund business growth. Maruti Suzuki India: The automaker has unveiled India’s first mass segment flex fuel car -- Wagon R Flex Fuel prototype model in Delhi as part of its decarbonization journey. Stocks under F&amp;O ban Bharat Heavy Electricals, Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers &amp; Chemicals, Delta Corp and Punjab National Bank are stocks banned in the F&amp;O ban list on Tuesday. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/dalmia-bharat-to-acquire-cement-power-plants-of-jaiprakash-associates-for-5666-crore-enterprise-value/articleshow/96175228.cms">Dalmia Bharat to acquire cement, power plants of Jaiprakash Associates for ₹5,666 crore enterprise value</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/markets/news/sula-vineyards-ipo-10-things-to-know-before-you-subscribe-to-it/slidelist/96163082.cms">Sula Vineyards IPO: 10 things to know before you subscribe to it</a>

Indian markets open higher as retail inflation eases — Paytm, ICICI Bank, Dalmia Bharat among stocks to watch out for

Shares of <keyword id="85847" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bharat-Heavy-Electricals">Bharat Heavy Electricals</keyword> Ltd., the top maker of power equipment, sunk to 1-month lows after the company reported a sharp fall in first quarter earnings on the back of a slowdown in order inflows. 
 <keyword id="6354446" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="BHEL">BHEL</keyword> said its first quarter Net Profit slumped 82 percent to 34 crore rupees compared with 193.50 crore rupees in the same quarter a year ago. Sales during April-June dropped 14 percent to 4,500 crore rupees from 5,277.2 crore rupees in the year ago period. 
 
BHEL dropped 19 rupees, or 6.7 percent, to 263.60 rupees, its lowest since July 9, on the National Stock Exchange, where 1.5 crore shares were traded by 2:50 pm compared with the 5-day average of 29.2 lakh shares. 
 
BHEL's market capitalisation stands at 68,606 crore rupees. 
 
Image credit: Indiatimes

Shares of BHEL sunk to 1-month lows

<keyword id="534703" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bharat-Heavy-Electricals-Limited">Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited</keyword> (<keyword id="6354446" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="BHEL">BHEL</keyword>), which is a state-owned electrical equipments manufacturer, has secured a deal worth Rs 3,810 crore from Telangana to set up a first thermal power project in the state, as per a PTI report. 
	 
	As per a statement issued by BHEL, Telangana State Power Generation Corporation Limited (TSGENCO) has entered into an MoU with the state-run firm for construction of new thermal power plants totalling to 6,000 MW in the state in the next three years in order to meet the increasing demand for power. 
	 In an offiicial BHEL statement, MoU is valued at Rs 3,810 crore--the order is for setting up the 800 MW supercritical thermal power plant on <keyword id="129822" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="EPC">EPC</keyword> (engineering, procurement &amp; construction) basis at Kothagudem in Khammam District of Telangana. 
	 
	Both BHEL and TSGENCO are setting up teams to expedite clearances and execution of the project, which will be commissioned in 36 months on a fast-track basis. 
	(Image: The Economic Times)

BHEL-TSGENCO Sign An MoU Worth Rs 3810 Crore

The ‘one step forward, two steps back’ ballad that the Indian solar industry is enduring since the time the industry first crawled out of the well, continues unabated. While the investigation by the <keyword id="6365809" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="40" keywordseo="Commerce-ministry">Commerce Ministry</keyword>’s anti-dumping watchdog into the anti-dumping case launched by the <keyword id="1642339" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="40" keywordseo="Indian-Solar-Manufacturers-Association">Indian Solar Manufacturers Association</keyword> (ISMA) against solar developers buying cheap solar cells and modules continues, the Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) clause has forced the delay of the 2nd phase of the <keyword id="93638" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Jawaharlal-Nehru-National-Solar-Mission">Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission</keyword> (JNNSM) since DC requires <keyword id="70990" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="40" keywordseo="Solar-power">solar power</keyword> developers to buy a substantial percentage of their equipment from Indian equipment and component manufacturers. 
 Now, the government is trying to give us a consolation pill by launching the <keyword id="1853234" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="National-Institute-of-Solar-Energy">National Institute of Solar Energy</keyword> (NISE) to replace the faceless <keyword id="326830" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="40" keywordseo="Solar-Energy-Centre">Solar Energy Centre</keyword> in Gurgaon, Haryana. 
 The aim of this institute, as per a Press release from the Ministry of New and <keyword id="34553" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="40" keywordseo="renewable-energy">Renewable Energy</keyword> (MNRE), is to “accelerate the process to support induction of the latest technologies to ensure maximum cost benefit and lead to early commercialisation.” That’s pretty vague, to say the least, and any attempt to predict the institute’s success in this decade might bounce way off the shifting goalposts of India’s <keyword id="6357019" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="40" keywordseo="solar-energy">solar energy</keyword> landscape. While the long-term output has looked bright for years, the short and medium-term is hazy at best. 
 <keyword id="6362476" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="40" keywordseo="investments">Investments</keyword> in the solar power sector (both equipment manufacturing and power production) nosedived 67% to $1.7 billion in 2012, from the all-time high of $5.2 billion, touched a year earlier. However, 2012 was perhaps just a bad day in the office, not only in India but all over the world. Last year, total investments in the clean and renewable energy sector saw a 12% decrease to $244 billion globally while investments in India fell 45% to $6.5 billion from the $12.9 billion registered in 2011. 
 Data for the year 2013 are yet to come in, but it has definitely been a better year in terms of scale project size. For instance, a consortium led by <keyword id="85847" type="COMPANY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Bharat-Heavy-Electricals">Bharat Heavy Electricals</keyword> and Power Grid (both of them public sector heavyweights) announced the launch of the world’s biggest solar power plant near Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan, with a total capacity of 4,000 MW. It is one of the world’s top locations in terms of highest solar energy incident on the earth’s surface during a year. The project will cost around Rs 30,000 crore ($4.5 billion). 
 Soon after, Welspun Energy announced another significant project – the 2nd biggest solar power plant in the country with a total capacity of 151 MW, to be commissioned in <keyword id="6355554" type="COMPANY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Madhya-Pradesh">Madhya Pradesh</keyword> by 2017. Moreover, <keyword id="6360089" type="COMPANY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Reliance-Power">Reliance Power</keyword> will be commissioning 100 MW capacity in Rajasthan by March 2014, currently the largest solar power project in Asia. Therefore, big-ticket investments are just beginning to shape the dynamics of India’s solar sector. However, public sector R&amp;D and adequate financial support will be crucial for long term to unleash the real potential of this industry, which could grow much bigger than thermal power during the second half of this century. 
 Globally, public sector and university R&amp;D in solar has flourished in collaboration with the industry, backed by huge government subsidies. NISE can only be successful if efficient product patenting, technology transfer and royalty pricing mechanisms are in place. But sadly, India has always been a laggard in this respect. Secondly, if we put the entire R&amp;D in the hands of one institute, it will require massive <keyword id="6357455" type="EVENT" weightage="40" keywordseo="Funding">funding</keyword> since the current shallow pockets of the industry can’t allow private players to fund cutting-edge R&amp;D projects. Thirdly, proven mechanisms such as priority sector/subordinated lending and take-out financing are not allowed for solar developers although other priority sectors like roads, ports, thermal power and steel plants enjoy that privilege. 
 
The initial goal of the institute is to establish a national review-cum-strategy board to study and evaluate different models across the globe for a future roadmap. But the commercialisation of any new technology developed from the scratch could take at least a decade and by that time, JNNSM’s deadline of facilitating a capacity of 20 GW of solar power would have long passed. There’s just one bright spot in the entire exercise. If the institute works along the lines of a few state-of-the-art institutions like IISc, ISRO and TIFR, it might ensure some future technologies being disseminated at relatively cheaper cost to the industry in the 2020-2029 decade. 
 
The immediate requirement is to allow private sector R&amp;D through massive subsidies and tax credits in excess of 200% for all R&amp;D expenses incurred by any private player in India. Also, solar energy purchase should be made mandatory for industries and state governments who can buy a certain percentage out of their total power purchases. Currently, only a few state governments follow such purchase obligations, but that’s hardly enough to ensure feasibility. Issues like take-out financing and priority sector lending must be immediately implemented as similar incentives are already available for the solar energy sector in countries like China, the US and Germany – the Big Three of the global solar power industry. 
 
The National Institute of Solar Energy could be a step in the right direction although a bit too late. But it must work in tandem with industry developments and set up stringent annual targets for project completion and knowledge dissemination. That’s the only way to add real power to the fledgling sector. 
 
Image: ThinkStock

Will The Newly Launched Research
Institute Boost Solar Power In India?

<ul><li>This arranged marriage concept has also led to prosperous businesses – <keyword id="260777" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="shaadi-com">Shaadi.com</keyword>, <keyword id="393347" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bharat-Matrimony">Bharat Matrimony</keyword> and <keyword id="530627" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="jeevansathi-com">Jeevansathi.com</keyword> among others. </li><li>These platforms that took the arranged marriage setup online many years ago, came up with new solutions – video call meet-ups and zoom call weddings. </li><li>Potential bride and grooms are now meeting each other for the first time over a video call. </li></ul>The Indian culture has always seen arranged marriages – where parents look for the suitable partner for their ‘of age’ children. From Shaadi.com, <keyword id="9477581" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="bharat-matrimony-to-jeevansathi-com">Bharat Matrimony to Jeevansathi.com</keyword>, the online platforms that help people find the best match for themselves, took a hit as weddings came to a complete halt due to the restrictions for gatherings. But these platforms that took the arranged marriage setup online many years ago, came up with new solutions – video call meet-ups and zoom call weddings. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="75242402" title="This couple just had a big fat Indian ‘wedding from home’ over a Zoom call" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> Potential bride and grooms are now meeting each other for the first time over a video call. Shaadi.com launched Shaadi Meet – a video calling feature on its platform on June 19. Within two days, 105,000 people had used the feature. “In the times we are living in, virtual meetings have become the new normal. As we are physically distancing, we have become socially closer. Shaadi Meet stands testimony to our singular purpose of improving the matchmaking experience of our members and empowering them to take control of their destiny,” said Anupam Mittal, founder and CEO, Shaadi.com. The platform has also launched ‘weddings from home’ for online marriages. A similar hike in website traffic was seen by its rival – Jeevansathi.com. The company which had launched the feature even before coronavirus (in January) saw that the website saw a 60% hike in the number of voice and video calls in the lockdown period as compared to the 11-week prior average. “Nation-wide lockdown has resulted in heavy dependence on technology and the internet. The website witnessed a surge in the overall traffic during the social-distancing period. With most public places temporarily closed, people are finding more virtual ways to connect with each other more than ever. Our video/audio calling feature allows them to connect without exchanging personal phone numbers,” said Rohan Mathur, business head at Jeevansathi.com Safety first Keeping safety in mind, Shaadi.com allows users to set their convenient time to receive a Meet Request and can also decide who can invite them for a Meet. Meanwhile, Bharatmatrimony which launched the feature on June 18, kept it exclusively for <keyword id="9477582" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="premium-members">premium members</keyword>. But they also took several steps to ensure that women don’t get crank calls. “Women’s safety has been accorded utmost priority and they can only receive video calls from Premium Members they contacted or responded to earlier. On the other hand, men can get video calls from any premium women member and will be able to call only women members who responded to their earlier inquiry. Both male and female members will have privacy options wherein they can specify who can initiate video calls with them,” the company said. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/what-ceos-say-india-can-learn-from-china-to-get-more-electric-vehicles-on-the-road/articleshow/76669260.cms">What CEOs say India can learn from China to get more electric vehicles on the road</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/work-from-home-has-brought-with-it-a-new-set-of-problems-with-endless-calls-and-works-hours/articleshow/76637605.cms">Work from home fun is over – now there are endless work hours, midnight calls from bosses and employees are not happy</a>

India's matrimony portals come of age with video calls and zoom call weddings

<ul><li>Indian companies are dependent on imports from China in several key sectors apart from smartphones and smart TVs. </li><li>Products like air conditioners, cars, electric vehicles and even medicines are highly dependent on material from China. </li><li>Even though companies might make many of these products in India, the heavy dependence on Chinese imports could hurt them if the <keyword id="3763841" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="boycott-china">boycott China</keyword> campaign prevails. </li></ul>The dominance of Chinese products in electronics, particularly, smartphones and smart TVs is widely known. But, did you know that even many of the ‘made in India’ products rely on parts imported from China? These are the top 7 sectors that will be hurt the most if the boycott China campaign prevails: <ul><li>Cars – 27% of the imports come from China, including key components used in engines, wheels and electric vehicles. China is the key supplier for sub-components used in engine, electrical, electronics, alloy wheels, tyres etc. Also, it supplies key components for EVs, including lithium-ion battery cells, according to a Motilal Oswal, a broking firm, report.</li></ul>“Tata Motors, Motherson Sumi and Bharat Forge would be the least impacted due to their business’ diversified nature and global operations,” the report said. Also read: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/checkout-the-list-of-indian-startups-working-on-electric-vehicles-and-batteries/slidelist/76562429.cms">Here are the startups fuelling India’s electric vehicle dream</a> <ul><li>Consumer durables – Supply chain dependence on China is high for components like compressors, LED lights, motors and mobile displays. Up to <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/cons-products/electronics/duty-on-led-panels-could-go-to-keep-make-in-india-on-big-screen/articleshow/67534491.cms">70% of the cost</a> of a smart TV is the display and most of them come from China.</li></ul>For instance, Voltas will be the most affected in case the Indian government hikes tariffs on imports from China. On the other hand, companies like Havells will be the least affected since 90% of its manufacturing is in-house. Other makers of electrical appliances depend on China in the range of 20-60%. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="76419573" title="The boycott of China’s products will be easier said than done –⁠ smartphones, ACs and cars may become more expensive" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <ul><li>Pharmaceuticals – 60-70% of key materials come from China and the Chinese raw material is 20-30% cheaper than domestic production. </li></ul>The situation is worse in cases of antibiotics and penicillin, for which more than 90% of the imports are from China. However, Sun Pharma and Cipla would be the least impacted as they are fully integrated and have considerable exposure to the branded business, Motilal Oswal said. <ul><li>Telecom – Airtel and Vodafone Idea use telecom equipment from Huawei and ZTE in a total of 10 circles out of 22. Over 75% of smartphones in India are imported from China. </li><li>Chemical and Agro Chemicals – 10-50% of raw materials are sourced from China depending on the product. Companies are trying to reduce their dependence on China by identifying other countries to source from. Agrochemicals refer to pesticides used by farmers.</li></ul>Rallis, Dhanuka, Sumitomo India and Insecticide will be the worst hit while SRF, Aarti Industries and Bharat Rasayan which make agrochemicals will benefit from the crackdown on Chinese imports. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="76297080" title="Arun Bharat Ram and Arvind Lal — the two businessmen who became billionaires during the lockdown" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <ul><li>Ecommerce and tech startups – Major ecommerce players and tech startups like Info Edge, Zomato and Paytm have high investment exposure to China. The government has already started enforcing some regulations like asking these companies to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/ecommerce/news/india-tells-amazon-flipkart-paytm-mall-and-all-other-ecommerce-companies-to-show-country-of-origin-next-to-the-products/articleshow/76568106.cms">label Chinese-origin products</a>. </li><li>Utilities – 80% of India’s solar module imports come from China and some thermal plants also depend on China for equipment.</li></ul>Companies like Tata Power and Adani Group may be able to step up manufacturing and fill in the gap left by the relegation of Chinese imports in this space. These are the market shares of Chinese companies in key product segments The consumer durables and appliances segment which includes products like air conditioners, smartphones, smart TVs, refrigerators and more is dominated by Chinese companies. For instance, 28% of all air conditioners in India are imported. According to data from<a href="https://www.counterpointresearch.com/india-tv-shipments-climb-record-15-million-units-2019-15-annually"> Counterpoint Research</a>, Xiaomi leads the smart TV category with a 27% market share, more than the cumulative share of Samsung and LG. <div type="image" title="TV market share" msid="76618714" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;In the TV industry, they hold 42% market share&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> In the smartphone category, Chinese companies like Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo and Realme have an overwhelming presence with a market share of 76%, according to<a href="https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prAP46289820"> IDC</a>. <div type="image" title="Smartphone market share" msid="76618729" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Chinese companies hold 76% of the smartphone market amongst themselves&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Electrical equipment, including smartphones and TVs account for over 22% of India’s imports from China. In the year 2018-19, imports in this category stood at more than $20 billion. According to data obtained from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s<a href="https://commerce-app.gov.in/eidb/"> Export &amp; Import Data Bank</a>, here are the top three imports from China to India in 2018-19: <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.99375pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.99375pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.99375pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.99375pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 6pt 5pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Particulars </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.99375pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.99375pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.99375pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.99375pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 6pt 5pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">India’s imports from China </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.99375pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.99375pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.99375pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.99375pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 6pt 5pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Electrical equipment </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.99375pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.99375pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.99375pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.99375pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 6pt 5pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">$20.63 billion </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.99375pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.99375pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.99375pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.99375pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 6pt 5pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Nuclear reactors </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.99375pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.99375pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.99375pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.99375pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 6pt 5pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">$13.4 billion </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.99375pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.99375pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.99375pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.99375pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 6pt 5pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Organic chemicals </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.99375pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.99375pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.99375pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.99375pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 6pt 5pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">$8.6 billion </td></tr></tbody></table> SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/economy/news/inside-indias-50000-crore-scheme-to-woo-electronics-manufacturing-including-smartphones/articleshow/76207462.cms">Inside India’s ₹50,000 crore scheme to woo electronics manufacturing including smartphones</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/economy/news/the-boycott-of-chinas-products-will-be-easier-said-than-done-smartphones-acs-and-cars-will-become-more-expensive/articleshow/76419573.cms">The boycott of China’s products will be easier said than done –⁠ smartphones, ACs and cars may become more expensive</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/fm-nirmala-sitaraman-announces-six-steps-for-msme-sector/articleshow/75717258.cms">Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announces six measures for the MSME sector</a>

A quarter of your car, 70% of your TV, 90% of antibiotics come from China

India was the cradle of civilization, a riverine world that had its proud foundation in the Indus Valley. Indian culture is thus interwoven with water. The holy Ganges, the early dip, the bathing ritual---all early Hindu practices are water-shot. 
 
Yet the paradox is that the most fertile nation is today one of the most water-challenged countries in the world, “<a href="http://www.wri.org/blog/2015/02/3-maps-explain-india%E2%80%99s-growing-water-risks">from its deepest aquifers to its largest rivers</a>”. 
 
How much is too much? 
 A report by the <keyword id="6356505" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="World-Resources-Institute">World Resources Institute</keyword> shows that more than 100 million people in India live in severely polluted areas. Out of 632 districts examined, only 59 districts had water safe enough to drink. The area that is the most severely polluted is Bagalkot, Karnataka. 
 
The statistics mock the country. While 54% of India’s total area faces the threat of water scarcity, almost 600 million people are not able to get enough. In a total population of 1.2 billion according to the 2011 census, India has just 1,000 cubic meters of water per person today, as against the US supply of nearly 8,000 cubic metres per person. Any country with less than 1,700 cubic meters per person per year is considered water-stressed. 
 
Even the most fertile region, which is the source of not only food but also her civilization and the Vedic culture, is the excessively high-stressed Northwest India, which produces 50 per cent of the national rice supply and 85 per cent of its wheat. This area is also called India’s “breadbasket.” But the 550 wells in Northwestern India face the danger of declining groundwater levels by 58 per cent. 
But why exactly, has this all happened? 
 
Why the <keyword id="6355836" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="water-crisis">water crisis</keyword>? 
 The reasons are obvious. Even as the population is expanding, water supply is reducing, with farmers over-extracting the resource. Especially after the Green Revolution, groundwater, rather than surface water, is being overused to irrigate crops. 
 
There is not enough investment in technology and infrastructure at all federal, state, and local levels. Due to lack of efficient planning, shooting corporate privatization, industrial and human pollution and finally corruption, the lifeline of a healthy community has been threatened, according to <a href="http://thewaterproject.org/water-in-crisis-india">The Water Project</a>. 
 
South, West and Central India, on the other hand, have a significantly lower water table than other regions. 
 
In Eastern India, the strange paradox of abundant groundwater, but lack of electricity, has made water inaccessible for irrigation. All over the country, faulty distribution of electricity has stressed out agricultural practices. 
 
When examined at a national level, it is clear that the groundwater levels come down continuously, as its 4,000 wells show a reduction of 54% of the water supply in the past seven years. Almost 16% of the water reduces by over 1 meter (3.2 feet) annually. 
 
Moreover, the groundwater is extremely polluted as chlorine, fluoride, iron, arsenic, nitrate, and/or electrical conductivity exceed the national standards. Most of the water in India is not even fit for drinking, and sometimes not even for bathing. The Clean Ganga campaign never proceeded beyond a launch in 1984, due to lack of maintenance of the facilities. 
 
Improving water supply? 
How do we increase water creation and storage, then? In the cities, a poor and leaky distribution network has led to large-scale leakage as well as “unaccounted water.” But with adequate pricing, and the use of private firms to streamline distribution, reliable water supply can be improved and pricing can be reduced, as in Dharwad. 
 
In rural areas, while recharging and harvesting water is important, such techniques have limited advantages. It is important to utilize water for local storage. In the long run, dams can be used, apart from full groundwater recharge, water harvesting, and recycling, in order to prevent it from getting lost in the oceans. 
 
However, two opposing viewpoints lock horns over the issue of dams. One section says that a worrying aspect of storage dams is its record of disturbing biodiversity and the environment, submerging and displacing people and disrupting their lifestyles, cultures, social support systems and emotional attachment to certain areas. Hence, instead of big dams, they advocate watershed development, involving leveling land and tapping rainwater in small ponds and check dams in streams, which can increase soil moisture, recharge groundwater, and facilitate a second crop. 
 
On the other hand, many heavy technology-oriented nation builders feel that storage dams cannot be neglected, considering the swelling population and the need to overcome the national crisis. They point out that while the population is expected to grow astronomically, the target increase of agriculture by 4% every year is essential to expand 140 million hectares (mh) of net cultivated area in India, even though only about 60 mh of land is irrigated today. 
 
Some new steps One optimistic feature of India’s water development is that certain issues have been addressed, at least. In India’s eleventh five-year plan (2007–12), according to The <keyword id="467755" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Bureau-of-Asian-Research">National Bureau of Asian Research</keyword> some 15 mh through watershed development, as well as NGO-led efforts have paved the way to the program’s success. 
 For example, <keyword id="57766" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Anna-Hazare">Anna Hazare</keyword> transformed Ralegan Siddhi village in Maharashtra through water harvesting and cooperation. Another NGO called <keyword id="290378" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tarun-Bharat-Sangh">Tarun Bharat Sangh</keyword> brought about community-based development through water harvesting and management in Rajasthan. Even Gujarat built over 100,000 check dams, which are said to be the main reason for Gujarat’s 8%-plus growth rate of agricultural GDP. 
 
With a lot of focus on water management in the 12th Five-Year plan, there seems to be some attention being given to aquifer mapping, watershed development, reduction of pollution and treatment, and efficient management of irrigation. 
 
With sound partnership between the centre, state, municipal and private bodies, the water crisis can be blown over, point out the optimists. 
Can we then rise to the occasion and reach for the sodden skies and a fertile earth?

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