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Electric vehicles (EVs) are all the rage these days. With their promise of lower emissions and smooth, quiet rides, it’s no wonder that the global demand for EVs has been soaring. However, if you live near the coast — or anywhere prone to flooding — there’s a less-talked-about risk that could make you rethink that shiny new electric car parked in your driveway: saltwater-induced fires from flooded EV batteries. <h2>Saltwater and EV batteries</h2>When it comes to EVs, the heart of the vehicle’s power lies in its battery, usually a lithium-ion (Li-ion) pack. These batteries are highly efficient, but they’re also sensitive to water, especially the salty kind. In September and October 2024, the Southeast U.S. was hit by hurricanes Helene and Milton, which caused catastrophic flooding. Thousands of homes were damaged, and in a particularly frightening twist, 11 electric cars and 48 lithium-ion batteries caught fire after being exposed to salty floodwaters. Saltwater is a conductor of electricity, which means it can get into the EV battery packs, triggering a dangerous reaction. When water seeps into the battery, it can cause a short-circuit between the battery's terminals, which may lead to overheating, violent fires, and even explosions. In many cases, the fire doesn’t start right away — it can take hours or even days after the exposure before a thermal runaway event occurs, causing a dangerous blaze. Once the fire starts, it’s nearly impossible to put out with regular fire-fighting methods. Firefighters often have no choice but to let the battery burn itself out. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113906136" title="Planning to purchase an EV? Here&amp;#39;s how to ensure it never catches on fire" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>In 2022, during Hurricane Ian in Florida, 36 EVs that had been flooded reportedly caught fire, even some that were being towed on flatbed trucks. The problem lies in how lithium-ion batteries react to saltwater. The metal terminals in these batteries, when exposed to salty water, can corrode and build short-circuiting paths that lead to fires days later. The fire hazard remains even in fully discharged batteries, meaning even seemingly "safe" vehicles after flooding could still pose a serious threat. <h2>The risk to coastal cities</h2>This issue is especially concerning for coastal cities where rising sea levels and hurricanes are becoming more frequent. According to a 2023 report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), <keyword id="381751" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="electric-vehicle" source="Orion">electric vehicle</keyword> adoption is growing rapidly in many parts of the world, including India, where EV sales increased by around 50% in the first quarter of 2024 alone. Cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kochi are embracing EVs due to their environmental benefits and growing infrastructure support. However, these coastal cities are also at higher risk for flooding, making the combination of increased EV adoption and rising sea levels a perfect storm for potential disaster. In fact, areas prone to heavy rains and floods, like India’s coastal cities, are facing unique challenges. The combination of frequent monsoon floods and rising sea levels presents a scenario where more and more EVs could end up submerged in salty floodwaters, increasing the risk of battery fires in the region. <h2>What does this mean for you?</h2>While electric cars are generally safe under normal conditions, the growing risk of battery fires due to flooding is an important factor to consider if you live in flood-prone areas, especially near the sea. The key takeaway here is that EV owners should take extra precautions when natural disasters loom, particularly hurricanes and floods. Here's what you can do to protect your EV: <ul><li>Move your EV to higher ground: If you're in a flood zone, take your EV to higher ground or evacuate it if possible. This will help prevent it from being submerged in salty water.</li><li>Evacuate early: Be proactive and evacuate before the floodwaters hit. Don't wait for the last minute to move your vehicle to safety.</li><li>After the flood, treat submerged EVs with caution: If your EV has been submerged in water, especially saltwater, it’s essential to avoid using it, charging it, or even moving it until it’s been inspected by professionals. Contact the manufacturer for a thorough inspection of the battery.</li><li>Do not attempt DIY fixes: If your vehicle has been exposed to saltwater, do not try to start it, charge it, or fix the battery yourself. The risks of fire are too high, and professionals are trained to handle such situations safely.</li></ul>

Buying an EV may be a somewhat dangerous move if you live near the sea

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Beazer Homes is building "zero energy," climate-friendly homes even though they're more expensive. </li><li>CEO Allan Merrill said the upfront investment will pay off long-term. </li></ul>A new community of 19 single-family homes north of Baltimore is at the forefront of the green-building movement.Solar panels are on the roofs. Garages come with electrical-vehicle charging. Energy-efficient appliances, including electric heat pumps and induction stoves, are installed. Airtight insulation prevents leaks that waste energy. Fresh-air systems keep indoor air clean. The homes use so little energy that solar could offset most or all energy utility costs.The project was developed by Beazer Homes, one of the largest US homebuilders. Several years ago, the company set a goal that by 2025, all its new homes would meet the US Department of Energy's "Zero Energy Ready" <a target="_blank" href="https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/zero-energy-ready-home-program">certification</a>. Its CEO, Allan Merrill, said Beazer was close to meeting the goal.The effort has come at a cost; Merrill said climate-friendly features can add $10,000 to $30,000 to construction and that the market for these homes is still emerging. It's also a precarious time, with so many Americans struggling to afford a home and the reelection of Donald Trump threatening to reverse many environmental regulations. But there are tailwinds, including state laws that require industries like utilities and real estate to decarbonize and a record amount of renewable-energy projects across the US.Merrill thinks the up-front investment will be worth it in the long term, even if shareholders haven't rewarded Beazer yet. Prioritizing sustainability helps the company attract the best talent, he said, and homeowners are increasingly concerned about rising utility costs. Now Beazer has to educate customers and the broader real-estate market about the value of green homes."Leadership requires investment," Merrill said. "We made a conscious decision to make less money on all of these homes. Now it's about talking to more customers, becoming more effective at communicating the value, and getting paid for it."<div type="image" title="People stand in the kitchen of a &quot;Zero Energy Ready&quot; home in Parkville, Maryland." height="3463" width="3024" msid="115056622" hostid="261" sizebytes="404276"></div>Merrill added that Beazer is in the middle of that journey. The 19 single-family homes in Parkville, Maryland, cost at least $700,000, which is more than double the area's median sales price in September of $300,000.Merrill said the value of Zero Energy Ready homes comes from lower utility bills, healthier air quality, a quieter living space, and a reduced environmental impact. Beazer estimated that owners of the new homes in Parkville would save about $453 a month in energy-utility costs compared with owners of older homes in town, and $311 a month compared with owners of a typical new build. Better indoor air quality is a selling point for buyers with asthma or other respiratory problems. Renewable energy and electric appliances don't emit fossil fuels."The tricky thing is when people walk in, they're not wearing a button that tells you which of those issues are relevant to them," Merrill said. "That's the discovery process. It's finding a way to connect what we've done to each buyer."He said another challenge is that home appraisals generally don't account for energy efficiency or renewable-energy technologies.Woody Fincham, a residential appraiser in Charlottesville, Virginia, who also teaches courses on sustainable homes for the Appraisal Institute, says few appraisers have the expertise. But he argued that the problem is broader. Real-estate agents need to market green features so that prospective buyers understand their value, which then has to be communicated to mortgage lenders who can seek out qualified appraisers.Still, there's no guarantee that a green home can fetch a higher price, because the market largely depends on what's sold nearby."If you're in a community where people put a lot of value on efficiency — and there are some parts of the country where they do — the appraisal will be able to show that the market is willing to pay more," Andrew Pizor, a senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center, said. "But if you're in a community where people don't care about that kind of thing, the appraiser is going to compare prices and likely find that no one's willing to pay extra for it."Two Democrats in Congress have proposed legislation that would require appraisals to consider a home's energy use compared with that of nearby properties, as well as whether the home has energy-efficient appliances, solar panels, and EV charging. The bill would also require additional training for appraisers.But it hasn't passed, and Merrill said Beazer isn't waiting around.

Why the CEO of a big US homebuilder is gambling on green homes

Climate Action 15: 2024's top global innovators powering green solutions

<ul><li><keyword id="19912297" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NVIDIA" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="NVIDIA" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="NVIDIA">NVIDIA</keyword> and <keyword id="19896380" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Reliance-Industries" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Reliance Industries" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Reliance Industries">Reliance Industries</keyword> have partnered to build AI computing infrastructure.</li><li>NVIDIA will also supply the latest Blackwell AI chip for Reliance Industries’ new data centre.</li><li>The partnership was announced at the NVIDIA AI Summit India.</li></ul> <keyword id="16173150" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NVIDIA-CEO-Jensen-Huang" source="Orion">NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang</keyword> at the NVIDIA AI Summit India announced a partnership with Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries to an artificial intelligence (AI) computing infrastructure and an innovation centre in India. As part of the partnership between the two companies, Reliance Industries will use the latest Nvidia Blackwell AI chip for its new major data centre. The company will use NVIDIA's cutting-edge technology, including the GB200 GPUs. The two companies are aiming to accelerate India's transformation into a global AI powerhouse with the partnership, banking on the nation's talent pool and growing digital infrastructure. "India is already world-class in designing chips, Nvidia's are designed here in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune. A third of Nvidia is Indian, maybe more," Huang said. While praising the country’s rapid digitalisation in recent years and talking about the country’s potential in the AI sector, Huang said, “Very few countries have this amazing natural resource called IT and computer science expertise.” "We are at the doorsteps of the new intelligence age. India will be one of the biggest intelligence markets. It's not just our aspiration, but also the raw gene power which will help drive intelligence,” said Reliance Industries chairman <keyword id="19916798" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mukesh-Ambani" source="keywords">Mukesh Ambani</keyword>. "India will not just deliver CEOs to world, but also AI services. Like we did with data, in few years from now we can surprise the world with what Indians can achieve in intelligence," Ambani added. Ambani revealed the company’s plans to establish a scalable infrastructure capable of expanding beyond 1 gigawatt, powered by green energy. "We are building this so we can scale, and we think big," he said. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/deepak-builders-ipo-allotment-how-to-check-allotment-ipo-gmp-listing-date-and-more/articleshow/114533208.cms">Deepak Builders IPO allotment – How to check allotment, IPO GMP, listing date and more</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/synology-introduces-new-enterprise-solutions-reports-significant-growth-in-india/articleshow/114504353.cms">Synology introduces new enterprise solutions, reports significant growth in India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/diwali-gift-zomato-platform-fee-increased-to-rs-10-ahead-of-the-festive-season/articleshow/114493617.cms">Diwali gift from Zomato – Platform fee increased to ₹10 ahead of the festive season</a>

NVIDIA and Reliance Industries to build AI computing infrastructure in India

Green Building and Sustainable Design

State-owned <keyword id="20039950" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bharat-Petroleum-Corporation" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Bharat Petroleum Corporation" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Bharat Petroleum Corporation">Bharat Petroleum Corporation</keyword> plans to invest Rs 1.7 lakh crore over the next five years to grow its core oil refining and fuel marketing business as well as in 'future big bets' of <keyword id="20115883" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="petrochemicals" source="keywords">petrochemicals</keyword> and <keyword id="19895435" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="green-energy" source="keywords">green energy</keyword>, its chairman G Krishnakumar has said. At present, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (<keyword id="19908646" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="BPCL" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="BPCL" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="BPCL">BPCL</keyword>) owns about 14 per cent of India's oil <keyword id="20064251" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="refining-capacity" source="keywords">refining capacity</keyword> and about a quarter of the fuel retailing network. It plans to grow these businesses while foraying into newer areas. The firm is now implementing the first phase of a multi-decade aspirational journey in the form of '<keyword id="22826627" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="project-Aspire" source="keywords">Project Aspire</keyword>' - its five-year strategic framework that is based on two fundamental pillars - 'Nurturing the Core' and 'Investing in Future Big Bets', he said in the company's latest annual report. "Our mid-term strategy is on a continuum. While we remain committed to growing our core businesses, which include refining and marketing <keyword id="20037698" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="petroleum-products" source="keywords">petroleum products</keyword> and upstream, we are equally focused on our big bets comprising petrochemicals, gas, green energy, non-fuel retail, and digital. "Project Aspire, with a planned capex outlay of around Rs 1.70 lakh crore over five years, will enable us to create long-term value for our stakeholders while preserving our planet for future generations," he said. "A cornerstone of our long-term strategy, Project Aspire, with a Rs 1.70 trillion investment, marks the initial phase of our multi-decade odyssey to shape the energy of tomorrow. This, coupled with our robust balance sheet, fuels our ambition to lead the <keyword id="19951336" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="energy-transition" source="keywords">energy transition</keyword>." The company is targeting net zero carbon emissions from its operations by 2040. "BPCL has drawn a net-zero roadmap, which encompasses renewable power, green hydrogen, compressed biogas, carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS), efficiency improvement and the offsets procurements. This would require a phased capital outlay of approximately Rs 1 lakh crore till 2040, and the company is geared for the same," he said. The firm's bet on continuing investing in core businesses is based on the premise that India's booming economy will drive a 4-5 per cent annual increase in energy demand and petroleum product consumption. Also, the demand for major petrochemical products is expected to rise by 7-8 per cent annually. "This presents a strategic opportunity to expand refining capacity alongside the development of integrated petrochemical complexes," he said. BPCL is implementing new petrochemical projects at two of its three oil refineries. A Rs 49,000 crore ethylene cracker project is being implemented at the Bina refinery in Madhya Pradesh, alongside raising oil refining capacity from the current 7.8 million tonnes to 11 million tonnes annually by 2029. A polypropylene project is being set up at Kochi refinery in Kerala by 2027. "To meet the anticipated demand beyond our planned expansions in Bina and Kochi, we are actively evaluating options for setting up additional integrated refining and petrochemical capacities within the next 5-7 years," Krishnakumar said without disclosing either the investments or the location of such a project. Andhra Pradesh is being speculated as the likely site after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP and regional party TDP stormed to power in the state in recently concluded assembly elections. TDP has been demanding the implementation of a refinery-cum-petrochemical complex that was promised as part of the package when the state was split more than a decade back. "Our investment in the petrochemical project is consistent with our aspiration of becoming a dominant player in India's petrochemical growth story," Krishnakumar said. On energy transition, he said BPCL is targeting to build 2 gigawatts (GW) of <keyword id="19895602" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="renewable-energy" source="keywords">renewable energy</keyword> capacity by 2025 and 10 GW by 2035. "We are investing nearly Rs 1,000 crore to establish two 50 MW captive wind power plants in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, which will support our refineries in Mumbai and Bina." The firm is also investing around Rs 300 crore in 72 MWp of solar project in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. "Concomitantly, we are executing green hydrogen projects aligned with the National Green Hydrogen Mission. These projects include a 5 MW electrolyser plant at Bina refinery and a green hydrogen refuelling station with an indigenously developed electrolyser at Kochi," he noted. BPCL, he said, is committed to supporting the transition to electric mobility through a robust and accessible charging infrastructure. The company has installed over 3,000 charging stations, including fast chargers for cars and two-wheelers. 900 fast chargers are installed across 120 highway corridors, which helps address the range, discovery and time anxiety of electric vehicle (EV) owners. "Over the next five years, we aim to install 4-wheeler fast chargers at approximately 6,000 retail outlets across 400 highway corridors, prioritising high-traffic corridors like the Golden Quadrilateral and N-S/E-W highways," he said. On biofuels, he said BPCL sells petrol with 20 per cent ethanol blend at 4,279 out of its over 22,000 petrol pumps. It is also building compressed biogas plants using municipal solid waste to make gas that can be used as CNG in automobiles. The firm is also exploring partnerships in the arena. "These combined efforts, along with the upcoming commissioning of a bio-ethanol refinery, positions BPCL as a key player in India's transition to a greener fuel mix, creating a robust ecosystem for the adoption of cleaner fuels across the country," he added. BPCL is establishing a corporate venture capital fund to invest directly in promising startups. "In order to thrive in this complex and challenging business landscape, we will leverage our agility and focus on operational excellence to ensure continued success. Safety and reliability will remain our top priorities, guiding all our actions. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance," he added. He said the energy sector of India stands at an inflection point. "The nation has an ambitious vision of becoming a USD 30 trillion developed economy by 2047. 'Viksit Bharat @2047' will necessitate an almost fourfold increase in primary energy demand." India's exponential growth trajectory will propel it to a pivotal role in the global energy market, accounting for roughly 12 per cent of world energy consumption by 2047. "The key strategic objectives for India in the energy sector will entail significant expansion in refining capacities, raising the share of gas in the energy basket from about 6 per cent to 15 per cent, establishing leadership in petrochemical exports, and sharply reducing energy imports from current levels of 47 per cent to below 25 per cent by 2030 and to zero by 2047," he said. India is targeting 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity, sourcing half of its energy needs from renewables, reducing carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes and lowering carbon intensity by 45 per cent by 2030 with the ultimate goal of net-zero emissions by 2070. "Building on its strong Indian energy presence, BPCL aspires to meet 7-10 per cent of the nation's primary energy demand by 2047," he said.

BPCL planning Rs 1.7 lakh crore spend to expand core business, new energy foray over next five years

US presidential candidate <keyword id="19918985" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Donald-Trump" source="keywords">Donald Trump</keyword> has gone from suggesting that immigrants were poisoning the blood of the country to saying that he would welcome immigrants from “nice” countries like Denmark, Switzerland and Norway to his most recent plans of automatically granting green cards to <keyword id="22128571" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="foreign-graduates" source="keywords">foreign graduates</keyword> of US colleges in a rather short duration of time. Feeling a little whiplashed, anyone? Securing a green card in the US is a Herculean task whose difficulty is probably comparable to capturing and bringing back Cerberus. And this legal permanent residence, which can sometimes take decades, is only the first step to becoming a US citizen. Many Indians have tried, whether it’s through residing and working for decades, navigating rather lengthy paperwork or marrying someone who is already a US citizen. Sadly, many have failed too. However, should Donald Trump become the President of the United States again (and decide to keep his word), Indian students might actually have an easier time getting a green card. In a surprising shift from his previous stance on immigration, former President Donald Trump has unveiled a bold plan to automatically grant green cards to foreign graduates of US colleges if re-elected. This announcement, made during a podcast interview with Silicon Valley investors, marks a departure from Trump's traditionally tough rhetoric on immigration. During the podcast hosted by Chamath Palihapitiya and others, Trump expressed his commitment to retaining talent educated in American universities. He argued passionately for granting green cards as a standard benefit for graduates, regardless of the institution they attended. Trump emphasised that this policy should encompass graduates from renowned institutions like Harvard and MIT as well as from junior colleges across the country. “It’s so sad when we lose people from Harvard, MIT, the greatest schools, and lesser schools that are phenomenal schools also,” Trump lamented on the All-In Podcast. “I think you should get, automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country and that includes junior colleges, too.” A green card affords its holder permanent residency rights in the United States and represents a crucial step towards citizenship. Trump's proposal, if enacted, could potentially introduce hundreds of thousands of new applicants for citizenship annually. Adding to the exodus of Indians who have already migrated to the US, over 200,000 Indian nationals are enrolled in institutes across the US in 2024, setting a new record. In fact, the significant surge in Indian students seeking education in the country between 2022-23 represented an unprecedented 35% increase from the year before that. The former US president specifically mentioned India and China, highlighting how talented individuals were unable to stay in the US because of current <keyword id="22151110" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="visa-policies" source="keywords">visa policies</keyword>. We can see how this may show him in a favourable light for green card aspirants. And while we’re not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, it is important to remember that Trump has made his discriminatory nature very public in several instances. Immigration has been a hot topic in the US political arena for decades. However, in recent years, the political right and others have been more divided than ever on this issue. Republicans have been calling for stringent immigration policies and strict border protections. Therefore, even if Trump does deliver what he promises, the packaging will most likely have fine print that might continue to make it difficult for students to attain green cards. In fact, the presidential candidate’s campaign press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, has already clarified that Trump's proposal would only apply to thoroughly vetted college graduates who can “make significant contributions” to America and would not undercut American wages or workers. She emphasised that Trump has outlined the most aggressive vetting process in US history to exclude "all communists, radical Islamists, Hamas supporters, America haters and public charges." Anyhow, Trump’s proposal starkly contrasts with Trump's previous hardline stance on immigration, which had been a cornerstone of his political platform. During his presidency, Trump advocated for stringent immigration policies, including the largest deportation campaign in US history, aimed at undocumented migrants, and building a wall on the southern borders of the country. Trump intensified restrictions on legal immigration amid the pandemic and his final year in office. He proposed halting all immigration to the US and deporting foreign students who didn't attend some in-person classes. A month before the 2020 election, Trump once more moved to tighten regulations on the <keyword id="20773661" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="H-1B-visa" source="keywords">H-1B visa</keyword> program. He has also criticised the H-1B visa program, which tech companies favour for hiring foreign skilled workers, as detrimental to American prosperity. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa allowing US firms to employ foreigners in specialised occupations requiring theoretical or technical expertise. At a recent campaign event in Wisconsin, Trump criticised Biden's immigration policies, particularly lambasting a new program allowing undocumented spouses of US citizens to apply for permanent residence without leaving the country. Trump characterised immigration under Biden as an "invasion" and argued against discussing amnesty, urging instead for measures to halt what he perceives as an influx of unauthorised migrants. Estimates from the Department of Homeland Security suggest that approximately 11 million migrants currently reside in the US without authorization, a statistic that has been central to Trump's arguments against leniency in immigration policy.

Donald Trump strikes again: Ex-President proposes automatic green cards for foreign graduates of US colleges

<keyword id="19955648" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Adani-Group" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Adani Group" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Adani Group">Adani group</keyword> plans to invest about Rs 1.3 lakh crore across its portfolio companies in this financial year, as it doubles down on its $100 billion investment guidance over the next 7-10 years to grow businesses, the group's CFO said. The investment will range from ports to energy, airports, commodities, cement and media. 70% of this will met through internal cash generation and the remaining will be taken care through debt, group CFO Jugeshinder 'Robbie' Singh noted. The group will look to refinance $3-4 billion of debt maturing in the year and raise an additional $1 billion in project financing, he said, adding the annual $2-2.5 billion of equity infusion by bringing in new investors is also likely to continue. "This year will be more about asset completion," the CFO continued. <keyword id="34553" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Renewable-energy" source="Orion">Renewable energy</keyword> firm <keyword id="19898586" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Adani" source="keywords">Adani</keyword> Green will complete 6-7 GW project, while the solar wafer manufacturing unit will also attain scale. Also, the new airport at Mumbai will be completed. The projected capital expenditure or capex for 2024-25 (April 2024 to March 2025) fiscal is 40% higher than what the portfolio is estimated to have incurred in FY24. The group had previously guided a $100 billion capex over the next 7-10 years. Most of this investment is going to go into the group's fast growing businesses -- renewable energy, <keyword id="8411893" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="green-hydrogen" source="Orion">green hydrogen</keyword> and airports and infrastructure. As much as 70% of the planned capex will go into its green portfolio - primarily <keyword id="19904987" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="renewable-power" source="keywords">renewable power</keyword>, green hydrogen, green evacuation. Of the remaining 30%, the majority will be spent towards airports and ports businesses. Adani group companies posted a record 45% rise in pre-tax profit (Ebitda) to Rs 82,917 crore (about $10 billion) in FY24, Singh said. Emerging from a damning report of a US short seller <keyword id="191733" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hindenburg" source="Orion">Hindenburg</keyword>, which hit the market value of its listed companies, Adani group in 2023-24 focused on containing debt, reducing founder share pledge and consolidating the business in core competencies. The five-year CAGR (compound annual growth rate) for profit growth was 54% A school drop-out, group chairman <keyword id="19929098" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gautam-Adani" source="keywords">Gautam Adani</keyword> started out as a commodities trader and rose to be counted amongst world's richest with an empire spanning across ports, power generation, airports, mining, renewables, gas, data centres, media and cement. Today, Adani group is the world's second largest solar power company, it is the largest airport operator with 25% of passenger traffic and 40% of air cargo, the largest ports and logistics company with 30% market share, largest integrated energy player, and the country's second largest cement manufacturer. With strong emphasis on <keyword id="19895435" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="green-energy" source="keywords">green energy</keyword> transition, it will be allocating more than 70% of this $100 billion to its green businesses including renewable power, green hydrogen, and green evacuation transmission lines. The conglomerate is building the world's largest renewable park at Khavda, Gujarat, spanning over 530 square kilometers, which is about five times the size of the city of Paris. A large portion of total investments is earmarked for expansion and development of its fast-growing airports business and ports business. With a portfolio boasting eight airports including the upcoming <keyword id="57321" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="navi-mumbai" source="Orion">Navi Mumbai</keyword> airport and 14 domestic ports, Adani wants to further solidify its presence in these sectors.

Adani to invest Rs 1.3 lakh crore in FY25 across its companies

A day ahead of the final Budget presentation, India released the <keyword id="20613906" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="economic-survey" source="keywords">Economic Survey</keyword> 2023-2024, outlining a plethora of optimistic — and some bittersweet — indicators of the health of the nation’s economy. When you consider the climate-related aspects of the report, there’s a ton of good news: we have achieved massive strides in clean power generation, while cutting out a ton of dirty emissions from our products. However, scroll down to the bottom of the report, and you find a scathing criticism of the “western” approach to climate change. Here's a closer look at why, and what clues do such narratives hold about India's <keyword id="22513472" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="environmental-strategy" source="keywords">environmental strategy</keyword> in coming years. <h2>Problems with the “Western way”</h2>The major criticism, as per the survey, is that the Western approach to climate change is far too alarmist. They argue that this “one-size-fits-all” attitude often fails to account for the diverse needs of countries like India. To that end, it also points out that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) promotes "accelerated and equitable mitigation pathways" that don't always align with the developmental priorities of <keyword id="20353838" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="developing-nations" source="keywords">developing nations</keyword>. Additionally, the report notes that Western solutions often prioritise market-based strategies to sustain high consumption levels rather than addressing the root issue of overconsumption. The survey emphasises that <keyword id="20224417" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sustainable-living" source="keywords">sustainable living</keyword> is deeply ingrained in <keyword id="19983840" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-culture" source="keywords">Indian culture</keyword>, which contrasts sharply with the consumption-driven lifestyle prevalent in the West. This focus on high consumption misses the mark, as it doesn't consider the environmental impact of such lifestyles. And for the most part, this bit is true; Indian history is enriched with traditions that emphasise the conservation of nature. As <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2017/3828609">per estimates</a>, religious practices have preserved an estimated 1.5 lakh sacred groves across India, and natural conservation efforts can be traced back to the time of Ashoka. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111925936" title="Economic Survey 2023-24: Where does India stand on the employment, and what&amp;#39;s next?" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Therefore, it may not be entirely inaccurate to say that in India, sustainability isn't a new concept; it's a way of life. Traditional Indian practices like using reusable materials, upcycling, and embracing minimalism have always promoted sustainability. The survey highlights that these practices are now threatened by Western capitalist ideals that equate consumption with progress. By returning to these roots, India can offer a model of sustainability that's both practical and culturally relevant. <h2>Fixation on technical solutions</h2>The Economic Survey also critiques the Western obsession with high-tech solutions, such as solar-powered buildings and electric vehicles. These solutions require substantial financial and infrastructural resources that many developing countries simply don't have. Moreover, they often overlook the broader environmental impact and lifecycle costs associated with urban sprawl and high-density living. Instead, the survey suggests that simpler, more holistic solutions might be more effective and sustainable. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111774972" title="Economic Survey shows India&amp;#39;s energy needs to grow 2.5x, healthy growth in formal employment" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>However, this does not mean that India refuses to embrace greener tech. Not only has the country launched various initiatives to promote energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, it also aims to to generate 40% of its energy from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. As per the report, India is the only G20 country on track to meet the 2°C warming commitment under the Paris Agreement, with significant investments in <keyword id="19895602" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="renewable-energy" source="keywords">renewable energy</keyword>, particularly solar power. <h2><keyword id="20269618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mission-LiFE" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Mission LiFE" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Mission LiFE">Mission LiFE</keyword>: A sustainable initiative</h2>In order to help reinforce and rejuvenate the Indian way, the survey highlights Prime Minister Modi's Lifestyle for Environment initiative, or Mission LiFE. This initiative underscores individual responsibility in combating climate change, drawing from ancient Indian philosophy that advocates for a naturally sustainable lifestyle. By focusing on small, individual actions that collectively lead to significant environmental benefits, Mission LiFE contrasts sharply with the Western top-down policy approach. This grassroots strategy could be key to achieving real, lasting change, the report asserts. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111927198" title="On the right track — Economic Survey 2023-24 outlines India’s commendable climate action" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>All in all, the report challenges the dominance of Western policies and offers a pathway that could be more adaptable and relevant for other developing nations facing similar challenges. With its ongoing progress towards climate goals, India is well-placed to lead by example, showcasing a sustainable and culturally attuned approach to environmental stewardship.

Why did the latest Economic Survey of India heavily shun the ‘Western ways’ of climate action?

<keyword id="20357709" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tata-Power-Renewable-Energy" source="keywords">Tata Power Renewable Energy</keyword> Ltd (TPREL) has joined hands with state-owned <keyword id="22457046" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NHPC-Renewable" source="keywords">NHPC Renewable</keyword> Energy Ltd (NHPC-REL) for installation of rooftop <keyword id="20297569" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="solar-projects" source="keywords">solar projects</keyword> on government buildings of central ministries, states, and union territories. "This collaboration represents a major step forward in our shared vision of a sustainable and <keyword id="19895435" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="green-energy" source="keywords">green energy</keyword> future. By leveraging our combined strengths, we are confident in achieving our goal of 100 per cent solarisation by 2025," Nanda said. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in this regard was signed on July 17, 2024 between Deepesh Nanda, CEO &amp; MD of TPREL, and S P Rathour, CEO of NHPC-REL, TPREL said in a statement. "This initiative will not only help us meet our solarisation targets but also contribute significantly to reducing the carbon footprint of government buildings," NHPC CMD R P Goyal said. An arm of Tata Power, TPREL is a developer of renewable energy projects including solar, wind, hybrid, round-the-clock (RTC), peak, floating solar, and storage systems including battery storage. It owns, operates, and maintains these projects. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/samsung-galaxy-m35-5g-with-6000mah-battery-launched-in-india-starting-at-16999/slidelist/111806447.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/samsung-galaxy-m35-5g-with-6000mah-battery-launched-in-india-starting-at-16999/slidelist/111806447.cms" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy M35 5G with 6,000mAh battery launched in India starting at ₹19,999</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/oneplus-nord-4-vs-realme-gt-6t-which-mid-range-phone-should-you-buy-under-35000/slidelist/111803604.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/oneplus-nord-4-vs-realme-gt-6t-which-mid-range-phone-should-you-buy-under-35000/slidelist/111803604.cms" target="_blank">OnePlus Nord 4 vs Realme GT 6T – which mid-range phone should you buy under ₹35,000?</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/reliance-jio-and-airtel-added-3-45-million-subscribers-in-may-2024-while-vi-lost-nearly-a-million/articleshow/111800758.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/reliance-jio-and-airtel-added-3-45-million-subscribers-in-may-2024-while-vi-lost-nearly-a-million/articleshow/111800758.cms" target="_blank">Reliance Jio and Airtel added 3.45 million subscribers in May 2024, while Vi lost nearly a million</a>

Tata Power Renewable Energy, NHPC Renewable join hands for installation of rooftop solar projects

<ul class="summary-list"><li>European farmers have blocked roads and sprayed government buildings with manure in recent weeks.</li><li>They're rallying against the European Union's "Green Deal" and soaring inflation.</li></ul>Europe's farmers aren't happy — and they're using tractors, tires and manure to show it.In recent weeks they've been taking to the streets over a string of grievances, including the European Union's efforts to go climate-neutral and high inflation that's pushed up their costs.As well as protests in the center of cities such as Paris and Barcelona, farmers have blocked major roads with their tractors and even taken to setting hay bales alight and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.france24.com/en/video/20240125-en-grab-french-farmers">spraying liquid manure</a> at government buildings to show their displeasure.<div type="image" title="Farmers have captured France's attention by showering government offices with manure and besieging Paris with traffic-snarling barricades of tractors and hay bales." height="5623" width="8435" msid="107556138" hostid="261" sizebytes="2258940"></div><h2>What are the farmers angry about?</h2>The main source of discontent is the <a target="_blank" href="https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en">Green Deal</a>, the European Union's initiative to make Europe "climate neutral" by 2050.Russia's invasion of Ukraine almost two years ago fueled double-digit inflation across the continent, with the cost of everything from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pope-francis-global-food-crisis-russia-black-sea-grain-deal-2023-7">grain</a> to <a target="_blank" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/commodities/diesel-prices-soar-supply-crisis-gas-station-rationing-inflation-2022-5">diesel</a> soaring.Farmers say their profits aren't high enough to justify investing in sustainable agriculture and say they need more help from the EU, despite it setting aside about $300 billion of aid over the next three years.<div type="image" title="Farmers in Italy protest the EU's agricultural policies." height="5122" width="7682" msid="107556140" hostid="261" sizebytes="1365856"></div>They're also rallying against the EU decision to sign free-trade agreements with other countries, including New Zealand, <a target="_blank" href="https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblog/2024/02/08/could-the-eus-trade-deal-with-kenya-strengthen-the-african-continental-free-trade-area/">Kenya</a>, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-01-29/macron-asks-eu-s-von-der-leyen-to-stop-mercosur-trade-deal">South America's Mercosur group</a>, arguing that those deals will allow overseas farmers to undercut their prices.<h2>How are they protesting?</h2>Protesters across the continent have marched under banners reading "no farmers, no food" to show their opposition to the EU's agricultural policies.Last week, the situation escalated when farmers from Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, and Greece all gathered at the European Parliament in Brussels where they <a target="_blank" href="https://time.com/6632372/farmer-protests-europe-france-germany-brussels/">set bonfires and hurled eggs</a> at EU offices.<div type="image" title="Farmers gather to protest outside the European Parliament in Brussels." height="3335" width="5000" msid="107556144" hostid="261" sizebytes="706576"></div>Over the past few days, further protests have broken out in Barcelona, where tractors have <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/spanish-farmers-blockade-roads-second-day-against-eu-policies-2024-02-07/">clogged up key roads</a>, and Cyprus, where farmers <a target="_blank" href="https://knews.kathimerini.com.cy/en/news/farmers-rev-up-tractors-in-protest-against-eu-agricultural-policies">took to the streets</a> for the third time in eight months.They've also dumped tires on roads in France to demand government aid worth hundreds of millions of euros.<div type="image" title="Tires dumped on a road in Vesoul, eastern France." height="683" width="1024" msid="107556148" hostid="261" sizebytes="117402"></div><h2>How has the EU responded?</h2>The EU said Wednesday that it would scrap plans to force farmers to halve their pesticide use by 2030 — one contentious element of the Green Deal.It's also tweaked the constraints imposed by a key nature-restoration policy and punted on a requirement to force farmers to leave more of their land fallow.<div type="image" title="Farmers in Strasbourg protest the EU's anti-pesticides proposal." height="4002" width="6000" msid="107556150" hostid="261" sizebytes="572368"></div>But EU president Ursula von der Leyden has doubled down on plans to cut emissions by 90% by 2040, suggesting that she's gearing up for a longer-term fight with the agricultural sector. Politicians have been reluctant to join her in that battle.French president Emmanuel Macron has publicly rebuked the EU deal with Mercosur, likely in a bid to quell protests at home, while right-wing leaders like Hungary's Viktor Orban have stoked tensions in a bid to boost their anti-green and anti-EU credentials."The government stands together with the farmers and not against them," Cyprus' agriculture minister Maria Panayiotou said this week after protests broke out in the capital, Nicosia.Farming subsidies accounted for almost a third of the EU's budget in 1980, but that proportion has now fallen to just under a quarter.

Angry European farmers are blocking freeways with tractors and spraying manure on buildings over green push

<ul class="summary-list"><li>My long-distance partner and I <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mom-took-pay-cut-move-houston-boston-worth-it-2024-9">moved to Massachusetts</a> thinking it was a great place to merge lives.</li><li>We advanced our careers in Boston but found it to be too expensive and not a great fit for us.</li></ul>My partner and I began our long-distance relationship on opposite coasts — I in Lake Tahoe and she in New York — but we wanted to merge our lives somewhere new after a few years together.We spent months <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/these-are-2019-s-best-states-live-here-s-what-ncna1019556">researching</a> where we'd like to move and build an ideal future. Eventually, we set our sights on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-states-to-live-in-ranked-2024-8">Massachusetts</a>.For years, places like US News &amp; World Report have named it the best state to live in because of its consistently high ratings in common <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-cities-best-quality-of-life-ranked-2024-2">quality-of-life metrics</a>, like affordability and residents' overall happiness.We were even more convinced once we saw videos of New England's brilliant foliage in the fall — I pictured our lives there as part "Gilmore Girls" and part <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/day-in-the-life-small-town-from-hallmark-movies-2024">Hallmark movie</a> with a dash of rain-soaked cobblestone.We headed to Massachusetts' capital, Boston, in the summer of 2019 once I'd secured a job and signed up for classes at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/harvard-freshman-what-my-first-day-of-classes-was-like-2023-9">Harvard</a>.<h2 id="3ce755d2-c43c-4c0a-8169-b1ab126ba064">The city wasn't what we expected, and we struggled to get used to it</h2><div type="image" title="Rainy brick wakway with fallen autumn leaves in Boston with skyscrapers in background" height="3333" width="5000" msid="114157159" hostid="261" sizebytes="1534598"></div>The city certainly had beauty, but I soon realized just how divergent our experiences were against our expectations.Massachusetts has <a target="_blank" href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/mortgages/cost-of-living-by-state/">high rent</a> costs in certain areas, and Boston's generally <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/boston-cost-of-living-young-people/3434605/">high cost of living</a> meant we weren't able to build our savings while living there.Our paychecks mostly went to our $3,000-per-month Boston apartment that had been sold to us as a "luxurious living space for young professionals" but was actually small and outdated.Each day, I headed to work on an agonizing commute, navigating potholes and aggressive drivers through a city with some of the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/boston-traffic-delays-ranked-4th-worst-in-us-and-8th-worst-worldwide-report-shows/3409481/">worst traffic in the world</a>. Then, I'd pay to park my car in a garage that cost about a quarter of our rent each month.Although Boston offers many public transportation options, my partner (a born-and-raised New Yorker) found them unreliable at times. Between the round-the-clock traffic and limited green spaces in the city, fresh air sometimes felt nonexistent.We struggled socially, too. My family says I'm so outgoing that I befriend every barista and grocery cashier I meet, so I was shocked when I experienced an inability to connect with the people I met in Boston. Coming from out of state, we often felt like we were viewed as outsiders.Even our cats, confined to a too-small apartment with views of a similarly run-down building beside us, seemed to feel it: Boston wasn't for us.<h2 id="f5670272-4a55-43cf-9714-78c6a51c30e1">After 2 years, we headed to the suburbs to heal</h2>While in Boston, my partner advanced her career in veterinary medicine and I got a decent education. But by 2021, we knew we had to leave — the two years since our August 2019 <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/boston-portland-chicago-new-job-where-move-rto-higher-pay-2023-11">move to Boston</a> felt like a decade each.The city had exhausted us, and we resented it, but we hadn't lost hope in the state just yet. So, we sought out a slower pace of living about an hour west in the lesser-known <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guaranteed-basic-income-monthly-payments-housing-boston-suburb-somerville-massachusetts-2024-4">Massachusetts suburb</a> of Sudbury.Once we moved, our rent cost $550 less a month — our apartment was spacious and nicer, with updated appliances and in-unit laundry. We also had scenic views since our windows overlooked a dog park and a forest.The air in Sudbury felt fresher as we were surrounded by more green spaces. Although our community was smaller than it was in Boston, the people we met felt kinder, more closely knit, and more welcoming.We stayed there for over two years until we moved to a Las Vegas suburb in December 2023 to be closer to family in need, but we're still grateful for our time in Sudbury.Despite the downsides we experienced, we have a lot to thank Boston for, too. We grew into adulthood and advanced our careers there — and the city taught us we really need space and serenity in order to flourish.

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