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Bengaluru: Last week, <keyword id="19902762" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Google" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Google" meta.hostid="265" meta.entityid="Google">Google</keyword> unveiled a series of new AI-powered partnerships aimed at advancing healthcare, <keyword id="19895783" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sustainability" source="keywords">sustainability</keyword>, and agriculture in India<br /><br />The tech giant is collaborating with both local and international organisations to implement AI-driven solutions in <keyword id="21690244" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="diabetic-retinopathy" source="keywords">diabetic retinopathy</keyword> screening, urban waste management, and agricultural development.<br /><br />According to Google, these announcements were made during a roundtable in Bengaluru, marking the fifth anniversary of Google's Research Lab in the city. This follows the 10th edition of the Google for India event, which showcased the potential of AI to benefit individuals, businesses, and society at large.<br /><br />Dr Manish Gupta, Research Director of Google DeepMind, stated, "Collaborating with key Indian organisations, our focused research in India across language understanding, healthcare, agriculture, and sustainability is helping tackle many of the country's unique challenges and creating AI-led solutions that will improve billions of lives."<br /><br />Google is working with <keyword id="23588208" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Forus-Health" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Forus Health" meta.hostid="265" meta.entityid="Forus Health">Forus Health</keyword> and AuroLab in India and Perceptra in Thailand to provide 6 million AI-assisted screenings for diabetic retinopathy over the next decade.<br /><br />These screenings aim to detect and prevent blindness in diabetic patients, particularly in resource-limited communities. The AI model has already supported over 600,000 screenings worldwide, with initial research and deployment carried out in India.<br /><br />Sunny Virmani, Group Product Manager, Health AI Research at Google, remarked, "From our initial research to the first patient screening in Madurai, India, we've been committed to translating AI's potential into meaningful change for people globally. And now the partnerships with Forus Health, AuroLab, and Perceptra are helping us expand on this commitment, as a global network of innovators comes together to eradicate preventable blindness due to diabetic retinopathy."<br /><br />Google's CircularNet, an AI-driven computer vision model for waste management, is being deployed in partnership with Bengaluru-based Saahas Zero Waste.<br /><br />CircularNet helps identify and sort plastic waste, facilitating recycling and reducing the strain on landfills. Powered by Google's TensorFlow, the model has shown approximately 85% accuracy in detecting plastic waste during a pilot programme, potentially boosting revenue for material recovery facilities by 10-12%.<br /><br />To support data-driven decision-making in agriculture, Google is also opening its Agricultural Landscape Understanding (ALU) Research API to developers.<br /><br />The API leverages satellite imagery and machine learning to provide farm-level insights, such as field boundaries, water bodies, and vegetation. The technology aims to optimise resource allocation and guide sustainable farming practices in India. (ANI)<br /><br />

Google announces AI-led collaborations for India's health, sustainability, and agriculture sectors

<ul><li><keyword id="23313190" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Musashi-Seimitsu" source="keywords">Musashi Seimitsu</keyword> Industry and <keyword id="23313191" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Log9-Materials" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Log9 Materials" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Log9 Materials">Log9 Materials</keyword> have announced a strategic partnership.</li><li>The two companies will produce powertrain technology and battery solutions for EVs.</li><li>The companies will offer these solutions in India and global markets.</li></ul> Japanese firm Musashi Seimitsu Industry, the parent company of Musashi India has announced a strategic partnership with Indian <keyword id="20172158" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="battery-technology" source="keywords">battery technology</keyword> company Log9 Materials, aimed at developing advanced electric vehicle powertrain technology and battery solutions for OEMs in the domestic and global markets. <br /><br />The partnership aims at combining Musashi's <keyword id="23313192" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="e-Axle-system" source="keywords">e-Axle system</keyword> and Log9 Materials’ battery technology to create integrated powertrain solutions tailored specifically for electric two and three-wheelers.<br /><br />“This partnership marks a significant milestone in our vision to reshape the electric mobility landscape. By joining forces with Log9, we are committed to delivering a comprehensive, high-performance solution tailored for <keyword id="20345883" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="electric-two-wheelers" source="keywords">electric two-wheelers</keyword> and three-wheelers. Our goal is to address critical market gaps and offer an integrated system that enhances energy efficiency, optimizes synergy between battery and drivetrain systems, and sets new industry standards for sustainability and innovation,” said Hiroshi Otsuka, President and Group CEO, Musashi.<br /><br />In June, Musashi Seimitsu’s subsidiary Musashi Auto Parts India announced that it is starting mass production of e-Axles for electric two-wheelers in the domestic market.<br /><br />The company said by seamlessly integrating battery packs with e-Axles, the partnership aims to reduce energy losses common in conventional powertrains, extending vehicle range and improving performance across diverse driving conditions, especially in densely populated urban areas.<br /><br />"By combining Musahi's expertise in manufacturing and energy-efficient motion conversion with Log9's battery technology, we aim to bring the most efficient powertrain solutions to the market. Both companies are committed to the common goal of decarbonizing the world through innovative technology, and this collaboration strengthens our aligned business ethos and future objectives," said Pankaj Sharma, Co-founder of Log9 Materials.<br /><br />A key aspect of this partnership is the centralized service model for the integrated battery and e-Axle systems, which will reduce repair downtime and improve customer satisfaction through quicker service turnaround, it said.<br /><br />Beyond India, the partnership aims to expand into global markets, including Southeast Asia and Africa, supported by a robust after-sales service network in major Indian cities.<br /><br />As per the company, Musashi's entry into the EV sector aligns with its strategic goals of fostering innovation and contributing to global carbon emission reduction efforts.<br /><br /><em>With inputs from PTI.</em><br /><br /><strong>SEE ALSO:<br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/it-is-cheaper-to-watch-coldplay-perform-in-abu-dhabi-than-to-pay-scalpers-for-mumbai-tickets/articleshow/113665893.cms">It is cheaper to watch Coldplay perform in Abu Dhabi than to pay scalpers for Mumbai tickets</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/hyundai-motor-indias-25000-crore-ipo-gets-sebi-approval-indias-biggest-ipo-expected-to-launch-in-october/articleshow/113658837.cms">Hyundai Motor India’s ₹25,000 crore IPO gets SEBI approval – India’s biggest IPO expected to launch in October</a><br /><br /></strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/tata-nexon-ev-with-a-bigger-battery-launched-starting-at-13-99-lakh/articleshow/113631992.cms"><strong>Tata Nexon EV with a bigger battery launched starting at ₹13.99 lakh</strong></a><br />

Japan’s Musashi Seimitsu and Log9 Materials partner to offer EV powertrain and battery solutions

<p>In front of a whiteboard from a classroom at Carnegie Mellon University, Strubell explains the Jevons effect, in which the gains from increased efficiency of a technological tool could be negated as use increases. The concept has come into focus as the conversation shifts to efficiency, AI, and the environment. Though they are a proponent for the advancement of AI, Strubell told Business Insider. "GenAI training is a nightmare for energy providers." Their work as an assistant professor at Carnegie Mellon's Language Technologies Institute asks students and researchers to examine the systems that power AI to discover more efficient and environmentally friendly raw materials that power AI.</p><p>See Business Insider's full <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://businessinsider.com/ai-power-list-2024">AI Power List</a></p>

Emma Strubell, a Carnegie Mellon University professor, is identifying more sustainable systems to power AI

A sixth-grade social science textbook that I read described India as a piece of fabric, with countless threads coloured in a myriad of majestic shades, woven together. This metaphor holds exceptionally well when put into the context of our <keyword id="22706215" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="handloom-industry" source="keywords">handloom industry</keyword>. <br /><br />India has a rich history of handlooms and weaving cultures. The culture of handlooms is so intricately woven into Indian culture, that there are whole towns dedicated to the same: <keyword id="248532" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chanderi" source="Orion">Chanderi</keyword> in Madhya Pradesh to Pochampally in Telangana and a dozen more! <br /><br />Unfortunately, the handloom industry in India is dying. The struggle is multi-faceted, ranging from a declining workforce to fierce competition from <keyword id="20496028" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="power-looms" source="keywords">power looms</keyword>. Hence, five years ago, August 7 was proclaimed <keyword id="22677698" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Handloom-Day" source="keywords">National Handloom Day</keyword> in response to this crisis and to heighten public awareness. <br /><br />This date holds special historical significance, commemorating the initiation of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905—a pivotal act of defiance against British colonial rule. <br /><br /><h2>When did this industry come into existence?</h2>According to archaeological findings, the origins of handloom in the Indian subcontinent may be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization. The Mughal Empire was known to support and patronise <keyword id="20258864" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="weavers" source="keywords">weavers</keyword>. The support from the royal patrons resulted in the invention of new textiles such as ‘Mulmul’ and ‘Banarasi Brocade’ among others. This era witnessed a heightened worldwide demand for Indian textiles. In the 17th century, India produced 25% of the world’s textiles, with Bengal accounting for more than 50% of textiles and 80% of silks imported by the Dutch from Asia.<br /><br /><h2>What led to the decline of the <keyword id="19934660" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Indian-handloom" source="keywords">Indian handloom</keyword>?</h2>The East India Company's entry fuelled the industry's initial decline, which started in the 1830s. The weavers were obliged to sell only to the British, and that too at exceedingly cheap prices, virtually putting them out of business. On the other hand, Indian cloth was taxed excessively to promote machine-made British clothing. <br /><br />The Industrial Revolution in Britain strengthened their indigenous textile industry, giving rise to new markets for cheaper textiles. In India, the collapse of the Mughal aristocracies meant no access to royal patronage. As a result, textiles like Khadi and muslin had little demand in the market.<br /><br />Circling back to the present, the industry is facing both similar and new challenges. Fabrics made on power looms are cheaper and faster to produce, in comparison to handloom fabrics. <br /><br />The industry is largely unorganised, and the wages are shockingly low. 67% of <keyword id="22706216" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="handloom-workers" source="keywords">handloom workers</keyword> are earning less than the minimum wage every month. Faced with economic challenges, the older artisans are thus forced to encourage the newer generation to choose an alternative career path. This migration of the workforce from a traditional sector is evident from the fall in the number of weavers less than 35 years of age- from 26.13 lakh in 2009-10 to 16.07 lakh in 2019-20. <br /><br />The majority of weavers do not have access to banking facilities, let alone institutional credit. Furthermore, if one manages to accumulate credit, there is a mismatch between the supply and demand forces due to the lack of awareness about handwoven textiles in the current generation.<br /><br /><h2>Initiatives for revival</h2>The cultural significance of the Indian handloom isn’t just limited to its beauty and extravagance, but it extends to our independence struggle as well. The Swadeshi movement immortalised the <em>charkha</em> and advocated for the use of indigenous goods. Following independence, the Indian government took many measures to revive the handloom industry. <br /><br />In 1953, India’s Parliament approved the Khadi and Other Handloom Industries Development Act. In 1955, the All India Handloom Fabrics Marketing Cooperative Society was formed to promote the sale of fabrics produced by handloom cooperatives across India. <br /><br />The National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) aimed to provide financial assistance for marketing and production. The Handloom Weavers’ Comprehensive Welfare Scheme offers health and life insurance to weavers, to ensure social security. The organisation commenced a fortnight-long exhibition, “VIRAASAT” dedicated to celebrating the 10th National Handloom Day began at Handloom Haat in Janpath, New Delhi on Saturday, 3rd August 2024, and will conclude on 16th August 2024.<br /><br />The Handloom Mark scheme was introduced to authenticate handloom products, thus enabling weavers to gain better market access and ensuring that consumers get genuine products. Moreover, the India Trade Portal also mentions that the GOI plans to provide financial assistance of Rs. 30 crore to at least 10,000 handlooms.<br /><br />Various state governments also regularly conduct handloom expos and fairs, providing platforms for weavers to showcase and sell their products directly to consumers.<br /><br /><h2>Contemporary Brands and their love for Indian handloom</h2>Modern, popular designers such as <keyword id="8264" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sabyasachi" source="Orion">Sabyasachi</keyword> and <keyword id="21493890" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ritu-kumar" source="keywords">Ritu Kumar</keyword> are known to work closely with weavers and have been doing their part by bringing worldwide attention to the handloom industries. Recently, <keyword id="1472101" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ajrakh" source="Orion">Ajrakh</keyword> was brought into the limelight when Alia Bhatt wore a custom Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla Ajrakh saree to Joy Awards in Riyadh. <br /><br />However, it’s not just the fashion moguls who are working towards the revival of this industry. Contemporary indie brands are partnering with local weavers, and creating awareness about their work. The emergence of such indie brands and their association with local artisans is beneficial for both entities. <br /><br />For instance, Joskai Studio derives its name from <em>‘Joskai’</em>, a woven piece of cloth worn as a part of the traditional costume of the Tiwa community of Assam. They work with artisans in northeast India, specifically from the weaving village of Saualkuchi in Assam. <em>Rouka</em> by Sreejith Jeevan is a Kerala-based brand that works strictly with weavers from Kerala, specifically Chendamangalam and Kuthampally.<br /><br /><h2>Employment and Exports</h2>According to the Indian Trade Portal, the Indian handloom sector is the country’s second-largest employer after agriculture in rural areas. The Handloom Census 2019-20 mentions that the industry employs about 35,22,512 workers across the country, with women forming 77.29% of the workforce.<br /><br />India is the second largest exporter of handloom products in the world, with exports valued at $ 353.9 million in 2017- 18, as per EXIM bank's working papers. <br /><br />The major handloom export centres are Karur, Panipat, Varanasi and Kannur where handloom products like bed linen, table linen, toilet linen, floor coverings, and embroidered textile materials and curtains etc. are produced for export markets. During April 2021-February 2022, India exported handloom products worth 1693 crore, as per Indian Trade Portal. <br /><br />Indian silk scarves also form a sizable chunk of total handloom exports, in addition to home textiles like carpets, rugs and mats, which constitute over 13.6% of India’s total handloom exports.<br /><br /><h2>The Path Forward</h2>The mere existence of organisations and allocation of funds isn’t enough to sustain the legacy of India’s rich handloom industry. Big corporations working with local weavers ensure employment but don't protect them from exploitation and meagre wages, leaving them vulnerable.<br /><br />The people in power ought to come up with strategies that ensure the trickle-down effect of the schemes and funds. The new generation of buyers has a greater purchasing power than the one before them. Marketing focused on bringing Indian handloom practices into the limelight can do wonders in this case.<br />

Fabric of a nation: Sustaining India's handloom legacy in modern times

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.<br /><br />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.<br /><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>.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br />    <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.<br /><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.<br />    <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.<br /><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.<br />    <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.<br />

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

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.<br /><br />Here's a breakdown of the key initiatives announced:<br /><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.<br /><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.<br />  <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><br /><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>.<br /><br />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.<br /><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.<br /><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 '<em>Perform, Achieve and Trade</em>' mode.<br /><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.<br /><br />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.<br />  <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><br /><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.<br />  <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><br /><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.<br /><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. <br /><br />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.<br />

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

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Eileen Fisher and her team set a goal of making their company 100% sustainable.</li><li>Fisher said that while that's not  attainable, it's essential to try.</li><li>The company still has a long way to go, according to a nonprofit that grades sustainability efforts.</li></ul><p>Eileen Fisher knew she had to set a goal she could never achieve.</p><p>A decade ago, Fisher and her team were gathered at a meeting away from the company's headquarters north of New York City. The focus was on how her eponymous fashion label could boost its sustainability cred.</p><p>"There was this moment where I realized that I had to actually say, 'We really want to be a 100% sustainable company,'" she told Business Insider. But because she knew that wasn't possible, she hesitated, even as her staff grew more excited. "They were all saying, 'Let's do it. Let's make it the goal.'" Fisher, 73, said she pushed aside her initial doubts and agreed they had to try.</p><p>To date, the company says more than 80% of its raw materials meet third-party sustainability criteria, and some 70% of materials are processed using what is calls "safer chemistry."</p><p>Fisher knows that producing clothing to be sold across 57 company stores in North America and at high-end department stores will have some environmental cost. But she credits the audacious goal with remaking the label she started in 1984 with a handful of garments and $350 left in her bank account — injecting sustainability into areas like production and design.</p><p>The sustainability pledge "really changed the company," she said. "Not just my voice, but that idea that we made a commitment."</p><h2><strong>Simple yet sustainable</strong></h2><p>Eileen Fisher's clothes have long been known for their simplicity — simple cuts, toned-down colors. Some of her earliest designs drew from the timeless shape of the kimono, a silhouette she got to know while spending time in Japan early in her career.</p><p>Fisher said while the company's apparel can't get much simpler, many aspects of its business can.</p><p>That includes how the company handles its inventory and communicates with customers about how to mix and match its clothes — what the company calls its "system of dressing."</p><p>Five years ago, the label was using 1,000 types of fabric; now that's down to about 200, Fisher said, adding that they're the ones the designers love and that meet sustainability criteria.</p><p>The brand gives shoppers $5 gift cards for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eileenfisherrenew.com/">returning unwanted Eileen Fisher clothes</a>. Some of those clothes can then be made into new products. Since 2009, more than 1 million items have been resold, donated, or remade, according to the company. The take-back effort helped Fisher and her designers better understand how to make clothes that can more easily have a second life. The simpler the clothes are, "the easier they are to work with or to remake into other things," she said.</p><p>Fisher and her company's CEO, Lisa Williams, whom Fisher brought on from Patagonia in 2022, also want their customers to buy fewer clothes. Fisher acknowledged the position is a tough one for a leader of a clothing brand to maintain.</p><p>"I look at the sales every week," she said. "I want to know how are these products being received — what are they liking."</p><p>Getting customers to be more selective might mean helping them understand the dozen foundational pieces of the season or the year and how to mix and match them, almost like Lego pieces, she said.</p><h2><strong>Educating consumers</strong></h2><p>Fisher sees making her brand simpler and more sustainable as an almost endless journey. Years ago she realized that using natural fibers wasn't good enough. Cotton production requires massive amounts of water. Then there are the dyes, which carry their own environmental cost. She said the company had worked "fabric by fabric" to make its materials more sustainable. It's working to move its organic cotton and wool toward <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nrdc.org/stories/regenerative-agriculture-101"><u>"regenerative" agriculture</u></a>, designed to boost soil health.</p><p>Moving to regenerative production, which can have environmental benefits, also means the clothes can cost more, a point Fisher acknowledged. "They're pricier. It's true."</p><p>Eileen Fisher has also signed onto efforts aimed at cleaning up the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.thefashionact.org/"><u>fashion industry's dirty supply chains</u></a> and more than two decades ago hired a head of social consciousness, whose job includes focusing on the company's sustainability efforts.</p><p>The closely held company, which has gone on to become a B Corp and to sell a minority stake to its employees, had $267 million in sales last year. Fisher said that she's seen <a target="_blank" href="https://stylecaster.com/fashion/shopping-guides/1386890/brands-like-eileen-fisher/"><u>interest from Gen Zers</u></a> who are widely recognized as having more of a focus on sustainability issues. These younger fans are a couple generations behind the women who make up the company's primary customers.</p><p>"Sometimes you don't know why. But I do think that there is a desire for simplicity," she said, referring to the interest from younger women. "I do think they know about — they hear about — the sustainability work we do."</p><p>Even with all the efforts the company has made, it still has more work to do, according to Fisher herself and to a <a target="_blank" href="https://stand.earth/fashion/brand-scores/eileen-fisher/">review of Eileen Fisher's environmental efforts</a> from the nonprofit Stand.earth.</p><p>Yet even if the label somehow ironed out every environmental cost that comes from producing clothing, that impact alone wouldn't be enough, Fisher said.</p><p>"We're one drop in the bucket. We're one medium-sized company. The world will still be on fire," she said. "So we really need to work with others."</p><h3><strong>Read more from Transforming Business</strong></h3><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/industry-leaders-transforming-business-2023-11">10 industry leaders transforming business in 2023</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/companies-still-doing-esg-work-despite-politics-criticism-2023-11"><u>ESG backlash dominated headlines in 2023, but it's still 'quietly' reshaping industries behind the scenes</u></a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/advertising-transforming-new-digital-world-2023-11"><u>The digital world remade itself and now every company has become an ad seller</u></a></p>

Why designer Eileen Fisher set an unachievable sustainability goal

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The US needs to invest $2.6 trillion in infrastructure over the next decade, civil engineers say.</li><li>President Joe Biden has signed three laws aiming to fund infrastructure projects nationwide.</li></ul><p>The state of US infrastructure is bad. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave it a C-minus <a target="_blank" href="https://infrastructurereportcard.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/2021-IRC-Executive-Summary-1.pdf">in 2021</a> and said the US needed about $2.6 trillion in infrastructure investment over a decade.</p><p>Luckily, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/whats-in-the-infrastructure-bill-amtrak-clean-energy-2021-7">infrastructure investment</a> is one of the few remaining bipartisan priorities. And after years of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-infrastructure-plan-details-bill-2018-2">unfulfilled infrastructure promises</a> in Washington, President Joe Biden has signed three major bills into law — the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, and the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 — designed to funnel hundreds of billions of dollars into various <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/construction-jobs-housing-skilled-trades-infrastructure-electricians-future-work-opportunities-2023-11">infrastructure projects</a> across the country.</p><p>Most of the work that's needed is in repairing and maintaining existing infrastructure, experts say. Transportation requires the most resources, but major investments are also needed in water, energy, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-bidens-infrastructure-plan-will-electrify-roads-technology-overhaul-2021-3">broadband-internet expansion</a>. Much of our built environment is aging and stressed by population growth and climate impacts.</p><p>"We're pretty assuredly, according to the data, in an era of repair and replacement," Joseph Kane, a fellow at the Brookings Institution who specializes in infrastructure, said. "Yes, there is a need for some new facilities, but by and large, a lot of our infrastructure is worn out."</p><p>And in some cases, communities actually have too much infrastructure — such as an underused highway or water system.</p><p>"We have built way too much infrastructure, and we really have no plan or capacity to actually take care of all that we have built," Charles Marohn, a land-use planner and the founder of the urbanism nonprofit Strong Towns, said.</p><p>One way to address this is to build denser communities so that more people use — and pay for — the infrastructure. This would also help address the country's severe housing shortage and affordability crisis.</p><p>"This is an awesome opportunity to go in and build a lot of housing in existing neighborhoods and get it connected to systems that need more users," Marohn said.</p><p>But simply throwing money at our infrastructure problems isn't going to fix them. We suffer from a multitude of policy and planning challenges, including a need to redesign transportation infrastructure to be greener and more inclusive, build more sustainable and efficient water systems, and prioritize small-scale high-impact projects at the neighborhood level.</p><p>With hundreds of billions of dollars in new funding, the US has a rare opportunity to invest in critical infrastructure that could reshape the country's transportation, water, energy, and broadband. Kane and Marohn say that rethinking how we design infrastructure will be key to building a healthier, more sustainable future. This means prioritizing projects such as redesigning roads to accommodate pedestrians and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/bike-lanes-good-for-business-studies-better-streets-2024-3">bicyclists</a> and expanding <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/high-speed-rail-project-greenlit-vegas-la-brightline-10-billion-2023-3">mass transit</a> over widening highways and building new roads.</p><div type="image" title="Rail workers look on from atop a bridge before the arrival of U.S. President Joe Biden to speak at the Baltimore and Potomac (B&amp;P) Tunnel North Portal on January 30, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland." height="853" width="1280" msid="108410021" hostid="261"></div><h2><strong>Rethinking how we build and rebuild infrastructure</strong></h2><p>When we think of infrastructure, we often envision major projects, including constructing bridges and highways, expanding airports, and building out the power grid. Multibillion-dollar projects — such as a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-high-speed-rail-projects-acela-brightline-upcoming-future-2023-6">bullet train from Los Angeles to San Francisco</a> or <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-inside-grand-central-station-long-island-rail-road-terminal-2023-1">an expansion of the Long Island Rail Road</a> in New York — are often massively delayed and over budget.</p><p>Many crucial projects that have a disproportionate impact on communities are much smaller in scale. But cities and states are incentivized to focus on major, federally funded projects because that's where the money is. The focus on winning federal funding means many state and local governments' infrastructure priorities are more responsive to what the White House and Congress want than what a local community wants and needs.</p><p>"In practice, it's really hard for the federal government to do a project that's less than half a million dollars, and a lot of the projects that are needed desperately right now are $5,000, $10,000, and $20,000 projects," Marohn said.</p><p>These include nonvehicle transportation projects such as pedestrian bridges and urban bike paths and neighborhood-level projects like park improvements.</p><p>Marohn added that resources were also wasted in pursuit of federal cash: "Instead of spending $100,000 on five small neighborhood projects, we hire a grant writer for $100,000 to pursue the big federal project."</p><p>Marohn pointed to the Texas Department of Transportation's plan to <a target="_blank" href="https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/interstate-35-expansion-project-impacts-businesses-homeowners">expand an interstate, I-35</a>, that runs through downtown Austin, despite <a target="_blank" href="https://www.austinchronicle.com/news/2023-11-10/hundreds-rally-against-i-35-expansion/">significant opposition from Austinites</a>. Opponents argue the expansion will <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kxan.com/traffic/traffic-projects/i-35-expansion-project/how-i-35s-expansion-proposal-could-impact-austin-congestion-displaced-properties/">attract more vehicle traffic</a>, while displacing residents and business owners in its path. The $4.5 billion highway project is set to be buoyed by federal funds.</p><p>Both Kane and Marohn say that the US doesn't have effective or consistent definitions of success when evaluating projects. In many cases, we use outdated 20th-century metrics of success. For example, road performance is generally judged based on how quickly cars and trucks can move on them, rather than on whether people have options to navigate the roads outside cars, whether that's walking, riding a bicycle, or traversing some other way, Kane said.</p><p>"We haven't developed a consistent set of tools or benchmarks to even gauge the performance, like the physical performance of all these systems, let alone the ROI, or the return on investment, for how this money could support a more equitable, affordable, higher-performing system in the 21st century," Kane said.</p><p>Even with the unprecedented new funding for climate and green initiatives, federal infrastructure spending on transportation heavily favors cars, trucks, and other wheel transportation. More than half of the infrastructure law's $1.2 trillion in funding has been designated for road improvements and highway expansion projects, <a target="_blank" href="https://t4america.org/2024/02/28/the-iija-is-a-climate-time-bomb-will-states-defuse-it/">a recent analysis</a> by Transportation for America found.</p><p>The Biden administration has touted its grant program — part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act — that funds the removal of underused highways and train tracks that divide often marginalized communities. In one major project, the US Department of Transportation <a target="_blank" href="https://detroitmi.gov/departments/planning-and-development-department/neighborhood-plans/central-design-region/i-375-reconnecting-communities-project">awarded Michigan's DOT and the city of Detroit $100 million</a> to replace a portion of an interstate that runs through a historically Black neighborhood in the city with a pedestrian boulevard. While the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant Program has "the most potential"<strong> </strong>to do good, Marohn said, it serves largely as marketing for the administration's vehicle-focused transportation policy.</p><p>When it comes to water infrastructure, many communities aren't up to speed on greener, nature-based solutions to runoff and sewage — including rain gardens and forest buffers — that can be more cost-effective, resilient, and sustainable than older centralized systems.</p><h2><strong>Inflation, worker shortages, and other obstacles</strong></h2><p>Across the country, there are some key practical challenges to implementing infrastructure projects.</p><p>One obstacle is inflation. Construction companies that build all kinds of infrastructure are dealing with <a target="_blank" href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/graph/?g=XVle">price inflation that's much higher</a> than that hitting regular consumer products. It's also taking longer for essential construction materials to be shipped after they're purchased. This means the money allocated by the Biden administration's legislation likely won't go nearly as far as intended.</p><p>A 2022 Brookings analysis found that if inflation was 2.3% higher than expected each year, "it would effectively <a target="_blank" href="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-start-of-americas-infrastructure-decade-how-macroeconomic-factors-may-shape-local-strategies/">cause infrastructure industries to lose $137 billion</a> in estimated buying power via federal spending." Cities and states also need a certain amount of their own cash to make these infrastructure investments happen. Federal funding for most projects requires local governments to match between 10% and 51% of the spending.</p><p>Another big obstacle is the serious <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sustainability-jobs-skills-gap-energy-transition-solar-carbon-emissions-2023-11">shortage of construction workers</a> and other talent. Unemployment in the construction industry is the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/29/the-hard-hat-job-with-highest-level-of-open-positions-ever-recorded.html">second lowest on record</a>, and job openings are at record highs — <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/job-growth-unemployment-rate-march-jobs-report-2023-4">more workers are desperately needed</a>. Associated Builders and Contractors, an industry trade group, estimates that the US will need about <a target="_blank" href="https://www.abc.org/News-Media/News-Releases/abc-2024-construction-workforce-shortage-tops-half-a-million#:~:text=The%20U.S.%20construction%20industry%20unemployment,first%2011%20months%20of%202023.">500,000 new construction workers</a> in 2024 and 2025 to meet the demand for labor. And there's no immediate fix to this problem in sight, despite a slew of efforts across the country to train and retrain workers. Congress has consistently failed to address one key lever: immigration policy.</p><p>Because infrastructure needs to be actively maintained over time, the costs associated with construction don't end when the project is complete. A city or state needs the funding, materials, and skilled workers to do regular maintenance and avoid the much-higher costs associated with neglect.</p><p>"There's a whole project life cycle that can lead to continued costs and struggles over time," Kane said.</p><h2><strong>Overcoming barriers</strong></h2><p>Local governments and employers across the country recognize many of the challenges to building and maintaining major projects.</p><p>Blue and red states alike are expanding workplace opportunities and apprenticeships for high schoolers and others. The federal government is also supporting these efforts. Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act alone, 72 programs "emphasize or allow some type of workforce development activity," a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-state-and-local-leaders-can-harness-new-infrastructure-funding-to-build-a-stronger-more-inclusive-workforce/#chapter5">Brookings report</a> found.</p><p>Montana, which has seen a surge of new residents and demand for housing in recent years, has passed a tax credit for employers who send their employees to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/culinary-mechanics-construction-trade-program-increase-college-enrollment-decreases-study-2023-4">trade school</a>, allows high schoolers to get school credit for working up to 20 hours a week at a job site, and changed the ratio of trained workers to trainees, Gov. Greg Gianforte told Business Insider.</p><p>"We created more apprentices last year in the state of Montana than we did the prior three years combined," he said.</p><p>If used effectively, the flood of new <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/america-build-infrastructure-transportation-housing-regulation-environment-2023-11">federal funding for infrastructure </a>could help connect Americans to each other — both physically and digitally — and train the next generation.</p>

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