India's economic engine is revving up, but navigating the global headwinds requires sharp strategy. The rupee's recent volatility against the dollar underscores the complexities facing Indian businesses, impacting everything from import-export trade to domestic inflation. This week alone, we've seen significant shifts in the IT sector, with major players announcing restructuring and a renewed focus on AI-driven solutions. Meanwhile, the burgeoning startup ecosystem continues to attract substantial funding, despite a cautious global investor sentiment. The government's recent policy announcements on infrastructure development and digitalization are poised to further shape the business landscape, creating both opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs and established corporations alike. Understanding these market dynamics is crucial for success in today's rapidly evolving Indian economy. Stay informed with Abtak.com for the latest insights and analysis on key sectors including finance, manufacturing, and technology – empowering your business decisions in a dynamic market. Explore the complete business news section now to stay ahead of the curve.
In Pune -- a lively academic and industrial hotspot of about 7 million with per-capita rent near $3,500 -- MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU) just rolled out a 500 kg/day pilot plant that brings to life a patent-backed, carbon-negative technology for hydrogen production and bioCNG from mixed agricultural waste. Led by Dr. Ratnadip Joshi at the Green Hydrogen Research Centre, this project tackles India's long-standing crop-residue headache, doubles the efficiency of traditional methods, and targets hydrogen costs around $1/kg -- exactly what's needed for India's 2030 aim of 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen. It's a neat example of sustainable energy in action, turning waste into CO₂-free fuel. Back in the 1990s, India kicked off biomass gasification with government-backed demo units. Trouble was, they struggled with feedstock that varied wildly in quality, upkeep nightmares, and catalysts that wore out fast. Plus, each system handled just one type of residue -- think rice husks or sugarcane bagasse -- creating logistical bottlenecks. MIT-WPU's approach flips the script by accepting mixed crop leftovers and blending a hardy microbial mix with a plant-based pyrolysis step. Every year, India churns out over 500 million tonnes of agri-residue, much of which gets burned in the fields -- polluting the air and wasting a prime energy source. Nestled on MIT-WPU's Pune campus, the pilot plant sits smack-dab between peri-urban farms and cutting-edge research facilities, making it the perfect testbed to fine-tune this integrated, carbon-negative process. Here's the game-changer: a two-step, zero-emission pathway that's both clever and clean: And yes, MIT-WPU has the patents to prove it -- covering the bio-culture recipe, the pyrolysis catalyst, the full process flow, and even the slow-release biofertilizers spun out of leftover biomass. By co-producing hydrogen, bioCNG, biochar, and coated biofertilizers under one roof, this model rolls out multiple revenue streams and solid project economics. Here's why it stands out: "We're setting a new template for decentralized energy hubs in farming regions," says Dr. Joshi. This isn't just about fuel: India goes through roughly 30 million tonnes of urea each year, with imports and subsidies costing the exchequer over $8 B. Early trials in Maharashtra show biochar and slow-release biofertilizers boosting yields by about 12% and cutting synthetic nitrogen use by 20%, translating to big savings for farmers and the state alike. Launched under India's National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023), which eyes 5 million tonnes of hydrogen by 2030, this pilot is gearing up to scale. MIT-WPU's in talks with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to set up a Centre of Excellence for Green Hydrogen. Next steps? Rolling out modular plants (2-5 tonnes/day) across key agri-districts, flipping villages from energy consumers to energy suppliers. Rough capex estimates peg these modular units at about $1 M per tonne/day -- well below the $1.5-2 M you'd spend on electrolysers. Between selling hydrogen, bioCNG, fertilizers, and snagging carbon credits, IRRs north of 15% look doable. MIT-WPU's also eyeing JV tie-ups with fertilizer giants and state gas utilities to lock in feedstock and offtake deals. Global hydrogen demand is set to soar to around 115 million tonnes by 2050. India plans to serve domestic heavyweights -- refineries, steel mills, ammonia plants -- and tap export markets like Japan and South Korea. Cracking that $1/kg cost barrier could open up green hydrogen corridors under the International Solar Alliance, potentially driving $5-10 B in exports by 2030. While Europe and North America pour money into gigawatt-scale electrolysers -- dealing with intermittency, water stress, and grid limits -- MIT-WPU's agri-waste route delivers steady, water-efficient hydrogen production and bioCNG that plugs right into existing gas grids and fertilizer markets. Next up: a 2 tonne/day demo plant by Q4 2026 and a commercial 10 tonne/day unit by 2028. State agri-boards will secure the feedstock, and MOUs with industrial partners are in the works. On campus, a dedicated facility is already testing catalyst and microbial stability, fast-tracking this from lab bench to commercial scale. Energy analyst Ravi Menon sums it up: "This process could tilt the playing field in favor of emerging markets. It leverages existing agri-value chains, reduces water and capex burdens, and delivers a stable hydrogen supply -- a rare trifecta in sustainable energy." As the Green Hydrogen Research Centre moves from pilot phase to commercial demos, investors and policymakers should keep an eye on this replicable, carbon-negative technology. With patented processes, policy backing, and a clear scale-up plan, MIT-WPU is laying down a new foundation for turning agricultural waste into a pillar of sustainable energy infrastructure.
Air India launched a Black Friday Sale with discounts up to 20% on domestic flights and up to 12% on international flights to various destinations. The sale is available through the airline's website and mobile apps. Additional savings are possible with waived convenience fees and specific payment methods. The airline continues offering student and senior citizen discounts.Air India on Friday launched a limited-time Black Friday Sale offering discounts of up to 20 per cent off base fares for domestic flights within India. The Tata-owned airlines will also offer up to 12 per cent off base fares ...Read More >
* Commoditisation and similarity of products and services with competitors will have the most significant impact on how businesses deliver customer experiences over the next two years, according to the latest IDC InfoBrief commissioned by Affinidi * However, businesses who are looking to hyper-personalise their products as a competitive differentiator are facing several obstacles in addressing the privacy-personalisation dilemma, with 56% of them highlighting data collection and management to be a key challenge. * To truly enhance customer experiences through more personalised insights, they m ...Read More >
Air India is also offering additional discounts through various payment offers, so you can enjoy even more savings. Air India has launched its limited-time Black Friday Sale, offering up to 20 percent off base fares for domestic flights and up to 12 percent off on international flights to destinations like the United States, Europe (including the UK), Australia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. The sale is available exclusively on Air India's official website and mobile apps for iOS and Android. The sale runs from 00:01 IST on 29 November 2024 to 23:59 IST on 2 December 2024. The travel peri ...Read More >
SOLAPUR, India (Reuters) - India is likely to produce a record amount of sugar in the next marketing year from October after millions of farmers expanded cane cultivation, encouraged by ample water supplies and declining prices of competing crops, farmers and industry officials told Reuters. The rebound in production would allow the world's second-largest sugar producer to resume exports in 2025/26, they said, after a lack of rain cut cane yields and led to two years of restrictions. Indian exports could cap global sugar prices, traders said, by increasing supplies in the world market at a t ...Read More >
Vijayawada: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday unveiled an ambitious vision to transform Visakhapatnam into a new Mumbai over the next seven years. He directed officials to develop the 'Visakha Economic Region' as AP's primary growth engine, aiming for a staggering $120 billion economy from this region by 2032. The proposed economic region encompasses eight districts, including Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Anakapalli, Kakinada, East Godavari, Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR), and Manyam. The Chief Minister has instructed the officials to launch projects that will significantl ...Read More >
Hit by economic slowdown and poor infrastructure, industrialists from Jharkhand's key industrial districts -- East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, and Seraikela-Kharsawan -- are looking to the newly formed state government for revival and support. The industrial zones of Adityapur, Gamharia, Kandra, and Chandil have been grappling with inadequate infrastructure, including poorly maintained roads, lack of bridges, erratic water supply, and unreliable power. Entrepreneurs in these regions hope the new administration will address these issues and work toward improving the state's industrial ecosystem ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], May 19 (ANI): Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday said that his ministry's resolve is to increase the Kharif crop production while reducing the production cost. He added that the synergy between the agricultural research and the farmers will be increased. The Minister was speaking to reporters here after a meeting with the State agricultural ministers. "Today, I held a meeting with the Agriculture ministers of all the states...Agriculture is important for the country, whether it is a question of livelihood, employment, contribution to the economy or ...Read More >
Hyderabad: In a significant boost for 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbharta' in the aerospace and defence sector, and Hyderabad's growing stature as a global aerospace hub, the complete fuselage of the Rafale fighter jet will now be made in India at Hyderabad. This move marks the first time that these Rafale components will be manufactured outside France for the Indian as well as global markets.French aerospace major Dassault Aviation has signed four production transfer agreements with Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) for manufacturing key sections of the Rafale fighter jet, including the lateral ...Read More >
NEW DELHI, June 3 (Reuters) - Prime Minister Narendra Modi's high-profile attendance at a global airlines conference this week underscores how much India is banking on a boom in aviation to support wider development goals, but headwinds to its ambitions are gathering force. Undeterred by the uncertainty gripping the aviation sector globally due to trade tensions and shaky consumer confidence, India's biggest airlines are ploughing ahead with orders for new planes, following record deals two year ...Read More >
Rajamahendravaram: As part of World Environment Day celebrations, a major initiative to plant 4 lakh saplings across the district has been launched, district collector P Prasanthi announced on Thursday. She called on everyone to protect these saplings for the benefit of future generations. The main event was held at the Government Arts College campus in Rajahmundry under the aegis of the Forest Department, where the district collector participated as the chief guest. Chief Conservator of Forests BNN Murthy and other senior officials were also present. Speaking on the occasion, collector Prasa ...Read More >
India has pledged USD 20 billion towards infrastructure development, prioritizing multimodal logistics, port connectivity, and trade facilitation, according to Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. He emphasized India's growing maritime capabilities and called for greater partnerships in seafarer recruitment. Strategic corridors like IMEEC, EMC, and INSTC are strengthening maritime connectivity and supply chains.India has committed USD 20 billion for infrastructure development, with a focus on enhan ...Read More >
ess than 24 hours after he asserted in Nigeria's Abuja that stepping out of the comfort zone, innovating and creating new paths has now become the very essence of today's India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday told the gathering of world's most influential leaders converged in Rio de Janeiro for the G20 Summit that the main reason for India's success lies in his government's 'back to basics' and 'march to the future' approach. Addressing the G20 session on 'Social Inclusion and the Fight Against Hunger and Poverty' at the bayside museum of modern art during the two-day 19th G20 Summit, ...Read More >
Chandigarh [India], December 3 (ANI): Punjab Legislative Assembly Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa on Tuesday, slammed the BJP-led central government for neglecting the interests of farmers in Punjab and Haryana. Bajwa's scathing attack comes amidst growing discontent among farmers in the region, who feel their concerns have been ignored by the ruling party. "Ever since the BJP government has come to power, they have not taken a single decision that is in the interest of the farmers of India, especially the farmers of Punjab and Haryana. It is their fundamental rig ...Read More >
New Delhi: Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday met farmers in Punjab and reviewed crops and production. Addressing a gathering, Chouhan said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision is Viksit Bharat, and we are working tirelessly with that goal in mind. Our mission is to build a glorious, prosperous and powerful India. Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy. In the fourth quarter of last financial year, the country achieved a growth rate of 7.5 per cent, with agriculture contributing to 5.4 per cent of it. Agriculture still accounts f ...Read More >
New Delhi: Three Indian citizens vanished mysteriously in Tehran. Darkness closed in as hope seemed lost. A ruthless Pakistani gang with potential links to ISI snatched them away, casting a shadow of fear. But relentless Indian diplomats refused to back down. Against all odds, a daring rescue mission ignited. Now, the captives are free, and a chilling game of espionage comes to light. The Punjab-based trio - Amritpal Singh from Hoshiarpur, Jaspal Singh from SBS Nagar and Hushnapreet Singh from Sangrur - had landed in Iran on May 1. Promised a clandestine route to Australia via Dubai and Tehra ...Read More >
Delhi is facing worsening pollution and erratic weather patterns, with the air quality regularly reaching dangerous levels. This is partly due to climate change, with temperature rises and unpredictable rainfall patterns caused by global warming. The industrial revolution has played a significant role, contributing to the rise in global temperatures. The effects are already being felt, with 2024 witnessing record-breaking heat in India. Despite this, there is little action from society or leadership, with courts repeatedly stepping in to address issues like pollution and farm fires. The need f ...Read More >
The global smoke grenade market is expected to grow from $297.24 million in 2023 to $456.46 million by 2031, driven by a 5.5% CAGR. Military, law enforcement, and emergency services are the primary sectors fueling demand, especially for tactical operations, training, and crowd control. Advances in technology have led to safer, more effective smoke grenades, while commercial uses in activities like paintball and film production are rising. Environmental concerns are promoting the development of eco-friendly products. North America leads the market, with rising military expenditures further boos ...Read More >
Dharwad: Joint director of agriculture Manjunath Antarvalli has called upon the farmers to grow millets and supply quality food items to the domestic market. Speaking after flagging off 'Walk for Millet' organised by the agriculture department in Dharwad on Thursday, he said the farmers growing millets should be encouraged in all possible ways. "Popularly known as superfoods, the millets which are little wonders have been the most sought-after food post-pandemic. High in nutritional values, the ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 12 (PTI) The government on Thursday came out with the definition of green steel and asked the industry to take measures to bring down carbon emissions below the level of 2.2 tonnes on per tonne of finished products. Union Steel Minister H D Kumaraswamy also released a 'taxonomy on green steel' with parameters for giving star ratings on products based on the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted during the production process. The steel industry has been the backbone of India's industrial growth and it is imperative that this vital sector undergoes a transformative shift towards ...Read More >
MUMBAI: India is likely to produce a record 117.5 million tonnes of wheat in the year ending June 2025, the farm ministry said, above its March forecast of 115.4 million tonnes, as higher prices prompted farmers to expand the area planted with high-yielding seed varieties. India, the world's biggest wheat producer after China, produced 113.3 million tonnes of wheat in 2024, the farm ministry said in a statement issued late on Wednesday. However, a leading industry body said the crop was nearly 6.25% lower than the government's estimate. The country's rice production in 2025 is also set to c ...Read More >
Hisar, Jun 5 (PTI) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini Thursday announced the establishment of natural and organic mandis in Gurugram and Hisar to promote natural farming on a large scale in the state. The Gurugram mandi will cater to produce such as wheat, paddy and pulses, while the Hisar mandi will focus on fruits and vegetables grown through natural and organic methods. Also Read | Delhi: High-Level US Team Arrives for Talks on Bilateral Trade Pact With India. In addition, a committee will be formed under the Haryana Kisan Kalyan Pradhikaran to determine fair pricing for produce gr ...Read More >
VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday held a review meeting at his Undavalli camp office to address procurement and pricing concerns for cocoa, mango, and tobacco crops, reaffirming his government's commitment to supporting farmers. Naidu stressed a farmer-centric approach, directing officials to conduct field visits, anticipate challenges, and ensure global standards in agricultural production. He announced a dedicated cocoa policy to promote high-quality output and enhance farmer awareness. Support for Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and MSMEs to strengthen agro-pr ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Former head of Air India and chairman of the Railway Board Ashwani Lohani is the new Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML) director. The official order for his appointment was issued on Wednesday. A 1980-batch officer of the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineering (IRSME), Lohani is known for turning around various organisations during his illustrious career. Following his retirement from IRSME service, he joined the GMR Group as the CEO. According to the order dated June 4, his appointment to the post of director, Prime Ministers Museum and Library in the rank and pa ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) The government has procured 29.92 million tonnes (MT) of wheat during the 2025-26 Rabi marketing season (April-June) which represents a 13 per cent increase over the corresponding figure for the same period of the previous year and is the highest in the last three years, according to a senior official. This procurement is from a total 40.42 MT that arrived in the markets of the main wheat producing states across the country. The remaining portion has been bought by millers and traders at a price that cannot be less than the Minimum Support Price (MSP) paid b ...Read More >
Srinagar, Jun 7 (PTI) Authorities on Saturday barred Eid prayers from taking place at the Eidgah ground and the Jama Masjid in the old city here, while Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq claimed that he was put under house arrest. "Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar deeply regrets to inform that the authorities have once again disallowed Eid-ul-Adha prayers at the Eidgah as well as at the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar by closing the gates of the mosque and deploying police personnel outside," the management of the historic mosque said in a statement. ...Read More >
OnePlus has released a new OxygenOS 15 update (CPH2573_15.0.0.305) for the OnePlus 12, bringing promised AI features such as AI Retouch, clarity enhancement, unblur, and reflection removal for photos, along with AI Notes. The update also enables live photo sharing with nearby iOS devices and includes the November 2024 Android security patch. Currently rolling out in batches in India, the update will expand to North America, Europe, and global markets next week. The update enhances both functionality and security, delivering on OnePlus' commitment to improving user experience with innovative AI ...Read More >
BHUBANESWAR : Unable to regulate retail price of the potato even after normal flow of the tuber from West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, the state government has decided to provide the kitchen essential to consumers at a subsidised rate through the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited (NAFED). In the first phase of its market intervention initiative, the state government has procured 60 tonnes of potato from Uttar Pradesh through NAFED and the same will be available ...Read More >
Hisar, Jun 5 (PTI) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini Thursday announced the establishment of natural and organic mandis in Gurugram and Hisar to promote natural farming on a large scale in the state. The Gurugram mandi will cater to produce such as wheat, paddy and pulses, while the Hisar mandi will focus on fruits and vegetables grown through natural and organic methods. In addition, a committee will be formed under the Haryana Kisan Kalyan Pradhikaran to determine fair pricing for produce grown using natural and organic farming practices. The Chief Minister made these announcements ...Read More >
Patiala: Union minister for agriculture and farmers' welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited Rajpura in Patiala district on Thursday as part of an ongoing initiative, Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA), which is aimed at transforming Indian agriculture through direct farmer engagement and sustainable practices.At a 'Kisan Chaupal' in Gandia Kheri village, Chouhan emphasised on govt's commitment to formulating agricultural policies based on direct interactions with farmers rather than relying solely on bureaucratic inputs. " If scientists go to the ground, they'll know about the problem of farm ...Read More >
The Indian government has announced a 375km rail network expansion, aimed at enhancing economic growth and connectivity in North Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. With a total cost of approximately Rs79.27bn ($1.05bn), these projects are aimed to be completed within four years. Union Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, detailed the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs' approval of three railway infrastructure projects. The projects include the Jalgaon-Manmad fourth line (160 km), Bhusawal-Khandwa third and fourth lines (131km), and the Prayagraj (Iradatganj)-Manikpur thir ...Read More >