US President Donald Trump has reversed restrictions on plastic straws, indicating a broader setback in combating plastic pollution. Experts warn this move could undermine global efforts and slow down the progress towards a legally-binding treaty to address the plastic crisis. The world might need to find solutions without relying on the US.
Rahul Gandhi emphasized that India is lagging in adopting new energy technologies like electric vehicles and battery tech, while the US and China progress. He criticized the monopolistic control of Reliance and Adani, and stressed the need to decentralize power in both business and government.
Indian Railways is developing the country's first hydrogen train, one of the longest and most powerful in the world. It involves retrofitting a hydrogen fuel cell on a diesel electric multiple unit rake and creating on-ground infrastructure for hydrogen refilling, supporting a cleaner, greener future in transportation.
Delhi's pollution crisis demands a shift in agricultural waste management with compressed biogas (CBG) as a potential solution. A single CBG plant producing 10 tons per day can significantly reduce particulate matter emissions, equivalent to replacing numerous petrol cars with electric vehicles. Comprehensive efforts from the government, private sector, and farmers are necessary for effective adoption.
Indian and South Asian airlines are set to add 2,835 new aircraft over the next 20 years to meet rising demand for air travel. Boeing's forecast indicates annual traffic growth of over 7%, driven by economic growth and improved connectivity. The region's commercial fleet is expected to nearly quadruple by 2043.
Hindustan Petroleum plans to increase the capacity of its Vizag oil refinery by 20% to meet rising local fuel demand. The company will also start operations at Vizag's new units to improve yield and margins while building a petrochemical plant at its Barmer refinery to enhance petrochemical conversion.
India's refined crude demand is expected to peak later than other major economies, driven by a growing population and rising per capita income. S&P Global Commodity Insights predicts refined product demand to reach 5.7 million barrels per day by 2026, with significant EV adoption affecting fuel demand. Planned refinery expansions will bolster production capabilities.
Clean Core Thorium Energy, a US nuclear fuel startup, raised $15.5 million in funding over two rounds, with the latest closing in December 2024. The funds support commercialization of its ANEEL fuel for use in India's reactors, in partnership with NTPC Ltd and L&T, pending regulatory approvals.
Honda Cars India has accomplished E20 petrol compliance certification for all its models, including Elevate, City e:HEV, City, and Amaze. This certification aligns with the Indian government's green fuel initiative, ensuring that Honda cars manufactured since January 1, 2009, support E20 petrol without needing modifications.
China's space agency has successfully produced oxygen and ethylene—essential rocket fuel components—from carbon dioxide, water, and electricity.
Crypto analysts predict Solana will reach $300 by mid-2025, but investors are encouraged to diversify into 1Fuel, an emerging token in its presale stage. 1Fuel offers fast transactions and cross-chain interoperability, with experts forecasting a 20X surge upon hitting exchanges.
State-owned oil companies in India plan a 40% increase in ethanol procurement in the current supply year to meet the 2025 goal of 20% ethanol blending in petrol. This includes a significant share of ethanol from grain-based sources, boosted by supportive government policies and pricing.
IDFC FIRST Bank credit card changes: These changes will take effect on February 20, 2025. Changes include revision of the Annual Percentage Rate (APR), fuel fee & surcharge waiver, statement & payment due date, education fee payments, railway lounge access, add-on card fee, card replacement fee, and more.
Chris Wright, a fossil fuel executive and CEO of Liberty Energy, has been confirmed as energy secretary by the Senate with a 59-38 vote. Wright, known for opposing climate change efforts, has pledged to promote Trump's agenda of increased fossil fuel production and energy security. Eight Democrats supported his nomination.
India's government supports clean technologies to enhance domestic value addition and create an ecosystem for solar cells, EV batteries, turbines, and high-voltage transmission equipment amid rising electricity demand and global supply challenges. These measures aim to drive capacity expansion and position India as a leader in clean energy manufacturing, aiding the country's 2030 non-fossil fuel power target.
While the tariff plan has been reiterated by the Trump administration, some experts suggest it may still be used as a negotiation tactic rather than an immediate policy shift.
U.S. fuel prices are expected to increase due to President Trump's tariffs on Canadian and Mexican oil. The tariffs aim to address immigration and drug smuggling issues but may counteract efforts to control inflation, affecting costs for refiners and ultimately consumers.
SpiceJet is set to re-induct its grounded Boeing 737 MAX aircraft into operations starting January 25. The addition will enable the airline to serve high-demand markets such as Jeddah and Riyadh, enhancing operational capacity and reducing costs with fuel-efficient planes. The airline plans to restore ten aircraft, including four Boeing 737 MAX planes, by mid-April 2025.
US transportation department moves to rescind Biden administration fuel economy standards.
India, the US, and Middle East are set to add 100 GW of solar capacity in 2025, while China will dominate as the main global manufacturer. Module prices will rise after two years of low prices, aiding manufacturers. Emerging technologies like TOPCon and HJT will overtake PERC, driving better efficiencies. Policy uncertainties and protectionist measures may affect growth.
IOC Chairman Arvinder Singh Sahney reassured the stabilizing of fuel prices in India despite volatile crude oil rates. He highlighted the priority of balancing fuel affordability with financial stability through government support, emphasizing the commitment to providing essential energy while ensuring the company’s financial health.
Electric car adoption in India is set to grow from 2% to 9% by FY30, driven by automakers' focus on EV models to meet fuel efficiency norms. The Bharat Mobility Expo 2025 highlighted the shift toward eco-friendly vehicles and advanced technologies, including integrated solutions for EVs. The sector is moving towards a sustainable and competitive future.
The Indian automobile industry is experiencing a significant shift towards electric, flex-fuel, and CNG vehicles, as showcased at the Bharat Mobility Auto OEM Expo. Major automakers are addressing EV adoption challenges and embracing premiumization trends, leading to new launches and higher average selling prices in the market.
)
BPCL Q3 FY25 Results: Oil marketing PSU BPCL reported a 93.9 per cent sequential jump in its net profit for the October-December period. Read on to learn more about BPCL's latest report.
As of January 2025, India’s non-fossil fuel-based power capacity reached 217.62 GW, with a notable increase in solar and wind installations in 2024. The country targets 500 GW by 2030. Expansion in rooftop and off-grid solar sectors highlights significant growth, driven by government initiatives.
The centre will conduct research development, technology innovation, testing, validation, and engineering services in the mobility space.
NTPC is setting up a 50 MW solar project in Sri Lanka through a joint venture with Ceylon Electricity Board. The project, named Trincomalee Power Company Limited, will be located in Sampoor and has a finalized tariff of 5.97 US cents per unit. This initiative aims to diversify Sri Lanka's energy mix and boost clean energy capacity.
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri indicates increased US oil and gas supply to India following the Trump administration's plan to boost production. India is seeking energy from various global suppliers and witnessing price impacts. Puri calls for more flex-fuel vehicles and anticipates early achievement of 20% ethanol blending.
Tata Motors, in collaboration with IOCL, is set to pilot hydrogen internal combustion engine-powered trucks on three routes from the March quarter. The 18-month project is part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission and aims to gather valuable data for product and infrastructure improvements.
Cummins unveiled its HELM engine platforms at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, featuring advanced diesel, natural gas, and hydrogen variants for diverse operational needs. This includes a BSVI-ready L10 engine, B6.7N natural gas engine, and an advanced Hydrogen Fuel Delivery System, supporting sustainable and flexible power choices aligned with India's economic and environmental goals.