24 Nov 2025

An expert panel convened during a recent national land governance conference urged the Union government to overhaul India's colonial-era 'wasteland' classification, arguing that mislabelled grasslands, wetlands, pastures, and village commons are being diverted or degraded due to flawed categorisation. The panel, comprising representatives from the Ministry of Rural Development, ISRO-SAC, IUCN, the Centre for Pastoralism, the Foundation for Ecological Security, and ATREE, maintained that these landscapes hold substantial ecological and economic value, including ecosystem services worth USD 90-110 billion annually. Speakers stressed that proper mapping, tenure clarity, and international commitments demand an immediate policy shift.Read more

24 Nov 2025

A new working paper from the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister shows that Indian households are spending a larger share of their budgets on non-food items, especially consumables, services and durable goods. The study, comparing data from 2011-12 and 2023-24, finds a notable rise in spending on durables across all states, with rural households in some regions even surpassing urban levels. Mobile phone ownership is now nearly universal, while laptop and computer penetration remains limited. The paper highlights declining TV ownership as mobile screens replace traditional viewing. It also notes strong growth in motor vehicle ownership, supported by better roads, market access and wider availability of finance.Read more

24 Nov 2025

Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Ltd. has received a 15-year contract from Visakhapatnam Port Authority for a contractor-owned battery-electric green tug with a 60-tonne bollard pull capacity. The deal, valued at INR 384.33 crore including taxes, covers complete manning, operations, maintenance and technical management. This is the company's second long-term green tug order, following a similar contract at VO Chidambaranar Port Authority. The company will build both tugs through a joint venture with Synergy Shipbuilders, benefiting from shared procurement and construction efficiencies as India expands its green-tug programme.Read more

23 Nov 2025

Jeh Aerospace has launched its second manufacturing facility in Telangana with an investment of USD 50 million (around INR 445 crore), aiming to meet growing global demand for its precision aerospace components. The Mach 2 facility, spread across 2 lakh sq.ft at Horizon Industrial Park, Hyderabad, will nearly quadruple the company's existing footprint in the city and enhance automation and supply-chain resilience. With an orderbook exceeding USD 150 million in 18 months, Jeh Aerospace continues its rapid growth, building on its first unit inaugurated near Hyderabad last year.Read more

23 Nov 2025

A wholly-owned subsidiary of Concord Control Systems Limited, Advanced Rail Controls Private Limited, has received an INR 19.17 crore contract from Indian Railways to supply, install and commission a wireless control system for locomotives. The order will be completed in seven months and does not involve any related-party transactions. Concord has been expanding its presence in railway technology, supported by earlier orders for its Kavach 4.0 safety system and a higher stake in Progota India to strengthen research and development. The company has also reported stronger financial performance in FY25.Read more

22 Nov 2025

VA Tech WABAG has received a repeat design-build-operate order valued between USD 30 million and USD 75 million from Nepal's Melamchi Water Supply Development Board. The project involves setting up a 255-million-litre-per-day water treatment plant at Sundarijal in the Kathmandu Valley, funded by the Asian Development Bank. The work includes full EPC responsibilities along with five years of operations and maintenance. Construction is planned for 36 months. The new facility will stand beside WABAG's earlier Melamchi plant, strengthening its ongoing involvement in Nepal's drinking-water sector.Read more

21 Nov 2025

GE Aerospace has announced a new USD 14 million investment to increase capacity at its 10-year-old manufacturing facility in Pune. The fresh funding adds to the USD 30 million committed last year, taking the total investment for the site to USD 44 million within a short period. The company will focus on upgrading manufacturing processes, increasing automation, and strengthening capabilities for advanced engine components. The Pune unit supports engines such as GE90, GEnx, GE9X and LEAP, and is backed by more than 300 suppliers locally and over 2,200 across India. The facility has also built a strong talent base over the past decade.Read more

20 Nov 2025

Inox Green Energy Services Ltd will provide O&M services for 5 GW of renewable energy projects developed by INOXGFL Group and KP Group. Through MoUs signed by Inox Wind and Inox Solar with KP Energy Ltd and KPI Green Ltd, the partnership aims to establish 2.5 GW each of wind and solar projects across India. Inox Green, managing 12.5 GW of renewable assets, specializes in long-term O&M services. As India's only listed renewable O&M company, it has over a decade of experience and serves major IPPs, PSUs, and retail clients.Read more

20 Nov 2025

Capital market representatives held a pre-Budget discussion with the Finance Minister where they asked for a reduction in transaction taxes and changes aimed at improving market efficiency and participation. Industry bodies highlighted the rising contribution of capital markets in resource mobilisation, which crossed INR 14.6 lakh crore in FY25, driven largely by equity and debt instruments. Officials from key financial institutions attended the meeting, which forms part of the government's annual consultation process before the Budget. With Budget 2026-27 set to be presented around February 1, the government is expected to focus on demand revival, job creation and maintaining stable growth.Read more

19 Nov 2025

Sales growth in India's FMCG market slowed in volume terms during the recent September quarter as the transition to revised GST rates caused temporary disruptions. While overall value growth rose, rural markets continued to lead demand for the seventh straight quarter, though the gap with urban areas has started to narrow. Smaller towns supported urban recovery, and e-commerce remained a strong contributor to FMCG sales. Modern trade also showed signs of revival. The sector's performance was influenced by stable food demand, slower home and personal care growth, and a stronger contribution from small manufacturers.Read more