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20th CNBC-TV18 IBLA honour leaders in innovation & growth

The 20th edition of CNBC-TV18 India Business Leader Awards (IBLA), presented by Standard Chartered Bank, celebrated India’s visionary leaders who are driving innovation, growth, and transformation across industries through bold actions and impactful contributions. Emeritus, DLF chairman KP Singh received the ‘Hall of Fame recognition, cementing his legacy as a pioneer in the transformation of India’s real estate sector. The ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award was conferred on Serum Institute of India founder Cyrus Poonawalla for his extraordinary contribution to delivering affordable public health solutions globally. For her exceptional efforts in showcasing India's cultural heritage and fostering global connections, Reliance Foundation chairperson Nita Ambani was honoured with the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Brand India’ award. Actor Rajkumar Rao was named ‘Entertainment Leader of the Year’ for his compelling performance in films like Srikanth and Stree 2. The managing director of Bajaj Auto, Rajiv Bajaj received the ‘Outstanding Company of the Year’ award for Bajaj Auto. The evening also featured engaging sessions with policymakers who offered thought-provoking insights on India's economic landscape and growth opportunities. In a fireside chat, union minister of road transport & highways Nitin Gadkari said, “Our GDP structure highlights both challenges and opportunities. Agriculture contributes 14 per cent, manufacturing accounts for 22–24 per cent, and services dominate with 52–54 per cent. Despite this, 65 per cent of our population depends on agriculture, yet its growth rate remains at 14 per cent. This imbalance underscores the urgent need to embrace innovation, science, technology, and global best practices to enhance productivity. By shifting to value-added agriculture, empowering rural communities, and diversifying into energy production, we can elevate agricultural growth to 22 per cent, thereby increasing purchasing power in rural India and aligning it with our broader development goals.” In conversation with Network18’s editor-in-chief Rahul Joshi, Piyush Goyal, union minister of commerce and industry said, "I’ve long questioned how interest rates—whether high or low—truly impact the demand for essentials like onions, tomatoes, rice, or pulses. This outdated thinking, tied to traditional inflation metrics like CPI, no longer serves us. In fact, high interest rates may fuel inflation, further burdening the common man. It’s time for economists to come together and assess the real impact of monetary policy on food inflation. While the economy remains strong with positive indicators like GST collections and manufacturing growth, we must adapt to changing realities. I’m confident that by the end of the year, we will maintain our position as the fastest-growing economy globally. However, the debate around inflation and interest rates is one we can no longer afford to overlook." In his first private media event after taking oath as Maharashtra’s chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis said, “The people of Maharashtra have given us an unprecedented mandate, and with it comes a great responsibility of driving India's economy forward. Maharashtra has always been ahead, and I am proud to share that in just the first six months of this year, we have already achieved 90 per cent of last year’s FDI inflows—poised for a record-breaking year. In infrastructure, Maharashtra is leading the way with projects like the Badhwar port, which is set to become India’s largest and transformative development, such as the third Mumbai airport in Panvel and the Atal Setu connecting Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. Additionally, we are building a 'third Mumbai,' three times the size of the current city, to become India’s next business capital. Maharashtra offers unparalleled opportunities, and I assure you that conducting business here will be seamless and supportive. Together, we can make Maharashtra India's first trillion-dollar sub-national economy." The jury panel for IBLA 2024 comprised a distinguished group of senior industry leaders, including Bharat Forge chairman & managing director Babasaheb N Kalyani, who chaired the panel. Other esteemed jurors included Standard Chartered Bank CEO, India & South Asia Zarin Daruwala, State Bank of India chairman Challa Sreenivasulu Setty, Kotak Mahindra Bank managing director & CEO Ashok Vaswani, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise managing director Suneeta Reddy, Federal Bank managing director & CEO KVS Manian, L&T president, whole-time director & CFO R Shankar Raman, Asian Paints CEO & managing director Amit Syngle, Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar S, Titan Capital co-founder Kunal Bahl, and Blume Venture Advisors co-founder & managing partner Karthik Reddy. CNBC-TV18 India Business Leader Awards (IBLA) is a coveted leadership award, which celebrates trailblazers whose courage, vision, and influence are redefining success. Spread across seventeen categories, IBLA recognised emerging and established business leaders in its 20th edition. Here’s the full list of winners: CATEGORIES WINNERS BRAND CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR ARIEL YOUNG TURK OF THE YEAR NOISE YOUNG TURK STARTUP OF THE YEAR THE SLEEP COMPANY BREAKOUT BRAND OF THE YEAR BLISSCLUB OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO CLIMATE CONSCIOUSNESS BATX ENERGIES DISRUPTOR OF THE YEAR BLINKIT MOST PROMISING COMPANY OF THE YEAR PI INDUSTRIES OUTSTANDING BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR VELLAYAN SUBBIAH OUTSTANDING COMPANY OF THE YEAR BAJAJ AUTO IN MEMORIAM NARAYAN VAGHUL, VINEET NAYYAR, RANJIT SHAHANI, FALI NARIMAN OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO PUBLIC SERVICE SUNITA NARAIN OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO INDIAN ECONOMY IIT MADRAS (SPECIAL RECOGNITION) ENTERTAINMENT LEADER OF THE YEAR RAJKUMMAR RAO SPORTS LEADER OF THE YEAR INDIAN CHESS TEAM - TANIA SACHDEV LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD DR CYRUS POONAWALLA OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO BRAND INDIA NITA AMBANI HALL OF FAME KP SINGH

India Charges Ahead With Renewable Energy Revolution

Rajasthan leads ambitious initiatives as the nation targets 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030 India is at the threshold of what many are calling its renewable energy revolution, marked by bold initiatives, significant targets, and transformative partnerships. Amid growing concerns about climate change and energy poverty, the country is making serious strides toward integrating renewable energy sources to secure a cleaner and more sustainable future. At the forefront of this change is Rajasthan, a state recognized for its ambitious energy initiatives. During the 'Rising Rajasthan Summit' held recently, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, lauded the state's pivotal role. He noted, "Rajasthan stands at the forefront of India’s renewable energy revolution," highlighting its progressive policies and investments aimed at achieving 125 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. This goal aligns with India’s national target of reaching 500 GW of renewable capacity by the same year. Rajasthan has already emerged as the national leader, boasting 30.31 GW of installed renewable power, with solar comprising 24.55 GW of this total. This remarkable achievement not only positions Rajasthan as India’s solar powerhouse but also reflects the state’s commitment to fostering investment and innovation in the energy sector. The Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme 2024, established to provide substantial incentives for renewable energy projects, showcases the state's proactive approach to attracting and nurturing new ventures. The need for this shift toward renewable energy is underscored by recent discussions involving key stakeholders at the National Dialogue on Renewable Energy. Organized by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), this dialogue brought together experts from various fields, including energy policy and sustainability. Sunita Narain, the Director General of CSE, raised important questions about the nation’s readiness for this transition, emphasizing not only the urgency of clean energy but also the associated challenges. "Is India ready for this transition? Will it meet its 2030 target?" she asked. Central to India’s ambitious renewable energy goals is electric power generation from non-fossil sources. The government aims to reduce emissions intensity by 45% relative to 2005 levels by 2030. Notably, the appetite for energy is projected to surge 2-2.5 times by 2047, making the transition imperative. To support this growing demand, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) anticipates needing 777 GW of total installed capacity, with 44% being sourced from renewable energy. Solar energy is set to be the powerhouse of this clean energy future, with reports indicating it will deliver 23% of India's total power generation by 2030. Analysts predict the contribution of renewables will rise significantly, from 13% currently to around 32% within the next few years. There exists, nonetheless, the persistent reality of coal's prevalence within India’s energy sector. Narain points out, "The coal question is not really about coal, but about what the country will do to increase the capacity and generation of clean energy.” This perspective reinforces the idea of displacing coal, rather than outright eliminating it, as clean energy sources ramp up production. The current energy poverty is stark; India needs to double its energy capacity by 2030. While coal currently holds much of the installed generation capacity, the transition to renewable energy is underway. Despite this, researchers at CSE reveal significant barriers. For example, many renewable projects are yet to be commissioned, with statistics showing about 34.5 GW of signed projects still waiting for activation. The urgency of investment is echoed by Pradip Kumar Das from the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), who indicated the necessity of around Rs 30-32 lakh crore (nearly USD 4 billion) over the next several years to propel this clean energy agenda. This requires easing capital risks and ensuring effective deployment of projects. Innovative solutions are on the table: balancing technologies, which can flexibly respond to the variable nature of renewable energy, are gaining traction as another key performance indicator. Reports suggest integrating these technologies could save up to €65 trillion globally by 2050, significantly reducing the required renewable capacity and enhancing energy efficiency. Anders Lindberg, President of Wärtsilä Energy, emphasized the importance of flexibility within India's energy plans, stating, "To achieve a clean energy future, our modelling shows flexibility is also necessary. Balancing power plants are not merely important; they are urgent supports for higher renewable energy levels.” The increasing reliance on renewable sources must be managed with the capability to switch energy generation rapidly to meet demand. Meanwhile, changes are also being made at the policy level, as the Indian government has announced the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) aiming to bolster manufacturing and supply chain reliability for solar PV components. This move directs future solar energy projects to utilize locally sourced materials, thereby enhancing energy security and reducing environmental impact. At the operational level, initiatives like the collaboration between the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) seek to drive Maharashtra's energy transition forward. Through innovative policies and regulations, the partnership aims to integrate renewable energy more effectively and equip Maharashtra with the tools needed for engagement and resilience. These multifaceted approaches highlight not only the potential for significant transformation within India’s energy sector but the collaboration among various stakeholders: government bodies, private industries, and renewable energy advocates resembles the engine needed to drive this transition. From Rajasthan’s ambitious policies to strategic partnerships across states and the urgent need for capital investment, India's path to renewable energy is becoming increasingly clear. Recognizing both the challenges and opportunities as it endeavors to reshape its energy economy will determine its success. This is not just about energy; it encompasses health, livelihood, and the very essence of what constitutes sustainable development. By aligning these facets, India can pave the way for equitable growth and sustainable energy for generations to come.

NESREA unveils new environmental audit guidelines

The director general of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Innocent Barikor, has unveiled new guidelines on environmental audits in Nigeria. The agency, in partnership with the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in New Delhi, India, will be training 350 NESREA staff, accredited consultants, and others. Barikor explained that the training is necessary because audit reports received from consultants often come in different formats, lack important information, and sometimes do not reflect the actual status of the operating facilities. He disclosed this at a one-day workshop organized by NESREA in partnership with CSE in Abuja, explaining that an environmental audit involves a series of activities undertaken to evaluate the environmental performance of a facility or organization. Speaking, Ishita Garg of CSE India said a thoroughly performed environmental audit allows industries to analyze the ambiguities in the implementation of management plans and take corrective measures. It also helps industries improve the process of efficiency by optimizing the usage of resources, increasing production, and thereby resulting in monetary benefits.

What Trump's second term means for climate change and green policies

What does the second coming of Donald Trump mean for climate-change action? Here is a man who will take over as President of the United States (US), the world’s single-largest historical emitter of greenhouse gases and the second-highest annual contributor. He is an avowed climate sceptic — an out-and-out advocate for fossil fuels in a time of climate crisis. He has said he will, once sworn into office, ensure that energy prices are slashed; he will rescind green-energy plans; and wants industry to go back to the time of “drill baby drill” — essentially opening more federal lands to exploration for oil and natural gas and slashing regulatory controls on his country’s fossil fuel industry. But when I say this, we must note that even under the incumbent President, Joe Biden, the US has been the fossil-fuel emperor — producing more oil than any country has done before. It is the world’s largest producer of oil and gas — outproducing even Russia by over 40 per cent. So, when Mr Trump says he will go back to fossils, we must understand just how bad this will be! Mr Trump has also railed against the Biden administration’s plans for renewable power and electric vehicles, calling them “industry-killing; job-killing; pro-China; and anti-America”. All in all, he wants to go back to the business of the past, rejecting completely the idea that the green transition is necessary as the world stands on a precipice of impending disaster. The question then is: What next for climate-change action in the US? What next for international agreements that bring the world together to combat climate change? We need to ask this because this time, Mr Trump’s victory is not a fluke — in 2016, when he was elected President, the US and the world were uncertain what he stood for and against. Most of us thought it was just bluster. This time, he has come to power with the conviction that his people — the people of the US — want him because of his positions, including the strident denial of climate change. So, we should not be surprised by his actions; instead, the question should be how the world moves ahead to take steps to combat this runaway existential problem. The fact is that Mr Biden — despite the hypocrisy of his country’s massive oil and gas production — stood different from all his predecessors on commitment to climate action. He set a bold target of reducing greenhouse gases 50-52 per cent below the 2005 levels by 2030; and to reach 100 per cent carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was brilliantly conceived to become the driver of investment in clean technologies and green energy. More than anything, the US leadership meant that all countries had nowhere to hide — they were pushed to set targets on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and there was some concerted action as well. Not enough. Not nearly. But the narrative had changed. The question also is if Mr Trump will pull his country out of the global agreements on climate change — the 2015 Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. It is widely held that he will. All this will weaken the global intent on decarbonisation and for building that cooperative agreement so that countries in the South get financial support for mitigation and adaptation. This is then the reality that we need to contend with. But let’s be clear that all this will happen at a time when the impacts of climate change will grow and devastate more and more countries; people will get more desperately poor and this will add to the insecurity of the world. In today’s world, immigration is the driver of the shift towards strong leaders, who will keep out the illegals. This will only worsen as climate impacts intensify. These downward spirals need all of us to act; need global leadership but also strong voices to speak up, not just of the impending doom but also of the possibility of doing things differently. This is the message of hope we need today. The world has no doubt moved ahead on its journey to build a low-carbon economy and this cannot be reversed so easily. There has been huge investment in green technologies, including batteries and renewable energy, and now there is an interest in this new economy — and China will be an important stakeholder with its massive investment in clean technology. But this said, we need a reboot in the way we in the environmental field have espoused our cause; we need to understand the cost of combating climate change. We need new ways towards the green transition, which is affordable and inclusive — not just in the countries of the South but also in the industrialised North. This is the message we need to take from Mr Trump’s election — it’s loud and clear and we can ignore it at our common peril. The writer is at the Centre for Science and Environment sunita@cseindia.org, X: @sunitanar

Delhi’s air pollution crisis: What the odd-even rule can, or cannot, address

Delhi’s vibrant colours pale as the city gasps for air each winter. Pollution levels soar, with the AQI often exceeding 500. In 2015, the Delhi High Court dubbed the city a ‘gas chamber’ due to its escalating pollution, demanding urgent action from both State and Central governments. With the air quality dipping each year, Delhi implements various measures to combat this crisis. One is the odd-even rule, which the government tried for a few years with limited success. This year, in response to rising pollution levels, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was enforced, introducing specific rules based on pollution severity. With each new restriction, one question lingers in the minds of Delhiites: Will the government reintroduce the odd-even rule? Some people vouch for the benefits of this rule. However, many experts and citizens are sceptical about its effectiveness as it doesn’t address the underlying issues causing air pollution. The origin of the odd-even scheme Introduced in Delhi by former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in 2016, this scheme is a traffic rationing measure in which private cars with even-numbered registration plates are allowed on even dates, and those with odd-numbered plates on odd dates. This means vehicles ending with registration numbers 1, 3, 5, and 7 are permitted on odd days, while vehicles with 2, 4, 6, and 8 are allowed on even days. This scheme has been implemented three times since its launch — in 2016, 2017, and 2019. The odd-even rule applies to all privately owned four-wheelers, with a long list of exemptions such as women drivers, vehicles carrying only women and children under 12 years, electric vehicles, and those driven by persons with disabilities. The President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Delhi’s Chief Minister, Lieutenant Governor, Chief Justice of India, and heads of key commissions like the Lokpal and Election Commission are exempt from the mandate. The odd-even scheme remains a part of Delhi’s pollution control strategy, implemented selectively as part of the GRAP during severe pollution episodes. The odd-even experiment in other countries Although introduced to India in 2016, the odd-even scheme had already been practised globally. Countries like China, France (Paris), Colombia (Bogotá), Mexico, and Italy experimented with it. In China, the rule was implemented ahead of the 2008 Olympics, resulting in nearly a 20% decrease in pollution levels. Alongside this scheme, efforts to improve public transport were also undertaken in the countries that implemented it. In Paris, for instance, public transport was free when the odd-even scheme was in place, encouraging people to leave their cars behind. Odd-even rule: An emergency plan “It is crucial to understand why such actions are taken,” says Anumita Roychowdhury, Executive Director at the Centre for Science and Environment. She explains that odd-even is an emergency action plan, not a year-round measure. “Emergency measures are implemented during winter because severe smog episodes occur when existing pollution in the city gets trapped due to meteorological conditions like lack of wind. These conditions prevent pollutants from dispersing, leading to worsening air quality. Emergency actions, such as odd-even and even other measures under the GRAP, aim to minimise additional pollution sources. The goal is to prevent further deterioration of already critical conditions,” says Anumita. In Delhi, there were reports of backlash to this scheme; a Business Standard article from 2023 reported that 64% of the people in Delhi NCR did not support the introduction of the odd-even scheme. Furthermore, 56% of those surveyed opposed one or more exemptions in the scheme. Some citizens also faced challenges while using public transport when the scheme was implemented. Ashish Sharma, a resident of Delhi and a social worker, shared his experience from the time when the odd-even rule was in effect. “The intention behind this initiative is good, but I faced several challenges when it was implemented. Using public transport, especially taking autos during this time, felt like being blackmailed. For the daily NGO service, where I used to distribute clothes using my car, the odd-even rule forced me to rely on private autos. I ended up paying ₹200–300 for a ride that usually costs around ₹150. It felt like auto drivers were taking advantage of us during this period, as we had no other options.,” said Ashish. How the government backs the rule When the Supreme Court questioned the scheme’s effectiveness, the Delhi government backed it with studies showing improvements in air quality. One study conducted by researchers from the University of Chicago, the Centre for Policy Research, and Harvard Kennedy School found that during the odd-even scheme in January 2016, PM2.5 levels dropped by an average of 13% between 8 am and 8 pm However, no measurable effect was noticed in April 2016 due to higher atmospheric dispersion during the warmer months. A second study by IIT-Delhi, IIT-Kanpur, and other institutions showed that traffic restrictions from January 1–15, 2016, led to a 4–6% reduction in PM2.5 levels, with a peak decrease of up to 10% at certain pollution hotspots. Traffic data from November 2019, when the scheme was in effect, indicated a 30% reduction in personal car usage. However, two-wheeler traffic increased by 6.5%, taxi usage rose by 19.5%, auto-rickshaw traffic by 7.5%, and bus usage by 4.7%. Assessing the effectiveness of the odd-even scheme “The issue lies in the data interpretation process,” explains Dr. Mohan P. George, Former Additional Director at the DPCC. “Air quality measurements are conducted under dynamic conditions influenced by various meteorological factors. Since ambient air is a constantly moving mixture, accurately assessing its quality and the impact of interventions like the odd-even rule is beyond current scientific capabilities. The problem is not with the odd-even rule in itself — it effectively reduces emissions by taking 50% of cars off the road, as evidenced by lower fuel sales during the period. Instead, the limitation lies in the inadequacy of our current equipment and systems to measure its impact on ambient air quality accurately,” he adds. If the government is convinced about the positive impact of the rule, why has it been implemented only thrice since 2016? “A lot of people doubt the effectiveness of the odd-even rule, but it works, and we have multiple data studies to validate that,” says Jasmine Shah, Former Vice-Chairperson of the Dialogue and Development Commission of Delhi Government. “Odd-even disrupts daily life, but we must remember that it is an emergency action plan, not a way of life. Implementing it too often might encourage people to buy more cars, as seen in Mexico, which would defeat the purpose. Every time we’ve implemented it, we’ve had public support. When the government takes tough calls to improve people’s lives, people rally behind it,” he added. Odd-even rule: A band-aid solution? “Odd-even is at best a band-aid on a wound that requires surgery,” says Radhika Jhaveri, a researcher and educator from Let India Breathe. She emphasises that the odd-even scheme does not address the root causes of air pollution. “Excessive construction and tree cutting, stubble burning, too many trucks, depletion of forest cover, thermal power plants, polluting industries, and waste burning — these are the key contributors, and none of them are being effectively addressed.” Radhika reiterates that unless long-term measures are in place, not much will change. “The first step should have been to gradually transition to a car-free city. This could be achieved one step at a time, by creating car-free zones, exclusive bus lanes, and walking lanes. However, there are two major issues — apathy of the people, and the government’s lack of political will. The severity of the air pollution crisis we face today is a direct result of these two factors.”

The year planet changed

2024 will mark the year when the world has changed in more ways than one. It is the year that marks the beginning of the time of climate change—when each day some part of the world is hit by extreme weather events; when a new record of heat or cold stress is made and then broken; when communities already living on the margins of survival are devastated to the point of being unable to recover from the frequent disasters. This is a different era. Scientists describe this as the Anthropocene Epoch, which in geological time is defined as the period when human activities have significant impacts on the Planet’s climate and ecosystems. Everything that we have done for human progress—for increased well-being and wealth generation—has breached national as well as planetary boundaries. It is also the period of momentous changes—in the way we behave with each other as human beings; in the global norms of what is right and what is wrong; and in the power of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that will drive virtually everything in the next few years. We have changed the “nature” of public discourse so that we can say what we feel, even if it is vile, hateful and destructive. We believe this is the freedom of speech that protects our democracy. But in all this, we have put our faith (without much thought I would argue) in the business of the new-age technology. Today’s big tech companies are all-controlling empires—they make the multinational corporations of the past look puny—as their scale of influence transcends countries and touches our lives like never before. Think of the way we consume news; the way we shop; and the way each part of our lives, wherever we live, is infused and firmly integrated into these businesses. Today, their leaders are driving change, not just in technologies and in media, but also in politics. They seek influence and as governments weaken, they get stronger. Most governments are under the illusion that they are deciding policies and that these are still in public interest. The fact is, governments have ceded that space to big consultancies, investment banks and private businesses. The public space is now privatised as we all continue to watch as spectators. It is not that democracy is dead, but that it has been fundamentally modified by this nexus of business and the consuming classes—you and me. And all this is happening in this time of climatic change. Today our world is more insecure and more anxious as each super-cycle of cataclysmic change is feeding the other. We live in an increasingly inequitable world where the rich have gotten richer and the poor poorer. In the past five years, this divide has widened as the COVID-19 pandemic devastated economies, and before they could recover the wars shaped the present, leaving countries with little financial resources to heal and to grow. This, combined with bad governance, climate change and resource squeeze, is leading to more migration, as desperate people seek new opportunities. All these add fuel to the anger and insecurity, which then make democracy prey to hateful and polarised rhetoric in this age of big technology, controlled by new business leaders with superpowers. This anger is not confined to the poor in the world. The rich feel betrayed—or at least this is how they perceive it. When the world moved to stitch up economies in the 1990s, it was the poor that were most worried about the loss of jobs. It is the farmers in our world who took to the streets in protest of the free trade agreements that would upend their livelihoods. Today, the situation has reversed. It is the workers in the already rich world that have been left out of the new economies. They are turning against what they call the “educated elite and the experts” who have benefitted from the service and financial economy of this interconnected world. The worst outcome of this class war is the rejection of ideas. People see knowledge as tainted and compromised and feeding private interests—also an outcome of the way we have organised the world’s information and business systems. This, then, means that what is in the public interest, like climate change, is also viewed with suspicion and, now with the second coming of Donald Trump, with rejection—even in the face of growing disasters and the need for cooperation. In 2024, when the world has moved into a different today, we must plan for a different tomorrow. This is where the climate crisis intersects again. We know that we live in the age of climate extremes—disasters are happening all around us—but we are not doing enough to fix it. We are not in denial; but we are not designed anymore as societies to work for common causes. It is for this reason that in Baku, at the 29th Conference of Parties to the Climate Convention, we have even dropped all pretence of wanting to build a cooperative world. The rich world has officially decided to throw some crumbs in the name of climate finance. This world of historical climate debtors says that the world that needs to reinvent its growth to be low-carbon, to adapt to the changing climate and to survive the loss and damages must do with this pretend largess. It is an insult to the change we need in the world. This is also where economy, climate change and politics intersect. When the world moved towards interconnected economies it was believed that it would lead to a prosperous and safer world order; countries would not attack as they would be driven by the self-interest of cooperation. But the real reason for moving industry was to reduce the costs of labour and environmental safeguards. It was too expensive to manufacture if these costs had to be paid. This meant that production moved and so did emissions. We know that from the carbon dioxide balance sheet of countries as China became the world’s manufacturer with others joining it. Today, as the world needs a green transition, it faces new realities. The production of all things green is still cheaper in the “other” world, China in particular. Donald Trump has promised a trade war to bring back business to his country. But this will add costs, financial and environmental, as the world is just too integrated and interconnected on its trade to disengage easily. It will also derail the momentum for a low-carbon economy as what is green is foreign-made and so must be shunned. This is why at the beginning of the epoch of climate change, in the year 2024, when the world has moved into a different today, we must plan for a different tomorrow. We cannot be prisoners of yesterday. We must be vanguards of a new dawn; a new promise but with the reality of the mistakes of our era. Otherwise, we will squander away coming decades to nothingness—all into a vortex of spiralling climate change impacts. This is what we must change. (Writer is Director General of CSE and editor of Down To Earth, an environmentalist who pushes for changes in policies, practices and mindsets; Courtesy: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/)

इधर GRAP-4 हटा, उधर और खराब हो गई हवा, दिल्ली में पल्यूशन के 9 नए हॉटस्पॉट भी मिले

ग्रैप-4 हटने के दूसरे ही दिन प्रदूषण बढ़कर बेहद खराब स्तर पर आ गया है। सात दिन बाद प्रदूषण इस स्तर पर पहुंचा है। पूर्वानुमान के अनुसार 10 दिसंबर तक प्रदूषण का स्तर खराब रह सकता है। इसके बाद यह एक बार फिर कम होकर खराब स्तर पर पहुंच जाएगा। इसके अलावा दिल्ली में प्रदूषण के 9 नए हॉटस्पॉट भी मिले हैं। आगे कैसा रहेगा हाल? पूर्वानुमान के अनुसार 9 दिसंबर को प्रदूषण का स्तर खराब और 10 दिसंबर को बेहद खराब रहेगा। वहीं, 11 दिसंबर को इसमें कमी आएगी और यह खराब स्तर पर आ जाएगा। इसके बाद अगले छह दिनों तक यह खराब स्तर पर ही बना रह सकता है। रविवार की शाम हवाओं की रफ्तार 12 किलोमीटर प्रति घंटे के आसपास रही। शाम के समय यह 14 से 16 किलोमीटर प्रति घंटे तक पहुंच गई। अब 9 दिसंबर को हवाओं की रफ्तार 10 से 12 किलोमीटर प्रति घंटे, 10 दिसंबर को 12 से 14 किलोमीटर प्रति घंटे और 11 दिसंबर को 14 से 16 किलोमीटर प्रति घंटे के आसपास रह सकती है। राजधानी में उभर रहे हैं पल्यूशन के नौ नए हॉट स्पॉट राजधानी में नौ नए हॉट स्पॉट तेजी से उभर रहे हैं। इसका मतलब यह नहीं है कि पुराने हॉट स्पॉट खत्म हो रहे हैं। बीते तीन सालों के आकलन पर यह पूरी रिपोर्ट तैयार की गई है। रिपोर्ट के अनुसार, नेहरू नगर इन नए हॉट स्पॉट में सबसे बड़ा हॉट स्पॉट बनकर उभर रहा है। राजधानी में प्रदूषण का आकलन तैयार कर 2017 में 13 हॉट स्पॉट की लिस्ट तैयार की गई थी। यह 13 हॉट स्पॉट राजधानी के सबसे प्रदूषित एरिया में शामिल थे। इन 13 हॉट स्पॉट में आनंद विहार, मुंडका, वजीरपुर, जहांगीरपुरी, आरके पुरम, रोहिणी, पंजाबी बाग, ओखला, बवाना, पूसा, नरेला, अशोक विहार और द्वारका सेक्टर-8 शामिल हैं। GRAP और प्रदूषण के सीजन के दौरान इन हॉट स्पॉट के लिए अलग से निगरानी और प्रदूषण कंट्रोल करने की व्यवस्था रहती है। सीएसई (सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरमेंट) की स्टडी के आकलन के अनुसार, राजधानी में 9 ऐसी जगह हैं जो कुछ हॉट स्पॉट से भी ज्यादा प्रदूषित हैं। यह आंकलन बीते तीन सालों के प्रदूषण का विश्लेषण कर किया गया है। इनमें नेहरू नगर, एनएसआईटी द्वारका, विवेक विहार, सोनिया विहार, नैशनल स्टेडियम, आईटीओ, पटपड़गंज, लोदी रोड और अलीपुर शामिल हैं।

इधर GRAP-4 हटा, उधर और खराब हो गई हवा, दिल्ली में पल्यूशन के 9 नए हॉटस्पॉट भी मिले

ग्रैप-4 हटने के दूसरे ही दिन प्रदूषण बढ़कर बेहद खराब स्तर पर आ गया है। सात दिन बाद प्रदूषण इस स्तर पर पहुंचा है। पूर्वानुमान के अनुसार 10 दिसंबर तक प्रदूषण का स्तर खराब रह सकता है। इसके बाद यह एक बार फिर कम होकर खराब स्तर पर पहुंच जाएगा। इसके अलावा दिल्ली में प्रदूषण के 9 नए हॉटस्पॉट भी मिले हैं। आगे कैसा रहेगा हाल? पूर्वानुमान के अनुसार 9 दिसंबर को प्रदूषण का स्तर खराब और 10 दिसंबर को बेहद खराब रहेगा। वहीं, 11 दिसंबर को इसमें कमी आएगी और यह खराब स्तर पर आ जाएगा। इसके बाद अगले छह दिनों तक यह खराब स्तर पर ही बना रह सकता है। रविवार की शाम हवाओं की रफ्तार 12 किलोमीटर प्रति घंटे के आसपास रही। शाम के समय यह 14 से 16 किलोमीटर प्रति घंटे तक पहुंच गई। अब 9 दिसंबर को हवाओं की रफ्तार 10 से 12 किलोमीटर प्रति घंटे, 10 दिसंबर को 12 से 14 किलोमीटर प्रति घंटे और 11 दिसंबर को 14 से 16 किलोमीटर प्रति घंटे के आसपास रह सकती है। राजधानी में उभर रहे हैं पल्यूशन के नौ नए हॉट स्पॉट राजधानी में नौ नए हॉट स्पॉट तेजी से उभर रहे हैं। इसका मतलब यह नहीं है कि पुराने हॉट स्पॉट खत्म हो रहे हैं। बीते तीन सालों के आकलन पर यह पूरी रिपोर्ट तैयार की गई है। रिपोर्ट के अनुसार, नेहरू नगर इन नए हॉट स्पॉट में सबसे बड़ा हॉट स्पॉट बनकर उभर रहा है।राजधानी में प्रदूषण का आकलन तैयार कर 2017 में 13 हॉट स्पॉट की लिस्ट तैयार की गई थी। यह 13 हॉट स्पॉट राजधानी के सबसे प्रदूषित एरिया में शामिल थे। इन 13 हॉट स्पॉट में आनंद विहार, मुंडका, वजीरपुर, जहांगीरपुरी, आरके पुरम, रोहिणी, पंजाबी बाग, ओखला, बवाना, पूसा, नरेला, अशोक विहार और द्वारका सेक्टर-8 शामिल हैं। GRAP और प्रदूषण के सीजन के दौरान इन हॉट स्पॉट के लिए अलग से निगरानी और प्रदूषण कंट्रोल करने की व्यवस्था रहती है।सीएसई (सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरमेंट) की स्टडी के आकलन के अनुसार, राजधानी में 9 ऐसी जगह हैं जो कुछ हॉट स्पॉट से भी ज्यादा प्रदूषित हैं। यह आंकलन बीते तीन सालों के प्रदूषण का विश्लेषण कर किया गया है। इनमें नेहरू नगर, एनएसआईटी द्वारका, विवेक विहार, सोनिया विहार, नैशनल स्टेडियम, आईटीओ, पटपड़गंज, लोदी रोड और अलीपुर शामिल हैं।सीएसई की एग्जिक्यूटिव डायरेक्टर अनुमिता रायचौधरी के अनुसार, यह आकलन एक जनवरी से 20 अक्टूबर का है। मौजूदा हॉट स्पॉट की निगरानी के साथ राजधानी में ऐसी जगह जहां प्रदूषण तेजी से बढ़ रहा है उन पर नजर रखना काफी जरूरी है। साथ ही यदि किसी हॉट स्पॉट पर प्रदूषण पिछले कुछ सालों से कम हुआ है तो उसे रिवाइज करने की भी जरूरत है। हॉट स्पॉट 2017 में सामने आए थे, नई जगहों पर प्रदूषण बढ़ने की वजह दूसरे कारण भी हो सकते हैं। इसलिए इनके लिए भी एक खास एक्शन प्लान की जरूरत है।

Is Madhya Pradesh ready for its climate crisis?

Extreme weather events have become increasingly frequent in Madhya Pradesh, making it one of India’s most disaster-prone states. In 2024, the state faced devastating losses, including 373 fatalities, damage to over 8,147 homes, and the destruction of over 25,000 hectares of crops due to hydro-meteorological disasters—natural hazards driven by water and weather-related phenomena. These events, fueled by extreme atmospheric and hydrological processes worsened by climate change, highlight the urgent need for action. This trend raises a few critical questions– Is the human toll from natural disasters in Madhya Pradesh increasing, or have preparedness and resilience measures improved? What data says? Over the past five years, Madhya Pradesh has steadily risen in hydro-meteorological disaster-related fatalities. Between 2018 and 2024, the state averaged 266 deaths yearly from disasters like tropical cyclones, heavy rainfall, severe thunderstorms, floods and drought. In 2024, Madhya Pradesh reported 353 deaths due to extreme weather events. Over 25,170 hectares of agricultural land were damaged, 7,278 houses destroyed, and 61 animals lost. In 2023, the state saw 253 fatalities, with 45,000 hectares of crops affected, 2,626 houses damaged, and 376 animal deaths. In 2022, there were 301 deaths, 6,646 homes impacted, and 997 livestock deaths due to similar extreme weather events. In 2021: The death toll fell to 191, but significant flooding caused extensive damage to homes and agricultural infrastructure. In 2020: during the COVID-19 lockdown, Madhya Pradesh recorded 89 deaths due to extreme weather events In 2019: Madhya Pradesh witnessed 674 deaths, 1,888 animal fatalities, and Rs 12,000 crore in damages due to heavy rains and floods. Over 1.18 lakh buildings were damaged, and 60.47 lakh hectares of farmland affected. These figures underscore the harsh reality that Madhya Pradesh endures over 300 disaster-related deaths annually, coupled with extensive damage to homes and agricultural land, reaffirming its vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. Extreme weather rise Madhya Pradesh is prone to floods, droughts, and heat waves. Recently, it faced extreme weather more frequently, significantly impacting lives and the economy. According to recent climate reports, Madhya Pradesh faces extreme weather events more frequently than any other Indian state, with regular occurrences of heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and droughts that severely affect agriculture and livelihoods. These figures underscore the harsh reality that Madhya Pradesh endures over 300 disaster-related deaths annually, coupled with extensive damage to homes and agricultural land, reaffirming its vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. A study by the State Climate Change Knowledge Management Centre warns that Madhya Pradesh, prone to droughts and floods, faces increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events due to climate change. Rising temperatures over the next 50 years are expected to worsen its vulnerability. Taking a proactive approach, Madhya Pradesh has made an Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC), focusing on adapting to the growing risks of climate disasters. It acknowledges the challenges posed by agriculture and forestry, which are deeply vulnerable to changing weather patterns. The study emphasizes that extreme weather events in Madhya Pradesh severely damage homes and agriculture while exacerbating public health issues. Flooding creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes, driving the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue. Additionally, the increasing frequency of heatwaves places significant strain on the healthcare system, particularly in rural areas with limited medical infrastructure. Climate change has profoundly altered Madhya Pradesh’s landscape, intensifying hydrometeorological disasters. Research indicates that the climate crisis is a key driver of increased weather variability, manifesting as erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and severe flooding. Dr. Divya E. Surendran, scientist at the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bhopal, explains, "Temperatures are rising globally, and Madhya Pradesh is no exception. Over the last 10 to 15 years, we've observed rising temperatures affecting atmospheric moisture levels, leading to more frequent and intense extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall and heatwaves." She adds, "Moderate rain events have decreased, but heavy rainfall is rising. This trend aligns with global warming and climate change impacts." The State of Extreme Weather 2024 report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) underscores the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events driven by climate change. Madhya Pradesh experienced 176 days of extreme weather in 2024, nearly double the national average of approximately 90 days. IMD reports highlight that rising temperatures are fueling erratic weather patterns across India, with Madhya Pradesh becoming a hotspot for such events. Such figures indicate a changing climate; they also reflect human displacement and suffering, with countless families bearing the brunt of these emergencies. Disaster management framework In response to increasing disasters, the state has implemented several policies aimed at improving disaster preparedness and response. The Madhya Pradesh State Disaster Management Policy (MPSDMP), established in 2002, aims to address natural disasters through a multi-hazard approach integrated into development planning. The policy stresses effective resource utilization at all disaster management stages—pre-disaster preparation, immediate response, and post-disaster recovery. A senior official from the MPSDMA highlights ongoing efforts to improve disaster preparedness, stating, "We are working diligently to strengthen disaster preparedness, focusing on better early warning systems, infrastructure improvements, and local capacity-building." However, the frequency and severity of disasters have often exceeded the state's response capacity, emphasizing the urgent need for both immediate action and long-term strategic planning.

IBLA 2024: Sunita Narain honoured with Outstanding Contribution to Public Service Award

The jury of CNBC-TV18 India Business Leader Awards 2024 on Saturday, December 7, presented this year's Outstanding Contribution to Public Service award to environmentalist Sunita Narain for her relentless pursuit of a sustainable future and contributions to public service. For decades, Narain, who is the director general of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), has championed the cause of sustainability, advocating tirelessly for our planet and its people. She has been a member of the Prime Minister's Council for Climate Change, a pivotal body responsible for steering India's climate response, has chaired the Tiger Task Force, responsible for stemming and turning the alarming decline of tigers in protected reserves, and is serving on the National Ganga River Basin Authority, dedicated to restoring and revitalising India's iconic river. Her lifelong commitment to sustainability, climate justice, and being planet-friendly has earned her numerous recognitions and accolades — including the Padma Shri in 2005, the Stockholm Water Prize, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Award, and the Edinburgh Medal. She has twice appeared on Foreign Policy/Prospect's list of the world's top 100 public intellectuals.

IBLA 2024: Meet The Winners Of India Business Leaders Awards, Check Full List

IBLA 2024: The winners of the India Business Leader Awards were announced on Saturday, celebrating visionary leaders who drive innovation, growth and transformation across industries with bold actions and unwavering commitment. Now in its 20th edition, CNBC-TV18 India Business Leader Awards have become a hallmark of excellence, honoring trailblazers whose courage, vision, and impact are redefining success. CATEGORY WINNER 1 Brand Campaign Of The Year Ariel 2 Young Turk Of The Year Noise 3 Young Turk Startup Of The Year The Sleep Company 4 Breakout Brand Of The Year Blissclub 5 Outstanding Contribution To Climate Consciousness Batx Energies 6 Disruptor Of The Year Blinkit 7 Most Promising Company Of The Year PI Industries 8 Outstanding Business Leader Of The Year Vellayan Subbiah 9 Outstanding Company Of The Year Bajaj Auto 10 In Memoriam Narayan Vaghul, Vineet Nayyar, Ranjit Shahani, Fali Nariman 11 Outstanding Contribution To Public Service Sunita Narain 12 Outstanding Contribution To Indian Economy IIT Madras (Special Recognition) 13 Entertainment Leader Of The Year Rajkummar Rao 14 Sports Leader Of The Year- Indian Chess Team Tania Sachdev 15 Lifetime Achievement Award Dr Cyrus Poonawalla 16 Outstanding Contribution To Brand India Nita Ambani 17 Hall Of Fame KP Singh

Plastic pollution negotiations at the crossroads in Busan

NEW DELHI: At the midweek of the global plastics stocktake, the fifth and final session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) in South Korea’s Busan is yet to decide what all should be included in the mandate—from a cut in production to regulating toxic chemicals used in making polymers. The final text of the agreement is due on December 1. However, environmental experts are dismayed at the way the negotiations have been progressing. For, the oversized presence of fossil fuel lobbyists threatens to turn the critical environmental agreement into a charade, undermining serious efforts to curb plastic production and pollution. They worry the final text may not craft a strong way forward to make the planet plastic-free. Financial mechanism India proposed a dedicated multilateral fund to compensate developing countries for their transition towards plastic-free living. The fund would help developing nations meet the additional costs of transition and invest in alternative sustainable materials, India argued. Around 100 other countries, including the African and Latin and Caribbean Group, made similar proposals like establishing a new, independent, adequate, and accessible financial mechanism to support developing countries meet their obligations under the proposed treaty. Workable consensus and equity-based model The developed countries group, which has 37 members, too, proposed a financial mechanism with a rider. It said no separate fund would be set up, but finance can be availed from existing multilateral mechanisms. However, India, like other developing countries, proposed a new treaty with fresh funds and no overlap with the mandates of other multilateral agreements. In this regard, it issued a statement on the fourth day of negotiations, stating that the mandates of other multilateral environmental agreements, such as the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions and international bodies like the World Trade Organization, are different from those of the treaty. These previous conventions are still debatable, and many countries still need to adopt them, India pointed out. India also sought the transfer of clean technology to developing countries to enable compliance with control measures agreed in the instrument. India has long opposed any legally binding international treaty on plastic pollution, preferring a voluntary and consensus-based approach to combating the menace. On Day 1 of the negotiations, India, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt and Uganda called for consensus as a decision-making process for the treaty. Consensus gives individual countries the power to veto select treaty measures. However, a civil society group, Break Free From Plastic, criticised India’s position and dubbed it a ‘spoiler’. Reduce production Kenya proposed the phasing out of dangerous chemicals used in polymers and other problematic products and demanded transparency in the plastics manufacturing phase out with a clear deadline. Island nations proposed a 40% reduction of production levels by 2040 based on 2025 levels. India has always been against capping the manufacture of polymers—raw materials for the production of plastics by the petrochemical industry. The country has one of the world’s largest petrochemical industries. “As discussions are underway, India may dilute its stand on polymer supply and agree to cut production,” says Siddharth Ghanshyam Singh of the Centre for Science and Environment, who is at Busan. India generated around 3.5 million tonnes (MT) of plastic waste in 2020-21, but it can recycle less than half of it. However, the per capita consumption of plastic in India is just 15 kg as compared to the United States’ 139 kg and China’s 46 kg. Despite lower per capita consumption, India banned single use plastic from July 1, 2022. Global South colonised by plastic waste The negotiations focus on the Global South, where more than two-thirds of the annual 57 million tons of plastic pollution comes from. India, Nigeria, Indonesia and Sub-Saharan Africa are emerging as the largest sources of pollution. However, most Global South countries import raw materials like polymers from the Global North, which is synonymous with high-income nations. Experts term the practice of exporting waste from high-income countries to lower-income nations as waste colonialism. “If the Global North is serious about ending plastic pollution, they must stop the millions of tons of plastic waste export to the Global South,” says Pui Yi Wong with the Basel Action Network (Malaysia). “This must include plastic scraps, ‘hidden’ plastic waste in electronics, synthetic textiles, waste fuels, and other products, as well as illegally trafficked plastic waste. This injustice of waste colonialism must end.” Here is where industry lobbyists get into play. They infiltrate the negotiations and keep derailing the efforts to eliminate plastics.

FG Unveils New Environmental Audit Guidelines for Industries

The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled new environmental audit guidelines aimed at regulating the operations of facilities across the country. The announcement was made by Dr. Innocent Barikor, Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), at a workshop in Abuja on Wednesday. The workshop, organized in collaboration with the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), a global organization based in New Delhi, India, highlighted the guidelines’ purpose of enhancing environmental sustainability, compliance, and excellence in conducting audits across facilities in Nigeria. Dr. Barikor explained that the guidelines aim to identify and address environmental challenges arising during project operations, improve industrial practices, and minimize environmental impacts. He noted that audit reports from consultants have often been inconsistent, lacking crucial information, and sometimes failing to reflect the actual status of the operating facilities. “These reports do not adequately cover the details included in the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) developed during the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA),” he said, adding that the new guidelines would streamline the environmental audit process. Emphasizing the importance of high-quality audit reporting, Dr. Barikor stressed that such reports serve as foundational tools for environmental compliance and enforcement. “Our reports guide policy, inform industry standards, and ultimately shape environmental performance across sectors. Aligning our guidelines with global best practices will ensure that Nigeria’s environmental audits are credible, transparent, and impactful on a global scale,” he said. Dr. Barikor further announced that NESREA would begin verifying the parameters in audit reports submitted by consultants and take decisive actions against any consultant involved in falsification, fabrication, or plagiarism. Ms. Ishita Garg from CSE also highlighted the value of a thorough environmental audit, noting that it allows industries to identify gaps in implementing management plans and take corrective actions.

Pathways for Indian Carbon Market

As India prepares to roll out its own national compliance-based carbon market, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has prepared a clear roadmap to help it along. India’s finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced in the Budget of 2024-25 that a plan and appropriate regulations will be put in place for the transition of hard-to-abate sectors from a Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) mode to an Indian Carbon Market (ICM) mode. India has pledged to meet its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets by 2030, and aims for net-zero emissions by 2070, in line with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) guidelines. To meet these ambitious goals, the country has set out on a pathway to develop and launch its own national compliance-based carbon market. Carbon trading, also known as carbon emissions trading, is the use of a marketplace to buy and sell credits that allow companies or other parties to emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide. 2 The trade has led to using carbon accounting to measure the impact made by companies, individuals, and governments. Formation of the Indian Carbon Market (ICM) had been announced under the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act of 2022. More recently, The Carbon Credit and Trading Scheme (CCTS) was notified in July 2023, with an aim to reduce GHG emissions. CSE director general Sunita Narain says: “The upcoming Indian Carbon Market scheme should kick start with a large coverage of the country’s emissions. A single nation-wide carbon market scheme for carbon-intensive sectors should be brought in to ensure effective implementation and avoid any complexity. For this scheme to be effective, it also needs to ensure a high carbon price, data integrity and transparency.” https://www.thehansindia.com/hans/opinion/news-analysis/pathways-for-indian-carbon-market-927449