Q2 investments up 42.5%, capex recovers, show data

Fresh investment plans bounced back strongly in the July- September quarter, with government capex recovering from a lull in the first quarter amid the Lok Sabha election, and private investors stepping up albeit at a slower pace, lifting new project outlays to the second-highest level over the past year-and-a-half.

Overall investments jumped 42.5% in the second quarter (Q2) of 2024- 25 to 9.21 lakh crore, relative to the April-to-June quarter or Q1 when new investment announcements had more than halved on a sequential basis to State 6.46 lakh crore. administrations ramped up new outlays by 67% to nearly 1.62 lakh crore, outnumbering Central government capex plans which, however, recorded a sharper spike of 185.6% to hit around ₹1.54 lakh crore in Q2. 

Beyond intoxication

In holding that the term 'intoxicating liquors' in the State List includes alcohol used for industrial purposes, the Supreme Court of India has given a boost to the federal principle behind the distribution of powers between the Centre and the States. 

A nine-judge Bench has clarified the scope of Entry 8 in the State List under the Seventh Schedule in the Constitution to cover both 'potable alcohol' and alcohol that can be used to the detriment of public health. 

It takes in its fold the entire gamut of activities involving the production, sale and distribution of alcohol products, covering rectified spirit, extra-neutral alcohol and denatured alcohol. 

The private sector holds the key to India's e-bus push

In a major push toward achieving India's climate targets, the Union Cabinet recently approved the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme, which allocates funding for electric vehicles (EVs) across many segments. 

This includes ₹4,391 crore for subsidies/demand incentives that support the procurement of 14,028 electric buses in nine cities. 

This is an important move that strengthens the public transport sector's shift to EVs. 

Sustainability science for FMCGS

India's new PPP initiative, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), was established to promote research and development, and the recently announced BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) policy emphasise the need for academia-industry partnership; and the role of the bioeconomy in driving the economy while honouring India's commitment to sustainable development and climate action. 

Specifically, the BioE3 policy notes the need to convert chemical-based industries to sustainable bio-based industrial models. It also provides an opportunity to revisit the impact of new technologies on existing industries such as Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCGs). 

Why is Delhi's air quality deteriorating?

With the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon and the onset of winter, Delhi's air quality has worsened, recording PM 2.5 levels exceeding 300 (classified as 'very poor'). 

Farmers in Punjab and Haryana burn stubble after harvesting to quickly clear fields for winter wheat sowing, a practice linked to air quality issues since the 1990s. 

Other sources of pollution, such as secondary inorganic aerosols and urban emissions from vehicles, also significantly impact Delhi's air quality. 

Addressing air pollution in Delhi requires coordinated action among multiple States, as pollution sources often originate beyond the city's borders. 

Centre defends Aadhaar-based wage payment, says it ensures greater inclusion, efficiency

The Union Rural Development Ministry, in a statement on Sunday, defended using the Aadhaar-based Payment System (ABPS) for MGNREGS workers, calling it a "major reform" that helps in better targeting, increased efficiency, reducing delays in payments, and greater inclusion by curbing leakages.

The Ministry was reacting to a report by LibTech, a consortium of activists and academics, pointing to the high rate of deletion of workers enrolled under the programme that coincides with the government's insistence on using the ABPS for wage payments. 

PM cautions people against 'digital arrest' scam by fraudsters

Prime Minister Narendra Modi cautioned people against the "digital arrest" scam that defrauds victims of their hard-earned money and asked them to report such cases to the cyber helpline.

Stating that the probe agencies were working together with State governments to deal with the issue, Mr Modi urged schools and colleges to involve students in the campaign to spread awareness of the menace.

During his Mann Ki Baat address, Mr. Modi said fraudsters made phone or video calls to prospective victims, posing as officials from law enforcement agencies, and at times from the Reserve Bank of India. 

'India should influence Russia to change course on Ukraine'

India should use its international clout to influence Russia to change course over Ukraine, Finland Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen has said. 

Ms. Valtonen said, "We would like to see India lend its support to Ukraine's Peace Formula, which is the only peace plan based on respecting the UN Charter and key principles of international law. The world community needs a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine."