India

New Delhi, Dec 20 (IANS) Project finance flowing into renewable energy projects recorded a 63 per cent jump in 2023 compared to 2022 levels, to scale the Rs 30,255 crore ($3.66 billion) mark, according to a report by the Centre for Financial Accountability.

The report, titled 'Coal vs RE Investment in 2024' states that while there was an increase in project finance lending to renewable energy projects, there was no project finance lending to new coal power projects for the third consecutive year. However, corporate finance lending to coal power and mining companies totalled $3 billion.

Solar power projects dominated the renewable energy deals in 2023, accounting for 49 per cent of the total, followed by hybrid projects at 46 per cent and wind energy at 6 per cent.

"We've consistently seen an increase in project finance to solar and wind power projects. This shows there is investor confidence in renewable power projects," said Joe Athialy, Executive Director of the Centre for Financial Accountability.

Over 96 per cent of coal-linked company financing in India from commercial banks was facilitated through underwriting in 2023, with loans making up the remaining 4 per cent.

US-based banks led the corporate financing to coal-linked companies, contributing 65 per cent of the total.

India has achieved 188 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity in 2023, the report said.

Primary financing accounted for 77 per cent of project deals while refinancing comprised the remaining 23 per cent, the report said.

Commercial banks provided 68 per cent of renewable energy loans, totalling Rs 20,625 crore ($2,497 million).

The state-wise figures show that Gujarat received 25 per cent of the financed capacity, amounting to Rs 9,857 crore ($1,193 million), followed by Karnataka with Rs 4,593 crore ($556 million).

India has added nearly 15 GW of renewable energy capacity during April-November in the current financial year, which is almost double the 7.54 GW added during the same period last year, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said earlier this week

Addressing the CII International Energy Conference and Exhibition (IECE) here, the Minister for Renewable Energy further stated that India’s total installed capacity in the non-fossil fuel energy sector has reached 214 GW, marking an increase of over 14 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Additionally, he pointed out that 2.3 GW of new capacity was added in November 2024 alone, reflecting a four-fold increase from the 566 MW added in November 2023.

Union Minister Joshi reiterated the Government's commitment to achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based capacity by 2030.

--IANS

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Belagavi (Karnataka), Dec 20 (IANS) High drama surrounding the arrest of a BJP MLC continued on Friday following C.T. Ravi alleging that the police were hatching a conspiracy to kill him in their custody in Belagavi district of Karnataka.

C.T. Ravi was arrested over the charges of sexual harassment following his alleged derogatory statement against Minister for Women and Child Welfare Laxmi Hebbalkar.

Minister Laxmi in her police complaint had accused C.T. Ravi of using highly objectionable words against her on the floor of the Legislative Council.

Hirebagewadi police had arrested C.T. Ravi from the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha of Belagavi on Thursday evening.

Later, he was taken to Khanapur police station. From there, Ravi was taken to different locations by the police throughout the night.

At about 3 A.M. on Friday, the BJP MLC refused to go with the police to Ramadurga and questioned why he was being taken to various locations. He sat on dharna on the road and claimed that the police were conspiring to murder him.

C.T. Ravi also questioned the police, asking them why they were not taking him into custody.

“In my 35 years of political career, I never faced such a situation. The police get instructions from time to time from above and act accordingly. The police have also become helpless. I had come to attend the session and the Speaker was my caretaker.

“The Chairperson of the Legislative Council will give a ruling on what happened in the session. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar had attacked me verbally. I was given threats of murder publicly and attacked thrice in the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha. I have filed a complaint with the Khanapur police station and they have not registered the FIR and only given acknowledgement of receipt of my complaint,” Ravi alleged.

The video showing Ravi being taken forcefully into the police vehicle with blood trickling down from his forehead has surfaced and raised questions on handling of the case by the police.

The police had taken Ravi to an undisclosed location from Ramdurga. He was brought to Belagavi Community Health Centre for a health checkup at 10 A.M and sources stated that he would be produced before the Belagavi court.

Chaos and drama unfolded as, during a heated debate session earlier in the Council, C.T. Ravi allegedly referred to Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi as a "drug addict".

Taking objection to the remarks, Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar slammed Ravi, and allegedly called him a "murderer".

Responding back, the BJP leader allegedly called the woman Minister a “prostitute,” which reduced her to tears.

The BJP has called for a statewide protest condemning the arrest of C.T. Ravi.

--IANS

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Guwahati, Dec 20 (IANS) As part of the series of development programmes launched by the state government earlier this month, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will launch a number of beneficiary schemes and development projects in the Nagaon district on Friday.

Taking to social media platform X, CM Sarma wrote, "I will shortly be reaching Nagaon to dedicate various benefits to people under the #12DaysOfDevelopment initiative. Through this initiative, we are reaching out to almost 12 lakh people and empowering them with required assistance."

Earlier, CM Sarma said that the state government has created sub-districts in Assam to empower small-scale administrative units to deliver public services.

He mentioned, "In Assam, we have implemented the Sub-districts initiative to empower small-scale administrative units to deliver public services and solve their grievances effectively. Together with other interventions, our government is committed to ensuring Good governance through our actions."

The CM further said, "Today marks the beginning of the #GoodGovernanceWeek2024, a week to mark the people-centric initiatives of the Govt. Commemorated to mark Atal ji's jayanti, this year we are taking the theme of 'Prashasan Gao ki Ore' to focus on improving service delivery in rural areas."

Notably, Chief Minister Sarma attended an insightful presentation on the Gelephu Mindfulness City Project during his recent four-day visit to Bhutan.

The presentation provided valuable insights into the objectives and framework of the project. Representatives from Druk Holding and Investments Limited highlighted their ongoing initiatives aimed at fostering environmental sustainability alongside economic development.

It also showcased Bhutan's energy projects, focusing on their potential to fortify the shared interests of Assam and Bhutan.

CM Sarma invited the participating dignitaries and entrepreneurs to attend the upcoming investor summit - Advantage Assam, which is dedicated to infrastructure and investment opportunities.

Following the presentation, he attended a lunch hosted by Dr Lotay Tshering, Governor of the Gelephu Mindfulness City Project.

--IANS

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Amaravati, Dec 20 (IANS) A woman in Andhra Pradesh's West Godavari district was shocked on receiving a parcel containing the body of an unidentified person.

The horrific incident was reported from Yendagandi village in Undi mandal of West Godavari district.

A woman, identified as Naga Tulsi, had submitted an application to the Kshatriya Seva Samithi for financial help to construct the house. The Samithi had sent tiles to the woman.

She again petitioned the Kshatriya Seva Samithi for further help in construction. The Samithi had reportedly promised to provide electricity appliances. The applicant had received a message on WhatsApp that she would be provided items like lights, fans, and switches.

A person delivered a box to the woman at her doorstep on Thursday night and left after informing her that it contained electrical appliances.

Tulsi later opened the parcel and was shocked to find the body of a person.

Her family members were also in a panic. They alerted the police, which rushed to the spot.

The body was shifted to a government hospital for autopsy. Police registered a case and took up an investigation. District Superintendent of Police Adnan Nayeem Asmi also visited the village and investigated the case.

A letter was also found in the parcel, demanding Rs 1.30 crore and warning the family of serious consequences if it failed to meet the demand.

Police were trying to identify the person who delivered the parcel. It has summoned representatives of the Kshatriya Seva Samithi for questioning.

According to police, it is the body of a male aged about 45 years. Police believe that the person may have died 4-5 days ago.

Police shifted the body for autopsy. The investigations were on to find out if the person was murdered.

As part of the investigation, police were verifying missing complaints within the limits of surrounding police stations.

--IANS

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Pune, Dec 20 (IANS) RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat voiced concern over the resurgence of temple-mosque disputes across the nation, slamming individuals who exploit such issues to project themselves as "leaders of Hindus."

Speaking at a lecture series on the theme 'Vishwaguru Bharat', Bhagwat emphasised that India should set an example of peaceful coexistence among people of diverse faiths and ideologies.

His remarks came in the context of recent controversies surrounding places of worship and calls for mosque surveys to investigate claims of underlying temple structures, including the Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Rajasthan and Shahi Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal district.

On December 12, the Supreme Court issued a directive prohibiting courts across the country from entertaining fresh cases or approving mosque surveys to verify such claims.

Bhagwat urged citizens to learn from historical mistakes and work towards making India a global "role model of inclusivity." He underscored the need to avoid rekindling such disputes, which he said only disrupt the nation's unity.

Referring to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Bhagwat acknowledged its significance as a matter of faith for Hindus but cautioned against using hatred to raise issues around other religious sites.

"The Ram Temple was about faith, and Hindus wanted it built. But raising disputes about new sites out of hate is unacceptable," he said. "Some people think they can become leaders of Hindus by creating new controversies. How is this allowed?"

He further condemned acts of extremism and religious intolerance, asserting that such behaviour is against India's cultural ethos. "Forcefulness and disrespect toward other religions are not part of our culture," Bhagwat stated.

Stressing equality, he added, "Who is a minority, and who is a majority? Everyone is equal here. The tradition of this nation allows everyone to follow their own faith. The only condition is to live in harmony and by the law."

Bhagwat also called for a collective effort to uphold India's tradition of inclusivity and unity, warning against divisive narratives that undermine the country's progress.

--IANS

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Srinagar, Dec 20 (IANS) As mercury dropped to minus 6.2 degrees Celsius on Friday, J&K's Srinagar city recorded the season's lowest minimum temperature.

MET Department officials said that at minus 6.2 degrees Celsius, Srinagar city recorded the lowest minimum temperature of this season so far.

Gulmarg had minus 6 degrees Celsius while Pahalgam recorded minus 8.2 degrees Celsius as the night's lowest temperature.

Jammu city registered a minimum temperature of 6.9 degrees Celsius, Katra 6 degrees Celsius, Batote 1 degree, Banihal minus 3.8 degrees, and Bhaderwah minus 1.6 degrees.

The MET office has forecast light snow in the higher reaches between December 21 and 22, while generally cold and dry weather is likely to continue in J&K until December 28.

Despite the absence of rainwater on the streets, slippery road conditions prevented people from venturing out of their homes in the morning in Srinagar and other towns in the Valley.

Vehicular traffic also remained off the roads in the morning as commuters waited for the day to warm up a little before going out for their daily chores.

Once again water taps froze in the morning as people burnt small fires around water pipes to defreeze them.

The 40-day-long period of intense winter cold known locally as the 'Chillai Kalan' starts tomorrow and will end on January 30. During this period of extreme cold, the maximum temperature also falls adding to the chill factor.

Most water bodies, including lakes, streams and rivers start freezing with the beginning of the Chillai Kalan. The sky usually remains overcast leaving locals with little opportunity to see a cloudless sky.

It is literally impossible to see any local not wearing the loose tweed over garment called the 'Pheran' in winter.

Designs of this attire have been suitably modified to make them fit to be worn during office hours.

Locals, without exception, wear the loose tweed overgarment called the ‘Pheran’ during the winter months which is made of different designs and stitching material depending on the affluence of the wearer.

In Kashmir, an earthen firepot woven in a basket of willow wicker called the 'Kangri' is filled with embers and kept under the Pheran for instant warmth.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 20 (IANS) The BJP demolished the Congress and other Opposition parties in the Maharashtra and Haryana Assembly elections.

The party romped to victory in both states and formed the governments there recently.

The Matrize Survey has come up with some insights into what led to the BJP's significant triumph in these states, despite the party's relatively lower performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The survey has highlighted several factors, including the influence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Congress-led Opposition’s failure to pose any challenge to the BJP effectively.

The agency has also spotlighted shifts in voter sentiment between the two elections.

The Congress' bid to capitalise on the narrative of ‘constitutional changes’, also failed to make any impact in the Assembly elections.

The survey was carried out between November 25, 2024 and December 14, 2024 with a sample size of 76,830 in Maharashtra and 53,647 in Haryana.

Key findings from the Matrize Survey

1. Enduring popularity of PM Modi

Despite the BJP winning only 240 seats in the Lok Sabha elections this year, PM Modi continued to enjoy massive popularity among voters in both Maharashtra and Haryana, says the survey. His image as a strong and influential leader remained intact. This is a very important finding, as the survey reveals that voters in both states maintained an unwavering trust in PM Modi, which played a pivotal role in the Assembly election outcomes. Around 55 per cent of voters surveyed in Maharashtra found a jump in PM Modi’s popularity. Similarly, 53 per cent of Haryana voters surveyed saw growth in PM Modi’s charisma.

2. Jolt to Congress' narrative on the Constitution

One of the most significant factors identified in the Matrize Survey was the setback to the Congress' narrative which its leader Rahul Gandhi spun during the Lok Sabha elections. The Congress had built a narrative that the Modi government intended to change the Constitution. This claim seemed to have garnered some traction initially during the parliamentary elections. However, it failed to create any impact during the Assembly elections in Maharashtra and Haryana. In both states, the Congress’ attempts to push issues such as constitutional changes, farm laws and wrestlers’ ‘problems’ were largely ineffective. Voters did not view these issues as significant during the Assembly elections, contributing to a shift in support towards the BJP.

3. Voter perception of Congress leadership

Another important finding of the survey is major lack of trust in Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, who was seen as the face of the Opposition, in Maharashtra and Haryana. His failure to present a credible alternative to PM Modi also led to the poor show by the Opposition. Voters expressed doubts about the Congress’ leadership, with Rahul Gandhi being perceived as disconnected from ground realities, especially in comparison to PM Modi’s strong, decisive image. This factor played a significant role in BJP's commanding victory in these states.

4. Shift in voter sentiment between Lok Sabha and Assembly elections

This is also suggested that many voters in Maharashtra and Haryana, who made the mistake of not voting for the BJP during the Lok Sabha elections, corrected their decision in the Assembly polls. A key reason behind this shift was the growing confidence in PM Modi’s leadership and the central government’s actions, which voters felt contributed positively to their lives. The Opposition's inability to offer a coherent and convincing alternative led to a clear preference for the BJP in the state elections.

5. BJP's strategic messaging and leadership

The Matrize Survey also highlighted the powerful impact of BJP’s messaging during the Assembly elections. The slogan “Ek Hain to Safe Hain (When united, we are safe)” found approval of voters, especially in Maharashtra and Haryana. This narrative emphasised stability, national security, and economic growth under PM Modi’s leadership, positioning BJP as the safer choice.

On the other hand, the Congress’ divisive rhetoric and internal leadership struggles only served to alienate voters. The failure to challenge BJP’s narrative effectively was evident, especially given the public's disenchantment with the Congress' internal factionalism.

6. Local leadership and organisational factors

In Haryana, the leadership change from Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to a new set of faces also contributed to the BJP’s success. The survey found that the switch in leadership helped BJP regain trust, with 44 per cent of respondents acknowledging that the leadership change had a significant positive impact. Moreover, the presence of strong local BJP leaders and a well-organised campaign helped the party build a solid base, further ensuring its victory.

7. The role of government schemes and local support,

The BJP’s focus on local issues and welfare schemes also played a crucial role in obtaining voter support. In both states, the BJP government’s initiatives, particularly in the fields of agriculture, infrastructure, and rural development, had a positive effect. These schemes impressed the voters, who felt they had benefited from government policies.

With all these details in view, the Matrize Survey has given a clear picture of why BJP won the Assembly elections in Maharashtra and Haryana.

Several interlinked factors contributed to this triumph: The enduring popularity of PM Modi and the continued trust in his leadership, a significant setback to the Opposition's narrative, particularly the Congress' attempt to capitalise on constitutional changes, which failed to make any impact in the Assembly elections, voter correction of their previous Lok Sabha mistake, especially in light of the BJP’s successful governance and message of stability, and the BJP’s effective use of leadership changes, messaging, and welfare schemes to consolidate support.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 20 (IANS) A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, of the Supreme Court is set to hear on Friday a plea filed by Congress leaders seeking verification of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) used during the Haryana Assembly polls.

As per the cause list published on the website of the apex court, a 2-judge Bench, also comprising Justice Sanjay Kumar, will take up on Friday, the plea seeking directions to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to lay down a memorandum for the checking and verification of the original burnt memory/microcontroller of the four components of the EVM.

Last week, a Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and P.B. Varale opined that the matter should be placed before the same Bench which had passed directions on EVMs in April this year.

The Justice Nath-led Bench said that the fresh petition related to the interpretation and implementation of the previous judgment of the apex court and therefore, the registry should place the papers before the CJI, who is the master of the roster, for passing appropriate orders as to whether the petition should be listed before the previous Bench.

In order to strengthen the integrity of the election process in the country, a Bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna (now CJI) and Dipankar Datta, in April this year, had passed a direction for checking and verification of the burnt memory/microcontroller in 5 per cent of EVMs for any tampering or modification on a written request made by candidates securing second and third highest votes in an election.

The apex court said the checking and verification exercise was directed to be undertaken by a team of engineers from the manufacturers of the EVMs, with the candidates and their representatives having the option to remain present at the time of such an exercise.

The latest petition filed by Karan Singh Dalal, a former 5-time MLA, said that the ECI has not issued any procedure for checking and verification of the original burnt memory/microcontroller of the four components of the EVM (Control Unit, Ballot Unit, VVPAT and Symbol Loading Unit) in terms of the SC judgment.

The plea sought directions to the poll body to lay down a memorandum for checking and verification of the original burnt memory/microcontroller of the four components of the EVM (Control Unit, Ballot Unit, VVPAT and Symbol Loading Unit).

It further sought that the above exercise be undertaken within eight weeks and be made applicable to the EVM checking and verification forms dated October 14 submitted to the ECI.

The petition, filed through advocate Neha Rathi, said that the issue raised in the petition requires to be authoritatively decided by the apex court owing to significant public importance and ramifications across the country.

"The matter affects the functioning of the democracy in the country and elections being held across the country in various states, and therefore needs to be urgently and authoritatively decided," it said.

The absence of any procedure for verification of burnt memory for tampering shows reluctance on the part of the ECI to subject the original burnt memory microcontroller from any scrutiny whatsoever, contended the petition.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 20 (IANS) Driven by improved infrastructure and friendly government policies to boost tourism, India is now ranked 39th among 119th countries in the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024 report, published by the World Economic Forum (WEF).

In the previous index published in 2021, India was ranked 54th. However, due to a revision in the WEF's methodology, India's 2021 rank was adjusted to 38th place, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

The Ministry of Tourism, under the schemes of ‘Swadesh Darshan’, ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)’ and ‘Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development’, provides financial assistance to state governments, Union Territory administrations, Central agencies for the development of tourism-related infrastructure and facilities at various tourism destinations in the country.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched India’s official portal for Medical Value Travel (MVT), which is the Advantage Healthcare India portal.

It is a “One-Stop” portal developed for the facilitation of information for those who want to avail medical treatment in India from abroad.

Earlier this week, President Droupadi Murmu said that India is emerging as a major centre for affordable medical tourism on the global stage, and doctors in the country play a significant role in this development.

“India is developing as a major centre of affordable medical tourism on the world stage and doctors have a major role in this development. People from other countries visit India to take advantage of the medical facilities available here,” Murmu said.

According to Shekhawat, with over 5,000 years of civilisational history, 43 World Heritage Sites, 56 potential World Heritage Sites, and around 3,500 monuments of national importance, “India’s cultural heritage stands as a testament to its global strength.”

Speaking at the ‘Embracing Diversity: Promoting Inclusive Tourism’ session at ‘Rising Rajasthan’ summit recently, the minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Virasat Bhi Vikas Bhi’ (heritage and development) has propelled the country’s progress, connecting India's historical uniqueness with its modern achievements.

He also discussed India’s remarkable progress in the tourism sector, citing improvements such as a 1,50,000 km road network, the development of 500 new air routes, the construction of 150 new airports, and the introduction of high-speed trains like Vande Bharat.

—IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 20 (IANS) Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Friday submitted an Adjournment Motion notice in the Lok Sabha, seeking an urgent discussion on Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent remarks during his Constitution Day speech in the Rajya Sabha.

Tagore demanded an apology and resignation from HM Shah, alleging that his comments undermined the principles of social justice and equality championed by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Tagore described Shah's remarks as "unacceptable" and reflective of "a deep-seated disdain for the principles of social justice and equality that Dr. Ambedkar fought for throughout his life."

He also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take immediate action and remove HM Shah from his position, arguing that the remarks had brought "disrepute to the office of the Home Minister."

"I demand that Amit Shah apologise unconditionally for his remarks and resign from his position as Union Home Minister. His continued presence in the Cabinet is an affront to the dignity of the Constitution and the people of India," Tagore wrote in his notice.

The Congress leader also called for the House to condemn Shah's comments "in the strongest possible terms."

Tagore had earlier submitted a similar Adjournment Motion notice on Thursday, stressing that the remarks were disrespectful to Dr Ambedkar and offensive to millions of Indians, particularly the Dalit community.

He described the matter as one of "urgent public importance."

He alleged that Shah's statements during his Constitution Day address insulted Dr Ambedkar, the principal architect of India's Constitution, and tarnished the ideals of justice, equality, and social harmony enshrined in the document.

"These remarks not only demean Dr Ambedkar's legacy but also cause deep hurt to the Dalit community and millions of Indians who consider Dr Ambedkar as a guiding light for social justice and empowerment," Tagore stated.

Meanwhile, the INDIA bloc also held a protest march against the Union Minister, demanding his removal from the Cabinet. In response, the BJP MPs staged a counter-protest, accusing Congress of disrespecting the Constitution and Dr Ambedkar.

Led by BJP MP Anurag Thakur, they raised slogans such as "Congress party maafi maango, Ambedkar ka apmaan nahi sahega Hindustan (Congress must apologise, India will not tolerate the insult to Ambedkar)."

--IANS

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