PM-KUSUM 2.0 to Include Battery Storage for 34.8 GW Solar Target, Addresses Demand-Generation Mismatch

PM-KUSUM 2.0: Grid-Connected Solar Models Can Curb Groundwater Over-Exploitation

India’s PM-KUSUM scheme has installed 2.5 million solar pumps, raising concerns over groundwater depletion. However, the real issue is not solar irrigation itself but the model deployed. Grid-connected systems with feed-in tariffs and fee-for-service models can incentivize water conservation, while standalone pumps are better for rainfed eastern India. PM-KUSUM 2.0 must adopt a differentiated regional approach.

E20 Ethanol Fuel Used in 4 Crore Vehicles; Flex-Fuel Engines to End ₹22 Lakh Cr Fuel Imports

E20 ethanol-blended petrol is being used in 4 crore four-wheelers and 20 million two-wheelers without harming vehicles and with improved mileage. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that automobile companies will produce flex-fuel engines capable of running on 100% ethanol, potentially saving ₹22 lakh crore in fuel imports and boosting farmers' income through higher maize prices.

E20 Ethanol Blending Nears 20% in 2025: Water Footprint of 2,000-3,500 Litres per Litre Raises Sustainability Concerns

India's ambitious E20 ethanol blending programme—up from 1.5% in 2013–14 to nearly 20% in 2025—has reduced oil dependence but also hides serious environmental costs. Experts argue that without counting the huge water footprint of sugarcane ethanol, fossil-energy inputs, and vehicle compatibility issues, the policy risks replacing imported oil dependence with freshwater insecurity.

Kharif Sowing Recovers to 894.22 lh (2.9% Gap), El Niño Threat Looms Over Rabi Crops

Despite a strengthening El Niño, July monsoon revived with 2.4% above LPA rainfall, narrowing kharif sowing gap to 2.9% below last year. However, El Niño is expected to become very strong by Oct-Dec 2026, with lagged effects threatening rabi crops and global food prices, especially vegetable oils. India's food stocks remain adequate but inflation risks persist.

Monsoon Revival: Rainfall Deficiency Drops to 11.5%, Kharif Sowing Gap Narrows to 2.9%

The monsoon has revived significantly, reducing cumulative rainfall deficiency from 22.8% to 11.5% and narrowing the kharif sowing gap from 20.8% to 2.9%. However, El Niño is strengthening into a 'very strong' event, posing a serious threat to the upcoming rabi season. Proactive supply-side management will be crucial for food security.

India's E20 Push: ₹2 Lakh Cr Forex Saved, But 77% Legacy Vehicles Face Damage Risks

India's ethanol blending programme has saved ₹2 lakh crore in foreign exchange and substituted 32 million tonnes of crude oil, but faces pushback over vehicle damage concerns for 77% of pre-2023 vehicles. The policy involves diversion of maize, FCI rice, and sugarcane juice for ethanol production, with potential food security risks during monsoon failure.

Sugar Prices Spike 44% in a Month, Govt Must Recalibrate Ethanol Policy to Protect Food Security

India's sugar prices surged 44% in a month (Rs 45 to Rs 65/kg) due to a perfect storm of lower production, low opening stocks, and ethanol diversion. The government's ethanol blending programme (20% by 2025-26) is competing with food markets, exposing a policy failure. This article is critical for understanding the food-fuel trade-off, government regulation, and the need for recalibration of the ethanol policy.

India's Peak Power Demand Hits 269 GW in September 2026 Due to 15% Rainfall Deficit and El Niño

India's peak power demand touched 269 GW on September 10, 2026 — the highest ever for September — driven by persistent heat, a 15% monsoon rainfall deficit, and El Niño conditions. This has led to a sharp rise in coal and gas-based generation, squeezing supply and pushing market prices up from Rs 2.86/unit to Rs 7.48/unit.