Bhubaneswar Debuts Steel-Based Zero Energy Building By Tata Steel ConstructSteel Initiative
Chennai Begins $111 Million Corning Gorilla Glass Production For Appliances And Structures
Chennai has inaugurated a $111 million facility to manufacture Corning Gorilla Glass, marking a significant step for India’s domestic production of toughened glass for home appliances and building applications. The plant, part of BIG Tech—a joint venture between Corning and Optiemus—is set to produce 30 million units in its initial phase, creating around 840 skilled jobs. Officials emphasised the facility’s role in strengthening local manufacturing and supporting the country’s electronics and construction sectors.
The inauguration, led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, highlighted the state’s growing reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing. “From laying the foundation stone to launch in just 17 months, this project reflects the efficiency and investment-friendly environment of Tamil Nadu,” Stalin noted. Industry observers see the rapid commissioning as a demonstration of streamlined approvals and supportive industrial policies, which continue to attract global technology firms to the region.
Corning’s Gorilla Glass, widely used for its durability and scratch resistance, will now be manufactured domestically for both consumer appliances and construction applications, including smart home systems and high-performance building façades. Local production is expected to reduce dependency on imports, strengthen supply chains, and provide a boost to India’s broader electronics and construction industries.Tamil Nadu Industries Minister TRB Rajaa underlined the facility’s broader economic impact, stating that it would generate direct jobs while also stimulating ancillary businesses, from logistics and packaging to component suppliers. Experts add that such high-tech manufacturing plants contribute to sustainable urban industrialisation by integrating energy-efficient production technologies and encouraging responsible waste and resource management practices.
Analysts suggest that Chennai’s emergence as a technology and manufacturing destination could have cascading benefits for urban infrastructure, including transport, housing, and workforce skill development. “Facilities like this not only produce economic value but also help cities adapt to modern industrial requirements while supporting low-carbon and resilient development,” an urban planner commented.The BIG Tech plant also aligns with India’s ‘Make in India’ and electronics self-reliance initiatives, signalling the country’s intent to expand domestic production capabilities in high-value manufacturing. While the immediate outcomes include job creation and technology transfer, long-term advantages may include enhanced export potential, strengthened industrial ecosystems, and the promotion of eco-conscious manufacturing standards within urban industrial corridors.
Also Read: Tirupati Electronics And Home Appliances Sector Set For Rs 1140 Crore Boost
Chennai Begins $111 Million Corning Gorilla Glass Production For Appliances And Structures
Tirupati Electronics And Home Appliances Sector Set For Rs 1140 Crore Boost
Tirupati is poised for a major industrial leap as the electronics and home appliances sector attracts a ₹1,140 crore investment. The project, approved at the state level, aims to establish a high-tech manufacturing facility producing advanced printed circuit boards and related components for automobiles, consumer electronics, and rail transport. Spanning 30 acres in the Naidupeta Special Economic Zone, the initiative is expected to generate significant employment while positioning Tirupati as a key hub for electronics manufacturing in southern India.
Cipsa Tec India Pvt Ltd will lead the development, establishing a state-of-the-art plant in two phases, with the first phase scheduled for February 2026 and the second by January 2028. The government has sanctioned incentives worth ₹721.75 crore under the state electronics policy to support this strategic investment. Officials highlight that such targeted incentives are designed to transform Naidupeta into a centre of excellence for PCB production, meeting growing domestic and international demand.The facility will focus on producing high-speed Radio Frequency Printed Circuit Boards (RF PCBs), flexible PCBs, and multi-layer PCBs, critical for the automotive industry, consumer electronics, and India’s rail modernisation projects, including the Vande Bharat trains. Analysts note that this move aligns with broader efforts to boost India’s manufacturing self-reliance, while creating a technologically skilled workforce in Tirupati.
Beyond production, the project is expected to foster an ecosystem for suppliers, service providers, and logistics partners, creating indirect employment opportunities and encouraging ancillary industries. Industry experts suggest that such cluster-based industrialisation can accelerate regional economic growth while supporting sustainable urban development, provided environmental management and energy efficiency measures are integrated from the start.Government officials emphasise that the Naidupeta SEZ model demonstrates a blend of policy incentives, land allocation, and industrial expertise to attract large-scale investments. By nurturing electronics and home appliances manufacturing, Tirupati could emerge as a strategic industrial node in southern India, contributing to both economic output and export potential.
Observers believe that integrating green manufacturing practices, promoting inclusive workforce participation, and ensuring smart urban planning around industrial zones will be crucial for balancing rapid industrialisation with environmental and social responsibility. With proper execution, Tirupati’s electronics sector could become a benchmark for sustainable industrial growth in mid-sized Indian cities.
Also Read: Mumbai Housing Relief Targets Pagdi Building Redevelopment And Home Seekers Across City
Tirupati Electronics And Home Appliances Sector Set For Rs 1140 Crore Boost
Mumbai Housing Relief Targets Pagdi Building Redevelopment And Home Seekers Across City
Mumbai’s long-standing housing challenges may be approaching a critical inflection point. The Maharashtra government has announced a set of regulatory and redevelopment measures aimed at unlocking stalled housing stock, accelerating slum rehabilitation, and modernising legacy rental structures across India’s most densely populated city. The policy push, unveiled in the state legislature, is expected to impact lakhs of residents and reshape several underdeveloped urban pockets.
At the centre of the announcements is an extension of the Occupancy Certificate amnesty scheme, designed to regularise nearly 20,000 buildings that remain outside formal compliance despite being occupied for years. Urban planners say the move could ease transactional bottlenecks for homebuyers and residents, many of whom have been unable to sell, mortgage, or legally upgrade their homes due to missing approvals. The extension also signals an attempt to balance regulatory enforcement with pragmatic urban management in a city facing acute land and housing scarcity. Equally significant is the introduction of a new regulatory framework to redevelop Mumbai’s ‘Pagdi’ buildings a traditional tenancy system that has long resisted redevelopment due to fragmented ownership and legal complexity. Industry experts view this as a long-awaited intervention that could unlock prime inner-city land while protecting tenant rights, provided safeguards are implemented transparently. The government has also announced a large-scale slum redevelopment strategy, allowing projects to be taken up collectively on contiguous land parcels of 50 acres or more, irrespective of whether the land is privately or publicly owned. In the first phase, 17 locations across Mumbai have been identified, including areas in eastern suburbs, western suburbs, and the island city. Officials say this cluster-based approach is intended to improve project viability, infrastructure integration, and long-term liveability.
A senior urban development official noted that joint ventures with agencies such as the metropolitan development authority, housing boards, and civic bodies are expected to ensure financial discipline and coordinated execution. “The aim is to move away from piecemeal redevelopment towards neighbourhood-scale planning that can support transport, social infrastructure, and open spaces,” the official said. Further relief has been extended through the Slum Rehabilitation Authority amnesty scheme, now valid until the end of 2026. The extension is expected to resolve technical disputes related to ownership transfers and stalled approvals that have slowed rehabilitation projects for years. The government has also expanded grievance redressal mechanisms to speed up dispute resolution, a recurring pain point in Mumbai’s redevelopment ecosystem.
While the announcements arrive amid an intense political calendar, urban policy analysts argue that their long-term impact will depend on execution quality, environmental safeguards, and inclusive design. If implemented effectively, the reforms could mark a shift towards more equitable, better-planned neighbourhoods a necessary step for Mumbai as it seeks to remain economically competitive while improving housing security and urban resilience.
Also Read: Kolkata Real Estate Legacy Unites Three Generations To Create Iconic Architectural Landmark
Mumbai Housing Relief Targets Pagdi Building Redevelopment And Home Seekers Across City
Delhi Launches 23 New Semiconductor Chip Design Projects To Boost Innovation Efforts
The Indian government has approved 23 semiconductor chip-design projects under the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme, aiming to strengthen domestic innovation and reduce import dependency. Targeting applications such as surveillance, energy meters, microprocessor IPs, and networking, these initiatives involve startups, MSMEs, and academic institutions. With ₹1,000 crore allocated for design support under the broader ₹76,000 crore Semicon India Programme, the move marks a strategic push to build a self-reliant semiconductor ecosystem.
Announcing the projects in the Lok Sabha, the Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology highlighted that the DLI Scheme is designed to bridge gaps in design capabilities and commercialization timelines. “This initiative provides access to advanced Electronic Design Automation tools and intellectual property cores, helping domestic firms convert research into commercially viable chip solutions,” an official said.The scheme addresses the high entry barriers and extended development cycles that have historically hindered semiconductor innovation in India. Participating companies can claim reimbursement of up to 50 percent of project costs, capped at ₹15 crore, while additional incentives of 4 to 6 percent of net sales turnover over five years are offered for commercialization, with a ceiling of ₹30 crore. These measures aim to reduce financial risk and encourage investment in cutting-edge designs.
Since its launch in December 2021, the DLI Scheme has attracted 278 academic institutions and 72 startups, all gaining access to modern EDA tools. Notable successes include 20 chip designs fabricated at the Semiconductor Laboratory in Mohali and six companies completing prototype tape-outs at global foundries. Furthermore, ten startups have secured venture capital funding to support commercial scaling, demonstrating growing investor confidence in India’s semiconductor ecosystem.The total approved project outlay under the scheme is ₹803.08 crore, which includes EDA tool costs. Fund disbursement is milestone-based, tied to prototype development, testing, and deployment. The government continues to consult closely with industry stakeholders and has signalled flexibility to adapt incentives based on ongoing feedback, ensuring the scheme evolves alongside market needs.
Experts suggest these initiatives could significantly bolster India’s position in the global semiconductor industry, supporting technology self-reliance and digital infrastructure development. As domestic capabilities grow, cities and enterprises may benefit from homegrown chips powering energy-efficient devices, secure communications, and smarter urban solutions. The scheme, therefore, not only nurtures innovation but also aligns with broader goals of sustainable and inclusive technological growth.
Also Read: India Drives Crompton Home Appliances Growth In Tier II III Cities Nationwide
Delhi Launches 23 New Semiconductor Chip Design Projects To Boost Innovation Efforts
India Drives Crompton Home Appliances Growth In Tier II III Cities Nationwide
India’s home appliance market is witnessing a notable shift as Crompton accelerates its expansion into tier II and III cities. The company aims to deepen its reach beyond metro centres, targeting rising demand for energy-efficient fans, pumps, and kitchen appliances. With a strategic focus on smaller urban centres, Crompton is positioning itself to capture ₹15,000 crore in turnover over the next four years, reflecting how evolving consumption patterns are reshaping India’s consumer durable landscape.
Crompton’s growth strategy aligns with broader urbanisation trends, as non-metro cities increasingly demand reliable and energy-efficient appliances. A senior company executive noted that tier II and III consumers are now seeking products that combine affordability, durability, and modern features, closing the gap with metro consumption patterns. This urban expansion is creating fertile ground for brands to introduce sustainable and innovative solutions that meet both domestic needs and environmental priorities.The company’s roadmap, internally dubbed Crompton 2.0, emphasises solution-driven product design, including fans with low energy consumption, water pumps optimised for efficiency, and kitchen appliances built for modern urban lifestyles. By integrating these energy-conscious offerings, Crompton is indirectly contributing to lower household carbon footprints, supporting India’s national energy efficiency and low-carbon goals. Analysts highlight that such strategies are increasingly relevant as cities seek to balance growth with sustainability.
Distribution remains central to Crompton’s expansion plan. With a network exceeding 6,000 distributors and 300,000 retail touchpoints, the company ensures product accessibility in smaller towns while complementing this with a robust online presence. E-commerce channels have been growing by over 20% annually, enabling Crompton to reach digitally savvy consumers in remote areas. “The hybrid model allows us to bridge physical and digital retail, ensuring both visibility and convenience for consumers,” a company official explained.Tier II and III demand is being shaped by rising incomes, improving infrastructure, and exposure to organised retail. Industry experts indicate that consumers in these cities increasingly value energy-efficient appliances that reduce electricity bills and contribute to sustainable living. Crompton’s expansion strategy capitalises on this trend, particularly as the company diversifies its portfolio into solar water pumps and renewable energy solutions for households.
However, challenges persist. Seasonal variations, changing weather patterns, and supply chain pressures can affect demand, especially in cooling segments like fans and air coolers. Yet, the company remains confident that its focus on innovation, regional retail penetration, and sustainable product offerings will mitigate risks while positioning Crompton as a market leader in non-metro India.As India’s smaller cities grow into significant engines of consumption, Crompton’s targeted strategy illustrates a broader shift in urban consumption dynamics. By integrating energy efficiency, product innovation, and deep regional penetration, the company is not only pursuing revenue growth but also supporting inclusive and environmentally conscious urban development.
Also Read: Indian Households Shift To Energy-Efficient Home Appliances Saving Power And Reducing Emissions
India Drives Crompton Home Appliances Growth In Tier II III Cities Nationwide
Indian Households Shift To Energy-Efficient Home Appliances Saving Power And Reducing Emissions
Indian households are increasingly adopting energy-efficient home appliances, from air conditioners and refrigerators to washing machines, as rising temperatures and growing electricity costs reshape consumption patterns. According to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, residential electricity usage accounts for nearly 24% of the country’s total demand, growing around 6% annually. This shift towards advanced, high-rated appliances not only lowers bills but also reduces carbon emissions, signalling a broader move towards sustainable, smarter living across India.
The surge in demand for home appliances reflects both rising disposable incomes and evolving lifestyle expectations in urban India. What were once considered luxury items—air conditioners, frost-free refrigerators, and smart washing machines—are now integral to daily living. At the same time, climate change-driven temperature rises have intensified the need for cooling and efficient food storage, creating opportunities for appliances that combine comfort with energy savings.The appliance industry has responded with innovations that prioritise energy efficiency without compromising performance. Green refrigerants, such as R600a, R32, and the ultra-low global warming potential R290, are increasingly used in refrigerators and air conditioners. These alternatives significantly lower environmental impact while maintaining cooling efficiency. Meanwhile, appliances with higher Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) star ratings help households cut electricity consumption substantially. A 5-star split AC, for instance, can reduce annual power usage by nearly 30% compared to a 2-star unit, while high-rated refrigerators offer energy savings of up to 45%.
Beyond ratings, advanced technologies are reshaping household energy management. Inverter-equipped air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines dynamically adjust performance to actual usage, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption. Convertible modes allow appliances to operate at partial capacity—such as 5-in-1 ACs adjusting output for occupancy or refrigerators switching compartments during low-use periods—saving up to 70% power. AI-powered devices further optimise efficiency by monitoring usage patterns, load, and heat inflows, ensuring appliances operate intelligently to minimise electricity costs.Consumer behaviour and maintenance also play a critical role in energy efficiency. Smart features, including filter-cleaning reminders in ACs and adaptive wash cycles in washing machines, can reduce power consumption by up to 20%. Industry experts emphasise that timely servicing and informed usage are key to unlocking the full benefits of energy-efficient appliances, complementing the technological improvements made by manufacturers.
Research and development, combined with sustainable manufacturing practices, underpin the sector’s contribution to India’s climate goals. Green factories, localised component production, and energy-conscious design help appliances meet global standards while minimising environmental impact. Analysts note that achieving meaningful energy savings requires a collaborative approach, where government policy, manufacturer innovation, and consumer awareness work in tandem.As India’s households embrace smarter, energy-conscious appliances, the nation moves closer to balancing modern comfort with environmental responsibility. The ongoing shift signals a promising trajectory for sustainable living, reduced energy costs, and a lower carbon footprint in urban India.
Also Read: New Delhi Copper Industry Calls For Import Restrictions To Safeguard Construction Materials
Indian Households Shift To Energy-Efficient Home Appliances Saving Power And Reducing Emissions
New Delhi Copper Industry Calls For Import Restrictions To Safeguard Construction Materials
New Delhi’s copper industry has raised alarms over the surge of cheap imports, urging the government to impose safeguard duties and quantitative restrictions to protect domestic production. Industry representatives warn that zero-duty shipments under free trade agreements are threatening the supply of copper critical for homes and building projects, undermining investments exceeding Rs 20,000 crore in local smelting and manufacturing. Officials stress that timely intervention is essential to sustain India’s construction and infrastructure sectors.
The Indian Primary Copper Producers Association (IPCPA) highlighted that imports under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) are particularly challenging. Customs duties on copper wire rods have fallen to just one per cent in FY26, with a full exemption expected by FY27. Exacerbating the issue, an inflated Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) of 85,000 tonnes per year—far above the intended 29,000 tonnes—has triggered a 340 per cent increase in UAE copper imports between FY22 and FY26.“The TRQ mechanism, while intended to facilitate limited duty benefits, is being exploited, placing domestic smelters under severe stress,” said an industry official. Indian producers argue that this surge is eroding the economic viability of domestic copper production, which underpins electrical wiring, plumbing, and other essential building components.
Complicating matters further, the India-ASEAN CEPA allows Indonesian copper cathodes to undergo minimal processing in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, or Vietnam before entering India duty-free. Between 2020 and 2024, this contributed to a 66 per cent rise in copper wire imports and a 103 per cent increase in copper tube imports, intensifying competition for Indian manufacturers.Global factors are also at play. Indonesia’s rapid expansion of smelting capacity, coupled with Chinese investments in ASEAN copper operations, has strengthened export flows, further pressuring India’s domestic industry. Treatment and Refining Charges (TC/RC)—a crucial revenue source for smelters—have dropped 80 per cent, with projections suggesting a potential collapse to zero by 2026, making smelting operations economically unviable.In response, the IPCPA has urged the government to add copper wires, tubes, and foils to the exclusion list under current FTA reviews and implement a three per cent safeguard duty along with quantitative import limits. Analysts note that such measures could stabilise domestic production, safeguard investments in self-reliant supply chains, and secure the copper necessary for homes, commercial buildings, and infrastructure projects across India.
As New Delhi balances trade liberalisation with industrial sustainability, experts stress that carefully calibrated safeguards may be essential to maintain a resilient and equitable domestic copper ecosystem, ensuring that India’s construction and urban development ambitions are not compromised by external market pressures.
Also Read: Ranchi Welcomes STRATUM 2025 By NTPC Promoting Technology-Driven Mining Solution
New Delhi Copper Industry Calls For Import Restrictions To Safeguard Construction Materials
Ranchi Welcomes STRATUM 2025 By NTPC Promoting Technology-Driven Mining Solution
Ranchi is set to host STRATUM 2025, a two-day conference organised by NTPC Mining Ltd on 15–16 December, aimed at advancing technology-driven mining solutions in India. The event will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and technology experts to explore emerging trends, digital innovations, and sustainable practices in mining. With a focus on future-ready operations and responsible resource management, STRATUM 2025 underscores the strategic role of Jharkhand’s mineral-rich regions in shaping India’s energy and mining landscape.
The conference will spotlight critical topics such as digital and smart mining technologies, deep-sea and critical mineral resources, and environmentally responsible mine reclamation and closure practices. By focusing on these areas, STRATUM 2025 aligns closely with national priorities for resource security and energy transition. An industry expert noted that integrating innovative technologies in mining operations can enhance productivity while significantly reducing environmental impact.Digitalisation and automation are expected to dominate discussions, highlighting how data-driven approaches can improve efficiency, safety, and compliance across mining operations. Real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and AI-enabled tools are gaining traction in the sector, offering pathways for resource optimisation and ecological preservation. “Future-ready mining is about balancing technological advancement with sustainability standards,” a senior researcher said.
Sustainability remains a core theme, with panels addressing responsible extraction, land restoration, and minimising ecological footprints. These initiatives are particularly critical in regions like Jharkhand, where mining activity directly affects local communities and ecosystems. Industry officials emphasised that integrating environmental management into mining strategies is essential for long-term viability and equitable growth, ensuring that local populations benefit alongside industrial expansion.Ranchi’s selection as the venue underscores the state’s strategic importance in India’s mining ecosystem. The conference is expected to foster dialogue between policymakers, private sector stakeholders, and researchers, creating opportunities for collaborative innovation and policy development. Participants will gain insights into international best practices, regulatory frameworks, and emerging technologies that can be adapted to India’s unique mining landscape.
By convening STRATUM 2025, NTPC Mining Ltd positions itself as a catalyst for knowledge exchange and sustainable, technology-driven development. The event reinforces the company’s commitment to promoting innovation, responsible resource management, and future-ready mining solutions. As India navigates its energy and industrial ambitions, initiatives like STRATUM 2025 provide a critical platform for shaping a modern, resilient, and environmentally conscious mining sector.
Also Read: Delhi Urges Streamlined Approvals For Underground Coal Mining To Meet Production Goals
Ranchi Welcomes STRATUM 2025 By NTPC Promoting Technology-Driven Mining Solution
Delhi Urges Streamlined Approvals For Underground Coal Mining To Meet Production Goals
