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Apr 17 (BNP): India is planning a major expansion of its nuclear energy capacity, targeting an increase from the current 8.8 GW to 100 GW by 2047, according to the Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).

The roadmap is part of the country’s long-term strategy to strengthen clean energy sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Nuclear power is expected to play a key role in meeting rising electricity demand while supporting India’s low-carbon growth goals.

The CEA Chairperson said the expansion plan is aligned with India’s broader energy transition efforts, which aim to raise the share of non-fossil fuel-based power in the overall energy mix.

He also noted that achieving this target will require sustained policy support, technological progress, and investment participation from both public and private sectors.

Apr 17 (BNP): India is increasingly being recognised as a stable destination for global investment, supported by a market capitalisation of around $4.4 trillion, according to Tuhin Kanta Pandey.

He said the country’s equity markets continue to show resilience, backed by steady economic fundamentals and long-term growth potential. This is helping strengthen investor confidence in India as a reliable capital market.

Pandey added that India’s expanding financial ecosystem and rising participation from both domestic and foreign investors are enhancing its position among major global investment destinations.

Uttar Pradesh: The state has produced 89.26 lakh tons so far, against last year production of 91.10 lakh tons. At present, 6 mills are operational, compared to 22 mills which operated last year on the corresponding date.

Maharashtra & Karnataka: Production has reached 99.3 lakh tons in Maharashtra and 48.10 lakh tons in Karnataka, compared to 80.88 lakh tons and 40.40 lakh tons, respectively, during the same period last year. All the factories in both the states have closed their operations for the main season. However, few mills in Karnataka will also operate in the special season from June/July’2026.

Additionally, some mills in Tamil Nadu will also continue their operations in the special season.

Following table gives state-wise details of sugar production this year vis-à-vis last year:

 As the sugar season nears its close, the industry is seeking an early revision of the Minimum Selling Price (MSP). Rising production costs and weak ex-mill realizations are straining mill cash flows and increasing cane payment arrears. A timely MSP revision, aligned with current cost structures, is essential to restore financial viability, enable prompt farmer payments, and stabilize the market—without any additional fiscal burden on the Government.

Simultaneously, rising crude oil prices and evolving geopolitical conditions highlight the need to accelerate ethanol blending. With an estimated production capacity of around 2000 crore litres (including grain-based), the Government may consider advancing a roadmap beyond E20 towards higher blends such as E22, E25, E27 and E85/E100, alongside faster rollout of flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) and GST rationalisation to support adoption.

Further, the lack of revision in ethanol procurement prices for sugarcane-based feedstocks and lower allocation to the sector have created a mismatch between installed capacity and domestic offtake, leading to underutilised distillation capacity and inventory build-up. Timely price revision is needed to ensure feedstock parity and provide long-term policy clarity.

In addition, ongoing LPG supply disruptions have impacted food outlet operations, dampening sugar consumption and adding to industry pressures.

Addressing these issues through timely policy measures will help optimise capacity utilisation, strengthen financial stability, safeguard farmer interests, stabilise sugar markets, and support India’s energy security and rural economy.

 

Apr 17 (BNP): Crude oil prices fell more than 2 per cent in futures trade on Friday, as easing geopolitical tensions and expectations of a possible US-Iran agreement reduced concerns over global supply disruptions.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange, crude oil futures for May delivery declined by ₹180, or 2.1 per cent, to ₹8,396 per barrel.

Market sentiment turned weaker following indications of progress toward a potential diplomatic understanding between the United States and Iran. This eased worries over extended supply disruptions in global crude markets.

Analysts said the development led traders to reassess the geopolitical risk premium that had recently supported oil prices, resulting in downward pressure on futures.

Apr 17 (BNP): Aditya Birla Capital has announced that its housing finance subsidiary, Aditya Birla Housing Finance Ltd (ABHFL), has raised ₹2,750 crore through the sale of a 14.29 per cent stake to Indriya Ltd, an entity associated with private equity firm Advent International.

In a regulatory filing, the company said that following the transaction, ABHFL is no longer a wholly owned subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital. The parent company now holds an 85.505 per cent stake in the housing finance arm.

The board of ABHFL approved the allotment of 12.32 crore equity shares at a price of ₹223.12 per share to Indriya Ltd as part of the deal.

The transaction marks a strategic capital infusion aimed at strengthening the housing finance subsidiary’s balance sheet and supporting its future growth plans.