Sterlite Technologies transitions to 100% green power glass manufacturing operations
Sterlite Technologies (STL), recently, has moved a significant share of its electricity sourcing away from conventional fossil-fuel-based grid power to '100% Green Power' generated from wind and solar sources. The transition covers four of the company's four manufacturing plants in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (Aurangabad), Maharashtra. The shift has been enabled through Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL). This transition is expected to deliver a ~65% market-based scope 2 emission reduction in OF & OFC plants, representing a significant reduction in the emissions across participating plants.
Nepal floods death toll climbs to 469 as rescue teams recover more bodies
Nepal floods death toll rises to 469 as rescue teams recover more bodies across eight districts and continue searching for missing people
Nepal floods: 290 Indians out of contact, 63 workers affected
The Ministry also said that 63 Indian workers at the Trishuli-I project in Rasuwa district are among those affected, including 21 from Tamil Nadu who had travelled for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Fake BMC staff extort Rs 20k from businessman for smoking in rickshaw
Donald Trump threatens tariffs on Canadian cars, says US is being ripped off
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller were present during the Oval Office event
US pledges USD 500,000, WHO sends medical supplies to Nepal
US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison M Hooker said she spoke with Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal about the ongoing search-and-rescue efforts, including urgent efforts to locate missing US citizens
BMC school used to tether goats? Corporators demand probe
PM extends Raksha Bandhan greetings, wishes happiness and prosperity for all
The Prime Minister shared his message on social media platform X as people across India marked the festival, which celebrates the bond between siblings
PM Narendra Modi: Indias Olympic medal tally can rise with wider participation
In the Olympics, there are so many different sports... Indian teams dont even participate in half of them, which means that we are not competing for a major chunk of the medal tally, Modi said
China issues alert as barrier lake near Tibet-Nepal border risks major breach
China's Ministry of Water Resources issued the alert for the Tibet Autonomous Region on Thursday night, citing concerns over the barrier lake that formed near the confluence of the Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers
Subhash Chandra to pay Rs 6.5 crore against Rs 22,006 crore claims
NCLT Member (Judicial) Nilesh Sharma, ruling as a third member, approved the plan under Section 114 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), rejecting objections by lenders that the recovery was too meagre to merit approval
Mayor meets CM, seeks PRO change over social media tender row
Suicide point: ZP member seeks protection wall at Khavdya Hill
Tragedy unfolded in the Tisgaon area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on August 21 when three members of a family - Murlidhar Chandgude, 48, his wife Sangita, and their 19-year-old son Kunal - died after falling from Khavdya Hill
BMC cites cleanup initiatives; HC says citizens must play a role too
Donald Trump renames Lake Ontario Lake America amid Canada trade war
The executive order Trump signed shows that the changes are supposed to be made within 30 days. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney rejected the move, invoking the lake's Indigenous roots and noting that the name predates both Canadian Confederation and the US Declaration of Independence
That not-so-little fat mistake Subko made
Last week, as they referred to a customer as little fat black shirt, Subko Coffee proved that just fancy coffee and aesthetic are not enough to create a legacy. And other coffee shops better take note
Can vendors on Hill Road be managed better?
Now, post yet another clean up drive, stalls encroaching the Hill Road footpath have come up again, days after demolition
Russia launches massive overnight missile, drone strikes across Ukraine
Ukraine is desperately short of US-made Patriot air defence missiles that can counter Russia's ballistic missiles, and Moscow's fast-flying jet-powered drones have brought another challenge since the Russian military's full-scale invasion began four-and-a-half-years ago
Military action against Iran not over: US President Donald Trump
Speaking to reporters, Trump said Iran was facing significant pressure and suggested that its ability to sustain military operations had been weakened
Yayoi Kusama, iconic Japanese avant-garde artist, dies at 97
Japanese avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama, known for her polka-dot canvases, pumpkin sculptures and Infinity Mirror Rooms, has died at 97 after a celebrated career spanning decades
Odisha: 2 Chinese survivors brought to Paradip after bulk carrier sinks
The Indian Coast Guard brought two Chinese survivors to Paradip after Panama-flagged bulk carrier MV Ocean Winner sank off Odishas coast with 24 crew members on August 22
Marathi mandate: Sarnaik says drivers' one-year rule will not affect livelihoods
The Maharashtra government has decided to provide drivers of public transport vehicles with a one-year period to learn and become proficient in Marathi
Nepal flood tragedy: 359 dead, over 900 missing; 300 Indians feared missing
Nepals Bhote Koshi River flood has killed 359 people and left over 900 missing, including hundreds of foreign nationals, as rescue teams search affected areas and hydropower projects
Meghalaya boys leave for BC Roy Trophy
Shillong, Aug 27: Meghalayas junior boys football team left Shillong on Thursday for Bengaluru to compete in the 2026-27 Junior Boys National Football Championship for the Dr BC Roy Trophy. Meghalaya have been placed in Group C alongside Tamil Nadu, Mizoram and Maharashtra, with the group winners advancing to the semi-finals.The state side will begin []
Maharashtra: Auto, taxi drivers get a year to learn Marathi: Fadnavis
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced a one-year period for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers to learn functional Marathi, with no action against those who do not know the language during this period.
Eknath Shinde video calls Maharashtra residents stranded in Nepal floods
More than 80 people from Maharashtra are reported to be stranded in Nepal, according to preliminary information collected by the State Emergency Operation Center (SEOC), Maharashtra
Understanding tariff, and the hike
The recent power tariff hike in Jammu and Kashmir has created quite a fierce debate on the social media and amongst the society. Many statistics were tossed around in news reports about the hike in different categories of consumers, the cost of purchase of energy and the recovery thereof. The standard practice across the country is to determine the tariff every year. In case of J&K it was last done in 2023 and hence was overdue. As a matter of fact, this exercise should have been completed before the start of the financial year i.e., latest by end of March. It is now being done after five months into the current financial year. As per the Electricity Act of 2003, electricity tariff is determined by the appropriate electricity regulatory commission. For state distribution utilities (like JPDCL and KPDCL), the State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC) decides retail supply tariffs for consumers within the state. Prior to reorganisation of the State in 2019, Jammu & Kashmir had its State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC) which determined the tariff. After the reorganisation SERC was replaced by Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC). The operating principles of the Commission, however, remain the same i.e., to determine tariff in a transparent way while being guided by the need to ensure efficiency, protect consumer interests, and progressively reduce cross-subsidies while moving toward the actual cost of supply. The tariff policy under the Act also requires a fair, open, and transparent process for all parts of the electricity sector i.e., generation, transmission, and distribution. The Commission determines the tariff through a cost-based approach, where the regulator examines expenses such as power purchase cost, operation and maintenance, capital cost, return on equity, and other approved costs. The process involves submission of a petition by the utility (JPDCL or KPDCL in our case) to JERC in which it submits its accounts as regards the purchase of energy, the losses, the cost of distributing it to consumers. The JERC is expected to check these in detail and satisfy themselves to their correctness. Once found in order the expense is allowed in case the expense is not admissible or it is more than the standard norm the Regulator can allow part, or completely disallow the expense. If the State Government wants to keep consumer tariffs below the level fixed by the Commission, it can provide a subsidy in advance through its budget provision. This means the legal tariff can remain cost-reflective while selected consumer groups receive relief through government support. The case in point is the often discussed 200 units of free power. While the utility will submit its petition and the Regulator will fix the tariff, the government can decide to foot the bill for 200 units of the consumers at the rate determined by JERC. This way there is no adverse impact on the financial health of the utility (JPDCL or KPDCL). The utilities (JPDCL or KPDCL) estimate the cost of purchasing and distributing the energy and these calculations are to be checked and verified by the Regulator who then accordingly determines the tariff to be paid by the consumers. Prior to unbundling of the power sector, which led to creation of the utilities, the Power Development Department worked out the costings and petitioned the Regulator for determination of tariff. The utilities are commercial entities who are mandated to provide energy to the consumers in an efficient and competitive manner. It is worth mentioning here that the electricity tariff in J&K is amongst the lowest in the country. Based on existing tariff structure our average domestic tariff is Rs 3.90 per unit while the two states having tariff lower than us were Himachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, both with average domestic tariff marginally lower at Rs 3.80 per unit. States like Maharashtra and West Bengal have an average domestic tariff of Rs 8.20 and Rs 7.40 per unit. Incidentally, J&K had the highest T&D Losses in the country. In the year 2023-24 J&Ks losses stood at 48% followed by Arunachal Pradesh at 34% while the All India average was well below 20%. In the last few years these losses have been now substantially reduced are somewhere between 35 to 40%. This is a huge achievement and with the efforts of the utilities and cooperation of the consumers it should be possible to bring the figure down to the national average of around 15%. With the reduction in the T&D losses the tariff will also stabilise and the subsidy component currently funded by the UT Government will be used towards funding other welfare schemes. Equally, the other big achievement is the installation of pre-paid meters. The pre-paid concept itself is so alien to most of us particularly when it had been ingrained in us that electricity should be supplied free of cost. Though there is still a lot of work to do on that front commendable strides have been made in this important area. Without the cooperation of the consumers neither of these two achievements would have been possible. Frankly, a few years back nobody could have thought that such reduction in the losses and on installation of meters was achievable in such a short duration. Both the initiatives needed a complete change of mindset to be successful. Now looking at the financials projected in the tariff petition for the year 2026-2027 the projected cost of purchase and distribution of electricity for the two utilities i.e., JPDCL and KPDCL, is Rs 10276 crores. Out of this, Rs 7856 crores are expected to be collected leaving a shortfall in revenue collection of Rs 2421 crores. This amount of Rs 2421 crores is being funded by the government and will not be passed on to the consumers. Since an amount of Rs 502 crores is expected to be collected by increasing the tariff it implies that the actual shortfall in revenue collection, without increase in tariff would have been Rs 2923 crores. While a figure of 6.83% increase in tariff has been mentioned, this figure for consumers other than domestic, is much higher. Only in case of the BPL consumers it is unchanged at Rs 1.40 per unit subject to a maximum of 30 units per month. A preliminary review of the 334-page order issued by the JERC throws up a number of questions that demand clarification: i. If both JPDCL and KPDCL in their tariff petitions had asked for only a 5% across-the-board increase why did JERC approve a much higher tariff structure across different categories of consumers? What is the rationale behind this additional increase? ii. As per the Order the current hike will be effective 1 Sep 26 and will be valid till 31 Mar 27. What happens after Mar 2027? iii. Since the cost of purchase and distribution of electricity is for the full financial year (26-27) and the new tariff regime will be implemented only from 1 Sep 26, how will the full amount of Rs 502 crores be collected by billing at revised tariff for only 7 months (Sep 26 to Mar 27) instead of estimated 12 months in the petition? iv. The Order has considered Time of Day tariff. While it will have an impact the billing for domestic consumers during the peak hours because of 10% surcharge, it will positively effect the commercial and industrial consumers during the solar hours. Most of the commercial establishments and industries operate during the day and thus their bills for solar hour consumption will be reduced by 20% because of the rebate on ToD tariff. The impact of the rebate and of surcharge has not been captured in the calculations. v. The Order has not considered the impact of roof top solar units. Because of the generation from these roof top solar installations there will be lesser withdrawal of energy from the system and thence lesser purchase of energy from grid. Even though the installed capacity is small, it is only proper to capture its impact in the Order. For the hearing on KPDCL petition there hasnt been much of a public consultation and participation. Only three stakeholders attended the hearing of KPDCL and as can be seen from the Order they did not engage in any interaction during the hearing nor had they submitted any objections against the KPDCL petition. However, in the hearing held in Jammu for the JPDCL petition there were 32 stakeholders / consumers present in the hearing and a total of 13 objections were submitted against the proposed hike of 5% in the JPDCL petition. Going forward, for utilities to win the confidence of consumers, it is time to invest in transparent public outreach and shift toward a partnership-based approach. Engaging stakeholders is not optional; continuous engagement with stakeholders is critical to ensuring that the public not only understands but also supports the initiatives and programmes launched by the utilities. Iftikhar A Drabu is a Civil Engineer
Maharashtra CM Issues Strict Guidelines for Ganesh Festival
Mumbai, August 28: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis held a high-level meeting on Thursday to review law and order for the Ganesh Festival 2026. He instructed public Ganesh mandals across the state to strictly adhere to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations to ensure that devotees receive pure and unadulterated prasad. Emphasizing that the ... Read more Maharashtra CM Issues Strict Guidelines for Ganesh Festival
Maharashtra deputy chief minister video calls stranded residents in Nepal amid floods
The News Mill
Maharashtra transport minister defends one-year Marathi learning mandate for drivers
The News Mill
Maharashtra tops car, CV sales in Q1; UP leads in 2&3-wheelers
When coal runs out, tourists could move in: Chandrapurs mine makeover plan
IT employees weekend football league from Saturday
Maharashtras Auto-Taxi Drivers Given One Year to Learn Marathi, Sanjay Nirupam Welcomes Decision
Mumbai, August 28: Amid ongoing debates regarding the deadline for auto-taxi drivers to learn the Marathi language, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnaviss decision to grant a one-year timeframe has been praised by Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam. He described the move as beneficial for auto-taxi drivers, emphasizing that sufficient time should be provided to learn the ... Read more Maharashtras Auto-Taxi Drivers Given One Year to Learn Marathi, Sanjay Nirupam Welcomes Decision
Three on bike ram into 2 cops on bandobast duty in Mumbai, one lands in hospital
NMC SEIZES PROPERTIES OF PROPERTY TAX DEFAULTERS IN MAJOR RECOVERY DRIVE
Rs1.51 crore recovered on Thursday; Rs1,000 crore target set for campaign till Sept 30
Mahals Kalyaneshwar Mandir to now get 72cr facelift
Farmer killed in tiger attack in Amravati district
Gadchiroli collector extends aid to once Maoist nerve centre
NMC launches portal to process approvals for Ganesh mandals
FIR registered against top netas bodyguard for rape, likely to be suspended
Prepare prasad as per FDA norms, CM tells Ganesh mandals
Fill Potholes On Idol Arrival, Immersion Routes
Borkar pulls up NMC panel chairs & members over differences
2 cops injured fighting armed goons
CM Steps In, 106 Nagpurians Stranded In Nepal Begin Journey Home
India needs Rs 30 lakh crore to hit 500 GW clean-energy target: Pralhad Joshi
India needs over 30 lakh crore investment for its 500 GW non-fossil fuel target. Domestic financial institutions and capital markets will fund much of this significant green-energy expansion. The nation has already surpassed 300 GW of installed non-fossil fuel capacity. Renewable energy capacity grew substantially in the first four months of FY27. Maharashtra is urged to showcase projects and attract global developers at BRESE 2026.
Pure and unadulterated prasad should be served during Ganesh festival: Maharashtra CM Fadnavis
Anil Deshmukh, NCP (SP) Workers Detained During Tiranga Motorcycle Rally
Swine flu cases spike to 33 in city, many down with flu-like illness
Theft Tip-Off Turns Fatal, Ex-MCOCA Accused Killed
Goon Attacked In Front Of Nandanvan Bar
Metro gets land at Katraj Chowk; commuters demand clear roadmap to manage traffic chaos
Metro Phase-II: 100th Span Up On Bhandara Rd, 115-Tonne Beams Rise In Kamptee
19-Yr-Old Stabs Elder Brother To Death
114 Maha tourists stranded in Nepal-Tibet border, 61 unreachable: State disaster mgmt official
Elderly couple arrested for murdering their son over demand for non-vegetarian food
Repeated deaths at underground chamber in Nigdi put spotlight on safety lapses
State Blood Transfusion Council asks blood banks in Maharashtra to follow FDA compliance orders
PMC to conduct special audit of merged areas to recover 2,500 crore in property tax
IISER Pune students protest general secretarys suspension, campus restrictions
Case against 3 for 3cr invoice fraud in auto parts manufacturing firm
Supriya Sule joins Sept 6 Hinjewadi protest call for better infrastructure
159 crore funds fail to reach 412 model ZP schools under scheme 5 months after approval
Tribal students continue hunger strike, say protest to intensify after today
Ageing stray dog killed in hit-and-run in Katraj while crossing road for afternoon meal
HC relief for Pune aspirant after RE-NEET-UG-2026 result withheld at CBIs behest
Not enough public toilets for women in Pune city, most lack safety
Artificial blooms replace fresh flowers in home Ganapati mandaps
Police, Ganesh mandals near festival sound system pact
At least 114 tourists from Maharashtra stranded in Nepal floods, 66 not traced yet
Onion prices likely to stay firm till November despite Centres Rs 35/kg push
Onion prices will likely stay firm until November despite government sales. Inferior quality of stored onions and delayed fresh crop arrival are key factors. Global onion shortages are also supporting domestic price stability. The government's price control measures follow a significant wholesale price increase. The Kanda Express transports onions from Maharashtra to major cities.
Maharashtras Chief Minister Issues Strict Guidelines for Ganesh Festival
Mumbai, August 28: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis held a high-level meeting on Thursday to review law and order for the Ganesh Festival 2026. He issued clear instructions to public Ganesh mandals across the state to strictly adhere to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. This is to ensure that devotees receive pure and ... Read more Maharashtras Chief Minister Issues Strict Guidelines for Ganesh Festival
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis felicitated comedian Samay Raina for his contribution to the Digital Arrest cyber-awareness short film and the 1930 Maharashtra Cyber Anthem. Reflecting on his past run-ins with the Maharashtra Cyber Cell during the India's Got Latent controversy, Samay
Fadnavis gives auto, taxi drivers one year to learn Marathi
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has halted RTO actions against drivers. Auto and taxi drivers will now receive one year to learn Marathi. This decision came after a meeting with union representatives on Thursday. Fadnavis stated that no coercive action would be taken during this period.
MPSC paper leak: Cops say candidate first asked lover for Rs 5 lakh, then father
Youth in Maharashtra plays pro-Pakistan songs on loudspeaker, case filed
Eat, drink & fast: Maharashtra minister's advice to students
An NCP minister advised fasting tribal students to eat secretly while continuing their protest. The students expressed shock and questioned the minister's understanding of their agitation. Opposition leaders criticized the minister's insensitive and inappropriate remarks to the students. The tribal students vowed to continue their fast until their demands were met.
Mumbai To Host Global Impact Forum II Ahead of BRICS Summit
Organized by AP Globale in collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra, GIF II has been conceptualised as an international soft power festival, exploring how culture, knowledge systems, heritage and creative expression can build meaningful connections between nations.
Teen staffer from Navi Mumbai decamps with six gold bars worth Rs 67 lakh, nabbed in two days
23-year-old student stuck at cave on Kharghar hill in Navi Mumbai rescued
Uran hotelier killed after scooty hits stray, wife injured
Three arrested after noisy bikes lead to friction in Mumbai during procession
Water level rises, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation to withdraw 10% water cut
Nagpur Residents Safe in Kathmandu Amid Flood Crisis, Confirms Maharashtra CM
Mumbai, August 27: The Maharashtra State Disaster Management Department confirmed on Thursday that 110 residents from Nagpur, who traveled to Nepal with the Shri Swami Maharaj group, are safe. This group, primarily consisting of elderly individuals, entered Kathmandu on August 22 for a religious and tourism trip. Officials reported that the severe flooding in Nepal ... Read more Nagpur Residents Safe in Kathmandu Amid Flood Crisis, Confirms Maharashtra CM
MPSC paper leak: Cops says candidate first asked lover for Rs 5 lakh, then father
